Connecticut legislators have passed a new law restricting state agencies and municipalities from purchasing or operating drones manufactured in China and Russia. The move aligns with growing national security concerns over foreign-made drone technology and mirrors similar measures enacted in states like Tennessee and Florida.
The bill, now awaiting approval from Governor Ned Lamont, sets clear deadlines for phasing out the use of these drones. State and local government agencies, as well as their contractors, will be prohibited from purchasing restricted drones after October 1, 2026. Furthermore, all currently owned drones that fall under this ban must be retired by October 1, 2028.
For the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, which oversees State Police operations, the ban takes effect even sooner—prohibiting new purchases after October 1, 2025. In anticipation of these restrictions, the agency had already begun transitioning away from foreign-manufactured drones last year.
New Flight Restrictions and Penalties
Beyond procurement rules, the legislation also limits where drones can be flown, particularly near critical infrastructure. The law bans drone flights lower than 250 feet above sensitive sites, including power plants and correctional facilities. Violators could face penalties of up to one year in jail, fines of up to $2,000, or both. However, the law provides exemptions for professionals conducting authorized work in these areas.
Additionally, the bill explicitly prohibits drones from being equipped with weapons or incendiary devices, reinforcing concerns about potential misuse of drone technology.
With Connecticut and other states implementing stricter drone regulations, public agencies will need to ensure compliance while also safeguarding against unauthorized drone activity. But what happens when individuals or entities continue using banned drones illegally—whether for unauthorized surveillance, smuggling, or even potential cyber threats?
This is where AirSight’s advanced drone detection technology becomes essential. Our solutions provide real-time monitoring, classification, and threat assessment, ensuring that security teams can quickly identify and respond to rogue drones.
Example: Preventing Unauthorized Drone Use Near a Power Plant
Imagine a scenario where a banned foreign-made drone is detected hovering near a power substation, which is considered critical infrastructure under the new law. Without a proper detection system in place, authorities might only become aware of the drone after a security breach or an incident occurs.
With AirSight’s drone detection solution:
✅ The system instantly identifies the drone’s presence and classifies its model and origin, along with the drone pilot.
✅ Security teams receive real-time alerts, enabling them to track the drone’s flight path.
✅ If the drone has been blacklisted, AirSight’s system will flag it, helping law enforcement determine if it has been involved in previous illegal activities.
✅ The security team can intervene before the drone poses a threat, either by notifying authorities, activating countermeasures, or preventing unauthorized data collection.
By leveraging AI-powered detection and real-time alerts, AirSight helps critical infrastructure operators, law enforcement, and public agencies enforce drone restrictions and prevent potential security breaches. As the regulatory landscape evolves, having a proactive approach to drone security will be crucial in ensuring compliance and protecting sensitive locations.