U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) is sounding the alarm over the growing threat posed by commercial drones invading restricted military airspace. As their popularity surges, these unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have prompted warnings from military leaders about potential defensive countermeasures against unauthorized flights. Senator Tom Cotton emphasized the scale of the issue in a recent CBS News interview, stating that the risk associated with drone incursions “is severe and growing.”
The Department of War reported over 350 instances of unauthorized drone flights across nearly 100 military installations in just 2024 alone. This alarming trend has led USNORTHCOM to validate and certify a Counter-small UAS (C-sUAS) fly-away kit produced by Anduril. John Ingle from USNORTHCOM Public Affairs highlighted this development, noting it represents a critical step toward addressing the challenges presented by small drones.
Operators of the fly-away kit, which Chief Warrant Officer 3 Joey Frey described as a “system of systems,” are equipped with tools designed to detect and neutralize small drones. Frey explained that the system functions through either kinetic actions or non-kinetic jamming methods to disable unauthorized drones. The seriousness of the threat was reinforced by Jason Mayes, the Branch Chief for C-UAS Operations and Readiness, who acknowledged the difficulty of determining whether there truly are more drones in the air or if improved detection capabilities simply reveal what has been there all along.
The initiative for these fly-away kits originated from a recommendation by General Gregory Guillot, commander of NORAD and USNORTHCOM, who proposed developing a crisis response capability. He underscored the necessity of a rapid reaction ability given the evolving threat landscape. Frey noted that although the kit is designed to be operated by two individuals, the need for around-the-clock coverage suggests that a team of 12 to 16 personnel would be ideal to secure extensive areas.
While USNORTHCOM does not endorse specific capabilities for any service branch or set a timeline for implementation, Mayes affirmed that progress is being made. He expressed that this undertaking is an ongoing endeavor, reliant on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to shape the counter UAV strategy. The objective is to have such capabilities available at most, if not all, military installations in the country.
Currently, there is one fly-away kit stationed at Peterson Space Force Base, with plans to deploy two more across undisclosed military installations by mid-next year. Mayes elaborated on strategic placements around the area of responsibility (AOR) to ensure swift responses to drone incursions in the continental United States and Alaska.
In addition, USNORTHCOM has the Joint Counter-UAS Planner (JCUP) aiding installations in navigating the legal complexities tied to the operation of these kits, particularly concerning FAA regulations. Mayes reiterated that the aim of the fly-away kit is not indiscriminate engagement; it’s designed with specific operational parameters to avoid infringing on constitutional rights. He reassured, “Just because you fly a drone doesn’t mean we’re going to shoot it down,” emphasizing that a cautious approach to escalation is a key component of their operations.
As drone incidents continue to increase, the military’s proactive stance and readiness become crucial in maintaining security around critical installations. The certification of the C-sUAS fly-away kit represents not only an advancement in technology but also a commitment to safeguarding national interests while respecting legal frameworks. The ongoing discussions within USNORTHCOM and related teams indicate that as the threat evolves, so too will the strategies to counter it.
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