As drone technology rapidly advances, industry experts are warning Congress about potential airspace lapses creating the next national security threat if left unregulated.

In a U.S. House Homeland Security Subcommittee hearing held last week, drone industry experts testified about the looming threats to airspace safety posed by unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). 

“More than half of all near misses with commercial and general aviation are with drones,” Tom Walker, CEO of DroneUp, told Fox News Digital. 

“U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents and officers have seized thousands of pounds of narcotics, including enough fentanyl, to kill tens of thousands of Americans across the globe,” Willoughby said. “Drones have also been used increasingly to conduct kinetic attacks or warring cartel functions have attacked one another using drone delivered explosives, and it’s only a matter of time before Americans or law enforcement are targeted in the border region.” 

The FAA did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment. 

The implementation of a nationwide, real-time database of UAS flights could ultimately allow drones to exist alongside manned aircraft, further cementing the United States’ ability to protect both its domestic and international assets while aiding its citizens. 

“We should have both manned and unmanned aircraft working together harmoniously in a symbiotic environment and creating a force multiplier that allows us to save more lives,” Walker said. ” It allows us to protect our borders, and allows us to provide services to the general public at a level we’ve never comprehended.”