Donald Trump’s State Visit to the UK: Major Drone Operation Planned at Windsor Castle
Police in Windsor are preparing one of their largest-ever drone operations ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump’s upcoming three-day state visit to the United Kingdom. The visit, where Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will be hosted by King Charles at Windsor Castle, is set to take place from September 16–18.
A temporary 1.5-nautical mile air exclusion zone will be enforced around Windsor Castle for the duration of the visit. Thames Valley Police confirmed that more than 50 drones will be available for deployment, making this a “significant” security operation.
Inspector Matthew Wilkinson, the airspace commander overseeing the operation, compared the scale of the preparations to policing King Charles’ Coronation in 2023, when around 1,000 officers were deployed. He explained that drones will play a vital role in supporting ground teams, especially in areas difficult to access by foot.
“If an incident were to unfold, we can get a completely different viewpoint very quickly by deploying a drone,” Wilkinson said.
The drones vary in size and capability, with some weighing less than 250 grams and others powerful enough to read a car number plate from up to 400 meters away. Officers demonstrated the technology to journalists on Monday, showcasing its importance in modern policing.
The operation will include both visible and covert security tactics, with additional support from other police forces. Wilkinson emphasized that Thames Valley Police has advanced its drone capabilities considerably since Trump’s last Windsor visit in 2018, noting that “technology changes, tactics evolve, and drones have become an invaluable policing tool.”
The no-fly zone will apply to all aircraft, not just drones. Thames Valley Police confirmed that while they are coordinating closely with Heathrow Airport, air traffic will continue as normal.
The force has also increased its visible presence in Windsor ahead of the visit, highlighting the historic nature of the event. Traditionally, American presidents are not offered state visits in their second term, making this invitation to Trump and the First Lady especially notable.
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