Drones Pose Surveillance Threat to Military Installations
During a Senate Armed Services Committee Budget hearing, U.S. Air Force Gen. Gregory Guillot, commander of North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), revealed that some of the 350 drones that overflew military installations and sensitive areas in the past year may have been conducting surveillance.
Concerns Raised by Senator Tom Cotton
Senator Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) expressed concerns about the threat these unmanned aircraft pose to military operations, facilities, and personnel. Guillot responded that the primary threat he identified was "detection and perhaps surveillance of sensitive capabilities on our installations."
Of the 350 drone detections reported at military installations last year, half occurred at sensitive sites with nuclear bases. While base commanders have the authority to protect their airspace from drone incursions, Cotton expressed concern that only half of the bases possessed this capability.
Lack of Military Capabilities
Cotton also highlighted that Mexican cartels were reportedly authorized to use drones equipped with explosives against U.S. Border Patrol agents at the southern border last week. He questioned whether the Department of Defense had authorization to share information with other agencies about drone incursions, to which Guillot confirmed that it did.
Guillot advocated for expanding military capabilities to combat drones, particularly in protecting bases and exchanging data with other government agencies.
White House Response
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt attributed the large number of drones seen flying over New Jersey to authorized FAA research activities and hobbyists. She emphasized that "this was not the enemy."
FBI Investigations and FAA Restrictions
In response to the public concerns raised by the drone sightings, the FBI and New Jersey State Police launched an investigation. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also imposed temporary flight restrictions in New Jersey areas with high drone activity.
Incursion Prevention and Detection
Guillot acknowledged the need for improved drone detection and prevention capabilities. He pointed to the Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) as a potential solution, as it would allow for the integration of various sensor data to enhance detection and response.
The military is also exploring the use of directed energy weapons, such as lasers, to neutralize drones. However, Guillot emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach involving interagency cooperation, technology development, and policy adjustments.
Conclusion
The presence of drones over military installations and sensitive areas highlights the need for increased vigilance and enhanced capabilities to address potential surveillance threats. The ongoing investigations and efforts to expand military drone detection and prevention systems aim to safeguard national security and protect personnel and infrastructure from unauthorized drone activities.
