US Military Bases Can Now Shoot Down Consumer Drones

The government has become more strict about drone rules and what happens when you break those rules, and latest among its efforts to curb improper drone usage is a new policy that lets the military shoot them out of the sky. This policy comes with its own rules; only drones that are over military bases and that are a possible threat can be taken down. The military also has the right to capture and retain the drone if it so chooses, or to alternatively track it back to its operator.

The new policy was announced by the US government yesterday, and it aims to enable military bases to protect themselves from the potential malicious presence (surveillance, etc) of drones operated in their airspace. As it stands, the FAA bans operating drones over these military bases, though sometimes this happens for reasons other than ill-intent — namely, operators not realizing they've gravitated into a protected airspace. Not all drones that make this mistake will be taken down.

The new policy allows military bases to deal with any drones, including ones operated by commercial entities, if they're deemed a threat. That means accidentally flying your drone where it isn't permitted could be a costly mistake that results in the capture and dismantling of your equipment. The policy has been in effect since last month and covers 135 military bases.

Military bases are only one of many places where drones are forbidden; airports have the same restrictions, as does airspace over people and places where emergency crews are working. This summer saw two separate instances of drones being operated in airspace where emergency planes were working to put out a wildfire.

While some instances of drone misuse have resulted in mere warnings or small fines, others have faced much more serious actions, the results of which could span to include being arrested depending on the severity of the actions and their resulting fallout. Reports of drone misuse span back years.

SOURCE: Military Times