The Growing Threat of Low-Altitude Drones Around Airports
In recent years, airports around the world have faced increasing risks from unauthorized drones flying near restricted airspace. Unlike traditional aerial threats, consumer and commercial drones are small, agile, and often fly at low altitudes where traditional radar struggles. This makes them difficult to detect using conventional surveillance methods such as primary radar or optical cameras.
For airport authorities, the consequences of undetected drones are severe. Even a small drone flying close to a runway can lead to flight delays, diversions, or full shutdowns. According to the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), drone incursions have already disrupted dozens of airports globally, creating millions of dollars in losses and endangering passenger safety.
To solve this challenge, millimeter-wave (mmWave) radar has emerged as a next-generation sensing technology capable of detecting and tracking small drones in complex airport environments.
Why Traditional Detection Methods Fall Short
Before diving into the advantages of mmWave radar, it is worth highlighting why other methods often fail:
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Optical Cameras: Strongly dependent on lighting conditions and line of sight. Fog, rain, or bright sunlight can make drones invisible.
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Acoustic Sensors: Easily disturbed by background airport noise (engines, wind, machinery).
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Conventional Radar: Designed for airplanes, not small UAVs. Small drones often fall below detection thresholds.
This detection gap has created an urgent need for advanced radar systems optimized for low RCS (Radar Cross Section) targets such as quadcopters.
How Millimeter-Wave Radar Solves the Problem
Millimeter-wave radar, especially in the 77–81 GHz frequency band, offers unique advantages for drone detection in airports:
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High Sensitivity to Small Targets
The short wavelength of mmWave radar allows it to detect drones with very small RCS values, even when they are just a few tens of centimeters in size. -
Precise Range and Velocity Tracking
By leveraging FMCW (Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave) technology, mmWave radar provides centimeter-level accuracy in range measurement and can reliably track the speed of fast-moving drones. -
Robust Performance in All Weather
Unlike cameras or lidar, mmWave radar operates independently of light or weather conditions, making it reliable for 24/7 surveillance in fog, rain, or dust. -
3D Detection Capabilities
With advanced 4D mmWave radar solutions, airports can detect not only the presence of drones but also their altitude and flight trajectory, which is crucial for risk assessment.
At Linpowave, our radar modules are designed with these requirements in mind. For example, the V300 radar offers long-range detection up to 300 meters with high angular resolution, making it an ideal choice for drone monitoring systems around airports.
Deployment Scenarios in Airport Security
To effectively secure airport airspace, mmWave radar can be deployed in strategic configurations:
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Perimeter Surveillance
Radars placed along airport boundaries can form an invisible shield, detecting drones as soon as they enter restricted zones. -
Runway Protection
High-precision radars can monitor takeoff and landing corridors, ensuring drones are identified before they become a direct hazard to aircraft. -
Integration with Multi-Sensor Systems
While mmWave radar provides reliable detection, it can be combined with optical tracking for visual confirmation, giving airport authorities full situational awareness.
By integrating mmWave radar into existing UAV defense ecosystems, airports can achieve faster response times, triggering alerts, countermeasures, or drone jamming protocols when needed.
Case Example: Responding to Drone Intrusions
Imagine a scenario where a small quadcopter enters the approach path of a major international airport. Traditional surveillance may miss it due to its low altitude and small radar cross-section. However, a network of mmWave radars deployed at the perimeter quickly detects the drone, estimates its trajectory, and notifies air traffic control.
This real-time detection capability allows authorities to temporarily halt departures, activate drone countermeasures, and avoid costly disruptions.
Compliance with Aviation Standards
Implementing mmWave radar solutions for drone detection is not only a matter of technology but also compliance. Systems must align with aviation safety requirements, such as those outlined by ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) and national airspace regulations.
Linpowave’s radar technology is designed to meet these needs by offering scalable and modular systems that can adapt to different airport environments.
Why Millimeter-Wave Radar is the Future of Airport Security
The rise of drones has introduced new security challenges that require innovative sensing technologies. Millimeter-wave radar stands out as a proven, reliable, and future-ready solution for airports seeking to safeguard their operations.
By providing precise detection, all-weather performance, and seamless integration, mmWave radar ensures that airports can protect passengers, aircraft, and infrastructure from the growing risk of low-altitude UAV incursions.
Conclusion
Millimeter-wave radar is redefining how airports approach drone detection. While cameras and acoustic systems struggle in complex environments, mmWave radar delivers unmatched reliability and accuracy.
For airports facing increasing risks of drone intrusions, adopting mmWave radar technology is not just a choice—it is a necessity for ensuring safety and maintaining public trust in air travel.
👉 Learn more about Linpowave’s radar solutions and how they are transforming airport security systems worldwide