The Rapid Proliferation of UAS and Emerging Threats

The rapid proliferation of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, has revolutionised various sectors, including commercial, recreational, and governmental operations. The latest generation of UAS is remarkably easy to fly and generally inexpensive, making for widespread use. While the benefits of UAS are numerous—ranging from aerial photography and agricultural monitoring to delivery services and disaster response—this widespread adoption has also introduced a series of new types of threats. Unauthorised surveillance, airspace obstruction, and the potential use of drones to carry destructive payloads have become pressing concerns. This paper explores these threats and discusses the systems available to mitigate them.