The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris (26 July – 11 August 2024) are still a long way off. However, a series of preparations have been made by the French Government, especially on the security aspect. From a series of potential threats and disturbances, these are the types of mini and micro drones, the deployment of which is relatively difficult for security forces to detect.
Responding to the challenge, the French Ministry of Armed Forces announced in June that it had ordered a prototype anti-drone laser weapon system, called HELMA-P, specifically for deployment at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
"The HELMA-P system provides a calibrated response to drone threats, from blinding the drone's visual instruments to neutralizing mini or micro drones (from drone weight of 100 grams to 25 kg) by changing the structure and causing the drone to fall within seconds," the ministry said. a statement.
What is meant by changing the structure is to burn the drone with a laser beam. The prototype will also help "deepen the military's understanding of its deployment," as the anti-drone campaign is a priority set by the French Ministry of the Armed Forces for the period 2019-2025.
“The HELMA-P system can fire powerful laser beams by heating the drones to the point where they catch fire and turn off,” according to Jean, chief armament engineer at the Defense ministry's Directorate General of Armaments, which is responsible for developing and acquiring the weapon. The ministry declined to give Jean's last name due to security concerns.
The drone threat has increased exponentially in recent years including for major events like the Olympics, according to Philippe Gros, senior research fellow at the French security and defense think tank Foundation for Strategic Research.
Drones can be used to scan and search specific areas to identify potential target locations. They can also be modified to carry weapons or explosives. Mini drones, targeted by French systems, have played an active role on the front lines of the conflict in Ukraine.
In addition to the laser unit, the anti-drone system will also be equipped with radar and radio frequency sensors to help locate drones. Once identified, the weapon was developed by CILAS, part of French defense giant ArianeGroup. For information, HELMA-P has a firing range of one kilometer.
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| HELMA-P – Anti-Drone Laser Weapon |
But using such a powerful weapon in densely populated Paris, where visitors from around the world gather to celebrate the Olympics, poses security concerns. “An important part of the laser anti-drone program is the safe operation of this weapon,” said Jean.
It is up to the teams operating on the ground to determine whether or not they should shoot down the drone. "This decision will take into account the fact that the downing of a damaged drone could cause some harm," Jean said.
Laser weapon systems are believed to be one of the most cost-effective ways to tackle the growing drone threat in urban areas, according to experts.
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