Sponsors (6)
Requires the Secretary of Defense, working with the FAA Administrator, to study the cost and feasibility of equipping all Department of Defense fixed‑wing and rotary‑wing aircraft that operate in busy domestic airspace with air‑to‑air collision detection systems. The Secretary must deliver the study results, recommendations, and a timeline to the appropriate congressional committees within 180 days of enactment; the law also defines key terms used in the study (types of collision systems and what counts as highly trafficked domestic airspace).
The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, must conduct a study on the feasibility and cost of equipping all Department of Defense fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft that operate in highly trafficked domestic airspaces with air-to-air collision detection systems.
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense must submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the results of the feasibility study, including the Secretary’s recommendations and a timeline for carrying out any recommendations.
"Air-to-air collision detection system" means an airborne system designed to detect and warn pilots of potential mid-air collisions with other aircraft equipped with transponders, allowing pilots to take evasive maneuvers; it must be compatible with the commercial system commonly called the Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS).
"Air-to-ground collision detection system" means a system that uses radar, digital terrain maps, and other sensors to warn pilots of potential collisions with the ground and, if a collision is likely, to notify the pilot with alarms or to automatically take control of the aircraft to avoid the collision.
"Appropriate committees of Congress" means the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives.
Primary direct effect: Department of Defense aviation leadership and personnel who operate and maintain fixed‑wing and rotary‑wing aircraft will be the main subjects of the study. The report could identify significant equipment, integration, training, and maintenance costs if widespread installation is recommended. The FAA will be involved in the analysis because of the focus on busy domestic airspace and civil‑military interoperability. Aircraft manufacturers and avionics suppliers could be affected later if the study leads to procurement requirements. Airline passengers and the general public could benefit indirectly from any measures that reduce mid‑air collision risk in congested airspace. There is no immediate budgetary or regulatory impact from this law itself because it only mandates a study and report; any implementation would require further decisions, funding, and likely additional approvals. Operational and security considerations (e.g., integrating civilian‑grade sensors with military systems or protecting classified capabilities) may complicate any future roll‑out.
Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
Last progress June 9, 2025 (8 months ago)
Introduced on June 9, 2025 by Cory Mills