The planned drone show in Budva, Montenegro, on December 31, 2023, faced significant disruption when over 200 drones were intentionally brought down by signal jammers, according to Franjo Koletic, director of Mirnovec Pirotehnika. The company, which has a 35-year history in the drone show business, reported that the incident was unprecedented in their experience.
In a statement, Koletic described the challenges the company faced upon entering Montenegro. They arrived at the border on December 28 with all necessary permits, including an ATA Carnet and approval for airspace usage issued by the Civil Aviation Agency of Montenegro. However, they were informed that additional authorization from the Ministry of Economy was required.
Border Complications and Delays
After securing the necessary permit, Koletic recounted that they encountered further delays at the border. Customs officials initially rejected their application for temporary import, forcing them to wait two and a half days before finally being allowed to enter the country. By the time they reached their designated location in Budva, they had already lost precious time.
On the evening of December 31, the drones were positioned and prepared for launch. Koletic noted that they experienced minor provocations from some employees of the Port Authority during the setup but chose to remain focused on the event. All necessary tests were completed prior to the intended flight.
As the drones began to take off, they exceeded an altitude of approximately 15 meters, entering a frequency disruption zone caused by the jammers. This interference led to the drones crashing as they attempted to return to their launch point, which was their programmed response to signal loss.
Significant Damage and Investigation
According to Koletic, more than 200 drones were damaged in the incident. The company contacted their drone manufacturer, Verge Aero, whose engineers conducted an analysis on-site. They confirmed that the drones had been forced to return due to the signal disruption, resulting in collisions among the drones still in the takeoff phase.
Koletic emphasized that the jamming devices used were likely professional-grade equipment typically found with police, military units, and specialized state agencies. He expressed concern over the accessibility of such technology, which is generally considered weaponry.
While the identity of those responsible for the jamming remains unknown, Koletic stated that the company does not seek to investigate further, reiterating their focus on their professional responsibilities. The incident has caused substantial material losses, and he lamented the disappointment of visitors who had anticipated witnessing the inaugural drone show in the region.
Mirnovec Pirotehnika has completed thousands of projects worldwide, including in countries like Germany, Italy, and the United States. They are among the first companies in Europe to execute drone shows, having successfully managed over 100 projects across Europe and Qatar. This year, they were engaged by the Budva Tourist Organization for a New Year’s Eve display involving 600 drones.
As the drone show industry continues to expand, incidents like this raise questions about the security and regulation of airspace during such events. The disruption in Budva serves as a cautionary tale about the potential risks involved in high-profile drone performances.
