As the drone sector has experienced significant growth, certain individuals and groups worldwide have begun to utilize drones for harmful intentions. Many of us have encountered news stories detailing the misuse of drones and have questioned whether effective anti-drone technologies exist to counteract these actions. The reality is that such technologies have been available for years in military applications, yet the pressing issue remains how to implement them legally in non-combat environments without causing collateral damage.

A variety of companies focused on anti-drone technologies have reacted to reports concerning troublesome drones by marketing their offerings. They have developed an array of products, such as anti-drone rifles, shotgun ammunition designed for drone interception, trained raptors, net guns, laser systems, missile launchers, radio signal disruptors, and GPS spoofing tools. Some of these technologies can pose considerable disruptions to individuals, especially those piloting manned aircraft or vehicles that depend on GPS navigation, as well as users of wireless technologies like Wi-Fi.

How Some Anti-drone Technologies Can Endanger Others

There have been occasions where airport management did not align their evaluations and demonstrations with the Federal Aviation Administration beforehand. It is essential for federally funded airports to comprehend that the FAA has not sanctioned any airport to perform drone detection or countermeasure assessments unless they are part of the FAA's drone detection program through the CRDA. Airports that permit these assessments risk violating their grant assurances. Additionally, the letter emphasizes that unauthorized drone detection and countermeasure implementations could result in numerous issues, such as electromagnetic and radio frequency (RF) interference, which can adversely affect flight safety and air traffic management.

Additionally, the American Radio Relay Alliance has communicated a warning to the FCC about the presence of video transmitters on the market that operate between 1010 and 1280 MHz, capable of transmitting at levels up to six times the legal limit. "The most pressing issue is the potential for these devices to interfere with the auxiliary targeting/transponder system utilized in air traffic control." It is important to note that one of the frequencies mentioned is legally available for amateur radio operations, while the others are not. This creates a scenario where individuals might acquire this equipment and use it on frequencies that are prohibited. What equipment is known to function within this frequency spectrum?

Counter-drone systems and the Fourth Amendment

The populace is entitled to security in their persons, homes, papers, and possessions against unreasonable searches and seizures. A warrant may only be granted based on probable cause, which must be established by an oath or declaration, and must clearly specify the area to be searched as well as the individuals or items to be confiscated.

Do drone jammers work?

It is correct that the use of jamming devices against drones is prohibited for all individuals, except for designated federal agencies. Drones share radio frequencies with numerous other technologies, such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Therefore, the act of jamming drones could also interfere with the radio communications of others in the vicinity, rendering it highly illegal.