‘Flying IEDs’: Army Sec Calls Drones ‘The Threat Of Humanity’s Lifetime’

On Sunday, speaking on CBS’s “Face the Nation,” U.S. Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll discussed the growing threat of drones. Driscoll underscored the seriousness of the issue, calling drones “the threat of humanity’s lifetime.”

Driscoll explained that under Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, the U.S. Army is now leading the Pentagon’s counter-drone efforts, coordinating closely with federal and local law enforcement. Driscoll stressed that drones, particularly inexpensive, 3D-printed models, act as “flying IEDs,” capable of crossing borders quickly and causing rapid, unpredictable destruction. He cited recent examples in Ukraine and Russia to illustrate the scale and speed of devastation drones can produce, framing them as a unique and unprecedented security challenge.

Army Secretary Dan Driscoll says drones, and flying IED devices, are “the threat of humanity’s lifetime.”

“The problem with the drone fight, you need all sorts of layered defense. One solution does not work, if you just try to jam them. If you look at what’s happening in… pic.twitter.com/hK58Kj3R0W

— Face The Nation (@FaceTheNation) November 16, 2025

Driscoll emphasized that responding to this threat requires a layered, technologically integrated approach. Simple measures like radar jamming are insufficient, especially against drones that can be hardwired to resist interference. Countermeasures include net guns and other intercept tools, but success depends on human coordination and real-time information sharing. He described the need for a “digital layer” to exchange sensing data, allowing the closest personnel or devices to neutralize threats quickly. Driscoll noted that the complexity of the problem increases when protecting sensitive sites such as airports, borders, or major public events like the Super Bowl, World Cup, and Olympics.

Regarding domestic drone regulation, Driscoll conveyed cautious optimism. Brennan asked, “Should there be restrictions in this country on who is able to own and operate drones?” He replied, “I’m pretty optimistic that we will be able to figure out a solution where we will know what is in the sky at every moment across our country all at once. … We’re not there yet.”

Driscoll said the goal is to track all drones nationwide in real-time, enabling Americans and commercial companies, such as Amazon, to operate drones safely while ensuring national security. He likened this approach to a “golden mini dome” over key sites, integrating detection systems, interceptors, and trained personnel to maintain safety and order.

Driscoll’s comments align with broader U.S. drone initiatives. The Pentagon has recently moved to accelerate drone production and deployment, empower lower-ranking officers to test and operate drones, and streamline bureaucratic procedures. Past programs include CIA MQ-9 Reaper surveillance over Mexico and AI-enabled drones for active shooter deterrence on military bases.

Across these efforts, Driscoll’s framing of drones as the “threat of humanity’s lifetime” highlights the urgency with which the U.S. government is addressing both military and domestic challenges posed by drone technology.