The FBI has released a new framework to help state, local, Tribal and territorial public safety agencies detect, track and, in certain circumstances, mitigate drone threats under the SAFER SKIES Act.
The documents, developed in coordination with the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security, set out how accredited agencies can build counter-unmanned aircraft systems programs within their own jurisdictions rather than relying solely on federal task forces.
Countering Drones: A Decision Brief
Counter-Drone Authority: Questions & Answers
The framework creates a voluntary route for eligible public safety agencies to opt into counter-UAS operations based on their mission, threat environment and available resources.
It is aimed at agencies responsible for protecting correctional facilities, major public events, mass gatherings, critical infrastructure, and public safety personnel, facilities and assets.
The approach separates counter-drone activity into two levels: detection and warning, and mitigation.
Detection and warning covers the ability to detect, identify, monitor and track drones, as well as warn operators. Agencies pursuing this level must complete an online certification course through the FBI National Counter-UAS Training Center.
Mitigation authority covers more active measures, including disrupting, disabling, taking control of or stopping a threatening drone. This level requires advanced resident training through the NCUTC, along with additional oversight requirements.
The newly released Authorized Technologies List identifies initial technology categories approved for counter-UAS operations, including radio frequency detection and command-and-control signal interception, RF protocol manipulation and RF disruption or jamming of drone control links.
The framework does not change the use of traditional technologies such as radar, cameras, acoustic sensors and Remote ID receivers where agencies already have authority to deploy them.
The Decision Brief also highlights federal funding options, including a $500 million FEMA Counter-UAS Grant Program across FY26 and FY27. Detection and tracking programs are broadly eligible, while mitigation capabilities require certified or scheduled NCUTC personnel.
The framework includes agency accreditation requirements, operational planning, federal coordination, post-operation reporting, auditing and privacy protections. Intercepted communications must generally be deleted within 180 days, and the authority cannot be used as a general surveillance tool.
The FBI’s guidance emphasizes that counter-UAS programs are not simply technology purchases. Agencies will need trained personnel, legal review, operational policies, recurring training and long-term sustainment plans.
As drone threats continue to evolve across public safety, correctional and critical infrastructure environments, the SAFER SKIES framework gives agencies a roadmap to assess risk, train personnel, seek funding and build counter-drone capabilities while balancing operational effectiveness, privacy, accountability and public trust.
