Federal officials are increasingly concerned about the threat posed by foreign nationals using drones to spy on U.S. military installations. This worry has intensified following two recent arrests and a number of unexplained drone incursions, all highlighting the nation’s airspace vulnerabilities in the face of rapidly advancing technology.

In late 2024, the Department of Justice brought charges against Yinpiao Zhou, 39, who allegedly flew a drone over Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, capturing images of the site. The Chinese-American was apprehended while trying to leave for China and was charged with breaching national defense airspace and failing to register his drone.

“Anybody piloting a drone over restricted areas, such as military bases, risks prosecution,” Ken Gray, a former FBI agent and military analyst, explained to Fox News Digital. “If a foreign national is controlling the drone, it raises suspicions about potential involvement in espionage or intelligence activities.”

In a statement to Fox News Digital, the Federal Aviation Administration said the agency “has been testing drone detection and counter-drone technology at airports over the last few years to determine how well different technologies work to mitigate potential aviation safety risks posed by drones.” 

Gray wants government officials to provide transparency to American citizens while expanding their response to mysterious sightings. While the federal government works on getting its technology up to date, officials have a range of options to help deal with the problem.

“One of the best things [officials] can use against a drone is another drone,” Gray told Fox News Digital. “There are some small, very fast drones that can be operated that could be used to try to intercept and to disrupt the drone by just slamming into it. Shotguns are a last-ditch-effort type of old technology.” 

As consumer drones flood the markets, an increase in drone incursions can be expected, and officials are scrambling to get out ahead of the growing threat.

“We’re going to just see a proliferation of drones everywhere,” Gray said. “That includes the possibility of drones being used for nefarious purposes.” 

Fox News Digital reached out to the Pentagon.

Fox News Digital’s Danielle Wallace contributed to this report.