Counter-UAS in Action: Protecting U.S. Borders from Unmanned Threats Part 1

Welcome to “HSDF THE PODCAST,” a collection of policy discussions on government technology and homeland security brought to you by the Homeland Security and Defense Forum The threat isn’t arriving someday; it’s already overhead. We pull back the curtain on how cartels are adapting small UAS tactics, what we’re seeing at the border in real time, and why chasing point solutions is a losing game. Instead of a brittle “counter-drone” wall, we’re building an air domain awareness fabric that starts with detect, track, and identify, then applies the right mitigation for the place and moment.  Featuring:Matt Becker, Vice President and Division Manager, Leidos Erik Sorensen, Assistant Chief, Defense Capability Group/C-UAS Operations Coordinator, U.S. Border PatrolJames “JT” Thom, Executive Director, Domain Awareness Security Operations, Air and Marine Operations, CBP David Aguilar, Former CBP Acting and Deputy Commissioner and former Chief of Border Patrol (moderator) This discussion took place December 12, 2025 at 8th Annual Homeland Security & Defense Forum Border Security SymposiumFollow  HSDF THE PODCAST and never miss latest insider talk on government technology, innovation, and security.  Visit the HSDF YouTube channel to view hours of insightful policy discussion.  For more information about the Homeland Security & Defense Forum (HSDF), visit hsdf.org.