Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Security
in Remote Sites

In Canada and around the world, interest in the potential deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs) has been gaining momentum as a low-carbon footprint energy solution to meet climate change goals. One of the possible applications of SMRs will be to address the need for energy in remote locations such as Canada’s northern region. The deployment of SMRs in remote sites will have logistical challenges; however, it will be essential to maintain the nuclear security and physical protection of these sites. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) could be a potential solution for SMR security in remote sites. UAVs would reduce the security costs significantly by reducing the number of on-site security personnel, as well as reduce the potential for insider threats in the remote sites. Although the use of UAVs is considered to be a cost-effective and safer means to verify the condition of any remote site, it is important to consider its limiting factors such as constraints on operational capability in harsh weather conditions, battery life, etc. In addition, UAV is a cyber-physical system in which the digital components collaborate to control and monitor the physical parts. Like other cyber-physical systems (industrial control systems, automobiles, etc.), UAVs have vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers. The evaluation criteria of the UAV-based solutions for SMR security in remote sites is discussed in this paper.