Hochul calls for strengthening federal drone defense strategy

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) called for an intensified federal drone defense strategy after reports of the Northeast as of the end of 2024.

“I am writing to you about the critical need for federal operations to threats to unmanned systems (UAS), commonly known as drones,” Hochul said in a letter to President Trump last week.

“As you know, late last year, the New York City area and Hudson Valley experiences about UAS sightings highlighted the lack of federal posture and the limiting ability of state authorities to detect and mitigate these threats.”

Hawkell wrote two letters, one to Trump, and another to Senate Majority Leader John Dunn (DD), Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (DN.Y.), House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (DN.Y.).

Drone sightings shocked several Northeast states at the end of 2024, most notably New Jersey. Former President Biden administration said in December that drones are not national security or public risks.

“In early June, the Ukrainian military successfully launched a surprise attack on the Russian Strategic Air Force,” Hawkel said in the letter. “This has caused a clear reminder of the evolving and enormous dangers posed by these systems. Attacks on New York’s strategic military and critical infrastructure pose an urgent danger to the United States.”

The Imperial State Governor added: “I urge the government to actively improve UAS testing and mitigation posture in New York and allow Congress to expand existing authorities and expand states’ capacity to detect and mitigate these threats themselves.”

The mountain has been contacted by the White House, Thun’s office, Schumer’s office, Johnson’s office and Jeffries’ office for comment.

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