The multi-layered challenge of drone defense

The podcast «The multi-layered challenge of drone defense» (in German) deals with the topic of drone defense against small drones in seven episodes. The second video podcast by the DSI and the Swiss Drone and Robotics Center (SDRZ DDPS) of armasuisse Science and Technology examines the state of drone technology as well as legal and practical aspects of drone defence.

The topic of drones and their defense is becoming an increasingly topical issue in view of the rapid technological developments in which Swiss researchers are playing a leading international role. Both private and state actors can use drones in a wide variety of ways. Current conflicts such as the Russian war against Ukraine also show the greatly increased importance of this technology, which also raises the question of adequate defense.

In the second podcast by the DSI and the SDRZ DDPS, Noemi Schenk guides us through the individual episodes in which experts from the fields of drone technology and defense, law and the military contribute their knowledge. Mark Höpflinger (Head of the SDRZ) and Joe Boucher (Scientific Project Manager of the SDRZ) introduce the topic. In two parts, Roland Siegwart from the Institute of Robotics and Intelligent Systems (IRIS) at ETH Zurich will then explain the state of drone technology, including foreseeable developments such as swarm technology, as well as the opportunities offered by this technology – for example in rescue operations – and the dangers posed by the misuse of drones.

Sandra Bodmer, Co-Head of the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA), will shed light on the legal issues surrounding the use of and defense against drones. These include personal and data protection law, criminal law and property law. Finally, specific measures for drone defense will be examined in the two-part article by René Wellinger from the Swiss Armed Forces Command. The first part deals with the general use of and defense against small drones in the event of a crisis or war, while the second part examines the topic from the perspective of the Swiss Armed Forces. Joe Boucher, scientific project manager of the SDRZ, then summarizes the most important aspects in his conclusion. The podcast thus offers a comprehensive overview of this current topic.

The podcast was produced in collaboration with the Swiss Drone and Robotics Center of the DDPS and the Digital Society Initiative of the University of Zurich with the support of the Multimedia & E-Learning Services (MELS) of the University of Zurich.