Executive Brief: FBI Releases New Framework for Public Safety Counter-Drone Operations

The FBI, in coordination with the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security, has released a series of documents implementing the SAFER SKIES Act, establishing a new national framework for how state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) agencies can detect, track, and, in some cases, mitigate drone threats.

2026-07_C-UAS_Authorized_Technologies_List.pdf

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Countering_Drones_Decision_Brief.pdf

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Counter_Drone_Authority_Q_and_A.pdf

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Countering_Dangerous_Drones_Public_Fact_Sheet.pdf

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Collectively, these documents represent the most significant expansion of counter-UAS authority to public safety agencies in recent years, creating a pathway for accredited agencies to conduct counter-drone operations within their own jurisdictions rather than relying exclusively on federal task forces.

Key Takeaways

Public Safety Agencies Can Now Opt In

The new rule is entirely voluntary. Agencies may choose to participate based on their mission requirements, threat environment, and available resources. The framework is particularly focused on protecting:

• Correctional facilities

• Large public events and mass gatherings

• Critical infrastructure

• Public safety personnel, facilities, and assets

Two Levels of Capability

The framework establishes a scalable approach:

Detection & Warning

• Detect, identify, monitor, and track drones

• Warn operators

• Requires a free online certification course through the FBI National Counter-UAS Training Center (NCUTC)

Mitigation

• Authority to disrupt, disable, take control of, or stop a threatening drone

• Requires advanced resident training through NCUTC and additional oversight requirements

Authorized Technologies Identified

The newly released Authorized Technologies List (ATL) identifies three initial technology categories approved for counter-UAS operations:

• RF detection and command-and-control signal interception

• RF protocol manipulation (cyber takeover)

• RF disruption/jamming of drone control links

Traditional technologies such as radar, cameras, acoustic sensors, and Remote ID receivers remain unaffected and can continue to be used under existing authorities.

Funding Is Available

The Decision Brief highlights a $500 million FEMA Counter-UAS Grant Program for FY26–27. Detection and tracking programs are broadly eligible, while mitigation capabilities require certified or scheduled NCUTC personnel. Additional funding opportunities may also be available through Byrne JAG and COPS programs.

Strong Emphasis on Oversight and Privacy

The framework includes agency accreditation requirements, operational planning, federal coordination, post-operation reporting, auditing, and privacy protections. Intercepted communications are generally required to be deleted within 180 days, and the authority cannot be used as a general surveillance tool.

The Decision for Agency Leaders

Perhaps the most important message from the FBI's Countering Drones: A Decision Brief is that counter-UAS programs are not simply about purchasing technology. Successful programs require trained personnel, operational policies, recurring training, legal review, and long-term sustainment. The brief encourages agencies to carefully evaluate whether they need only detection capabilities, full mitigation authority, or whether mutual-aid partnerships may provide a better solution.

Looking Ahead

As drone threats continue to evolve, the SAFER SKIES framework establishes a national model for public safety agencies to responsibly detect and respond to dangerous drone activity while balancing operational effectiveness, privacy, accountability, and public trust. Agencies now have a clear roadmap to assess their needs, train personnel, seek funding, and build capabilities that fit their mission.