Summary: Choosing a drone detection system? Ask 7 key questions to find a legal, cost-effective solution that fits your airspace security and tracking needs.
Choosing a drone detection system is an important step in knowing what’s in your airspace and keeping it safe. With more drones flying, you need a system that fits your needs. By asking the right questions, you can find the best option for detecting drones, tracking pilots, and keeping your site secure. Here are seven key questions to help you decide.
1 - Does the system receive Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandated Remote ID broadcasts?
The FAA started official enforcement of the Remote ID rule last year. Nearly all drones on the market today must broadcast their location and operator information along with other identifying information.
The majority of drone-related issues come from clueless or careless pilots who are unaware of regulations. Since their drones send Remote ID signals, a detection system that receives Remote ID signals can help monitor and address these incidents in real time.
In addition to monitoring Remote ID broadcasts, it’s essential to consider how the system processes and displays this information. Does the system utilize an intuitive User Interface (UI)? Can the system monitor multiple locations from a single UI? Some systems, especially handheld ones, are cheaper but have a very basic way of showing detection information. Other systems offer easy-to-use and customizable real-time maps of drone activities that help security teams visualize drone positions relative to sensitive areas. Having a UI that conveys information intuitively can increase the worth of the system as it offers more customization and easier usage.
2 - What types of drones does the system detect?
When choosing a drone detection system, make sure they can detect many types of drones from different manufacturers. Detecting many different types of drones helps avoid gaps in your defenses. This is especially important because DJI’s once dominant market share is falling because of legislation like the Countering CCP Drones Act. This act aims to limit the use of Chinese drones by officials and in sensitive areas.
3 - Does the system stop or interfere with the drone?
Only four federal agencies can legally interfere with a drone’s flight or signal.
Let’s imagine for a moment that everyone could mitigate drones legally. Any action taken to remove a drone from the sky carries significant safety and liability risks. If a drone loses control it could crash into people, property, or critical infrastructure. The entity that mitigated the drone could face the legal responsibility for the damage or injuries.
Most corporate teams would likely not accept this liability once they understand the risks involved. A much safer and effective solution is detection and tracking of the location of the drone and the pilot. This then helps the correct personnel receive the actionable information, aiding in response to safely land the drone.
For a list of drone detection key terms and definitions such as mitigation, read here.
4 - Can the system send custom alerts when a drone enters my area?
This feature is important because it allows you to focus on areas of concern. It also helps minimize unnecessary notifications from drones that don’t pose a threat. Alerts should only trigger when a drone enters sensitive or restricted areas you choose. This improves response times and helps you focus on what matters most to your specific site.
5 - Can the system monitor multiple separate locations simultaneously from one interface?
This question helps assess how scalable and versatile the drone detection solution is. Organizations with multiple sites—such as critical infrastructure, campuses, or event venues—may require a system that offers centralized monitoring across all locations. Having the ability to monitor everything from a single user interface simplifies operations, enhances situational awareness, and ensures a more efficient response.
6 - What is the total cost of ownership of the system?
Match Your Investment with Your Risk
When choosing a drone detection system, it’s important to match your investment with your risk level. This means not overspending when it is not necessary. It also means not underspending when your location might need a stronger solution.
As stated previously, clueless or careless hobbyists cause most drone-related issues. These hobbyists usually fly drones that comply with FAA Remote ID regulations. This makes drone detection systems that detect Remote ID a cost-effective solution to the issue.
A Remote ID receiver not only addresses common problems but can also help quantify your drone problem. For example, if you visually see a drone that isn’t broadcasting Remote ID, this could be a sign of a more serious problem. In this case, interested parties will need more advanced detection systems.
Consider All Costs
Besides the initial purchase price, other costs affect a system’s long-term affordability. These include installation, maintenance, software updates, training, and possible expansion. Some solutions require frequent hardware upgrades or extensive upkeep, adding unexpected expenses. However, some systems provide complimentary hardware with no maintenance required, helping reduce overall costs and make budgeting simpler.
7 - What are the training requirements?
Training requirements help you understand how easily your team can adopt and use the drone detection system. Complex systems requiring extensive training delay full operation and may increase costs. On the other hand, systems with intuitive training allow for quicker deployment. This quick deployment ensures your team responds to drone threats efficiently.
Understanding training needs helps you see if the system will be easy for new staff to learn. This is important as your organization changes over time.
Choosing a drone detection system isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision. By asking these key questions, you can find a solution that fits your security needs, budget, and long-term goals. Whether you need basic Remote ID monitoring or a more advanced system, the right choice will help you stay ahead of potential threats.
