US Schools to Test Drones with Pepper Gel and Sirens to Counter Shootings

Several U.S. educational institutions are set to implement an unprecedented security measure at the start of the next academic year: deploying drones armed with pepper gel, high-intensity sirens, and strobe lights. This initiative, known as the "Campus Guardian Angel" program, is designed to disorient and incapacitate active shooters within seconds.

These drones represent the first use of unmanned aerial combat technology specifically engineered for school environments in the United States. Housed in tactical charging stations within school facilities, the drones are programmed to navigate hallways and enter classrooms ahead of police patrols, acting as an initial response force during emergencies.

Guided by specialized pilots from Mithril Defense in Austin, Texas, the drones can reach speeds of up to 80 kilometers per hour indoors, with faster speeds achievable outdoors. The company's technical goal is to locate and confront any armed aggressor within a maximum of 15 seconds after an alarm is triggered.

The system employs a progressive containment protocol. Beyond using visual, auditory, and irritant stimuli to disorient attackers, the drones can function as a last-resort kinetic projectile, striking targets at speeds up to 100 kilometers per hour to physically neutralize them.

Financing for the program differs across states. Georgia and Florida are providing direct state funding, while Colorado's pilot program at John Adams Academy is privately funded after county authorities declined initial investment. Louisiana's legislature has approved a measure to evaluate the drones' performance in four public institutions. These drastic measures are a response to the persistent tragedy of school shootings in the U.S., referencing historical events like Columbine and Parkland, and more recent incidents.