Rome, Italy. U.S. officials helping to safeguard Americans at next month’s Winter Olympics are intensifying planning for potential drone disruptions, ranging from illicit filming over venues to worst-case scenarios involving explosive payloads.
Rising focus on drone threats
The threat of drone attacks has drawn increased attention since the war in Ukraine highlighted their lethal capabilities, and the U.S. government has recently increased spending on anti-drone technology. Drones have also disrupted airspace across Europe in recent months, while low-cost unmanned aircraft have become an everyday challenge for major sporting events.
Standing threat category for major events
“Our authorities are constantly on the lookout,” Tim Ayers, Director of the U.S. State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Major Events Coordination Division, said in an interview. Ayers described drones as “a massive issue” that host nations and visiting security teams now treat as a standing threat category.
Italian preparations and venue challenges
Italian police and their military counterparts are preparing restrictions and monitoring systems around outdoor mountain venues for the Milano Cortina Games, where drones are harder to control and easier to conceal, U.S. officials said.
Credentialed use and expected violations
Legitimate drone use, such as television broadcasts, can be approved under a credentialing system, but security planners expect fans to attempt flights regardless.
U.S.-Italy coordination and communication channels
As part of preparations, U.S. officials recently convened a high-level drone symposium in Italy, bringing American specialists to brief their Italian counterparts and establish direct communication channels for rapid problem-solving during the Games. “The Italians have primacy, it’s their country,” Ayers said. “We’re there as a backstop to share information and expertise as needed.”
Paris Olympics cited as case study
Security officials pointed to the Paris Olympics as a recent case study. While authorities planned for the possibility of drones being used to deliver harmful devices, more common incidents involved spectators trying to capture unauthorised footage or conduct activity that could resemble surveillance.
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