The Brazilian Army has deployed a domestically produced anti-drone system to reinforce security at COP30, the United Nations Climate Change Conference taking place in Belém through Friday the 21st. The system, called DroneBlocker and developed by Brazilian firm IACIT, is being used to detect and neutralize unauthorized drones operating in the event’s restricted airspace.
IACIT CEO Luiz Teixeira emphasized the broader significance of using homegrown technology at the conference.
“DroneBlocker is a 100% national technology, developed to respond to real and complex threats. Mastering this type of technology is essential to guarantee Brazil’s sovereignty and strengthen the national industry, as well as to create skilled jobs and stimulate innovation,”
– Luiz Teixeira, CEO
How it works
According to the company, DroneBlocker identifies drones that enter protected areas and severs their communications link with operators. Once communication is lost, affected drones may make a forced landing, attempt to return to their point of origin, or become uncontrollable. The system also interrupts onboard data capture and prevents that data from being transmitted for later exfiltration.
Operational track record
DroneBlocker is not new to high-profile security operations: IACIT has said the technology was used during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games and has been deployed at major international gatherings such as the G20 summit and BRICS meetings, as well as in operations coordinated with Brazil’s Institutional Security Office (GSI) at the presidential level.
At COP30, the Army’s use of the system aims to ensure the safety of delegates and infrastructure while showcasing a capability that supporters say bolsters Brazil’s technological sovereignty and defense industrial base.