Smart airspace security provider Dedrone announced it is partnering with Threat Management Group (TMG) to provide airspace security for South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) during the popular Cooper River Bridge Run. Due to the pandemic, the annual race was held twice within a six-month period, in September 2021 and again in April 2022. SLED utilized Dedrone technology to secure the airspace for runners and spectators during both events.

Using funding from the 2020 Port Security Grant Program (PSGP), SLED leveraged Dedrone’s Smart Airspace Security solution, deploying mobile Dedrone sensors on marine vessels and installing Dedrone sensors around the bridge in a static configuration to ensure wide-area security. During the 2021/2022 events, three drones were intercepted and SLED was able to quickly de-escalate the threat. Dedrone’s technology helped ensure the safest and most secure events in the history of the 10K race, the third largest of its kind in the United States.

“We needed a scalable drone detection solution capable of detecting a wide variety of drones and flexible enough to be deployed in our highly complex race environment, which includes both the land and marine components,” said Trey Elrod at SLED. “After an extensive analysis of available solutions, Dedrone was the clear market leader. The ease of deployment, robust drone detection library and simplicity of the user interface made it much easier for law enforcement to successfully protect our annual Bridge Run.”

Drone detection is complex. Drones come in various shapes, sizes and control mechanisms, with fixed wings or a varying number of rotors. Radio frequencies also vary: many drones are controlled using common radio protocols, but others are controlled via Wi-Fi. Dedrone shines a light on the “blind spot” of suspicious drones, ensuring airspace is safe from unwanted aircraft and providing tools to help mitigate threats.

“We were honored to work with TMG and SLED to help secure the iconic Cooper River Bridge Run, especially as these were the first events following the pandemic and the community was excited to be together again,” said Aaditya Devarakonda, CEO of Dedrone. “Airspace security is now a critical part of ensuring the safety of participants in any live event, and Dedrone makes it easy for law enforcement to quickly and easily manage unauthorized drones.”

Races, stadiums, and live events are especially vulnerable to drone threats, from both nefarious actors and individuals seeking to get their own unique footage. Spectators and participants alike are vulnerable to physical threats, while event organizers also worry about copyright infringement issues. Dedrone and TMG have successfully collaborated to secure additional events, including NASCAR.

“TMG provides a wide range of counter technologies for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) including risk management, training, TTP (tactics, training, and procedures) development and drone detection solutions,” said Brandon Cox, CEO, TMG. “Dedrone is the company we trust most to provide our clients with a complete end-to-end, drone-agnostic detection solution.”

Dedrone works across 35 countries to deliver drone detection, identification, tracking, and mitigation. The company’s technology is used by four of the G-7 nations, nine U.S. federal agencies, including the Department of Defense, and more than 70 critical infrastructure sites, 20 airports, and 50 correctional facilities worldwide.