The U.S. military is running Falcon Peak, a wide-ranging counter-drone experiment designed to prepare bases for the growing threat of small UAVs. The exercise, led by NORAD and USNORTHCOM at Eglin AFB, will continue until Sept. 19, 2025. Daily drone flights from Santa Rosa Island replicate hostile attacks, giving troops a chance to evaluate new c-UAS systems under realistic conditions. The drills involve a mix of technologies, from electronic warfare and kinetic interceptors to laser weapons, aimed at refining multi-layered defenses. Maritime safety restrictions have been issued by the 96th Test Wing to secure the test area. Officials describe Falcon Peak as a milestone in developing doctrine for defending U.S. installations against the global spread of small, weaponized drones.
