Paris Olympics 2024: High-Tech Security Measures to Counter Drone Threats
As millions converge on Paris for the Olympics, the presence of police officers equipped with the latest security technology might go unnoticed by many. Among their arsenal is a device reminiscent of a bazooka, but its purpose is far from destructive. Dubbed the SkyWall Patrol, this shoulder-mounted launcher is designed to safely neutralize drones by ensnaring them in a net, preventing them from flying over the city.
Developed by UK-based OpenWorks Engineering, this innovative anti-drone system will be deployed alongside GPS jammers and other advanced technologies to secure the airspace over Paris. This initiative comes at a time when France is on high alert due to ongoing tensions in Europe, including the war in Gaza, escalating violence in the Middle East, and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin has been seen publicly wielding the anti-drone device, signaling the government’s serious stance on safeguarding the Paris 2024 Games. The threat posed by drones is a significant concern for the city, especially with the opening ceremony taking place along the Seine river, a departure from the traditional stadium setting. This change increases the vulnerability to drone-related threats, as noted by defense consultant Marc Chassillan, who highlighted the potential for just one drone to disrupt the event significantly.
The SkyWall Patrol is designed to capture drones without causing them to crash, minimizing the risk of injury from falling debris. It uses compressed air to launch a projectile that releases a net upon contact, safely bringing the drone and the projectile back to the ground with a parachute. This method offers a more proportionate response to the drone threat compared to traditional weapons, which often fail to intercept drones effectively.
The recent Russian invasion of Ukraine has accelerated the development of anti-drone technologies, with the dark side of drone usage becoming a pressing concern. The French security operation for Paris 2024 is extensive, involving thousands of law enforcement officers, snipers, and dog units. The Olympic flame’s arrival in Marseille marked the beginning of this large-scale effort.
In addition to physical measures, France is leveraging technology, including Artificial Intelligence, to enhance security. AI software developed by companies like Videtics, Orange Business, ChapsVision, and Wintics will analyze video streams from surveillance systems to identify potential threats. Robotic dogs will also be employed by the RAID French national police unit for explosive detection.
The Rugby World Cup served as a rehearsal for the French police’s drone countermeasures, with at least 24 drones neutralized during the event. With an estimated three million drones in France, the challenge of preventing unauthorized flights over Paris is significant. An anti-drone coordination center has been established to monitor air traffic and manage drone threats during the Olympics.
Despite the advanced preparations, there have been some hiccups, such as glitches in the Parade drone detection system. Urban environments pose unique challenges for anti-drone radar, with trees, buildings, and monuments potentially obscuring incoming drones. The threat of a drone swarm attacking the crowd during the opening ceremony is a particular concern, highlighting the complexity of securing such a large-scale event.