April 26, 2025 will be a date that goes down in history. It is the day the world bids a final farewell to Pope Francis, in the majestic setting of St. Peter's Square. But it's not just spirituality that dominates these hours: the security apparatus is moving with surgical precision to ensure a globally significant event in total protection.
For days, images of armed soldiers with strange rifles have sparked curiosity: these are the so-called anti-drone bazookas, advanced defense systems adopted for high-risk events, just like this one.
The "bazookas" that neutralize drones
Their technical name is Unmanned Aerial System Countermeasure, but to everyone, they are the “anti-drone bazookas.” They don't fire bullets, but rather radio waves capable of inhibiting communication between the drone and its pilot, rendering it uncontrollable or forcing it to a controlled landing.
The device – often resembling a futuristic rifle – is not a traditional weapon of war, but a tool of electronic defense. It can identify drone control frequencies and interrupt them in real-time, preventing unauthorized aerial footage or – in the worst-case scenario – air attacks via kamikaze drones or explosive payloads.
This is not the first time these systems have been employed: already in 2021 the Italian Air Force used them in Qatar during the Arab Cup, and in 2023 they appeared during the visit to Rome of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Today, however, their use is massive and systematic like never before in Italy.
International participation will be impressive: confirmed attendees include the royals of Spain and Belgium, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Prince William, US President Donald Trump, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky with his wife, and even the Vice President of Taiwan.
Absent, however, will be Vladimir Putin (who will send the Minister of Culture) and Benjamin Netanyahu.
The C-UAS Task Force and the control of sensitive areas
A Task Force of the Italian Defense, called C-UAS (Counter-Unmanned Aerial System), is in charge of managing the anti-drone systems. These are soldiers specifically trained to control airspace in urban, crowded, and complex scenarios like that of St. Peter's.
Many of them move with portable controllers and special backpacks that power the devices, ensuring maximum mobility among the crowd. The goal: to intervene promptly in case of suspicious flyovers.
In addition to manual devices, there are also mobile units mounted on military vehicles, capable of covering larger areas. The law enforcement, anti-terrorism units, snipers, and secret services complete a complex defense apparatus that is at the same time meticulously planned.
The numbers of an unprecedented event
According to what was communicated by Fabio Ciciliano, coordinator of security activities, thousands of operators will be involved:
- 3,000 Civil Protection volunteers
- 2,000 law enforcement officers, armed forces soldiers, and firefighters
- 55 medical teams
- 52 additional ambulances
- 11 advanced medical stations
- 170 foreign delegations
- 200,000 faithful expected just for the ceremony, not counting the pilgrims from previous days
- 1,500 accreditation requests from journalists worldwide
The Italian State Railways have already made 260,000 seats available, while private, commercial, and state flights will head to Fiumicino, Ciampino, and even Pratica di Mare, to facilitate the arrival of delegations.
The Prefecture of Rome has also established a no-fly zone over the entire Capital, starting from April 23. The C-UAS systems are ready to spring into action should anyone attempt unauthorized flyovers.
Maxi-screens will be positioned on Via della Conciliazione, Piazza Pia, and Piazzale Risorgimento to allow attendees to follow the ceremony even outside the square, which has been full for hours. Pedestrian flows will be managed with millimetric precision to avoid overcrowding or critical issues.
A procession between security and devotion
After the funeral, Pope Francis' body will be transported in procession to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, where it will be buried next to the Pauline Chapel, one of his most cherished places.
The procession will pass through the heart of Rome's historic center, with routes barricaded and monitored. Law enforcement will ensure the safety of the faithful and authorities throughout the journey. An event that will be both liturgy and logistics, spirituality and strategy, requiring the utmost attention from security apparatuses.
The final farewell to Pope Francis is not just a religious and symbolic event: it is an extraordinary test for Italian security. The use of advanced technologies like anti-drone systems, the logistical coordination of thousands of operators, diplomatic attention, and Rome's hospitality capabilities showcase the modern and capable face of our country.
A fortified city, yes, but ready to open up to the world for the last embrace to the Pope from the end of the world.
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