The U.S. military has launched Falcon Peak, a large-scale trial of counter-drone systems hosted by NORAD and USNORTHCOM at Eglin Air Force Base. Running through Sept. 19, 2025, the exercise pits U.S. base defenders against simulated daily drone threats launched from Santa Rosa Island. The campaign tests multiple counter-UAS layers, including kinetic interceptors, electronic warfare, and directed energy. To ensure safety, restricted maritime zones and radio advisories were issued by the 96th Test Wing. Officials describe Falcon Peak as the most comprehensive homeland drone-defense experiment to date, aimed at strengthening U.S. readiness against the growing global threat of small unmanned aerial systems.
