US Air Force Lacks Adequate Drone Defenses for Domestic Bases

During a May 13, 2026, congressional hearing, Lt. Gen. David Tabor, the U.S. Air Force’s deputy chief of staff for plans and programs, admitted that the military lacks sufficient defenses to protect its domestic air bases from drone incursions. Responding to questions from Rep. Clay Higgins regarding a recent drone intrusion at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana, Tabor acknowledged that current resources are inadequate for future threats. Barksdale hosts critical assets, including the B-52 and B-21 bomber fleets, making such breaches significant security risks involving potential intelligence gathering or sabotage. Tabor revealed that the Air Force is still determining the necessary measures and costs to secure airspace over U.S. installations. Legal and policy constraints, particularly under Section 401 of counter-drone legislation, limit the use of kinetic solutions like shooting down drones on American soil due to safety and regulatory concerns. Consequently, the service is exploring non-kinetic alternatives while navigating complex rules of engagement. This admission highlights a growing vulnerability as drone sightings at sensitive military sites become more frequent, raising concerns about adversary reconnaissance efforts exploiting these defensive gaps.