Steinhardt on Drones: ‘The federal government owns this mess’

Almost four weeks since the first, reported, New Jersey drone sighting, it’s clear that global drone technology has evolved faster than the U.S. government’s tactical, legal, and regulatory capabilities to identify, assess, and respond to it. The Federal government’s failure to be open and transparent is the singular cause of this crisis.

Almost four weeks into NJ’s drone sightings, there’s no clear answer, accepted theory, or recognized solution. People are told to dial 1-800-CALL-FBI and report sightings. Others, including President-elect Trump and me, have said “shoot one down” if necessary. One thing is clear, there’s no uniformed agreement, authorites, or understanding between State and Federal agencies about who and how to act.

Almost four weeks into this national drone mess, and for every emerging drone “expert” there’s a corresponding, contradictory “expert” or agency proving just how little we know and unprepared the Country is to address everything from everyday drone activity to hostile invasions or rogue actors.

Almost four weeks into the Biden Administration’s ball drop, we’ve heard from academics and Admiral Kirby that every reported drone is just a fixed wing, manned aircraft. Every one? Really? Meanwhile military spokesmen for the Naval Weapon Station Earl and Picatinny Arsenal in NJ have reported 13 separate verified drone intrusions into their respective, restricted airspace, and the New Jersey State Police reported that on multiple occasions they dispatched helicopters to intercept drones only for those aircraft to go dark and disappear without a signal or detectable trace. Those reports are documented and undisputed.

At Monday’s Joint Legislative briefing at NJSP headquarters, the U.S. Dept of Homeland Security reported that the total Federal budget for counter-UAS research and development is just $500,000, peanuts in a Biden Administration that spends billions tearing down border walls, providing aid to foreign adversaries, and funding other programs or housing, feeding, clothing and coddling illegal immigrants at the expense of American citizens. Almost 4 weeks into the drone controversy and it’s clear the Biden Administration is totally and unapologetically unprepared to protect or defend American families from emerging threats.

The Federal government owns this mess.  They have singular jurisdiction over American skies yet can’t produce a unified, credible report or message. No branch of the Fed know what’s happening or what the other is doing, or will admit it, and the lack of any discernible plan or regulatory scheme to fix it is nauseating.

1. Answer the American public or take action to protect them. Period. End of story.

2. Congress must pass laws responsive to emerging drone technology that empower state law enforcement and other state agencies to act where the Fed fails or refuses.

3. The U.S. needs a modern legal and regulatory framework to address errant drones and drone operators, recognize and neutralize threats, and respond to hostile actors and foreign adversaries. This crisis exposes cracks in America’s drone defenses.

4. We need a modern and robust counter-UAS program to stop China, Russia, Iran, and others, rogue operators, over eager hobbyists, and even our own government if need be, from disrupting our economy, harming our families, halting interstate transit, and threatening our interests. Every American should feel safe in their own home.

5. Finally, we need to get our act together and act like the U.S.A.

THIS WHOLE EXPERIENCE IS AN INTERNATIONAL EMBARRASSMENT.