The drone threat has landed...


...is UK security ready?


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


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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


www.bidvestnoonan.com >


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