WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate will conduct Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (C-UAS) testing in the National Capital Region (NCR) from March 10-15, 2025. Please note that these tests are closed to press and not open for media coverage.
During this period, multiple short-duration drone flights will be launched from designated sites to assess C-UAS technology capabilities. The team has coordinated and approved testing locations within the NCR with all stakeholders.
All test drone activities are closely coordinated with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and comply with the FAA’s Small UAS Rule (Part 107) such as the drone remaining within direct line-of-sight of the pilot and operating at altitudes that do not exceed 400 feet above ground level. FAA Part 107 certified pilots will conduct the flights in compliance with all Part 107 requirements. Law enforcement officers will accompany all drone teams. No test activity will occur at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) but the test coordinator will maintain real-time communication with DCA’s air traffic control for awareness.
This test is part of DHS’ ongoing efforts to enhance national security by evaluating C-UAS technologies against simulated threats. No data on non-test drones in the area will be intentionally collected or retained.
Participating agencies include the U.S. Secret Service (USSS), Federal Protective Service (FPS), and local DC agencies through the National Capital Region Command Center (NCRCC).
For general information on DHS’ C-UAS efforts, please refer to the DHS C-UAS Privacy Impact Assessment (DHS/ALL/PIA-085, PDF, 22 pgs. 0.55 MB).
Related
Discover more from sUAS News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.