Summary: Knowing how to detect drones is essential for airports, stadiums, correctional facilities, and critical infrastructure as drone incursions rise sharply nationwide.
Detection methods include radio frequency (RF) and Remote ID systems, radar, visual tracking, and acoustic sensors—each with distinct advantages and limitations. RF and
Remote ID detection remains the most effective, as it can identify both the drone and its pilot, enabling rapid response and accountability. While radar, visual, and acoustic tools add layers of confirmation, the best defense combines technologies to match each organization’s airspace risk profile.
How to Detect Drones
Summary: How to detect drones is a growing concern for airports, stadiums, correctional facilities, and critical infrastructure. From RF and radar to acoustic and visual systems, multiple technologies exist to identify drones. The most effective methods don’t just detect drones—they trace each drone back to its source, helping identify the pilot responsible for any safety or security concern and enabling quick, controlled responses.
While many drone incursions are accidental—often caused by inexperienced hobbyists or pilots unaware of flight restrictions—effective drone detection remains essential. Even a small drone can disrupt airport operations, endanger public safety at large events, or deliver contraband to prisons. According to the FAA, illegal drone incidents near U.S. airports increased by more than 25% in early 2025, underscoring the urgency of reliable detection systems.
This guide explains the four main methods of drone detection—RF, radar, visual, and acoustic—and compares their strengths and weaknesses so organizations can choose the right solution for their airspace security needs.
How to Detect Drones: Method 1 - Radio Frequency (RF) Technology
By law, most drones must broadcast a signal called Remote ID, which works like a digital license plate, sharing the drone’s identification and location. One method of RF detection captures these Remote ID signals to determine where the drone is flying.
The other method, spectrum sensing, passively monitors the radio frequency environment to detect drone activity even when a drone is not broadcasting Remote ID. These are the only two legal methods of RF-based drone detection.
By law, drones must also send out a signal called a Remote ID, which works like a digital license plate, showing the drone’s ID and location. To detect drones, systems like the AeroDefense AirWardenTM, it’s possible to receive these signals to figure out where the drone is—and even where the pilot is standing. With AirWarden, you can spot when a drone enters your airspace—and, even more importantly, pinpoint the pilot’s location.
How to Detect Drones: Method 2 - Radar
Short for Radio Detection and Ranging, RADAR uses concentrated radio waves sent out that, when coming in contact with an object, are reflected back to the sensors. These sensors interpret the reflections to track the location and size of the object.
How to Detect Drones: Method 3 - Visual Tracking
Visual tracking uses PTZ cameras to locate and track drones visually. These cameras lock onto the GPS location of the drone and then follow it, similar to how a security camera might follow movement detected in an area.
How to Detect Drones Method 4 - Acoustic
Acoustic drone detection systems use high-powered microphones to pick up the sound emitted from drone engines/propellers. This data is then used to track the location and direction of travel of the drone. This method can be greatly impacted by environmental forces such as wind or rain. It also does not produce reliably accurate results in tracking the direction of travel of drones.
Below are the pros and cons of the drone detection methods above.
Radio Frequency (RF) & Remote ID Detection
- Pros:
- Most common and cost-effective method.
- Detects both the drone and the pilot’s location.
- Complies with FAA’s Remote ID requirement (digital license plate).
- Works with off-the-shelf equipment like AeroDefense’s AirWarden®.
- Cons:
- Limited against fully autonomous or home-built drones that don’t use standard RF or Remote ID.
Radar Drone Detection
- Pros:
- Detects drones regardless of manufacturer or signal type.
- Works day or night, in most weather conditions.
- Cons:
- High rate of false positives (birds, debris).
- Expensive and requires specialized operators.
- Does not identify or locate the pilot.
Visual Tracking (EO/IR Cameras) Drone Detection
- Pros:
- Provides clear visual confirmation of a drone.
- Useful as evidence for law enforcement.
- Cons:
- Limited by line of sight, lighting, and weather.
- Requires another detection method first to cue the camera.
- Cannot locate the pilot.
Acoustic Detection Drone Detection
- Pros:
- Can detect small, low-flying drones by sound.
- Works in environments where RF may be restricted.
- Cons:
- Easily disrupted by wind, rain, or ambient noise.
- Accuracy decreases in urban or noisy areas.
- Cannot identify the pilot.
Worryingly, with the wider availability of low-cost drones, the pace of drone incursions into controlled airspace has been accelerating.
“According to data reviewed by The Debrief, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recorded 411 reports of illegal drone incursions near airports across the United States from January to March, despite airports being restricted airspace—an unsettling 25.6% increase from the 327 reports during the same period in 2024. “
It’s important to understand and establish your own risk profile and ensure that you have the right drone detection solution in place to manage your risks properly.
Bottom Line on How to Detect Drones: While radar, visual, and acoustic methods can help confirm a drone’s presence, only RF and Remote ID detection can consistently identify the pilot—making it the most effective choice for preventing both accidental and intentional drone incursions.
For more information on drone detection, read The Ultimate Guide to Drone Detection.
Reach out to our team, we’re happy to help you through the learning curve process and help you to make the right decision. From cost-effective but reliable drone detection using Remote ID to more robust systems, we can help you to lower your risk.
How to Detect Drones FAQs
What’s the best way to detect drones?
The most effective method is Remote ID technology, which identifies both the drone and its pilot. Other tools like radar, electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) cameras, and acoustic sensors provide additional confirmation and coverage.
How does RF drone detection work?
RF detection systems scan the radio spectrum for signals between a drone and its controller. With Remote ID, most drones now broadcast digital “license plate” data—including ID, altitude, and pilot location—allowing facilities to detect and track them in real time.
Can radar detect drones?
Yes. Radar uses reflected radio waves to identify flying objects, including drones. However, it can generate false positives from birds or debris, requires line of sight, and cannot pinpoint the pilot’s location, so it’s often paired with RF or visual systems.
What are EO/IR or visual drone detection systems?
Electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) systems use cameras to visually confirm drone presence. These systems are useful for gathering evidence and verifying detections, but they depend on lighting and weather conditions, and they must usually be cued by another detection method first.
How does acoustic drone detection work?
Acoustic drone detection systems use sensitive microphones and AI-based sound recognition to detect the unique hum of drone motors and propellers. While useful in quiet or rural areas, their accuracy drops in windy or noisy environments.
Can drone detection systems locate the pilot?
Yes—Remote ID systems can reliably locate the pilot. These systems detect the communication link between the drone and controller, allowing security personnel or law enforcement to intervene safely.
Are all drone detection methods legal?
Passive detection methods such as RF-ID, radar, EO/IR, and acoustic systems are legal. However, drone mitigation actions (like jamming, spoofing, or shooting down drones) are restricted to certain federal agencies.
Why is it important to detect drones early?
Early detection gives organizations time to assess intent, alert law enforcement, and protect people and property. Whether a drone is a harmless hobbyist or a security threat, situational awareness is the first step toward a safe response.