Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Shooting Down Drones with Laser
Dramatic rise in small drones for civilian use has also introduced a new threat to political and other public figures.

Last month, MBDA Deutschland used a laser effector to shoot down a free-flying mini-drone, the first test of its kind anywhere. Conducted at the company’s Schrobenhausen, Germany range, the drone was engaged while maneuvering at a range of about 1,600 feet/500 meters. The drone was acquired, tracked and defeated in a matter of seconds.

A dramatic rise in small drones for civilian use has also introduced a new threat to political and other public figures, as well as strategic installations. This was evidenced by a 2013 incident in which one crashed just feet away from German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and by cases this year when drones have been flown in the vicinity of the White House. More than 60 overflights of strategically significant locations have been recorded in France since October.