Governors ask federal agencies to widen counter-drone training access

A group of 29 governors from both parties has asked three federal officials to broaden the availability of counter-drone training, citing new authorities that states are preparing to exercise under the Safer Skies Act.

The request was sent on October 6 to Attorney General Todd Blanche, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and FBI Director Kash Patel. North Carolina Governor Josh Stein and South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster led the effort.

The governors wrote that wider legal powers to deal with hostile drone activity need to be matched by enough training slots for the people who will use them. Without that capacity, they argued, officers and other personnel cannot apply the authorities safely or within the law.

Threats named in the letter include risks to critical infrastructure, transportation systems, prisons and jails, large public gatherings and public safety operations.

Three priorities are set out. The governors want more places at the FBI's National Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Training Center, plus regional courses so that agencies do not face long travel and the staffing gaps that come with it.

They also want a dedicated counter-drone curriculum for corrections staff. Such a program would cover drones used to smuggle weapons, drugs, contraband and communications equipment into secure facilities, and would address legal authority, how to gather evidence, coordination with law enforcement and safe ways to respond.

Finally, the governors are seeking wider access to counter-drone instruction for National Guard members, who assist with security at major events, during emergency operations and at critical infrastructure sites.

The appeal comes as agencies carry out the Safer Skies Act, which gave eligible state, local, tribal and territorial law enforcement and corrections agencies broader counter-drone powers.