D-Fend Solutions has highlighted the need for U.S. energy producers and refiners to strengthen airspace security as Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) threats increase and federal counter-drone authorities evolve.
Energy and petrochemical facilities face potential threats ranging from reconnaissance and espionage to payload delivery, operational disruption, and environmental or safety incidents. Although no direct large-scale drone attack on a major U.S. energy facility has yet occurred, recent conflicts have demonstrated how drones can strike refineries and disrupt fuel production.
Public-Private Counter-Drone Partnerships
Private energy operators are establishing partnerships with local law enforcement to prepare for credible UAS threats. Under the expanded federal framework, appropriately trained and authorized state, local, tribal, and territorial agencies may detect, identify, and mitigate drones in defined circumstances affecting critical infrastructure.
Mitigation authority remains with authorized public agencies rather than private operators, making coordinated procedures and public-private partnerships central to any lawful response.
Non-Kinetic Airspace Protection
D-Fend Solutions states that RF-based cyber-takeover systems can monitor airspace mainly passively without disrupting routine operations, legitimate communications, or authorized drone activity.
Its EnforceAir system is designed to detect, identify, and track rogue drones and, when mitigation is legally authorized, take control of an aircraft and direct it to a predefined safe landing area. This provides a non-kinetic alternative to broad-spectrum jamming or physical interception.
Similar low-collateral counter-drone methods have been used by homeland security and law enforcement agencies at high-risk public events. D-Fend Solutions believes this model is increasingly relevant to fixed critical infrastructure.
Closing the Airspace Security Gap
The FY26 National Defense Authorization Act, including the SAFER SKIES Act, created a pathway for critical infrastructure operators to coordinate with appropriately authorized agencies when responding to credible drone threats.
D-Fend Solutions argues that energy providers should extend their existing risk-management approach beyond the facility perimeter and into the surrounding airspace.
Combining C-UAS technology with authorized agency partnerships could help operators detect and track unauthorized drones while supporting a safe, lawful, and controlled response.
Visit the D-Fend Solutions website, for further information.
