Protect Energy Production and Grid Infrastructure from today’s Drone Threats

As unmanned aerial systems (UAS) become increasingly capable, affordable, and accessible, energy producers and utilities face a growing challenge: protecting critical infrastructure from drone-based threats. This white paper examines the evolving risk landscape surrounding substations, generation facilities, pipelines, and transmission assets, while outlining the current U.S. regulatory framework governing drone detection, tracking, identification, and mitigation. It explores how recent legislative developments, emerging FAA regulations, and advances in counter-UAS technology are creating new opportunities for infrastructure owners to strengthen airspace security.

The paper also presents a practical, layered defense strategy built around radar, RF detection, EO/IR sensors, and interceptor drone technologies. Readers will gain insight into what utilities can legally deploy today, how to coordinate with federal, state, and local authorities, and the operational models being used to address drone threats while remaining compliant with current regulations. Designed for utility leaders, security professionals, and infrastructure operators, this white paper provides a roadmap for developing a proactive drone defense posture as the threat environment continues to evolve.