UAV & Drones
US Governors Call for Federal Action on Drone Security Threats
US state governors urge Congress to enhance counter-drone authorities amid rising drone threats to infrastructure and public safety.
State Governors Rally for Federal Action on Unmanned Aircraft Systems Threats
The escalating threat posed by unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly known as Drones, has prompted a unified and urgent call to action from state governors across the United States. In recent years, the rapid proliferation of drone technology has exposed critical gaps in the nation’s ability to protect infrastructure, public events, and sensitive facilities from aerial threats. This issue has become a focal point for the National Governors Association (NGA), which has formally urged Congress and federal agencies to strengthen and clarify counter-drone authorities, enhance coordination, and invest in advanced detection and mitigation systems.
The significance of this issue lies in the dual-use nature of drone technology. While drones offer substantial benefits for commerce, emergency response, and innovation, they also present new risks in the hands of malicious actors. Governors are increasingly concerned that state and local agencies lack the legal tools and resources needed to respond effectively to drone incidents. The call for federal action reflects a consensus that the current patchwork of authorities and technical capabilities is insufficient to address the sophisticated and rapidly evolving drone threat landscape.
With drone sightings and incursions on the rise, and the commercial drone market continuing to expand, the challenge is to strike a balance between fostering technological innovation and ensuring public safety. This article examines the evolving threat environment, high-profile incidents driving policy urgency, current federal limitations, state and local needs, legislative responses, industry trends, technical challenges, and broader implications for U.S. security and economic interests.
The Evolving Drone Threat Landscape
Drones have transitioned from niche hobbyist devices to widely accessible tools with applications in photography, agriculture, logistics, and emergency management. However, this accessibility has also enabled actors with malicious intent to exploit drones for surveillance, smuggling, disruption, and even potential attacks. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), there are now over 1.1 million registered drones in the United States, with more than 100 drone-related reports submitted each month, including incidents over residential areas, critical infrastructure, and public events.
The NGA and other security experts note that the sophistication of commercially available drones has increased dramatically. Modern drones can carry heavier payloads, operate autonomously, and travel greater distances, making them capable of conducting complex operations. This trend is reflected in the expanding commercial drone market, which is projected to reach $52.51 billion by 2030, highlighting the scale of legitimate use and the corresponding risk of misuse.
States have experienced a wide range of drone incidents, from unauthorized flights over military installations and power plants to attempts to smuggle contraband into correctional facilities. These events underline the vulnerability of critical infrastructure and the urgent need for robust, coordinated countermeasures. The NGA has emphasized that while drones offer many benefits, their misuse poses asymmetric threats that current laws and technologies are ill-equipped to address.
“The sophistication and accessibility of these systems have evolved dramatically, transforming what were once considered recreational devices into potential tools for espionage, terrorism, and criminal activity.”
, National Governors Association
High-Profile Incidents Driving Policy Urgency
Several recent incidents have heightened the sense of urgency among policymakers and the public. In late 2024, a series of mysterious drone sightings over New Jersey and neighboring states triggered multi-agency investigations. Drones were observed flying at night over residential neighborhoods and military facilities, including Picatinny Arsenal and Naval Weapons Station Earle. Despite extensive efforts, authorities were unable to identify the operators or their intentions, highlighting significant detection and response challenges.
Another notable event involved the temporary closure of New York Stewart International Airport after drone activity was reported in the vicinity, causing operational disruptions and raising concerns about aviation safety. Similarly, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, airspace was shut down due to drone sightings, demonstrating the potential for drones to disrupt military and civilian operations alike.
Beyond these, the attempted use of a drone to attack an electric substation in Nashville, Tennessee, in 2024 underscored the risk of drones being weaponized for terrorism. Authorities intervened before the plot could succeed, but the incident illustrated the evolving threat landscape and the potential for drones to inflict real harm on critical infrastructure.
“The reported sightings highlighted ‘the insufficiency of current authorities’… underscored the limitations of existing legal and technological frameworks for addressing drone-related incidents.”
, Joint statement by FBI and DHS
Current Federal Authorities and Their Limitations
The legal framework for countering drone threats in the U.S. is fragmented and limited. Only a small number of federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), currently possess authority to detect, track, and mitigate rogue drones. These authorities are periodically renewed and are set to expire in September 2025 unless Congress acts to extend them.
Legal constraints hinder the use of effective counter-drone technologies, as many tools for intercepting or disabling drones could violate existing laws, such as those prohibiting the destruction of aircraft or interception of communications. The FBI has conducted 69 operational counter-drone missions since 2019, detecting over 1,000 unlawful drones, but acknowledges that its resources are insufficient to cover the tens of thousands of events and facilities at risk each year.
State and local agencies, which are often closest to the sites of drone incidents, lack explicit authority to deploy counter-drone measures. This creates a disconnect between where threats occur and where response capabilities exist, leaving many facilities vulnerable and dependent on federal intervention that may not arrive in time.
State and Local Government Needs and Challenges
Governors and local officials have repeatedly stressed the need for expanded legal authority and resources to address drone threats. The NGA’s advocacy highlights that state and local agencies are on the front lines of public safety and infrastructure protection but lack the ability to take direct action against rogue drones. This situation is particularly acute for correctional facilities, power plants, and large public events, where the threat of drone incursions is both persistent and evolving.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul and other state leaders have called on Congress to grant states the authority to detect and mitigate drone threats, especially in coordination with federal agencies. The NGA has also emphasized the need for clear legal frameworks, robust training, and financial support to ensure that expanded authorities are implemented safely and effectively.
Resource constraints remain a significant barrier. Developing and maintaining counter-drone capabilities requires substantial investment in technology, training, and ongoing operations. Many state and local agencies operate under tight budgets and face competing priorities, making federal support crucial for effective implementation.
“The coalition of law enforcement and corrections agencies advocating for expanded counter-drone authorities has emphasized that federal delegation of counter-drone powers must be accompanied by appropriate funding and support mechanisms to enable effective implementation.”
Legislative and Policy Responses
Congress has responded to the growing concern with several legislative initiatives. The Counter-UAS Authority Security, Safety, and Reauthorization Act, for example, seeks to renew and expand current authorities while enabling pilot programs for state, local, tribal, and territorial agencies. The Senate recently extended DHS and FBI counter-drone powers through September 2025, reflecting bipartisan support for maintaining and enhancing these capabilities.
House appropriations for fiscal year 2025 include $15 million for counter-UAS research and development, as well as additional funds for portable detection systems and training. These investments indicate a recognition that technological advancement and operational readiness go hand in hand.
Executive actions have also played a role. Recent executive orders have established task forces to review regulatory frameworks and promote domestic drone industry development, while emphasizing the need for security and competitive advantage in the global market.
Industry, Market, and Technical Developments
The counter-drone technology sector is experiencing rapid growth, driven by both government and private sector demand. The global counter-UAS market was valued at $5.2 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach between $13 and $15 billion by 2032, depending on the analysis. This growth reflects a broad recognition of the need for effective detection, identification, and mitigation solutions.
Technological advances include radio frequency jammers, GPS spoofers, high-power microwave systems, and AI-enabled multi-sensor fusion platforms. Companies like Hidden Level have attracted significant investment, over $100 million in one year, to develop innovative detection and tracking systems. These technologies are increasingly being adopted by Airports, sports venues, and critical infrastructure operators.
Despite these advances, technical and operational challenges remain. Urban environments, electromagnetic spectrum management, and the risk of false positives complicate detection and response. Additionally, regulatory compliance with FAA and FCC rules can limit the deployment and effectiveness of counter-drone systems.
“The industry response has encompassed development of diverse technological approaches… focusing increasingly on artificial intelligence-enabled multi-sensor fusion that integrates radar, radio frequency analyzers, optical and infrared cameras, and cloud-based command platforms.”
International and Comparative Perspectives
Other nations have taken varied approaches to balancing drone innovation and security. The European Union has implemented coordinated regulatory frameworks, while recent military conflicts in Ukraine and Israel have provided real-world lessons in both offensive and defensive drone operations.
International cooperation on technology development and intelligence sharing is becoming more important, as drone threats and solutions transcend borders. Export controls and technology transfer policies are also being reconsidered to maintain competitive advantage while supporting allies.
Global incidents, such as the use of drones for espionage or coordinated attacks, have influenced U.S. policy development and underscored the need for adaptive, collaborative approaches that draw from international best practices.
Conclusion
The governors’ collective call for expanded federal action on unmanned aircraft systems marks a pivotal moment in U.S. homeland security policy. As drone technology continues to advance and proliferate, the risks of misuse grow, exposing critical gaps in legal authorities, technical capabilities, and resource allocation. Governors and local officials are clear: without expanded and clarified counter-drone powers, the nation remains vulnerable to threats that are evolving faster than current systems can address.
The path forward requires a coordinated, multi-level response that brings together federal leadership, state and local engagement, sustained investment, and ongoing technological innovation. As Congress and federal agencies consider new legislation and policy reforms, the challenge will be to create frameworks that both protect public safety and foster the continued growth of the American drone industry. The ultimate goal is a secure airspace that enables innovation while safeguarding communities and critical infrastructure from emerging aerial threats.
FAQ
What are unmanned aircraft systems (UAS)?
UAS, commonly known as drones, are remotely piloted or autonomous aircraft used for a variety of purposes, including commercial, recreational, and security-related applications.
Why are state governors calling for federal action on drone threats?
Governors are concerned that state and local agencies lack the legal authority and resources to effectively detect and mitigate drone threats, especially as incidents increase in frequency and sophistication.
What legislation is being considered to address drone threats?
Congress is considering several bills, including the Counter-UAS Authority Security, Safety, and Reauthorization Act, which would expand and clarify counter-drone authorities and support pilot programs for state and local agencies.
How is the private sector responding to drone security challenges?
The counter-drone technology market is growing rapidly, with companies developing advanced detection, tracking, and mitigation systems to meet the needs of both government and private sector customers.
What technical challenges exist for counter-drone operations?
Challenges include accurate detection in complex environments, minimizing false positives, integrating with existing security systems, and operating within regulatory constraints.
Sources:
National Governors Association
Photo Credit: Air Force Research Laboratory
UAV & Drones
Volatus Aerospace Acquires AISPECO in $10.5M Deal
Volatus Aerospace acquires Lithuanian sensor maker AISPECO for $10.5M, integrating drone sensors and expanding into EU and NATO markets.
Canadian drone and aerial intelligence operator Volatus Aerospace Inc. has agreed to acquire Lithuanian sensor manufacturer AISPECO Uab in a $10.5 million deal that vertically integrates its aircraft operations with proprietary mission software and hardware.
Announced in a press release on October 14, 2026, the acquisition allows Mirabel-based Volatus to own the sensor layer of its aerial intelligence missions. The move reduces reliance on third-party equipment while establishing a strategic foothold in the European Union and NATO markets.
Financial terms and performance milestones
The acquisition agreement structures the $10.5 million base consideration as a mix of cash and equity. Volatus will pay $3.0 million in cash and issue $7.5 million in common shares. The equity portion is priced at the 20-day volume-weighted average trading price on the Toronto Stock Exchange as of October 12, 2026.
An additional $2.5 million in potential consideration is tied to an earnout structure. AISPECO will be evaluated against specific financial, commercial, and product-development milestones between October 2026 and October 2029. Volatus retains the option to pay this earnout in either cash or equity.
AISPECO generated approximately C$5.72 million in revenue during fiscal 2025. Following the integration, the subsidiary is expected to reach C$10 million in revenue for fiscal 2027, with a projected adjusted EBITDA margin of 8 to 12 percent on a standalone basis.
Technology integration and European expansion
AISPECO develops modular airborne sensor systems and flight-management software. The company’s product portfolio includes HELIUX pods, the FOCUS AI-guided gimbal, CORE electronics, and ROBINCOP software. These systems are designed to support multiple sensor types through a single platform, facilitating terrain mapping, utility inspections, pipeline surveillance, forestry, and border monitoring.
To date, AISPECO has sold approximately 50 complete systems globally. The technology is certified for installation on 20 different aircraft types, and the company currently has two European patent applications pending.
Volatus Aerospace Chief Executive Officer Glen Lynch stated that AISPECO has built commercially deployed technology and engineering capabilities that would take years to replicate.
“By combining our aircraft operations with proprietary sensors and mission software, we can create new opportunities across commercial, infrastructure and defence markets,” Lynch said.
Volatus manufacturing growth and AISPECO origins
Volatus Aerospace, which trades publicly on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: FLT), has been steadily expanding its physical footprint and manufacturing capabilities. The company recently opened a new drone manufacturing facility in Mirabel, Quebec, to scale its domestic production.
AISPECO was founded in Vilnius, Lithuania, in 2020. The company initially operated as an aerial survey service provider before pivoting to develop and manufacture its own geospatial data collection platforms. The acquisition provides Volatus with a direct operational presence in Lithuania, a NATO member state, which the company intends to leverage for expansion into European defence and security sectors.
AirPro News analysis
We view this acquisition as a textbook vertical integration strategy within the aerial intelligence sector. By bringing sensor manufacturing and mission software in-house, Volatus captures the margin previously lost to third-party payload vendors. The hardware and software layer is often the most lucrative component of geospatial data collection, and owning the proprietary technology allows Volatus to offer a closed-loop service to infrastructure and defence clients.
Furthermore, acquiring a Lithuanian firm provides Volatus with direct access to European defence procurement networks. At a time when NATO members are rapidly scaling up their aerial surveillance and uncrewed capabilities, having a subsidiary based in a Baltic state positions Volatus to compete for regional security contracts that might otherwise be inaccessible to a purely North American operator.
Photo Credit: Volatus Aerospace Inc.
UAV & Drones
HyLight Raises 13 Million Euros to Scale Hydrogen Airship Fleet
French startup HyLight secures €13M Series A to expand its autonomous hydrogen airship fleet for infrastructure inspection.
French aerospace startup HyLight has secured €13 million in Series A funding to expand its fleet of autonomous, Hydrogen-powered airships designed for zero-emission critical infrastructure inspection. The investment will enable the Le Plessis-Pâté-based company to scale its operations from four to 15 active aircraft by 2027, targeting new markets across Europe.
The funding round, reported by Tech Funding News and EU-Startups on October 12, 2026, was backed by a consortium of investors including Rubio Impact Ventures, DRW, Teampact Ventures, Y Combinator, and Ring Capital. The capital injection aims to position HyLight’s 12-meter airships as a direct, decarbonized alternative to traditional Helicopters inspections for power lines, railways, and pipelines.
Scaling the HyLighter fleet
The company’s flagship aircraft, the HyLighter, is a 12-meter autonomous airship that utilizes helium for passive lift and a hydrogen fuel cell to power its electric motors. According to EU-Startups, the aircraft is designed to operate at a typical altitude of 25 meters, offering a target operational range of 350 kilometers and a maximum flight time of 10 hours per mission.
The airship features a 10-kilogram payload capacity dedicated to inspection equipment. This includes LiDAR sensors capable of capturing more than 1,000 points per square meter and high-resolution cameras delivering 1 millimeter per pixel resolution. The platform produces zero direct emissions and operates with minimal noise footprint compared to rotary-wing alternatives.
“Most power lines are still inspected by helicopter, just as they were fifty years ago. Our HyLighters already do the same job, with greater precision and less risk. This funding takes us from four aircraft to a fleet,” said Martin Bocken, co-founder and CEO of HyLight.
Regulatory approval and market demand
HyLight has already secured critical regulatory authorizations to conduct its missions. The French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have authorized the HyLighter to fly beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) over critical infrastructure in rural, suburban, and urban environments.
The company has accumulated more than 750 flight hours, inspecting thousands of kilometers of infrastructure across Europe. Current operational clients include major European infrastructure and utility operators such as Enedis, NaTran, Téréga, SNCF Réseau, and VINCI.
Helmer Schukken, managing partner at Rubio Impact Ventures, noted that traditional helicopter inspections remain expensive, polluting, and increasingly constrained by an aging workforce. He described HyLight’s platform as a clean, scalable alternative capable of operating reliably over densely populated areas while delivering significant cost savings for infrastructure operators.
The push for decarbonized infrastructure inspection
The demand for alternative aerial inspection platforms is driven by both environmental targets and the sheer scale of global infrastructure. According to EU-Startups, there are approximately 80 million kilometers of linear infrastructure worldwide requiring regular inspection. Traditional helicopters, which dominate this sector, emit up to 1 metric ton of CO2 equivalent per flight hour.
While operators have explored other technologies, existing alternatives present operational limitations. Battery-powered drones lack the endurance required for long-distance linear inspections, satellite imagery does not provide sufficient resolution for detailed component analysis, and ground-based sensors offer only localized data collection.
HyLight, founded in the early 2020s by Martin Bocken and Théo Hoenen, previously raised a €3.7 million seed round in April 2024. With the new Series A capital, the Y Combinator alumnus has raised approximately €16.7 million to date. The company plans to use the funds to expand its operational footprint into Germany and the Netherlands by 2027.
AirPro News analysis
We view HyLight’s successful Series A as a strong indicator of shifting priorities in the utility aviation market. Traditional helicopter operators face mounting pressure from both environmental regulations and rising operational costs. By securing EASA and DGAC approval for BVLOS flights over populated areas, HyLight has cleared the most significant regulatory hurdle that typically grounds autonomous aerial vehicles. If the company can successfully scale its manufacturing and field operations to 15 aircraft by 2027, it could establish a new standard for linear infrastructure inspection, potentially capturing market share from established rotary-wing operators in Europe before expanding globally.
Photo Credit: HyLight
UAV & Drones
US Coast Guard Orders Four MQ-9B SeaGuardian UAS for $247.8M
The U.S. Coast Guard awarded a $247.8 million contract for four MQ-9B SeaGuardian UAS to expand its maritime surveillance fleet.
The U.S. Coast Guard placed a $247.8 million order with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI) for four MQ-9B long-range unmanned aircraft systems to expand its dedicated maritime surveillance fleet. The procurement, finalized on September 25, 2026, and announced on October 9, 2026, includes ground control stations and supporting equipment.
According to the Coast Guard press release, the acquisition leverages an existing U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) contract vehicle, accelerating the expansion of a shared Department of Homeland Security (DHS) unmanned aircraft enterprise based in San Angelo, Texas.
Expanding the shared homeland security fleet
The Coast Guard and CBP have a long-standing history of joint unmanned aircraft operations. The agencies began operating the MQ-9A Guardian Long-Range Unmanned Aircraft System (LR-UAS) through a joint program office in Texas following a pilot study initiated in 2008. This joint program was originally designed to provide long-endurance intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities for ground agents on the U.S. Southwest border and was later expanded to provide maritime ISR in the Gulf of Mexico.
The Department of Homeland Security is actively scaling its MQ-9B enterprise to replace and augment these legacy platforms. In March 2026, CBP awarded a $265.5 million contract modification to General Atomics for additional MQ-9B aircraft, spares, and upgrades to support the shared DHS fleet based in San Angelo. The Coast Guard’s new $247.8 million order utilizes CBP’s existing procurement channels to expedite its own dedicated fleet expansion.
Funding for the Coast Guard’s acquisition stems from $266 million previously appropriated to the service’s LR-UAS program specifically to acquire four MQ-9B aircraft and associated equipment.
MQ-9B SeaGuardian maritime capabilities
The newly ordered MQ-9B is the next-generation evolution of the platform operated by the joint program office. The MQ-9B SeaGuardian variant is specifically missionized for maritime environments. The aircraft features a multi-mode maritime surface search radar equipped with an Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar (ISAR) imaging mode, an Automatic Identification System (AIS) receiver, and high-definition full-motion video sensors.
Designed for extended operations, the aircraft can fly over the horizon via satellite communications for over 30 hours in all weather conditions. The MQ-9B is fully compliant with STANAG-4671, the NATO UAS airworthiness standard, which enables flexible operations in civil airspace alongside crewed aircraft.
Growing international market presence
The MQ-9B SeaGuardian is rapidly becoming a standard for international maritime security and coast guard agencies, highlighting its growing dominance in the medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) UAS market. The Japan Coast Guard (JCG) selected the MQ-9B for its Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) Project, beginning operations in October 2022 from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Hachinohe Air Base. The JCG utilizes the platform for wide-area maritime surveillance, search and rescue, disaster response, and maritime law enforcement.
Beyond maritime security agencies, the MQ-9B platform has been selected by several allied military forces. Current and future operators include the United Kingdom, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Poland, Germany, Qatar, Taiwan, and India.
AirPro News analysis
The Coast Guard’s decision to piggyback on the CBP contract vehicle rather than initiating a standalone procurement highlights a strategic shift within the Department of Homeland Security toward unified, cross-agency aviation assets. By consolidating operations, training, and maintenance in San Angelo, Texas, the agencies reduce redundant infrastructure costs while rapidly scaling their medium-altitude long-endurance capabilities. We view this $247.8 million order as a critical step in standardizing maritime domain awareness tools across federal law enforcement, moving away from fragmented legacy platforms toward a standardized, interoperable MQ-9B enterprise.
Photo Credit: U.S. Coast Guard
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