Major UK airport rolls-out drone threat management system

According to a statement, the technology will enable local security forces to “accurately detect, identify, and monitor” drone activity taking place in or around the airport. It will also locate both the drone and its operator, with information shown on either a control room screen or mobile application.

The deployment follows-on from a three-month pilot project, carried out with Bristol Airport Authority and the police.

Speaking of the installation, security operations manager at Bristol Airport, Javid Haq said: “Like all major airports, Bristol is aware of the disruption that both unauthorised and malicious drone usage can cause. It is impossible to understate the importance of ensuring that we implement a high-performing and accurate drone threat system.”

Paul Hicks, head of wireless at telent said: “The world-class drone threat management system by DGS provides airport authorities with an unprecedented level of detail. It allows security staff and police to identify what level of threat they are dealing with, so that they are well-informed before taking appropriate action.”

The Clearsky system works via a passive sensor network. Telent claims it can detect “a broad range of drones across multiple frequencies,” with false positives reduced by “machine learning software.”

The initial contract to supply the solution will last for three years.