Alan Dillon
Question:75. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the extent to which his Department is involved in developing anti-drone technology; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29571/23]
View answerTuesday, 20 June 2023
Questions (75)
Oral answers (10 contributions)
It is widely accepted that anti-drone technology will play a crucial role for governments to ensure the safety and security of their citizens. Drones have become increasingly accessible and can pose significant threats such as unauthorised surveillance, smuggling and even acts of terrorism. Implementing effective anti-drone measures and robust policies helps the Government protect its airspace and critical infrastructure from potential risks. To what extent has the Department explored advanced technology that can mitigate the misuse of drones?
A key priority for me as Minister for Defence is to ensure the capabilities of the Defence Forces are maintained, developed and enhanced to ensure the Defence Forces can carry out all of the roles assigned to them by the Government as set out in the White Paper on Defence.
Capability priorities for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service are considered as part of the capability development planning processes, which include both a five-year equipment development plan and a built infrastructure programme. The equipment development plan recognises the need to maintain and upgrade military capabilities having regard to emerging priorities, operational requirements and changes in technology. This is an ongoing iterative process.
Following the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces in 2022, which included a wide range of recommendations relating to capabilities and funding, the Government approved a move to level of ambition, LOA, 2 as set out in the capability framework devised by the commission. Allied to this, one of the recommendations made by the commission provided for the development of anti-drone or counter unmanned aircraft systems, UAS, capabilities. This recommendation was accepted in principle in the subsequent high-level action plan published last July following the Government's consideration of the commission's report. As a result, a civil-military working group on UAS detection and counter-UAS technology has recently been established. The working group has commenced a study of national and international best practice and regulatory requirements to see how UAS detection and counter-UAS technology can best be deployed in the context of enhancing the capacity of the Defence Forces to carry out all of the roles assigned to it by Government. Building on current and previous staff studies in this area, the working group will make recommendations on the development of the Defence Forces capability and capacity in this area.
Anti-drone technology is a really hot topic right now. Unmanned warfare is taking centre stage, especially in the Ukraine war, where Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine has raised the profile of drone warfare with some 600 unmanned aerial vehicles from both sides estimated to take flight daily.
However, locally, the threat from drones is far broader. Commercial drones are typically sold with preset geofencing that prevents their flight near sensitive locations. However, these guardrails are easily hacked. We all witnessed the havoc and disruption recently at Dublin Airport with many hundreds of flights grounded. In March, the Minister, Deputy Ryan, spoke about the purchase of the necessary anti-drone equipment and the decision required on who would deploy the necessary technology. Will the Tánaiste provide some information on the types of equipment purchased that is in operation? Who is controlling this? Is it within the remit of the Defence Forces? Will he also refer to the future investment in this technology?
As always, we have to look at both the protection of the State but also civil protection issues.
In the context of Dublin Airport, this issue was the subject of considerable publicity recently. The Government decided to appoint the DAA to purchase and deploy a counter-drone technology solution at Dublin Airport. This is an interim response, initiated by my colleague, the Minister for Transport, to the risks posed by illegal drone use at Dublin Airport. I am advised that the DAA now has a drone detection system in place. It is being used to support enforcement activity, and I understand that a number of cases are before the courts. The deployment of counter-drone technology at Dublin Airport is a complex operation. The technology needs to be deployed and operated safely. The DAA is engaging extensively with the relevant safety regulators, the Irish Aviation Authority and the Commission for Communications Regulation. I am advised that testing of the procured equipment has been recently completed and that the process to ensure it can be safely operated at the airport is now well-advanced.
The question relates to the implementation of this anti-drone technology. From what the Tánaiste has said, it seems that it is currently not up to date or is not in operation. While I accept that the DAA has drone detection systems, that does little in terms of protecting our air spaces or implementing take-down measures through a number of provisions. I wish to ask about progress across Departments to strengthen our ability to deal with drone incidents. The Departments of Justice, Transport and Defence all have roles in establishing effective measures to ensure the safety and security of our air space. We all appreciate that a comprehensive approach is needed, and this must be developed to enhance our drone security. What future investment does the Tánaiste sees within the Defence Forces to ensure that this happens?
There is some capability within the Defence Forces regarding drone technology. It is not all about warfare either; it is about many practical applications, for example, where they can come to the aid of the civil power, assist State agencies and utilities and perform drug interdiction. There are many positive utilisations. We have observer status on an Italian-led permanent structured co-operation, PESCO, project on counter-unmanned aerial systems, CUAS, the objectives of which are to define the criteria for the development of advanced and efficient CUAS systems, both for fixed sites as well as with on-the-move capability. Member states with observer status on PESCO projects have no voting rights and cannot influence the direction of projects but it allows member states to gain knowledge on what the project expects to achieve and what is required from the member states. That is another useful example of the value of being in PESCO - to see how others use drone technology, for example. We can get a first-hand view of that. The working group will give due attention to this; it must be planned properly. Suffice it to say, the Deputy is correct - drone technology is here to stay.
Question No. 76 to 78, inclusive, taken with Written Answers.
There are literally 20 seconds left if Deputy Ó Cuív wants to ask the next question. There is hardly even time for an answer.
I was going to ask a question on behalf of Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan.
I know, but we are out of time. The Deputy has 20 seconds if he wants to ask the question.
I will move to Question Nos. 79 and 85 instead. They are in my name.