WASHINGTON — Highlighting the central role FBI Redstone plays in combating the evolving threats of drones, Sen. Katie Britt credited the facility’s “technological infrastructure and training facilities necessary to develop and implement effective counter-UAS strategies.”

Britt (R-Montgomery) made her remarks at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on “Securing the Skies: Law Enforcement, Drones, and Public Safety.”

Witnesses included Michael Torphy, unit chief and supervisory special agent for the FBI’s UAS (unmanned aircraft systems) and Counter-UAS at Redstone Arsenal; and Steven Willoughby, director of Counter-UAS Program Management at the Department of Homeland Security.

Torphy responded to Britt’s question about how is the FBI “keeping up with countering the technological advancements and increasing lethality of drones?”

“[FBI Redstone has] developed really strong relationships with the Department of Defense entities and contractor community down there … so it is just absolutely the perfect place for us to be doing this work,” he said. “It’s about having that proximity to the other important parties in this space and not just the Army, but with the other armed forces as well.”

Acknowledging the value of the collaborations, Britt asked, “As you’re looking at the increased number of threats, what additional authorities do you need to adequately address these concerns?”

Torphy answered by emphasizing the importance of cooperation from non-federal entities.

“The most important one that would deliver the most bang for the buck would be opening up the detection capabilities to all state, local, tribal, territorial, law enforcement, correctional institutions as well,” he said. “… it’s very difficult to fight the enemy that you can’t see.”

Watch the full hearing here.