McCaul, Kaptur, Fitzpatrick, Quigley, Costa, Bacon Introduce Bipartisan Strategic Unmanned Systems Partnership Act to Increase Security Cooperation and Strengthen Defense[...]

WASHINGTON - Today, Chairman Emeritus of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Michael McCaul introduced the bipartisan Strategic Unmanned Systems Partnership Act with Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio) to increase security cooperation and strengthen defense capabilities between the United States and Ukraine. Co-leading the legislation are also Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus Congressman Mike Quigley (D-Ill.), Ranking Member of the Transatlantic Legislators' Dialogue Congressman Jim Costa (D-Calif.), and Chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Cyber, Information Technologies, and Innovation Congressman Don Bacon (R-Neb.).

This bipartisan legislation will create a working group between the Department of Defense, the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and other relevant stakeholders to enable the US to co-develop, co-produce, and rapidly acquire cost-effective Ukrainian-designed unmanned systems such as drones and surface vehicles, as well as the capabilities to counter unmanned systems. Bicameral companion legislation was introducedin the Senate by Senator Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) and Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.).

"Four years into the war that many predicted would end in four days, the Ukrainians continue to rapidly innovate and push the frontiers of modern warfare - operating as a laboratory for drones and other unmanned systems, said McCaul. "I'm proud to support this legislation to bolster defense cooperation between our nations and ensure the United States is prepared to build, deploy, and counter the drone technology that will define the future of warfare."

"The innovative use of unmanned systems in Ukraine has permanently changed the face of warfare. By working with our Ukrainian allies we stand the best chance of protecting American servicemembers and the American homeland," said Kaptur. "We must never forget that when Iranian drones honed against Ukrainians targeted Americans in the Middle East, it was Ukraine that came to our defense and aid. By forging an ironclad pact with our Ukrainian allies, we can repay that debt, and create a manufacturing partnership that will benefit communities across America."

"Ukraine's defense has shown the world a defining reality of modern warfare: the nations that innovate, adapt, and produce at speed will hold the advantage. The Strategic Unmanned Systems Partnership Act advances that lesson in a practical and strategic way by enabling the United States to work shoulder-to-shoulder with our Ukrainian partners to identify battlefield-tested unmanned and counter-unmanned capabilities, accelerate co-development and co-production, and strengthen our defense industrial base here at home," said Fitzpatrick. "This is how we support Ukraine, improve American readiness, and ensure that peace through strength is matched by the capabilities required to sustain it."

"The United States is a key force in keeping Vladimir Putin from taking Ukraine and invading the rest of Eastern Europe. Ukraine has been able to fend off Russian attacks during this war because of our technology and our weapons, said Quigley. "The development and production of unmanned systems like drones and surface vehicles supported by this bill will help Ukraine protect themselves and safeguard democracy worldwide."

"Ukrainians are some of the most innovative people in the world. They are testing modern warfare technologies on the battlefield in real time," said Costa. "We have the opportunity to apply lessons learned by the Ukrainians to benefit the US military to make our warfighters more effective. This bill would enhance US-Ukraine defense cooperation, benefiting both nations."

"Ukraine's fight against Russia has shown the world that unmanned systems are changing the future of warfare," said Bacon. "The Strategic Unmanned Systems Partnership Act strengthens US-Ukraine defense cooperation by creating a working group to co-develop, co-produce, and rapidly field cost-effective unmanned systems and counter-drone technologies. This partnership will help ensure the United States and our allies remain at the forefront of battlefield innovation while enhancing military readiness to meet evolving threats. I'm pleased to work with Rep. Kaptur and our bipartisan colleagues on this effort to strengthen defense cooperation and keep our forces ahead of emerging threats."

A full copy of the bill text can be found by clicking here.