This story was updated at 2:58 p.m. Monday, Nov. 9, 2026, with a comment from the Alexandria Police Department.
ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Local, state and federal agencies will fly drones across the Washington region between midnight and 4 a.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, testing technology meant to detect and track unauthorized aircraft, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments said Monday.
The first window opens at midnight tonight. Friday is held in reserve in case the exercise runs long.
"This exercise is not a response to any specific threat, and residents should not be alarmed if they see or hear a drone," the announcement said.
