Hill Air Force Base commander: Keep rogue drones out of our airspace

SALT LAKE CITY — Rogue drones and U.S. Air Force bases make for bad celestial neighbors.

And if you're operating unauthorized unmanned aircraft over an American military installation, you're flying illegally — and it's dangerous.

That no-nonsense reminder being shared this week by the commander at Utah's Hill Air Force Base comes after "multiple waves" of unauthorized drones were spotted last month over a strategically sensitive Air Force base in Louisiana.

In a Wednesday release, HAFB noted the growing popularity of drones, while also emphasizing that the sprawling Davis County-based military base — along with the Utah Test and Training Range and Little Mountain Test Facility — are all designated "No Drone Zones."

Unauthorized drone flights over or near American military installations, according to the HAFB release, are both illegal and hazardous. They can interfere with base aviation operations, disrupt "critical national security missions" — and endanger aircrews and others on the ground.

"The safety of our airmen and their families, along with the security of our mission are top priorities," said Col. Dan Cornelius, 75th Air Base Wing commander. "Drones operated in our airspace endanger our personnel and jeopardize the sensitive work we do here.

"We are asking for the community's full cooperation to help us keep our skies safe for everyone."

HAFB works with the Federal Aviation Administration and local Utah law enforcement to monitor drone activities. And drone operators who break the rules may be subject to "significant fines" and arrest.

It's up to drone operators to know and obey FAA rules before launching any class of unmanned aerial system.

"We understand that people enjoy flying drones, but it's crucial that they do so responsibly and legally," added Cornelius.

"Flying in a designated 'No Drone Zone' isn't just against the rules — it's dangerous. We appreciate our neighbors who respect these boundaries and help us maintain a secure environment."

Drones 'swarming' over Louisiana Air Force base

On March 9, a shelter-in-place order was issued at Louisiana's Barksdale Air Force Base following reports of an unmanned aerial system operating over the installation.

The rogue drone sighting, according to ABC News, was alarming because Barksdale houses long-range B-52 bombers and plays a critical role in command and control of the Air Force nuclear defense capabilities.

The shelter-in-place order was reportedly lifted that same day — but the unauthorized drone flights continued for nearly a week.

According to a confidential internal briefing document reviewed by ABC News, the drones came in waves and exited the base in a manner suggesting attempts to "avoid the operator(s) being located."

Lights on the drones suggested the operators "may be testing security responses" at the base.

"Between March 9-15, 2026, (Barksdale Air Force Base) Security Forces observed multiple waves of 12-15 drones operating over sensitive areas of the installation, including the flight line, with aircraft displaying non-commercial signal characteristics, long-range control links and resistance to jamming," the document said.

"After reaching multiple points across the installation, the drones dispersed across sensitive locations on the base."

The briefing added that the drones were different from what amateur drone operators could easily purchase. Instead, they appeared to be custom-built and required "advanced knowledge" of signal operations.

"The drone incursions at (Barksdale) pose a significant threat to public safety and national security since they require the flight line to be shut down while also putting manned aircraft already in-flight in the area at risk," the document said.

Drone ban at Utah military sites

Wednesday's "No Drone Zone" release from Hill Air Force Base included a link to the base's drone policy.

All drone flights — including public, civil and model aircraft — are prohibited near HAFB and the Utah Test and Training Range situated in the state's West Desert. Both areas are designated "National Defense Airspace."

The public is also being asked to contact HAFB if they spot a drone flying over the military property.

"All drone operators must be aware of any stipulations outlined in their approved authorizations as well as any other events/airspace restrictions that would impact their flying operations (temporary flight restrictions, public events, nighttime operations etc.)," according to a HAFB drone policy fact sheet.

"Failure to do so may result in criminal prosecution."

Drone operators are also strongly encouraged to register their aircraft with the FAA.

Related topics