Use cases — Airports & Aerodromes

Drone readiness assessments for airport security teams.

Large aerodromes operate under strict airspace obligations and face a threat environment that manual C-UAS awareness programs are not built to document. CounterSwarm gives airport security teams a repeatable readiness baseline — modeled against their actual site, run against realistic threat scenarios, and packaged for internal review and regulatory support.

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Quick answer

What drone threats do airports face?

Airport drone incidents fall into five categories: terminal overflights, fuel farm approaches, runway airspace denial, cargo perimeter incursions, and navigation aid interference. Each carries distinct consequence profiles and distinct regulatory reporting obligations for the aerodrome operator.

  • Terminal overflights trigger sterile-area incident protocols
  • Runway incursions cause operational shutdowns averaging 30–60 minutes
  • Cargo perimeters are the most under-monitored exposure zone
  • NAVAID proximity events can force approach procedure changes

Threat vectors, by zone

Each zone carries a different consequence profile. A readiness assessment covers all of them, not just the visible perimeter.

Terminal buildings

Critical

Overflights above secure zones and sterile areas create public safety risk and potential regulatory exposure for the aerodrome operator. Hover events above departures halls are the most common declared incident type.

Fuel farm and ground support

Critical

Drone incursion near aviation fuel storage or ground service equipment depots represents the highest consequence event class. Even a non-kinetic intrusion triggers shutdown and incident reporting obligations.

Runway and approach corridors

High

Airspace denial events within the manoeuvring area or final approach path force operational interruptions. A single declared incursion can ground departures across multiple runways for 30–60 minutes.

Cargo and air freight facilities

High

Cargo perimeters are typically the weakest monitored zone at large aerodromes. Low-altitude intrusions targeting inbound freight represent both a security and customs compliance exposure.

Control tower and navigation aids

High

NAVAID interference — even without physical contact — can trigger NOTAMs and approach procedure changes. Readiness documentation for this zone is increasingly required in TC regulatory submissions.

Regulatory obligations

Canadian aerodrome operators work across multiple regulatory frameworks. A CounterSwarm assessment maps directly to each one.

Transport Canada RPAS Part IX

Aerodrome operators are responsible for airspace safety within their controlled zone. A documented C-UAS readiness posture supports operator obligations under the Canadian Aviation Regulations.

TC Advisory Circular AC 600-010

Provides guidance on C-UAS deployment planning for aerodromes. A CounterSwarm assessment maps directly to the planning outputs AC 600-010 recommends.

CATSA Security Regulations

CATSA-regulated security zones include sterile areas and pre-board screening. Drone incursion into these areas triggers mandatory incident reporting and SOP review.

Bill C-26 (Critical Infrastructure)

Major Canadian airports are designated Tier 1 critical infrastructure. The forthcoming CCSPA obligations require CI operators to document security program readiness, including physical threat vectors.

How a pilot engagement works

Four structured steps from intake to debrief. The full engagement runs in days, not months.

Step 1

Site intake

Capture the aerodrome profile — terminal configuration, runway layout, protected zones, cargo and fuel locations, and existing C-UAS awareness posture.

Step 2

Airspace and perimeter modeling

Build the site model using public aerodrome data. Define exclusion zones, sterile areas, monitoring perimeters, and approach corridor exposure.

Step 3

Scenario runs

Execute approved defensive scenarios: terminal overflight, cargo perimeter incursion, fuel farm approach, and multi-vector coordinated event. All runs are simulation — no live countermeasure authorization required.

Step 4

Readiness report and debrief

Generate a board-ready assessment with risk scores, coverage gap analysis, remediation priorities, and regulatory framework mapping. Deliver with a full evidence manifest.

Ready to run an airport assessment?

Start with a readiness assessment — scoped to your aerodrome.

The Readiness Assessment entry point ($12,500) is below the PSPC non-competitive ceiling and fits within departmental procurement authority for most Canadian airport operators. No competitive process required.

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