In recent discussions surrounding the military's evolving landscape, a striking pivotal change emerged: the increasing reliance on drone technology, which brings both innovative capabilities and significant security challenges. This dual-edged sword has become especially clear in light of alarming drone swarm incidents over U.S. military installations and aggressive developments by Ukrainian tech firms.
A recent 60 Minutes report highlighted a frightening series of drone swarm activities at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia, raising profound concerns about national security. Over a span of 17 nights in December 2023, drones were seen flying in groups over the base, which is home to some of the nation’s most advanced fighter jets, including the F-22 Raptor. Eyewitness accounts described up to 40 drones, equipped with reddish-orange flashing lights, moving in a systematic pattern reminiscent of a "conveyor belt.” Retired four-star General Mark Kelly recounted witnessing drones ranging from commercial quadcopters to larger models the size of a small car.
These drone incursions prompted the relocation of several F-22 fighters to a nearby base, underlining the threat these drones pose not only for surveillance but potentially for attacks on critical military assets. General Glen VanHerck, former commander of NORAD and NORTHCOM, explained the substantial challenges military personnel face in responding to such drone activities, citing inadequate detection capabilities for low-flying drones and jurisdictional complexities that hinder effective countermeasures.
The initial response from the White House downplayed these incidents as possibly being the work of hobbyists; however, military leaders remain cautious, fearing a potential espionage angle to these aerial activities. General Gregory Guillot, the current head of NORAD and NORTHCOM, acknowledged that the drone threat "probably caught us by surprise a little bit," prompting NORTHCOM to develop new strategies and technologies to counter such drone threats. Proposed updates include installing more sensitive radar systems and better coordination across government agencies to improve situational responsiveness.
At the same time, Ukraine is ramping up its efforts in drone warfare. In mid-March 2025, Ukraine's Ministry of Defense announced plans to procure a staggering 4.5 million first-person view (FPV) drones, primarily from local manufacturers like Sine.Engineering. This Ukrainian firm plays a vital role in battlefield drone technology and has been crucial in developing scalable drone swarms. According to Andriy Chulyk, Sine.Engineering’s CEO, "We’re really close to making drone swarms work on the battlefield – but we need operators, and a lot of them." He further emphasized the necessity of efficient drone operation to replace human presence in critical zones.
Sine.Engineering’s advancements also focus on overcoming Russian jamming tactics, which disrupt GPS functionality. They are actively developing non-GPS navigation systems that are crucial for the operational efficiency of drones in conflict areas. “You need to deliver the drone manually into the zone of interest, and it’s quite hard for a pilot without the necessary skills," Chulyk noted, citing the company's commitment to reducing the entry barriers for novice drone operators.
The technological innovations aren’t isolated within Ukraine's boundaries. The Defense Department of the United States is also making significant strides. Marlan Macklin, deputy principal director for the Pentagon’s FutureG Office, reported in a recent statement about the shift towards 6G wireless technology for military applications. They are experimenting with Integrated Sensing and Communication, a new capability using radio frequencies to generate situational awareness. This application could vastly improve drone management and enhance operational safety in populated areas.
Addressing the threats posed by civilian drone activities, Macklin expressed the necessity of innovating in the domain of drone detection and management. He stated, "If you’ve been tracking what’s been going on in the news recently, when you add a national security perspective to that, we sure have had a lot of incidents where folks are weaponizing commercial drones.” This sentiment echoes concerns raised by lawmakers, including Senator Roger Wicker, regarding the urgency for improved countermeasures against potential espionage activities.
As the U.S. military navigates this rapidly evolving technological landscape, parallel threats are emerging. Incidents involving drone swarms have also occurred at naval installations along the California coast, the Palo Verde nuclear plant in Arizona, and military bases in the UK, further raising the alarm regarding surveillance and potential attacks on critical national assets.
Ultimately, the convergence of Ukraine’s innovative drone strategies and the U.S. military’s efforts to improve drone management underscores the pressing need to address security vulnerabilities exposed by recent incidents. As drone technology continues to advance, so too must the measures put in place to mitigate threats from these unmanned systems—a task that is becoming increasingly complex as both countries demonstrate remarkable adaptability to the realities of modern warfare.
