Most Common Targets of Malicious Drones and Ways to Prevent Them

Drones have emerged as a powerful technology benefitting different industries in recent times. No doubt, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have several useful applications like package delivery, aerial photography, and search and rescue operations. However, you cannot overlook their potential for misuse. Therefore, to ensure safer skies, the need for counter drone systems is on the rise.

Read the blog to explore more about drone intrusion and their potential targets. Let’s dive in!

 

#1 Government Buildings

The high-profile government buildings like embassies and administrative offices are popular targets of drone invasion. The core aim of such intrusion is to gain access to confidential data and impact the reputation of the government authorities. Apart from that, illegal drones can be even used by malicious users to cause significant physical damage to the government buildings. 

#2Airports

Airports are easy targets for drone invasions. The Gatwick airport incident was indeed a wake-up call for the aviation industry. The sighting of unauthorized drones brought the airport to a standstill for two days in 2018. (https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/dec/01/the-mystery-of-the-gatwick-drone) Besides that, the economic impact was substantial. Such incidents continue to affect the operations of the airports. Recently, in July 2023, an illegal drone was seen hovering over the international Vnukovo Airport of Moscow, thereby forcing the flights to divert. (https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-66094744)

Drones mainly pose two safety risks to airports. First, they can collide with the aircraft and lead to plane crashes. Second, drones may carry dangerous substances like explosives into airports and cause severe damage to life and property.

 

#3 Defense Bases

Defense bases, airfields, barracks, and other strategic locations are also potential targets of malicious drones. Such drone invasions can risk the lives of defense personnel and affect national security. As a result, it can spread fear across the nation.

 

#4 Critical Infrastructures

Drones may even be used to illegally gain access to critical infrastructures like power plants, historical monuments, and transportation systems. The motive behind such invasions can be many. Terrorists may target these infrastructures to create an atmosphere of uncertainty and fear in the nations. It may even affect public trust in the government. Causing chaos or weakening the security capabilities of the country can also be one of the agendas of such drone intrusions by malicious users. 

 

Ways to Counter the Drone Invasions

Preventing potential drone invasions involves a multi-layered approach. At first, strengthening the security systems is a must. Next, authorized organizations and government agencies can leverage the anti-drone solutions. With drone radar detection, identifying illegal drones in the low-altitude airspace becomes easy. Once the drone is detected, it is possible to jam its signals and limit its communications by using an anti-drone jammer. 

 

Conclusion

Addressing the misuse of drones has become the need of the hour. That calls for the use of counter UAV systems to neutralize the threats and improve security in the nation. Looking for the best technologies to enhance the safety of the key airspace? If yes, talk to the experts of NovoQuad Group right away!