The drone threat has landed …is UK security ready
Once the preserve of hobbyists and the military, drones have swiftly become a game-changer across industries. Whether capturing ariel footage for marketing promos, or conducting wide-area surveillance of critical infrastructure, drones offer unprecedented utility.
But with opportunity comes risk. As drones become more accessible and capable, they are increasingly being misused — from causing disruptions at airports to potential threats to sensitive sites.
Drones can be weaponised in subtle but serious ways. For example, they are used for carrying copper wires into substations to short-circuit power grids. There have been cases of drones hovering near buildings in attempts to breach Wi-Fi networks and gain unauthorised access to critical systems.
With nearly half a million registered drones already in UK airspace and projections pointing to over 900,000 commercial drones by 2030, the security industry now finds itself at a critical crossroads: embracing drone technology as a powerful tool, while also developing strategies to defend against its misuse.
The legal grey zone
Despite efforts to regulate drone activity in UK airspace, confusion remains widespread. The reality is that many professionals charged with protecting sites still misunderstand what drone operators can and cannot legally do. And this knowledge gap is increasingly being exploited.
A growing subculture of ‘social media auditors’ and drone provocateurs is taking advantage of this regulatory ambiguity. These individuals deliberately fly drones near commercial and industrial sites, often within line of sight of security personnel, and film the interaction that follows. The footage, frequently shared online, typically shows security teams reacting to what they believe is an illegal incursion. In many cases, however, the drone pilots are operating within their legal rights.
Thanks to their light weight and regulatory classification, drones under 250 grams can often be flown legally in built-up areas, over property, and even above crowds, subject to safety and privacy considerations. This exemption from many of the stricter controls applied to heavier drones makes them especially attractive to social media auditors, marketers, and content creators who need quick, flexible access to aerial perspectives without navigating complex authorisation processes.
What’s clear is that the UK security industry is playing catching up. Few of us are familiar with the nuances of CAA regulations or the tools available for identifying or challenging potentially malicious drone activity. This regulatory uncertainty not only opens the door to social media baiting, but also exposes sites to more serious risks, from espionage to low-cost terrorist attacks. These can all be carried out remotely, silently, and without setting foot on the premises.
For security professionals, the key challenge is twofold: understanding the letter of the law and developing protocols to respond proportionately and legally when drones appear overhead. In this rapidly evolving landscape, ignorance is no longer an option.
Build a drone-aware security strategy
UK constabularies, including the Met Police have been educating the business community on how to respond to dangerous or suspicious drone incidents.
Here at Bidvest Noonan, we’ve also researched the subject in depth on behalf of our clients. We conclude that to meet the rising drone threat head-on, security teams must think beyond the perimeter fence. Treat drone activity as a standard part of your risk landscape. Begin by incorporating drone scenarios into your security planning. That means developing a counter-drone protocol that complements your existing response playbooks and emergency procedures.
Understand the airspace
A foundational step is understanding what’s normal in your location, whether you manage security for a factory, railway network or university campus. By mapping out typical drone activity through ‘pattern of life’ analysis, you can better spot anomalies that may indicate surveillance, targeting, or disruption. Not every drone is hostile, but knowing when one might be is essential.
Harden the target
Many drones exploit overlooked physical vulnerabilities, from unshielded access systems to exposed infrastructure. Take time to review your site with drones in mind. Trees, fencing, netting, and subtle barriers can block flight paths and obstruct line-of-sight access to sensitive areas. Cover vents, rooftop assets, and other drop points, and consider discreetly disguising critical infrastructure.
Detect early, respond smart
Invest in drone detection technologies suited to your environment, whether RF sensors, radar, acoustic systems or optical trackers. These tools provide early warning and allow real-time assessment. Choose systems approved by the UK’s National Protective Security Authority (NPSA), and integrate them with your wider surveillance network.
Whatever reasonable mitigations you consider, whether physical barriers like netting or changes to site infrastructure, ensure they are themselves legal, reasonable, and proportionate. Not every site will be able to implement high-end counter-drone technology, and improvised measures must not create new hazards or risks in their own right.
Train everyone, not just security
Awareness shouldn’t stop at the security office. All staff, from reception to IT, should be trained to spot drones, know what’s legal, and follow escalation protocols. Importantly, interception (jamming, disabling, or capturing drones) is tightly controlled under UK law. Your people must know what they can do, and when to involve the police.
Collaborate with the right people
Engage early with local police and Counter Terrorism Security Advisors (CTSAs). They can offer insights, intelligence, and real-time support if an incident occurs. For high-risk sites or public events, involving authorities from the start is not just smart, it’s essential.
Ian Martin
Director of Risk and Intelligence
Bidvest Noonan
