Cambridge-based Aveillant Ltd (a Thales company) (www.aveillant.com) reports that its anti-drone systems have been deployed at Heathrow Airport by Reading-based Operational Solutions Ltd.

The systems work by detecting and tracking drones in the surrounding airspace and alerting the airport of unauthorised drone use; they can also find the location of the drone pilot.

The fast and accurate detection of rogue drones will help to keep Heathrow’s passengers and staff safe; it will also reduce the fuel wastage and additional flight stacking caused by unauthorised drone use.

Legislation was introduced in March 2019 that prohibits unauthorised drones from being flown within the Flight Restriction Zone (FRZ) that extends out to 5km of any airport boundary.

Anyone caught flying a drone without permission within an FRZ in the UK will face a prison sentence.

Jonathan Coen, Heathrow’s director of security, said: “The safety of our passengers and colleagues is our number-one priority.

“That is why we are investing in this new cutting-edge technology, which will enhance our capabilities in the detection and deterrence of drones in and around our airfield.

“We are delighted to have this unique system keeping our skies safe and helping passengers and cargo to get to their destinations on time.”