Why the FBI's New Counter-Drone Training Center is Critical for Air Safety

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has significantly ramped up its efforts to combat the growing threat posed by unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly known as drones. FBI Director Kash Patel stated that drones are increasingly exploited by criminals, terrorists, and hostile foreign actors. This modernization of counter-UAS capabilities is a top national security priority for the Trump administration.

National Counter-UAS Training Center

Central to this new strategy is the National Counter-UAS Training Center (NCUTC). The FBI operates this new national training program out of its Redstone Arsenal facility in Huntsville, Alabama. President Donald Trump signed an executive order in June 2025 that led to the creation of the center. The NCUTC is the first facility of its kind in the United States.

Its mission is to prepare law enforcement nationwide. Training focuses on how to safely detect, identify, track, and mitigate unlawful drone activity. The instruction is legally authorized under the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) passed by Congress. Officials believe this investment will pay huge dividends for America’s national security.

Securing Major Events

The facility will play a key role in preparing security operations for major upcoming U.S. events. These include the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. The FBI is working with nearly 50 federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security and the FAA, in a joint interagency effort. State and local law enforcement officers are being trained and granted authority for counter-drone work.

Impact on Commercial Aviation Security

The rise in unauthorized drone activity poses a direct and growing threat to commercial aviation security and airport operations. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) receives over 100 drone-sighting reports near airports each month. Data shows a troubling and escalating trend in these incursions.

• Flight Disruptions: Unauthorized drone activity caused 749 flight delays nationwide between January and September 2025.
• Near-Misses: Drones accounted for approximately two-thirds of reported near-midair collisions with commercial aircraft in 2024 at the country’s 30 busiest airports.
• Surging Incidents: FAA data showed 411 illegal drone incursions near U.S. airports in the first quarter of 2025. This marks a 25.6% increase over the same period in 2024.

This surge underscores the urgent need for enhanced detection and mitigation technology.

Supply Chain and Regulatory Action

In a related move, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced a ban on new foreign-made drones. The FCC added UAS and their critical components made in China and other foreign countries to its “Covered List.” This designation prevents new device models from receiving FCC equipment authorization. The action was taken due to national security concerns over surveillance and data exfiltration risks.

This regulatory shift forces a move toward secure, domestic supply chains. While existing, previously authorized drones remain legal to fly, the ban acts as a freeze on future foreign platforms. This creates a new, security-compliant market segment for U.S. manufacturers. The combined efforts of the NCUTC training and the FCC ban signal a comprehensive federal strategy. This strategy aims to protect U.S. airspace from evolving threats, ensuring the safety of air travel and critical infrastructure. For more commercial aviation news, visit flying.flights.