Droniq chief Jan-Eric Putze has said the technical detection of drones is not a problem, with radio-frequency scanning identified as the cheapest and first line of monitoring for larger airspace zones. The German joint venture between Deutsche Telekom and DFS sees frequency sensors as capable of covering a large share of drone traffic, while microphones, AI-enabled cameras and, where needed, passive radar can extend the system.
The comments come amid continued debate over how to improve counter-drone capabilities at sensitive sites and airports. Putze’s assessment aligns with work by Fraunhofer IOSB, which has shown that drones can be detected, tracked and classified in real time using AI-supported passive infrared and video sensors.
The layered approach described by Droniq reflects the operational challenge of watching broader areas rather than isolated points. Frequency monitoring can provide early indication of nearby drones, while optical, acoustic and radar-based sensors can add confirmation and tracking. The focus is increasingly on combining methods to improve coverage, reduce false alarms and support security teams monitoring critical infrastructure.