Joint Base San Antonio > News

DAF strengthens warfighting capabilities with deployment of new security forces sUAS technologies
June 18, 2024 — To further defend U.S. and allied forces in warfighting environments, the Air Force Security Forces Center is set to roll out new small unmanned aircraft systems technologies before the end of this year. ... MORE

two people in the desert - one works on the sUAS while the other stands near the end of the launch platform

Recreational drone usage not allowed on DOD installations
July 25, 2023 — Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (SUAS), or drones, are growing in popularity. Drones can greatly enhance functions across various commercial industries and are a fun and relatively inexpensive hobby. While drones can be a great hobby, they can also threaten Air Force operations... MORE

A Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems also known as a drone flies above the skies of Texas

12th Flying Training Wing safety office deploys new drone detection system
May 4, 2022 — Commonly referred to as small unmanned aircraft systems, or sUAS, by the Federal Aviation Administration, these consumer-grade drones have been known to penetrate the airspace around Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph and other bases throughout the Air Force, adding yet another obstacle for pilots to look out for... MORE

Remember, all JBSA installations are no-drone zones
January 5, 2022 — Recreational drone use is strictly prohibited on all Joint Base San Antonio installations, except with documented approval, generally starting at the installation commander level... MORE

Air Force GeoBase safely integrates drones in AFCEC operations
May 19, 2021 — The Department of the Air Force is one step closer to safely and more widely integrating small unmanned aircraft systems into civil engineering operations, thanks to the Air Force GeoBase Program’s sUAS office... MORE

How Drone Operators and Airfields Share the Sky
October 18, 2017 — Small unmanned aircraft systems, often called “drones,” are becoming increasingly popular. Drones are easily purchased and make good gifts for hobbyists and commercial users alike. Recent improvements in technology help operators fly their drones higher, faster, longer, and further than ever. Additionally, drones are getting heavier and larger in size... MORE

Commercial users (those people who operate drones for profit) must request a waiver to fly within five miles of any airport. They can contact JBSA easily by dialing 210-652-7827 to start the process.

Department of Defense cracks down on use of drones over installations
August 10, 2017 — The increased use of commercial and privately owned small unmanned aircraft systems has raised Defense Department concerns for the safety and security of its installations, its aviation and its people, a Pentagon spokesman told reporters Aug. 7... MORE

Defenders from the 455th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron and a researcher from the Air Force Research Lab teamed up to bring a new program to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan July 13. To counter the challenges that unmanned aircraft systems pose on the battlefield, the team is training to pilot and use the drones, so enemy tactics can be replicated and used to train coalition forces on how to react to them.