2020 Pennsylvania Drone Crash: A Stark Warning for Critical Infrastructure

A seemingly unremarkable drone crash in Pennsylvania back in July 2020 has become a chilling reminder of the evolving threat landscape. The drone, discovered near a critical electrical substation, raised serious concerns about the targeting of civilian infrastructure by malicious actors using unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).

While the drone caused no damage, its proximity to the substation sent a shockwave through national security circles. This incident marked the first known case in the United States of a UAS specifically targeting civilian energy infrastructure.

The 2020 Pennsylvania crash was a wake-up call.

Before this, drone threats were primarily focused on military applications. This incident highlighted the potential for attacks on critical infrastructure, putting millions at risk.

The incident triggered a joint investigation by the FBI and Department of Homeland Security, underscoring the seriousness of the situation. The threat continues to evolve, as evidenced by the March 2024 closure of Los Alamos National Laboratory's airspace due to unauthorized drone activity.

Mitigating the Threat: Drone Detection Solutions

Companies like Airsight, experts in drone detection technology, offer comprehensive systems that can significantly enhance security postures. AirSight’s Airguard software utilizes advanced capabilities to identify and track unauthorized drones in real-time, providing:

• Early Warning: AirGuard provides early warnings of unauthorized drone activity, allowing security personnel to take timely action and prevent potential threats.
• Threat Assessment: Adding a human layer to our detection with AirGuard’s AI capabilities allows for a more accurate reading between harmless hobbyist drones and malicious actors, enabling a targeted security response.
• Actionable Intelligence: AirGuard goes beyond basic detection, providing detailed data on the drone itself, including its location, type, and size. It also gathers crucial intelligence on the drone pilot's location, giving security forces a significant advantage in apprehending those responsible.

Don't wait for a drone threat to become a headline. Contact Airsight's team today to discuss how we can safeguard your facility.