Domestic Security — 2026-03-28
Senator Cassidy Reveals Two Drones Recovered After Five Unauthorized Flights Over Barksdale AFB
Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy disclosed that investigators recovered two drones following five unauthorized incursions over Barksdale Air Force Base between March 9-15. Security Forces observed waves of 12-15 drones over sensitive areas including the flight line hosting B-52 bombers. A classified briefing assessed the drones were custom-built, displaying non-commercial signal characteristics, long-range control links, and resistance to jamming, ruling out consumer-grade platforms. One incursion was attributed to a hobbyist; the origin of the remaining four flights remains under investigation. The base issued a shelter-in-place order during the initial detection on March 9.
Analysis
The Barksdale incursions (March 9-15) began 9 days afterOperation Epic Fury launched on February 28; investigators have not publicly resolved the counterintelligence implications. The drones' non-commercial signal characteristics, resistance to jamming, and custom construction point to a sophisticated actor. NORTHCOM simultaneously deployed its Flyaway Kit counter-drone system to a separate undisclosed strategic installation, indicating incursions are occurring at multiple bases hosting nuclear-capable assets.
The Barksdale incursions (March 9-15) began 9 days after
2 sources
- Drones broach restricted Barksdale air base; no details on source or response -
Louisiana Illuminator - Drone Warfare Has Come to the United States -
The National Interest