What Changes Are Needed for Counter UAS Regulations in Civilian Airspace?

February 23, 2025

A House committee hearing held earlier this month outlined the current federal regulations that limit the use of counter unmanned aircraft system (UAS) technologies by state and local authorities to detect and mitigate the use of illegally operated drones in civilian airspace.

"Make no mistake, the recent events in New Jersey have highlighted the ease with which bad actors could utilize drones with nefarious and malicious intent or conduct illicit drone operations," Troy Nehls, House Subcommittee on Aviation Chairman, said in his opening remarks during the hearing. "We must continue to support and foster new aviation technologies – the future of American aviation depends on it. That responsibility includes ensuring the appropriate and safe use of counter UAS technologies in the nation’s airspace by authorized users to make certain that civil aviation safety is not jeopardized."

Lisa Ellman, Executive Director, Commercial Drone Alliance (CDA), was one of three expert witnesses that participated in the hearing. She is the guest on this episode of the Aerospace & Defense Technology podcast to discuss how current counter UAS regulations can be improved to address illegally operated drones in civilian airspace.

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