Protecting one of the world’s best-known corporate events

Securiton presented its SecuriDrone drone security system for the first time at the 2023 annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF). The aim of this system is to quickly detect drones entering restricted airspace. It allows for the localisation of both the drone and pilot, thus enabling a targeted intervention by security personnel. With the help of RF Cyber, SecuriDrone can override the pilot by taking control of the drone before landing it in a controlled manner at a predefined safe location. Drone defence is performed without resorting to disruptive jamming.

In this short interview, Markus Eggenberger – responsible for all police security measures at the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos – reports on how unauthorised drones are dealt with and more:

Mr Eggenberger, you have been involved with the WEF for over 30 years and have been responsible for all the police security measures in Davos since 2009 in your position as Chief of Security Police at the Grisons Police Force. During this time, the dangers and security aspects have surely changed significantly.

How would you assess the current risk potential of drones at events such as the WEF in Davos?

Recent developments in neighbouring countries have shown what is currently possible when using drones. With little outlay or knowledge, drones can now be flown anywhere and quickly pose a risk. This may be the result of a drone pilot being unaware of an existing no-fly zone and causing a risk to approaching helicopters, all the way through to planned terrorist attacks using drones. We have to be prepared for all of these potential risks at the WEF.

How is the WEF event protected against risks caused by drones?

There is a general no-fly zone in place during the event, which also applies to UAS (unmanned aircraft systems) – in other words, drones. Moreover, various drone detection systems have been in use in recent years supplemented by technical and personal intervention options.

How would you rate the performance of the technologies contained in the drone detec-tion and defence system from Securiton? 

SecuriDrone operates with the latest RF Cyber technology. This means that any detected drone activity – in other words, active drones and remote control by the pilot – can be localised immediately and clearly identified. Security personnel can then deal with the pilot directly and the police can take control of the drone in flight and force it to land in a controlled manner when required. This all takes place without the use of jammers or the risk of collateral damage to drones, people or infrastructure.

If you had to choose, what would be your five highlights of the system?

• A large perimeter can be monitored with minimal, passive technical outlay and across a large range
• The system is easy to operate, which is important for rapid intervention
• The system is stable in operation and not susceptible to false alarms 
• RF Cyber technology allows for effective defence without the use of jammers or other methods that have an increased risk of potential damage 
• The system fully meets expectations in terms of the product, technology and support

An overview of drone security products from Securiton can be found at: https://www.securiton.ch/en/dronesecurity