Prioritizing Emerging All-Domain Technologies

This policy brief highlights one of the most pressing challenges to American and global security: Emerging All-Domain Technologies (EADT). EADT include Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS, also known as drones), Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP, formerly known as UFOs), and certain other advanced systems operating across the air, space, and sea domains that are capable of intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and kinetic strikes.

Recent events like the drone incursions in New Jersey and the Chinese spy balloon incidents underscore a critical gap: The U.S. woefully lacks a whole-of-government solution to EADT. To solve this problem, this policy brief recommends that the President empower a White House Senior Advisor, or "Czar," within the National Security Council to: (1) coordinate the U.S. Government's EADT response; (2) formulate policy; (3) and conduct domestic and international outreach.

The EADT Challenge

EADT represent a paradigm shift. They combine advanced — and, in some cases, beyond-next-generation — capabilities in stealth, loiter, maneuverability, and speed. These technologies not only herald a revolution in military and intelligence capabilities but also enable rogue actors to wreak untold havoc. UAP technology in particular could fundamentally alter geopolitics — and our understanding of physics.

Drones

The Ukrainian conflict has witnessed rapid advancements in UAS, revolutionizing warfare and unlocking asymmetrical advantages that have upended traditional combat. China and other countries are taking note. At home, UAS frequently violate restricted military and civilian airspace, operating across spectrums either unintegrated or wholly unmonitored by our data collection systems.

The proliferation of advanced UAS technology to rogue states and non-state actors portends a gray area of future conflict having consequences farther reaching than cyber warfare. In the wrong hands, UAS can surveil and disrupt sensitive U.S. installations and critical infrastructure, disrupt aviation, harass citizens, transport illegal drugs, and facilitate human trafficking. More than 20 years after terrorists flew commercial aircraft into buildings and despite the overhaul of the Intelligence Community to prevent such a catastrophe from recurring, the U.S. Government still has no remedy to UAS.

UAP

UAP are even more perplexing, possessing capabilities that defy our conventional knowledge. The intentions behind them also remain dimly understood. Mastery of UAP technology would, however, eclipse the advent of yesteryear's printing press and splitting of the atom, today's transformations in semiconductors, and tomorrow's breakthroughs in quantum computing and artificial intelligence — all at once.

But while the U.S. stigmatizes even discussing UAP, America's enemies are racing to unlock their technology and gain a decisive edge. Although Congress created the All-Domain Anomaly Resolution Office within the Department of Defense to analyze UAP, the office remains hopelessly mired in bureaucracy, overly siloed, and unable to achieve its mission.

Failure's Price

The cumulative result of these failures includes: (1) unfocused research and development; (2) uncompetitive technological progress compared to Russia and China due to over-compartmentalization of classified projects; (3) a chaotic response to EADT incursions; (4) a reactive — or nonexistent — U.S. EADT diplomacy, industrial base, doctrine, and force posture; and (5) a citizenry rightfully suspicious of their government.

Solving the Problem

EADT represent a rapidly shifting, cross-cutting challenge that demands sustained attention at the highest level. There are, however, several immediate initiatives and policy options that are available for consideration.

Foremost among these is the creation of a Senior Advisor to the President for Emerging All-Domain Technologies. At a high level, this "Czar" would: (1) coordinate a whole-of-government response to EADT; (2) develop national EADT policy; and (3) serve as the principal advisor to the President and engage with Congress, the media, and the American people on these important issues.

Alternatively, an existing DoD or IC official could be tasked with the added responsibility of addressing EADT, but there may be disadvantages. Such "dual-hatting" may distract that official from existing priorities and lead to mission creep.

Responsibilities of the EADT Czar

As established by a National Security Presidential Memorandum or other appropriate Executive action, the Senior Advisor for EADT would:

• Coordinate the federal, state, local, and tribal response to EADT at home and overseas
• Lead EADT discussions with the National Security Council and Cabinet
• Formulate an Annual National EADT Strategy to serve as a blueprint for advancing America's interests in UAS, UAP, and other EADT domestically and internationally
• At the President's direction, guide a National Intelligence Estimate on EADT, including UAP
• Develop other national policies that analyze EADT's potential impact on national security, economic conditions, the nation's research priorities, and foreign policy
• Access all UAP-related classified information; advise the President on the declassification of UAP-related records and spearhead responsible UAP transparency
• Recommend statutory and other authorities to enable the U.S. Government to protect the homeland and conduct counter-EADT investigations and operations
• Accelerate research in advanced propulsion and technologies by engaging the academic and scientific communities, as well as the private sector

Conclusion

As the evolution in EADT accelerates, challenges are inevitable — and looming. The U.S. Government must therefore be proactive while the strategic terrain is relatively favorable. It must also better communicate with the American people about the risks and opportunities of EADT and assure them that all efforts will be made to safeguard the nation.

Our country has an unprecedented opportunity to recapture the competitive edge. White House recognition and elevation of EADT is one of the most pressing national security issues confronting the incoming Administration. A Czar for EADT will allow the President and other key decisionmakers to get the answers they need, when they need them.

America can handle the truth, and America deserves the truth.