Rep. Eli Crane Questions CEO on US Readiness for Drone Attacks

US Preparedness for Drone Threats

• ⚠️ US readiness to protect citizens and infrastructure from drone attacks at major upcoming events is currently not sufficient.
• 🎯 The threat is wide-ranging, including drones dropping powders or explosives at stadiums, and disrupting airport operations by simply occupying runways.
• ✈️ Drones can bypass traditional security measures like magnetometers, making it easier to introduce explosives into sensitive locations.

The Evolving Landscape of Warfare

• 🌍 While pockets of awareness exist, the US as a whole does not grasp the scale of how overseas events, particularly in Ukraine, are transforming modern warfare.
• 💰 Drone warfare is not expensive for adversaries, making it an accessible tool for attack.

Counter-Drone Operations and Capabilities

• 🛡️ Companies like Fortem Technologies are working with the Department of Defense on counter-drone operations at key US sites, including initial base deployments and response to specific threats.
• 🔍 Current operations focus on detection, identification, and mitigation capabilities, often in collaboration with industry partners and military commands.
• ❓ A significant problem is the lack of clear intelligence on who is operating drones, ranging from individual actors to nation-states, and the variety of drone sizes and numbers used.

Drone Use for Espionage and Future Legislation

• 🕵️ Drones are actively being used for espionage within the US, with nation-states or proxies operating near borders and within the homeland.
• 🏛️ Current mitigation efforts at the US Capitol involve using model rockets and boats, highlighting the need for better authorization.
• 📜 Rep. Eli Crane plans to introduce the US Capital Police Empowerment Act of 2025 to better equip the Capitol Police to mitigate drone threats.

Drone Interception Technology

• 🕸️ Fortem Technologies employs a "low collateral effect interceptor" which uses nets to capture enemy drones.
• ✅ This method is crucial for its lack of collateral damage, avoidance of infringing on public information, and not hacking signals, making it a highly impactful solution.