It was a problem that required an urgent solution and the Dubai authorities have come out with flying colours in addressing it so speedily. The new Sky Commander Tracking Programme, a drone-intrusion alert system, is now live over Dubai airspace. It’s a peremptory technology of the most efficient kind that will avert the problems of drones flying into the restricted space over the Dubai International Airport. It was a problem that reared its head in early 2016 when three episodes of drone disruptions occurred that led to disruptions in airport functioning and flight activity, compromised passenger safety and incurred financial losses.
The salient feature of the system — the first of its kind anywhere, which is another feather in Dubai’s cap — is its ability to detect offending drones and signal a red alert via SMS to its registered owners and operators to do immediate course correction for the drone and make it retreat from the airspace. This is an excellent example of technology raising its own game to even out the odds in its own backyard. In fact, the Sky Trax system allows for a more robust detection of drones as compared to conventional radars, thus almost obliterating the margin of error. As such, this development carries with it the highest assurance for safety and security for passengers coming into, and leaving, Dubai airport. Complementing this technological feat are the tightened regulations for drone users, both commercial and hobby driven. The authorities’ decision in April to formalise a series of steps to own, and operate a drone, as well as mandate tough penalties for violators, is ensuring that there is a zero chance of an indiscriminate use of a drone.
