The Domestic Threat of Weaponized Drones: Are U.S. Law Enforcement Agencies Prepared?

Weaponized drones have rapidly transitioned from distant battlefield threats to emerging domestic security concerns, raising critical questions about the preparedness of our law enforcement agencies. As drone technology becomes increasingly affordable and accessible, the potential for malicious actors to leverage drones for destructive purposes — targeting civilians, critical infrastructure, and government facilities — has escalated significantly. How ready are U.S. law enforcement agencies to effectively detect, mitigate, and respond to this new type of threat?

In this timely and insightful article, FPI Fellow Chief Mike Moulton (ret.) discusses the complexities and current gaps facing American policing regarding drone threats, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive legal reforms, strategic technological investments, specialized officer training, and effective public-private partnerships. This is essential reading for policing leaders, policymakers, and community stakeholders committed to proactively addressing the emerging security challenges of our time.

Read the full article to understand the implications and solutions to the weaponized drone threat facing U.S. communities today.