New Screening Model Identifies Drone Components Before They Reach Secure Areas
Athena Security has launched an innovative, AI-powered X-ray detection model that aims to identify drone components before they can be assembled or transported into restricted areas. This development comes in response to a troubling increase in drone-related incidents globally, offering operators of critical infrastructure the capability to act proactively against potential threats.
The newly unveiled Drone Defense Detection Model is part of Athena’s AI Assisted X-ray screening suite, designed specifically to detect various drone components such as motors, propellers, electronics, and battery packs, even when they are concealed within bags, luggage, or cargo.
“Today’s drones are inexpensive, stealthy, and scalable. Waiting for an incident is no longer a viable defense,” states Chris Ciabarra, Co-founder and CTO of Athena Security. “Our goal is to give critical infrastructure operators the chance to stop threats before they reach the secure perimeter—whether the threat arrives by backpack, cargo bay, or is assembled onsite.”
Growing Drone Activity Raises Security Concerns
The surge in drone activity has raised significant security alarms. Athena notes a staggering 60% increase in major drone incidents worldwide, and the FAA has reported a 25.6% rise in illegal drone incursions since 2024.
Recent conflicts have further illustrated the dangers of drones, as both Russia and Ukraine have effectively used them to target infrastructure and disrupt public services. In a notable incident in October 2025, Russia launched over 300 drones and missiles targeting Ukraine’s energy grid, resulting in widespread outages across several regions.
Airports have also been affected by drone disturbances. In October 2025, Munich Airport canceled 17 flights, halting travel for nearly 3,000 passengers for seven hours due to drone sightings. Similarly, Copenhagen Airport experienced significant disruptions the previous month, pausing all takeoffs and landings for almost four hours. Another disruption occurred near Fuerteventura Airport in Spain, illustrating how small, low-cost drones can lead to massive repercussions for both civilian and military operations.
Detecting Drone Components Before They Become a Threat
Athena’s new model expands the capabilities of their X-ray technology beyond traditional weapons detection. Utilizing machine learning, the system can identify drone components even if they are cleverly disguised or packed within other objects.
Many drone threats begin before the drone is fully assembled, with instances of drone components being smuggled into restricted areas in separate pieces and reassembled after security checkpoints. Athena recognizes this as a legitimate risk for U.S. airports, energy facilities, and other critical sites.
The necessity for this model emerged after a direct client experience involving a drone breach. “One of our clients had a drone incident that compromised their airspace. They needed a way to detect small drones and their components before they became a threat,” Ciabarra shares. This need prompted the development of the detection model.
Features of Athena Security’s Drone Detection Model
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High-fidelity feature recognition allows the system to identify even compact or disguised parts.
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Low false-positive tuning minimizes unnecessary alarms, ensuring that security personnel are alerted only when necessary.
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Integration with access control systems enables the model to trigger alerts or security responses when threats are detected.
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Scalable deployment options are available for checkpoints, cargo entrances, perimeter gates, and unmanned stations, enhancing flexibility in various environments.
Meeting the Needs of Modern Security Operators
As drone utilization rises, so too does the risk faced by various sectors. High-traffic areas such as border regions, ports, stadiums, data centers, and logistics hubs are particularly vulnerable. In response, security teams are transitioning towards early detection methods, moving away from solely reactive approaches.
Athena Security perceives this new model as a natural enhancement to its existing AI X-ray deployments. They are currently in discussions with government agencies and private operators to initiate pilot programs, exploring collaborative efforts with counter-UAS companies, electronic warfare providers, and security integrators to create robust defense systems that merge detection with interception and response capabilities.
About Athena Security
Based in Austin, Texas, with offices in San Francisco and Jacksonville, Athena Security specializes in developing AI-driven tools for threat detection. Their product lineup includes weapons detection, visitor management systems, AI X-ray technologies, telepresence, and smart glasses, all designed to protect public and private environments from emerging threats.
For more information, visit www.Athena-Security.com.