March 14, (THEWILL)- With security being the top priority for the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics, France is leaving no stone unturned in its preparations to secure the Games. The country has unveiled plans to employ anti-drone units to counter the potential threat posed by unmanned aerial vehicles.
The military base of Villacoublay, located just outside Paris, will serve as the anti-drone coordination centre. This facility will bring together police, gendarmerie, and army officers to work collaboratively in identifying and neutralising drone threats during the Olympic events.
General Arnaud Bourguignon, the General Officer in charge of air and anti-drone protection for the Games, highlighted the potential risks associated with drones. “Drones can be used to carry out a protest or with a terrorist intent,” he stated during a press conference on Thursday. “We’ve seen that it was easy to use a drone for other purposes and turn it into a weapon.”
The anti-drone units will be equipped with advanced technology to monitor air traffic and detect unauthorised drones. Officers will utilise radar systems, cameras, and jamming antennas capable of neutralising drones from kilometres away. Additionally, anti-drone rifles will be available to scramble radio signals or take down drones using laser technology.
While the authorities aim to maintain a strict stance against unauthorised drones, they acknowledge the legitimate use of these devices for media coverage and officiating purposes at certain events. “Some drones are being used by the media, but also to referee some events, so we cannot just ban them altogether,” explained Bourguignon.
France, having experienced Islamist attacks involving gunmen and suicide bombers in Paris in November 2015, is taking no chances with security during the Olympics, scheduled from July 26 to August 11.
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Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
