29 Governors Urge Federal Expansion of Counter-Drone Training Under New Law
Bipartisan request seeks more training for law enforcement, corrections officers, and National Guard personnel as states implement new counter-UAS authorities.
A bipartisan group of 29 U.S. governors is calling on federal officials to expand counter-drone training for state and local agencies. The request comes as agencies work to implement new authorities granted under the SAFER SKIES Act.
In an October 6 letter, the governors urged federal officials to increase access to approved training for law enforcement, corrections officers, and National Guard personnel.
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein and South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster led the effort. The governors addressed their letter to Attorney General Todd Blanche, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, and FBI Director Kash Patel.
“Without sufficient training capacity, many jurisdictions will be unable to responsibly exercise the authorities Congress has provided,” the governors wrote.
Three Priorities for Counter-Drone Training
The letter identifies three areas where the governors want expanded federal support.
First, they request more training opportunities through the FBI’s National Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Training Center (NCUTC). According to the letter, limited training availability has created lengthy wait times for agencies seeking certification. The governors suggest adding training seats or offering regional programs to reduce travel costs and delays.
Second, they call for specialized training for corrections officers. The governors cite threats from drones delivering contraband, weapons, drugs, and communication devices into correctional facilities. They recommend training that addresses legal authority, evidence collection, coordination with law enforcement, and safe response procedures.
Third, the governors seek expanded training for National Guard personnel. They emphasize the Guard’s role in supporting major public events, emergency response, homeland security, and critical infrastructure protection.
New Authorities Require Training and Certification
Congress enacted the SAFER SKIES Act in December 2025 as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act.
The law expanded the circumstances under which authorized state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement and correctional agencies can detect and respond to threatening drones.
The Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security published an interim final rule in July 2026 establishing the implementation framework. The rule creates separate training and certification requirements for detection and warning operations and for more intrusive mitigation measures.
Agencies must meet applicable federal requirements before exercising these authorities. These include training, certification, approved technologies, and operational safeguards.
The governors’ request follows an earlier effort in September 2025, when 31 governors called for expanded authority to address drone threats. With the new federal framework in place, their latest letter focuses on the training needed to put those authorities into practice.
The governors have not announced a new training program or funding award. Their letter asks federal agencies to expand existing training capacity and develop additional programs.
The request highlights a practical challenge for public safety agencies: new counter-drone authority does not automatically provide the trained personnel needed to use it.