When we think of security systems, we usually visualize CCTV cameras, metal detector units, biometric scanners, and electrified fences. However, the latest threat to security and infrastructure, more often than not, comes in the form of aerial intruders, i.e., unauthorized drones.
With the prolific use of consumer-grade drones, relying solely on security cameras is no longer enough. Not only are these traditional security cameras incapable of detecting drones that are a significant distance away, but they also cannot do anything to capture the flight trajectory of unauthorized drones and other information such as distance, altitude, angle, speed, etc. or guide the countermeasure devices to neutralize an impending drone threat.
To address this challenge, the best route is to install a drone detection system.
Understanding the Drone Threat Landscape
Every critical infrastructure area comes equipped with security cameras. However, not all of them have drone defense systems. At the same time, the market size for drone defense systems is estimated to grow by more than 27% in CAGR from 2025 to 2030, which speaks volumes for the number of places using them.
Before we dive into why we should install a drone detection system and what that entails, let’s take a look at why drones have gone from an innovation to a security threat:
The Rise of Commercial and Consumer Drones
Both amateur and professional photographers use drones to get aerial shots. Further, commercial drones can also be used to carry light payloads and deliver them. This recreational and commercial use of drones is driven by accessible and affordable drone technology.
Security Risks Posed by Drones
The above-mentioned uses come with corresponding misuses where drones are used to conduct espionage and unauthorized surveillance. Further, they can also be used to smuggle contraband in the form of small payloads. This can disrupt the functioning of sensitive areas like airports and government buildings.
Limitations of Traditional Security Cameras
Most facilities, these days, come equipped with security camera systems and more. However, these devices can fall short when it comes to drone threats on the following grounds:
Line-of-Sight Limitations
Security cameras cannot track fast-moving aerial targets outside some particular viewing angles. Further, they also cannot track an object if it is blocked from view by obstructions like trees and other buildings. Thus, a UAV or drone can easily leverage this drawback to bypass the system.
Poor Detection of Small, Fast-Moving Objects
Most consumer-grade drones are too small and agile to track visually with the help of cameras. Thus, security cameras can be prone to errors when it comes to detecting drones.
No Real-Time Alerts for Airspace Intrusions
Since cameras only record but do little to raise an alarm or guide a countermeasure device to mitigate a threat, they are not a suitable system for dealing with an intruding unauthorized drone.
What Is a Drone Detection System?
To address the above limitations of security camera systems in terms of preventing unauthorized drones, it is important to upgrade security at areas having critical infrastructure.
Definition and Components
Within its operating range, a drone detection system works to detect and identify an invading drone or UAV and captures its flight tracks and flight information, such as distance, altitude, angle, speed, etc. in real time. Usually, drone detection systems come equipped with active radars or RF sensors, and/or visual and thermal cameras, to accurately detect drones and guide the countermeasure devices to respond to any impending drone threats.
Passive vs. Active Drone Detection Systems
Based on how they work, drone detection systems can be classified into active and passive systems.
Passive drone detection systems track RF transmissions to identify if there is an unauthorized drone present in the airspace. A prime example is the ND-BU005 Advanced Passive Anti-Drone System, which comes with a full-band, omnidirectional RF detector for precise positioning of a drone from a long distance away. Further, the RF detector will guide the jamming unit of the system to interfere with the drone signals, forcing it to land or fly away.
Active drone detection systems, on the other hand, use active radars to detect, identify and track invading drones. Using 3D pulse-doppler radar, the ND-BU002 High-End Anti-Drone System is the best choice amount such systems. It is specially designed for detecting and tracking long-distance and small-rotor drones with high accuracy and low false alarm rate. Once an intruding drone is detected, the active radar will guide the jamming unit of the system steps in and neutralizes such drone. Further, the system also comes with a camera unit that offers both visible-light and thermal imaging tracking for better inspection of intruding drones, collection of evidence and further analysis.
Key Benefits of Drone Detection Systems
By opting for a drone detection system over a traditional security camera system, you get to enjoy the following benefits:
Real-Time Threat Awareness
Any time the drone detection systems detect a drone in the airspace, it can raise an immediate alert with detailed information of the drone. This will notify the authorities about the presence of an unauthorized drone and request instructions regarding the next steps to follow. Further, it can also track the path of the drone and pinpoint its location in real time.
Early Response Capabilities
Since drone detection systems can detect drones from a quite long distance, they offer ample time to activate defenses and formulate a response depending on the behavior of the drone. Further, it also offers enough time to alert authorities before any incident occurs.
Intelligent Airspace Management
When it comes to airports, event venues, and critical infrastructure, drone detection systems are a must-have. Adopting intelligent algorithms, the systems offer automatic detection and tracking capabilities and automatically guide the countermeasure devices to neutralize drone threats with minimal human intervention, providing intelligent airspace management and protection.
Upgrading but Not Replacing Existing Security
With most establishments already having a security system consisting of security cameras, a question that arises is the necessity of having comprehensive drone detection and defense systems. However, having one is not a reason to replace the other.
Cameras + Drone Detection = Holistic Protection
While cameras can confirm visual identity, drone detection systems can alert, track and guide countermeasure devices. This can make for a 360-degree system that starts with identifying a drone and ends with neutralizing drone threats.
Integration with Alarms and Access Control
While security cameras installed along the perimeter can identify inbound drones that are in their line of sight. Further, they can only monitor and record footage of the drones, with no option for integration with alarms.
A drone detection system can be installed to automatically raise alarms when it detects an invading drone. Also, these systems usually integrate with anti-drone jammers that can automatically neutralize an unauthorized drone when one enters the key airspace.
Final Thoughts: The Need for Drone Detection Systems
Security is a prime concern in public and critical infrastructure areas. While perimeter security cameras and fences can deter intruders, they do little to fully detect and defense unauthorized drones.
Drone detection systems monitor the airspace 24/7, are built with automatic and intelligent modes, and can be used to secure different types of low-altitude areas. Thus, they keep areas that have critical infrastructure safe from drone threats and interference.