The Dutch police are the first law enforcement agency in the world to use eagles to tackle drone threats that pose risks to the community.
“This is a low-tech solution to a high-tech problem,” said Dutch police spokesperson Dennis Janus, according to AFP.
Eagle capturing a drone. (Image source: internet).
The eagles will be deployed whenever small UAVs threaten the community, such as during state visits from officials or if small UAVs fly too close to airports.
The Dutch police have successfully tested using eagles to combat drones since early 2015.
“No eagles have been harmed, but no drones have remained intact. The eagles see the drones as prey and intercept those in flight, then land with the ‘prey’ under their talons,” Janus stated.
Approximately 100 police officers will be trained to work with this “eagle squadron.”
“Besides eagles, we have yet to find any other method to intercept drones, but we will continue to explore alternatives, such as nets or electronic devices,” Janus added.
