Passengers understandably concerned that their aircraft, and lives, could be endangered by drones being accidentally or deliberately flown too close to airports and flight paths can probably breathe a little easier since the recent Counter Terror Expo event at Olympia, London.

Here a radar-based drone detection system called Sharpeye SxV from British manufacturer Kelvin Hughes was demonstrated, showcasing its use at airports, detecting and providing early warning of the operation of drones. Some systems also locate the operator of the drone, giving security forces a chance to move in and arrest before a plane is brought down.

In the events industry the main and mostly harmless use of drones is to cheaply capture unique bird’s eye images of events, particularly sports events. However drones are also used to fly drugs and other contraband over prison walls, to drop bombs and to spy on neighbours.