PRESERVE

The Horizon Europe PRESERVE project addresses the growing need for advanced security solutions against evolving drone threats at large-scale public events. Pilot Use Case 1 (PUC1) “Autopiloted drone swarm terrorist attack to major sport event”, is led by the Spanish National Police and focuses on ensuring the safety and security of a heavily crowded international sporting event, which attracts hundreds or even thousands of participants, spectators, media personnel, and support staff. With the increasing sophistication of drone technologies and their potential misuse for malicious purposes, such events are vulnerable to unprecedented security challenges.

PUC1 is designed to protect public safety by neutralizing drone threats while ensuring the event proceeds without disruption. The scenario envisions a high-profile event where unauthorized drones, including swarms, may be deployed with weaponized payloads such as explosives or hazardous materials. These drones, capable of autonomous operation or manual piloting, pose a complex threat that requires swift detection, precise assessment, and effective neutralization.

The PRESERVE project will leverage cutting-edge technology to address these challenges. A combination of multimodal sensors, including radar, optical, RF, and audio technologies, will provide comprehensive real-time drone detection and tracking. AI-driven trajectory analysis will enable accurate prediction of drone movements, supporting rapid and effective decision-making by security forces. The platform will also integrate advanced neutralization measures, such as jamming systems and interceptor drones, to eliminate threats with minimal disruption to the event.

This use case not only ensures immediate protection during the event but also enhances overall preparedness. The platform will facilitate cross-border intelligence sharing, enabling law enforcement agencies to identify potential threats early and develop targeted countermeasures. It also supports post-event investigations by collecting and analysing critical data, improving the effectiveness of future interventions.

PUC1 will be tested at Spain’s “La Enira” Operational Training Center, where simulations will replicate real-world scenarios to validate the system’s capabilities. By reducing response times and improving coordination among counter-terrorism units, police, and emergency services, the PRESERVE platform will demonstrate its potential to safeguard major public events across Europe. Through this innovative approach, the project highlights the importance of proactive, technology-driven solutions to meet the challenges posed by modern security threats.