SECURITY CONCEPT AND RISK ASSESSMENT CRITERIA FOR PROTECTING STRATEGIC FACILITIES USING DRONES IN THE ERA OF HYBRID THREATS

Abstract

Under the conditions of modern hybrid warfare and evolving security threats, traditional physical protection systems for high-priority strategic facilities often prove insufficient. Integrating Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) into defense frameworks is becoming imperative to ensure rapid, multi-tiered responses to asymmetric risks. Methods: This study employs a comprehensive system analysis, hybrid threat modeling, and Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) methodologies. Risk factors influencing facility security were categorized into technical, cyber, electronic warfare (EW), and human dimensions to develop a matrix-based risk assessment algorithm. Results: A phased security concept for deploying UAV systems alongside a 4-tiered risk assessment framework was established. Findings indicate that integrating autonomous patrol drones into perimeter defense reduces threat detection time by 45–60% while significantly minimizing human error risks. Discussion & Conclusion: The proposed concept and criteria enhance the operational resilience of critical infrastructure against hybrid vectors. These findings provide practical frameworks for upgrading security protocols at both military and civilian strategic assets.