Anti-drone guns deployed during Pope Francis's funeral

In a notable security measure, Italy took extraordinary precautions during the funeral of Pope Francis, which was held in Rome. This event took place recently and was attended by numerous global dignitaries including U.S. President Donald Trump, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, and French President Emmanuel Macron. Thousands of military personnel were deployed in Rome and Vatican City to ensure the security of the attendees. Among them, specific attention was drawn to the use of futuristic weaponry, particularly anti-drone guns, as concerns about aerial threats loomed large. These anti-drone systems were designed to prevent the potential risks posed by small unmanned aerial vehicles, which have been repurposed for hostile use in various conflicts globally. The presence of hobbyist drones was a significant worry due to their ability to be transformed into weapons, a trend observed in places like Ukraine and the Middle East. Given the high-profile nature of the gathering, experts argued it was necessary for military assets to be employed. The Italian military and Air Force coordinated efforts to establish a no-fly zone over the Vatican, which involved jamming any unauthorized drones that might threaten the gathering of world leaders. Notably, the response included Italian Air Force fighter jets, a NATO Boeing E-3A aircraft, and ground personnel equipped with anti-drone technology. The anti-drone guns functioned by disrupting the communication signals between the drone and its controller, forcing any unauthorized drones to crash. Detailed procedures and experiences with these systems had been practiced over the years, ensuring personnel were prepared to manage such threats effectively, although this was the first significant deployment in a situation of this scale. The deployment served as a crucial step in ensuring the safety of a global event with high stakes for world leaders.