Korea Aerospace Administration and National Police Agency Unveil Detection, Identification, and Neutralization Response Technology for 'Illegal Drones'

First Demonstration of Response Technology for Illegal Drone Infiltration at Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute:
Neutralization and Post-Incident Investigation in Action

The first demonstration of response technology was held following the establishment of a 'one-stop system' that integrates detection, identification, neutralization (control takeover), and accident investigation (forensics) for 'illegal drones.'

The Korea Aerospace Administration and the National Police Agency announced that on the morning of September 18, a demonstration of response technology was held at the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute in Daejeon, attended by representatives from the public, private, and military sectors. The demonstration simulated a scenario in which an illegal drone infiltrated a nuclear facility.

At the government Daejeon office building on the 15th, an unauthorized drone intrusion scenario was staged during the "Integrated Security Training for Related Agencies." The article content and photo are not directly related. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

This demonstration was part of the 'Development of Intelligent Response Technology for Illegal Drones' project, jointly led by the Korea Aerospace Administration and the National Police Agency. Since April 2021, the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute has conducted research to establish a one-stop system integrating detection, identification, neutralization (control takeover), and accident investigation (forensics) for illegal drones. This was the first time such a demonstration was conducted at a nuclear facility, which is a key national infrastructure.

The first stage of the demonstration focused on detecting and neutralizing illegal drones. Ground radar, RF scanners, and DroneCop systems were linked to immediately detect the intrusion of illegal drones and safely land them by taking over control as an initial response.

The next stage was live forensics, a digital evidence collection technique that secures and analyzes volatile evidence remaining in memory and other components in real time while the device is powered on. From the moment control over the drone is taken, evidence such as control signals, the operator's location, and recorded footage is collected in real time.

Finally, post-incident forensics is conducted by analyzing the landed drone, the controller obtained from the operator, and related devices such as smartphones. Evidence is collected to determine the intent of the intrusion and to secure unauthorized photographs and other relevant materials.

After the demonstration, the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute announced that it would incorporate feedback from participants regarding areas for improvement. A second demonstration targeting another key national facility is scheduled to be held at Yangyang Airport in Gangwon Province at the end of October, and the results of the intelligent illegal drone response technology development project will be announced in November.

Choi Juwon, Director of the Future Security Policy Bureau at the National Police Agency, stated, "As drone technology rapidly advances, it is equally important to secure forensic technology to respond to related crimes." Kim Hyundae, Director of Aviation Innovation at the Korea Aerospace Administration, added, "The results of this project will become a core technology that enhances Korea's international competitiveness and protects public safety."