As drones multiply, the battle to control low-altitude airspace intensifies

The proliferation of inexpensive drones is creating new security challenges for governments and militaries worldwide. Brig.-Gen. Yaron Rosen, executive chairman at Airwayz, compares the trend to the emergence of cyber threats. Airwayz's OVERWATCH platform integrates sensors and counter-drone systems, and has been tested in NATO exercises and at the Port of Rotterdam.

The proliferation of inexpensive unmanned aircraft is creating new security challenges for governments, militaries, and security agencies worldwide. Brig.-Gen. Yaron Rosen, executive chairman at Airwayz and a former Israeli Air Force commander, compares the current moment to the emergence of cybersecurity threats over a decade ago. He describes the trend as the 'democratization and commoditization of airspace,' noting that capabilities once limited to governments are now available to commercial operators, hobbyists, and criminal organizations. Airwayz's OVERWATCH platform is a command-and-control system that integrates data from radars, cameras, and radio-frequency sensors to provide a common operational picture. The company has worked with the Port of Rotterdam and secured the skies over recent FIFA games. During a recent NATO exercise, OVERWATCH was integrated with more than 45 sensors and achieved SAPIENT interoperability compliance. Rosen says European governments are increasingly recognizing the threat, especially countries on the eastern flank, but adds that 'the fires are not actually catching their coat yet.'