Fears Paris Olympics can't cope with threat of hostile drone attack

FRANCE will struggle to prevent drones from disrupting this summer's Olympics and Paralympics, experts warn.

- Marco Giannangeli

More than 300,000 spectators are expected to line the banks of the Seine in July, as 10,000 athletes sail along on 160 barges in the first Olympics opening ceremony not held inside a stadium.

Many more will see the Paralympics opened in August on the Champs-Elysées.

Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin singled out drones as "without doubt the main threat to be dealt with" in a speech last year.

The devices could be used by Russia or Iran to disrupt the Games, but equally by eco activists. And even if a harmless powder is released this could cause a stampede with multiple injuries and deaths.