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Swiss Village Employs Drone Surveillance to Safeguard Exclusion Zone
October 22, 2025 – 06:12 AM
Lötschental, Switzerland – A Swiss community is utilizing advanced drone technology to remotely monitor a large exclusion zone in the Alpine region, providing around-the-clock surveillance and bolstering safety measures. The system, operated by Swisscom and controlled from Bern, employs a camera and GPS tracking to detect any unauthorized presence within the designated area.
Drone Technology: A Peaceful Application
While drone technology often garners attention for its military applications or incidents involving unauthorized flights, this project in Blatten, Switzerland, showcases its potential for peaceful purposes. The deployment of the drone is part of a Swisscom pilot program aimed at automatically monitoring danger zones and reporting any unauthorized individuals.
The twelve-kilogram drone is programmed to regularly patrol the exclusion zone, equipped with a thermal imaging camera, a standard film camera, and a precise GPS system. According to Elmar Ebener, a Blatten local councilor responsible for security, the primary objective is “to protect people so that no one runs into the danger zone.” he also highlighted the drone’s potential to safeguard existing structures from vandalism and provide early detection of fires.
Remote Control from Bern
Prior to this innovative system, civil defense personnel were responsible for monitoring the area. Facing staffing challenges, the community sought an alternative solution, leading to the implementation of the automated drone from Swisscom. Remarkably, the drone is operated entirely from a control center in Bern, eliminating the need for on-site personnel.
“Deployment to a disaster area in the alps is a frist for us,” stated Dominik Müller, Managing Director of Swisscom Broadcast.
To ensure reliable connectivity for the drone,an additional mobile phone antenna was installed. This antenna also enhances interaction for emergency services and provides vital sensor data from the mountain region.
As of 2024, over 500,000 drones were registered with the FAA in the United States, demonstrating their growing prevalence in various sectors. FAA Drone Registration Statistics
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Drone Weight | Approximately 12 kilograms |
| Control Center Location | Bern, Switzerland |
| Key Capabilities | Thermal imaging, GPS tracking, standard video recording |
| Primary Purpose | Safety, security, and early hazard detection |
GPS Tracking and Authorized Access
Individuals with legitimate reasons to enter the restricted zone are issued special permits and equipped with a transmitter. This transmitter signals to the drone that the person is authorized to be in the area. Anyone found within the zone without a valid transmitter is automatically recorded, photographed, and reported to authorities.
Local officials report that twelve individuals have been reported for unauthorized entry and are facing potential fines or even imprisonment of up to three years, as per local regulations. “Some people don’t know that they are in the exclusion zone. The others are onlookers,” explained Ebener.
The Future of Drone Surveillance
The implementation of this drone surveillance system in Lötschental marks a significant step towards utilizing technology for enhanced safety and security in hazardous environments. As drone technology continues to evolve, we can anticipate even more sophisticated applications in emergency response, disaster management, and public safety. the ongoing development of drone networks, such as the
