HUNTSVILLE – Citing the FBI’s newest facility on Redstone Arsenal as a “strategic investment,” U.S. Rep. Dale Strong joined government and law enforcement officials, along with the first graduating class of trainees, today to cut the ribbon on the FBI’s National Counter-Unmanned Training Center.

The newly established center – the first of its kind – will serve as the nation’s premier hub for preparing law enforcement and security professionals to detect, assess, and counter emerging unmanned aircraft system threats.

Strong (R-Huntsville) praised the center as a strategic investment in America’s homeland security and applauded its mission as essential to protecting communities and major national events.

“This center represents a major step forward in how we prepare our law enforcement and security professionals to confront new and evolving threats,” said Strong. “In the years leading up to today, I’ve worked to strengthen our national counter-UAS posture, and the men and women trained here will play a critical role in securing our homeland and protecting millions of Americans.”

Strong said the center’s creation delivers on years of bipartisan, bicameral efforts in Congress to advance a unified national approach to counter-UAS training. The facility also ensures officials at all levels have access to advanced instruction and tactics.

He also said the center will support security preparations for upcoming global events hosted in the United States, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics.

“Redstone Arsenal continues to play a central role in our nation’s security mission – from missile defense and space operations to cyber innovation and counter-UAS testing,” Strong said. “Now, through this center, that world-class expertise expands even further to safeguard our communities, infrastructure, and national events.”