British anti-drone tech and sniffer dogs boost Olympic security
UK Royal Air Force anti-drone technology and sniffer dogs have been handpicked by French authorities to support security operations at the Paris Olympic Games. The “unprecedented” operation is three times as big as the London Olympics in 2012.
More than 40 countries have provided reinforcements to the French police with British police making up a significant chunk of the 1,700 foreign officers called in to support a potential total of 45,000 French officers. A large military camp has been constructed to accommodate security forces and soldiers during the Games.
British anti-drone tech and sniffer dogs picked by France to help with Olympics security operation https://t.co/Qq9oFIJrUb
✍️@Tom_Morgs#TelegraphSport
#Olympics— Telegraph Sport (@TelegraphSport) July 21, 2024
Olympics security sources told Telegraph Sport that the French had additionally requested support from “world-leading” anti-drone expertise as well as UK sniffer dogs. British-French cooperation has been “exemplary” amid careful planning to thwart potential terror plots at the Games, the insider added.
French security forces began locking down central Paris last Thursday, enforcing strict traffic restrictions in preparation for the opening ceremony next week on the River Seine. French officials have also geared up to combat an unprecedented level of cyber threats, including criminal organisations, state actors like Russia aiming to disrupt the Games, ideological “hactivists,” or opportunistic gamblers.
À l’approche des Jeux olympiques de #Paris2024, de très nombreux effectifs de sécurité se préparent, à Paris.
Le vaste dispositif mis en place doit permettre de parer à diverses situations, notamment sur la Seine.
▶️ #JT20H
pic.twitter.com/1GDmpab0Ar— Info France 2 (@infofrance2) July 22, 2024
Ahead of the Games, thousands of administrative checks were done on athletes, coaches, journalists, volunteers, private security guards and even residents to vet individuals who could pose a threat to the security of the event.
French intelligence has also identified and arrested several individuals including a Chechen national for planning an “Islamist-inspired” attack and a Neo-Nazi suspected of targeting the torch relay.
The Paris Olympic Games kicks off this Friday with the opening ceremony at 19:30 CEST.