UCLA stockpiles huge arsenal of drones, ammo for emergencies

The UCLA Police Department spent more than $220,000 on drones and less-than-lethal munitions in 2025 and is already seeking approval to purchase more.

According to its Oct. 19 military equipment report, UCPD bought three Skydio X10s under a 10-year contract costing $21,654 annually for the drones and their docking stations, the Daily Bruin reported.  

Richard Mejia, director of emergency communications and information for the Office of Campus and Community Safety, said the purchase is part of the UCPD’s new program, ‘Drone as First Responder.’

“[This program aims to] improve situational awareness, reduce response times and provide valuable video evidence during emergency incidents,” Mejia told the Daily Bruin in an emailed statement.

The Skydio X10, launched in Sept. 2023, is a quadcopter with a folding design which, according to the manufacturer, can be made flight-ready from a backpack in 40 seconds.

UCPD purchased 120 40 mm munitions for $3,477 in 2025 and owns 3,117 less-than-lethal munitions in total, per the 2026 report. The department is requesting 1,950 additional PepperBall rounds and 50 more 40 mm projectiles.

“All additional equipment is necessary to support the department’s growth and expansion due to UCLA’s acquisition/construction of additional University-owned housing, medical, and administrative properties, as well as in preparation for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” the report states.

UCLA PD also asked to expand its drone fleet from three to five, while adding up to four cheaper drones strictly for pilot training.

In its latest annual report, the department said having five operational drones will enable it to “reach over 95% of all priority police, fire, and EMS calls” and allow continuous aerial monitoring during long emergencies.

“In addition, the five UAS will be used in direct support of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games to assist with protection of the Athletes Village while maintaining the ability to utilize UAS for non-LA28 public safety needs,” the report stated.

The police also want more projectiles. The proposal includes 50 more 40mm sponge rounds, raising their total to 350, as well as an additional 1,000 pepper-spray balls to supply launchers they already have approval to buy.

UCLA PD is also asking for 950 inert, non-chemical rounds to use in places where pepper spray would be unsafe, such as indoor or sensitive areas.

Critics argue that these weapons have caused serious injuries during past campus demonstrations. UCLA professor Michael Chwe launched a petition that has gathered hundreds of campus signatures demanding that police stop using 40mm launchers altogether.

He will also present the petition to UCPD at the department’s annual public meeting to discuss its Military Equipment Use Policy Wednesday.

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