The number of drones in Europe is skyrocketing. There are currently over 1.6 million registered operators in the EU, with an estimated 2 million drones in circulation. However, this rapid growth also brings new security challenges – from privacy breaches to threats to critical infrastructure. That’s why Deutsche Telekom IT Solutions Slovakia and Slovak Telekom have introduced an innovative solution: Drone@Onsite – a drone detection system that has already proven its reliability under demanding conditions abroad. Most recently, it underwent key testing in Bratislava, during the matches of the largest football event in Slovakia.
Bratislava as a Technology Testing Hub
Bratislava has become a center of technological innovation in the field of airspace protection. The perimeter of the secured zone covered the wider area around the National Football Stadium, which was monitored by six specialized sensors installed on Slovak Telekom transmitters. The Drone@Onsite solution analyzed air traffic in real time and provided detailed information on each detected flight – including exact location, altitude, drone type, and the position of the operator.
The Test Results Speak for Themselves
Between June 4 and June 24, the system detected a total of 625 drones. The longest recorded flight lasted 187 minutes and occurred on June 11. The busiest day was June 5, when as many as 96 flying objects were detected over the monitored zone.
“Bratislava became a living laboratory for testing cutting-edge security technologies for a few weeks. The results show that we are capable of effectively protecting public spaces, even in high-density environments. We’re proud that Slovak Telekom could be part of this technological milestone,” said Peter Laco, Director of the Corporate Customer Division at Slovak Telekom.
“I’m glad we were able to combine the strengths of the largest mobile operator and the largest IT company in Slovakia to bring a top-tier drone protection solution developed by T-Systems International. This kind of collaboration proves that we can deliver world-class technological solutions to our customers,” said Ľubor Žatko, CEO of Deutsche Telekom IT Solutions Slovakia.
Technology That Stands Up in Practice
Drone@Onsite uses radio frequency (RF) detection with TDOA/multilateration technology, allowing for early and reliable identification of drones before they pose a threat. The system can distinguish between various frequencies and communication protocols, covering up to 95% of commercially available drones. Thanks to precise pilot localization – even in densely built-up areas – it enables security forces to respond quickly and effectively.
Unlike radar or video systems, which depend on lighting and weather conditions, RF detection offers high accuracy, a low false alarm rate, and wide coverage with a minimal number of sensors. The system is also fully integrable into existing security infrastructures.
A Solution for Anyone Who Needs to Protect Airspace
Drone@Onsite is designed for a wide range of clients – from police and armed forces, to critical infrastructure operators, event organizers, and municipal authorities. The system is available both as a permanent solution and as a short-term rental – for example, for one-time events. It is fully scalable and can be tailored to meet specific security needs.
