Italy's Defense Case for Implementing an Anti-Drone Barrier
Italy Plans High-Tech Shield Against Potential Drone Attacks
Italy is considering implementing a nationwide high-tech shield to protect against potential drone attacks, following concerns raised by Simone Lo Russo, CEO of tech innovation company Impianti SpA. Lo Russo believes that Italy has the technological experience to implement an integrated and advanced national anti-drone system, which he considers an "urgent necessity" due to an unstable geopolitical landscape.
The proposed system is aimed at neutralizing non-cooperative drones, which are drones used for hostile purposes. According to Lo Russo, anyone can buy a commercial drone for less than 2000 euros and modify it for potential hostile use. Drones can be used for attacks against sensitive targets (both civilian and military) and for industrial espionage operations.
To effectively manage and control low-altitude airspace, Italy needs radar and antenna systems that can preventively identify drone traffic between 0 and 120 meters above the ground. Lo Russo suggests implementing active defense technologies, such as systems to block enemy drone communications and interceptor drones to neutralize threats in flight.
The production and implementation of this system could involve major Italian industry leaders and tech SMEs. Key aerospace and defense companies like Avio, which specializes in propulsion and missile technology critical for intercept systems, and L3Harris collaborating on multi-sensor airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) platforms could play a significant role in this project.
The cost of this national monitoring infrastructure is estimated to be tens of millions of euros. However, Lo Russo emphasizes that now is the time for Italy to act and implement an integrated and advanced national anti-drone system.
Italy is currently partially using anti-drone systems, but they are not integrated into a national monitoring infrastructure for full territorial coverage. By leveraging a multi-layered strategy involving advanced detection, identification, and neutralization technologies, coordinated collaboration between major industry players and tech SMEs, and integration with national and European defense frameworks, Italy can create a resilient, autonomous, and comprehensive counter-drone system.
This project could potentially serve as an opportunity to "reconvert industrial plans in crisis sectors". Italy adheres to strict EU-wide drone regulations, with additional national rules through ENAC, including no-fly zones over critical urban and historic areas and rules on drone registration and operation. Incorporating drone defense measures into these frameworks ensures legal and operational coherence, facilitating rapid deployment of countermeasures in "critical operation" zones where drone threats are highest.
Italy's move towards a high-tech shield against drone attacks follows similar initiatives by the United States, China, and Russia. Lo Russo, CEO of Impianti SpA, suggests that Italy should equip itself with this infrastructure to ensure the safety and security of its citizens and critical infrastructure.
News about Italy's consideration of a high-tech shield against potential drone attacks is gaining traction in the technology sector. The proposed system, aimed at neutralizing non-cooperative drones, could involve advanced detection, identification, and neutralization technologies, with key industry players like Avio and L3Harris collaborating on the project.
