Defense Scoop: NORAD Chief Reports Surge in Drone Incursions at U.S. Military Bases
Submission Statement
The Pentagon is calling for enhanced technology and broader authority to address the increasing number of drone incursions at U.S. military installations, according to the commander of North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and U.S. Northern Command, Gen. Gregory Guillot.
During a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Thursday, Guillot provided further insights into the significant challenges posed by recent drone activities. “The main concern regarding these operations is their ability to detect and potentially surveil sensitive capabilities at our installations,” he noted, revealing that there were 350 reported drone detections at various military bases last year, spanning over 100 installations of differing security levels.
Notable incidents from last year included sightings of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) at multiple bases in New Jersey, coinciding with a surge of reports concerning unexplained drone activity in the region. At that time, a senior defense official expressed the Pentagon’s “frustration” over such occurrences.
Guillot explained that a complicated regulatory framework and restrictions on UAS countermeasures, driven by safety and privacy concerns, have created “significant vulnerabilities” that can be exploited by both known and unknown entities. Additionally, he highlighted that not all military commanders possess the authority to defend their bases against these drone threats; currently, only about half the installations are classified as “covered installations.”
The issue falls under Section 130i of Title 10 of the U.S. Code, which addresses the protection of “certain facilities and assets from unmanned aircraft.”
It’s concerning to hear about the increasing number of drone incursions at U.S. military installations, as highlighted by Gen. Guillot’s testimony. The potential for surveillance and intelligence gathering on sensitive military capabilities is a serious security threat. The fact that there were 350 detections at over 100 different installations suggests a systematic issue that needs immediate attention.
The challenges posed by the regulatory framework around UAS countermeasures are significant. The existing restrictions aimed at ensuring flight safety and privacy should be re-evaluated in light of these new threats, especially if they are allowing vulnerabilities to be exploited. It’s critical for the Pentagon to adapt its policies and technologies to address these emerging threats more effectively.
Furthermore, the disparity in authority among commanders regarding defensive measures raises questions about preparedness and response capabilities across different installations. Ensuring that all necessary installations are properly covered and equipped to respond to such incursions is essential for maintaining national security.
Overall, it seems clear that a multifaceted approach is needed—one that includes improved detection technology, reformed regulatory policies, and expanded authorities for commanders. The safety of our military installations and personnel should be a top priority, and addressing the drone threat is a crucial part of that effort.