It seems there is a real arms race among private security providers in South Africa, to offer the convenience of the drone docking system as an enhancement to security systems around clients’ premises.

And this will come as no surprise at all, given that many organisations have been looking for drone-based security solutions from their providers that included as fewer pilots as possible. Previous iterations of these solutions required one pilot per drone, and – while they acknowledged that the drones provided a better accessory to the security inventory – the organisations felt hard pressed to carry the costs that would include an extra number of drone pilots.

Now, the drone nests have solved that issue.

In the words of 24/7 Drone Force, which, along with SSASS Holdings has become the latest security company to provide drone docks to their clients, the drone-in-a-box comes with the unparalleled advantage of uninterrupted operations, where the automated drones will operate around the clock, leaving the comfort of their nests on demand, to ensure continuous coverage.

The South African company announced that it had opened its own command centre for the drone nests it was offering to its clients, to offer rapid drone deployment for urgent security incidents as well as scheduled routine security patrols.

“At a time when security, surveillance, and operational efficiencies are paramount, deploying a state-of-the-art command centre for managing automated drone flights is a game-changer,” the company said recently.

“At 24/7 Drone Force, we leverage advanced drone technology to provide continuous situational awareness, rapid response, and seamless coordination.

“The 24/7 Drone Force command centre serves as the nerve centre for automated drone operations, enabling live monitoring of drone feeds, environmental conditions, and potential security threats. BVLOS Licensed Pilot Operators make data-driven decisions instantly, ensuring optimal responses to incidents as they unfold.”

The company – which, like every other security provider in the country, uses the DJI Dock for its automated security solutions – added that the dock was an organisation’s dream premises security solution, as the command centre ensured that all drones, regardless of their location, would be operated from one place.

Each pilot at the command centre would have control of up to five drones at one go, which “reduces operational silos and enhances coordination between security teams, first responders, and law enforcement. Our ability to dispatch drones remotely based on predefined triggers ensures quicker response times”.

The drones would also provide consistent aerial coverage, reducing blind spots and enabling proactive security measures. The automated system can integrate with various AI platforms. Additionally, live feeds can be relayed to first responders, reducing risks associated with physical patrols.

“Automated drones reduce the need for extensive manpower in security operations. With a centralised command centre, (security companies) can optimise human resources, focusing personnel on decision-making and incident response rather than manual surveillance.

“Over time, this leads to reduced operational costs while enhancing coverage and effectiveness.”

And that is what organisations love to hear. More security at less the cost.

Another company that has launched the drone dock is SSASS holdings, which recently installed one at the premises of one its mining clients.

“The dual DJI Dock 2 systems will be deployed for primarily nighttime security and surveillance flight missions to support the security teams with their ongoing efforts to secure the mine premises,” SSASS said in a statement.

“We have chosen the FlytBase Enterprise AI Platform for managing all flight operations. Initial flight tests and site evaluations were carried out from our new state-of-the art Mercedes-Benz Vans MBOV (Mobile Based Operations Vehicle).”

RocketDNA – the Australian Stock Exchange listed provider of various commercial drone services – was the first company to obtain a licence for drone-in-a-box systems from the South African Civil Aviation Authority, before Drone Guards, Integrated Aerial Systems; and now 24/7 and SSASS followed suit.