Virginia Tech is at the forefront of groundbreaking research into Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, as the need for advanced drone technology becomes increasingly urgent.
Aviation expert Tombo Jones, Director of the Virginia Tech Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership (MAAP), is leading the charge. Backed by a $5 million grant from the U.S. Army, Jones and his team are exploring how drone technology can be expanded and deployed to bolster national security.
“The United States is currently behind in drone technology,” said Jones, whose work is being closely watched by both the Department of Defense and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). “We’re one nefarious actor who’s successful away from having our resources severely damaged.”
The FAA has designated Virginia Tech as a UAS test site under Jones’ leadership. The research will examine both the offensive and defensive capabilities of drone systems, focusing on how to detect, evaluate, and respond to threats posed by malicious drone use—including surveillance and potential attacks on critical infrastructure.
The research initiative involves evaluating various drone detection and countermeasure technologies to determine their effectiveness and how best to combine them for optimal protection. “They each have different strengths and weaknesses,” said Jones. “Our job is to assess those systems and help develop the best combinations to protect key national assets.”
The urgency of the research is underscored by real-world conflicts. Drones are already playing significant roles in active warzones, including Ukraine and Yemen, where they are being used for surveillance, targeting, and attacks.
“For us to be able to give back by applying what we’ve already learned—how to evaluate detection systems and enhance drone security—it’s something we’re very proud of,” Jones added.
The project will include two specialized test sites—one indoor and one outdoor—both located on Virginia Tech property. While the exact locations remain undisclosed for security reasons, they will serve as critical facilities for advancing the U.S. capability to defend against drone threats.
As drones continue to rise in popularity and power, Virginia Tech’s research is poised to play a key role in securing the skies.
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