Why It Matters

Cascade Company LLC is lobbying as Congress expands authorities and funding for counter-drone (C-UAS) technology. The global counter-drone market is projected to grow from $2.08 billion in 2025 to $19.06 billion by 2035—a significant upward revision from previous estimates due to escalating domestic incursion.

The company hired IKON Public Affairs and lobbyist Craig Snyder to represent its interests. Snyder brings extensive experience in defense appropriations, having represented contractors like Leonardo DRS Inc.

By the Numbers

Cascade Company LLC has no prior federal advocacy history. It is using IKON Public Affairs as its sole representation. This firm maintains a historical portfolio in defense contracting, including Leonardo DRS Inc. with $794,000 between 2003 and 2010 and ST Engineering North America Inc. at $210,000 between 2003-2008. Lobbying lead Craig Snyder has managed over $5.8 million in career lobbying fees, specializing in Department of Defense appropriations and translational research and development.

The Agenda

Cascade Company LLC is lobbying on C-UAS technology policy as the 119th Congress consolidates federal and state authorities through several legislative vehicles:

Broader Context

The Pentagon recently expanded counter-drone authorities in response to a significant increase in sightings over U.S. bases, with installations averaging one to two incursions daily. Mexican cartels have concurrently increased the use of drones for surveillance and smuggling along the U.S. border. In international conflict, drones account for an estimated 70 to 80 percent of casualties in Ukraine.

Bridging this reality to U.S. strategy, Col. Jim Price of Air Combat Command notes the Air Force is "tracking the massive impact of small, mass-produced drones" and warns that this "ubiquitous" technology requires a "generational evolution" in how nations operate. He emphasizes that everyone from "policy makers to warfighters" is now addressing this shift, leading the U.S. to integrate drone defense into standard training and launch Project Replicator to pivot toward mass-produced, low-cost interceptors.

Between The Lines

Legislative momentum is heavily supported by the North Dakota delegation. Senator John Hoeven and Senator Kevin Cramer secured over $100 million for the Grand Forks aerospace ecosystem in the Fiscal Year 2026 cycle. This funding aims to establish the region as a premier national hub for counter-drone testing and development. Congress has held multiple hearings on counter-drone threats, covering military installation security, law enforcement authorities, and aviation integration.

Competitive Landscape

Cascade enters an environment of established C-UAS advocacy. General Atomics and Epirus Inc. maintain consistent quarterly spending on C-UAS provisions, with Epirus reporting $420,000 in a single quarter. Other emerging players, like Detect Inc. and Observation Without Limits LLC, are also competing for funding through the newly established interagency task force frameworks.

The Bottom Line

Counter-drone operations are moving from emergency response to a permanent regulatory fixture.The Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act and the Counter-UAS Authority Security, Safety, and Reauthorization Act establish the federal framework for these operations. Cascade Company LLC is entering the market as these capabilities become standardized at airports, borders, and military installations. By engaging IKON Public Affairs, the company is addressing the technical and legal requirements now governing federal and state security infrastructure.

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