Multiple waves of unauthorized drones operated over Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana during the week of March 9, 2026, according to a confidential internal briefing document reviewed by ABC News. Security forces at the strategic installation, home to B-52 bombers and Air Force Global Strike Command, responsible for nuclear operations, observed 12 to 15 drones per wave flying over sensitive areas, including the flight line.

The incursions lasted about four hours each day from March 9 to 15, with no activity detected on March 13 and 14. The drones displayed lights, non-commercial signal characteristics, long-range control links, and resistance to jamming efforts. Analysts noted the aircraft appeared custom-built, requiring advanced signal knowledge, and followed varied routes with deliberate maneuvering in restricted airspace, possibly to test security responses.

On March 9, base personnel received a shelter-in-place order, and the threat level rose to Force Protection Condition Charlie before being lowered later that day. Flight line operations shut down during the events, posing risks to manned aircraft. Capt. Hunter Rininger, Barksdale public affairs chief, stated: "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, but it is also a criminal offense under federal law."

The Air Force is investigating with federal and local law enforcement and the Federal Aviation Administration, prioritizing installation security and airspace monitoring. Officials expect further drone activity around the base.

Similar sightings have occurred at other military sites. Unidentified drones appeared near Fort Lesley J. McNair in Washington, D.C., where Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reside, prompting monitoring by the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region. MacDill Air Force Base in Florida and Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey elevated force protection levels amid recent security incidents.

The events coincide with heightened U.S.-Iran tensions following strikes on Iranian targets and an FBI advisory on potential Iranian drone threats, though no links have been confirmed. Officials at Fort McNair reported no credible threat but continue to make adjustments to security measures.

These incidents echo prior drone swarms, such as 17 days over Langley Air Force Base in late 2023, where F-22 fighters were relocated. Law enforcement has warned of significant threats to public safety and national security from such high-tech incursions.