The DDS have agreed with the UNP to take over local patrol and communication duties from the UNP Space Patrol. The USP was the forerunner of the DDS which once patrolled all UNP space though in the last couple of decades its role has been steadily reduced. The USP will revert to being a mostly administrative organisation.
In a 3 billion zark deal with the UNP the DDS will build a new fleet of around 70 light patrol ships to take over from the largely life expired fleet of USP ships. An adapted commercial type is likely to be chosen and the DDS are currently looking into options.
The existing fleet of 73 USP patrol craft will be transferred to the DDS along with some 11,000 personnel. This transfer process will begin as soon as possible and will be completed by early next year.
