The Air Force has struck out for the second time in its quest to become executive agent for higher flying unmanned aerial vehicles. Megan Scully of CongressDaily reports that Defense Undersecretary Gordon England decided against USAF’s proposal. His decision seemingly overrules the Joint Requirements Oversight Council, which was inclined—this time—to support the Air Force position. England has ordered formation of a joint task force on UAV issues. As expected, there was jubilation among some lawmakers, who sided with the Army in its criticism of the USAF plan.
The use of a military counter-drone laser on the southwest border this week—which prompted the Federal Aviation Administration to abruptly close the airspace over El Paso, Texas—will be a “case study” on the complex web of authorities needed to employ such weapons near civilian areas and the consequences of agencies…
