SAFER SKIES Act FAQ
Answers to the most common questions SLTT law enforcement agencies have about the SAFER SKIES Act, compliance requirements, and federal funding.
What is the SAFER SKIES Act?
The SAFER SKIES Act (Sections 8601–8607 of the FY2026 NDAA) is a federal law signed as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026. It grants state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) law enforcement agencies the authority to detect, track, identify, and mitigate unauthorized drones that pose a credible threat to public safety or national security. This authority was previously limited to federal agencies.
Which agencies are eligible?
The SAFER SKIES Act authorizes state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) law enforcement agencies to exercise counter-drone authority. This includes sheriff’s offices, city and county police departments, state police agencies, correctional facilities with SAFER SKIES authorization, and tribal law enforcement agencies. Agencies must meet certification and compliance requirements before exercising this authority.
What does "SLTT" mean?
SLTT stands for State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial. It is a federal designation used to describe the categories of non-federal government entities that are eligible for counter-drone authority under the SAFER SKIES Act. This includes all levels of government below the federal level across the United States and its territories.
Do my officers need individual certification?
Yes. Certification under the SAFER SKIES Act is individual — it is required for each officer who will operate counter-drone equipment, not at the agency level. Your agency being authorized does not automatically certify your officers. Each officer must independently complete the certification program before operating any C-UAS technology.
Where do they get certified?
Officer certification is administered exclusively by the FBI National Counter-UAS Training Center (NCUTC) located at Redstone Arsenal in Alabama. The NCUTC provides standardized training covering legal authorities, equipment operation, incident response procedures, and reporting requirements.
What happens if we miss the 48-hour reporting window?
Failure to submit incident reports within 48 hours exposes your agency to serious consequences, including fines of up to $100,000 per violation, potential suspension or revocation of your agency’s counter-drone authority, disqualification from future federal grant funding, and referral for federal oversight review. There is no waiver or extension mechanism in the current statute.
What equipment can we use?
SLTT agencies may only use counter-drone equipment and technologies that appear on the federally maintained Authorized Technologies List. This list is managed by DOJ and DHS and specifies the exact systems approved for use in counter-drone operations. Deploying equipment not on the Authorized Technologies List is a violation of federal law.
How do we get on the Authorized Technologies List?
The Authorized Technologies List is maintained by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security. Equipment manufacturers and technology providers submit their systems for federal evaluation and approval. Agencies do not apply to get on the list — rather, they must procure and deploy only equipment that has already been approved and placed on the list by federal authorities.
Is there federal funding available?
Yes. Congress has allocated $875 million in federal grants for C-UAS programs. Major programs include the FEMA C-UAS Grant ($250M), the FIFA World Cup Security Grant ($625M), the State Homeland Security Program (SHSP), and Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC). Compliance management software like VectAero qualifies as an eligible expense under CFDA 97.067 (Homeland Security Grant Program).
When do the implementing regulations come out?
Implementing regulations are due June 15, 2026. These regulations will provide additional specificity on certification validity periods, renewal requirements, detailed reporting procedures, and other operational details. Agencies should prepare their compliance programs now based on the statutory requirements and be ready to adapt once final regulations are published.
How long does this authority last?
The counter-drone authority granted to SLTT agencies under the SAFER SKIES Act expires after four years from the date of enactment unless Congress passes reauthorization legislation. Agencies should build compliant programs now to take full advantage of the authority window.
What is VectAero and how does it help?
VectAero is the only compliance operations platform built specifically for SLTT agencies navigating SAFER SKIES Act obligations. It provides five core modules: Certification Tracker for managing individual officer certifications and renewal deadlines, Incident Reporter with a 48-hour countdown timer and guided form that auto-generates federal submission format, Tech Registry for maintaining a compliant inventory of Authorized Technologies List equipment, Event Manager for planning and authorizing counter-drone operations, and Grant Navigator for identifying eligible federal funding programs and preparing applications.
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Request Early AccessCompliance obligations reflect current statutory requirements under Sections 8601–8607 of the FY2026 NDAA. Implementing regulations due June 15, 2026 will provide additional specificity.