Advancing Counter-Drone Technologies for Security & Society
The Future of Counter-Drone Technology in Switzerland
Drones are transforming industries, public safety and the way we operate in the airspace. But as their capabilities, availability and autonomy increase, so too do the challenges associated with their misuse.
From airports and critical infrastructure to major public events, prisons and sensitive government sites, the ability to detect, identify and, where necessary, respond to unauthorised drones is becoming an increasingly important question.
On Tuesday, 13 October 2026, we are bringing together leading voices from academia, government, aviation regulation and the counter-drone industry at ETH Zurich to examine where Switzerland stands today — and what needs to happen next.
A rapidly changing threat
Counter-drone technology is developing almost as quickly as drones themselves.
Traditional detection technologies such as radar and radio-frequency monitoring are increasingly being combined with optical systems, artificial intelligence and other sensors. At the same time, the challenge is moving beyond simply detecting a drone.
Who is operating it? Is it a genuine threat? How can authorities respond? What technologies can legally and safely be deployed? And how should Switzerland’s regulatory framework evolve as both drone and counter-drone capabilities become increasingly sophisticated?
These are not purely technical questions. They sit at the intersection of technology, aviation, security, regulation and public policy.
Bringing the different perspectives together
The panel will bring together leading experts representing academia, government, aviation regulation and the counter-drone industry:
Prof. Roland Siegwart
Full Professor of Autonomous Systems, ETH Zurich
Larissa Haas
Head of Technology and Innovation section, Federal Office of Civil Aviation Switzerland (FOCA)
Kai Holtmann
Managing Director, Taskforce Drohnen, armasuisse
Louis Saillans
Defence Specialist & CEO, Askalon Industries
David Shapira
Co-founder, CDDS
Together, the panel brings a unique combination of perspectives spanning autonomous systems, civil aviation, defence, regulation and counter-drone technology.
The discussion will explore both where counter-drone technology stands today and where it is heading next — and, crucially, how Switzerland can develop an effective approach that brings technology, regulation and policy together.
What does Switzerland need to do next?
Switzerland has a world-class ecosystem spanning robotics, drones, aviation, research and engineering. But responding effectively to the drone threat requires more than technological capability alone.
It requires collaboration between industry, academia, regulators, government and operators.
The discussion will examine emerging drone threats, the latest detection and interception technologies, the regulatory challenges surrounding their deployment and the steps Switzerland may need to take to ensure it can respond effectively as the technology continues to evolve.
For anyone working in drones, aviation, critical infrastructure, public safety, security, robotics or government, this promises to be a fascinating and timely discussion.
Event details
The Future of Counter-Drone Technology in Switzerland
Tuesday, 13 October 2026 | 18:00–19:30
LEE Building, Room E101
Leonhardstrasse 21
8092 Zürich
The panel discussion will be followed by a networking apéro, providing an opportunity to continue the conversation with speakers, industry representatives and members of Switzerland’s drone ecosystem.
We look forward to welcoming you to ETH Zurich on 13 October.
