FBI Director Kash Patel warns of growing drone threats

The Trump administration is stepping up efforts to combat the growing threat posed by drones used by criminal networks, terrorist groups and foreign adversaries and launching a new national training program to help law enforcement detect and stop illegal drone activity, FBI Director Kash Patel said Saturday.

Patel said the bureau has invested significant time and resources this year to modernize its capabilities to counter unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).

“Drones 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 in X.

Patel said President Donald Trump signed an executive order in June that led to the creation of the National Counter-UAS Training Center, which the FBI operates at the Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama.

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The FBI director said the new training center prepares law enforcement to safely detect, identify, track and mitigate illegal drone activity when legally authorized, in accordance with the National Defense Authorization Act passed by Congress this year.

Patel said the facility will play a key role in preparing security operations for major events to be held in the United States, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics.

“This is an investment that will provide major benefits to America’s national security for years to come,” he added.

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FBI Director Kash Patel said Saturday that drones are “increasingly exploited by criminals, terrorists and hostile foreign actors.” (Reuters)

Patel’s post highlights how the FBI has made counter-drone operations a top priority in modernizing and framed drones as an evolving national security threat.

FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino wrote on Saturday

On Monday, the Federal Communications Commission announced it would ban new foreign-made drones due to national security concerns.

Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Kash Patel says a new National Counter-UAS Training Center will play a key role in preparing security operations for major upcoming events in the United States (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

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The FCC added UAS and critical components manufactured in China and other foreign countries to its “extensive list” of 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.