Defining the Logic and Risk of Terrorist UAS Attacks in the United States

Authors

Austin C. Doctor, University of Nebraska at OmahaFollow
Suat Cubukcu, Towson University
George Grispos, University of Nebraska at OmahaFollow
Joel S. Elson, University of Nebraska at OmahaFollow
Tyler McCoid, University of Nebraska at OmahaFollow

Document Type

Report

Publication Date

6-2025

Abstract

In support of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the interdisciplinary project team conducted a one-year study to characterize the logic and emerging trends in terrorist use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS). The project team completed three rapid review reports which focus on key dimensions of the issue. Following the completion of these reports, the team hosted an in-person subject matter expert focus group meeting in spring 2025. The interagency workshop brought together counterterrorism and counter-UAS partners from federal and state law enforcement as well as the intelligence community. This report identifies five core findings – i.e., high level analytical conclusions suggested from the completed research activities.

Recommended Citation

Doctor, A.C., Cubukcu, S., Grispos, G., Elson, J.S., and McCoid, T.X. (June 2025). Defining the Logic and Risk of Terrorist UAS Attacks in the United States. National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education Center.