Unauthorized drone flights near U.S. military sites and public venues are on the rise, prompting serious security concerns from lawmakers. Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Tom Cotton highlighted the increasing aerial threat during a CBS News interview. He noted that the current measures to protect airspace are insufficient, exposing vulnerabilities at military and civilian events.
Escalating Drone Threats
According to the Department of Defense, over 350 unauthorized drone incursions occurred at around 100 military installations in 2024. Additionally, data indicates that more than 27,000 drones were detected near the U.S. southern border within the same year.
Drone Incursions at Public Events
Drone incursions at large gatherings are also concerning. Statistics from the NFL reveal a rise in such incidents, with the number of incursions nearly doubling from 1,300 in 2021 to 2,300 in 2024. While some incursions are attributed to hobbyists, many come from organized criminal factions using accessible drone technologies.
Legal Gaps in Drone Oversight
Senator Cotton pointed out the lack of strong responses to unauthorized drone activities, mainly due to legal limitations on law enforcement. He emphasized that a coordinated drone attack, like Ukraine’s Operation Spider’s Web, showcases the capabilities of low-cost drones. Such examples underline the urgent need for enhanced defenses to protect U.S. airspace.
Vulnerabilities at Military Installations
- Half of U.S. military installations do not qualify as “covered” sites, limiting their ability to mitigate drone threats.
- Federal agencies, including the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security, are authorized to address drone issues, while state and local authorities are largely powerless.
Upcoming High-Profile Events Raise Concerns
With major events like the Olympics and World Cup scheduled in the U.S. next year, the potential for drone threats at mass gatherings has heightened. A security official in the sports industry confirmed that the risks from drone overflights during such events are real and increasing.
Proposed Legislative Measures
In response to the rising threat, Senator Cotton, along with bipartisan co-sponsors, has introduced two legislative measures:
- DEFENSE Act: This legislation would empower state and local officials to detect, track, and disable hostile drones at public events.
- COUNTER Act: This bill aims to expand the definition of covered sites, enabling more military bases to take necessary action against drone threats.
Senator Cotton emphasized the need for swift legislative action to adapt to evolving threats, warning that inaction may lead to catastrophic consequences. With the government funded through January 30, there is a critical need to establish more robust airspace protection before significant events like the Super Bowl.
