A report has said the U.S. Defense Department has created a secret dedicated organisation to disrupt or neutralise hostile countries' advanced military technologies. As it has been described as supporting cyberattacks, supply-chain disruption and deception operations, controversy has emerged over its scope of activity and whether it is subject to congressional oversight.

U.S. political news outlet Politico recently reported that the department set up the Technology Support Office (TSO) in April this year. The outlet interviewed 12 current and former U.S. national security officials to identify the background to the organisation's creation and its role.

TSO is an organisation that develops technologies and strategies to delay or neutralise foreign advanced-technology development that could threaten U.S. military superiority. AI and drones are cited as key areas for countermeasures.

Specific activities could include developing tailored hacking tools, disrupting supply chains and running deception operations using disinformation. It was also reported that a method designed to induce hostile countries to use defective parts in weapons systems is under review.

TSO does not have authority to directly carry out covert operations. It was reported to be tasked with developing and supporting technologies and operational means to be used by relevant organisations in the military and intelligence agencies.

The creation was led by Deputy Defense Secretary Stephen Feinberg (스티브 파인버그). The department reorganised 2 classified programs it has operated since 2023, and TSO is under the command of the undersecretary for intelligence and security.

However, the U.S. Special Operations Command and U.S. Cyber Command were reported to have opposed the creation of the organisation out of concern over budget and authority reductions.

Oversight issues stemming from its non-public operation have also surfaced. The department explained related details to some congressional officials, but it was reported that only a very small number actually received briefings.

The department disputed the report. Jacob M. Bliss (제이컵 블리스), deputy spokesperson for the department, said the outlet's inquiry appeared to be based on information that differs from the facts.

Whether TSO actually carries out operations and its exact budget have not been confirmed. Debate is expected to continue over the need for a secret organisation to check adversaries' technologies and over an accountable oversight framework.