​Counter-Drone Technology
C-UAS (Counter Un-crewed Aerial System) is used to detect and intercept unmanned aircraft systems whilst in flight. The growing threat posed by UAS presents significant challenges for world governments and civilian environments. UAS continues to evolve and have become more sophisticated, cheaper and easier to operate. Adversaries have embraced C-UAS technology in various spheres.
C-UAS technology poses a range of challenges which include legal and practical applications depending on the environment. It is always worth while checking the legal statute governing C-UAS system operations in your country.
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What type of C-UAS technologies are available?
Counter-UAS measures can be split into two distinct types. The first is drone detection and the second is drone mitigation or interception.
Drone detection can include a multi-layered system using multiple sensors such as radar, RF sensors, acoustic sensors and PTZ cameras. Excluding, the radar these assets provide a passive means of detection. The addition of traditional radar detection introduces an active component to the C-UAS system. This means you are transmitting RF and will be subject to regulatory approval.
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Can C-UAS assist in taking legal action against threat actors?
Drone detection technology provides situational awareness to make informed decisions and allows the sharing of data with law enforcement for successful prosecution. Drone detection technology using passive detection is perfectly legal compared to interceptions methods.
Following a C-UAS assessment we will recommend an appropriate C-UAS system with a unique configuration dependent on the level of threat. A recommended C-UAS from one of our partners will provide a drone detection platform which not only detects the drone but also identifies the pilot location, flight path, drone type and other useful telemetry data.
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What technologies are used for C-UAS mitigation?
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UAS mitigation countermeasure technology falls into two broad categories:
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Non-Kinetic: Controlling the drone
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Kinetic: Destroying the drone with a physical attack
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Taking control of the drone through interruption of signal
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Drone pilots use remote controls to guide their drones and an uplink and downlink signal is established. However, the radio signals can be interrupted between the remote control and the drone. This deliberate act of radio signal interference is achieved by jamming. This is not the only method of interfering with the drone and spoofing using GPS is another method that is employed. These techniques are often referred to "soft kill" techniques. The legality of these measures is governed differently worldwide.
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