From espionage to terrorist attacks, governments must protect public figures, buildings, and critical infrastructure.
As the use of drones becomes increasingly prevalent, the threat they pose to security is becoming a growing concern. In particular, Government buildings, national monuments and landmarks, can potentially become targets for any malicious drone activity.
Drones pose significant risks to privacy and government security. Governments must protect public figures, buildings, and critical infrastructure from dangers that range from espionage to terrorist attacks, in addition to safeguarding citizens and commercial interests from aerial intrusions.
Preventing drones from flying in restricted areas is essential to ensure public safety and mitigate drone incursions. Drones can disrupt civilian and military airspace, film in sensitive locations, and launch direct attacks.
The UK government recently announced its intention to install advanced anti-drone detection systems nationwide to protect key sites from future attacks. The state-of-the-art counter-drone systems detect and monitor unmanned aerial vehicles, including remote-controlled drones, and identify dangers, such as explosive devices. In addition to using cutting-edge electronic warfare technology, such as radios and GPS, the systems can track and monitor drone movements to ensure comprehensive protection. As a result of the government’s action, citizens are assured of a secure and safe environment, highlighting the severe dangers posed by drones.
ACSG Corp-India, has developed a solution to detect and neutralise rogue drones before they threaten these critical buildings. There are over 25 key monuments in India, and almost 12 new statues of national significance under construction and the security of these historical sites is of utmost concern. Due to their smaller size, drones can fly under the radar of current aerial surveillance systems, designed to detect larger objects like planes and helicopters. India’s current solutions will need to adapt to technological advancements that have changed the threat profile.
While the importance of anti-drone systems is becoming increasingly apparent, it is also vital to understand drones’ potential threats and dangers. Information about government buildings, such as entrances and exits and security measures, can be provided by drones. In the wrong hands, this information could be used to plan a drone-based attack or espionage.
A drone’s operation can be disrupted or disabled with electronic countermeasures or ECMs. The use of ECMs is heavily regulated and may require a special license or authorisation from the relevant authorities.
Five methods are utilised to monitor and detect drones, including radio frequency (RF) analysers, radars, electro-optical infrared thermal imaging (EO/IR), acoustic sensors for audio surveillance, and optical sensors for video surveillance. Anti-Drone systems, such as mitigation, spoofing, detection, and counter-drone technologies equipped with RF detectors and jammers, offer a diverse range of mitigation abilities to counter dangerous threats.
However, it’s essential to consider these solutions’ potential limitations and ensure they comply with local regulations. In doing so, organisations can better protect their assets and ensure the safety of their employees and visitors.
Physical barriers, such as netting, fences, and specially designed structures, can also be effective anti-drone solutions. By providing an additional layer of defence, physical barriers can make it even more difficult for drones to penetrate a building’s airspace.
It’s necessary to educate security personnel and employees about the threat of drones, how to respond to a potential drone attack and implement anti-drone solutions; This can include training on how to use drone detection systems and ECMs, and protocols for responding to a drone threat.
Once a drone is detected, disabling, or destroying it becomes the next challenge. Remotely operated systems often have safety features that force a drone to land when the connection is lost. However, self-guided drones are not deterred by directed radio interference. In such cases, close weapon defence platforms become necessary to neutralise the drone. Using live ammunition in public spaces is not an option, and thus alternative methods are being explored, including high-energy laser weapons and nets.
High-energy laser weapons have the capability to damage the drone’s electronics or burn through its structure, making it crash. This method offers a precise and safe way of disabling drones without collateral damage. Nets, on the other hand, effectively captured drones mid-air, rendering them immobile and allowing for their safe retrieval. These methods provide effective solutions for taking down malicious drones in a controlled and safe manner, protecting public safety and infrastructure.
Skylock’s solutions enable governments, municipalities and HLS organisations to anticipate and rapidly respond effectively to unlawful drone incursions. By taking these steps, organisations can better protect their assets and ensure the safety of their employees and visitors.
