DOD threatens ‘severe consequences’ for drone operators flying in restricted airspace

The Defense Department and three federal agencies issued a warning Friday threatening fines exceeding $100,000, criminal charges, and imprisonment for anyone illegally operating drones over restricted U.S. airspace. The warning comes as drone incursions over military bases have increased with the proliferation of commercial systems, including a recent threat detected over a "strategic" U.S. installation that American forces defeated. The government declared a "zero-tolerance policy" and said it has deployed state-of-the-art detection technology capable of locating operators before threats become visible. The Pentagon's Joint Interagency Task Force 401, established last year under Army leadership, will lead enforcement efforts, and DHS is asking the public to report suspicious drone activity to law enforcement.