Twenty-nine governors are asking the federal government to expand counter-drone training capacity before newly authorized state and local agencies begin using their powers under the Safer Skies Act.
In an October 6 letter to federal officials, North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein and South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster led a bipartisan group calling for more seats at the FBI’s National Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Training Center, plus regional instruction. The governors said limited capacity and wait times could prevent jurisdictions from building qualified teams quickly, while regional courses could reduce travel costs and staffing disruptions.
The request matters to drone operators and public-safety agencies because it points to a potential expansion in the number of personnel trained to respond to malicious unmanned aircraft activity. The governors cited threats involving critical infrastructure, transportation systems, correctional facilities, major public events and public-safety operations, according to AVweb’s report.
The letter’s second priority is a dedicated counter-UAS curriculum for corrections officials. It would address drones allegedly used to deliver weapons, narcotics, contraband and communication devices into secure facilities, with training covering legal authorities, evidence collection, coordination with law enforcement and safe operational response.
The governors also want broader access to counter-drone instruction for National Guard members supporting homeland-security missions, major events, emergency response and critical-infrastructure protection.
The letter is a policy request, not an announcement that additional courses or regional facilities have been approved. It says expanded operational authorities should be matched by training that enables personnel to use them safely, lawfully and effectively.