Washington counter-drone exercise runs three straight nights; residents may see drones overhead, officials say no cause for alarm

Local, state and federal public safety agencies are conducting a National Capital Region counter-drone exercise in Washington, D.C., on the nights of November 10, 11 and 12. According to an AlertDC notice, exercise activity runs from midnight to 4 a.m. each night, and residents may see or hear small unmanned aircraft operating overhead; officials stressed there is 'no cause for alarm', with November 13 held as a contingency day.

What the exercise covers

The exercise is a joint National Capital Region Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems drill involving multiple local, state and federal public safety agencies, practising procedures for detecting and responding to unauthorised drones. The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments also published details of the exercise. Activity takes place only in the early hours, and daytime activity in the city is unaffected.

What residents should know

Residents who see or hear drones overnight during the exercise period do not need to call police or be alarmed; the drill is a pre-planned routine exercise. The District government notes the schedule covers three consecutive nights, November 10 to 12, with November 13 available as a backup date if weather or other factors require a delay. Sources: AlertDC (via PoPville); Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments.