FBI DirectorKash Patelsaid Saturday that the Trump administration is ramping up its efforts to combat the growing threat posed by drones used by criminal networks, terrorist groups and foreign adversaries, launching a new national training program to help law enforcement detect and stop unlawful drone activity.
Patel said the bureau has invested significant time and resources this year into modernizing its capabilities to counter unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).
"Unmanned aircrafts are increasingly exploited by criminals, terrorists, and hostile foreign actors — making the counter UAS program a critical area for the FBI to modernize and adapt to stay ahead of the threat," Patel wrote on X.
Patel said PresidentDonald Trumpsigned an executive order in June that led to the creation of a National Counter-UAS Training Center, which the FBI operates out of its Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama.
Fbi Director Kash Patel Says Bureau Ramping Up Ai To Counter Domestic, Global Threats
TheFBI directorsaid the new training center prepares law enforcement to safely detect, identify, track and mitigate unlawful drone activity when legally authorized, in compliance with the National Defense Authorization Act passed by Congress this year.
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Patel said the facility will play a key role in preparing security operations for major upcoming events in the U.S., including the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the2028 Summer Olympics.
"This is an investment that will pay huge dividends forAmerica's national securityin the years to come," he added.
Trump Admin Cuts Red Tape On Commercial Drones To Compete With China's Dominance Of The Market
Patel's post underscores how the FBI is makingcounter-drone operationsa top modernization priority, framing drones as an evolving national security threat.
FBI Deputy DirectorDan Bonginowrote on X Saturday that the "drone threat isn't in the future, it's in the now," adding that the Trump administration was taking action to adapt to a "new threat ecosystem."
On Monday, the Federal Communications Commission announced it wouldban new foreign-made dronesdue to national security concerns.
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The FCC added UAS and their criticalcomponents made in Chinaand other foreign countries to its "covered list" that includes equipment determined to pose an "unacceptable risk" to U.S. national security and the safety of Americans.
Fox News Digital's Landon Mion contributed to this report.
Original article source:FBI ramps up counter-drone efforts as Patel warns of growing threats from criminals, terrorists
