diff --git a/test_drone_data.py b/test_drone_data.py
index b74f368..f4cad06 100644
--- a/test_drone_data.py
+++ b/test_drone_data.py
@@ -10,6 +10,7 @@ import json
 import time
 import random
 import math
+import argparse
 from datetime import datetime, timedelta
 
 # Configuration
@@ -260,6 +261,7 @@ class DroneSimulator:
 
 def send_detection(detection_data):
     """Send detection data to the API"""
+    global DEBUG_MODE
     url = f"{API_BASE_URL}/detections"
     headers = {
         "Content-Type": "application/json"
@@ -566,9 +568,14 @@ def test_api_health():
         return False
 
 def main():
+    global DEBUG_MODE
+    
     print("🚁 Realistic Drone Detection Simulator")
     print("=" * 50)
     
+    # Show current debug status
+    print(f"🐛 Debug mode status: {'ENABLED' if DEBUG_MODE else 'DISABLED'}")
+    
     # Fetch devices from API first
     print("📡 Fetching active devices from API...")
     if not fetch_devices():
@@ -584,6 +591,18 @@ def main():
         print("Cannot connect to API. Please check if the system is running.")
         return
     
+    # Debug mode configuration
+    if not DEBUG_MODE:  # Only ask if not already set via command line
+        debug_choice = input("\n🐛 Enable debug mode? (y/N): ").strip().lower()
+        if debug_choice in ['y', 'yes']:
+            DEBUG_MODE = True
+            print("✅ Debug mode ENABLED - Will show complete payloads being sent to backend")
+        else:
+            DEBUG_MODE = False
+            print("ℹ️  Debug mode disabled")
+    else:
+        print("✅ Debug mode ALREADY ENABLED - Will show complete payloads being sent to backend")
+    
     print("\nChoose simulation type:")
     print("1. Realistic scenario (persistent drones, RSSI changes, movement)")
     print("2. Single approaching drone (watch RSSI strengthen)")
@@ -618,4 +637,15 @@ def main():
         print("Invalid input")
 
 if __name__ == "__main__":
+    # Parse command line arguments
+    parser = argparse.ArgumentParser(description='Realistic Drone Detection Simulator')
+    parser.add_argument('--debug', '-d', action='store_true', 
+                      help='Enable debug mode to show complete payloads sent to backend')
+    args = parser.parse_args()
+    
+    # Set debug mode from command line argument
+    if args.debug:
+        DEBUG_MODE = True
+        print("🐛 Debug mode enabled via command line argument")
+    
     main()