Thanks to rapid advancements in aerial tech, threats in the skies have increased exponentially. Airports, in particular, face unique challenges in managing this risk, as evidenced by multiple incidents through the years.
Drone security at airports first gained significant attention following the major disruption at Gatwick Airport in December 2018. Unauthorised drone activity led to a 36-hour shutdown, grounding hundreds of flights and causing widespread travel chaos during the peak holiday season. Economists estimate that the shutdown led to £1.4mn in losses for the airport and flight operators.
Since then, airports worldwide have experienced significant drone-related incidents. In 2020, the Madrid-Barajas airport in Spain had to be shut down after a drone was spotted. In Edinburgh last year, an unauthorised drone near the runway led to flight delays. At Madrid-Barajas Airport, an incoming flight from Paris reported a drone sighting, which caused delays. Other airports affected this year include Dublin, Palm Beach, Warsaw, Pittsburgh, and Frankfurt.
The reputational and financial repercussions caused by these events highlight the need for drone detection and mitigation systems to protect airport operations and passenger safety.
Understanding the threat of drones
As drones become more popular and affordable, the risk they pose to airports grows. Drones can cause damage at airports through various means, including flight delays and cancellations, operational halts, safety risks, financial losses, structural damage, and unauthorised surveillance and espionage.
Studies show that such drones can shatter windshields, create penetration hazards, and cause loss of optics. A simulation indicated that drones might inflict more structural damage than birds of equivalent size and speed. Moreover, the economic and social impact of such incidents includes grounded flights, missed connections, angry customers, lack of confidence, and financial losses for airlines and airports.
Defence against drone threats
To effectively defend against drone threats, airports must adopt a multi-layered approach that combines advanced technology with strategic protocols. Integrating various counter-drone measures—such as radar systems for early detection, sophisticated tracking methods, and real-time data analysis—ensures a comprehensive defence mechanism. Training security personnel to respond swiftly to drone sightings and employing automated systems that can neutralise threats is crucial.
Security teams must be able to detect and assess the credibility of threats and track them accurately in all conditions—day or night, and any weather. Moreover, such radars should be able to distinguish between drones and other airborne objects, such as birds.
Identifying drone intent
Understanding the intent behind a drone is essential for airport security. Drones can be used for various purposes, from commercial deliveries to recreational activities. Distinguishing between benign and potentially harmful drones involves analysing their behaviour, flight patterns, and location relative to the airport’s restricted airspace.
For instance, a delivery drone that has veered off course might be unintentionally disrupting operations, while a drone loitering in sensitive areas could indicate malicious intent. By rapidly assessing the drone’s behaviour and purpose, security teams can determine whether it poses a genuine threat. Early identification of malicious intent is essential, as it allows for timely intervention and appropriate response measures, reducing the risk of a serious incident.
Neutralising threats
Once a drone threat has been identified and assessed, the next step is neutralisation. Effective drone defence systems must offer a range of tools to manage and mitigate risks. For instance, signal jamming can disrupt the communication between the drone and its operator, effectively neutralising its control. Alternatively, intercepting the drone might involve taking physical control of the aircraft or deploying measures to bring it down safely.
In more critical situations, it may be necessary to temporarily halt airport operations, such as suspending flights, to ensure the safety of passengers and aircraft. This decision is typically made in collaboration with air traffic control and other security personnel.
Airport drone defence with Indrajaal
Today, there is a need for airports to adopt sophisticated counter-drone systems that can keep pace with emerging risks. Indrajaal is at the forefront of this effort, providing a cutting-edge solution designed to meet the complexities of modern airspace security. Its modular design is not just about current capabilities but is built with the future in mind. This allows for seamless upgrades and the integration of new technologies, ensuring that Indrajaal remains effective against both existing and emerging threats.
Developed through extensive R&D, Indrajaal seamlessly integrates 12 technologies to provide effective drone detection, tracking, and neutralisation. Let’s understand the features:
- Comprehensive surveillance: Indrajaal employs a network of sensors that provide continuous 360-degree visibility of the airport premises. This ensures that no drone can approach the airport undetected, regardless of the size or speed.
- Accurate threat identification: Utilising cutting-edge radar and optical systems combined with advanced AI algorithms, Indrajaal can differentiate between authorised and unauthorised drones. This prevents disruptions to legitimate drone activities, such as those conducted by the media.
- Autonomous neutralisation: Once an authorised drone is detected, Indrajaal can autonomously neutralise the threat. This can involve jamming the drone’s communication signals or taking control of the drone.
- Seamless integration: Indrajaal can easily integrate with existing airport security protocols. The system’s Command & Control Centre coordinates with on-ground security personnel, providing real-time data and actionable intelligence to enhance overall security.
By staying ahead of technological advancements, Indrajaal helps airports maintain a high level of readiness and resilience.
The future of airport security
As drone technology continues to advance, so do the associated threats, presenting ongoing challenges for airport security. Airports are increasingly attractive targets for malicious drone activities, whether for disruptive purposes, espionage, or direct attacks. The evolving landscape of drone technology means that these threats are not static but are constantly adapting.
A proactive approach to airport security—one that anticipates future threats and adapts accordingly—is essential for mitigating risks and maintaining smooth operations. The time to act is now. By integrating advanced systems like Indrajaal into airport security protocols, we can fortify our defences against the growing array of drone threats. It is not just about responding to current risks but preparing for the future of airspace management.
It’s time to protect our airspaces with Indrajaal!