Drones have become quite a frequent occurrence in our skies. Long gone are the days when drones were just used by hobbyists because now they are used by everyone and by almost everyone for everything ranging from photography to delivery services, agriculture, and surveillance. While the evident perks of UAVs in today’s tech landscape cannot be denied, there’s also no dissenting the fact that unauthorized drones have become a major threat to sensitive establishments worldwide. This is where drone countermeasures come in the big picture.
Sensitive areas like airports, defense bases, and critical infrastructure are more prone to drone attacks now than ever, and this has led to the development of new innovations in the field of drone defense. So, are anti-drone solutions the future of airspace security? Read on to know more!
The accessibility and evolution of UAVs have made them a double-edged sword. While drones offer a wide range of advantages, the ease of access also invariably and implicitly points towards their potential to be used for illegal activities, from unauthorized surveillance to smuggling contraband. In fact, in some cases, drones have also interfered with commercial flights, which have shut down major airports.
As governments and industries increasingly rely on drones for different applications, the demand for airspace security is also skyrocketing. Air traffic regulators and defense agencies need to recognize the need for effective counter-drone systems, and this can aid in mitigating risks and ensuring public safety without any setbacks.
Today’s drone countermeasures are more sophisticated than ever. They fall into three main categories: detection, tracking, and neutralization.
· Drone Detection Systems: These systems use anti-drone radar, radio frequency (RF) sensors, and even acoustic technology to detect unauthorized drones. Radar systems monitor the sky for unusual activity, while RF sensors pick up communication signals between drones and their controllers. Acoustic systems, though less common, detect the distinctive sound of drone rotors.
· Tracking Technologies: Once a drone is detected, tracking drone trackers such as visible or thermal cameras are used to catch the drone’s flight path. High-resolution imaging allows for providing crucial data of target drones for security personnel.
· Neutralization Methods: Neutralizing a rogue drone is where things get interesting. Some systems employ radio frequency jamming method to block the communication between the drone and its operator, forcing it to land or return to its point of origin. Other advanced methods include laser systems that physically disable drones or even “drone-on-drone” combat, where specialized counter-drones intercept and neutralize unauthorized drones mid-flight.
The verdict is clearly in favor of anti-drone solutions. The future of airspace security is massively dependent on technologies that can aid in drone detection and tracking. Why? As drones continue to grow in number and sophistication, the evolution of detection, tracking, and neutralization technologies required to safeguard our skies will also need to evolve. Looking for top-notch drone radar detection technology or drone jammer at competitive prices? Contact the team at NovoQuad Group today!