Counter-UAS in Action: Protecting U.S. Borders from Unmanned Threats Part 2

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 Our panel unpack the two levers that change everything: faster acquisition and specialized training. Gear that works in rugged border terrain must be ready for stadium perimeters and complex RF environments, and it has to arrive without emptying existing deployments. With only a few DHS components holding mitigation authority, we dig into why legislative fixes and interagency partnerships matter, and how a finite workforce can be stretched across 11 event cities through standardized playbooks and interoperable command-and-control. 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.