The NYPD is looking to enhance its defenses against drone threats in New York City.
Officials are collaborating with American Robotics, a company based in Maryland, to acquire technology that can identify, track, and neutralize “hostile drones,” according to Vice Mayor of Public Safety Kazu Daughtry.
The technology includes a portable station that can launch two or three 8-pound drones designed to capture suspicious drones. Once deployed, these drones shoot a lightweight mesh net which entangles the hostile drone’s rotors and prevents further flight. A parachute activates to safely lower the captured drone to the ground.
The drone deployment system could be strategically used during parades and other large public events, as noted by Daughtry.
“They have a counter-drone detection system that picks up hostile drones,” Daughtry mentioned. “The net will circle the drone and land it safely.”
Daughtry, who oversees a fleet of 150 drones for the city, has been in talks with American Robotics about the iron drone raider system and hopes for a contract soon.
“We could deploy it anywhere in the city,” he added.
The entire system, which relies on an 8-pound racing drone, is priced under $200,000, according to Eric Bullock, CEO of American Robotics.
“We’ve got ground radar that detects unidentified objects,” Bullock explained. If a drone is spotted, the operator can activate the system with a simple button press. “We’ll track it down and capture it.”
The technology was showcased in a dramatic demonstration video online.
While he couldn’t disclose the names of current clients for security reasons, Bullock mentioned they are working with a client in the UAE.
Similar techniques have previously been applied by Ukrainians to counter Russian drones, albeit without the parachute feature.
Before the deployment of these raider drones in New York, local regulations need to be adjusted, as currently only the federal government has the authority to counter aerial threats.
Daughtry has expressed concern over potential drone assaults from lone-wolf attackers and is advocating for changes with Director John Chell.
“I’m hopeful that [Trump’s] Management is open to these adjustments,” he said.
Daughtry remains at the forefront of the NYPD’s drone initiatives under Mayor Adams’ administration.
He is also discussing the possibility of integrating drones into the city’s community response teams, which could be dispatched from police vehicles. These drones would provide valuable video feeds to track suspects and could significantly speed up responses, eliminating the need for helicopter support from greater distances.
“In situations with barricaded suspects or those trying to hide, officers can easily deploy the drone by simply opening the trunk of their car,” Daughtry explained. “They can just let it go, and it takes off.”
This initiative to equip police cars with drones marks the final phase of a project that started last year with stationary drones stationed at a high-crime police precinct, responding to emergency calls.
Recently, the NYPD deployed Skydio X10 drones in larger quantities to observe anti-Trump protests and monitor crowd movements, directing officers where needed.
“We had drones all over during those events,” Daughtry noted.
These drones can operate at altitudes of up to 800 feet but are typically kept at 400 feet to avoid conflict with aircraft. They offer a broader view for NYPD officials while also serving as a deterrent against crime.
“When people are up to no good, knowing they’re being watched can change their behavior,” he pointed out.
The FDNY also uses drones to monitor beaches for distress calls and the Emergency Management Agency employs them for disaster response.
Daughtry recalled facing significant skepticism about drone usage back in 2022. “Some officers told me we wouldn’t be able to operate a drone in the city,” he said. “Look around now; we use them extensively.”
