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Drones for Schools: New Security Tech Debate

Wall Street Journal US Business •
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Mithril Defense is marketing Campus Guardian Angel, a drone-based security system to school districts in Florida and Georgia. The Black Arrow drones can reach speeds of 100 miles per hour, break through windows, and deploy pepper gel to deter active shooters. Operated remotely from Austin, Texas, these machines screech and flash strobe lights as part of their defense capabilities.

State-funded programs are funding these deployments as schools seek faster responses to potential threats. The drones represent a significant investment in technology-driven security measures, though the article notes critics argue such systems divert resources from potentially more effective safety measures. This debate reflects broader tensions in school security approaches across the country.

The initiative highlights how defense technology is finding new markets in civilian applications. While proponents see the drones as innovative protection, the controversy surrounding their deployment underscores the complex challenges schools face in balancing security investments with other safety priorities.