U.S. Expands Counter-Drone Defense to Protect Critical Infrastructure From Low-Cost Drone Attacks

The United States is broadening its counter-drone strategy for critical infrastructure beyond simply detecting and intercepting every hostile aircraft. The emerging approach combines counter-UAS sensors and defeat systems with site hardening, redundant equipment, incident coordination, and continuity plans intended to limit damage when a drone penetrates defensive layers. The shift recognizes that inexpensive commercial or improvised drones can overwhelm costly interceptors and threaten energy, transportation, communications, and government facilities, making resilience and rapid recovery essential parts of effective national protection and resilience alongside active defense.