A conceptual system architecture for countering the civilian unmanned aerial vehicles threat to nuclear facilities

In this research work, a possible technical solution for the growing Civilian Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) threat to nuclear facilities is presented. A conceptual system architecture for countering the civilian UAVs threat with detection modalities as well as major types of effectors and mitigation systems has been illustrated. With the investigation over R&D activities and literature for a robust technical solution, a combination of Radio Frequency (RF) emission cum sound event detection and jamming based Physical Protection System (PPS) has been proposed to counteract the UAVs threat as well as to account for real time alert and response. The system architecture also outlines the criteria for a response system involving both the destructive and non-destructive techniques according to the available tested means and technologies. The solution can be applied to upgrade the PPS of existing nuclear facilities and to design the PPS of nuclear facilities of newcomer countries like Bangladesh where the UAVs threat may not have been considered with other threat attributes. The paper will enable policy makers, regulators, and operators for formulating and/or revisiting nuclear security policy, regulation, and governance if gap exists.