Addressing the Drone Technology Challenge: Opportunities and Complex Challenges

Title: Unidentified Drones Over U.S. and Europe Spark Global Concerns and Opportunities

A wave of unidentified drones passing over important sites in the U.S. and Europe has sparked concerns about addressing drone technology. These incidents, which began in November, occurred near strategic American assets, highlighting the need for proper preparedness to address the opportunities and complex challenges posed by these new technologies.

The U.S.’s difficulty in addressing this phenomenon has ignited a global conversation about the necessity of detection and protection systems against drones and adapting regulations. Simultaneously, for Israel, which primarily faces the threat of drones during war, these events offer an opportunity to learn, improve, and explore avenues for business and economic growth in drone technologies and countermeasures.

Reports of mysterious drones over strategic locations worldwide began in the UK over the Royal Air Force bases in Norfolk and Suffolk, which also host American fighter aircraft. Local residents reported drones over their homes near the bases, with some even describing larger flying objects emitting bright orange lights that disappeared shortly after being sighted. In response, the Royal Air Force increased the deployment of air defense systems in these areas.

Unidentified drones were subsequently spotted several times over military bases and critical infrastructure in New Jersey and neighboring states along the U.S. East Coast, causing some to call for a state of emergency. Despite speculation that the drones were sent from foreign powers, such as Iran, U.S. authorities have yet to find evidence of a foreign threat.

The drone sightings have generated significant media attention and speculation, including claims that they are Pentagon experiments. Former President Trump alleged that the military and government know more than they are disclosing, though he cited no evidence for his claims. These incidents coincide with the Pentagon’s announcement of a new strategy to address drone threats and the installation of an innovative AI-based system in Washington designed to enhance air defense and protect the White House and other strategic sites.

In addition to the UK and U.S., unidentified drones were reported at multiple sites in Germany, some linked to American interests. All reported drone activity occurred in sensitive locations, which could serve as strategic targets for intelligence collection by adversaries or for attacks.

If the drones operating near American assets are unauthorized, it indicates a preparedness gap, necessitating the deployment of suitable solutions in such environments and updating operational practices in response to the threat. Experts say that due to legal and regulatory constraints, American defense systems struggle to respond kinetically (e.g., through physical force) to threats within the U.S. As a result, emphasis is placed on “soft” solutions, including radio and GPS signal jamming, which appear insufficient. This inefficiency may suggest that these drones are autonomous, not reliant on such signals, as observed in the Russia-Ukraine battlefield.

Even if the drones are operated by authorized parties, they underscore citizens’ fears of such technologies, with no knowledge of whether they pose a threat. This concern is understandable given the videos circulating on social media showing the use of explosive drones in various regions.

While Israel has focused primarily on addressing the threat of explosive UAVs, some launched from distances of hundreds or even thousands of kilometers (such as from Yemen, Iran, and Iraq), the drone challenge is not limited to times of heightened security tension. This is a technologically charged field: on the one hand, drones represent innovative technology with immense potential for improving everyday life in areas like delivery services, agriculture, and industry. On the other hand, they are simple, accessible, and inexpensive technologies capable of serving hostile purposes like espionage, intelligence gathering, and even attacks.

In an era where drones are so readily available, distinguishing between friendly, authorized drones and those endangering public security, whether by enemies, criminals, or civilians misusing them, poses a significant challenge for any nation aiming to encourage innovation and growth. This emerging field of non-military technologies demands appropriate actors and concepts for its application, along with adequate funding and regulatory frameworks.

Beyond that, developing capabilities to identify, disable, or neutralize dangerous drones is no less critical. The drone challenge is not confined to battlefields, as seen in attacks on Israel from Yemen, Iran, and elsewhere, or Russian attacks on Ukraine. It represents a strategic post-war challenge with significant implications for global security and economies.

Thus, in addition to preparing local defenses against drones and enabling their civilian use, Israel, as a leader in drone technologies and their countermeasures, faces a unique opportunity not only to protect its security but also to position itself as a global innovation hub. This potential has been evident for several years, even before the most recent war, and includes technological companies and initiatives by the Israel Innovation Authority and other bodies who enable controlled drone operations in civilian areas. This understanding reflects the tremendous economic potential and positive impact on many aspects of life that the field holds.

In today’s reality, where many nations seek technological solutions and expertise in this area, Israel has the chance to maximize its capabilities for economic growth. The government, in turn, must act to strengthen local industries by offering grants, creating infrastructure, and removing barriers, allowing Israel to lead the field in a way that benefits security, the economy, and society, both locally and globally.

Dr. Liran Antebi is a Senior Research Fellow at the Yuval Ne’eman Workshop for Science at Tel Aviv University and a former Senior Research Fellow at the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS). In addition, she consults with companies, organizations, and governments on advanced technologies.