Securing Oil and Gas in Conflict Zones: Adapting to the Evolving Drone Threat

In an era where energy security is the foundation of economic stability, safeguarding critical infrastructure has become paramount. Securing oil and gas facilities, particularly those in conflict zones, stands on the frontline of a rapidly changing security landscape.

One of the most pressing challenges is the escalating threat posed by unmanned aerial systems (UAS), commonly known as drones. Once limited to military operations, drones have now become accessible to a range of actors, bringing advanced capabilities that adversaries exploit to target critical infrastructure.

The Growing Drone Threat in Conflict Zones

Recent attacks in regions like Iraq and Ukraine underscore the alarming increase in both the frequency and sophistication of drone threats. In Iraq, for example, insurgents have used drones for reconnaissance and attacks on oil infrastructure, causing significant disruptions to production. Likewise, Ukraine has witnessed how drones are weaponised in conflict areas, underscoring the need for oil and gas facilities to adapt and prepare for similar incidents.

A report from the New Lines Institute notes that this growing availability of commercial drones has enabled hostile actors to use them for diverse tactics, from surveillance to direct assaults on infrastructure. Such incidents signal an urgent need for robust, multi-layered defence strategies that integrate intelligent sensors, decision support systems, and resilient security measures.

Lessons from Real-World Deployments

Our experiences in high-risk regions reveal a disturbing trend: militant groups now regularly use drones to gather intelligence on security protocols at oil and gas facilities. For instance, drone reconnaissance allows them to identify vulnerabilities, and in some cases, adversaries use this intel to execute high-precision strikes on infrastructure, maximising impact. During attacks, drones enable insurgents to monitor and adjust tactics based on the movements of security personnel, adding psychological pressure and heightening the operational risk for security teams.

One of the most severe threats involves weaponised drones like the Shahed UAVs, which deliver explosive payloads with satellite-guided precision. When deployed against oil facilities, these drones can create shockwaves beyond physical damage. In 2019, for instance, drone attacks on Saudi Aramco’s facilities removed 5% of global oil supply, which led to a sharp spike in prices. Such incidents demonstrate the far-reaching implications of drone threats for oil and gas in conflict zones and underscore the urgency of adopting proactive countermeasures.

What is the True Cost of Shutdowns?

The financial repercussions of a drone attack extend far beyond physical damage. Shutdowns due to security threats can result in daily losses estimated between $5 million and $10 million for large facilities, as downtime impacts not only deferred production but also repair costs and labour expenses. According to recent studies, even minor disruptions in offshore oil production can result in annual losses in the millions.

In Iraq, where oil accounts for over 90% of the economy, such disruptions can destabilise not only the region but also international markets. Even brief incidents can trigger ripples across global supply chains, sending oil prices soaring and impacting multiple industries.

The 2019 drone attack on Saudi Aramco underscored the potential economic fallout: it took 5% of the world’s oil off the market, driving an immediate spike in prices. Investing in counter-UAS technologies isn’t merely about preventing physical damage; it’s essential for maintaining operational continuity and protecting the financial stability of critical assets.

How Multi-Layered Approach Helps Tackle Drone Threats

Securing oil and gas infrastructure against evolving drone threats requires a robust, multi-layered defence approach that accounts for this sector’s uniquely broad range of attack scenarios. Unlike other organisations, oil and gas sites in areas of conflict face both increased operational risks and a diverse set of potential threats. The complexity of these facilities demands precise data fusion and clear, rapid operational flows to detect and respond to each type of threat. Drones, now widely used for espionage, surveillance, and explosive attacks, need a comprehensive detection and response strategy. Effective counter-drone defence in oil and gas integrates radar, RF sensors, thermal cameras, and advanced AI to provide a real-time understanding of the airspace, empowering security teams to act swiftly and decisively.

Facilities across the Middle East, for example, face threats from both small commercial drones used for surveillance and more advanced UAVs armed with explosives. To stay ahead of these threats, defence systems must detect hostile drones early, providing time to deploy countermeasures and preventing damage.

Real-Time AI-Driven Decision in Oil and Gas Security

For oil and gas sites in conflict zones, decision-making speed and accuracy are critical when responding to drone threats due to the high stakes associated with energy production. AI-driven decision support systems play an essential role by processing extensive data sets in real time, enabling teams to monitor and address threats unique to oil and gas environments, where even minor disruptions can have substantial downstream effects. Unlike other industries, oil and gas sites are often vast, located in remote areas, and present complex infrastructure challenges that make manual monitoring difficult and time-consuming.

These AI systems offer tailored recommendations, such as jamming drone communications or deploying response teams to neutralise threats efficiently. However, while AI can identify and prioritise risks, the experience and judgment of human operators are essential, especially in complex scenarios where missteps could lead to severe economic and operational consequences.

Human Expertise and Remote Monitoring

While advanced AI-driven systems can detect and prioritise threats, human expertise adds a crucial layer of judgement and adaptability. In high-stakes environments like oil and gas, experienced personnel are essential to ensure the right course of action is taken. For instance, choosing to intercept a potentially hostile drone near sensitive storage facilities requires nuanced decision-making that AI alone cannot provide. This human oversight ensures that sophisticated drone detection technologies are used responsibly, accounting for complex, real-world dynamics.

However, deploying expert personnel on-site presents significant challenges, particularly in conflict zones where safety risks are heightened, and access can be restricted. The threat landscape in such regions often demands a level of expertise and situational awareness that is difficult to maintain locally. This is where remote monitoring becomes an invaluable solution. Remote teams equipped with live-streamed data can provide 24/7 surveillance and quick response capabilities without the need for an on-site presence, thus reducing exposure to danger.

Some organisations choose to establish and manage these remote monitoring operations in-house, recruiting and training dedicated teams to oversee site security from afar. Others opt to partner with specialised vendors, who can offer continuous surveillance managed by experts familiar with high-risk environments. This approach combines top-tier expertise with flexibility, allowing for resilient security operations that can adapt to the volatile conditions typical of conflict zones.

Conclusion

As drone threats continue to evolve and diversify, oil and gas facilities in conflict zones must be proactive. The accessibility of drones has expanded the threat landscape for this sector, allowing hostile actors—from private groups to state-sponsored entities—to target critical infrastructure with greater ease. Through our work, we’ve seen how multi-layered technologies, AI-driven decision support, and expert human oversight build the resilience needed for these challenging environments. By investing in these solutions, companies not only secure their operations but also protect their teams and minimize the financial risks of drone disruptions. In this high-stakes industry, keeping pace with emerging threats is essential for long-term resilience and success.