U.S. Agencies Step Up Drone Enforcement After Fort McNair Incursions

Overview

• The Justice, Homeland Security and War departments, along with the FAA, issued a joint notice reinforcing restricted‑airspace rules for drones.
• Officials warned of penalties that can exceed $100,000, with possible federal criminal charges, certificate revocation, and confiscation of the aircraft.
• Multiple drones were recently detected over Fort Lesley J. McNair in Washington, D.C., and authorities have not determined where they originated.
• FAA chief counsel Liam McKenna said enforcement is increasing as drone pilots are expected to follow the same regulations as other aviators.
• The Pentagon highlighted counter‑UAS capabilities through JIATF‑401 and NORAD/USNORTHCOM, and Gen. Gregory Guillot reported troops defeated a drone over a strategic U.S. installation early in the Iran war.