A recent report from the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), a Washington-based think tank, highlights growing concerns over the intersection of advancing artificial intelligence (AI) and increased accessibility to drones, warning these technologies collectively pose heightened risks to public safety across the United States.
Titled “A Clear and Present Danger,” the report underscores that while the country has yet to experience any major drone-related attacks, the proliferation of inexpensive drones combined with AI capabilities significantly expands their potential for causing harm or disruption. Most drones in the U.S. are used for commercial or civilian purposes and fall under federal regulation, but unauthorized and illegal drone flights have become a frequent challenge for law enforcement.
Data collected by PERF indicate that unauthorized drones routinely intrude into sensitive spaces, including football stadiums during game days. In New York City alone, the report notes approximately 23,000 illegal drone flights occur each month. Similarly, hundreds of drones were confiscated at World Cup events throughout the U.S. this summer. The report calls for authorities to address these threats with the same urgency that was applied to counterterrorism efforts following the attacks on September 11, 2001.
The evolving use of drone technology combined with artificial intelligence has drawn heightened attention due in part to their roles in global conflicts. Earlier this year, Ukrainian officials reported a Russian drone guided by AI was responsible for a deadly crash. The U.S. military has deployed low-cost drones to counter similar threats posed by Iranian Shahed drones. Domestically, federal authorities revealed that they thwarted a plot involving explosive-laden drones targeting events on the White House lawn earlier this year.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch has publicly expressed concerns about the increasing prevalence of drones in urban environments. Speaking in May as New York prepared for the World Cup, she emphasized the ease with which commercial drones can be converted into weapons. Last month, during the U.S. Open, Tisch announced that the NYPD had obtained federal authorization to disable rogue drones, reflecting growing law enforcement efforts to counter this threat.
Experts agree the accessibility of drone technology poses challenges for counterterrorism efforts. Christopher O’Leary, a recently retired senior FBI counterterrorism official, described the rapid development and availability of drones as “alarming” and noted the limited capacity to effectively counter such threats. The report also flagged the national security risks posed by drones manufactured abroad, particularly in China. Although the Federal Communications Commission imposed restrictions on some foreign-made drones last year, such devices continue to enter the U.S. market through rebranded products sold by shell companies.
Law enforcement officials who have observed drone use in conflict zones have urged increased vigilance domestically. Sean Patterson, chief of the University of Tennessee Police Department and a former NYPD officer, recounted a trip to Ukraine last year that reshaped his perspective on drone threats. Highlighting the potential risks at large public venues, Patterson stressed the importance for police leaders nationwide to prioritize drone threat preparedness in their security planning.
As drone and AI technologies evolve and become more integrated, the authorities warn that coordinated efforts are needed to mitigate emerging risks and ensure public safety amid rapidly shifting technological landscapes.