Police to Deploy £15 Million Anti-Drone Arsenal to Combat Aerial Crime

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The new tech is being introduced in response to growing concerns over drones being used by terrorists, gangs, and smugglers. These devices have been increasingly deployed for criminal activity, from flying contraband into prisons to gathering intelligence around sensitive locations. With drones presenting a rapidly evolving threat, the government is moving to give police the upper hand.

Police across the UK are set to receive advanced anti-drone technology in a new £15 million rollout aimed at cracking down on drone-assisted crime. The Home Office has awarded three major contracts to specialist firms, arming officers with powerful tools that resemble firearms but are designed to jam and disable unlawful drones.

Criminals using drones to smuggle drugs or spy on sensitive sites are about to meet their match as police prepare to unleash a £15 million arsenal of high-tech anti-drone weapons.

Each of the three contracts, worth £5 million apiece and running until June 2027, was handed to Steelrock Technologies, CPM Elettronica, and Kirintec. These firms will supply cutting-edge radio frequency effector equipment that can disrupt communication between a drone and its operator, effectively grounding it. The kit can be handheld like a rifle or pistol, mounted to vehicles, or used in fixed defensive positions.

Drone Defence

This technology, set to be operated by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), marks a significant step forward in law enforcement’s ability to counter unmanned aerial threats. The NPCC, which oversees national policing efforts in areas like organised crime and counter-terrorism, will coordinate deployment and ensure forces are properly trained to use the equipment.

Images released by the companies show these counter-drone devices in action, used in both densely wooded areas and built-up city centres. Steelrock Technologies described every unauthorised drone incursion as a serious risk to people and infrastructure. Kirintec, which focuses on defence systems, said it was proud to support “air denial and defence” strategies for domestic policing.

A spokesperson for the NPCC confirmed the equipment would enhance officers’ capability to detect, identify, and neutralise rogue drones before they can be used for criminal purposes. With incidents of drones delivering drugs and mobile phones into prisons on the rise, this kit is expected to be deployed in high-risk locations, including correctional facilities, major events, and key infrastructure sites.

While the government has faced criticism for other security measures, this investment in drone defence has received broad backing. Experts warn, however, that operational guidelines must be clearly established to prevent interference with legitimate drone users such as hobbyists and emergency responders.

The move signals a strong shift in strategy as police forces modernise to tackle 21st-century threats. As drone technology becomes cheaper and more accessible, the tools used to combat its misuse must keep pace. The new anti-drone systems are designed to disable aerial devices and track their source, giving police a better chance of identifying and prosecuting offenders.

This latest initiative shows a growing recognition within government and law enforcement that the skies are no longer crime-free. With the right tools in hand, officers will soon be far better equipped to take control back from those exploiting the airspace.