Drones represent an interesting and useful addition to the range of technological means and equipment in use in private security services. The use of drones and other unmanned vehicles are also consistent with the new paradigm in private security, the so-called “New Security Company”, whereby security agents and technology are combined into “security solutions”, with a view to optimising the service to clients and provide enhanced security, also to security officers. CoESS sees opportunities in different types of activities with unmanned aircraft (UA) to support security officers in their missions, enhance security of public spaces and clients, and detecting and preventing the ill use of UAs.

To promote the use of drones in the security services, CoESS is hence involved in the development of a regulatory framework for drone operations since many years and an official member of the European Commission Expert Group on Drones. Following the implementation of the EU Drone Regulation in Member States in 2021, the European Commission now published a new EU Drone Strategy 2.0, which shall address short-comings in the regulatory framework and barriers to the use of drones in Europe at large.

To make sure that the needs and requirements of the security industry to better integrate drones in its services are reflected, CoESS was involved in the development of this Strategy since 2021, including through the participation in the EU Expert Group on Drones, a respective public consultation, and a high-level hearing with the European Commission – with success: the Strategy includes multiple activities that CoESS has previously called for, notably:

• Standard Scenarios: CoESS has called since years for more Standard Scenarios adapted to the private security industry’s missions to support public security, which would substantially facilitate to uptake of drones in the Specific Category. The Commission now intends to adopt new European standard scenarios for low to medium risk aerial operations with a focus on operations that address specific needs related to State or military operations and maritime surveillance activities.
• C-UAS: CoESS has repeatedly stressed about the risk stemming from malicious drones and the lack of guidelines for C-UAS actions. The Commission now intends to adopt a counter-drone (C-UAS) package. The package will announce, among other things, work towards EU counter-drone guidelines and examine the need for legislative measures. Support activities will include a handbook on C-UAS for Critical Infrastructure and Public Spaces.
• Professionalisation of competent authorities: A major barrier for private security companies to use drones in the Specific Category is the low speed at which authorisations are given at competent authorities – if at all. The Commission therefore intends to examine how regulations are implemented by the competent authorities at national level. It further calls on Member States to overcome the risk of shortage of regulatory experts in drones and drone operations at both local and national authorities’ level.

CoESS highly welcomes these actions and is working on a roadmap to support the important initiatives. As European Commissioner for Transport, Adina Valean, rightly said during the Opening of the EU Drone Days: in our times, we also need to expand capabilities to protect European citizens. Drones can play an important part in this effort, and CoESS is ready to play its part in the implementation of the new announced actions.