The Pentagon is establishing no-fly zones for drones over U.S. military bases, and threatening to back it up with lethal force.
Under new guidance issued by the Pentagon August 4, small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), commonly known as “drones” that violate airspace near U.S. military installations are subject to shoot-down.
“We of course retain the right of self-defense and when it comes to UAS or drones operating over military installations this new guidance does afford us the ability to take action to stop those threats, that includes disabling, destroying, and tracking,” said Navy Capt. Jeff Davis, a Pentagon spokesman.
The Pentagon will be informing local governments that have military bases of the new restrictions, which are not unlike the FAA restrictions around the White House and other restricted airspace.
“The increase of commercial and private drones in the United States has raised our concerns with regard to safety and security of our installations,” Davis said. “Protecting our force remains a top priority.”
The Pentagon says the new rules to counter the threat from commercial and private drones was developed in coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration.
