{"id":50900,"date":"2024-03-04T19:52:45","date_gmt":"2024-03-04T19:52:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/uncategorized\/2024\/03\/04\/drones-robotic-tech-pose-threat-to-us-nuclear-security-general-says\/"},"modified":"2026-08-08T18:42:42","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T18:42:42","slug":"drones-robotic-tech-pose-threat-to-us-nuclear-security-general-says","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/unmanned\/2024\/03\/04\/drones-robotic-tech-pose-threat-to-us-nuclear-security-general-says\/","title":{"rendered":"Drones, robotic tech pose threat to US nuclear security, general says"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The ballooning use of unmanned technologies including drones has consequences for the U.S. nuclear stockpile and associated infrastructure, according to the leader of Strategic Command.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Militaries and extremist groups around the world are deploying drones and other robotic technology to collect intelligence, aid targeting and even attack from relative safety. Learning how to intercept and neutralize them has quickly become a priority for Defense Department officials, who are monitoring skirmishes across Ukraine and the Greater Middle East<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The proliferation of sophisticated uncrewed systems \u201cposes a challenge to the department and our nation\u2019s nuclear enterprise,\u201d Air Force Gen. Anthony Cotton said in his 2024 Strategic Posture Statement, which was sent to Congress on Feb. 29. The matter is further complicated by an \u201caccelerating technological race with our adversaries,\u201d namely Russia and China, he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cotton\u2019s command, headquartered at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska, oversees the U.S. nuclear arsenal<\/a> and supports electromagnetic operations and missile threat assessment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

STRATCOM in 2022 and 2023 tested counter-drone weaponry to better understand its effectiveness and inform future investments, Cotton said in his statement. He did not disclose results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So-called \u201cno drone zones\u201d were established years ago at military bases and nuclear weapons sites, including where parts are made and maintained. A provision in the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act empowered the Department of Energy\u2019s National Nuclear Security Administration to protect its facilities from drones<\/a> considered hazardous to safety or security.<\/p>\n\n\n\t