Before joining our weekly gathering this week, the Department of Homeland Security convened a meeting to discuss the pressing issue of drone-related threats. As a mass hysteria unfolded across the New Jersey skyline, the atmosphere became increasingly charged, with an unprecedented sense of trepidation gripping the community.
I’ll place the video underneath and provide a concise summary for your esteemed consideration. I’ll incorporate Bruce’s remark video as needed. The audience was keenly interested in the revelation that the New Jersey lights were actually drones, a notion that seemed unlikely to captivate everyone else.
During the testimony, Keith Jones from US Customs and Border Protection revealed that, over a recent six-week period, CBP’s sensors detected more than 6,900 drone flights in close proximity to the US border.
According to data from 2023, a staggering 45,000 drone incursions were detected along the U.S.-Mexico border’s southwestern region. Despite this, a remarkably low percentage of drone flights led to incursions into US airspace. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency has reportedly been equipped to intercept and potentially destroy suspected unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly referred to as “drones,” utilizing its Counter-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (C-UAV) technology.
Keith remained mum on the exact tally, stating only that the issues had been effectively addressed, without offering further clarification.
By 2023, mitigating measures had effectively countered drone threats, with a remarkable 60 instances thus far this year. Only about 2,250 (5%) of the total 45,000 detections were confirmed as actual intrusions. The figures represent a range of scenarios rather than individual drones. That a single mitigation measure could potentially involve multiple drones or repeat offenders.
Clearly, Chuck should absorb tens of millions of dollars in losses.
It’s all too easy for those in charge at Gatwick Airport to manipulate statistics to align with their predetermined storylines.
As the drone industry continues to evolve, we are taking decisive action by setting a definitive timeline for the implementation of new RPAS regulations, ensuring clarity and stability for this rapidly growing sector.
As I grapple with the escalating crisis in Ukraine, I’m increasingly uneasy about its potential consequences – while no direct parallel exists, the situation has sparked concerns that it could facilitate a surge in CUAS-related activity on American soil, capitalizing on fear and uncertainty to drive sales.
The move is unlikely to prevent a potential ban from DJI or Autel.
On this chilly winter morning of December 10th, 2024, as I gaze out at the vast expanse of skies, I am struck by the eerie silence that surrounds me. When the rules governing nut add-ons took shape.
The purpose of this abstract is to concisely summarize the main points.
Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) pose an increasingly urgent threat to US national security and critical infrastructure, necessitating immediate attention and decisive action.
Current regulatory frameworks fall short in effectively managing the multifaceted risks associated with UAS, thereby justifying enhanced authorities for federal, state, and local entities to ensure effective oversight and mitigation strategies?
Effective counter-UAS initiatives necessitate robust cooperation among authorities, industries, private sectors, and global partners?
To remain ahead of evolving threats, the US must prioritise rapid analysis, innovative refinement, and swift procurement of counter-UAS technologies, drawing valuable lessons from Ukraine’s experience in countering drone attacks.
To effectively balance security and individual rights in the expansion of counter-UAS capabilities, it is crucial to implement responsible governance frameworks that prioritize transparency, training, and accountability measures.
These key components have been crucial.
Chairman Michael Fluger (R-Texas), Subcommittee on Counterterrorism, Law Enforcement, and Intelligence
Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), once touted as a revolutionary innovation, are increasingly becoming a safety concern, with their potential for misuse posing a significant threat to public safety and national security. The prospect of these devices being employed in the commission of felony crimes, such as espionage or assaults on critical infrastructure, is a daunting reality that demands immediate attention and action.
As a pressing imperative, we must expedite and revitalize counter-UAS authorities, commending the collaborative spirit of bipartisan lawmakers for spearheading legislation that confronts this pressing challenge?
The recent spate of incidents, including those in New Jersey and at Langley Air Force Base, starkly underscores the pressing urgency of this threat.
Seth Magaziner, Democratic Representative from Rhode Island and Rating Member of the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism, Law Enforcement, and Intelligence.
Recognizes the intensifying competition between the misuse of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and law enforcement’s determined responses to combat these illicit activities.
Ensuring seamless monitoring of UAS signals while vigilantly protecting individual freedoms requires a nuanced approach, necessitating the extension of regulatory powers to effectively balance surveillance capabilities with privacy safeguards?
The Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Authority Safety, Security, and Reauthorization Act of 2022 helps address the complexity surrounding UAS by establishing a unified authority to regulate these aircraft.
Consultant Carlos A. Gimenez, Ranking Member, House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transparency
Unprecedented growth in the number of drone operators has raised pressing concerns regarding the security risks associated with untrained personnel and the menace posed by malevolent individuals exploiting this surge.
Rising concerns over drone-related threats to airport safety and critical infrastructure highlight the pressing need for effective countermeasures to mitigate these increasingly frequent incidents.
Emphasizing the urgent need for robust countermeasures, we must swiftly strengthen our defenses against the potential misuse of drones, particularly in light of upcoming major events such as the FIFA World Cup and Summer Olympics?
Consultant Dale Kildee (D-Michigan), Ranking Member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Subcommittee on Aviation, which oversees maritime safety.
Recognizes the pervasive and impactful deployment of drones across diverse sectors.
As drone utilization soars, it is crucial that presidential preparedness and empowerment prioritize safeguarding critical infrastructure and public safety?
Federal agencies require expanded and enhanced counter-drone capabilities while ensuring the safeguarding of privacy, civil liberties, and maintaining a secure national airspace.
Witness Testimony: Panel 1
Mr. Keith Jones, Deputy Government Assistant Commissioner for Air and Marine Operations, United States Customs and Border Safety (CBP)
The burgeoning landscape of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) threats poses a significant challenge to border safety.
The sudden surge in Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) activity along the border raises significant concerns regarding the threat posed by counter-surveillance actions undertaken by transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), whose nefarious activities imperil national security.
The clandestine exploitation of drones for reconnaissance and covert operations, such as the illicit trafficking of contraband, underscores the devastating consequences that can arise from even minute payloads of potent substances like fentanyl or explosive materials.
Essential Authorities and Response:
CBP serves as the managing agent for counter-UAS operations, overseeing a network of stakeholders to safeguard national security and public safety through collaborative efforts with various private sector entities, government agencies, and international partners.
The Stopping Rising Threats Act holds paramount importance for Customs and Border Protection (CBP), empowering them to effectively combat Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) threats through a deliberately crafted approach and concerted mitigation measures.
Bettering Area Consciousness and Know-how:
Congress must continue to provide critical support to mitigate the growing threat posed by unmanned aerial systems (UAS), particularly as top-tier companies invest in increasingly advanced drone technology?
Effective management of Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) threats necessitates exceptional area awareness and advanced expertise to yield strategic advantages.
Mr. Robert Wheeler Jr., Assistant Director, FBI’s Essential Incident Response Group
Evolving UAS Threats:
Recent case studies highlight the severity of crimes committed using unmanned aerial systems (UAS), including instances such as espionage at a naval facility and attempted attacks on energy infrastructure.
UAS technology poses unique safety concerns, and its increasing misuse by state and non-state actors, as well as lone individuals, demands attention.
What Is the Significance of Counter-UAS Authority? The authority conferred on the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) under the 2018 Stopping Emergency Threats Act is instrumental in countering Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) threats at specific events, investigations, and facilities.
It is imperative that we extend our counter-UAS authorities with permanence, as fleeting extensions hinder the development of robust strategies and impede effective resource allocation, ultimately compromising national security.
Counter-Drone Cooperation between States and Indigenous Entities: Enhancing Situational Awareness through Authoritative Measures.
Proponents of bolstering counter-unmanned aerial system (UAS) capabilities are urging states, nations, tribes, and territories to assume a more prominent role in protecting the diverse array of events and potential targets that require their vigilance, highlighting their indispensable contribution to national security efforts.
The article highlights successful FBI mitigation strategies, such as those deployed during the Boston Marathon incident, yet emphasizes the urgent need for enhanced capacities to address the country’s comprehensive threat landscape.
Mr. Brigadier General William R. Wiggin, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Law Enforcement, United States. Division of Justice (DOJ)
The Quest for Broader Mandates:
The intricacies of law enforcement’s conundrum: How do they effectively combat unauthorized aerial vehicles (UAS) without inadvertently infringing on existing criminal statutes?
Calls on Congress to reconsider the existing legislative framework, underscoring the limitations of current powers in addressing the sheer scale and complexity of the threat.
Proponents of enhanced law enforcement capabilities are advocating for expanded jurisdictional powers to safeguard a broader range of critical sites, encompassing airports, vital infrastructure, and other sensitive locations, thereby empowering state and local authorities to take proactive measures in ensuring public safety.
Defending Privateness and Civil Liberties:
Ensuring seamless communication between unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and their controllers, counter-UAS applied sciences safeguard against the unauthorized extraction of personal data.
Committed to uncompromisingly protecting privacy and civil liberties, our efforts are meticulously guided by Department of Justice (DOJ) directives, reinforced through rigorous training requirements, and governed by the strictures of legal parameters governing data collection.
Stakeholders seeking a balance between enhanced law enforcement powers and robust privacy safeguards recommend implementing comprehensive training and oversight procedures for state and local authorities involved in counter-drone operations.
III. Witness Testimony: Panel 2
Mr. Jeffrey Bombarger, Vice President for Nationwide Safety and Resilience at Berkshire Hathaway Energy.
UAS Threats to Essential Infrastructure:
The integrity of essential infrastructure is paramount to the stability of the financial system and overall public safety? The proliferation of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) poses a burgeoning threat to the reliability of power grids, transportation networks, communication systems, and water supply chains.
The capabilities of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) continue to evolve, allowing nefarious individuals to monitor, impede, and attack critical infrastructure with unprecedented ease.
The Division of Homeland Security’s 2025 Homeland Risk Assessment highlights Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) as an increasingly persistent and escalating threat.
Modernizing Defenses and Authorized Frameworks:
Balancing the need for robust national defense against Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) with the imperative to protect fundamental rights and freedoms, we propose a comprehensive approach that modernizes our defenses while safeguarding civil liberties.
The federal government should authorize infrastructure companies, such as energy and transportation providers, to operate specific counter-drone technologies in a limited capacity?
Experts champion the advancement of seamless data exchange, bolstering law enforcement capabilities, meticulous threat assessment, and comprehensive strategies to address regulatory, technological, and operational challenges posed by Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) threats.
Collaborative Synergies in Public-Private Partnerships:
As governments increasingly rely on private sector expertise to drive economic growth and solve complex societal issues, the concept of public-private partnerships (PPPs) has become a cornerstone of modern governance. However, PPPs are not without their challenges – requiring effective collaboration between both sectors to ensure mutually beneficial outcomes.
Public-private partnerships are crucial in safeguarding critical infrastructure, as government resources alone cannot adequately address this pressing issue?
Without delay, Congressional action is imperative to revive and strengthen counter-UAS authorities for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ), as the lapse in these authorities would leave our critical infrastructure woefully exposed and vulnerable?
Dr. Paul Scharre, Co-Director of the International Techniques and Choices Group.
Classes from Ukraine:
The Ukrainian-Russian conflict has witnessed a profound transformation in the application of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), marked by a paradigmatic shift towards the widespread deployment of lethal force at an affordable cost, coupled with decentralised command structures that have dramatically altered the dynamics of warfare.
The United States appears to be abandoning its long-held advantage in naval strategy as the technological landscape continues to shift and evolve.
The imperative nature of studying Ukrainian advancements and adapting to the evolving principles of modern warfare is unmistakable?
The Imperative for Timely Flexibility:
The lack of cohesion in the US response to the growing UAS threat is a pressing concern that requires immediate attention?
Proponents of streamlined regulatory frameworks are urging policymakers to remove barriers to innovation, thereby enabling operational teams to engage in experimentation and exploration of cutting-edge technologies.
Recommending swift acquisition and deployment techniques by drawing insights from Ukraine’s rapid success in developing UAS programs.
Suggestions for Coverage and Know-how:
The Navy should consider establishing a dedicated Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) capability, modeled after Ukraine’s successful example, to streamline expertise and accelerate innovation across the fleet.
Develops expertise in cutting-edge offensive unmanned aerial system (UAS) capabilities and innovative counter-UAS technologies by drawing valuable insights from the Ukrainian conflict.
What’s crucial in this digital era is amplifying coverage adjustments that liberate innovative potential, thereby streamlining procurement processes to harmonize with lightning-fast technological advancements?
Uncover extra from sUAS Information
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