The Royal Netherlands Marechaussee plays a specific role in tackling unwanted drones. We are responsible for policing duties at airports and military sites. Below, we explain the division of responsibilities and what steps you can take yourself in the event of an incident.
Who does what?
Securing airspace against unwanted drones is a joint effort involving several parties. Drone detection is the responsibility of the site owner. For airports, this means the airport authority itself; for military grounds, it is the Ministry of Defence. Furthermore, at military locations, the Ministry of Defence's own security units provide immediate site security.
The Marechaussee holds the police task at civil airports and military sites. Our operations focus on locating the operator and conducting criminal investigations. During this process, we have the authority to seize both the drone and its control equipment. We also possess specialist equipment to ground a drone flight if safety is compromised. Outside these specific areas of jurisdiction, the police are responsible for public order and safety regarding drone incidents.
Where can I fly?
European regulations apply to drones to ensure safety both in the air and on the ground. There are specific zones where flying is prohibited, such as the airspace surrounding airports. You can find further information on drone regulations on the Dutch government's website.
What should I do if I see a suspicious drone?
It can be difficult to distinguish a threatening drone from a harmless one. However, reporting incidents is crucial, as it allows the Police or Marechaussee to intervene if an offence is being committed or a nuisance is being caused. Furthermore, reports help authorities gain a clearer understanding of the scope of the problem.
In the event of an incident, we advise you to take the following steps:
- Record details: Note down as many details as possible regarding the incident, including the date and time.
- The operator: Write down a description of the potential drone operator and note any communication you may have had with them. Include details such as their name, physical appearance, any vehicle used, and their location.
- The drone: Record specific details about the drone, such as: flight path, (estimated) altitude, colour, presence of a payload*, and (estimated) distance from buildings and people.
- Evidence: Collect photos, videos, and/or witness statements as evidence and hand these over to the Police or Marechaussee.
*Payload: anything carried by a drone (e.g. a camera, sensor, or other type of load).