The threat to the UK homeland from international terrorists has increased since September 11th and has been further enhanced by the war with Iraq. Measures to counteract this threat include deployment of troops and armoured fighting vehicles to major airports, increased police and request for the public to increase their vigilance. This paper explores whether UAVs have a role to play and if so what this might be. The paper discusses the different areas of the UK and how these may affect UAV operations, from littoral to open countryside and urban areas and reviews the types of UAVs and sensors that could be used. The key issues of airspace management regulation and safety are also addressed. This is all set in the context of a wider surveillance capability made up of other ground and airborne assets.
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