Waves of 'Unauthorized Drones' Spotted over U.S. Air Force Base in Louisiana

Authorities investigating multiple drone sightings that prompted a brief shelter-in-place order at Barksdale Air Force Base

Mar. 21, 2026 at 3:22pm

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Several unauthorized drones were detected near Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier Parish, Louisiana, earlier this month, resulting in a brief shelter-in-place order. Authorities are investigating the sightings, which involved multiple waves of 12-15 drones operating over sensitive areas of the installation, including the flight line. The drones displayed non-commercial signal characteristics, long-range control links, and resistance to jamming, suggesting a deliberate and intentional effort to test the base's security response.

Why it matters

The incident comes amid heightened security at U.S. Air Force bases across the country following the launch of Operation Epic Fury against Iran to prevent its use of nuclear weapons. The Barksdale Air Force Base covers 22,000 acres, houses B-52 bombers capable of carrying nuclear weapons, and has a population of approximately 15,000, making the unauthorized drone activity a significant security concern.

The details

According to a confidential briefing document, the drones came in waves and entered and exited the airspace in a manner that suggested their operator was trying to avoid being located. The flights lasted around four hours each day, and the drones used varied routes of ingress and deliberate maneuvering within the restricted airspace. Authorities have not yet verified if the incident was related to the conflict with Iran, but the former deputy assistant secretary of defense, Mick Mulroy, said the activity appeared to be 'deliberate and intentional to see just how they would react'.

  • The unauthorized drone activity occurred during the week of March 9, 2026.
  • The flights lasted around four hours each day from March 9-15, 2026.

The players

Barksdale Air Force Base

A U.S. Air Force base located in Bossier Parish, Louisiana, that covers 22,000 acres, houses B-52 bombers capable of carrying nuclear weapons, and has a population of approximately 15,000.

Mick Mulroy

A former deputy assistant secretary of defense who commented that the drone activity appeared to be 'deliberate and intentional to see just how they would react'.

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What they’re saying

“Barksdale Air Force Base detected multiple unauthorized drones operating in our airspace during the week of March 9th. Flying a drone over a military installation is not only a safety issue, it is a criminal offense under federal law.”

— Barksdale AFB spokesperson

“It looked like this was deliberate and intentional to see just how they would react.”

— Mick Mulroy, Former deputy assistant secretary of defense

What’s next

Authorities are continuing to investigate the unauthorized drone activity at Barksdale Air Force Base, and are working to identify the operator or operators responsible for the incidents.

The takeaway

The unauthorized drone activity at Barksdale Air Force Base highlights the ongoing security challenges faced by U.S. military installations, particularly in the context of heightened tensions and conflicts. The incident underscores the need for robust security measures and vigilance to protect critical infrastructure and personnel from potential threats.