In a move that sounds straight out of Team America: World Police, birds of prey are now being trained to attack drones and keep skies safe.
But it's not an American behind this endeavor: Dutch police have partnered with Guard from Above, a company that trains birds of prey. The initiative is meant to be a "low-tech solution for a high-tech problem," according to the company's website.
Guard from Above founder and CEO Sjoerd Hoogendoorn said in a press release, “For years, the government has been looking for ways to counter the undesirable use of drones. Sometimes a low-tech solution for a high-tech problem is more obvious than it seems. This is the case with our specially trained birds of prey. By using these birds’ animal instincts, we can offer an effective solution to a new threat."
Citing the birds' speed and power, Hoogendoorn believes training them to intercept and attack drones will help address a growing problem without involving additional technology.
As if going after prey, the birds capture drones in their talons and take them back to their handler. Guard from Above claimed that the drones don't hurt the birds because they often deal with large prey and their talons are equipped to protect them.
Dutch National Police said in a statement that it was exploring many options beyond birds of prey, and wants to find a proactive way to deal with the growing threat of "unwanted drone use." Police will decide whether or not they're using the birds by spring.
Watch how they trained the birds, below:
