Overview

• The Department of Defense reported 350 unauthorized drone incursions over 100 military sites in 2024, highlighting growing security concerns.
• Defense officials testified that current counter-drone capabilities are inconsistent and outdated, with technology lagging behind the evolving threat landscape.
• Lawmakers and officials identified China, Iran, and transnational criminal cartels as likely sources of the drone activity targeting military installations and border regions.
• Congress is considering legislative changes, including expanding Section 130i authority to all U.S. military installations and clarifying interagency roles for drone defense.
• Defense officials requested additional funding and clearer authority to neutralize unauthorized drones, while some lawmakers proposed redefining drones in regulatory language to streamline military responses.