The White House is leading a new US counter-drone effort involving the Pentagon and several federal agencies, with the aim of speeding up the deployment of systems to protect aviation and address national security concerns.
The Departments of Transportation, Defense, Homeland Security, Energy and Justice have signed a memorandum to assess technologies capable of detecting, tracking, stopping or taking control of dangerous or unauthorised drones.
The Federal Aviation Administration said the agencies would work with it and the Federal Communications Commission under the direction of the White House Task Force.
“We’re taking a proactive, whole-of-government approach to protecting American airspace from emerging 21st-century threats,” said Sean Duffy, the US Transportation Secretary.
“By bringing all our federal partners together, we can strengthen our ability to combat rogue drone threats and keep the flying public safe,” he said.
The FAA has approved more than 1,000 requests to coordinate counter-drone deployments with the Pentagon and the Department of Homeland Security, according to Liam McKenna of the agency.
“There are many systems that some of the security agencies are considering using that we’ve seen before, and we can turn around the process in 24 hours,” Mr McKenna said.
The announcement follows a warning from a NATO official about the need for affordable counter-drone technology. The alliance has committed to investing more than $40 billion in counter-drone capabilities over the next five years.
Attorney General Todd Blanche said five men had been arrested by the FBI during the summer over alleged plans to deploy drones armed with explosives at and around a White House event attended by thousands of visitors.
“The Department of Justice is working with partners across the federal government to address drone incursion threats, prosecute individuals who endanger the public, and ensure the safety and security of American airspace,” Mr Blanche said.
Last month, the FAA also imposed a temporary restriction on unauthorised drones along the entire US-Mexico border. The ban covers airspace up to 400 feet above ground level and extends one nautical mile north of the border.
