French Air Force turns to eagles to fight terror drone threat

Besides developing jamming techniques, another solution dreamed up by the air force has been to train up royal eagles, whose huge wingspan and powerful talons enable it to snatch up a relatively heavy drone as it would another bird in flight. 

An eagle trained in intercepting drones flys towards an airborne drone during an exercise  Photo: GETTY IMAGES

"In certain situations (falling debris, a crowd under the craft), the drone cannot be shot down," an air force spokesman told L'Express magazine.

"The eagle, along with other means, can enable us to intercept the craft without causing any further damage."

Considered "more robust and better suited than smaller falcons and other birds of prey", according to the force, the royal eagle is able to carry off and animal as heavy as a lamb.

This week, the French air force presented the birds to the public.

The bird grabs the drone. Photo: GETTY IMAGES

Eagles have already been employed by police in the Netherlands to fight drones, but not in the army.

In France, there have been growing concerns over the threat of drones since the start of a wave of terrorist attacks over the past two years.

In spring last year, authorities were worried about a spate of mysterious drone flights over famous landmarks in central Paris, including the Elysée Palace.