The impact of drones on security markets and critical infrastructure is profound and multifaceted, says Philip Ingram MBE.

The advent of drone technology has ushered in a new era, significantly transforming various sectors, including logistics, agriculture and security.

However, alongside the myriad benefits, the proliferation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) also presents substantial threats, particularly to national security and critical infrastructure.  

The threat from drones has been made starker by their prolific use by both sides in the conflict in Ukraine.

The rapid innovation applied to turn commercially available drones into weapons and weapons platforms, is something that hasn’t gone unnoticed by those who would wish to use them for terror or criminal purposes.   

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine illustrates the dual nature of drone technology.

Both sides have leveraged UAVs for tactical advantages, demonstrating their utility in modern warfare while simultaneously highlighting the risks they pose to civilian infrastructure and safety.  

The National Protective Security Agency (NPSA) have defined what is meant by a drone, in three headings:   

“Drone or uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV): A flying aerial vehicle, typically with multi-rotor or fixed wing configurations, which can carry a payload (such as a camera). Typically used to either capture data (such as images, videos, survey data) or to carry and deploy a payload (such as medical supplies, weapons, herbicides for crop spraying).  

Command and control signals: Signals transmitted and received by the drone and its controller, to direct flight activity and in some cases, transmit data such as live video feeds and flight data back to the pilot.  

Smaller drones are typically controlled by radio frequency (RF) systems using Wi-Fi or Industrial Scientific Medical (ISM) frequencies.

Control using 4G or 5G telecommunications networks is becoming more common, to increase the range of connectivity between the drone and its operator, resulting in increased drone operational ranges, including when flying at sea and away from coastlines.  

Larger, more expensive drones may use satellite links and more sophisticated control systems.

The frequencies and signal strengths used will be dictated by local regulations and vary around the world.  

Controller or ground control station: The system transmits control signals to the drone to allow a pilot to control and direct the drone’s activity and to receive data from the drone itself, such as live video feeds.”  

The dual-edged sword of drone capabilities  

While the applications of drones are vast and beneficial, the technology can be weaponised.

The ease of access to drones has led to their exploitation by criminal organisations and terrorist groups.

The potential for misuse raises significant concerns regarding public safety and national security.  

The misuse of drones for illicit purposes has become a pressing concern.

Instances of drones being employed for drug smuggling, surveillance and even attacks on critical infrastructure have been reported globally.  

Drones pose a unique threat to critical infrastructure, including energy facilities, transportation networks and government installations.

The potential for drone strikes on power plants, airports and communication hubs raises alarms about the vulnerability of these essential services.  

Incidents such as the 2018 disruption at Gatwick Airport, where hundreds of flights were cancelled following reports of drone sightings close to the runway.

140,000 passengers and 1,000 flights were affected by the disruption and this serves as stark reminders of the potential chaos UAVs can unleash.

Such disruptions can lead to significant economic losses and undermine public confidence in the safety of air travel.  

Countering the threat  

The war in Ukraine is leading the way with innovation to counter the drone threat.  

The UK Department of Transport in its Countering the Drone Threat Guidance published in May 24, splits countering the threat into four headings:  

“Detect: The ability to sense the presence of a drone. Alerts the user of a drone flying in the vicinity of the asset it is protecting, for example, a maritime vessel.   

Track: The ability to determine the drone position and movement over time, such as approaching the protected asset and, therefore, potentially posing a threat or moving tangentially. Allows the user to follow the drone’s movement and prepare a response.   

Identify: The ability to determine the size and type of drone. Allows the user to analyse the potential threat of the drone based on its characteristics.   

Effect: Using a technical effect to prevent the drone from completing its intended activity. Allows the user to influence the drone’s behaviour before it attacks the target, for example, forcing the drone to land or the pilot to lose control.”  

Some of these capabilities will have application around critical infrastructure and some, in peacetime or with current legislative restrictions, simply won’t.

The integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning into drone defence systems is also gaining traction.

These technologies enhance the ability to differentiate between friendly and hostile drones, or background interference for detections systems, improving detection accuracy, response times and operational efficiency.  

The conflict in Ukraine has underscored the urgency for effective counter-drone measures and shown how international collaboration is essential in addressing the challenges posed by drones.

Countries must work together to establish standards and protocols for drone regulation and countermeasures.

Joint exercises and information-sharing initiatives can enhance the collective ability to mitigate drone threats.  The UK is leading the way with a lot of this.  

As drone technology continues to advance, the potential for new threats will also evolve.

Future drone capabilities may include increased autonomy, enabling UAVs to operate independently and evade detection.

This shift necessitates a proactive approach to countermeasure development, ensuring that security measures keep pace with technological advancements.  

The potential for drones to be equipped with sophisticated surveillance and weaponry raises significant ethical and legal concerns.

Policymakers must grapple with the implications of drone warfare and establish frameworks that govern their use in both military and civilian contexts. 

Not just Air but Maritime threat  

The threat however is not just from aerial drones but also maritime drones as we have seen with the Houthis attacking shipping in the Red Sea. 

The impact of drones on security markets and critical infrastructure is profound and multifaceted.

While the technology offers significant benefits across various sectors, the associated risks cannot be overlooked.  

As the landscape of drone technology continues to evolve, so too must our strategies for countering the threats they pose.

These strategies will be a balance of technological, regulatory and procedural. Drones as a tool for good are here to stay but that also means as a threat vector as well.  

This article was originally published in the December Edition of Security Journal UK. To read your FREE digital edition, click here.