Relevant Tasks for UAV Protection Systems in Relation to the Aerial Scenario of Nuclear Facilities

Abstract

The goal of this paper is to present the risks that Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (also called Drones) pose for nuclear facilities. The technologic advancements of these unmanned aerial vehicles are one of the most dynamically evolving industries currently; which while through the growing widespread and numerical increase represent many advantageous usability, are also starting to pose an ever-increasing threat. An increasing number of cases get reported when UAVs violated the airspace and security of critical infrastructure facilities. The paper includes a technological overview of the UAVs, their use-cases and a discussion of the security risks they represent. In order to present the actuality of the topic, the recent nuclear power plant endangerment incidents committed by drones and the properties of drones that represent a potential source of danger are detailed. Additionally, the physical protection technologies of nuclear power plants are discussed; also, the importance of capabilities for the detection, delay and neutralisation of drones. In the final chapters we present our conclusions and suggestions.