A senior North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) official has warned that U.S. military bases lack the necessary sensors to detect swarms of small attack drones, raising concerns about vulnerabilities in homeland defense.
On August 13, Army Lt. Gen. Joseph Jarrard, deputy commander of U.S. Northern Command and vice commander of NORAD’s U.S. Element, told the Space and Missile Defense Symposium in Alabama that current defenses are insufficient to counter this emerging threat. Jarrard emphasized that detection remains the biggest challenge, stating that some bases have no sensors at all to identify incoming drone swarms, let alone the systems to neutralize them.
Defense gaps extend beyond military installations
Jarrard highlighted that the issue is not limited to military bases, noting that interoperability between federal agencies and local law enforcement is critical to addressing the threat. He pointed to recent collaborations during the World Cup as an example of how different authorities must coordinate to mitigate risks.
Pentagon prioritizes counter-drone efforts amid global threats
The warning comes as the Pentagon seeks billions in funding for new counter-drone weapons, though Jarrard noted that the shortfall begins with early detection capabilities. Cheap, one-way attack drones have reshaped battlefield dynamics in conflicts such as Ukraine and the Middle East, where adversaries have increasingly deployed them.
Jarrard stated that NORAD is integrating counter-drone tactics into Operation Noble Eagle, the long-running U.S.-Canada homeland air defense mission. For now, the command relies on existing radar systems while working to connect with local agencies that operate detection tools outside military installations.
Calls for federal-local coordination
The general stressed the need for federal authorities to work alongside local law enforcement to improve detection and response. He warned that without such coordination, the U.S. remains ill-equipped to handle swarm attacks, which are becoming more common globally.