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 AirWarden®, 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. 

The Pros and Cons of the Drone Detection Methods

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.