Airspace Safety and Security Review Service
Safeguarding Low Airspace Threats

The recent Manchester Arena Inquiry in the UK has brought renewed attention to the impact of attacks on soft targets by lone actors. Terrorists are increasingly exploiting the openness of public spaces to strike a vulnerable area with low sophistication methodologies. Given this, it is clear that a security threat and risk assessment is crucial to making informed decisions about the protection of soft targets and how these measures can be applied to airspace security. Security measures are typically focused at ground level, employing preventative tactics like fencing, search protocols, and access control. However, vulnerabilities in airspace are frequently neglected. To ensure thorough protection, it’s crucial to adopt strategies that address security in a three-dimensional space, a consideration that is often overlooked.

In today’s fast-paced technological landscape, the rise of drones presents unique challenges for airspace management and ground-based security. With their increasing capabilities for extended flight time and operational range, drones create significant obstacles for countermeasures. Beyond the potential for delivering harmful payloads, drones are also employed by criminals and terrorists for forward surveillance, enabling them to scout target areas and plan attacks. While an unexpected drone incursion may seem harmless at first, it could serve as a precursor to more coordinated activities.

In 2020, the BBC reported on a trial in the UK where a jury was told that an alleged Islamic State supporter had planned a “lone-wolf” drone attack, potentially targeting the British Army or police.  The jury heard that during a search of the house by Police, officers also discovered wooden lollipop sticks attached together with a battery and electrical component. These items allegedly corresponded to sketches, which had details for modifying a drone to drop a device from it, the court heard.

Here we will shed some light and explore the critical role Counter-Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) solutions play in effectively addressing low airspace threats, thereby safeguarding the skies and your environment from unauthorised and potentially nefarious drone activities.

In the realm of Counter-Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (C-UAS), our mission is straightforward and clear: to detect, identify, and mitigate potential risks posed by drones operating within low airspace. C-UAS solutions, whether technology-driven or based on sound policies and procedures, are designed to provide proactive defence against unauthorised drone activity, safeguarding critical infrastructure, public events, individuals, and sensitive airspace.

Drones are often underestimated and dismissed as “just toys.” However, our experienced consultants understand the various ways drones can pose a direct threat or be used to facilitate other malicious activities. This is why conducting a comprehensive threat and risk assessment is crucial, regardless of preconceived notions about the event, activity, or location. Without such an assessment, it is impossible to make informed decisions about security planning, which is essential for ensuring appropriate security measures are implemented without incurring unnecessary costs.

Low airspace threats present a diverse range of challenges, including unauthorised drone flights, illicit reconnaissance, and the potential for malicious payloads. These threats undermine airspace safety and security, necessitating swift and effective countermeasures to mitigate risks and protect airspace integrity.

At Aerial Defence, safeguarding airspace integrity is not just a priority — it’s our expertise. While we strive to provide transparency and insight into our methodologies, the proprietary nature of our work necessitates discretion regarding certain details. However, we offer a glimpse into the core aspects of our Airspace Safety and Security Review.