In late 2023, an event at Langley Air Force Base involving numerous drones showcased significant surveillance capabilities. Military officials, however, questioned their authority to take down these unmanned aircraft within U.S. borders.
A new bipartisan bill, referred to as “Counteracts,” aims to address this issue. It seeks to designate more bases and facilities as “covered facilities,” granting them the power to intercept drones that intrude into their airspace.
Gaining wide bipartisan support and spearheaded by Armed Services Committee members Tom Cotton, R-Ark., and Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., with additional initiatives from August Pfluger, R-Texas, and Chrissy Houlahan, D-Pa., the bill stands a good chance of becoming law.
At present, only around half of the 360 military bases in the U.S. are classified as “covered facilities” allowed to engage unidentified drones. This new Act broadens the narrow criteria for these facilities, enabling all military sites with clear boundaries to seek approval for drone engagement.
Experts point out that the Pentagon currently lacks effective counter-drone protocols, leading to incidents like the one at Langley.
The Act also allows the Secretary of Defense to delegate authority for conducting drone interventions to combatant commanders, streamlining approval processes in emergencies.
“Allowing American military sites to be vulnerable to drone incursions jeopardizes our service members and national security,” Cotton expressed.
During December 2023, a swarm of unidentified drones operated within restricted airspace over Langley, where the F-22 Raptor Stealth Fighter is stationed. The absence of standardized protocols left Langley officials uncertain, forcing them to permit large drones to hover near sensitive areas.
To date, the Pentagon has confirmed the occurrence of these incidents but has said little regarding their origin or purpose.
“As we see more commercial drones taking to the skies, it’s vital to ensure they aren’t used to relay sensitive data to adversaries or pose threats to our security,” Gillibrand noted.
Members of Congress looking for clarity were guided to the FBI, which subsequently connected them with Northern Command.
General Gregory Guillot of NORCOM and NORAD revealed in February that over 350 unauthorized drone sightings were recorded around military installations last year. He remarked on the potential threat due to insufficient oversight of sensitive capabilities.
The rise in drone activities, particularly around New Jersey, has raised alarms among lawmakers and military leaders. Guillot mentioned that current UAV countermeasure regulations leave significant vulnerabilities that can be exploited.
He advocates for legislative changes to broaden the protective measures against unmanned aerial vehicles, asserting the need for proactive responses rather than reactive ones.
