There is a lack of resources in the United States to effectively safeguard soft targets and crowded places against uncrewed aerial system (UAS) threats, says a new report from MITRE’s Center for Data-Driven Policy.
MITRE analysed existing UAS threat-response mechanisms, countermeasures, and policies and authorities to identify barriers to conducting effective counter-UAS (C-UAS) protection and developed recommendations that address the challenges and opportunities identified.
“Technological advancements in areas such as imaging, construction, composition, speed, autonomy, and artificial intelligence, coupled with higher UAS proliferation due to factors such as increased affordability, private and public sector uses, 3-D printing, and do-it-yourself kits, make UAS more attractive as potential threat vectors for nefarious actors,” MITRE states.
The report notes that UAS threats “may include deploying dangerous chemical, biological, or other substances over crowds or using the physical device to cause harm” and calls for nationwide training and funding for federal and state personnel as well as the necessary equipment to defend against these threats.
MITRE also says there are opportunities in UAS Traffic Management (UTM) for federal security partners to “invest in, improve, and enforce the use of UAS Remote Identification, as well as to closely collaborate with safety partners to develop and deploy UTM solutions”.
The report suggests that the Department of Homeland Security and Department of Justice (DOJ) should lead an effort to identify, assess, and prioritise locations in the country to receive C-UAS protection. “Locations may be selected based on factors such as population density, infrastructure, national or homeland security criticality, economic or financial value, aviation nexuses, and current levels of UAS activity.”
Other recommendations include developing data and information exchange standards for C-UAS systems, increasing legislative authorities and DOJ working with the Federal Aviation Administration to enact stronger penalties.
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