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Senate Hearing Spotlight: Commanders Call to Expand Authorities, Resources to Counter UAS Intrusions
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Summary
Senators pressed commanders about thousands of unmanned aircraft system (UAS) incursions, limits on installation-level defenses under Title 10 section 130i, and proposals to expand authorities so base commanders can better protect installations beyond a subset of 'covered' sites.
Lawmakers at the Senate Armed Services Committee hearing pressed generals and admirals about the proliferation of small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) over military installations and other sensitive sites and the legal authorities available to counter them.
Why it matters: Testimony and questioning highlighted that numerous detections of small drones occur across many installations and that current authority (referred to in testimony as Title 10, section 130i) limits active defensive measures to a subset of ‘‘covered installations.’’ Several senators advocated expanding that authority so installation commanders could use counter-UAS measures and to extend defended ranges slightly beyond installation perimeters.
General Guillot testified that commanders detect hundreds of incursions: he cited 350 detections across roughly 100 installations in a prior year and said roughly half of U.S. installations meet criteria for ‘‘covered’’ status; he advocated expanding authority to all installations and to allow action slightly beyond perimeters. The general said his command now synchronizes counter-UAS responses, develops standardized tactics, techniques and procedures, and coordinates with the FAA and interagency partners to enable authorities once systems arrive.
Senators asked whether expanded authorities would allow faster information sharing with DHS and border authorities regarding UAS activity at the southern border; witnesses supported broader data exchange and legal authority updates to enable seamless information flow and joint responses. Senator Cotton and others described pending legislation to expand 130i-style authorities to more installations; witnesses said they would back expansion and to increase the range of permitted action.
Ending: Commanders recommended statutory expansion of authorities, increased standardization of counter-UAS training and tactics, and better interagency data sharing. Senators signaled intent to advance legislation to expand legal coverage for active defenses at installations.
