Key metrics
7,500
window grilles planned
300
grilles installed
12
week proof-of-concept delivery
Overview
The increasing use of drones to deliver contraband into UK prisons has created a significant security challenge for the Ministry of Justice (MOJ).
Illicit deliveries of prohibited items contribute to instability within prisons, increasing risks to both staff and prisoners. Following an increase in drone activity in 2025, the MOJ launched an accelerated programme to strengthen physical security measures across the high-security prison estate.
Amey was appointed to support the development and delivery of practical anti-drone solutions designed to prevent contraband entering prison grounds and accommodation blocks. Working collaboratively with government stakeholders, prison operators and design partners, we helped develop a consistent approach that could be rapidly deployed across multiple sites.
At a glance
- We designed and delivered a new anti-drone barrier where no industry standard existed.
- A proof of concept was installed within 12 weeks for testing in a live prison.
- One anti-drone structure has been completed, four are currently under construction, with the remaining sites progressing through design and development stage.
- Around 300 window grilles have been installed, with 7,200 more in manufacture or mobilisation.
- The programme adapted to changing priorities, scaling from anti-drone measures to window security upgrades.
Delivering a new security solution at pace across an operational prison estate
The Ministry of Justice required an immediate response to drone-enabled contraband deliveries. However, delivering that solution presented significant challenges.
Firstly, there were no established technical standards, proven designs or recognised delivery models for large-scale anti-drone infrastructure within live prison environments. Any solution had to be developed, tested and implemented while maintaining stringent security requirements and minimising disruption to daily prison operations, staff movements and prisoner regimes.
Secondly, the programme also needed to be delivered consistently across multiple sites and delivery partners, creating additional complexity around design, procurement, installation and quality assurance. As the threat evolved and operational priorities changed, the programme scope shifted from large-scale anti-drone wire installations to an accelerated rollout of window grilles.
This required the team to quickly adapt delivery plans, mobilise resources and maintain momentum, while continuing to meet demanding security objectives and operational timescales.
Developing a consistent, flexible and estate-wide solution
We collaborated with the Ministry of Justice, Government Facilities Services Limited (GFSL) and prison stakeholders to support the design and delivery of a practical solution.
With no established technical standards or proven designs available, we used our in-house consulting, engineering and design expertise to create an approach that could be applied consistently across the prison estate. To support this, Amey and GFLS formed a joint design forum with key stakeholders, enabling decisions to be made quickly, risks to be managed collaboratively and lessons to be shared across sites.
Concept designs were developed within months, allowing the programme to be accelerated at pace. To validate the proposed solution, we delivered a proof-of-concept installation at HMP Garth. Testing in a live operational environment provided valuable insight into installation requirements, operational impacts and long-term performance. Feedback from the client and prison teams was used to refine the design, while robust engineering ensured the solution could withstand deliberate attempts to damage or breach the infrastructure.
As the programme evolved, the Ministry of Justice prioritised an accelerated rollout of window grilles alongside anti-drone measures. We responded rapidly, re-planning delivery schedules, reallocating resources and adapting designs to align with the revised requirements.
This agile approach enabled the programme to maintain momentum while continuing to deliver security improvements where they were most needed. By combining technical expertise, collaborative working and flexible delivery, we provided the Ministry of Justice with a scalable solution that could be implemented consistently across multiple sites while minimising disruption to prison operations.
Strengthening prison security through scalable physical protection
The programme delivered a practical and resilient response, helping the Ministry of Justice move from reactive disruption to a more proactive and preventative approach to managing drone-enabled contraband deliveries.
Key outcomes included:
- New anti-drone structures fully installed and stress tested, creating a physical barrier designed to prevent aerial deliveries of contraband.
- Proven operational effectiveness, with anti-drone wire structures successfully deterring and preventing intrusion attempts at protected locations following installation.
- Approximately 300 window grilles installed, significantly strengthening physical security measures and reducing opportunities for unauthorised access.
- A further 7,200 window grilles mobilised or in manufacture, supporting the accelerated expansion of enhanced security measures across the wider prison estate.
- A consistent delivery model established, enabling security solutions to be designed, deployed and replicated across multiple sites and delivery partners.
- A flexible programme capable of adapting to changing priorities, allowing the accelerated window grille rollout to be delivered without losing momentum on critical anti-drone security improvements.
Together, these measures have strengthened security across the prison estate, reduced opportunities for criminal activity and provided the client with a scalable and repeatable approach to managing future security risks. By combining targeted anti-drone infrastructure with large-scale window security improvements, the programme has helped create safer environments for prison staff and prisoners while supporting the Ministry of Justice’s long-term security objectives.