Experts See Urgent Need to Defend Bases from Drone Attack. Here’s What USAF Is Doing
July 29, 2026 | By Matthew Cox
The Air Force is racing to create a “Point Defense” force of Airmen, specially trained and equipped to protect air bases from unmanned attack more effectively than ever before. But in a new report, an expert says even more is needed to defeat the large-scale enemy drone attacks already wreaking havoc on today’s battlefield.
Attack drones have become a constant threat to U.S. forces in the Middle East during the ongoing air war with Iran. They are also the weapon of choice in the Russia-Ukraine war; just this week, Ukraine launched drones that flew inside Russia and damaged oil refineries, logistics facilities, and a major retail warehouse.
The threat has been percolating for several years now—the Air Force came under immense pressure from Congress in late 2023 after unidentified drones flew for days over Langley Air Force Base, Va.. More drone incursions followed at bases in Ohio, Utah, and the United Kingdom.
In response, the service published new doctrine on the “Point Defense of Air Bases” in April 2025 to ensure the service plays a more active role in air defense, a mission that has traditionally been an Army responsibility. The doctrine gives air base commanders more freedom to identify threats and “secure air operations using organic PD capabilities.” The Air Force also stood up the Point Defense Task Force and Point Defense Battle Lab to develop to identify new training, equipment and tactics needed for the new mission.
https://www.airandspaceforces.com/air-force-experts-strategies-defend-bases-drone-attack/
