U.S. Air Bases Face Potential Threat from Drone Attacks, Warns Former NORAD Chief
Retired Air Force Gen. Glen D. VanHerck, former head of U.S. Northern Command and NORAD, has raised concerns about the vulnerability of U.S. air bases to drone attacks similar to those seen in Ukraine. During a virtual event at the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies, VanHerck highlighted the potential for such attacks to occur within the United States, referencing a Ukrainian operation that used drones to inflict significant damage on Russian military infrastructure. The Mitchell Institute has released a policy paper recommending a comprehensive strategy to protect U.S. air bases from drone threats. This includes expanding airborne early-warning sensors and developing offensive strategies to target enemy drone manufacturing capabilities. The Air Force has already begun implementing new doctrines and forming specialized units to address these threats.