Cops and feds scramble for California drone defenses as Iran threat looms

Californian authorities are on high alert as they work to enhance the state’s anti-drone measures in response to potential threats from Iran, according to sources. A leaked FBI memo recently revealed unverified information about a possible Iranian plot to use drones against California, causing concern among law enforcement and defense experts.

While the White House has downplayed the significance of the alert, stating that there are no credible threats against the US homeland, experts believe that the danger is real and immediate. Steven Haro, CEO of WhiteFox Defense Technologies, a company specializing in anti-drone technology, has reported a surge in interest from both police and federal authorities seeking to bolster their defenses against drone attacks.

President Trump has allocated over $33 billion in funding for AI and unmanned systems, with a focus on achieving “Drone Dominance.” This includes a $500 million Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) Grant Program to assist state and local law enforcement in combating drone threats. Under current laws, drone detection is legal for private citizens and police, but drone mitigation can only be carried out by police who have received federal training.

Police departments across California, including the LAPD and the San Bernardino Sheriff’s office, are taking steps to strengthen their anti-drone capabilities in response to the FBI’s memo. The LAPD has earmarked $10 million in federal grant money to protect the city’s airspace from potential drone attacks. They plan to deploy radio frequency sensors and mobile drone mitigation stations across the city to detect and neutralize threatening drones.

Experts warn that new drone threats are constantly emerging, highlighting the need for swift action to deploy advanced countermeasures. Brett Velicovich, a former US Army intelligence and special operations soldier, emphasized the importance of educating local law enforcement on effective counter-drone tactics to mitigate the threat posed by drones.

As California ramps up its defenses against potential drone attacks, the safety of the state’s residents remains a top priority. Law enforcement agencies are working closely with federal authorities and technology experts to build robust anti-drone systems and protect the state from potential threats.