The reports of drones circling Arlanda earlier this week paralyzed the airport for several hours.
Regardless of who was behind the incident, it is clear in retrospect that the country’s largest airport lacks the capabilities to prevent and document illegal drone flights. According to the Swedish Civil Aviation Authority, there is no technology to repel drones or track drone pilots flying over Arlanda.
Drones at Arlanda Airport
Swedavia after the drone alarm: “We feel safe”
Another drone alarm at Arlanda
“Large costs”
The police also share the picture and state that Swedavia was unable to deliver documentation beyond visual observations from last Sunday.
– It would probably be time to review the part of being able to detect drones and, above all, dismiss various indications. This means big costs, says Per Engström, head of section at NOA.
He points out that owners of civil security-sensitive operations have the same responsibility to protect the airspace above their properties as they do to build fences against physical intrusions.
– It is also about the reputation of Sweden, saying that we cannot maintain air traffic because a drone is in the airspace gives a signal value, we must improve preparedness, says Per Engström.
From Swedavia’s side, they do not want to comment on whether there are any systems to counter drone flights.
– It is important to follow and monitor the environment and end up in the right place if you want to make that type of purchase, says security director Mats Paulsson.
“There are no requirements”
Currently, according to the Swedish Transport Agency, there are no rules that compel airports to obtain protection against drones.
– It is up to each individual business to make the assessment of what needs to be done to conduct safe business, says Christoffer Massinger, drone coordinator at the Swedish Transport Agency.
In both Denmark, which DN reported, and Norway’s airport owners have bought in advanced systems to track drones. SVT has visited Gardermoen in Oslo, where a center has been set up for the control of drone flights at several airports in the country, and the staff can detect and document drones, as well as track drone pilots.
– This equipment has helped us a lot, says Nikola Tufekcic.
Don’t miss out Agenda special: The Nordic response to Putin’s war which is broadcast on SVT Play or SVT2 Sunday at 9.15 p.m.