A Texas startup is pitching a controversial new approach to school security in the United States.

The company, Mithril Defense, has developed a drone‑based system designed to intervene in the critical first minutes of a school shooting before police arrive.

Small drones stored in ceiling units can deploy within seconds, relay live data to remote operators and, if authorized, use non‑lethal force to disrupt an attacker. Currently, the idea is being tested in a number of pilot programs.

Supporters say such systems could close dangerous response gaps and improve situational awareness for law enforcement. Critics, however, warn the technology remains unproven and raises ethical and operational concerns about the remote use of force in schools.

This video summary was created by AI from the original DW script. It was edited by a journalist before publication.