Aurora weighs agreement with military on drone flights over Buckley
The Aurora City Council to Consider Agreement with FBI and Military to Combat Unauthorized Drone Flights
The Aurora City Council is set to discuss a proposed agreement with the FBI and the military aimed at addressing the issue of unauthorized drone flights over Buckley Space Force Base. The agreement, which refers to drones as unmanned aircraft systems, comes in response to a surge in sightings of mystery drones along the East Coast.
According to a memo accompanying the council agenda, the increasing frequency of drone operations over military installations and restricted airspace poses a significant threat to the base and Department of Defense assets. Buckley Space Force Base has limited jurisdiction to address operators located off the installation, necessitating the assistance of civilian law enforcement agencies.
Under the proposed agreement, the FBI and the Aurora Police Department will collaborate to detect, respond to, and investigate unauthorized drone activity near the base. The partnership aims to enhance the defense capabilities of Buckley Space Force Base and ensure the safety of its personnel and assets.
While base officials have not disclosed any specific incidents of drone incursions over the facility, recent hearings in Washington, D.C., have highlighted the seriousness of the issue. U.S. Rep. William Timmons described unauthorized drone flights over military bases as a complex and serious threat to national security, citing incidents at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia and Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
According to Timmons, there were 350 drone detections at 100 military installations in 2024 alone, underscoring the need for proactive measures to address the evolving threat posed by drones. The FBI, empowered by the Preventing Emerging Threats Act, has been tasked with countering unmanned aircraft systems to safeguard facilities and assets.
Notably, drone technology has outpaced counter-drone capabilities, making it essential for military and law enforcement agencies to adopt innovative strategies to mitigate the risks posed by drones. The collaboration between the FBI, the military, and local law enforcement agencies is crucial in addressing the challenges posed by unauthorized drone activity.
Five years ago, Colorado witnessed a similar phenomenon when unidentified drones were spotted conducting nighttime search patterns over rural areas. Despite investigations, the origins and purposes of these drones remained unclear, highlighting the need for enhanced surveillance and response mechanisms.
As drone technology continues to advance, it is imperative for authorities to adapt their defenses and security protocols to safeguard critical infrastructure and operations. The proposed agreement between the Aurora City Council, the FBI, and the military signals a coordinated effort to address the growing threat of unauthorized drone flights and enhance the security of Buckley Space Force Base.
