The Department of Defense is intensifying efforts to counter the growing threat of unauthorized drone incursions over sensitive national security sites. As part of these efforts, the U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) recently hosted the ‘Falcon Peak 25.2’ exercise to evaluate cost-effective counter-drone systems capable of disabling unauthorized drone activities. This initiative, conducted at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, brought together dozens of companies to test various anti-drone technologies in a realistic environment.
During the exercise, crews launched a ‘hostile’ drone from Santa Rosa Island, which was then successfully intercepted by an interceptor drone employing a net fired from a shotgun. Twenty anti-drone systems were tested over the days leading up to the event, with the goal of developing reliable solutions to safeguard military and national security installations. Squarehead Technology showcased an acoustic system that detects drones by their sound and accurately identifies their location, while Fortem Technologies demonstrated an interceptor drone capable of safely capturing hostile drones with a net or, in some cases, using explosives to eliminate them.
Despite advancements, challenges remain. The military estimates that about 8,000 drones are currently in U.S. airspace, with at least 350 drone incursions reported across over 100 military installations in 2024. Concerns were raised when, in 2024, a swarm of over a dozen drones flew over a military base in Virginia for 17 nights, prompting lawmakers to criticize the Pentagon for lacking robust counter-drone procedures. Additionally, USNORTHCOM highlights the potential risks of drones being used for surveillance or smuggling, with some countries even utilizing drones as guided explosive devices in war zones.
Captain Jason Mayes, the C-sUAS Division Operations Manager at USNORTHCOM, emphasized that not all drones are malicious, noting that some are simply operated by hobbyists unaware of restricted airspace. He stressed that even a single drone flying on an airfield during aircraft takeoff or landing can pose a significant threat. U.S. Air Force General Gregory Guillot, Commander of USNORTHCOM, expressed confidence that the military could counter a surprise drone attack but reiterated the need for improved anti-drone technology to protect critical facilities from sustained threats. His goal is to establish rapid response teams on the East and West Coasts and in Alaska, capable of addressing drone incursions within 24 hours.
Looking ahead, USNORTHCOM anticipates a rise in drone incursions as hobbyist drones become more common. Nearly 1 million drones are already registered with the Federal Aviation Administration, and the FAA projects this number could surge to 2.7 million by 2027. As threats evolve, the Pentagon’s focus on counter-drone technology remains a priority to ensure the safety of national security sites and critical infrastructure from potential drone-related risks.