The use of drones as weapons in the Middle East and North Africa has grown rapidly in recent years, especially as non-state actors from the Houthis in Yemen to militants in Syria seek to level the playing field. Often powered by widely available commercial technology, these systems present a real and present security challenge. What should policymakers do to adapt to this new threat? How can they best structure defenses and leverage available technology to protect key assets?

The Atlantic Council hosted an online event to discuss these issues, informed by the paper: “Drone Attacks Against Critical Infrastructure,” by Dr. Scott Crino and Conrad “Andy” Dreby of Red Six Solutions.

Shaikh Abdullah bin Rashid Al Khalifa, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the United States, opened the event by describing the drone threat as seen from Bahrain. Dr. Scott Crino followed with a presentation of the issue brief’s key findings, during which he will presented several drones and systems used to counter drones. After the presentation, The Hon. Mary Beth Long, former Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, will joined Dr. Crino on the panel for a discussion about developments in the use of weaponized drones and implications for US and regional governments.  

This discussion on the use of weaponized drones in the Middle East, with recommendations for policymakers, took place on Wednesday, May 27, from 9:00 am to 10:30 am ET.

Speakers

Shaikh Abdullah bin Rashid Al Khalifa
Ambassador, Embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the United States

Dr. Scott Crino
Founder and CEO, Red Six Solutions

The Hon. Mary Beth Long
Co-Founder & Principal, Global Alliance Advisors; Former Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs

Read the issue brief