Some American schools are now testing high-speed security drones as new line of defense against active shooters.

When a teacher or school official presses a panic button, a remotely operated drone can be launched within seconds.

Piloted by trained operators in Austin, Texas, the drone streams live video to first responders, uses sirens and flashing lights to distract the attacker, and can deploy pepper gel.

If necessary, it can also ram a suspect at speeds of up to 60 mph in an effort to slow or stop the threat until police arrive.

The technology is currently being introduced through pilot programs in a limited number of schools and remains the subject of debate.

• Supporters believe it could buy precious time during an emergency and save lives.

• Critics question its effectiveness, safety, and the broader implications of using drones in schools.

Eight schools in Florida and Georgia are piloting the possible school safety solution using state grant funding. The first, the 1,700-student Deltona High School in Deltona, Fla., is installing 39 drones throughout its building in time for the 2026-27 school year.

The drones, about the size of a pizza, are designed to distract attackers by emitting high-pitched chirping noises, shooting nonlethal pepper balls, and even ramming into suspects at high speeds.

Using on-drone cameras and detailed maps of school facilities, the pilots will aim to confront the shooter in 15 seconds, sending information to responding law enforcement.

“It’s got to be instantaneous because these things are all over so fast,” said Justin Marston, the co-founder and CEO of Campus Guardian Angel, the Austin startup that manufactures and operates the unmanned craft, noting that it typically takes minutes, not seconds, for law enforcement to respond to an attack.

The company’s co-founder believes the aerial systems could one day be as ubiquitous as fire sprinkler systems in school buildings. 

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