A Conceptual Model for Eco-Friendly Low-Cost Counter-Drone Defence Using Biodegradable Sticky Microfibers

The increasing proliferation of uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) in civilian, commercial, and potentially malicious contexts highlights the urgent need for practical, low-cost, and environmentally sustainable counter-drone solutions. Current technologies, such as radio-frequency jamming, directed energy weapons, mechanical nets, or kinetic projectiles, each provide partial responses but face significant limitations when confronted with drone swarms, cost constraints, or ecological impact. This study introduces a conceptual model based on the controlled dispersion of a cloud of biodegradable sticky microfibers designed to entangle UAV propellers and halt flight. The proposed approach emphasizes scalability—addressing multiple drones simultaneously—together with sustainability, by employing cellulose-based or biodegradable polymeric fibres coated with natural adhesive compounds. A theoretical multi-layer fibre system is outlined, adapted for different altitude ranges, from lightweight fibres for low-altitude drones to denser micro-ribbons for higher-altitude scenarios. Comparative analysis suggests that this eco-friendly method could complement existing counter-drone technologies by offering a low-cost and swarm-capable alternative. However, limitations are acknowledged, particularly regarding meteorological sensitivity, effective dispersion at high altitudes, and safety concerns related to civilian environments. Future research directions include experimental testing of candidate materials, optimization of fibre properties, and integration into broader civil airspace security systems. This work does not present an engineering prototype but rather seeks to stimulate academic discussion by opening an original research direction in sustainable counter-drone defence.