Washington D.C.: Hearing on drone incursions at military bases

Event Details On April 29, 2025, the US House Oversight Committee’s Subcommittee on Military and Foreign Affairs conducted a hearing titled “Securing the Skies: Addressing Unauthorized Drone Activity Over U.S. Military Installations” in HVC-210, Capitol Visitors Center, Washington D.C.. The session addressed rising drone sightings at sensitive bases, including a prolonged incident at Langley Air Force Base nearly 18 months prior.

Key Statements and Witnesses Ranking Member Suhas Subramanyam (D-Va.) highlighted persistent unknowns about drone operators and purposes over Langley. Rear Adm. Paul Spedero Jr., Vice Director for Operations on the Joint Staff, revealed a recent classified procedure from US Northern Command for bases to follow during future incidents. Chairman Rep. William Timmons (R-S.C.) suggested these events indicate organized adversary surveillance of critical equipment. Witnesses included Mark Roosevelt Ditlevson, Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense, and others from the Department of Defense.

Significance The hearing underscored gaps in counter-drone technology at bases and unclear agency responsibilities, emphasizing national security risks from potential espionage or attacks. It called for unified action amid surging incursions in 2025.