US Military Discusses Plans To Deal With UAP Over Military Bases
Recent discussions at the Department of Defense have brought attention to the challenges of managing unmanned aerial systems and unidentified phenomena near military installations. The growing frequency of these incidents has sparked concern among military leadership and lawmakers about the security of sensitive facilities.
A notable event occurred at Joint Base Langley-Eustis in December 2023, where multiple UAS incursions persisted for nearly two months. The military faces complex decisions regarding response protocols, detection capabilities, and the need for clear chains of command when addressing these aerial encounters.
Key Takeaways
Military bases require enhanced detection and response capabilities for aerial incursions
Command structures need streamlined authority to address immediate threats to installations
Defense officials are working to implement new protective measures across priority bases
U.S. Military Response to Aerial Phenomena at Defense Installations
Military bases across the United States experienced significant unmanned aerial system (UAS) incursions during December 2023. Joint Base Langley-Eustis faced persistent UAS activity for nearly two months, with well-lit aircraft making no attempt to conceal their presence.
Base commanders lacked sufficient support from higher command to address these incursions effectively. The base relied on NASA Langley's sensors to detect the unmanned systems, as they did not possess adequate detection capabilities.
Northcom received authorization in November to coordinate Department of Defense responses to UAS incursions. The organization has managed three assisted responses, bringing new capabilities to affected bases with proper Federal Aviation Administration clearance.
Current Base Defense Measures:
Flyaway kits proposed for base protection
Equipment acquisition in progress
Service branches retain base defense responsibility
Integration with interagency partners
The military seeks expanded authority to neutralize both direct threats and surveillance attempts near installations. Base protection extends beyond immediate threats to prevent observation of sensitive areas.
Key Defense Challenges:
Limited counter-UAS capabilities
Need for streamlined authorization processes
Procurement system delays
Command structure coordination
Military leadership maintains authority to engage threats over installations and external threats to the United States. The focus remains on protecting air sovereignty while developing enhanced defensive capabilities against emerging aerial phenomena.
The detection and response to these incidents highlight gaps in current base defense systems. Military installations continue working to implement improved surveillance detection and counter-measures against unauthorized aerial vehicles.
Unmanned Aircraft System Incidents at Joint Base Langley-Eustis During Late 2023
Initial Discovery and Documentation of Aerial Intrusions
A series of unauthorized unmanned aircraft systems breached restricted airspace at Joint Base Langley-Eustis in December 2023. The drones operated with illuminated lights and made no attempts to conceal their presence. These incursions persisted for approximately two months.
The craft displayed distinctive flight patterns and behaviors that suggested deliberate surveillance activities. Multiple sightings were documented by base personnel during this period.
Command Structure and Response Limitations
The base commander faced significant constraints in addressing these aerial intrusions. Despite having access to various countermeasure capabilities, authorization to deploy these resources was not granted by superior officers.
The lack of clear response protocols created operational challenges for base security forces. This communication breakdown between command levels hindered effective countermeasures implementation.
Military leadership expressed concerns that these incidents provided valuable intelligence to potential adversaries about base defense capabilities and response procedures.
NASA Detection Support and Monitoring
NASA's Langley Research Center played a crucial role in identifying these aerial intrusions. The facility's advanced sensor systems provided the only reliable detection capability during the incidents.
The base lacked organic detection equipment suitable for tracking small unmanned aircraft. NASA's proximity and technical resources proved essential for maintaining situational awareness.
Their sensor network offered continuous monitoring capabilities that the military installation could not provide independently at that time.
Military Base Defense Against Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Base Security Priorities and Defense Planning
Military installations face increasing threats from unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) conducting surveillance operations. Joint Base Langley-Eustis experienced UAS incursions spanning two months in December 2023. The base lacked proper response capabilities, relying on NASA Langley's sensors to detect these systems. Base commanders need clear authorization and support from leadership to address these incidents effectively.
Military bases must implement robust detection and response protocols. Leadership must prioritize high-risk installations and allocate resources accordingly. Adversaries actively probe defense capabilities through these incursions, making swift and decisive responses crucial.
Defense Equipment and Response Capabilities
The Department of Defense currently lacks adequate counter-UAS equipment at many installations. NORTHCOM has proposed deploying rapid-response kits to supplement base defenses. These kits would provide initial defensive capabilities where none exist.
Three assisted responses have been conducted since the Langley incidents. While base defense remains a service-level responsibility, NORTHCOM coordinates with:
Federal Aviation Administration
Inter-agency partners
Installation security forces
Command Structure and Response Authorization
Base commanders need streamlined authority to respond to aerial threats. Current processes require multiple approval layers, potentially delaying critical defensive actions. NORTHCOM and NORAD maintain engagement in:
Air sovereignty protection
UAS threat response
Surveillance prevention
Military leaders seek expanded authority to neutralize both direct threats and surveillance attempts. The goal extends beyond installation boundaries to protect sensitive operations from observation.
The procurement system delays implementation of needed defensive capabilities. Base commanders require clear authorization to act against threats without seeking higher approval.
Unmanned Systems and Aerial Phenomena at Military Installations
The U.S. Department of Defense faces significant challenges with unidentified aerial activities near military bases. In December 2023, Joint Base Langley-Eustis experienced a two-month period of unmanned aerial system (UAS) incursions. These craft appeared well-illuminated and made no attempt to conceal their presence.
The base lacked adequate detection capabilities during these events. NASA Langley Research Center provided the only available sensors to track these unmanned systems.
Northcom received authorization in November to coordinate Department of Defense responses to UAS incursions. The organization has conducted three assisted responses with new operational authorities, working alongside the FAA and other agencies.
Current Base Defense Responsibilities:
Individual military services
Installation commanders
Northcom (coordination role)
Northcom proposes deploying mobile response kits to enhance base defensive capabilities. These kits would provide temporary or supplementary counter-UAS measures, though procurement remains in progress.
Key Security Concerns:
Surveillance of military installations
Infrastructure targeting
Base protection gaps
Response authority chains
Military leaders possess authorization to counter threats over installations. The command structure continues working to expand these authorities beyond base perimeters to prevent surveillance of sensitive areas.
Base commanders seek streamlined response protocols without requiring multiple layers of approval for counter-UAS actions. This includes establishing clear chains of command and expanding local authority to address aerial threats promptly.
Defense Systems and Unauthorized Aircraft Response
Strategic Defense Command Updates
NORAD has expanded its operational scope, receiving authorization in November to coordinate defense responses against unmanned aircraft incursions. Three successful response missions demonstrate the new capabilities. The command structure maintains close partnerships with relevant agencies, including FAA liaisons, to secure necessary operational clearances.
Emergency Response Coordination
Military installations retain primary defense responsibilities. A new rapid-response system proposes deploying mobile defense units to bases facing immediate threats. These units supplement existing base defenses or provide initial protective measures where no systems exist. The strategy emphasizes speed and flexibility in responding to emerging threats.
Mobile Defense Equipment Implementation
The procurement process for rapid-response defense kits remains in progress. These systems aim to protect sensitive military areas from surveillance and potential threats. Current efforts focus on expanding protective capabilities beyond base perimeters to create broader security zones. The command structure seeks additional authority to neutralize surveillance craft operating near military installations.
Base commanders possess direct authority to respond to immediate threats over installations. Strengthened defensive measures continue development, with emphasis on rapid deployment and threat neutralization.
Military Base Protection and Response Measures
Base Defense Against External Monitoring
The Department of Defense has implemented strategies to strengthen military installations against external surveillance activities. Base commanders face significant challenges from various monitoring attempts, including drones and other aerial platforms operating near sensitive areas.
The current defensive capabilities at many installations remain limited. NASA Langley's sensor systems proved essential in detecting unmanned aerial activities during a notable December 2023 incident.
Military leadership recognizes the critical need to upgrade base protection systems. The strategic focus includes deploying enhanced detection equipment and establishing comprehensive monitoring networks across priority installations.
New Powers for Drone Response Teams
NORTHCOM received expanded responsibilities in November to coordinate Department of Defense responses to unmanned aerial system incidents. The organization can now deploy rapid response teams with specialized equipment to bases experiencing drone-related security concerns.
The development of mobile response kits remains in progress. These systems will provide bases with additional defensive capabilities when needed.
Military commanders now possess direct authority to respond to aerial threats over installations. This streamlined command structure eliminates previous delays in threat response procedures.
Key Response Capabilities:
Rapid deployment teams
Mobile defense systems
Direct threat engagement authority
Inter-agency coordination
The base protection strategy extends beyond individual installations. Military leaders aim to establish broader protective zones to prevent surveillance of sensitive areas.
Military Authorization for Aerial Defense Responses
Defense Powers at Critical Facilities
The Department of Defense maintains specific protocols for protecting sensitive military installations from aerial threats. Base commanders face restrictions in their response capabilities, despite having detection systems in place. NASA's sensor technologies supplement existing base defense infrastructure at locations like Joint Base Langley-Eustis.
NORTHCOM has received authorization to coordinate Department of Defense responses to unmanned aerial system intrusions. The agency has conducted three assisted responses with deployed capabilities to various bases. Base defense remains a service-level responsibility, though NORTHCOM provides supplementary "flyaway kits" for enhanced defensive capabilities.
Executive Branch Position on Aerial Incursions
Military commanders possess direct authority to neutralize threats over installations without requiring higher approval. This marks a shift in policy regarding response protocols. The ability to engage threats extends beyond immediate base perimeters to prevent surveillance of sensitive areas.
Base-level authority now includes broader defensive measures against:
Surveillance operations
Direct threats
Unmanned systems
Foreign aircraft
The need for enhanced detection and response capabilities remains critical, particularly given recent incursions at military facilities. The procurement process for new defensive systems continues, though implementation timelines face delays.
Military Base Drone Encounters
Drug Organization Activity and Defense Command Operations
Drug organizations utilize sophisticated drone technology to monitor law enforcement operations. Their surveillance activities demonstrate advanced capabilities, particularly in tracking border patrol vehicles and law enforcement movements. The cartels employ these tactics to maintain their operational advantages, leveraging unmanned aerial systems as part of their strategic approach.
Unmanned Aircraft Monitoring Along Border Areas
Border security agencies report significant drone activity originating from across the southern border. These drones conduct targeted surveillance of U.S. law enforcement positions and patrol vehicles. A notable comparison shows border crossings dropped from 2,000 to zero on specific days during this period, marking a substantial shift in activity patterns. Border agents maintain visual contact with these surveillance drones and track their movements, noting their origins and flight patterns.
Multiple border security stakeholders, including:
Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Border Patrol units
10th Mountain Division personnel
Local law enforcement
Municipal leadership
Business community members
These groups have documented consistent drone presence and surveillance activities in their operational areas.
