NYC Explores Net-Firing Drones to Neutralize Hostile UAVs in 2025

New York City is poised to bolster its airspace security with a cutting-edge drone defense system. The NYPD is in discussions with Maryland-based American Robotics to deploy the Iron Drone Raider System, a technology designed to detect, track, and intercept rogue drones using net-firing drones, enhancing public safety at large events like parades. New York Post

How the Iron Drone Raider System Works

The Iron Drone Raider System features a portable station that launches two or three 8-pound racer drones. These drones use ground radar to detect unidentified UAVs, allowing an operator to activate the system with a single button press.

“Ground radar would detect something that’s unidentified,” said Eric Brock, CEO of American Robotics. “Once we locate the drone, we track it and hunt it.”

The interceptor drone then fires a lightweight mesh net to entangle the rogue drone’s rotors, disabling its flight. A parachute ensures the captured drone lands safely, minimizing risks to people or property below. Priced under $200,000, the system is a cost-effective solution for urban airspace security.

Applications for NYC’s Public Safety

The NYPD envisions deploying the system citywide, particularly along parade routes or at high-profile events.

Deputy Mayor of Public Safety Kaz Daughtry emphasized its versatility: “We could station it anywhere throughout the city.”

The technology targets “hostile drones,” with Daughtry expressing concerns about potential “lone wolf” attacks. The system’s ability to neutralize threats mid-air could protect crowded areas, complementing the NYPD’s existing fleet of 150 drones, which already monitor protests and respond to 911 calls. For instance, Skydio X10 drones recently tracked crowd movements during anti-Trump protests, flying at 400 feet to avoid aircraft while providing real-time video feeds.

Regulatory Hurdles and Industry Context

A significant barrier remains: federal restrictions currently prohibit local jurisdictions from downing drones, reserving that authority for federal agencies. Daughtry and Chief of Department John Chell are lobbying the Trump administration to lift these limits, with Daughtry noting, “I’m hearing that the [Trump] administration is open to it.”

If approved, NYC could set a precedent for urban counter-drone operations. The technology aligns with global trends, as similar net-based systems—without parachutes—have been used in Ukraine to counter Russian drones. American Robotics has also worked with clients like the UAE, though Brock declined to name others due to security concerns.

Broader NYPD Drone Strategy

The NYPD’s drone program, led by Daughtry, is expanding rapidly. Beyond counter-drone tech, the department plans to equip Community Response Teams with drones launched from patrol cars.

“When they have a barricaded suspect or a suspect who’s hiding in the woods, they can just open their trunk, put the drone up, turn it on and they can run,” Daughtry explained.

These drones, piloted remotely from One Police Plaza, provide video feeds to track fleeing suspects, reducing reliance on costly helicopter units. This builds on the “Drone as First Responder” program, which stations drones on precinct rooftops in high-crime areas.

Implications for Drone Professionals

For drone operators, NYC’s adoption of counter-drone technology underscores the need for compliance with local regulations, such as the city’s drone permit system. The Iron Drone Raider System highlights advancements in autonomous UAV interception, potentially inspiring innovations in civilian applications like infrastructure protection. However, it also raises privacy concerns, as increased aerial surveillance could spark debates over civil liberties. As urban drone use grows, professionals must navigate evolving rules while leveraging technologies that enhance safety and efficiency.