Governors Demanded Expanded Federal Drone Training
Twenty-nine governors requested increased training capacity to help local agencies utilize new drone-mitigation authorities.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Terrorism
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A bipartisan group of 29 governors sent a letter to federal leaders calling for expanded access to drone-mitigation training for state and local law enforcement. Current capacity at federal facilities has caused significant wait times for agencies seeking to utilize legal authorities.
Why it matters
The request follows legislation that granted states new powers to counter drone threats, yet agencies currently lack the trained personnel to implement these protocols. Scaling up regional training is seen as critical to closing the gap between legal authority and practical capability.
The request involves 29 state governors seeking more training seats at the FBI's National Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Training Center, which currently suffers from limited capacity. This follows the July 2026 publication of an interim final rule by the Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security.
The players
Josh Stein
As the Governor of North Carolina, he served as a lead organizer for the coalition of governors requesting federal training support.
Henry McMaster
The Governor of South Carolina worked alongside other state leaders to spearhead the push for increased counter-drone training capacity.
The details
The governors addressed their correspondence to the Attorney General, the Secretary of War, and the FBI Director. They proposed creating regional training programs to complement existing federal efforts, ensuring that corrections officers, National Guard personnel, and local police can safely operate drone detection and mitigation technologies.
Timeline
September 2025: Thirty-one governors previously called for expanded drone-threat authority.
December 2025: Congress enacted the SAFER SKIES Act.
July 2026: Federal agencies published an interim final rule.
October 6, 2026: Twenty-nine governors sent a formal letter requesting expanded training.
Legal Context
This effort marks a follow-up to the implementation phase of the SAFER SKIES Act, which established the legal framework for domestic drone mitigation. The push for localized training suggests a shift toward integrating federal security protocols into existing state law enforcement operations.
The potential expansion of training means that local law enforcement and National Guard units may soon be better equipped to detect and mitigate unauthorized drone flights. Residents in areas with critical infrastructure may see increased security patrols or updated emergency protocols as agencies receive certification.
The takeaway
The move underscores the growing need for specialized skills as states assume more responsibility for counter-drone security operations. Stakeholders should monitor for potential federal funding or administrative updates that could accelerate the rollout of regional training hubs.
Further reading
For more on the regulatory landscape regarding drone security, visit the Terrorism section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by DRONELIFE.
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