Drone shows are increasingly replacing fireworks at public celebrations and events, offering a high-tech and environmentally friendly alternative. However, a security expert warns that the growing prevalence of these displays introduces new challenges for event security and public safety by complicating the detection of unauthorized drones.
Cordell Bennigson, CEO of U.S. Operations for R2 Wireless and a retired Marine Corps officer, explained that while drone shows themselves are not inherently a security risk, they highlight the accessibility of drone technology. He noted that the radio frequency (RF) spectrum, used by everything from cellphones to drones, becomes particularly busy during these events. This increased wireless traffic, generated by the show's technology and spectators using their phones, can make it difficult for security personnel to distinguish legitimate electronic activity from an unauthorized drone.
"Detection is the first line of defense," Bennigson stated. "We have to be able to detect it, and we have to be able to see through all of that clutter, all of the noise in the electromagnetic spectrum, in order to do that."
Bennigson suggested that rather than attempting to reduce wireless transmissions, which he deemed unrealistic, the focus should shift to refining detection capabilities. He drew a parallel to the development of night vision goggles, which allowed people to see in the dark rather than eliminating darkness. "We have to get better at seeing in the electromagnetic spectrum," he said.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a critical tool in this effort, according to Bennigson. AI's ability to rapidly process vast amounts of wireless data and identify patterns is crucial for detecting drones within noisy RF environments. "AI is very, very effective and very powerful in that environment," he noted.
The challenge of crowded airspace extends beyond organized drone shows. Bennigson believes that as drones become more common, governments at all levels will need to reassess how they monitor airspace around stadiums, critical infrastructure, and other public gathering places. "This needs to be something that we are paying attention to at the national, at the state, at city, and at the individual event level," he urged.
Current regulatory systems, such as those managed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), are primarily designed for legally operating aircraft and drones that broadcast their location. Bennigson pointed out that these systems leave a vulnerability for malicious actors who would not comply with such regulations. While radar can detect objects not transmitting their location, it has limitations, including potential interference with other signals in urban environments and difficulty detecting low-flying drones.
"If the FAA is only relying on radar and only relying on friendly transmitters, that leaves a gap for some bad actors to be able to utilize, to be able to operate without being seen," Bennigson warned. He emphasized the need for detection and defense capabilities to stay ahead of potential threats.