As technology advances, so do the threats that law enforcement agencies face. The emergence of weaponized drones poses a unique challenge, demanding innovative approaches to investigation and evidence collection. In this context, digital forensic tools play a pivotal role in aiding law enforcement agencies to unravel the complexities of weaponized drone incidents. This article delves into the significance of digital forensic tools tailored for such incidents, providing detailed insights and a comprehensive summary in the form of a table.

1. The Challenge of Weaponized Drones

Weaponized drones present a multifaceted challenge for law enforcement agencies (Elliott, 2018). From identifying the operators to analyzing flight patterns and payload delivery mechanisms, investigations into weaponized drone incidents require a specialized set of digital forensic tools.

Examples of Weaponized Drone Incidents

Several notable incidents involving weaponized drones have occurred, highlighting the evolving challenges posed by unmanned aerial threats. In December 2018, Gatwick Airport in London faced disruption when unauthorized drones were repeatedly flown over the runway, causing numerous flight cancellations and delays (Singh, 2022). Although the drones were not armed, the incident underscored concerns about airport security and the potential for malicious drone use. 

In September 2019, Saudi Aramco's oil processing facilities in Abqaiq and Khurais were targeted in a coordinated drone attack, temporarily disrupting a significant portion of Saudi Arabia's oil production and impacting global oil markets (BBC, 2019). The conflict between Turkey and Syria in March 2020 saw the use of weaponized drones by both sides, introducing a new dimension....