Join host Megan Crout for a groundbreaking conversation with Lieutenant Colonel Drew "Buzz" Larned and NUAIR Chief of Safety Scott "Gripper" Brenton as they reveal the historic collaboration between the 174th Attack Wing and NUAIR that has changed military aviation forever.
In November 2025, an MQ-9 Reaper drone made history as the first U.S. military uncrewed aircraft to fly on private civilian infrastructure. But this wasn't just a technical achievement - it was a glimpse into the future of airspace security, counter-UAS defense, and public-private partnerships.
Discover how lessons from Ukraine are reshaping American defense strategy, why co-located military and civilian airports need layered surveillance systems, and how Central New York became the proving ground for scalable, cost-effective airspace awareness solutions. From detecting small quadcopters to integrating large military drones, learn how NUAIR's surveillance-as-a-service network is bridging the gap between military readiness and civilian commerce.
Whether you're interested in drone technology, national security, or the future of air traffic management, this episode offers unprecedented insights into how innovation, community engagement, and dual-use technology are protecting American skies.
The views and opinions expressed by Lt. Col. Larned and D. Scott Brenton, Colonel (USAF, retired), in this podcast are solely their own and do not represent the official position or policy of the New York Air National Guard, the United States Air Force, the Department of War, or any other governmental agency or organization.