State Strengthens Defenses Against Malicious Drones

Governor Stein Highlights Drone Security Gains in NC Strong Update, Citing New Federal Authority to Counter Threats

Gov. Josh Stein used his latest NC Strong update on Jan. 15 to spotlight North Carolina’s expanding efforts to protect communities from malicious drone activity, pointing to recent bipartisan federal action that gives state and local authorities new tools to detect and mitigate unmanned aircraft threats.

Stein said the issue has grown in urgency as drones become more accessible and increasingly misused for criminal activity, including smuggling contraband into prisons and surveilling sensitive locations. “Drones can be useful and even save lives, but the risks are also real,” Stein said. “When malicious actors use unmanned drones, they can create serious threats to our people.”

Safer Skies Act advances counter-drone authority

Central to the governor’s update was the passage of the Safer Skies Act by Congress, which was incorporated into the fiscal year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDDA) in December. The measure authorizes state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement — under federal oversight — to detect, track, and mitigate credible drone threats.

President Donald Trump signed the NDAA into law on Dec. 18. "Over the next 3 years, the United States will host numerous major events that necessitate new authorities to combat emerging security threats. The Act includes the critical SAFER SKIES Act, which provides State and local law enforcement with the authority to protect against unmanned aircraft when they present a threat to the public and creates a new felony offense for a second violation of national defense airspace," Trump said. "In addition, the Act provides key resources to ensure the continued security of the southern border from illegal immigration and transnational criminal organizations."

Stein credited months of bipartisan coordination through the Council of Governors, which he co-chairs, for moving the legislation forward. In September, Stein and Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry led a coalition of 30 governors urging Congress to close gaps in counter-drone authority that had limited states’ ability to respond to unauthorized aircraft.

According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, incidents involving drones near correctional facilities, critical infrastructure, and large public events have increased nationwide in recent years, prompting calls from governors and law enforcement leaders for clearer legal authority and training.

Public safety and corrections at the forefront

North Carolina officials say the new law is especially significant for the state’s prison system. Unmanned aircraft have been used to deliver drugs, weapons, and cell phones into secure facilities, posing risks to both staff and inmates.

“Drones can pose a threat to every North Carolinian, and this includes the state’s correctional officers and incarcerated individuals,” said Jeff Smythe, secretary of the North Carolina Department of Public Safety. He said the Safer Skies Act will provide officers with the training, technology, and legal clarity needed to counter dangerous drone activity.

The North Carolina Department of Public Safety has documented numerous drone-related contraband incidents over the past several years, mirroring trends reported by the Federal Bureau of Prisons and state correctional agencies nationwide.

Next steps: training and coordination

With the law now enacted, Stein said his administration is focused on implementation. Federal agencies are developing rules and training standards, and Stein has pressed for North Carolina’s state and local law enforcement agencies to be included early in the rulemaking process.

The governor is also advocating for the rapid deployment of training once federal guidance is finalized, arguing that delays could leave communities vulnerable as drone technology continues to evolve.

In his role as co-chair of the Council of Governors, Stein has further recommended the creation of a National Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) Coordination Office. His proposal calls for $500 million in federal funding to support detection technology, personnel, and interagency coordination, as well as partnerships with private-sector experts.

The Council of Governors, established to strengthen coordination between states and the federal government on national security and disaster response, has increasingly focused on drone threats as a shared concern across states, regardless of party affiliation.

Broader NC Strong message

While drone security was a major focus, Stein’s NC Strong Update also addressed health care access, child nutrition, and budget priorities. He reiterated his call for the General Assembly to pass a comprehensive state budget, warning that the expiration of federal Affordable Care Act tax credits could raise insurance costs for many families.

Stein said the drone-related progress underscores what bipartisan cooperation can achieve. “This swift, bipartisan action shows what’s possible when we put public safety first,” he said. “Now we have to make sure the tools Congress authorized are put to work to keep North Carolinians safe.”