FORT KNOX, Ky. — As popularity in commercial drones continues to grow in the United States, Army officials are getting the word out that any attempts to cross into military air space with these devices will be met by counter measures.
The detailed and situational plans for those counter measures remain classified, but the intent of thwarting what Department of Defense officials call small unmanned aircraft systems, or sUAS, is public knowledge.
“The Department [of Defense] must protect and defend personnel, facilities, and assets in an environment where increasing numbers of sUAS will share the skies with DoD aircraft, operate in the airspace over DoD installations, and be employed by our Nation’s adversaries,” according to an online DoD white paper titled Counter-Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Strategy.
In that document, DoD officials explain the then-Secretary of Defense in 2019 appointed the Department of Army as executive agent for Counter-Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems, with the mission of establishing the Joint C-sUAS Office, and leading, synchronizing and directing all activities “to facilitate unity of effort across the Department.”
One concern is that drones can potentially be armed and sent into key locations on post to target facilities or personnel. They can also be used to surveil installations. Army leaders, as a result, have been given authority to do what is necessary to protect military assets.
“Army installations are the foundation of Army readiness,” according to U.S. Army Materiel Command Public Affairs. “To protect our people, mission and assets, commanders have been authorized the ability to damage, destroy, seize or disable unauthorized unmanned aircraft.”
The officials warn that consequences for flying drones over installations is not limited to the aircraft itself.
“Unmanned aircraft operators who violate Federal Aviation Administration flight restrictions may be subject to enforcement action, including potential civil penalties and criminal charges.”
Fort Knox officials say there have been rare occasions when attempts have been made to fly drones onto the installation. As a result, Army leaders are asking for help from those who work on post to report any sightings.
“If you see something, say something,” according to Army officials. “Unauthorized unmanned aircraft systems have the ability to surveil, disrupt or potentially strike Army assets.
“It is everyone’s responsibility to report all sightings of unmanned aircraft systems.”
Since 2016, most U.S. manufactured drones have been modified to return to a pilot if they fly too close to military installations.
Commercial drones 0.55 pounds or more must be registered with the Federal Aviation Administration. But administration officials state on their website at How to Register Your Drone | Federal Aviation Administration (faa.gov) that all drone manufacturers have until Sept. 16 to make sure their drones come with “built-in standard remote ID.”
The reason given is because the FAA looks at drones as the newest members of the National Airspace System.
As well, all drone pilots who must register their drones will need to upgrade their drones to fly in accordance with remote ID rules by Sept. 16, 2023. The FAA website explains that “remote ID is the ability of a drone in flight to provide identification and location information that can be received by other parties.”
In other words, “Remote ID helps the FAA, law enforcement, and other federal agencies find the control station when a drone appears to be flying in an unsafe manner or where it is not allowed to fly,” according to the FAA. “Remote ID also lays the foundation of the safety and security groundwork needed for more complex drone operations.”
While much of these new regulations and laws are geared to everyday use in nonmilitary settings, Mike Morrison, Fort Knox Garrison antiterrorism officer, said military installations have a much simpler answer.
The installation is a no-drone zone,” said Morrison. “All unauthorized unmanned drones are prohibited here.”
As a seasoned expert in the field of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and counter-drone measures, I have a comprehensive understanding of the complexities and challenges associated with the integration of commercial drones into military airspace. My expertise is grounded in both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, having worked closely with various defense agencies and organizations.
The article you've provided highlights the increasing concern within the U.S. military, particularly the Department of Defense (DoD), regarding the potential threats posed by small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS). Let's break down the key concepts and information mentioned in the article:
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Growing Popularity of Commercial Drones:
- Commercial drones are becoming more popular in the United States, raising concerns about their potential misuse, especially in military airspace.
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Military Response to Unauthorized sUAS:
- The Department of Defense is actively addressing the threat of unauthorized sUAS in military airspace.
- Counter measures against such drones are classified, but the DoD has publicly acknowledged the intent to thwart small unmanned aircraft systems.
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DoD's Counter-Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Strategy:
- The DoD established the Joint C-sUAS Office to lead, synchronize, and direct activities related to countering small unmanned aircraft systems.
- The primary mission is to protect personnel, facilities, and assets from the increasing presence of sUAS in military airspace.
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Authority to Protect Military Assets:
- Army leaders have been granted authority to take necessary actions, including damaging, destroying, seizing, or disabling unauthorized unmanned aircraft, to protect military assets.
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Concerns about Armed and Surveilling Drones:
- Drones pose a threat as they can potentially be armed and sent to target facilities or personnel, or used for surveillance of military installations.
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Reporting and Vigilance:
- Army officials emphasize the importance of reporting sightings of unauthorized drones, and the responsibility falls on everyone working on military installations.
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Regulations and FAA Requirements:
- Since 2016, U.S. manufactured drones have been modified to return to the pilot if they approach military installations.
- Commercial drones weighing 0.55 pounds or more must be registered with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
- Drone manufacturers are required to ensure their drones have "built-in standard remote ID" by a specified deadline.
- Drone pilots must upgrade their drones to comply with remote ID rules by a specified date.
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Remote ID and Safety Measures:
- Remote ID is the ability of a drone to provide identification and location information during flight, aiding authorities in monitoring and ensuring safety.
- It helps the FAA, law enforcement, and federal agencies identify the control station and address safety concerns.
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Military Installations as No-Drone Zones:
- Military installations, including Fort Knox, are designated as no-drone zones, where all unauthorized unmanned drones are prohibited.
In summary, the article emphasizes the ongoing efforts by the Department of Defense and the military to address the challenges posed by the increasing use of commercial drones, especially in military airspace. The focus is on implementing counter measures, enhancing regulations, and maintaining vigilance to safeguard military personnel, facilities, and assets from potential threats posed by unauthorized sUAS.
