American researchers are studying the possibility of using pigeons to counter unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) that are equipped by terrorists with weapons aimed at civilian and military targets. Drones represent an increasing concern for security officials worldwide due to their growing capabilities, ease of acquisition, and the ability of terrorists to direct them against civilian objectives.
A report from the British newspaper "Daily Star" indicated that an American company is exploring the idea of training pigeons to attack drones carrying explosives or weapons, intending for them to neutralize these threats by colliding with them and sacrificing themselves in the process. The newspaper did not reveal further details about the company's name or the nature of the experiments being conducted but noted that the researchers have achieved varying results, underscoring the need for more tests to determine how to guide the bird's behavior.
The danger posed by drones lies in their difficulty to be detected by conventional radar, especially modern unmanned aerial vehicles that have stealth capabilities. Militarily, various systems are used to counter drones, such as the "Patriot" air defense systems or the "S-400", among others; however, using such methods is very costly, with the price of a Patriot missile reaching up to one million dollars, compared to a drone that can sometimes cost no more than 500 dollars.
These unmanned aircraft can also be shot down using missiles launched from combat helicopters and fighter jets, but this approach is not always effective and is expensive as well. For these reasons, countries around the world are working on developing defense systems to counter drones. The United States has installed a new anti-drone device on its military vehicles, equipped with radar and cameras to detect this type of aircraft. If a hostile drone is detected, the device sends radio frequencies to jam and bring it down.
There is also increasing interest in portable and mobile systems, like "SkyWall," which detects drones and deploys a net to disrupt their movement. This system can be used to protect civilian and military facilities, secure large public events, and safeguard important individuals. Earlier this year, the British Ministry of Defense announced tests being conducted by the army and the Royal Navy on a laser weapon capable of bringing down drones.
