Are we moments away from full scale war? The answer may surprise you.
Because a US military base came under attack and Congress wants answers.
Rising Drone Threats Prompt Congressional Oversight
A group of House Republicans, led by the Subcommittee on Military and Foreign Affairs, has launched an inquiry into the increasing incidents of unauthorized drone incursions over U.S. military bases.
On Thursday, the lawmakers sent letters to the Departments of Defense (DoD), Transportation (DOT), and Justice (DOJ), requesting detailed documentation to evaluate the government’s response to this growing national security concern.
The letters highlight 350 reported drone incursions across more than 100 U.S. military installations in 2024 alone, signaling an urgent need for improved detection and mitigation strategies.
The Republicans are pressing for a comprehensive review of current policies, citing cases like the December 2023 incident where drones repeatedly violated restricted airspace above Langley Air Force Base for over two weeks.
The lawmakers argue that existing protocols, which require base commanders to confirm “hostile intent” before acting, are outdated and inadequate for addressing the rapid and often ambiguous nature of drone threats.
Fragmented Responses and Bureaucratic Delays
The letters criticize the lack of cohesive coordination among federal agencies, including the DoD, DOJ, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and local law enforcement, describing their efforts as “improvised and bureaucratically delayed.”
This fragmented approach, the lawmakers warn, creates vulnerabilities that adversaries could exploit. To address these gaps, the subcommittee has requested documents by July 10, including interagency policies on drone detection, incident reports since January 2022, and plans for a joint federal-state-local task force to enhance counter-drone efforts.
The inquiry also seeks internal reviews of legal frameworks governing drone responses and any recommendations for reform.
The lawmakers emphasize that clearer authorities and better resource allocation are critical to safeguarding military installations, particularly those protected under Title 10 Section 130(i). Fox News Digital has contacted the DoD, DOJ, and DOT for comment, but no responses have been received as of yet.
Global Drone Warfare Informs U.S. Concerns
The push for answers comes amid heightened awareness of drones’ evolving role in modern warfare, as demonstrated in conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, drones have transformed from surveillance tools into lethal weapons, with both sides deploying explosive-laden “kamikaze drones” like the Iranian-made Shahed-136 to devastating effect.
These low-cost, GPS-guided drones have been used in swarms to overwhelm air defenses and target infrastructure, reshaping battlefield tactics. Ukraine has countered with innovative adaptations, using modified consumer drones for precision strikes on Russian assets.
Similarly, Israel’s recent Operation Rising Lion employed drones alongside warplanes to target key military and nuclear facilities, while Iran retaliated with its own drone attacks.
Military analysts note that Ukraine’s conflict marks the first major war where drones are integral to strategy, driving advancements in electronic warfare and counter-drone systems.
