This article is the SD Team briefing for our video “Unseen Danger: The Looming Threat of Terrorist Drones”
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SYNOPSIS
Weaponized aerial drones, especially the FPV drones rose in popularity in 2022 as a new type of weapon in the Russo-Ukrainian war. The modern commercial FPV drones have an operational range of 2-3 km (more with the retranslator), and are easy to build and use for engaging moving and stationary targets. With the addition of AI-supported target tracking, their success rate can be further improved, turning them into a new type of weapon used for eliminating high-valued targets or in acts of terrorism across the globe.
As a potential weapon of terrorism, it has a number of advantages:
- The drones themselves are considered civilian equipment and are much less regulated compared to firearms. In most countries they can be shipped across the borders without extra permissions.
- Comparable price to a sniper rifle. The current price of a DJI Mavic 3 drone is about $2000. However, it usually needs additional work to be turned into a combat drone.
- Using the drone does not require the operator to have a line-of-sight with the target. The operator can remain hidden throughout the process and leave the area unnoticed.
- Compared to using an IED the drone does not require the operator to ever visit the target area.
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OPENING VIDEO …
Angel Has Fallen || Drones Attack Scene in HD
https://youtu.be/aYywnZFPe6g?si=SotFxQP8P8Fq6J7z
JJ Carrell movie “This is Treason” click HERE
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2014
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NYPD scanning the sky for new terrorism threat
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/drone-terrorism-threat-is-serious-concern-for-nypd/
Drones carrying explosives are the number one terror threat, say NYPD
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2814363/Drones-carrying-explosives-number-one-terror-threat-say-NYPD.html
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2017
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Homeland Security: Warns of Weaponized Drones as Terror Threat
https://www.usnews.com/news/national-news/articles/2017-11-10/homeland-security-warns-of-weaponized-drones-as-terror-threat
The threat of terrorist drone attacks on U.S. soil is a “real problem,” warns counterterror chief
https://www.fastcompany.com/40474192/terrorists-armed-with-drones-on-us-soil-a-real-problem
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2024
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From the Battlefield to Your Backyard: The Looming Drone Threat in America
https://www.thecipherbrief.com/column_article/from-the-battlefield-to-your-backyard-the-looming-drone-threat-in-america
Dozens of tech companies are working on systems to thwart possible drone attacks, including within the U.S., where civilian sites could be targeted.
https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/security/flip-side-drone-boom-airports-stadiums-power-plants-need-defending-rcna128248
U.S. Army Tests Counter UAS Systems To Tackle Drone Swarm Threats
https://theaviationist.com/2024/07/15/u-s-army-tests-counter-uas-systems-to-tackle-drone-swarm-threats/
Risk of terror attack on US soil rises to alarmingly high level, experts warn
https://www.foxnews.com/us/risk-terror-attack-us-soil-rises-alarmingly-high-level-experts-warn
Former FPV-Drone Operators From Ukraine Pose Threat to Global Security – Expert
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240519/former-fpv-drone-operators-from-ukraine-pose-threat-to-global-security–expert–1118527001.html
The Terrorist Threat to America is Growing
https://thedispatch.com/article/evidence-mounts-that-isis-is-coordinating-operations-across-the-globe/
Ukraine carries out one of its biggest-ever drone attacks on Russia
https://edition.cnn.com/2024/09/02/europe/ukraine-big-drone-attack-russia-intl-hnk/index.html
Ukrainian Drones Deploy Thermite on Russian Positions
https://x.com/i/trending/1830595280762511435
Russia says it Downed over 150 Drones in One of Ukraine’s Largest Attacks
https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2024/09/01/russia-says-it-downed-over-150-drones-in-one-of-ukraines-largest-attacks/
US Air Force’s new cutting-edge drone thinks, flies, acts on its own
https://nypost.com/2024/07/25/us-news/us-air-forces-new-drone-thinks-flies-acts-on-its-own/
Why cheap drones pose a significant chemical terrorism threat
https://www.hazmatnation.com/news/why-cheap-drones-pose-a-significant-chemical-terrorism-threat/
WHERE ARE TERRORIST DRONE ATTACKS MOST LIKELY TO HAPPEN?
Terrorist drone attacks in the United States are most likely to target locations that have high symbolic, economic, or strategic value.
Predicting exact locations is challenging. The following types of areas are generally considered at higher risk:
- Major Cities and Urban Centers: High-profile cities like New York, Washington D.C., Los Angeles, and Chicago are potential targets due to their symbolic significance and population density.
- Critical Infrastructure: Facilities such as power plants, water treatment facilities, oil refineries, and transportation hubs (airports, bridges, tunnels) are crucial for national operations and could be targeted to cause significant disruption.
- Government Buildings and Military Bases: Federal buildings, military installations, and other government facilities could be targeted due to their political or strategic importance.
- Public Events and Gatherings: Large public events, such as sports events, concerts, parades, or political rallies, are attractive targets due to the potential for mass casualties and media coverage.
- Commercial and Financial Centers: Places like Wall Street in New York, Silicon Valley in California, or other major business districts might be targeted to disrupt the economy and create widespread panic.
- Landmarks and Monuments: Iconic landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, the Golden Gate Bridge, or the Washington Monument could be targets due to their cultural and historical significance.
- Transportation Networks: Major transportation hubs like airports, railways, and seaports are vulnerable due to the potential impact on national mobility and trade.
These locations are higher risk, but it’s important to note that terrorist tactics can evolve, and threats may arise in unexpected places.
WHAT CAN CIVILIANS DO TO PREPARE?
Protecting oneself from a drone attack as a civilian involves a combination of awareness, preparation, and immediate actions. Here’s how you might approach this based on general advice and insights from various sources up to 2024:
Awareness and Preparation:
- Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with local and international news regarding drone threats. Understanding the technology and tactics used in drone attacks can help in anticipating and preparing for such threats.
- Know Your Environment: Be aware of your surroundings, especially in areas that might be targets for drone attacks, like critical infrastructure, public events, or military installations.
Physical Protection:
- Cover: Use natural or man-made structures for cover. Buildings, walls, or even dense vegetation can provide some protection from drones, especially if they are not equipped with sophisticated targeting systems.
- Clothing and Gear: Wear protective gear if possible. This includes helmets, body armor if accessible, and eye protection. Clothing that covers the skin can also protect against shrapnel or chemicals.
- Gas Masks: If there’s a risk of chemical or gas dispersal via drones, having a gas mask or at least a good-quality face mask could be crucial.
Immediate Actions During an Attack:
- Evacuation: If a drone attack is imminent or underway, the safest action might be to evacuate the area. Move away from the drone’s path or target area if you can determine it.
- Take Cover: If evacuation isn’t possible, seek cover immediately. Drones might not have the capability to penetrate solid structures or thick walls.
- Use of Jammers or Anti-Drone Technology: While civilians might not have access to high-tech counter-drone systems, simple jammers or even homemade solutions like nets or reflective materials might disrupt a drone’s operation. However, be aware of legal implications and safety risks associated with using such devices.
- Physical Interference: If close enough, using something like a long pole or a net to physically interfere with the drone could be effective, though this is risky and not always feasible.
Community and Legal Measures:
- Community Preparedness: Engage with local communities or organizations to discuss and prepare for drone threats. Community drills, sharing information, or setting up local defense strategies could be beneficial.
- Advocacy for Legal Protections: Push for or support legislation that allows civilians or local authorities to use counter-drone measures legally in emergency situations.
Technological Solutions:
- Detection Apps: Some apps can detect drones by their sound or radio frequency. While not foolproof, they can provide an early warning.
- DIY Countermeasures: There’s discussion around DIY solutions like using lasers (within legal limits), nets, or even bird-like drones to intercept, though these come with their own risks and legal considerations.
Post-Attack:
- Documentation and Reporting: After ensuring safety, documenting the incident through photos, videos, or notes can be crucial for analysis and prevention of future attacks.
- Medical Preparedness: Have a basic understanding of first aid, especially for injuries that might result from drone attacks like shrapnel wounds or chemical exposure.
While these strategies and tactics can offer some level of protection, the effectiveness of any defense against drone attacks largely depends on the sophistication of the drones and the attackers’ intent.
For civilians, the best defense often lies in awareness, community action, and advocating for broader protective measures at governmental levels.
Always consider the legal and ethical implications of any countermeasures, especially those involving technology or physical interference.
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