Not one drone. Not two. Waves of them — over a nuclear command hub.
Unauthorized Flights Over Barksdale Air Force Base Raise National Security Concerns
Multiple waves of unauthorized drones were detected over Barksdale Air Force Base earlier this month, prompting a temporary shelter-in-place order and raising fresh concerns about security at one of the U.S. Air Force’s most critical installations.
According to an internal briefing document reviewed by ABC News, between March 9 and March 15 security forces observed repeated incursions involving 12 to 15 drones at a time. The aircraft reportedly flew over sensitive areas, including the flight line where long-range B-52 bombers are stationed.
Barksdale plays a central role in the Air Force’s nuclear command and control mission. Even brief disruptions to operations can have strategic implications.
The base initially confirmed a single sighting on March 9, when personnel were ordered to shelter in place. That restriction was lifted later the same day. However, the newly disclosed document indicates that drone activity continued for nearly a week, with flights lasting roughly four hours per day.
The briefing described the drones as operating in coordinated “waves,” entering and exiting the base airspace in ways that appeared designed to avoid detection of their operators.
The aircraft reportedly displayed non-commercial signal characteristics, long-range control links and resistance to jamming. Analysts concluded they were likely custom-built systems requiring advanced technical knowledge.
Security officials also noted that the drones maneuvered deliberately within restricted airspace and used varied routes of ingress, suggesting planning rather than hobbyist activity. “It seemed to be more than just your average drone enthusiast,” former Pentagon official Mick Mulroy told ABC News.
No drone activity was recorded on March 13 and 14, and authorities have not publicly confirmed whether additional incursions have occurred since.
The document warned that the flights posed a “significant threat to public safety and national security,” particularly because they forced temporary shutdowns of flight operations and risked interfering with manned aircraft.
The Federal Aviation Administration referred inquiries to the military. Louisiana State Police, assisting in the investigation, declined to comment. Base officials emphasized that flying drones over military installations is a federal crime and said they are working with law enforcement agencies to identify those responsible.
For now, investigators are left with a troubling assessment: the incursions may continue.
