Story highlights Military analysts have long been concerned about the possibility of drones being used against the US for espionage purposes

The Pentagon said drones could now be downed by the military if they are perceived to pose a threat to select bases

(CNN) The Pentagon has issued new guidelines giving the military the go-ahead to down drones flying near or over select US military bases.

The guidance was issued to domestic military installations Friday following classified guidelines that were first issued in July by then-Deputy Defense Secretary Bob Work. Friday's guidance was designed to help bases communicate with local communities about the new restrictions.

"The increase of commercial and private drones in the United States has raised our concerns with regards to safety and security of our installations," US Navy Capt. Jeff Davis told reporters at the Pentagon Monday.

Military analysts have long been concerned about the possibility of drones being used against the US for espionage purposes. Additionally, terror groups like ISIS have been able to weaponize commercially available drones, increasingly using them in combat in Iraq and Syria.

It is not clear how the military would down a drone should the need arise but the Defense Department has developed a series of countermeasures capable of bringing down drones. Some of these have been deployed to places like Syria and Iraq. While conventional weapons could be used to shoot down a drone, other countermeasures include non-kinetic methods like the use of radio waves to disrupt drone flight.

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