Radar, EO/IR, C-UAS, Night Vision & Surveillance

RADAR, EO/IR, C-UAS, NIGHT VISION AND SURVEILLANCE UPDATE

September 20, 2024 by

Sponsored by Echodyne

www.echodyne.com

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16 Sep 24. Saab Delivers British Army’s Next Generation Artillery Hunting Radars.

Saab announces the successful delivery and acceptance of five next generation Arthur systems to the British Army, providing a Deep Find Weapon Locating Radar Capability for the future.

As of 22nd July 2024, five next generation Arthur systems, named TAIPAN by the British Army, have been delivered, accepted, and are now with 5th Regiment Royal Artillery.

Replacing MAMBA – last generation Arthur radar – TAIPAN offers the British Army rapid deployment and re-deployment, high operational mobility, and precise counter-battery operations, locating an increased number of targets at greater range with reduced electronic warfare signatures, leveraging Saab’s Digital Antenna technology. This ensures survivability, reliability and high availability. The Royal Artillery formally accepted TAIPAN as 5th Regiment’s Colours on June 28th at Larkhill Camp.

“We are immensely proud to support the British Army with our state-of-the-art TAIPAN systems. Our relationship with the Army and the Arthur system builds on years of experience extending back through service in Iraq and Afghanistan. The team at Saab looks forward to continuing our support for the UK as it become the first user of the new Arthur current generation and next generation systems,” said Andy Fraser, Group Managing Director, Saab UK.

“Saab are our key partner for both MAMBA and now TAIPAN and what it as a company have and continue to deliver to our Armed Forces is hugely impressive. MAMBA has more than proved its worth and TAIPAN is a step change in capability.” said Lt Gen Sir Andrew Gregory KBE CB, Master Gunner St James’s Park.

Future maintenance and additional work will be supported at Saab’s UK-based Centre of Radar Excellence in Fareham as part of Saab’s strategy for expanding its global industrial base outside of Sweden. Beyond the UK, Arthur is in-service with an additional 12 countries, including 6 NATO countries and South Korea.

(Source: ASD Network)

20 Sept. 24. NATO tests counter drone tech during interoperability exercise. From 10 to 20 September, 450 participants from 22 countries, including Ukraine for the first time, gathered in the Netherlands to increase their ability to counter malicious drone activity.

The fourth edition of NATO’s Counter Unmanned Aircraft System Technical Interoperability Exercise (C-UAS TIE24) brought together military, scientific and industry specialists to test high-tech commercial solutions designed to detect, identify, and neutralise drones. Over 60 systems and technologies – including sensors, effectors, jammers and threat drones – were tested live to ensure that they can connect instantly and operate together.

The exercise was organised by the NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA), and hosted by the C-UAS Joint Nucleus within the Dutch Ministry of Defence.

“The commercial and military use of drones has grown rapidly, and unfortunately, so has their misuse, particularly by non-state actors. This presents an increasing threat to NATO’s operations and everyday defence activities,” said NCIA Chief of Staff Major General Hans Folmer, while visiting the exercise. “In response, NATO has been fully committed to better understanding drone detection and to developing effective countermeasures. This exercise stands as a clear demonstration of that commitment.”

NCIA, through its C-UAS Centre of Expertise, is working closely with NATO’s Emerging and Security Challenges Division to ensure interoperability and standardisation in data exchange among diverse C-UASs and components across the Alliance. Part of this work includes the development of NATO’s first counter doctrine, which will provide a robust framework for NATO to efficiently detect, track and neutralise the threat.

Previous iterations of the TIE exercises identified C-UAS optimal architectures and standards to be adopted by NATO. Building upon these achievements, C-UAS TIE24 further tested technical standards and solutions to assess interoperability of systems used to counter Class I UASs with existing air and missile defence capabilities.

Ukraine’s first active participation in the exercise is part of the NATO-Ukraine Innovation Cooperation Roadmap endorsed at the Washington Summit earlier this year. TIE24 provided an opportunity to learn from Ukraine’s battlefield experience in countering small drones and help address the most pressing challenges, such as drone autonomy and interoperability in a collaborative and mutually-reinforcing way. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

18 Sept. 24. Smartshooter adds new detect and intercept C-UAS to the Smash range. Smartshooter has introduced a new counter-drone system. The Smash Dome is a tactical, lightweight and portable system that combines sensors for detecting and tracking uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) with a kinetic interceptor for covert and overt operations.

Designed for area defence against Category I UAS, the Smash Dome offers RF active detection and passive optical detection. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

19 Sept 24. Anduril announces IVAS team-up with Microsoft. “This project is my top priority at Anduril, and it has been for some time now. It’s one of the Army’s most critical programs being fielded in the near future, with the goal of getting the right data to the right people at the right time,” said Anduril founder Palmer Luckey, who made his tech breakthrough with commercial Oculus headset.

By Ashley Roqueon September 19, 2024 at 12:01 AM

Oculus founder Palmer Luckey is officially throwing his defense firm Anduril’s hat into the ring to help develop a combat-suitable mixed-reality device for soldiers, announcing a new partnership with Microsoft.

After teasing his tech startup’s broader entrance into the military mixed-reality space, Palmer is now disclosing at least one entry point: the integration of new sensors and the firm’s Lattice platform into the US Army’s latest version of the Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS).

“This project is my top priority at Anduril, and it has been for some time now. It’s one of the Army’s most critical programs being fielded in the near future, with the goal of getting the right data to the right people at the right time,” Luckey said in an announcement today.

Details about the two companies’ current and future IVAS arrangements remain under wraps, but spokespeople from both said Anduril’s Lattice platform has been “successfully integrated” into Microsoft’s hardware and software platform for both the IVAS 1.1 and 1.2 versions. The 1.2 version of IVAS is currently going through testing with the Army, while industry awaits the Army’s official greenlight to kickstart a recompete program under an initiative dubbed IVAS Next.

“This is Anduril’s bread and butter, and we’ve been building the backbone for this for years,” Luckey said.

Lattice is billed as an open software platform that gleans data from different sensors and systems and moves that data into a “single integration layer” where high-value information is filtered for users. For the Army system, the companies say that means that as incoming airborne threats like drones home in on a soldier’s location, they are “autonomously” detected and soldiers donning the upgraded IVAS are warned.

Robin Seiler, Microsoft’s corporate vice president for mixed reality, said the aim is to “expand the impact” the system could have on the battlefield.

“Soldiers using IVAS get instant alerts and can track movements in real-time, without needing to be involved in the detection process. This speeds up the early warning system, which is critical for improving response times and increasing soldier survival,” a Microsoft told Breaking Defense.

While the collaboration sheds new light on Microsoft’s plans to upgrade its current IVAS offering, a host of questions remain about the path ahead for the tech giant’s mixed-reality program and just which alliances are forming to compete anew if the Army greenlights a new competition.

In 2018, the Army first selected the Washington-based tech company for its coved IVAS program and tasked the team with militarizing the commercially available HoloLens 2. By 2021, the service awarded Microsoft with a production deal valued up to $22 bn with plans to begin fielding the device that same year. But behind the scenes, soldier testing suggested it was a technology not suitable for combat, leading Army leaders to pause development and reset the program.

After several false starts, the Army rolled out an iterative development plan based around three different versions — 1.0, 1.1 and 1.2. That 1.2 version was billed as the big leap ahead and one that could potentially push past tech and user complaints that had ranged from software glitches to physical side effects like dizziness and nausea.

Microsoft overhauled the 1.2 form factor by ditching the helmet-like display that soldiers were not able to easily take off and replaced it with a display that could be flipped up. The field of view was also shrunk from 70-degree down to around 60-degrees to provide more clarity and better alignment with a user’s eyes.

Testing with this new version is still ongoing and could last through an operational assessment slated for early next year. And while the design improvements are headed in the right direction, reports started trickling up the chain that at least some of the testing “wasn’t going the way we wanted it to,” a service official recently told Breaking Defense.

As a result, Army leaders including Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George have tasked Army Rangers with racking and stacking all of the service’s night vision devices to include IVAS. That analysis is expected back this fall and could help decide how the Army envisions soldiers using IVAS and just which units and individuals should have it. The feedback may also help drive requirements for a new IVAS form factor.

Service officials have been preparing tech companies for an upcoming IVAS Next competition that could replace Microsoft as the prime contractor, and multiple industry sources have told Breaking Defense they are waiting for the service to release a formal solicitation, possibly before the end of the year.

That solicitation is expected to shine a light on the Army’s path ahead for the program and could be a key marker as potential competitors set themselves on the starting block. (For now, most are remaining tightlipped about their exact plans, although both Microsoft and Kopin have said they will compete.)

As for Anduril’s IVAS Next ambitions, the company has not released any details. But during AWE 2024 in June, Luckey teased a new headset underdevelopment saying he is “still very much in the hardware space.”

“I’m actually building a new headset right now,” Anduril’s founder told the audience. “It’s driven … by military requirements, but it’s also going to be used for non-military stuff.”

What Luckey did not disclose is whether this was a personal project he was tinkering with, a more formal internal development initiative, or even if it is being built with combat in mind.

(Source: Breaking Defense.com)

17 Sept 24. Forcys sees record sales of Sentinel intruder detection sonars. Forcys brings together leading technologies, offering a comprehensive naval and subsea capability to the world defence market

Global maritime defence company Forcys has seen a significant surge in sales of Sentinel IDS®, the world’s leading Intruder Detection Sonar this year.

Sentinel, developed by Covelya Group technology partner Wavefront Systems, detects, tracks and classifies divers and uncrewed underwater vehicles (UUVs) approaching a protected asset from any direction and alerts security personnel to the threat.

It can be deployed on demand by expeditionary teams or installed permanently as part of a network of multiple sonar heads to provide underwater situational awareness.

Able to identify divers at ranges of up to 1,000 m and UUVs at 1,500 m, Sentinel takes reliable, long range underwater intruder detection to a new level and is used in defence, Critical National Infrastructure, vessel and VIP protection duties around the world.

Ioseba Tena, Forcys MD, commented; ”With tense security levels across much of the globe, increasing numbers of navies and defence organisations are relying on Sentinel to protect their assets. It’s no surprise that this year has seen our largest volume of Sentinel sales to date, and I am particularly proud that the Forcys teams across Australia, the UK and the US have played a significant part in achieving this. We are thrilled to continue to lead the way in protecting the world’s underwater spaces and grateful for our customer’s ongoing trust in our products and services.”

Sentinel protects assets that range from naval ports and vessels to other potential sabotage targets. As an example, Wavefront supplied Sentinel to protect the River Seine during the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony, a demonstration of the level of confidence customers place in the system on the world stage.

19 Sept 24. HENSOLDT, a global leader in defence and security electronics, announced the launch of its new-generation airborne imaging system, the ARGOS-15, at the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) Expo 2024. This highly anticipated system represents a significant advancement in multispectral sensor technology and is set to become the go-to solution for modern intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. The ARGOS-15, a state-of-the-art 15-inch gimbal system, builds on the success of HENSOLDT’s renowned ARGOS family. It offers unparalleled performance for medium-to high altitude missions on both manned and unmanned airborne platforms. Featuring an advanced, modular design and AI-powered functionalities, this next-generation system is an essential solution for modern defence and security applications.

“HENSOLDT has been at the forefront of airborne imaging technology for over 35 years. With the launch of the ARGOS-15, we are reinforcing our position as a leading provider of airborne imaging technologies. This system’s superior capabilities will ensure that our customers remain at the forefront of modern surveillance and reconnaissance missions,” says Sunette van Rensburg, Head of Sales of HENSOLDT’s Optronics business in South Africa.

Advancing the legacy of ARGOS-II

Building on over three decades of experience in airborne electro-optical systems, the ARGOS-15 follows on the widely deployed ARGOS-II, integrated on more than 34 platforms worldwide. It offers the optimal blend of legacy performance and next-generation innovation, bringing together decades of experience with the latest technologies.

17 Sept 24. Saab delivers fifth GlobalEye aircraft to UAE. The UAE first contracted Saab for the GlobalEye in November 2015; this latest delivery marks the transfer of five aircraft in less than ten years.

Saab has delivered its fifth GlobalEye Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) according to a statement on 17 September 2024.

This delivery marks the transfer of five aircraft in less than ten years.

The airborne surveillance aircraft is capable of air, maritime and ground surveillance from a single platform with the ability to switch different roles at any point during an ongoing mission.

UAE GlobalEye activity

Though, the UAE first contracted Saab for the GlobalEye in a deal worth $1.27bn (Dh4.66bn) in November 2015, the platform was first launched at the Singapore Airshow several months later in 2016.

The nation has now reached its initial order of five units, though it has yet to acquire the two additional GlobalEye aircraft the government ordered back in 2021. Likewise, the user expanded its GlobalEye services with Saab at the start of 2024 with an order for a three-year in-service support period that runs until 2026, valued at $190m.

The Middle Eastern nation, located in the Persian Gulf, initially sought the GlobalEye for its ‘swing role surveillance’ capability integrated with a new variant of the Saab 2000 Erieye radar system.

GlobalEye also ensures a maximum mission endurance of more than 11 hours. It allows for operations from short runways in small airports.

GlobalEye sensor suite

GlobalEye uses an array of active and passive sensors that provide long-range detection and identification of objects across all domains.

The main sensor of the GlobalEye system is the Erieye extended range S-band active electronically scanned array (AESA) multi-mode radar. Saab designed this radar to collect and target data in a large air volume and/or across a vast surface area, in heavy clutter and jamming environments.

Likewise, the long-range airborne radar offers all-domain surveillance, while offering an increased detection range in comparison with ‘stealthy’ low observable air targets. (Source: airforce-technology.com)

16 Sept 24. Honeywell launching new counter-UAV system focused on countering swarm attacks. Honeywell announced on 16 September 2024 that it is launching a new counter-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system particularly focused on addressing the threat from UAV swarms.

By combining beyond-visual-line-of-sight communication with command-and-control capabilities, the multi-layered system is able to detect, track and then counter UAV swarms. It can either be mounted on vehicles or put in a fixed location to protect valuable assets.

The US Air Force Global Strike team via its STRIKEWERX/AFWERX innovation hub recently selected Honeywell’s Stationary And Mobile UAS Reveal And Intercept system to demonstrate the protection of high-value assets from swarming UAVs while on the move. The demonstration will take place in January 2025.

“Modern warfare is rapidly changing and the threat swarming drones pose to high-value assets can have a devastating effect on military operations,” Matt Milas, president for Defense and Space at Honeywell Aerospace Technologies, was quoted as saying in a company press release.

“Our Stationary And Mobile UAS Reveal And Intercept system is a highly reliable, scalable and fully integrated defensive system that has been developed after extensive research and testing with the needs of military operators in mind,” Milas added. “This system’s multi-layered defensive capabilities set it apart in the industry and enable it to not only track and detect but also defeat multiple threats. We’re excited to demonstrate this technology for the air force and are confident the system can provide critical new capabilities on the battlefield.”

The system has been developed by integrating components from defence manufacturers such as Blue Halo, Leonardo DRS, Pierce Aerospace, Silent Sentinel, Walaris, Rocky Research and Versatol. These components include a radio frequency detection capability combined with sensor technology that uses light to detect, track and identify objects, including offensive UAVs, to counter swarm attacks. (Source: ESD)

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Echodyne is a U.S. designer and manufacturer of advanced commercial radar solutions for defense and national security applications. The company’s proprietary metamaterials electronically scanned array (MESA®) architecture, a rare breakthrough in advanced radar engineering, leverages a physics-design approach to adapt conventional materials and deliver unexpected and beneficial behavior. The result is a solid-state, low-SWaP unit coupled with advanced software capabilities that delivers superior radar performance and unparalleled data integrity, radically improving system performance and enhancing safety for people and machines. With leading positions in counter-UAS, force protection, base security, and portable ISR, Defense Agencies and Suppliers rely on Echodyne radar for extraordinary accuracy and consistent, reliable operation. For more information, please visit: Echodyne.com.

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RADAR, EO/IR, C-UAS, NIGHT VISION AND SURVEILLANCE UPDATE

September 13, 2024 by

Sponsored by Echodyne

www.echodyne.com

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10 Sept 24. Exosens and Theon have signed a multi-year image intensifier tubes delivery agreement for 2025/2026 with an option for 2027 including volumes commitment, covering Theon needs and enabling Exosens to smooth out its operations in an increasing market demand.

Exosens, a high-tech company focused on providing mission and performance-critical amplification, detection and imaging devices, today announces the signature of a supply agreement with volumes and notice period commitments, covering two years until end of 2026, with an option for 2027, with Theon, a leading developer and manufacturer of customizable night vision and thermal imaging systems for defense and security applications.

This agreement gives the opportunity to Exosens to further optimize its manufacturing and supply chain operations while strengthening its capability to better respond to the increasing market demand.

Over the years, night vision has become central to modern warfare, as operations increasingly take place at night. This evolution has been reinforced by the geopolitical situation with recent conflict in Ukraine which now involve high intensity combat. Drawing on decades of expertise, Photonis, brand of Exosens, offers image intensifier tubes, the engine of night vision devices, which improve soldiers’ tactical situational awareness, agility and mobility, as well as their targeting and driving capabilities, even on the darkest of nights. Photonis 4G and 4G+ products have been selected by the armies of all major European countries and by NATO forces, who recognized the unique product performance in the battlefield.

“This agreement is the result of long-lasting relationship with Theon, one of our OEM customers. We’re very pleased to continue to manufacture and deliver high quality key products in a growing environment. Our investment in production capability enables us to meet the requirements of our End Users to remain the undisputed world leader and image intensifier tubes manufacturer. This agreement is providing us with the means to optimize our manufacturing operations and supply chain in the years to come and, at the same time, maintain the flexibility required to answer fast evolving demand.” commented Jérôme Cerisier, CEO of Exosens.

“Image Intensification Tubes are a critical component of Night Vision goggles, representing a significant portion of their cost. Theon has been taking measures to ensure its long-term ability to deliver to its existing customers, as well as to accommodate further expected growth in its revenues in 2025-2026 and thus, higher demand of tubes.” added Christian Hadjiminas, CEO of Theon.

ABOUT EXOSENS:

Exosens is a high-tech company, with more than 85 years of experience in the innovation, development, manufacturing and sale of high-end electro-optical technologies in the field of amplification, detection and imaging. Today, it offers its customers detection components and solutions such as travelling wave tubes, advanced cameras, neutron & gamma detectors, instrument detectors and light intensifier tubes. This allows Exosens to respond to complex issues in extremely demanding environments by offering tailor-made solutions to its customers. Thanks to its sustained investments, Exosens is internationally recognized as a major innovator in optoelectronics, with production and R&D carried out on 10 sites, in Europe and North America and with over 1,600 employees

Exosens is listed on compartment A of the regulated market of Euronext Paris (Ticker: EXENS – ISIN: FR001400Q9V2) and is a member of Euronext Tech Leaders segment. For more information: exosens.com

10 Sept 24. DYZNE to collaborate with ROMARM on Romanian defence.

September 10, 2024 Kylie Bielby Counter-UAS systems and policies

DZYNE Technologies (United States) and ROMARM SA (Romania) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on Romanian defence capabilities.

DZYNE develops a range of counter-uncrewed aerial systems technologies for defence and civil applications. The company will work alongside ROMARM and Romanian defence companies to research, design, and produce tailored solutions for border security, critical infrastructure protection, and other domestic security domains.

Highlander Partners, which owns DZYNE, has already made substantial investments in Romania. This MoU marks an extension of this cooperation into the defence sector. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

10 Sept 24. MITRE Licenses CARPE Dronvm Technology to AeroParagon for Advanced Drone Detection and Response. MITRE and AeroParagon have established a licensing agreement to integrate MITRE’s CARPE Dronvm smartphone app into AeroParagon’s product suite. CARPE Dronvm, developed in collaboration with U.S. Air Forces Central (AFCENT), empowers military personnel and first responders to rapidly identify and report suspicious drone activity. AeroParagon is productizing the technology to enhance both Department of Defense operations and commercial critical infrastructure security.

CARPE Dronvm enables users to capture real-time drone imagery that is quickly processed using MITRE’s advanced computer-vision and AI algorithms. These algorithms confirm the presence of drones, pinpoint their location, and trigger alerts that are communicated to nearby users and relevant authorities. This innovative solution leverages the widespread use of smartphones and human observation to provide a cost-effective, rapid-response tool for monitoring and managing drone activity in vulnerable areas, soft targets, and crowded venues.

“MITRE’s value is in our ability to bridge advanced research with practical, real-world implementation to fill important gaps,” said Eliahu Niewood, vice president, Air and Space Forces, MITRE. “With AeroParagon commercializing CARPE Dronvm, we amplify its impact, evolving from innovative concept to a working prototype and now into tools for the broader security industry.”

“This licensing agreement marks a critical milestone in our mission to make cutting-edge drone detection technology more accessible,” said Markus Hogue, CEO of AeroParagon. “By integrating CARPE Dronvm into our counter-drone solutions, we’re broadening its reach and significantly enhancing safety and security in both government and commercial sectors.”About MITRE

MITRE’s mission-driven teams are dedicated to solving problems for a safer world. Through our public-private partnerships and federally funded R&D centers, we work across government and in partnership with industry to tackle challenges to the safety, stability, and well-being of our nation. Learn more at mitre.org.

About AeroParagon

AeroParagon is at the forefront of developing dual-use, low-cost counter-drone solutions and is pioneering layered drone defense systems. AeroParagon recently secured first place in the Army xTechSearch 8 competition and earned second place in the National Security Innovation Network (NSIN) Forge competition. Contact: (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

12 Sep 24. Cuashub.com said today that NATO calls for civil and military unity in C-UAS efforts. At the Counter UAS Homeland Security Europe 2024 conference Sean Bittick, C-UAS and Capability Development Officer at NATO, discussed a key aspect of the alliance’s ongoing C-UAS efforts. According to Bittick, bridging the civil-military divide in countering the evolving threats posed by Class I UAS is a major focus for NATO currently.

This focus comes as the alliance recognises the increasing need for seamless collaboration between military operations and civil authorities in addressing the challenges posed by drones.

Bittick highlighted the complexities of the relationship between civilian and military sectors in managing drone threats, explaining that these two worlds, while interconnected, often lack effective communication channels.

“Coordination is key,” he emphasised, adding that countries must adopt “a non-parochial approach” to countering UAS threats. This means leveraging the strengths of both sides without letting bureaucratic or institutional boundaries hinder the effort.

One of the notable successes in this area has been seen in the United Kingdom. Bittick praised the UK for doing a “fantastic job” in merging defence and civilian drone efforts, using it as a model for how other NATO countries can address this issue. However, he was quick to acknowledge that even in the UK, challenges remain.

“Obviously nothing’s perfect and there’s still plenty of work to be done every day,” he said.

The evolving nature of drone threats, which have moved from non-state actors to state-sponsored use in conventional warfare, has further complicated the coordination required between civil and military stakeholders. Bittick explained that the rapid pace of technological change, along with the shifting nature of threats, has pushed NATO to rethink its strategies.

“The rapid pace of change is fundamentally reshaping the way that conventional wars will be fought,” Bittick said, highlighting the need for better integration across sectors.

Addressing the challenges

To address these challenges, NATO has embarked on a series of exercises and training programs aimed at improving interoperability between civil and military entities. For instance, the TRON 25 exercise will focus on building foundational UAS skills, combining military expertise with lessons learned from civilian use cases. This and other initiatives are designed to foster a greater understanding of how the two sectors can complement one another in countering drone threats.

Another significant obstacle Bittick pointed out is the need for legislative changes in many countries. While advocacy for these changes is ongoing, Bittick warned that such changes often come too slowly to be effective in rapidly evolving threat environments.

“By the time you do [get legislative change], it won’t be useful,” he noted, stressing the importance of working within existing frameworks while pushing for long-term improvements.

Ultimately, Bittick’s message was clear. The only way to effectively counter the growing UAS threat is through better communication, coordination and integration between civil and military authorities. This is not just about operational readiness but about fostering a new way of thinking about drone defence that is agile enough to adapt to future challenges.

NATO calls for civil and military unity in C-UAS efforts

(Source: https://cuashub.com/)

12 Sep 24. Cuashub.com said today that Austrian Armed Forces deploy AARTOS for airshow defence. At the Airpower24 airshow, the Austrian Armed Forces and AARONIA Austria deployed a collaborative effort, and the AARTOS system, to safeguard against illegal drone activity or hostile drone threats. Held in early September in Zeltweg, Austria, the event featured 206 aircraft from over 20 countries. AARONIA’s AARTOS DDS system, an advanced anti-drone solution that the Austrian military has used since 2018, played a key role in ensuring safety throughout the airshow. The event involved aerobatic teams such as the Flying Bulls and the Austrian Armed Forces’ Eurofighters.

The AARTOS system, a key part of the Austrian Armed Forces’ “Electronic Warfare for Drone Defense” (ELDRO) strategy, was enhanced this year with a fully automatic 28-meter mast system, equipped with a high-performance RF sensor. This allowed the system to monitor the entire frequency spectrum and provide 360° coverage of the airspace.

A key feature of AARTOS is its ability to detect and locate illegal drones and their operators in real time. With its precision, the system can track drone positions, flight paths and operator locations with an accuracy of five meters, allowing military police to swiftly locate unauthorised operators.

What made this year’s deployment of the AARTOS system particularly effective was its modular design, which allowed for seamless integration of radar, cameras and sensors. This improved the system’s ability to cover complex topographical conditions in real time and simplify operational management, a critical factor for a large-scale event like Airpower24.

The robust anti-drone defences not only intercepted several unauthorised drones the night before the event but also prevented any incidents during the show itself. AARONIA’s mobile solution has already proven its reliability at other high-profile events, such as Formula 1 and MotoGP, and has demonstrated its effectiveness in maintaining security and preventing unauthorised drone activity at large events.

https://cuashub.com/en/content/austrian-armed-forces-deploy-aartos-for-airshow-defence/?utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8P5SnGAdMeAZdFg9WGeniRx-H2coeV99Sk_nTBQGRIzR_r58D2cEGpiEsgyoeHzWqsQoTSE3QL0jU5qOAYAHVKZ6-rkByxFwkorkjJ7s1HIimZNo0&_hsmi=324237747&utm_content=324237747&utm_source=hs_email (Source: https://cuashub.com/)

09 Sept 24. Chinese drill against UAV swarm yields limited success. PGZ-09 self-propelled anti-aircraft artillery units on parade in Beijing in 2015. (Photo by Simon Song/South China Morning Post via Getty Images)

A Chinese military exercise to determine the effectiveness of conventional anti-aircraft (AA) forces against an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) swarm has found that a combined gun and missile response was required to destroy even a small-sized swarm.

A UAS swarm, comprising at least 11–12 commercial-type unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), was launched at dawn during the exercise, according to imagery aired by state-owned broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV) on 26 and 27 August. A brigade of the People’s Liberation Army Ground Force’s (PLAGF’s) 77th Group Army initially engaged the swarm with two types of self-propelled anti-aircraft artillery (SPAAA) vehicles, according to CCTV.

Janes assessment of the video imagery found that six Type 95 (also known as the PGZ-95) SPAAA vehicles initially engaged the UAVs. Three PGZ-09 (Type 07) 35 mm SPAAAs also comprised the initial PLAGF response to the UAVs.

Although armed with weapon-laying radar and electro-optical (EO) sensors and an effective weapons range of 2–5 km, the SPAAAs could only destroy “40% of the swarm”, according to CCTV.

Weapons used

The PGZ-95 and the PGZ-09 are tracked platforms. The PGZ-95 is equipped with 25 mm Type 87 cannons with a fire-control system comprising an EO suite mounted on the forward part of the turret. The suite includes a television tracking camera with a range of 6,000 m, an infrared tracking camera with a range of 5,000 m, and a laser rangefinder (LRF) with a range of 500–5,500 m. This calculates weapon-laying data. (Source: Janes)

10 Sep 24. Russian Tanks Wear Rubber Against Kamikaze Drones.

In the latest of an array of solutions that have been used to shield tanks against drone attacks on Ukraine’s battlefield, Russia is repurposing rubber mats. The Russian Ministry of Defense’s TV channel, TVZvezda reported a new batch of T-90 tanks being transported by train from Uralvagonzavod, Russia’s main tank manufacturer.

It was noticeable that the vehicles were equipped with reinforced rubber mats covering the gap between the tank’s turret and hull as well as over the rear engine louvres. It is claimed this is the latest anti-drone measure installed by the manufacturer.Initial countermeasures were aimed at preventing the drones’ explosive payloads from breaching the hull by causing them to activate early at a distance from the tank.

First, they used cages to protect tank turrets where the armor was thinnest, eventually enlarging and extending these “cope cages” to cover and surround the whole tank. They may have reduced the initial effect of a drone strike but at the cost of limiting the tank crews’ observation and use of the main armament. There have also been many videos and images of burning Russian tanks equipped with protection cages on social media.

A Russian military spokesperson gave an explanation for this:

“During operations, these metal structures become deformed, break, and lose their protective properties.”

The next phase since early April was to replace or reinforce the defense provided by the cages with solid metal boxes to protect them from drone strikes – so called “turtle” or “barn” tanks. Once again, the level of improved protection came with negative impacts on the tank as a weapon.

At the same time as this improvised secondary armor was being used, attempts were being made to mount electronic warfare (EW) countermeasures equipment on Russian tanks, such as the Volnorez (Breakwater) and Arena-M counter-drone systems.

The Volnorez works by emitting radio frequency (RF) interference disrupting the control signals between the drone and its operator, forcing it to either land or hover in place until it is brought down, or its battery fails. The Arena-M is an active protective system that launches one of its 26 on-board interceptor projectiles if a threat traveling at between 240 and 2,400 kph (150-1,500 mph) approaches within 50 meters (160 feet) of the tank.

It is known that the latest Ukrainian drones incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) and other technologies that overcome the effects of jamming and increasingly allow the FPVs to operate independently of the operator if the link is interrupted.

The reliability of these systems is one issue, but more concerning, from the Russian tank crews’ perspectives, is the lack of availability and cost of the systems. Ukrainian military analyst Oleksandr Kovalenko not only questions the capability of the systems but says,

“if every tank, every personnel carrier, and every infantry fighting vehicle was guarded by [these] devices, the Russians would not have the time or resources to produce all of those it needs.”

The rubber mats seen on the new T-90s is an attempt to produce a cost effective, easily fitted and, from the tank crew’s perspective, and workable solution. It remains to be seen how effective the mats will be in their main aim, and their ability to withstand the wear and tear of day-to-day operations and use is even more questionable.

It seems more likely that they will give confidence and boost the morale of the tank crew rather than maximize their chances of surviving a determined FPV drone strike or multiple strikes. (Source: UAS VISION/Kyiv Post)

28 Aug 24. RTX’s SeaVue Multi-Role Radar Provides Critical Targeting Data at RIMPAC. Raytheon, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, successfully demonstrated the SeaVue Multi-role Radar’s superior long-range target detection at the U.S. Navy’s Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) – the world’s largest international maritime exercise.

Performing a Sink Exercise, or SINKEX, an MQ-9B SeaGuardian® Unmanned Aircraft System from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. used SeaVue Multi-role Radar (SVMR) surveillance and imaging to survey multiple targets and send track data to F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet aircraft. The aircraft were able to use the data provided by the radar to successfully fire a Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) at a decommissioned amphibious assault ship, the USS Tarawa (LHA-1), showcasing SVMR’s net-enabled, long-range weapons employment capabilities.

“SVMR proved its ability to capture high fidelity targeting data needed for successful weapons engagement in a maritime environment,” said Bryan Rosselli, president of Advanced Products & Solutions at Raytheon. “The live-fire exercise enabled us to test and validate SVMR to ensure it can provide the situational awareness required in an operational environment – allowing faster decision making and more efficient kill chains.”

SVMR is a modern, software-defined radar that provides all-weather surveillance and superior multi-mission performance for crewed and uncrewed aircraft, including fixed, rotary-wing and aerostat platforms.

Leveraging over 60 years of surveillance radar innovation, SVMR provides extended range and small target detection from operational altitudes, enabling a more capable and efficient method for monitoring and protecting. It features a modular and scalable architecture that supports affordable upgrades and sustainment and has been developed and extensively flight tested for low and high-altitude surveillance modes. (Source: ASD Network)

10 Sep 24. Cuashub.com said today that MARSS demonstrates NiDAR capabilities in harsh conditions. MARSS, a global leader in AI-powered security solutions, recently completed a successful evaluation of its cutting-edge C-UAS system in the Middle East. The two-day trial in mid-August showcased the system’s ability to detect, track, classify and neutralise various drone threats, including fixed-wing, VTOL, micro and mini drones.

In extreme temperatures exceeding 50°C (122°F), MARSS’s integrated solution performed under complex conditions, with detection capabilities reaching over two kilometres.

The trial demonstrated the system’s effectiveness using a mix of cutting-edge technologies from partner vendors. MARSS integrated BlueHalo’s short and long-range RF detection, L3 Harris’s long-range EO/IR cameras, Echodyne’s 360-degree radar-web and Kirintec’s RF defeat systems into their NiDAR platform.

This combination provided rapid response capabilities through a unified interface, greatly reducing decision-making time and minimizing cognitive strain on operators. The system neutralised all targets using RF soft-kill technologies. The system exceeded expectations by proving effective against micro-drones and performing during both day and night operations.

Josh Harman, Vice President of Sales at MARSS, praised the team’s flawless execution under challenging conditions, highlighting the system’s reliability and integration process. Khalid Albadr, Business Development Manager for the Middle East, emphasised the importance of detecting micro-drones, critical for many clients’ security concerns.

The trial marks a key step in the competitive bid process, with the attendance of representatives from multiple agencies interested in infrastructure protection, defence and border security. MARSS continues to reinforce its role as a leader in delivering comprehensive security solutions in complex environments.

https://cuashub.com/en/content/marss-demonstrates-nidar-capabilities-in-harsh-conditions/?utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz–ICSvya8UEIBalpqL3SiNoi1CXER-QWPG9LZFAgmxckROrU15m8V6eERz72gu3hAU0Op5_-rT-6NJ27Hw2YXtlm1vVTUVSolzlMwYwFp2JiDIdVtI&_hsmi=323952212&utm_content=323952212&utm_source=hs_email (Source: https://cuashub.com/)

10 Sept 24. Today, Neuraspace and the Portuguese Air Force have announced their collaboration to enhance airspace safety and security as well as space sustainability. The partnership also marks the installation and use of Neuraspace’s first and fully operational optical telescope installed at Air Base No. 11, in Beja, Portugal. Neuraspace’s optical telescope is aso part of the “AI fights Space Debris” project under Portugal’s Recovery and Resilience Plan funded by the European Commission.

The joint effort between the Portuguese Air Force and Neuraspace focuses on enhancing Portugal’s space situational awareness and space surveillance and tracking capabilities as well as its specialisation in support of advancing space safety. Using Neuraspace’s telescope together with the company’s artificial intelligence capabilities, the partnership aims to optimise space data analysis. The data collected can be correlated with the data that Neuraspace gathers from different sources with multiple partners, thus reinforcing the information for operators who use the services of Neuraspace.

09 Sept 24. C47-TP grounding leaves SAAF with no maritime eyes in the sky. The SA Air Force (SAAF) is stranded when it comes to maritime patrols and the possibility of replacement airframes appearing is slim to non-existent.

This inference comes from the reply to a Parliamentary question asked by Democratic Alliance (DA) spokesman on defence and veterans Chris Hattingh. He wanted to know from Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga what steps are being taken to replace the C-47TP aircraft that are being withdrawn from service.

The former Chief Whip and DA Caucus Leader in the North West provincial legislature posed his question around the possibility of maritime guerrilla operations and piracy, particularly off Mozambique, as well as foreign fishing fleets poaching South African maritime resources against the background of a “throttled” SA Navy (SAN).

He was told Lieutenant General Wiseman Mbambo’s service had “generated requirements operational capability for the second time in the last 20 years to address the maritime capability with no success”.

The SA National Defence Force (SANDF) has Project Pelican – to address light air transport and maritime capability – approved by the Military Command Council (MCC) but it cannot progress as funding is not available.

The SAAF previously had a plan to replace the C-47TPs with proper maritime patrol aircraft under Project Saucepan. When that proved impossible, Projects Metsi and Kiepie were launched to replace the C-47TPs and C212s in the maritime surveillance/patrol and light transport roles respectively. Those projects appear to have been superseded by Project Pelican.

In May it was revealed that the venerable twin-engined C-47TP multi-role aircraft operated by 35 Squadron out of Cape Town’s AFB Ysterplaat will be withdrawn from service, but no official SAAF confirmation has since emerged, nor an exact date of withdrawal.

The withdrawal of the C-47 and its turboprop successor comes after 81 years in SAAF service. “No surprise,” insiders said at the time as none had flown in two years due to non-availability of spares and all eight grounded “due to challenges in finding a maintenance provider” as per an Armscor report to the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans (PCDMV) a year ago.

As far back as 2016, the steadily worsening state of maritime patrol and surveillance in the SAAF was picked up by consortium which offered up to five Dornier 328TPs being leased to South Africa. That the offer went no further is obvious. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)

09 Sept 24. MARSS Celebrates 8-Year Partnership with Echodyne. At the SOFEX exhibition, MARSS celebrated its long partnership with Echodyne – one of the world’s most trusted radar providers for CUAS, situational awareness and safer solutions. MARSS has worked with Echodyne for over eight years, being one of its original test partners for its first commercial products.

In the years since, the partnership has gone from innovation, to system integration, to trusted operations, with MARSS using Echodyne’s radar solutions across its portfolio of industry-leading products – including its NiDAR X Compact air and surface threat detection system, and NiDAR X-Scout rapidly deployable sensing and countermeasures platform, as well as its RADiRguard perimeter surveillance system.

Echodyne radars combine a uniquely small form factor, low weight, and extraordinary performance. Their ability to detect, track, and classify UAS with industry-leading angular accuracy – along with other air and surface threats – make Echodyne an ideal partner for MARSS’ customers looking for reliable protection in a discreet package.

Paired with MARSS’ AI-powered NiDAR platform – which fuses data from multiple sensors into a single interface – Echodyne’s patent-protected MESA® radars are put to maximum effect, giving users the best information, in the fastest possible time.

Furthermore, at the touch of a button within NiDAR, customers can adapt the radar’s configuration to suit mission requirements. As Rob Balloch, Chief Growth Officer with MARSS explained,

“The flexibility of Echodyne’s radars enables a mobile platform, such as MARSS’ NiDAR X Terra, to provide perimeter surveillance along a country border on one day, and on the next, be positioned at a sports stadium to protect against hostile drones.”

On partnering with Echodyne, Rob commented,

“Having worked as engineering partners for so many years, it’s fantastic to see Echodyne develop into one of the world’s leading radar providers.

“Collaborating with and supporting Echodyne in its formative years has enabled us to help maximise the company’s potential, while also giving us the opportunity to influence the products to meet the precise needs of our customers. I am incredibly proud to be using Echodyne radars to protect people and critical sites across the globe.” (Source: UAS VISION)

08 Sept 24. Teledyne FLIR Defense, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (NYSE:TDY), has announced that it is delivering its Star SAFIRE® 380-HLD multi-spectral imaging systems to the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) as part of an agreement worth up to $20.8m. JMSDF will integrate the imaging systems into the SH-60L helicopter, a licensed Japan-based production version of the Sikorsky SH-60 aircraft. The SH-60L is designed for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare missions, but also can be used for search and rescue operations and various other maritime missions.

The program calls for Teledyne FLIR Defense to deliver ten Star SAFIRE 380-HLD systems over the next three years. The company already has delivered two systems to JMSDF for test and evaluation purposes, plus one spare unit.

The Star SAFIRE 380-HLD is an ultra-long-range airborne surveillance system that delivers high-definition visual and thermal imagery to operators. It features superior image stabilization and, with its laser designator and rangefinder, provides highly accurate target location and laser spot positioning. Extremely durable, the SS 380-HLD can operate continuously in all weather conditions. It’s the world’s most widely deployed imaging system of its type for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and targeting missions.

“Growing threats in the region have moved Japan to improve its defense and security capabilities, especially those designed to safeguard its territorial waters and outlying territories,” said Robert Moss, senior director of business development, Asia Pacific, at Teledyne FLIR Defense. “Our unmatched thermal, optical, and radar-based surveillance solutions bring the most advanced technology to the Japan Self Defense Forces, enabling them to act swiftly and decisively when needed.”

Teledyne FLIR Defense provides airborne and maritime surveillance systems to more than a dozen countries in Asia Pacific and more than 70 globally. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

05 Sept 24. Top Aces Integrates Cutting-Edge IRST on F-16 Advanced Aggressor Fighter.

New Infrared Search and Track Capability Elevates Training for U.S. Air Force 5th Generation Pilots

Top Aces Corp. (Top Aces), the world’s only commercial operator of the F-16 aircraft for advanced adversary air (ADAIR) training, announces the integration of an infrared search and track (IRST) capability on its F-16 Advanced Aggressor Fighter (AAF) platform. This sophisticated IRST technology, used in military and aerospace applications to detect, track, and identify targets by measuring their infrared (IR) radiation, will significantly enhance the training experience for U.S. Air Force (USAF) 5th generation fighter pilots.

“We’re delighted to add this advanced IRST capability to our ADAIR training portfolio,” says Russ Quinn, President of Top Aces Corp., a USAF veteran and former Aggressor pilot. “Fitted with Top Aces’ open architecture ‘Advanced Aggressor Mission System’ (AAMS), our F-16 AAF will continue to rapidly integrate a range of high-tech sensors to meet evolving customer requirements.”

Top Aces’ F-16 AAF aircraft, already equipped with an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, a helmet mounted cueing system, and Link-16 capabilities, have now been further upgraded with Northrop Grumman’s cutting-edge OpenPod™. Featuring Leonardo’s state-of-the-art SkyWard scanning IRST, a passive long-wave infrared sensor, the system offers a wide scan volume for early target detection and engagement beyond visual range. This latest addition allows the Top Aces pilot to select and slave one advanced sensor to another, optimizing their ability to challenge 5th Generation tactics across various phases of air-to-air combat training engagements. (Source: ASD Network)

06 Sept 24. HENSOLDT IRV-MR: Advanced Thermal Imaging. The enhanced operational capabilities of the HENSOLDT IRV-MR offer an uncooled thermal clip-on system engineered for superior performance in the most demanding environments. This cutting-edge device is designed with a highly compact and lightweight form factor, ensuring ease of use without compromising functionality. The IRV-MR features a straightforward operating concept with a central control panel for intuitive adjustments. It is equipped with a video output for external monitors and is ready for action in less than four seconds. The battery magazine system allows quick and secure battery changes, even in low-light or no-light scenarios, ensuring you remain operationally ready.* Visit HENSOLDT UK on stand SP-16.

05 Sept 24. Mobile Air Surveillance Radar Set for Swedish Armored Vehicles. Saab is set supply its Giraffe 1X radar for a Swedish Sisu GTP armored vehicle, providing quality air defense target data, drone detection, and sense and warn capabilities. Saab has received an order to provide its Giraffe 1X surface radar for the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) for one of Sweden’s Ground Based Air Defence (GBAD) solutions.

The order includes Saab’s Giraffe 1X radar, associated command and control systems and integration to a Swedish GBAD solution. The radar will be installed on a Sisu GTP armored vehicle.

Giraffe 1X provides commanders with quality air defense target data, drone detection for counter-unmanned aerial systems (UAS), and sense and warn capability simultaneously for rockets, artillery and mortars. Giraffe 1X also offers continuous software upgrades in order to meet emerging threats.

The contract period runs through 2024-2027, and the order value is approximately SEK 700 m.

Carl-Johan Bergholm, head of Saab’s business area Surveillance, commented, “I am proud that Sweden chooses to integrate our versatile surface radar Giraffe 1X as a part of its ground based air defence. Our solution will contribute to strengthening Sweden’s ground based air defence capability and to protecting the forces with advanced capability to detect and identify threats while on the battlefield.”

(Source: https://www.defenseadvancement.com/)

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RADAR, EO/IR, C-UAS, NIGHT VISION AND SURVEILLANCE UPDATE

September 6, 2024 by

Sponsored by Echodyne

www.echodyne.com

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06 Sept 24. Polish C-UAS Specialist Debuts Advanced Hard-Kill System at MSPO 2024. Developed by Maddos and AP Flyer in collaboration with a Ukrainian partner, Poland is showcasing the ORION FCS system at MSPO. This system, equipped with either two 23mm cannons or two 12.7mm machine guns, is designed to detect and neutralize drones flying at several hundred meters.

Hard kill solutions based on anti-aircraft cannons, developed by AP-FLYER in cooperation with Ukrainian and Polish partners, are featured in this system. It integrates the MADDOS long-range 4D radar, which detects the target and transmits its 3D positional information to the fire control system. The turret is automatically directed towards the sector where the target is located, and the electro-optical module begins tracking. The distance to the target is determined, and a 3D flight trajectory of the target is calculated to accurately destroy the threat. The MADDOS RCWS can effectively destroy any type of drone at significant distances while maintaining high mobility and ease of transport.

The described defense system is particularly effective against NATO-class 1 and 2 drones, as well as against loitering munition. It is suitable for both day and night operations, with fully automatic functionality. Equipped with a main cannon of 23mm or 12.7mm, it offers an effective range of up to 2.5 km. The system uses electric drives for azimuth and elevation rotation and integrates a processing unit with a ballistic calculator, thereby optimizing engagement precision.

MADDOS is a brand owned by AP-FLYER, a high-tech security company based in Poland, specializing in anti-drone and UAV technologies. Since 2015, AP-FLYER has been active in the C-UAS market and began manufacturing VTOL observation drones in 2020. Over the years, our extensive experience has led to the creation of unique and operationally proven solutions. The trust of numerous government and military clients across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East attests to the effectiveness of the many MADDOS systems deployed to protect their critical assets. (Source: UAS VISION/Army Recognition)

06 Sept 24. Poland’s New Anti-Drone System Features 12.7mm Gatling Gun. At the MSPO 2024 defense expo, the Polish company Zakłady Mechaniczne Tarnów, part of the Polish Armaments Group (PGZ), presented its latest anti-UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) system, known as the System Zwalczania Dronów. This system, developed in cooperation with the Military University of Technology (WAT), is armed with a WLKM 12.7 mm Gatling-style machine gun designed to target UAVs at a maximum effective range of two kilometers. Classified as a “last chance” defensive solution, it is intended for situations where drones are relatively close to the defended position.

The development of the System Zwalczania Dronów began in 2018 to address challenges posed by smaller drones that are more difficult to detect and neutralize. The system underwent a series of tests, starting with experimental firing exercises at the Central Air Force Training Ground in Ustka in late 2021, followed by additional evaluations in early 2022. These tests were conducted to assess the system’s effectiveness in detecting, recognizing, tracking, and neutralizing UAVs, ensuring its capability to meet operational requirements.

The Polish anti-UAV system is a product of collaboration between Zakłady Mechaniczne Tarnów and the Military University of Technology, aiming to provide a balance between cost and functionality. The design utilizes affordable ammunition and incorporates modern detection and tracking technologies. According to Dr. Kamil Wacławik, project manager at the Military University of Technology, the system includes remote control capabilities and offers both manual and automatic modes. This flexibility allows the system to be installed on a variety of platforms, including stationary setups, mobile vehicles, or naval vessels.

In 2023, this system was demonstrated on a new carrier, the Waran armored personnel carrier, developed by Huta Stalowa Wola. The Waran is a wheeled, armored vehicle that provides Level 2 protection under the STANAG 4569 standard. It measures 6.20 meters in length, 2.55 meters in width, and approximately 2.60 meters in height, with a wheelbase of 3.65 meters and a ground clearance of 0.43 meters. The vehicle has a crew capacity of two, an estimated weight of around 15 tons, and an operational range of approximately 600 kilometers, enabling it to serve as a mobile platform for the anti-UAV system.

The primary component of the System Zwalczania Dronów system is the WLKM 12.7 mm multi-barrel machine gun, which uses a Gatling-style configuration developed by Zakłady Mechaniczne Tarnów. The gun fires 12.7 mm x 99 NATO (.50 BMG) ammunition and can reach a firing rate of up to 3,600 rounds per minute, with a maximum range of up to 2,000 meters. The rate of fire is adjustable between 250 and 3,600 rounds per minute, and the burst length can be set from 50 to 200 rounds. The weapon system features four rotating barrels powered by a 27 V DC electric motor and is integrated with an optoelectronic head that includes day and thermal cameras, as well as a laser rangefinder. An external radar system is included to detect UAVs, including smaller drones, at distances of up to 15 kilometers.

The Polish anti-UAV system is designed to operate in three modes: manual, semi-automatic, and fully automatic. In manual mode, the operator directly controls the system, while in semi-automatic mode, the system assists by tracking the target within the video feed. In fully automatic mode, the system autonomously identifies and tracks targets, with the operator making the final decision to fire. The system can be controlled remotely, allowing the operator to remain at a safe location while using a control panel and a large screen that displays camera feeds, providing flexible operation and enhanced safety. (Source: UAS VISION/Army Recognition)

05 Sept 24. Mobile Air Surveillance Radar Set for Swedish Armored Vehicles. Saab is set supply its Giraffe 1X radar for a Swedish Sisu GTP armored vehicle, providing quality air defense target data, drone detection, and sense and warn capabilities. Saab has received an order to provide its Giraffe 1X surface radar for the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) for one of Sweden’s Ground Based Air Defence (GBAD) solutions.

The order includes Saab’s Giraffe 1X radar, associated command and control systems and integration to a Swedish GBAD solution. The radar will be installed on a Sisu GTP armored vehicle.

The contract period runs through 2024-2027, and the order value is approximately SEK 700m.

04 Sep 24. Indra Wins One of Europe’s Largest Defence Radar Contracts to Equip Poland’s AFB With Cutting-edge Systems.

It is one of the biggest and most ambitious dual civil-military aircraft surveillance system projects ever launched on the continent
Its deployment is crucial to ensuring the maximum operability and efficiency of the Polish Air Force
Indra wins the project ahead of the sector’s leading companies and strengthens its solid position as a global supplier of radars and its capacity to respond to the needs of the most advanced armies

Indra has closed with the Polish Ministry of Defence one of the most important ground radar contracts tendered in Europe this year: the company will implement up to 15 transportable systems for military and dual air traffic control at air bases throughout the country, thus contributing to reinforce the operability of the Polish Air Force, a country that currently plays a key role in defending the continent.

The agreement signed with the Polish Armaments Agency includes the delivery of the first eight systems until 2028, with an optional extension of seven additional systems until 2031.

Indra competed with the sector’s most significant international companies to be awarded the contract, once again proving its position as one of the main global suppliers of military, civil and dual-use radars and its capacity to meet the needs of the most modern armies.

The first radar that Indra will implement at the bases meets the demanding requirements of the Polish Air Force and is distinguished by its top-level performance in terms of determining the 3D position and trajectory of aircraft, even under the most difficult operating conditions, as well as its ability to integrate the associated identification friend or foe (IFF) radar information, which allows it to discriminate its own and allied aircraft from the rest of the traffic in flight.

Indra’s solid-state system -completely based on electronic components, which provide greater transmission reception efficiency- incorporates a completely digital process of the signal, being able to operate in environments with interferences that are caused by orography, adverse meteorology, countermeasures, or reflections caused by wind turbines. Equipped with a weather channel, it allows aircraft to be guided out of storms if necessary. The redundant design provides very high operational availability and, together with comprehensive remote monitoring, allows 24/7 unattended operation.

The contract comes at a time when countries all over Europe, and especially in the north of the continent, are strengthening their defence with the most sophisticated technologies available.

In this regard, air bases are one of the most significant assets to guarantee the air defence of any country and to have an efficient and agile air force. The systems of Indra provide exceptional situational awareness, which facilitates the approach of aircraft as well as landings and take-offs, guaranteeing fluidity in the management of air operations in coverage and the capacity for immediate response in the event of any threat.

The systems that Indra will supply, including towers and antennas, offer the additional advantage that they can be transported in shelters for deployment wherever they are needed, providing maximum operational flexibility. They also offer full interoperability capability with other allied air forces, which is vital when coordinating complex multinational operations.

In addition, data from the new radars can be safely used by civilian air traffic control systems, which will improve air safety throughout the country. In this respect, the systems comply with the strictest applicable NATO, air navigation and information security standards.

Indra designs cutting-edge radars that cover airspace and space surveillance, tactical missile defence and low-level drone detection. As well as Spain, European countries such as the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Portugal, Denmark and Lithuania operate with its radars, and Indra is also the supplier of mobile radars for NATO’s deployable component.

In Poland, Indra has a long history of collaborating with the country’s authorities and leading companies in the modernization of critical infrastructure. With the air navigation service provider PANSA, it has completely modernized Poland’s air traffic management. It also worked with the Gdansk Port Authority on the implementation of the maritime traffic management system and with the Spanish Navy on the implementation of satellite communications systems in the Kormoran minehunters. (Source: ASD Network)

04 Sept 24. Sopka-2 Radar Update. A Russian Air Force 12A6 Sopka-2 ground-based air surveillance radar is deployed to Wrangel Island, northwest of the Berring Strait separating the United States and Russia.

In March 2023 we published an article about Russia’s 12A6 Sopka-2 ground-based air surveillance radar. Since the article’s publication, new information has come to light regarding this system and its performance.

Armada published its initial analysis of the Sopka-2 as part of our ‘Russian IADS Redux’ series on that country’s strategic Integrated Air Defence System (IADS). By means of background, and to refresh memories, deployment of the Sopka-2 started in 2014. Taking its name from the Russian translation for ‘hill’, the radar was designed to support military and civilian air traffic control. The Sopka-2 combines the tasks of several legacy radars deployed by the Russian Air and Space Force (RASF). It contains Primary and Secondary Surveillance Radars (PSR/SSR). The PSR provides range, azimuth and elevation information and the SSR provides identification friend or foe data.

Manufacturer-provided information states that the Sopka-2 is an S-band (2.7 gigahertz/GHz to 2.85GHz) ground-based air surveillance radar. It has a range of circa 243 nautical miles/nm (450 kilometres/km). Open-source information says the radar can detect a target at circa 328,084-feet/ft (100,000-metres/m) altitude at circa 65nm (120km). Targets at circa 32,808ft (10,000m) altitude can be detected at ranges of 216nm (400km). Importantly, these figures do not specify the Radar Cross Section (RCS) of the target. Target RCS will influence detection ranges and altitudes.

According to EW Analytics LLC the Sopka-2 feeds its data into what the RASF call Aviation Guidance Points (AGPs); the equivalent of ground-controlled interception centres. AGPs are used to control fighters intercepting air threats. The radar is also likely to feed data into mobile RASF VIP-117M3 air command and control systems. Both the AGPs and VIP-117M3s use R997-1M Very/Ultra-High Frequency radios (V/UHF: 30 megahertz/MHz to three gigahertz) for fighter communications.

Sopka-2 radars do not appear to be deployed alone at the AGPs. EW Analytics LLC’s analysis has determined that 1RL131 Terek (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation reporting name P-18 Spoon Rest-D) VHF ground-based air surveillance and PRV-13 (Odd Pair) S-band (2.620GHz to 2.830GHz) height-finding radars are collocated with the former. The Sopka-2 is advertised as having only rudimentary electronic counter-countermeasures. It is possible that the 1RL131s and PRV-13s are used as back-ups should the Sopka-2 experience jamming. These latter radars may also provide additional track data to enrich the AGP’s Recognised Air Picture (RAP).

12A6 Sopka-2 radars are deployed to Russia’s far north to help protect the country’s northern air approaches.

Belarus and Ukraine

Russian sources stated that the RASF planned to acquire enough Sopka-2s to cover the whole country with an initial 20 being delivered by the end of 2014. Belarus activated a single Sopka-2 radar in January 2021 at Baranovichi airbase. This facility is around 150km (93 miles) north of the country’s border with Ukraine. Taking the radar’s location into account, it could look 162nm (300km) into Ukraine’s airspace. EW Analytics LLC’s information says that an AGP is collocated at the airbase. The Sopka-2 there almost certainly feeds track data into this aviation guidance point.

Russian media reports from March 2022 said that Su-35 (NATO reporting name Flanker-E) combat aircraft fighting in Ukraine had flown from Baranovichi. It would not be surprising if these aircraft were under the control of this AGP. The same facility is reportedly home to a 56N6E Protivnik-GE L-band (1.215GHz to 1.4GHz) ground-based air surveillance radar. The relationship between the Sopka-2 and 56N6E remains unknown. It is possible that the two radars provide redundancy in case one is unserviceable for any reason, for example if the Sopka-2 is jammed. They may also both be used to provide as rich a RAP as possible.

EW Analytics LLC recently shared with Armada that the Belarussian Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with the radar’s manufacturer for a Sopka-2 modernisation. The exact nature of this modernisation is unknown at present. Moreover, reports emerged that on 9th August Belarussian air defenders detected 13 Uninhabited Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) that entered Belarus’ airspace from Ukraine. The UAVs were shot down over Kostyukovichi in eastern Belarus.

The Sopka-2 radar at Baranovichi is located around 397km (246 miles) west of Kostyukovichi. The UAVs are likely to have been within the radar’s 243nm instrumented range. It is possible that the Sopka-2 detected and tracked these aircraft. Nevertheless, given the radar’s advertised range resolution of 250m (850ft), it is possible the radar did not detect individual UAVs. Instead, the targets may have shown up as a single plot. The extent to which the Sopka-2 was involved in this interception remains unknown. That said, the upgrade programme, and ongoing deployment of the radar across Russia, illustrates that it is very much a key component in the Belarussian and Russian IADSs. (Source: Armada)

05 Sept 24. Spanish Guardia Civil to Equip its Agents on Missions Abroad with New C-UAV Systems. The Spanish Civil Guard will equip its agents operating abroad with new portable anti-drone systems to address the threat posed by unmanned aerial systems. A tender is already underway for the purchase of a minimum of 10 drone-jamming devices. Regarding the specifications, the anti-drone system will weigh less than 20 kilograms and will be capable of operating across various frequency bands (GNSS -GPS L2-L5 and L1-, Wifi -2.4 GHz, 5.2 GHz, and 5.8 GHz-, 900 MHz, and 400 MHz).

Each system must be housed in a compact case for transport, with pre-installation inside to add two additional jamming modules. Each unit will include directional antennas capable of covering 90-degree sectors and a deployable telescopic mast for antenna deployment. The 400 MHz module will have a single omnidirectional antenna with 360-degree coverage. The equipment’s autonomy in continuous operation at maximum power will exceed 30 minutes, with an effective range of at least one kilometer.

The tender, which is already in the evaluation phase, is managed by the Army, specifically the Army Logistics Support Command (MALE), the body normally responsible for purchasing specific equipment for Civil Guards in international operations. The delivery of the new equipment is scheduled for the end of 2024, according to the execution timeline of the tender, which Infodefensa.com has accessed. In recent years, the Armed Institute has acquired anti-drone systems from companies SDLE and Etrair, primarily for use with Pegaso equipment.

Guardia Civil has agents deployed in several countries. In Lebanon, a dozen agents are part of the Spanish contingent of the UNIFIL United Nations mission, operating from the Miguel de Cervantes base in the eastern sector. Today, this mission has been renewed for another year by the Security Council. The United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2749 (2024) today, extending the mission’s mandate until August 31, 2025.

While daily exchanges of fire have devastating effects on civilians on both sides of the Blue Line, the Security Council urged all relevant actors to implement immediate measures towards de-escalation. It also demanded that the parties recommit to fully implementing all provisions of Resolution 1701, the ceasefire resolution adopted in 2006, and reiterated its strong support for full respect of the Blue Line and the total cessation of hostilities. It is this mission that motivates the Civil Guard’s tender, as Lebanon is a theater of the use of often homemade drones for bombing and surveillance purposes.

The Armed Institute also has personnel in Mauritania as part of deployments of ships, planes, and helicopters to combat irregular immigration or in Colombia within the Spanish mission of UN observers tasked with verifying peace agreements with the FARC. Guardia civil has also been involved in scenarios such as Iraq in recent years, as part of training missions for local security forces. (Source: UAS VISION/Army Recognition)

05 Sept 24. The sensor solution provider HENSOLDT has developed a compact and interference-resistant radar system for uncontrolled airspace together with several partners. The German Aerospace Centre (DLR) has tested the radar system in flight trials with several drones and a research helicopter. The tests have shown that the system is capable of monitoring uncontrolled airspace above urban areas. Further analyses are currently being carried out to assess the reliable and safe detection of aircraft.

The flight tests at the DLR’s National Experimental Test Centre for Unmanned Aircraft Systems in Cochstedt marked the conclusion of the ‘MIMO Air’ project. Under the leadership of HENSOLDT, several project participants developed and validated the research prototype of an ‘Air Traffic Monitoring and Management System’ (ATMMS). Several main components were newly developed. These include a MIMO radar sensor, a radar post-processor, a ground control station and a data link.

The MIMO radar sensor from HENSOLDT and the radar post-processor are collectively referred to as the MIMO radar system. The cognitive MIMO radar system monitors the close range of the flying platform, warns of obstacles and simultaneously serves as a navigation and landing aid. In general, a cognitive MIMO radar system is characterised by the fact that it uses artificial intelligence (AI) to react dynamically to changing environmental conditions and also takes its limited hardware and software resources into account in an appropriate manner. ‘MIMO’ stands for “multiple-input and multiple-output” and enables the radar sensor to “virtually” increase its signal reception aperture without physically changing the size of its receiving antenna. This capability is essential if the weight and size of the radar sensor is to be kept as small as possible.

“The flight test has shown that air traffic participants in the uncontrolled airspace G over urban areas can be monitored reliably and safely,” said Maurice Tennigkeit, Project Manager Airborne & Space Radars. “The project is an important milestone for integrating air taxis into German airspace in the future, for example.”

HENSOLDT led the ‘MIMO Air’ project. The DLR (Institute of Flight Guidance and Systems Engineering for Future Mobility, Flight Experiments), the Fraunhofer Institute FHR, Humatects GmbH and DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung GmbH were also involved in the development and verification.

04 Sep 24. Thales and PIT-RADWAR (PGZ Group) to Cooperate on Radar Technologies. Thales, a global leader in Defence & Security, Aeronautics & Space, and Digital Identity & Security, and PIT RADWAR, a company of the PGZ Group and a leading supplier of military equipment for the Polish Armed Forces, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Strategic Cooperation at this year’s MSPO International Defence Industry Exhibition, taking place in Kielce, Poland on 3-6 of September 2024.

The agreement aims at exploring and undertaking common technical, technological and business activities to address a broad range of radar technologies. Both companies share many decades of experience in radars and radiolocation technologies, including multiple successes in implementation for both military and civil clients.

Joining capabilities will enable both companies to multiply their strengths, offering superior performance parameters and unique features for clients in both domestic and international markets. (Source: ASD Network)

04 Sep 24. Radio frequency (RF) technology specialists, SPX Communication Technologies today launches Evenlode Lite, an entry-level video downlink system designed for regions new to airborne surveillance or those looking to enhance Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. As geopolitical tensions rise and the need for real-time situational awareness grows, Evenlode Lite offers a cost-effective solution for defence, security, border control, and search and rescue teams.

Evenlode Lite is an introductory version of the Evenlode system, operationally proven across the UK, Europe and the Middle East. Comprising an air data terminal and ground data terminal, it provides reliable, secure, real-time transmission of up to 4K video, audio, GPS, and telemetry data from airborne platforms to static or mobile ground teams.

The system is tailored for integrators and end users in regions across Eastern Europe, Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, offering a low barrier to entry for organisations seeking to improve ISR capabilities without the complexity and cost typically associated with such systems.

Key features:

Complete end-to-end solution that seamlessly integrates with existing video systems to deliver live intelligence directly to ground teams.
Cost-effective: By dramatically reducing entry-level costs, Evenlode Lite makes airborne data transmission more accessible to a broader range of users.
International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) exempt: Fully exportable to most regions worldwide, Evenlode Lite can be deployed quickly with minimal regulatory constraints or complexity.
Fully secure: Equipped with AES256 or substitution Cipher encryption, the system protects sensitive data during transmission, making it ideal for domestic security and search and rescue operations.
Scalable and upgradeable: As concept of operations (CONOPS) requirements evolve, Evenlode Lite can be enhanced with additional features, including dual video channels, onward IP video streaming, and range extensions.

“Many defence and security teams lack the real-time intelligence to respond swiftly to incidents or mitigate risk. Evenlode Lite addresses this gap by offering an affordable and scalable solution that delivers critical intelligence, enabling faster, more informed decisions,” says Jackson White, Business Development Director of Tactical Data Links at SPX Communication Technologies. “The system lowers the overall cost of ownership, making it an attractive option for regions with limited budgets while still providing the capability to upgrade as needs evolve.”

Evenlode Lite is now available for deployment. For more information visit www.enterprisecontrol.co.uk/evenlode-lite/, or visit us from 3-6 September at the 32nd International Defence Industry Exhibition MSPO – stand D-37 at the Targi Kielce Exhibition & Conference Center, Poland. If you are an integrator interested in partnering with SPX Communication Technologies, please contact .

04 Sept 24. Indian Navy ‘pave the way’ for new HEPF shells against drones.

Due to be fired from the AK-630 naval gun, the new shells yield higher fragmentation lethality compared to existing munitions. India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has “handed over the production document” of High Explosive Preformed Fragmentation (HEPF) shells to the Director General of Naval Armament Inspection.

The decision is “paving the way” for the induction of a new capability against drone swarms at sea a government statement confirmed on 3 September 2024.

Chairman of the DRDO, Dr Samir V Kamat, congratulated ARDE for handing over responsibility for the procurement details. Sendior DRDO scientists and officials from naval headquarters were present during the ceremony.

This 30-millimetre munition is manufcatured by at a DRDO laboratory, the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), based in Pashan, Pune just south of Mumbai.

Some of the shell’s features are similar to the in-service ammunition (HE/I Shell), meaning it can be fired from the existing AK-630 naval gun. Four of these close-in weapon systems operate on the bow of the Navy’ Visakhapatnam-class destroyers.

Notably, the HEPF shell yields better fragmentation lethality than HE/I shell, making it effective for neutralisation of drone swarms. The HEPF shell hardware was manufactured by three Indian companies as per ARDE specifications and subjected to gun firing proof tests in association with Naval Armament Inspectorate, Jabalpur. The test results confirmed the suitability of the HEPF shell for its adaptation in AK-630 gun.

Recent conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine war have illustrated the utility of repurposing consumer uncrewed aerial system (UAS) technology for defence applications, with the implications of this trend beginning to influence both tactical and strategic considerations within global defence circles.

As spending grows in the increasingly accessible sector – which GlobalData says will grow from $11bn to $18bn in the next ten years – more formidable techniques are being used, such as swarming. True swarm technology will drive the widespread adoption of Counter-UAS systems.

As UAS improves in terms of size, weight and power and becomes cheaper to produce, with almost complete autonomous capabilities achievable, swarming (defined as multiple autonomous aircraft networked together) is anticipated to increase the use of UAS in defence missions. Such a threat generates the incentive to cultivate a corresponding C-UAS. (Source: naval-technology.com)

03 Sept 24. Haivision MCS Awarded $61.2m Production Agreement by US Navy for Next-Generation Combat Visualization and Video Distribution Systems . Haivision Systems Inc. (“Haivision”) (TSX: HAI), a leading global provider of mission-critical, real-time video streaming and networking solutions, today announced that Haivision MCS, a subsidiary of Haivision, was awarded a significant five-year production agreement by the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), with an estimated total value of $61.2 m USD (approximately $82 m CAD). This strategic agreement positions Haivision at the forefront of delivering cutting-edge combat visualization and video distribution systems for the US Navy’s Surface Combatant Fleet.

Under this new production agreement, Haivision MCS will provide to the US Navy a comprehensive suite of Haivision ultra-high performance video processing solutions for mission-critical display along with video transcoding, storage, and distribution components. These systems will be integral to the Navy’s Combat Information Centers (CICs) across various surface combatant vessels, enhancing situational awareness and mission planning capabilities. The advanced visualization technology is designed to support the Navy’s future combat systems, including those planned for AEGIS Destroyers (DDGs), Aircraft Carriers (CVNs), Amphibious Ships (LHDs, LHA, LPDs), Frigates (FFGs), Littoral Combat Ships (LCSs), and the next-generation United States Coast Guard (USCG) Cutters, among other critical applications. Haivision’s next-generation systems will play a pivotal role in supporting mission-critical applications by delivering superior situational awareness throughout the ship.

This award builds upon Haivision’s ongoing success with the US Navy’s CANES (Consolidated Afloat Networks and Enterprise Services) program, which already leverages Haivision’s state-of-the-art real-time video encoding, transcoding, recording, and playback technology for ship-wide video distribution.

The award highlights the strength and reliability of Haivision’s core technologies and demonstrates the valuable synergies achieved through the acquisition of CineMassive in 2021. The integration of CineMassive’s Command 360 collaborative visualization platform into Haivision’s offerings has significantly enhanced the company’s capability to deliver innovative solutions for complex defense applications.

“We are honored to continue our partnership with the US Navy and to be entrusted with this crucial responsibility,” said Robert Kaufman, co-founder of CineMassive and now Vice President of Strategic Programs at Haivision MCS. “This award is a testament to the excellence of our technology and our dedicated team. We are committed to delivering high-quality systems that will support the Navy’s mission and enhance the operational effectiveness of its Surface Combatant Fleet.”

For more information on Haivision and its advanced visualization solutions, please visit https://www.Haivision.com.

About Haivision

Haivision is a leading global provider of mission-critical, real-time video networking and visual collaboration solutions. Our connected cloud and intelligent edge technologies enable organizations globally to engage audiences, enhance collaboration, and support decision making. We provide high quality, low latency, secure, and reliable live video at a global scale. Haivision invented the award-winning SRT low latency video streaming protocol and founded the SRT Alliance to support its adoption. Awarded four Emmys® for Technology and Engineering from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, Haivision continues to fuel the future of IP video transformation. Founded in 2004, Haivision is headquartered in Montreal and Chicago with offices, sales, and support located throughout the Americas, EMEA, and APAC. To learn more, visit Haivision at haivision.com.

About Haivision MCS

Haivision MCS focuses on providing highly specialized systems to US Federal organizations that address mission-critical challenges in global security operations centers, joint and tactical operations centers, public safety operations centers, and control rooms. Haivision MCS also provides the complete Haivision product portfolio to address the mission-critical, real-time video needs for ISR, defense, government, and enterprise customers.  (Source: PR Newswire)

04 Sept 24. A broad range of radar transmitter systems for upgrading existing sites or building new ones from UHF to W-band, driving a range of vacuum electron devices (VEDs) including magnetrons, klystrons, TWTs, and gyrotrons have been introduced by Diversified Technologies, Inc. (DTI) of Bedford, MA, USA.

DTI Radar Transmitter Systems are turnkey and include all hardware from the wall plug to the antenna, including integration of the VED, waveguide, and cooling controls whether they are an upgrade or new installation. Featuring outputs up to hundreds of kW, full pulse flexibility from 50 ns to 10 ms pulse frequencies, these all solid-state systems provide up to 50% greater power efficiency and higher reliability than vacuum tube based systems.

Designed and built with a primary emphasis on high reliability, DTI Radar Transmitter Systems provide >99% switching efficiency, <500 ns switching times, and pulse frequencies up to 100 kHz, depending upon the load. They use a single controller that can drive one or two switches yielding a fast fall time for a capacitive load. Upgraded transmitters are often drop-in replacements of existing equipment or transportable containerized systems. DTI Radar Transmitter Systems are typically priced from (US) $500,000 up. Literature and price quotations are available upon request.

03 Sep 24. Cuashub.com said today that U.S. announces intent to source C-sUAS assessment. The U.S. Government has issued a notice of intent to award a contract for a Counter-Small Uncrewed Aerial System (C-sUAS) Red Team Assessment at Eielson Air Force Base. This announcement indicates that the government plans to award the contract without full and open competition, selecting a specific vendor to conduct the assessment.

The C-sUAS Red Team Assessment at Eielson Air Force Base is designed to rigorously test and evaluate the capabilities of small uncrewed aerial systems in a contested environment. The assessment will focus on several critical areas:

Red Team assessment:

o The assessment aims to simulate adversarial tactics, techniques and procedures to evaluate the effectiveness of existing C-sUAS technologies under real-world conditions.

o The evaluation will consider the systems’ ability to detect, track, identify and defeat small UAS threats across various operational scenarios.

Mission requirements:

The selected system must demonstrate effective operation in a contested electromagnetic environment, with specific emphasis on resisting adversarial jamming and interference across a broad frequency spectrum.
The assessment will also test the system’s adaptability to evolving threat environments and variable operational conditions.

This notice suggests that the government has identified a specific contractor that can meet these stringent requirements. However, other potential vendors with the capability to fulfill this role may still have the opportunity to express interest and challenge the sole-source decision.

Original Published Date: Aug 29, 2024 01:34 pm AKDT
Original Response Date: Sep 08, 2024 04:30 pm AKDT

For more information, please visit the Intent to Sole Source notice on sam.gov.

https://cuashub.com/en/content/u-s-announces-intent-to-source-c-suas-assessment/?utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz–NpVTTLTGDgPdZTqkAXwkad9V0dxjgRjvqyXUNb66H3SVyh3UXeIN60PLtGik9T-2LtgDSvotFuMktHSRV_DE4J0feVbgmIf3vhJxHQBgpW6NJjUo&_hsmi=322789472&utm_content=322789472&utm_source=hs_email (Source: https://cuashub.com/)

04 Sept 24. NASA Develops Pod to Help Autonomous Aircraft Operators. For self-flying aircraft to take to the skies, they need to learn about their environments to avoid hazards. NASA aeronautics researchers recently developed a camera pod with sensors to help with this challenge by advancing computer vision for autonomous aviation.

This pod is called the Airborne Instrumentation for Real-world Video of Urban Environments (AIRVUE). It was developed and built at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California. Researchers recently flew it on a piloted helicopter at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida for initial testing.

The team hopes to use the pod to collect large, diverse, and accessible visual datasets of weather and other obstacles. They will then use that information to create a data cloud for manufacturers of self-flying air taxis or drones, or other similar aircraft, to access. Developers can use this data to evaluate how well their aircraft can “see” the complex world around them.

“Data is the fuel for machine learning,” said Nelson Brown, lead NASA researcher for the AIRVUE project. “We hope to inspire innovation by providing the computer vision community with realistic flight scenarios. Accessible datasets have been essential to advances in driver aids and self-driving cars, but so far, we haven’t seen open datasets like this in aviation.”

The computer algorithms that will enable the aircraft to sense the environment must be reliable and proven to work in many flight circumstances. NASA data promises that fidelity, making this an important resource for industry. When a company conducts data collection on their own, it’s unlikely they share it with other manufacturers. NASA’s role facilitates this accessible dataset for all companies in the Advanced Air Mobility industry, ensuring the United States stays at the forefront of innovation.

Once the design is refined, through evaluation and additional testing, the team hopes to make more pods that ride along on various types of aircraft to collect more visuals and grow the digital repository of data.

(Source: UAS VISION)

03 Sep 24. Cuashub.com said today that Camgian to provide AI-driven C-UAS capabilities to U.S. Army. The U.S. Army has awarded Camgian Corporation a contract valued at over $23m to advance C-UAS capabilities, aimed at bolstering the warfighter’s ability to protect against UAS swarms. This collaboration is part of the Army’s broader initiative to enhance force protection by deploying coordinated, independent, and dispersed AI-driven C-UAS platforms.

“At Camgian, we’re committed to providing our warfighters the world’s most advanced capabilities,” said Camgian CEO and Chairman Dr. Gary Butler. “We are excited for the opportunity to bring leading edge AI technologies to the air defence fight.”

The partnership will focus on the integration of advanced technologies, specifically data fusion and sensor-effector integration, to dramatically improve the situational awareness and responsiveness of soldiers on the battlefield. These enhancements are designed to provide warfighters with a comprehensive understanding of their operational environment, enabling quicker and more accurate decision-making in the face of increasingly complex aerial threats.

Central to this effort is Camgian’s Reactor kill chain automation platform, which will be utilised to enable rapid and robust situational awareness. The AI-driven C-UAS platform will also facilitate efficient weapon-to-target assignments across a distributed network of disparate air defence systems.

AI-driven C-UAS capabilities

By leveraging reinforcement learning, an advanced AI technology, the system will be capable of rapidly processing vast amounts of data, identifying potential threats and coordinating an effective defence response.

“Defence against increasingly larger swarms of drones is becoming more important in the modern battlefield,” noted Product Technical Lead Dr. Ralph Crosby. “Camgian is uniquely positioned to provide the Army with a system that can be quickly scaled to rapidly identify and mitigate large numbers of aerial threats.”

The ability to counter UAS swarms efficiently and effectively is increasingly vital as adversaries continue to adopt and deploy these technologies on the battlefield. Camgian’s solution is designed to adapt to these evolving threats, ensuring that the Army can maintain a tactical advantage in various combat scenarios.

Senior Product Manager Gary Hsieh expressed pride in the work his team has accomplished, stating:

“I am deeply proud of our team’s work in developing cutting-edge AI-driven C-UAS solutions. This collaboration highlights our commitment to innovation and our dedication to enhancing the safety and effectiveness of our warfighters against evolving aerial threats.”

As part of this contract, Camgian will work closely with the Army to ensure the seamless integration of these new technologies into existing defence infrastructure, providing soldiers with the tools they need to counter UAS threats more effectively.

https://cuashub.com/en/content/camgian-to-provide-ai-driven-c-uas-capabilities-to-u-s-army/?utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8mkmIzTvlhKv47G9PWvh5Jhig_Lh5bRbuJokNY3_vWTSjqcPUKW1mkYp8cjEdguhvmI4lYl4hIxehZKUImMMBnhMBmO-sskCGd6XhVmaexP1m7zJ8&_hsmi=322789472&utm_content=322789472&utm_source=hs_email (Source: https://cuashub.com/)

03 Sept 24. China’s PLA Found ‘Shooting at Drone Swarms Challenging’ in Recent Air Defence Drills. The Chinese military, which has been testing its capabilities to counter enemy drone swarm attacks, has admitted that accurately hitting the small targets may prove difficult.

A first round of anti-aircraft artillery launched against a drone swarm during a recent People’s Liberation Army (PLA) training exercise achieved only 40 per cent damage, state broadcaster CCTV reported last week.

“Shooting at drone swarms was still quite challenging due to their speed and small size, as well as their ability to change flight trajectories – making it easy for gunners to lose their targets,”

Duan Xiaolong, from an unnamed regiment with the PLA Ground Force’s 77th Group Army, was quoted as saying.

The PLA’s latest air defence training exercise was held to test drone defence capabilities at different distances, and to identify issues to be addressed in future drills, Cui Yang, a major with the regiment told CCTV.

According to a military commentator posting on WeChat, China’s X-like social media platform, the artillery used in the exercise may have been older models from the 1990s or 2000s, which could have impacted the damage and success rate.

The combined use of electronic jamming systems, surface-to-air missiles and automatic rifles would be able to raise the hit rate, the commentary said.

The rising use of UAVs in modern warfare has been highlighted by the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, where drones have become a key feature of asymmetrical warfare.

Ukraine’s deployment of domestic air and sea drones in strikes against key Russian infrastructure has signalled a potential new era of battle tactics.

And while Ukraine does not have warships of its own, the use of sea drones has allowed it to gain a foothold in the water by damaging and sinking Russian naval vessels.

Kyiv has also launched UAVs targeting Russian oil refineries, bridges, and military sites in an attempt to weaken its infrastructure and combat capabilities.

Drone swarms – large numbers of drones that operate together in a robotic throng – present a particular challenge to defence. Chinese researchers have made innovative breakthroughs in this area, including building drones that separate into multiple vehicles mid-air to confuse air defence systems.

Both drone detection and defence systems in the US are not yet adequately prepared to handle tracking and shooting down multiple drones at once, according to a report from the National Defence University, which is funded by the US Department of Defence.

However, while Beijing has made significant advancements in building up its drone capabilities, the training exercise may indicate that it must double down on building up new technology and tactics to reinforce its anti-drone capabilities.

Chinese manufacturers have been urged to ramp up efforts in producing smarter and more efficient anti-drone weapons in light of the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, including exploring technology utilised by the West like electronic jamming and lasers.

Recent PLA reports indicate a growing interest in the implementation of anti-drone technologies on battlefields, including running drills to test new equipment. (Source: UAS VISION/South China Morning Post)

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RADAR, EO/IR, C-UAS, NIGHT VISION AND SURVEILLANCE UPDATE

August 30, 2024 by

Sponsored by Echodyne

www.echodyne.com

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29 Aug 24. Allen Control Systems Successfully Demonstrates Bullfrog™ Counter-Drone Robotic Gun System at U.S. Department of Defense Technology Readiness Experimentation 2024. Allen Control Systems (ACS), a defense technology leader that has developed the only autonomous counter-drone robotic gun system with unparalleled precision, successfully completed numerous demonstrations of its Bullfrog™ system, including several successful multi-drone engagements at distance during the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Technology Readiness Experimentation 2024 (TREX 24-2). The event, which took place at Camp Atterbury, Indiana from August 19-26, is the premier platform for showcasing and accelerating the deployment of critical defense technologies. TREX 24-2 highlighted that Bullfrog stands alone in the DoD as the only counter-drone solution capable of executing the full detect, track, identify, and defeat kill chain autonomously.

As the sole autonomous kinetic defeat solution selected to participate at TREX, ACS’s Bullfrog system delivered on its promise to demonstrate that a low-cost, low Size Weight and Power (SWaP), autonomous system can accurately and reliably target and destroy drones within seconds. The system integrates ACS’s cutting-edge software, computer vision, and artificial intelligence (AI) with the Service common M240 machine gun, proving its capability to change the dynamics of modern warfare by addressing the increasing threat posed by low-cost, resilient drones.

The ACS team was honored to host and demonstrate Bullfrog’s advanced capability for over 30 VIPs – members of Congress, senior DoD stakeholders, and key counter-drone program offices. These included: Congressman Greg Pence; Honorable Heidi Shyu, Undersecretary of Defense for Research & Engineering; US Special Operations Command; US Marine Corps; US Army Special Operations Command; DoD’s Joint Counter-small UAS Office; Army Futures Command; and the Defense Innovation Board. Over the two weeks of TREX, Bullfrog™ consistently demonstrated kinetic defeat of drones day after day, including multi-drone engagements in rapid succession – generating significant government stakeholder interest to immediately partner with ACS. This is a clear indication of an accelerated demand trajectory across DoD that is materializing now.

“Our resounding success at TREX validates that our counter-drone robotic gun system achieves, what has been a near-impossibility until now, the ability to autonomously shoot drones out of the sky with a solution that doesn’t cost the DoD millions of dollars to procure or arm. This means that there is now a solution to address the urgent threat of low-flying, cheap drones that have changed the battlefield,” said Steven Simoni, co-founder and CEO of ACS. “We are grateful to the Defense Department for providing the opportunity to showcase our system. The Bullfrog system’s successful performance during the TREX event marks a significant milestone on the path toward deployment, supporting our mission to accelerate the defense industry’s transition to advanced, cost-effective technologies that protect U.S. military and allies on the battlefield.”

Modern warfare has become drone warfare: the U.S. and our allies are vulnerable to a new class of cheap, deadly weapons for which there is currently no dependable and cost-effective defense. Today’s drones are increasingly immune from jamming, shielded from directed energy defenses, and more lethal than ever, often being deployed in swarms. A kinetic solution that physically destroys a drone is the only reliable defense in the long term; but the small size, high speed, and maneuverability of drones makes them extraordinarily difficult for humans to shoot down manually, even with AI assistance.

Using the unique combination of advanced software and machine vision capabilities paired with commodity hardware, the Bullfrog is expected to be more accurate than anything else ever developed, at a cost magnitudes cheaper than what it costs to produce drones. Most notably, the Bullfrog’s cost-per-kill of a drone is expected to be around $10, compared to the economically unsustainable status quo of using million-dollar missiles to defend against $1000 drones.

About Allen Control Systems

Allen Control Systems (ACS) is a defense technology company building counter-drone robotic gun systems for a new era of drone warfare and to completely change battlefield economics. Our mission is to create autonomous precision weapon systems to safeguard our military and allies, ensuring dominance on every battlefield. ACS was founded by Steven Simoni, Luke Allen, and Mike Wior. Simoni and Allen are former U.S. Navy nuclear engineers who met in the service. Both were instrumentation and control systems engineers for Navy nuclear reactors. Their backgrounds span robotics, computer vision, machine learning, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering and computer science. ACS is headquartered in Austin, Texas, with offices in Alexandria, Va. For more information, please visit https://www.allencontrolsystems.com/ and follow us on LinkedIn and X. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

29 Aug 24. Triton AUSV to Receive Next-Gen Payloads. Ocean Aero has selected Forcys to provide advanced sonar and navigation systems, including Sonardyne’s SPRINT-Nav Mini and Wavefront Systems’ Solstice MAS, for the Triton AUSV. Forcys has been chosen by Ocean Aero as a payload provider for the Triton autonomous underwater and surface vehicle (AUSV).

The partnership will combine Forcys’ expertise in the marine defense market and access to many technology partners with Ocean Aero’s diverse applications for the Triton.

As part of the agreement, Forcys will provide the Solstice multi-aperture sonar (MAS) system, produced by Wavefront Systems.

Additionally, Forcys will be supplying Ocean Aero with the SPRINT-Nav Mini, one of the smallest hybrid acoustic-inertial navigation systems, developed by Sonardyne.

The Triton is an environmentally powered AUSV. Completely solar and wind powered, it can travel at speeds of up to 5 knots and can submerge for up to 5 days at 2 knots.

The Triton can be used as a force multiplier for defense operations, offering easy logistics, launch, and recovery while evading detection using autonomous avoidance and deep diving capabilities.

Bob Marthouse, COO from Ocean Aero, commented, “A key differentiation in our selection process is the performance to power ratio. We need to maximize the value from our payloads while managing the power consumption to sustain our mission goals. This is where the technology from Forcys makes a significant difference. On our last mission, everyone was highly impressed with the Solstice MAS.”

Forcys’ General Manager and Head of Global Sales, Dan Zatezalo, added, “We are thrilled that Ocean Aero has chosen us as their payload provider for defence applications. Their revolutionary technology is a great complement to our offer, and we think their customers are going to love the results. We look forward to working with them in driving the autonomous ocean defense technology sector forward.” (Source: https://www.defenseadvancement.com/)

29 Aug 24. Cuashub.com said today that OpenWorks announces AI surveillance system for border security. OpenWorks has announced the development of Vision Guard, a new autonomous surveillance system designed for border security. Vision Guard, which has been in development for the past year, is expected to be deployed in active and passive configurations with various end users in the near future. Vision Guard is engineered for challenging environments and offers a portable, covert forward observation and autonomous surveillance solution. The system includes a panoramic optical sensor, a processor unit that powers and manages data from multiple sensors and a variety of active and passive sensors tailored to specific missions. The system is designed to meet the evolving demands of border security, offering not only quick deployment but also ease of use in various operational environments. The system’s versatility ensures it can be effectively utilised in both temporary and permanent installations, enhancing situational awareness and response capabilities. It is particularly suited for dismounted operations and features automated alerts with AI-driven detection and classification. Alerts are transmitted to a handheld tablet or other command systems through standard interfaces such as COT, ATAK and SAPIENT. While Vision Guard can operate independently, it is also designed to complement existing long-range surveillance platforms and towers, filling gaps in coverage. The system can be set up within minutes and strategically placed to monitor areas that may be blind spots for larger systems. OpenWorks plans to demonstrate Vision Guard later in 2024 and will showcase it at major European and North American test exercises to gather feedback from the end-user community and guide further development. Vision Guard leverages technology already in use within other OpenWorks products, ensuring reliability and seamless integration into various operational scenarios. Its lightweight, portable design allows for rapid deployment in diverse environments, from rugged terrains to urban settings. The system supports both active and passive surveillance, integrating data from optical sensors with third-party radar, acoustic and RF sensors to provide comprehensive coverage. Automated target classification helps reduce operator workload by focusing attention only on genuine threats. https://cuashub.com/en/content/openworks-announces-autonomous-surveillance-system-for-border-security/?utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9pdxyLGHZHNlQJrUBcIOvFqSVsSc7xA1MSwnbAqKgN0St-wlbDi16-5icqTwHD9JLDt8OFOKPBDrfVZcHqBvJZdssFL4vgVj5rWdqN7ZJBRFY47Wg&_hsmi=322255866&utm_content=322255866&utm_source=hs_email (Source: C-UAS Hub)

29 Aug 24. Cuashub.com said today that Indian Army seeks to strengthen counter-UAS capabilities. The Indian Army is escalating its defences against the increasing UAS threat through a combination of existing and new countermeasures, according to Indian media sources. While the military has already deployed various radars, integrated drone detection systems and advanced weaponry, it is now seeking to further enhance its counter-UAS capabilities by acquiring sophisticated Anti-UAS High Power Microwave (AUHPM) systems. The recent Request for Information (RFI) issued by the Indian Army signals a strategic shift in their counter-UAS approach. This RFI details the procurement of the AUHPM (Mk II) system, a state-of-the-art solution designed to improve the Army’s ability to detect, track and neutralise drone threats. The system will integrate a microprocessor for precise targeting and will be capable of both “hard kill” (destruction) and “soft kill” (disruption) operations. Additionally, the Army is prioritising self-reliance in defence technology by specifying that at least 50 percent of the system’s content should be indigenous, in line with the nation’s self-dependence initiative. The urgency of bolstering counter-UAS defences is underscored by recent global events that have highlighted the growing role of drones in modern warfare. In April 2024, Iran launched a massive drone attack against Israel, deploying over 170 drones in one of the largest such offensives in military history. Israel’s ability to counter this threat demonstrated the critical need for advanced counter-UAS systems. Similarly, the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has seen extensive use of UAS, further illustrating the necessity of robust anti-drone defences.

“Successfully countering these threats requires a combination of both soft and hard kill strategies,” said a senior defence official.

“We have measures in place, but we are also seeking upgrades. For example, we are exploring smart ammunition for our guns, such as pre-fragmented rounds. Work is ongoing in this direction. Our Integrated Drone Detection System and Drone Kill System are operational, but we must stay ahead of evolving threats,” the official added.

Given these developments, the Indian Army’s pursuit of advanced AUHPM systems reflects a proactive approach to securing its personnel and critical infrastructure against the evolving drone threat. The acquisition of these systems is expected to significantly enhance the Army’s defensive capabilities, ensuring readiness against both current and future UAS challenges.

Indian Army seeks to strengthen counter-UAS capabilities

(Source: C-UAS Hub)

29 Aug 24. Cuashub.com said today that Sentrycs recognised as C-UAS innovation leader. Sentrycs, has been named a C-UAS innovation leader in the 2024 Frost Radar for the Israeli market. This recognition highlights the company’s advancements in developing systems designed to detect, track, identify and neutralise a wide range of commercial drones. Additionally, Sentrycs’ technology enables the location of drone operators, which strengthens protection for both military and civilian environments. The Frost Radar evaluation emphasised the technical capabilities of Sentrycs, particularly its use of RF Protocol Analytics, machine learning and automated processes for identifying and mitigating drone threats. Frost & Sullivan’s assessment highlights the technical capabilities that have contributed to Sentrycs’ success. According to Avi Kalo, Middle East Regional Aerospace & Defence Leader at Frost & Sullivan:

“Sentrycs’ advanced RF Protocol Analytics-based technology, machine learning capabilities and automated research processes along with its agility in making new capabilities operational on the ground have significantly contributed to its rapid rise in the C-UAS market and positioned it as a leader in innovation.”

In a statement following the recognition, Yoav Zaltzman, CEO of Sentrycs, expressed appreciation for the acknowledgement, stating:

“We are honoured to be recognised for our work in advancing C-UAS technology. This reflects the efforts of our team to develop solutions that address the increasingly complex challenges posed by unauthorised drone activity. Our focus remains on ensuring that our systems continue to meet the changing needs of our customers across different sectors.”

Sentrycs’ inclusion in the Frost Radar underscores its growing role in the development of C-UAS technologies. As drone-related threats become more sophisticated, the demand for accurate, adaptable and effective solutions is increasing.

The company continues to expand its presence both within Israel and internationally, responding to the needs of governments, defence organisations, and private industry for reliable drone detection and mitigation systems.

https://cuashub.com/en/content/sentrycs-recognised-as-c-uas-innovation-leader/?utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8ElUYjW37SmSfQE_XYDbxiuLNfvSHGfwDrxZl0IzndMmIRtbNYEDs3_znTFECnWEw0dYl2H8jPMxAhAnrPD-D3XUUJ9JN52kvot_I5RKzjQyztTXI&_hsmi=322255866&utm_content=322255866&utm_source=hs_email (Source: C-UAS Hub)

27 Aug 24. X-Vision Optics, a leading name in optics technology, announced the launch of the all-new Impact 100 Thermal Laser Rangefinder. This innovative device is designed to meet the needs of outdoor enthusiasts, hunters, and professionals, providing exceptional precision and reliability. X-Vision Optics understands that knowing the distance in darkness is just as important as knowing it during daylight.

Its ergonomic design ensures easy handling and quick deployment, making it an essential tool for any serious hunter. The rangefinder’s crisp, high-contrast display provides clear visuals in all conditions, enhancing your ability to track and identify game in dense foliage or low-light settings. With rugged construction and superior optics, the Impact 100 is designed to withstand the elements, delivering exceptional performance and reliability every time you step into the field.

The Impact 100 enhances outdoor experiences with its advanced technology and user-focused design. Key features include:

Enhanced Thermal Imaging: Equipped with state-of-the-art thermal sensors, the Impact 100 provides superior image quality and detail for precise target identification.
Extended Detection Range: Capable of detecting targets up to 1,200 yards away, the Impact 100 offers unmatched accuracy for long-range applications.
Versatile Functionality: The Impact 100 adapts to various scenarios with multiple modes and settings, making it a versatile tool for different situations.
Robust Construction: Featuring a durable, shock-resistant build, the Impact 100 is engineered for reliable performance in tough conditions.
Intuitive Controls: With easy-to-use controls and a clear display, the Impact 100 ensures a seamless user experience, enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in the field.

$774.99 MSRP

The Impact 100 Thermal Laser Rangefinder is an accessory that works exclusively with the Impact 150, 250, and 350 Thermal Scopes, providing comprehensive solutions for various thermal imaging needs.

26 Aug 24. Germany: current C-UAS systems “unable to stop drone spying flights.” Germany’s Bild newspaper reports that a no-fly zone over a nuclear power plant had been violated several times this month. According to Bild, authorities with the Schleswig-Holstein state criminal police agency assume that the so-far unidentified drones are Russian Orlan-10s, which have a range of 500 to 600 kilometres and can fly over 100 kilometres an hour.

Unidentified drones were seen primarily over an industrial zone in the state of Schleswig-Holstein, where a local nuclear power plant (non-working), chemical plants, and a liquified natural gas (LNG) terminal are located, according to Bild.

According to the EU Today news site: “One notable incident occurred late on the evening of 20 August when a drone, reportedly travelling at speeds of over 100 kilometres per hour, was detected above the nuclear facility. German police have confirmed that the drone breached a no-fly zone multiple times.”

In an earlier edition, the Bild newspaper reported the German army has known about the problem for quite some time. “In October 2022, General Carsten Breuer (59), then commander of the Territorial Command, was alarmed by drone alarms. Particularly affected: locations where the Bundeswehr trains Ukrainians….In a hasty move, Breuer had military police trained in the use of the HP 47 jammer. Such jammers can force drones to land. However, the effectiveness of the HP 47 had not been sufficiently investigated.”

According to Reuters, the issue has intensified over the last few days as German prosecutors have opened an investigation into repeated drone flights over critical infrastructure in northern Germany on suspicion of espionage activity. “The Flensburg public prosecutor’s office has initiated a preliminary investigation on suspicion of “agent activity for sabotage purposes in connection with repeated drone flights,” according to a senior public prosecutor.

For more information:

Germany Probes Russian Links to Drone Activity Over Nuclear Plant

https://news.online.ua/en/the-russian-federation-is-spying-in-germany-with-the-help-of-drones-883712/

https://www.bild.de/politik/inland/kolumne/alarm-spionage-drohnen-alarm-ueber-bundeswehr-stuetzpunkten-86659216.bild.html

(Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

23 Aug 24. MSI delivers six C-UAS units to US defence department. MSI Defense Solutions has delivered the first six of its 70mm centric counter-uncrewed aerial system (C-UAS) units that were acquired by the United States Department of Defense. Through the Rapid Acquisition Authority, MSI was awarded a contract for six EAGLS™ (Electronic Advanced Ground Launcher System) C-UAS, including associated engineering and maintenance support. The contract was awarded by Naval Air Systems Command to support forward deployed forces facing emerging and persistent drone threats. EAGLS provides a mobile or stationary system that can be used in a variety of environments and on multiple platform types. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

27 Aug 24. Indian Army ‘seeks solutions to neutralise drone swarms.’ Various Indian media outlets report that the Indian Army has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for high power microwave systems capable of defeating uncrewed aerial systems (UAS). For example, Defence.in notes that the RFI is for “the procurement of 45 Anti-UAS High Power Microwave Mark-II System (AUHPM Mk-II) to neutralise UAS and swarm drones”. According to the media reports, the Indian Army specifies a minimum range of 5 km and the ability to operate in various terrains, including high altitudes, plains, deserts, and coastal areas. The counter-UAS systems are required to provide advanced surveillance, detection, and tracking capabilities, “with a microprocessor for precise targeting and a High Power Microwave weapon system capable of both hard kill and soft kill”. The RFI reportedly also specifies a preference for systems with at least 50 percent indigenous content. For more information: Indian Ministry of Defence: https://mod.gov.in/ (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

23 Aug 24. On July 31, 2024, the first EagleEye multi-mode radar came off the production line of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI). The new radar is a high-performance system that delivers high-resolution, photographic-quality imagery that can be captured through clouds, rain, dust, smoke, and fog at multiple times the range of previous radars. EagleEye will be a “drop-in” radar enhancement for the U.S. Army’s current Gray Eagle Extended Range Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and is part of the initial configuration for the new Gray Eagle 25M (GE 25M) UAS. The Army National Guard has ordered 12 GE 25Ms.

“The EagleEye radar has improved range and multi-mode performance, which is tailored to the deep sensing capability required for Multi-Domain Operations (MDO),” said Jeff Hettick, GA-ASI vice president of Agile Mission Systems. “We look forward to delivering the EagleEye to our U.S. Army customer in the near future.”

Earlier this year, GA-ASI announced the development of a new Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) antenna and associated software for EagleEye, which will increase range and deliver significant mode enhancements. The radar’s increased range and optimized multi-mode performance allow the aircraft to operate well outside the Weapons Effects Zone of most threat systems, adding a layer of survivability that supports the Stand-Off survivability with Stand-In effects of long-range sensors, which is a key component of the Gray Eagle 25M being developed for the U.S. Army.

EagleEye is a multi-mode radar that builds on years of pioneering expertise by GA-ASI. Using Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), EagleEye enables operators to look in detail through atmospheric conditions that might obscure a purely visual sensor. And for the first time on the Gray Eagle platform, EagleEye delivers radar-based Full-Motion Video (FMV) capability called “Video SAR,” which enables live visual tracking of moving targets — even during heavy cloud cover. As part of the EagleEye development, GA-ASI has improved target detection range using real-time Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) software that runs on board the aircraft.

The EagleEye radar performs Moving Target Indication (MTI), detects changes, builds stripmaps, and yields other precise insights to analysts, commanders, and operators using industry-standard data formats. With its Maritime Wide Area Search (MWAS) mode, EagleEye also provides a dedicated maritime MTI mode for tracking and targeting vessels. This further supports the MDO mission set of the U.S. Army, particularly in support of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM). The same mission is a focus for Europe, Africa, and the Middle East where there is an increased need for maritime reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition, which is critical to achieve information dominance and overmatch.

RADAR, EO/IR, C-UAS, NIGHT VISION AND SURVEILLANCE UPDATE

August 23, 2024 by

Sponsored by Echodyne

www.echodyne.com

22 Aug 24. SNC wins Army contract for HADES spy plane. An Army official previously told Breaking Defense that a baseline HADES configuration will include moving target indication, high-end signals intelligence and other capabilities.

Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) has won a high-flying Army contract to convert a business jet into a deep-sensing spy plane, beating out an industry team up featuring L3Harris, Leidos and MAG Aerospace, the service announced today.

Under the High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES) program, SNC will now be charged with integrating sensing technologies aboard the Bombardier Global 6500 business jet for airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions as the service phases out a legacy fleet of turboprop aircraft.

“HADES is the centerpiece of the Army’s long-promised aerial ISR transformation strategy,” Lt. Gen. Anthony Hale, Deputy Chief of Staff for intelligence, or G-2, said in a press release today. “HADES allows the Army to fly higher, faster and farther, which directly impacts our ability to see and sense deeper, delivering an organic capability in line with the Secretary of the Army’s number-one operational imperative – deep sensing.”

“A couple years ago, we made a critical decision to really invest and put skin in the game in terms of this program, and to buy completely, 100 percent into the Army’s vision of what they wanted to achieve. And that alignment ultimately led to where we are today with the award of HADES,” Tim Owings, SNC executive vice president for the company’s mission solutions and technologies division, told Breaking Defense in an interview today. “So we couldn’t be happier with the decision, and we believe the Army made a great choice.”

The HADES award notches another big win for SNC after the company’s successful bid for the Air Force’s Survivable Airborne Operations Center program, a multibillion-dollar effort that is militarizing Boeing 747 jumbo jets to become the service’s next “Doomsday plane.” SNC’s wins reflect not only the company’s strengths, Owings said, but also a “willingness” by the Pentagon to look beyond top-tier defense primes to mid-size, privately-held firms like SNC as well as non-traditional sources.

SNC will largely carry out HADES work at the company’s facilities in Hagerstown, Md., where the firm is also building its HADES-related RAPCON-X offering. Under the effort known as ATHENA-S, SNC was awarded a contract to convert two Bombardier Global 6500s into “ISR-as-a-service” platforms. MAG Aerospace and L3Harris separately won a contract to convert two other Global 6500s for the ATHENA-R effort. Josh Walsh, SNC vice president of mission solutions and operations, stated that SNC plans to reuse “about 90 percent” of the ATHENA-S engineering package for the HADES offering.

According to the Army, the HADES award initially provides $93.5m, but has a ceiling of $991.3m over the course of a 12-year indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract. The service announced earlier this year that it had contracted with Bombardier for one Global 6500 to serve as a prototype, with an option for two more jets over a three-year period. The program was recently approved as a middle tier of acquisition effort for rapid prototyping.

The Army eventually plans to field a fleet of 14 HADES aircraft, according to Aviation Week. Owings added that the program could generate foreign military sales in theaters like Europe or the Indo-Pacific.

Andrew Evans, the director of the Army’s ISR Task Force, recently told Breaking Defense that once the new integration contract goes out, the first plane should be operational around 12-18 months later. Evans said initial packages for the aircraft’s baseline configuration include moving target indication, high-end signals intelligence and other capabilities. The Army is also interested in adding hardpoints to the wings of the aircraft to mount additional features.

While other services like the Air Force are seeking to shift tasks like ISR to space or even drones, Evans emphasized that unmanned platforms have their own pitfalls, like being susceptible to jamming, while space-based platforms can be expensive.

“So we have to balance all of those things — endurance trade offs, payload trade offs — with link dependencies. And so we determined inside the Army that we need a mix of assets, right? We can’t be all manned. We cannot be all unmanned. We need the value and benefit of both systems,” he said. (Source: Breaking Defense.com)

21 Aug 24. Cuashub.com said today that DHS calls for LRBAA proposals to address C-UAS challenges. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) has issued the Long Range Broad Agency Announcement (LRBAA), calling for research and development proposals to address key security challenges. This announcement is part of DHS’s ongoing efforts to engage the scientific and technical communities in developing innovative solutions for national security.

Within the LRBAA, the “Secure U.S. Borders and Approaches” (BORAP) section includes a focus on C-UAS. The growing threat posed by drones, particularly in border regions, has made the development of effective C-UAS technologies a priority for DHS. Drones are increasingly being used for illicit activities such as smuggling, unauthorised surveillance and potential attacks, making it crucial to advance detection, tracking and neutralisation capabilities.

The BORAP section emphasises the need for air-based technologies that can operate in diverse and challenging environments. This includes developing systems that can seamlessly integrate with existing border security infrastructure, ensuring that they can be deployed rapidly and without disrupting legitimate operations. The focus is not only on the technology itself but also on its practical application in real-world scenarios, where quick and reliable responses to drone threats are essential.

Bringing industry and academia on-board

By opening the LRBAA to industry and academia, DHS is aiming to tap into a wider range of C-UAS expertise and innovation. The goal is to create advanced C-UAS solutions that can enhance border security, adapting to the evolving aerial threat landscape. This initiative reflects DHS’s commitment to staying ahead of emerging challenges and maintaining a robust defence against unauthorised drone activity along the U.S. borders.

The LRBAA program manager, Dusty Lang, highlighted the importance of this initiative, noting that the process is designed to allow innovators to gauge DHS’s interest early on, thereby reducing the effort and expense of developing full proposals. This streamlined approach is intended to foster more effective collaborations and accelerate the development of critical security technologies.

https://cuashub.com/en/content/dhs-calls-for-lrbaa-proposals-to-address-c-uas-challenges/?utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_57BncsnUjNuWbNWbmOaQxBcaA1yGqdiU7CxVgIcXjMfpDHBmJVGRL00dNoB3QrbYH0tHD162urshWdpIZFALFGGowVa8HzDEWEyfmaZit9MQy2IY&_hsmi=321239378&utm_content=321239378&utm_source=hs_email(Source: https://cuashub.com/)

21 Aug 24. AgEagle Aerial Systems Delivers eBee VISION Drones to the French Army. AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc announced the delivery of the first 20 eBee VISION systems to its reseller for French Army surveillance operations. Each system consists of an eBee VISION UAV, ground control systems, comms and antenna package, and a tactical backpack unit. The units delivered pursuant to this purchase order will be followed by a comprehensive spares package, with the total order valued at $3.4m.

Bill Irby, AgEagle President, stated, “This marks a significant milestone in our defense market growth strategy. Our best-in-class rapidly deployable unmanned vehicle products continue to provide high-value intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support to military operations. We look forward to expanding our support of allied and U.S. military customers as we remain committed to building long-term shareholder value.” (Source: UAS VISION/AgEagle)

20 Aug 24. Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) successfully completed the first flight campaign of its Electronically-Scanned Multifunction Reconfigurable Integrated Sensor (EMRIS).

These flights, completed in partnership with government partners and on a government-provided aircraft, are the next stage of technology maturation for EMRIS.
The flights demonstrated the open architecture nature of EMRIS by using third-party integration and operation.
New software was rapidly deployed during flights, demonstrating the reconfigurable nature of the sensor.

The Electronically-Scanned Multifunction Reconfigurable Integrated Sensor (EMRIS) in a Northrop Grumman testing range. (Photo Credit: Northrop Grumman)

Expert:

Krys Moen, vice president, advanced mission capabilities, Northrop Grumman: “Dozens of successful flights with EMRIS demonstrated the ability to reduce development timelines and lower program costs by leveraging our partnerships with, and advancements across, all military services. Our solutions utilize digital engineering and advancements in microelectronics to provide agile capabilities for both crewed and uncrewed platforms.”

Details:

EMRIS was designed using common building blocks and software containerization allowing for rapid, cost-effective production, providing these advanced capabilities to the warfighters quickly.

EMRIS’s fully digital Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) utilizes technology from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s Arrays on Commercial Timescales program, combined with the government’s open architecture standards. By applying the flexibility of a digital AESA, EMRIS can perform multiple functions including radar, electronic warfare and communications, simultaneously.

As part of EMRIS’ flights, Northrop Grumman demonstrated the ability to quickly leverage technologies developed for other programs to adapt multiple fielded capabilities into EMRIS. The second EMRIS array is entering testing, and Northrop Grumman is in the process of demonstrating its scalable nature by fabricating two smaller EMRIS apertures for lower cost and size-constrained application demonstrations.

EMRIS demonstrates the value of a product line designed from the beginning to leverage open, scalable software along with modular digital building blocks to enable a common sensor baseline. All work is in support of a wide range of existing platform upgrades as well as new emerging opportunities.

20 Aug 24. Cuashub.com said today that partnership receives Nunn-Perry award for advancing C-UAS tech. All Points Logistics, together with its protégé Eikon Research, Inc., has received the FY23 Nunn-Perry Award from the Department of Defense’s Mentor-Protégé Program. This award, presented during the 2024 Mentor-Protégé Program Summit by the DoD Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP), acknowledges exceptional growth and contributions to critical defence initiatives.

The partnership between All Points Logistics and Eikon Research has played a key role in advancing radar technology, modelling and simulation, and user interface systems. These innovations have bolstered situational awareness and threat detection, providing crucial support to warfighters in C-UAS operations.

The Catalyst Center for Business & Entrepreneurship also contributed to this success by providing Eikon Research with essential expertise, aiding in the development of these technologies.

“This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of both our teams. We are proud to support Eikon Research in developing cutting-edge technology that will greatly benefit our Warfighters and enhance national security,” said Phil Monkress, CEO of All Points Logistics.

Monkress emphasised that mentoring small businesses is central to All Points’ strategy, with this partnership exemplifying that commitment.

The Nunn-Perry Award, named in honour of Senator Sam Nunn and former Secretary of Defense William Perry, celebrates their role in establishing the Mentor-Protégé Program. This initiative, launched in 1990, pairs small businesses with larger companies to help them grow into effective subcontractors and suppliers for DoD and other federal and commercial contracts.

The advancements achieved through this collaboration are expected to significantly improve the safety and effectiveness of U.S. forces, reinforcing both national and international security efforts.

https://cuashub.com/en/content/partnership-receives-nunn-perry-award-for-advancing-c-uas-tech/?utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_90lUhrbBxD5qAILkJBMA-eJivCRHPLzoCIa6hXeVxQtKQwuZZP9y4-kYnvR9AOy-7wp0YiiONnu9jyNVeAPpuxJoxjcMFHcGEHWEi230fUDB959k&_hsmi=320856988&utm_content=320856988&utm_source=hs_email (Source: https://cuashub.com/)

20 Aug 24. Cuashub.com said today that Benelli unveils M4-based shotgun for short-range drone defence.

Benelli, the Italian firearms manufacturer, has introduced the M4 Advanced Impact Drone Guardian, a new weapon designed for short-range drone defence. Based on the M4 semi-automatic shotgun platform, the Drone Guardian is specifically configured to neutralise UAS using 6.1 mm buckshot, commonly known as No. 4 buckshot. The weapon is intended to be a cost-effective, user-friendly solution for defending against low-flying drones at distances up to 50 meters.

The rise in drone usage in military conflicts, particularly for reconnaissance and armed missions, has highlighted the need for accessible countermeasures. Benelli’s new offering aims to address this need by providing a straightforward, reliable option for dismounted forces and asset protection.

The M4 Advanced Impact Drone Guardian is categorised as a personal defence weapon, with a role similar to that of the HK MP7, but specifically designed to counter UAS.

The M4 platform

The M4 platform, developed over 20 years ago, has gained widespread adoption by military and law enforcement agencies due to its durability and effectiveness. The short-stroke gas piston system with an auto-regulating gas system has made the M4 a versatile tool, now repurposed for anti-drone operations. The 12-gauge M4 has already seen use in drone defence, including by the Belgian armed forces and Ukrainian forces on the front lines.

Benelli reports that the Drone Guardian has an effective combat range of 50 meters, with a potential maximum range of up to 100 meters. The weapon’s modified choke allows the buckshot to maintain velocity and impact power at these distances. The shotgun is equipped with a front sight and an aperture sight mounted on a full-length MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rail.

Drone Guardian capabilities

Users can also opt for a Steiner MPS red dot sight. Two barrel lengths are available, an 18.5-inch version for dismounted personnel and a 26-inch version intended for asset protection, which also makes it suitable for law enforcement use.

Kinetic weapons like shotguns offer an advantage in drone defence, particularly against drones that are resistant to electronic jamming or operate autonomously. However, the short reaction time and the challenges of detecting and tracking small drones remain significant obstacles. Despite these limitations, shotguns have proven to be a valuable component of short-range drone defence strategies, as seen in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

The versatility of the 12-gauge shotgun, widely used across military units for various tasks including breaching and neutralising threats, has led to its adaptation for anti-drone efforts. Several countries, including Belgium and France, have experimented with using standard-issue shotguns in this role, adding another layer to their existing defence capabilities against UAVs.

Benelli unveils M4-based shotgun for short-range drone defence

(Source: https://cuashub.com/)

19 Aug 24. Reticulate Micro, Inc. and ZeroAlpha Solutions, Ltd. announced today that ZeroAlpha will serve as a value-added reseller for Reticulate’s VAST™ video streaming and compression platform to the European military market. ZeroAlpha plans to embed Reticulate’s VAST encoder within its existing ecosystem of tactical radio and SATCOM partners to provide resilient video streaming for a variety of missions. Initial demos are slated to begin next month with NATO and UK government customers.

UK-based ZeroAlpha is a leading supplier of networking hardware, software and sustainable power solutions to major primes in the UK as well as European defense and security markets. The firm holds a NATO framework contract, and is already serving military customers in the Netherlands, Germany, Norway, Latvia and Poland.

“The team at ZeroAlpha, comprised of well-respected industry and military veterans, is intimately familiar with customers’ needs and is trusted to deliver relevant and nimble solutions to warfighters. We hold them in high regard as our trusted partner in the region,” said Josh Cryer, president and CEO of Reticulate Micro.

ZeroAlpha’s focus is on missions conducted over shorter timeframes and with a reduced deployment footprint, requiring smaller, lighter sustainably powered hardware that is scalable to meet current and future mission roles.

Reticulate’s VAST video encoder fits well with ZeroAlpha’s solution focus because it’s designed to deliver real-time video streaming in constrained bandwidth environments previously considered operationally impractical. Available as a software-based encoder within existing edge computing platforms or as a hardware appliance, VAST supports high-definition video streaming over connections as low as 10kbps, enabling users to share video over any transport from the latest high-throughput satellites or MANET radios to UHF TACSAT radios.

“Reticulate’s VAST product is an ideal fit to our deploying lighter concept for communications, since it allows people with limited bandwidth to get better quality images and streams from locations at reach,” says Stewart Burton, founder and owner of ZeroAlpha. “We’ve got demos lined up already. The UK military and UK Emergency Services are already showing strong interest in VAST.”

About ZeroAlpha

ZeroAlpha Solutions are a leader in the field of expeditionary energy and information systems to the UK and European defence and security markets. Established to focus on early entry military operations, ZeroAlpha provides mission-critical solutions that enable commanders and units to increase their mission endurance and operational effectiveness in austere and zero-infrastructure environments. For more information, visit: www.zeroalphasolutions.com.

About Reticulate Micro, Inc.

Reticulate Micro, Inc. (“Reticulate Micro,” “Reticulate” or the “Company”) is a commercial and defense software technology company dedicated to delivering trusted and resilient communications at the network edge. Reticulate specializes in software-defined video compression and streaming solutions and agile, simplified device monitoring and management. Led by tactical communications veterans and satellite and software visionaries, Reticulate delivers resiliency and intelligence on the ground for the military, first responders, critical infrastructure, and enterprise users. We work with an ecosystem of channel and technology partners to bring the most powerful solutions to market across electronic warfare, tactical communications and streaming media technology. (Source: PR Newswire)

16 Aug 24. Thor’s Hammer 2024 C-UAS exercise ‘yielded critical changes to operational aspects.’ The United States Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (NSWC Crane) has published details of the biennial North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) military exercise it hosted in May and June.

The 2024 Thor’s Hammer NATO exercise was an electronic warfare (EW) event testing compatibility and effectiveness of Counter-Radio Controlled Improvised Explosive Devices (C-RCIED) and Counter-Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-sUAS). This is the first time the United States has hosted Thor’s Hammer, which began in 2015 and has been held in Norway, Sweden, and Australia. Since the inception of Thor’s Hammer in 2015, the event has grown from five participating nations to 14 in 2024, when the event hosted more than 200 personnel.

The two main testing sites for Thor’s Hammer 2024 were Camp Atterbury and Muscatatuck Urban Training Center. Camp Atterbury supported test events to improve effectiveness and compatibility against small UAS and IED threats. Muscatatuck Urban Training Center provided simultaneous UAS and IED testing in an urban environment that enhanced collaboration among partner nations and a better understanding of how to optimise employment of diverse electronic countermeasures (ECM) systems.

Thomas Talbert, an NSWC Crane employee, was the Trial Manager for 2024 Thor’s Hammer. He said the event enabled collaboration. “Thor’s Hammer presents the opportunity to understand how systems will behave when operating together,” said Talbert. “The understanding gained concerning the compatibility and interoperability of the multiple nations’ systems has saved lives and will continue to save lives into the future. The ability to collaborate with other engineers, scientists, and operators allows for the improvement of each countries’ ECM systems performance.”

Thor’s Hammer systems were tested alongside each other to identify collaborative opportunities to improve performance of systems in coalition environments. In a battlefield increasingly more defined by electronic warfare, ECM de-confliction has become an essential pre-deployment activity.

“Thor’s Hammer allows the participating nations to test in an environment that is not available in their home country, test against different devices, and collaborate in an atmosphere that occurs when personnel understand and trust each other’s skills and abilities,” said Talbert.

NSWC Crane said on August 14 that intensive ongoing collaboration among the Thor’s Hammer participants has yielded critical changes to operational aspects that will further protect deployed forces. Lyndon Theodore “LT” Snider, TH24 Focal Point Lead, emphasised that while the event bolsters security cooperation with partners, the efforts are intended to keep warfighters safe.

“In a time when the criticality of international military cooperation cannot be overstated, Thor’s Hammer 2024 brought participating nations together to sharpen coalition capabilities in ground electronic warfare,” said Snider. “The event exemplified the cooperative spirit of partner nations who share the common goal of ensuring success on the battlefield and the survivability of troops and equipment.”

For more information: NSWC Crane https://www.navsea.navy.mil/Home/Warfare-Centers/NSWC-Crane/

(Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

16 Aug 24. Russian C-UAS tech ‘captured by Ukrainian military.’ Ukrainian military forces have reportedly captured a Russian electronic warfare system in the Kursk region, complete with documentation detailing how it operates.

As Unmanned Airspace previously reported, the Volnorez (which translates in English as Breakwater) counter-uncrewed aerial system (C-UAS) technology was first seen in public at the Russian Army Expo 2023, and later mounted on T-80BVM main battle tanks in Ukraine, according to social media reports circulating in mid-September.

Volnorez spans the frequency range from 900-2,000MHz and is able to disrupt drone signals from ranges in excess of one kilometre, providing the jammer-equipped vehicle (and its immediate neighbours) with enhanced levels of protection in an increasingly intense conflict. The jammers – which are magnetically attached to the host vehicle, thus increasing operational agility-are omnidirectional, thereby providing 360° coverage.

According to Ukrainian news site Militarnyi, the captured C-UAS system was still in its factory packaging when found.

For more information: Militarnyi https://mil.in.ua/uk/ (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

19 Aug 24. MyDefence products selected in multinational agreement with NATO procurement agency. The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) has chosen products from MyDefence, a technological leader in counter-drone equipment, to accelerate access to critical drone detection technology for NATO member nations. The agreement marks a historic milestone in military procurement and enhances NATO’s operational readiness. The historic procurement agreement, signed between COBBS BELUX, a company specializing in marketing and selling defence and military equipment to NATO armed services, and the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA), is the first in NATO’s 75-year history. It allows COBBS BELUX to distribute products to NATO member nations. In the agreement, COBBS BELUX and NSPA selected the Wingman drone detectors from MyDefence for this 3-year framework agreement with the option to renew the framework.

Dan Hermansen, CEO of MyDefence, reflects on the immediate impact of the agreement: ”We have seen a drive in the market for a framework like this, and the results are evident. The activation of the procurement agreement marks a historical milestone for MyDefence. Our life-saving technology is now positioned to play a crucial role in providing NATO forces with comprehensive protective solutions against unmanned aerial systems (UAS). This collaborative approach highlights our commitment to enhancing the safety and effectiveness of NATO operations and the common goal of providing NATO forces with comprehensive protective solutions against unmanned aerial systems, he says.”

The critical role of drone technology in modern warfare

A 2023 report cited by Russian state media claimed that 3,500 FPV drone operators had been trained by the Russian Ministry of Defense. Furthermore, it appears that 1,700 more operators are undergoing training to operate various other unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). Russia is believed to produce tens of thousands of FPV drones per month, which suggests that the number of UAVs being used in combat is increasing[1]. Effective countermeasures are, therefore, more important than ever.

The new procurement framework allows NATO member nations to acquire MyDefence’s radio-frequency technology for drone detection to help armed forces counter the extensive use of UAVs in conflicts.

– The use of disposable drones in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine shows how modern warfare has evolved. Our counter drone technology is now immediately accessible to NATO forces. Being approved by the NSPA establishes MyDefence as a major supplier and an important part of modern military strategy, says Dan Hermansen, CEO at MyDefence.

About NSPA

NSPA is NATO’s leading organization for multinational acquisition, support, and sustainment in all domains. The agency acts in the market to link industry capabilities and nations requirements to find the most cost-effective and efficient solutions, whether for national or collective defense.

About COBBS BELUX

COBBS markets, sells, and distributes premium specialist equipment and defense materials to law enforcement and the armed forces. COBBS delivers innovative and proven products that add most value for the man on the ground. COBBS connects the industry, technology partners and end-users to maximize performance throughout the entire lifecycle of products.

About MyDefence

Founded in 2013, the Danish company MyDefence has been developing drone defence technology, specializing in the development of radiofrequency-based solutions. Catering to global military needs, MyDefence is dedicated to enhancing national security through technological excellence. Its battle-proven systems have been rigorously reviewed and approved for purchase by NATO member nations, without going through the normal long tender process. Following the vision of “Saving Lives” for more than 10 years, MyDefence has successfully created a solid position in the C-UAS market as the leading provider of Wearable and Integrated solutions to protect soldiers, vehicles, and critical assets against malicious use of drones.

19 Aug 24. Cuashub.com said today that Ondas announces expanded order for Iron Drone Raider. Ondas Holdings has announced an expansion of its initial purchase order from a major military customer for the Iron Drone Raider counter-drone systems. This expanded order highlights the immediate deployment needs and includes enhanced features and support services to strengthen military defence operations against hostile drones.

The Iron Drone Raider, described by Ondas as one of the most advanced counter-drone solutions available globally, is designed with the purpose of protecting borders, critical infrastructure and defence forces from the growing threat of hostile drones.

Eric Brock, Chairman and CEO of Ondas, emphasised the importance of this expansion:

We received our initial Iron Drone Raider order directly from a military customer last month, and now this customer has extended its order to include more specific capabilities to support these upcoming operations.”

“Ondas is positioning itself as a prime defence contractor in an emerging, and rapidly growing counter-UAS market with a large total addressable market. This expansion order demonstrates the high and urgent demand for our high-performance systems in response to the rapidly growing threat posed by hostile drones.”

AI-enabled drone capture

The Iron Drone Raider system has been engineered to neutralise a wide range of drone threats, regardless of their navigation methods. Utilising a high-speed interceptor drone equipped with advanced AI-enabled sensors, the Raider autonomously tracks and incapacitates hostile drones using a net, ensuring minimal collateral damage.

The captured drone is then safely lowered to the ground via a parachute, allowing for a controlled descent. The system’s docking station, capable of storing and launching up to five Raider drones simultaneously, ensures readiness for continuous operation.

The backdrop of rising global tensions and conflicts has underscored the increasing use of small, hostile drones for surveillance and attacks, driving the urgent need for sophisticated countermeasures. Ondas’ Iron Drone Raider system stands out for its fully automated, AI-driven approach, compared to traditional methods, which often involve significant collateral damage.

As the demand for counter-UAS solutions grows, particularly from government and military sectors, Ondas anticipates further volume orders in the latter half of 2024, driven by the combat success of the Iron Drone Raider systems. While defence and homeland security currently dominate the market, Ondas predicts significant growth in commercial sectors as drone threats and regulations evolve, particularly in protecting critical infrastructure and industrial assets.

To meet this anticipated demand, an Ondas subsidiary is actively increasing its manufacturing capacity to support the deployment of Iron Drone Raider systems across these rapidly expanding markets.

Ondas announces expanded order for Iron Drone Raider

(Source: https://cuashub.com/)

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RADAR, EO/IR, C-UAS, NIGHT VISION AND SURVEILLANCE UPDATE

August 16, 2024 by

Sponsored by Echodyne

www.echodyne.com

15 Aug 24. BRINC and Echodyne to Enable Automated BVLOS Operations without Visual Observers for First Responders.

The partnership will integrate BRINC’s cutting-edge Drone as First Responder (DFR) solution with Echodyne’s ground-based radars to enable a path toward Beyond Visual Line of Site operations without Visual Observers.

BRINC, a pioneer in drone technology for first responders, is proud to announce a partnership with Echodyne, a leader in ground-based radar systems. This collaboration will integrate Echodyne’s advanced MESA® radar technology into BRINC’s purpose-built Drone as First Responder (DFR) solution. The strategic relationship enables a path toward beyond-visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations without visual observers, advanced airspace awareness for safer operations, and lowers the barrier to entry for public safety agencies looking to start or expand DFR programs.

Drone as First Responder (DFR) systems significantly lower emergency response times and enable more informed decision-making for first responders. Current FAA regulations require a visual observer onsite for drone operations to monitor flights. The onsite visual observer rule limits drones’ flexibility and operating times for emergency response operations. More importantly, it adds an extra staffing burden when public safety agencies across America are understaffed. As evidence of the staffing shortage, the Police Executive Research Forum’s 2023 study on police staffing found that police resignations have increased over the last 4 years, alongside a 5% decrease in sworn-in officers over the same period.

DFR requires extended range and operation in obstructed environments and inclement weather. Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) waivers are essential for successful DFR implementation. The partnership with Echodyne will add a layer of safety and reliability while providing a path for BRINC’s customers to meet the stringent Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements for BVLOS operations without a visual observer.

“By combining BRINC’s drone technology with Echodyne’s advanced radar, we are creating a safe, robust, and reliable solution for first responders to deploy 911 response drones autonomously to emergencies,” said Blake Resnick, BRINC CEO.

Echodyne’s radar systems offer continuous monitoring and real-time data on the drone’s surrounding environment, including the location of other aircraft, obstacles, and dynamic changes that can occur at a moment’s notice.

“Echodyne radars have been used for years by UAS centers of excellence, as well as FAA and NASA testing programs,” said Eben Frankenberg, Echodyne CEO. “DFR represents a unique opportunity to introduce widescale BVLOS operations, and radars are the ideal sensor to provide detailed and accurate airspace situational awareness.”

As part of BRINC’s comprehensive DFR offering, BRINC Integrates Echodyne’s hardware to send radar readings to an agency’s connected LiveOps account. From LiveOps, agencies can simultaneously view their drone operations, ADS-B data, airspace advisories, weather conditions, and radar data. The Echodyne addition provides a comprehensive, all-in-one view of the surrounding airspace, enabling automated LiveOps triggers to inform pilots of potential dangers. It also enables the automated grounding or rerouting of drones to avoid air traffic.

Interested agencies can work with BRINC to spread the costs of the solution over multi-year contracts, making DFR technology more accessible.

To learn more about BRINC DFR, the first purpose-built 911 response ecosystem, please visit: https://brincdrones.com/responder-station/

To learn more about Echodyne’s ground-based radar solution, please visit: https://www.echodyne.com.

Agencies looking to learn more about BRINC DFR and LiveOps can contact BRINC here: https://brincdrones.com/contact-about-your-drone-program/

16 Aug 24. DASA funded anti-drone sensor is purchased by the Royal Navy.

LiveLink Aerospace’s counter-UAS sensor helps protect Royal Navy ships

Initially developed with DASA funding, LiveLink Aerospace’s counter-drone sensor unit has been purchased for frontline use by the Royal Navy
LiveLink Aerospace were supported by DASA funding to develop a cutting edge concept into a working prototype
Low-cost and easy to integrate, the drone sensor unit can be quickly installed at fixed-sites, mobile-sites, vehicles and on vessels
This was the first system trial undertaken on the Royal Navy’s experimental ship, XV Patrick Blackett

Cheap, accessible commercial-off-the-shelf drones present a serious challenge to defence and security. This is exacerbated by their limited radar signature, making them difficult to detect by traditional air defence systems.

As the use of unmanned air systems (UAS) continues to rise and pose greater risks to both military forces and vital national infrastructure, it has become more important than ever to develop a portable, cost-efficient solution that can be easily integrated with existing systems.

This is a challenge area that was recognised by Hampshire-based SME LiveLink Aerospace, which pivoted their commercial technology to focus on supporting defence and security.

LiveLink Aerospace’s innovation gets off the ground with DASA support

LiveLink Aerospace first engaged with DASA through the 2020 Countering Drones: Phase 2 competition. Run on behalf of the Home Office, the competition sought counter unmanned air systems (CUAS) innovations that can be integrated at fixed-site and mobile-site scenarios. LiveLink Aerospace spearheaded a consortium to develop a cost-effective, end to end CUAS solution. They secured DASA funding for their project, which prioritised passive sensors for comprehensive coverage and resilience.

Aleks Kowalski, LiveLink Aerospace’s Business Director said:

Not only did DASA have the vision to support a high risk project where the commercial market was failing, but working with DASA provided wider benefits. The project liaison staff provided by DASA were excellent. They provided constructive criticism when required, represented the ‘voice of the customer’ to challenge the development team, and much appreciated enthusiasm and encouragement throughout. Additionally, compared with other grant awarding bodies, the whole paperwork and process was streamlined and well thought through – we didn’t need to employ additional staff for their paperwork!

Safeguarding the skies

The consortium developed a low-cost, flexible and scalable sensor unit for tracking multiple UAS – called Passive Detection & Ranging (PDAR). The PDAR system uses conventional software defined radios, integrated circuits that can be reprogrammed and an innovative implementation of Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) technology to detect radio frequencies (RF) emitted by drones. The senior unit itself is also silent and stealthy, as it does not emit RF emissions that could alert an adversary.

With the help of AI and a command and control station, also developed by LiveLink Aerospace, data from each individual sensor is gathered and used to detect, alert and predict UAS threats and increase situational awareness in the operational area.

Key benefits for defence and security

Stealth: the sensor unit is entirely passive with no RF emissions to alert an adversary or conflict with other activities.
Cooperation: when deployed alongside other sensors, the system can enable cooperative action to achieve faster threat scanning and greater range and accuracy of UAS threat detection.
Low-cost and easy to use: quick and simple to install; with flexible calibration and connection to other systems.
Multi-purpose: the core system can (with modular upgrades) also provide wider signals analysis and intelligence, full air surveillance, and alternative position, navigation and timing infrastructure.

Soaring success

LiveLink Aerospace further adapted their CUAS technology for a Royal Navy tender in 2022, which sought a maritime solution for CUAS. The PDAR system, originally developed for DASA, demonstrated its cost-effectiveness and efficiency. Following competitive field trials, the Royal Navy procured more than 10 CUAS systems for their frontline ships.

Not only does this show DASA funded innovations making a big impact, it also emphasises how Defence can leverage civilian innovations discovered by DASA through its security-focused competitions and services.

LiveLink Aerospace achieved another success when their technology was the first to be trialled aboard the XV Patrick Blackett during the Royal Navy tender. Commissioned in 2022, the XV Patrick Blackett serves as the Royal Navy’s test vessel for new technologies.

Ben Keene, General Manager, LiveLink Aerospace Ltd said: “We were impressed how quickly and efficiently the Navy were able to progress the project from a field trial to a sea trial with the XV Patrick Blackett. NavyX organised the sea trial in just days, and provided first rate engagement and engineering support throughout. We were slightly apprehensive when we heard we were the first technology to be tested onboard, but left very impressed by the quality and flexibility of the operation.”

Silencing the buzz: The future of CUAS

DASA has played a crucial role in supporting LiveLink Aerospace in advancing their technology and making it accessible to end users in both security and defence.

LiveLink Aerospace is expanding its team and recruiting more experts to enhance and meet the demand for their CUAS system. They are committed to further developing CUAS systems, and collaborating with defence and security partners and organisations, with the ultimate objective of ensuring that every valuable deployed asset is protected with CUAS technology as a standard feature in the same way as CCTV is now a default expectation.

LiveLink are also continuing to build on the foundations DASA invested in, with significant ongoing innovation in air defence technologies, and alternative position, navigation, timing and communication technologies that do not rely on expensive and vulnerable satellites.

(Source: https://www.gov.uk/)

15 Aug 24. US Army open to replacing Microsoft as prime under ‘IVAS Next,’ industry sources say.

“Microsoft fully intends and is prepared to compete for IVAS Next. We remain committed to delivering the industry’s best capabilities for our warfighters,” a company spokesperson told Breaking Defense.

Tech companies are preparing to jump into the US Army’s IVAS Next competition after receiving briefings from the service about a decision to recompete the prime contractor position on its futuristic mix-reality goggles, according to multiple sources.

Over the past year, Army leaders have teased a “IVAS Next” initiative, focused on improving issues in its Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS) system. But what was not clear was how much of a recompete that would be, and whether the focus would be on minor tweaks and upgrades or the creation of a full-on new system, including new headsets.

After attending Army-led industry days and one-on-one meetings with the government over recent months, a trio of industry sources independently told Breaking Defense they are now expecting a new open competition to decide who wins a lucrative contract to produce a new headset suitable for combat. And as they wait for the Army to release a formal solicitation, companies are beginning to line up their own tech offerings in hopes of becoming a prime contractor or partner up with a company that is.

A spokesperson for the Program Executive Office Soldier, which runs the IVAS program, did not respond to Breaking Defense’s request for comment as of publication.

The current version of IVAS is based on a militarized version of Microsoft’s HoloLens 2 heads-up display. But the program has suffered through a series of issues for half a decade, and service leaders have repeatedly threatened to cancel the program — which initially had a ceiling value of $22 billion — if the issues were not fixed. While Microsoft has managed to keep the effort alive, the fact the service is indicating to industry it would be open to a new prime contractor on IVAS Next is a sign of potential trouble for the tech giant and its high-dollar production deal.

For its part, Microsoft said it is going all in on the new competition, even though it has downsized its mixed-reality department — a team whose work includes the HoloLens 2 heads-up (HUD) display.

“Microsoft fully intends and is prepared to compete for IVAS Next,” a company spokesperson told Breaking Defense on Wednesday. “We remain committed to delivering the industry’s best capabilities for our warfighters.” (The company referred other questions to the Army.)

Microsoft will not be alone in that field, with a total of 80 companies showing up to learn about IVAS Next plans at a December industry day, according to an Army roster. Among the notable names: defense tech darlings Anduril and Palantir, as well as L3 Harris, the US arm of Israeli heavyweight Elbit, and the US arm of Britain’s BAE Systems. (One firm on that list, augmented reality goggle-maker Magic Leap, has since announced plans to pivot away from making its own headsets.)

Massachusetts-based Kopin, which builds display technology used in the F-35 helmets, was on that event list from December and is preparing to bid on the revamped program as a prime, company CEO Michael Murray told Breaking Defense on Monday. From his vantage point, Murray said he anticipates Microsoft will remain a key IVAS player because they “own the cloud software, the connectivity software and the soldier connectivity software.”

But Murray and his team are working on a plan to snatch away production from Microsoft for the hardware, including the display system and heads-up goggles, he said. That plan includes the introduction of a “NeuralDispay” — a bidirectional display with integrated imaging pixels designed to track a user’s eye movement.

“As you look at the micro display, it’s looking right back at you and trying to figure out what is the best brightness and contrast,” he explained. “As you hit fight or flight and your pupils dilate, we turn down the brightness, because it’s too bright because your eye has changed, we turn up the contrast because your pupil is so large it can no longer see the size of the shape.”

While Murray said this technology is currently not ready for prime time — he pegged it at a technology readiness level four— the company is hoping to continue developing it for a IVAS heads-up display to alleviate past complaints of cyber sickness, and begin shrinking the display down towards the size of sunglasses.

System Of The Future?

Pitched as a game changer for the service, IVAS was billed as a single device soldiers could use both in combat (including under the cover of darkness) and for virtual training. Reports began emerging in 2021 about problems with the device, and a scathing Pentagon inspector general report followed that included soldiers complaining of discomfort, dizziness, nausea, and system reliability.

While service leaders publicly stood behind the program at first, they have been slowly tempering expectations and opted to split the program up into three initial versions — the 1.0, 1.1 and 1.2 iterations of the goggles. (The service has acquired 5,000 1.0 units, with plans to acquire an additional 5,000 1.1 units for limited use.)

The Army has billed that new 1.2 version as the make-or-break upgrade — an iteration to correct past problems, in part, by transitioning the device from a helmet-like display with a 70-degree field-of-view, to a hinged, flat design with a 60-degree field-of-view that soldiers can flip up. A computer puck on soldiers’ chests in the earlier versions is also moved to the back of the helmet, a cord connecting the puck to the HUD is shorted and moved to the back of the HUD, and a new low-light sensor from Canon is included.

This year kicked off with a squad-level assessment of the new setup, with an Army spokesperson saying in February that “design objectives” had been achieved. Additional 1.2 goggle testing was slated to continue throughout 2024 and lead up to a company-level user assessment in calendar 2025, designed to help determine “whether or not” the Army proceeds with a large-scale 1.2 buy, head of Army acquisition Doug Bush told senators in May alongside Army Futures Command head Gen. James Rainey. (In a statement this week, Microsoft said 1.2 development and testing remains on track, as does version 1.1 deliveries.)

“As a former infantryman, I realize the potential [of IVAS] … if it works; It is a legitimate 10 times upgrade to our most important formations,” the four-star general told members of the Senate Armed Services airland subcommittee.

“But if it does not work, then I think we would have to take a very hard look at whether we continue down that path or use that money for other critical aspects of our night-vision strategy, because we have to make sure the entire Army can own the night,” Rainey added.

It’s currently unclear what effect, if any, the 1.2’s potential success could have on the Army’s envisioned IVAS Next project, and it appears the service is in the early days of feeling out that program. Industry sources previously told Breaking Defense they expect a solicitation for IVAS Next later this year, at which time the Army’s next-generation vision may be clearer.

(Source: Breaking Defense.com)

15 Aug 24. Tactical Directed Energy Laser Wins C-UAS Competition.

AIM Defence’s Fractl:1 Tactical Directed Energy Laser took first place at the international Counter Drone Sandbox in Canada, successfully shooting down over 30 targets during the exercise. AIM Defence’s Fractl:1 Tactical Directed Energy Laser has taken first place at the international Counter Drone Sandbox in Canada.

During the event, Fractl was able to track and neutralize drones at up to 1.5 kilometres away, and successfully shot down more than 30 targets over the course of the exercise.

The Canadian evaluation team judged that the AIM Fractl system best met sandbox prize criteria for demonstrated performance, continuous improvement, and significant follow-on interest from the Department of National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces in AIM’s Fractl CUAS approach. AIM Defence was subsequently awarded a $1 million dollar prize for first place.

The Sandbox, conducted as part of the Canadian Armed Forces’ Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS)’ program, is designed to competitively evaluate counter-drone technology across the globe.

The program has run biannually for the last six years and is internationally regarded as an independent assessment of counter drone capabilities for both NATO and Five Eyes allies.

Reflecting the proliferation and growing concern of weaponized drones, the 2024 Sandbox focused on the effective detection and defeat of quadcopter, FPV, and fixed wing targets. AIM Defence was one of fifteen companies selected to show off their technology at the event with other participants including industry leaders from Canada, the USA and the UK.

AIM co-founder, Ms Jessica Glenn, commented; “We’re extremely thankful to the Canadian Government for giving us this opportunity and to their red team who really put our system to the test with a range of drones that we’d never seen before from FPVs to fixed wings across a range of scenarios. It was a challenging event and we’re proud to have come out on top.”

AIM co-founder, Dr Jae Daniel, added; “While we are immensely proud of our achievements to date, we’re just getting started. We’ve seen a significant uptick in demand for effective counter drone technologies and plan to reinvest the winnings back into AIM so we can continue to develop best in class technology and protect our allies.” (Source: https://www.defenseadvancement.com/)

15 Aug 24. Anti-Drone System Concept Revealed. The Laser Shield Anti-Drone System (LSAD) is being developed to counter the growing use of small-scale unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for warfare purposes in conflict zones around the world.

Laser Photonics Corporation and Fonon Technologies have released a visual concept of the Laser Shield Anti-Drone System (LSAD) – a joint development by the two companies to create a laser defense system for use against unauthorized drone activity.

The LSAD is in development to counter the growing use of small-scale unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or drones, for warfare purposes in conflict zones around the world.

Following the successful early testing of Fonon’s LSAD prototype at LPC’s testing facility in Orlando, the two companies are progressing further along the development pipeline, leveraging their expertise in laser-powered equipment.

Furthermore, Fonon Technologies is exploring opportunities with U.S. military decision-makers to assess the needs of various service branches and explore new partnerships and technologies. Fonon Technologies will handle the marketing and promotion of the LSAD technology upon its commercialization, targeting government, military and defense sectors, while LPC handles the manufacturing of the product.

Bryan Lee, Vice President of Fonon Technologies, said; “The capabilities of laser-powered anti-drone systems can give a considerable advantage to those defending against low-cost, simple drones used in today’s conflict zones. We are one of several companies around the globe who have announced or tested laser anti-drone systems. The LSAD offers an entirely new concept that is not yet being fielded globally.”

Wayne Tupuola, CEO of Laser Photonics, added; “We are excited to continue on this joint development project with Fonon Technologies. The immediate need for a counter-drone solution presents LPC and Fonon Tech with a grand opportunity to deliver an essential defense system to U.S. forces.” (Source: https://www.defenseadvancement.com/)

15 Aug 24. Cuashub.com said today that Science & Tech Community Invited to Support National Security. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) released a new Long Range Broad Agency Announcement (LRBAA) 24-01, which is a standing, open invitation to the scientific and technical communities to propose research and development projects in support of our nation’s security. DHS encourages proposals for 23 research and development topics categorized by DHS mission areas. This program allows the Department to apply scientific and technical knowledge to its operational environments and advances innovation in industry, academia, and the public sector.

“The LRBAA provides DHS the opportunity to explore unique ideas for potential innovative solutions from industry and academia to address some of the country’s most pressing security challenges,” said Dusty Lang, LRBAA program manager. “The process is designed to allow innovators to gauge DHS’ interest early on, reducing the effort and expense of creating a full proposal.”

The current 23 LRBAA topics are categorized under five mission areas:

Counter Terrorism and Homeland Security Threats (CTHOM)

CHTOM 01: Development of Tools for Test and Evaluation of Machine Learning Algorithms
CHTOM 02: Threat Prevention
CHTOM 03: Novel Approaches and Locations for Explosive Performance Characterization and Testing
CHTOM 04: Public Safety Tools for Lithium-Ion Battery Incidents

Secure U.S. Borders and Approaches (SEC BORAP)

BORAP 01: Screening at Speed
BORAP 02: Noninvasive, Minimally Disruptive Sensors and Systems
BORAP 03: Air Based Technologies
BORAP 04: Countering Unmanned Aircraft Systems
BORAP 05: Maritime Domain Awareness Technologies
BORAP 06: Immigration Services Program
BORAP 07: Detection Canine Technologies
BORAP 08: Maritime Environment and Climate and Coastal, Port, and Waterway Security
BORAP 09: Forensics and Criminal Investigations

Secure Cyberspace and Critical Infrastructure (SEC CYBCI)

CYBCI 01: Predictive Analytics
CYBCI 02: Shared Cyber Resilience
CYBCI 03: Software and Hardware Supply Chain Assurance
CYBCI 04: Trustworthy and Responsible Artificial Intelligence
CYBCI 05: Advanced and Emerging Data Computation and Analytics
CYBCI 06: GMD and Nuclear EMP Critical Infrastructure Risk

Preserve and Uphold the Nation’s Prosperity and Economic Security (PROES)

PROES 01: Emerging Technologies

Strengthen Preparedness and Resilience (PRRES)

PRRES 01: Technology Acceptance
PRRES 02: Using Internet of Things (IoT) for Community and Infrastructure Resiliency Against All-Hazards
PRRES 03: Integrating Risk Sciences and Adaptive Engineering for Community and Infrastructure Resilience

LRBAA will host a hybrid Industry Day on August 21, 2024, 10 AM – 4 PM ET, at the DHS Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Headquarters office in Washington, D.C., which will include in-person and virtual attendance options. The free event will provide attendees an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the topics in the new announcement. Secure your spot by registering now.

To be notified about this and other events, email your request to join the LRBAA mailing list to .

For more information on LRBAA, check out the LRBAA Today webinars on the DHS S&T YouTube channel. For more information on the DHS S&T LRBAA and the new topic announcement, contact or visit https://oip.dhs.gov/baa/public.

https://cuashub.com/en/content/science-and-tech-community-invited-to-support-national-security/?utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8Os6KiljbU50kZCR6yQ14GVoGSD7ffAXvQPKqLbUjqhuCmDmJEqwBQP3hmiL5ovCbtFjdSoSbFLaPHxXDWA_IHLfgJTfyMaJOXNw5RKwjaZ12fajQ&_hsmi=320235845&utm_content=320235845&utm_source=hs_email (Source: https://cuashub.com/)

14 Aug 24. MatrixSpace has been selected for a $1.9m AFWERX Tactical Funding Increase (TACFI) Phase II Sequential contract to develop a distributed dual-mode mesh radar for base defense, based on the MatrixSpace Radar hardware platform. The project runs for 22 months and starts immediately. The project, in support of the Air Force 87th Security Forces Squadron, involves scaling MatrixSpace Radar for use in tactical, expeditionary, installed base force protection scenarios by creating a scalable low-cost distributed radar sensor mesh for low-airspace surveillance. The sensor mesh must detect, track, and identify low flying objects such as UAVs, loitering munitions, and one-way attack vehicles that are RF silent. The deployable system will provide the Air Force with a model for a network of rapidly deployable security sensors that is scalable and does not require additional infrastructure for power and communications. AFWERX is the innovation arm of the Department of the Air Force (DAF) and a directorate within the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), bringing cutting-edge American ingenuity from small businesses and start-ups to address the most pressing challenges of the DAF. AFRL is the primary scientific research and development center for the Department of the Air Force and plays an integral role in leading the discovery, development, and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space and cyberspace force.

Quote from Matthew Kling, VP of Intelligent Systems, MatrixSpace

“This TACFI project addresses a core requirement in new force protection, which is providing an enhanced level of awareness in complex, challenging environments, quickly. A distributed radar sensor mesh has the ability to detect and identify previously undetected objects, making it essential for the new world of battlespace awareness. This project enables MatrixSpace to demonstrate our product for field use.”

Designed and developed in the USA, MatrixSpace Radar offers robust situational awareness of both airborne and ground-based objects, regardless of lighting and weather conditions. This facilitates highly accurate drone detection and Counter Unmanned Aircraft System (CUAS) capabilities, Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flight for uncrewed, autonomous and tethered aircraft, and overall general airspace awareness and security.

14 Aug 24. Cuashub.com said today that 2024 Counter-UAS Sandbox Winners Announced. At this year’s Counter-UAS Sandbox, three “Diamond in the Rough” prizes were awarded to the top innovations in detecting and/or defeating micro and mini uncrewed aerial systems (UAS).

The 2024 CUAS Sandbox event, held from May 27 to June 21 at CFB Suffield in Alberta, showcased the counter-drone technologies of 15 innovators from five countries. Participants received feedback from defense experts and end users, while the DND/CAF gained valuable insights into the latest advancements in CUAS technology.

Building on the outcomes of the 2022 CUAS Sandbox, the Department of National Defence (DND), the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), and their defense and security partners (including the RCMP and Public Safety) are pursuing CUAS solutions capable of detecting and/or neutralizing Micro and Mini UAS. These systems should be able to be integrated into broader military command and control frameworks, focusing on hard-kill capabilities.

The following innovators incorporated in Canada have been awarded the 2024 CUAS Sandbox “diamond in the rough” prizes:

First Place- AIM Defence

A multinational company with offices in Vancouver, British Columbia, and Australia.

Prize- $1m

Fractl:1 Tactical Counter Uncrewed Aerial System

AIM’s Tactical Directed Energy system, equipped with advanced AI tracking and ultra-compact laser technology developed in-house, successfully tracked and neutralized drones from distances up to 1.5 kilometers. During the exercise, the system effectively engaged and neutralized over 30 drones.

Second Place (tie)- DARIT Technologies

Sherbrooke, Quebec

Prize- $375,000

Air Intrusion Monitoring System (AIMS)

This system utilizes multimodal sensing and AI to detect and track rotary drones in real-time. It integrates acoustic, vision, lidar, radar, and radiofrequency (RF) sensors for enhanced drone monitoring.

Second Place (tie)- Prandtl Dynamics

Toronto, Ontario

Prize- $375,000

Meteorological Ultrasonic Drone Destruction System (MUDDS)

This cutting-edge technology employs ultrasonic waves to disrupt the inertial measurement units (IMUs) and sensors of uncrewed aerial systems (UAS). It delivers a ranged, non-targeted neutralization of internal components, offering a powerful defense against weaponized UAS while minimizing collateral damage. MUDDS is highly effective for civilian security operations and critical infrastructure protection.

2024 Counter-UAS Sandbox Winners Announced

(Source: https://cuashub.com/)

12 Aug 24. US defence research official calls for more C-UAS solutions. Heidi Shyu, the United States undersecretary of defence for research and engineering, says autonomous systems remain a threat and something the Department of Defense (DoD) is seeking solutions for.

“If you look at the situation now, which is something easily predictable back in, I will say, two decades ago, you’re already seeing the increase in the number of unmanned systems,” she said. “With that increasingly growing, exponentially worldwide, the obvious thing we have to think about is how are we going to counter that. Because we already have unmanned systems that are intruding into our installations.”

Shyu was speaking at a discussion on August 9 at the National Defense Industrial Association’s 2024 Emerging Technologies for Defense Conference and Exhibition in Washington, D.C.

There are rules for how the US military services can engage with autonomous systems if they are deemed a threat, and defeating them will mean complying with those rules. “What we’re trying to do is figure out [the] different rules,” Shyu said. “We can’t really shoot it down with a missile.”

The undersecretary said that while there are solutions available now, the DoD is interested in having industry proffer even more options for it and the military services to consider.

“We have to figure out solutions,” she said. “I think counter-[UAS] is never going to die, because it’s a cat and mouse game. As soon as you figure something out, your adversary will do something different. This is going to be a growing need and there isn’t one solution that can counter every single scenario. Therefore, you need to have an integrated solution of multiple capabilities. This is one area, which is not even classified … where if you have great ideas, this is a great opportunity.”

Another area where Shyu said the DoD needs ideas is in contested logistics, where adversaries attempt to disrupt, destroy or defeat friendly force logistics operations. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

109 Aug 24. Northrop Grumman launches low-cost guided-ammunition system to counter drone swarms. Northrop Grumman has launched a new type of air defence/counter UAS system called Cannon-Based Air Defence (CBAD) employing a range of guided-ammunition weapons to affordably combat a growing array of threats, including swarms of drones and cruise missiles.

“Cannon-Based Air Defense is a system-of-systems solution to engage and defeat large quantities of low-cost air threats,” says the company in its promotion material. “It provides terminal defense for air bases and augments existing air defense solutions in the field today. The system includes layered effectors and sensors integrated into the force with battle management command and control (BMC2) systems. The enabling technology for CBAD is the development of guided ammunition. This provides a lethal, cost-effective, and resilient interceptor against a wide range of aerial threats. Launched in small salvos, these munitions are capable of multiple, continuous inflight maneuvers towards threats, increasing range and maximizing lethality. Guided ammunition is scalable across several calibers, allowing for layered defenses.”

“Traditional, long-range interceptor missiles are no longer cost-effective as adversaries deploy low-cost, expendable technologies in large quantities. CBAD provides an affordable, layered terminal defense with scalable manufacturing base and simplified logistics footprint. With CBAD, this advanced weapons system will help warfighters win tonight, and every tomorrow through intelligent weapons ready to deliver in their favor.

According to the company, programme differentiators include low-cost, large quantity simplified logistics, with costs around 99.5% less than missile batteries.

For more information

https://www.northropgrumman.com/what-we-do/advanced-weapons/cannon-based-air-defense (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

09 Aug 24. AIM Defence wins Canadian Army CD 1m prize by neutralising drone swarm with laser. Canada’s AIM Defence has won a CAD1m competition from the Canadian Army during a three-week contest that ended in mid-June for its Fractl:1 high powered laser counter UAS system. The system is integrated with an in-house developed AI tracking system and can neutralise 30 drones at distances up to 1.5km away, according to the company.

According to the company’s website:

“Fractl has been designed to detect and defeat the intrusion of unwanted drones in a multi-domain environment. By using the world’s most advanced tracking and optics system, Fractl’s laser beam can hit a drone moving at 100 kilometres an hour a kilometre away with a beam the size of a 10-cent piece. Able to target a drone’s rotor, wiring, camera or other key operating area means the device can be retrieved from the field for forensic analysis to enhance operational awareness. Fractl’s advanced operating system is easily integrated into existing systems to effectively reduce operator load and enhance engagement response time.

“Fractl is highly deployable, offering battery and AC power options while the entire field ready unit weighs less than 50 kilograms.”

For more information: https://www.aimdefence.com/news (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

08 Aug 24. DSNA deploys drone detection system in Nice and Marseille with more areas to follow. French air services navigation provider DSNA has selected the XTR SERIS consortium to provide a drone detection service for airspace around airports.

In a LinkedIn post, Guillaume Blandel, Director of Operations at DSNA, said drone activity has been identified for some time by airlines and DSNA services as a new threat. “The DSNA therefore had to equip itself with a drone detection service near the largest platforms, in line with its DSNA2030 modernisation programme.”

Blandel confirmed that the service is now active in Nice and Marseille. “It is part of the existing operational concept relating to the processing of non-collaborative drones by adding electronic detection and automatic reporting to human visual reporting (pilots, airport operator agents, ATMs, etc.). For tower managers, the operating procedure consists of a simple telephone report by an XTR SERIS operator of the intruder and the area concerned (orange or red) according to which measures are recommended.”

The service is likely to be extended to sites in Lyon, Toulouse, Bordeaux, Basel-Mulhouse, Nantes and Beauvais, Blandel said.

The XTR SERIS consortium comprises SERIS Security and Drone XTR. In 2023, Drone XTR detected over 150,000 unauthorised drone flights , covering 65,000 hectares under surveillance. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

12 Aug 24. South Korea’s KF-21 fighter radar being tested by Paramount in South Africa. Testing of the KF-21 Boramae fighter radar continues in South Africa, on a modified Boeing 737 operating out of Wonderboom National Airport.

The Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar is among the most challenging components of the indigenous KF-21 fighter jet programme. South Korea originally sought to acquire AESA radar technology from the United States, but export restrictions precluded this, and so it decided to develop its own radar for itself. The KF-21 AESA radar programme marks South Korea’s first AESA radar development efforts, and may be scaled for other future applications.

The radar is being developed under the auspices of the South Korean Defence Acquisition Programme Administration (DAPA), with the South Korean Agency of Defence Development (ADD) and Hanwha Systems Co (HSC) taking the lead. Paramount Aerospace Systems was contracted as a subcontractor by HSC and Italian aerospace company Leonardo to test the radar.

An AESA radar electronically steers the radar beam by using hundreds or thousands of transmit/receive modules on the antenna. Advantages over traditional radars include increased detection range (thanks to beam focussing and steering), improved resolution (particularly against stealthy targets), enhancing tracking capability (including of multiple targets), lower probability of interception and jamming (due to electronic agility and redundancy), and longer service life due to fewer moving parts.

In December 2021, airborne tests of the KF-21’s AESA radar on modified Boeing 737 took place in South Africa, attended by developers from the ADD and HSC. The following year, airborne tests took place in South Korea as well after the modified Boeing 737 arrived in South Korea at the beginning of March, and had the radar fitted onto a new nose section. The modified Boeing 737 (ZS-TFJ, msn 26541) subsequently flew a number of sorties over Korean airspaces before heading to South Africa for further testing.

ZS-TFJ flew for Ceskoslovenske Aerolinie and Czech Airlines between 1992 and 2013 as OK-XGC. It was then transferred to Africa Aircraft Maintenance and registered as ZS-TFJ in 2015. In July 2020 the aircraft was taken over by Paramount Aerospace Systems, when it was seen with AESA testing markings (but without the modified nose at that stage).

In 2023 DAPA said the modified Boeing 737 from November 2022 to February 2023 carried out 18 radar test flights, with flight tracking data showing multiple flights from Wonderboom.

ZS-TFJ has been seen at Wonderboom again this year just in the last week carried out multiple flights in the Pretoria region lasting about three hours at a time, including on 6 and 8 August.

Radar testing is also being carried out on board the KF-21, which performed its maiden flight on 19 July 2022. Radar evaluation flights on the KF-21 are expected to take place from March 2023 to February 2026, evaluating things like maximum detection range in air-to-air mode, tracking distance, and tracking accuracy.

South Korea plans to start mass producing the KF-21 by mid-2026. The Republic of Korea Air Force (RoKAF) has a requirement for a large number of KF-21 aircraft to replace its ageing fleets of F-4E Phantom and F-5E Tiger II fighter aircraft, which were inducted from the mid-1970s.

Paramount expertise

Paramount offers a wide variety of aviation services, and through Paramount Aerospace Systems the company can provide flight testing, aircraft modification and refurbishment, upgrades, maintenance, mission equipment development and installation. The company does installation work globally for a wide range of customers, with one being the conversion of two Embraer Lineage 1000 business jets into maritime patrol aircraft.

Paramount Aerospace can establish an air force through the acquisition and supply of aircraft, spares and maintenance and the training of transport, helicopter and fighter pilots. It also has a ground school that trains ground crew and technicians able to maintain aircraft. The company offers Mirage F1 upgrades – it refurbished two F1 squadrons for Gabon and Republic of Congo after acquiring the ex-SAAF F1 fleet – but can source and supply various aircraft types.

It has also assisted the US-based Airborne Tactical Advantage Company (ATAC) make its legacy F1s airworthy again. Maintenance and training are growing in importance for Paramount Aerospace Systems, which in April 2018 received a contract from US aviation service provider Draken International for the overhaul of and engineering support for 22 ex-Spanish Air Force Mirage F1 jets, which are offered to the US Air Force and allied nation customers for adversary training. Paramount acquired four ex-French F1Bs for pilot and maintenance technician training. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)

08 Aug 24. Ukrainian Soldiers Rely on Pocketable Drone Detector Amidst Constant Threats. of Russian drones have turned to a new, highly sought-after gadget known as Tsukorok, or “sugar,” developed by London-based Ukrainian engineer Dmytro Selin. This grassroots device, produced by various manufacturers, emits a loud beep when a drone enters its detection range, allowing soldiers to seek cover or activate jamming devices.

The Tsukorok has gained popularity due to its simplicity and effectiveness. A mortar crewman in the Donbas region described it as “amazing because it is so cheap and simple.”

Ukraine has significantly improved its drone operations, using inexpensive, off-the-shelf drones to intercept Russian reconnaissance drones. However, electronic warfare remains a critical challenge. French Army Chief of Staff Gen. Pierre Schill noted that 75% of drones in Ukraine are taken down by electronic warfare.

Meanwhile, German developers are testing a new drone in Ukraine called HCX, made by HIGHCAT. This drone is immune to radio-frequency jamming and detection, as it communicates with its operator via a fiber-optic cable, making it difficult for adversaries to locate and target.

The Russian military have used truck-mounted jamming systems to disrupt Western-made, GPS-guided artillery and missiles. Moscow has recently employed armored vehicles with jamming devices to enhance their front-line operations.

On the Ukrainian side, more than 50 companies are engaged in producing electronic warfare equipment, ranging from simple devices like the Tsukorok to more complex jamming systems. Despite the increasing production, demand far exceeds supply. Bohdan Danyliv, head of the military department at the Prytula Foundation, emphasized the urgent need for more jamming equipment, noting that current demand is at least 10 times higher than supply.

Selin’s Tsukorok, developed initially in 2022, detects signals from Russian Orlan reconnaissance drones. Its use has expanded rapidly due to positive feedback from Ukrainian military personnel. However, scaling up production has been challenging due to unreliable deliveries of parts and the complexities of international manufacturing.(Source: https://www.sofx.com/)

For more information, please visit: Echodyne.com.

RADAR, EO/IR, C-UAS, NIGHT VISION AND SURVEILLANCE UPDATE

August 9, 2024 by

Sponsored by Echodyne

www.echodyne.com

09 Aug 24. Boeing gets $2.56bn contract from US Air Force for E-7A Wedgetail aircraft. Boeing (BA.N), opens new tab said on Friday it had been awarded a $2.56 billion contract from the United States Air Force for two rapid prototype E-7A AEW&C Wedgetail aircraft.

The contract includes lifecycle development, training and support for the U.S. E-7A fleet, the company said in a statement.

Last month, the U.S. Air Force said it had reached a deal with Boeing for the supply of E-7 Wedgetail airborne warning and control aircraft. It downplayed concerns that the company’s internal crisis would harm its ability to supply planes to the Pentagon. (Source: Reuters)

08 Aug 24. Laser Photonics Shares Concept Animation of Laser Shield Anti-Drone System (LSAD). Laser Photonics Corporation (LPC) (NASDAQ: LASE), a leading global industrial developer of laser systems for cleaning and other material processing applications, and its sibling company, Fonon Technologies, released today the visual concept of the Laser Shield Anti-Drone System (LSAD) – a joint development by the two companies to create a laser defense system for use against unauthorized drone activity.

The LSAD is in development to counter the growing use of small-scale unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or drones, for warfare purposes in conflict zones around the world. The urgency for an effective solution like the LSAD has led the global anti-drone market to expand rapidly, reaching a value of $1.9bn in 2023 and expected to grow at a CAGR of 28% by 2030, as estimated by market analyst Grand View Research. Following the successful early testing of Fonon’s LSAD prototype at LPC’s testing facility in Orlando, the two companies are progressing further along the development pipeline, leveraging their expertise in laser-powered equipment.

“The capabilities of laser-powered anti-drone systems can give a considerable advantage to those defending against low-cost, simple drones used in today’s conflict zones,” said Bryan Lee, Vice President of Fonon Technologies. “We are one of several companies around the globe who have announced or tested laser anti-drone systems. The LSAD offers an entirely new concept that is not yet being fielded globally.”

Wayne Tupuola, CEO of Laser Photonics, added: “We are excited to continue on this joint development project with Fonon Technologies. The immediate need for a counter-drone solution presents LPC and Fonon Tech with a grand opportunity to deliver an essential defense system to U.S. forces.”

LPC welcomes its community to explore the visual concept of the LSAD at our website.

About Laser Photonics Corporation

Laser Photonics is a vertically integrated manufacturer and R&D Center of Excellence for industrial laser technologies and systems. Laser Photonics seeks to disrupt the $46bn, centuries-old sand and abrasives blasting markets, focusing on surface cleaning, rust removal, corrosion control, de-painting and other laser-based industrial applications. Laser Photonics’ new generation of leading-edge laser blasting technologies and equipment also addresses the numerous health, safety, environmental and regulatory issues associated with old methods. As a result, Laser Photonics has quickly gained a reputation as an industry leader in industrial laser systems with a brand that stands for quality, technology and product innovation. Currently, world-renowned and Fortune 1000 manufacturers in the aerospace, automotive, defense, energy, industrial, maritime, space exploration and shipbuilding industries are using Laser Photonics’ “unique-to-industry” systems. For more information, visit https://www.laserphotonics.com.

About Fonon Technologies

Fonon Technologies, a subsidiary of Fonon Corp., takes pride in marketing and promoting Fonon’s innovative products specifically catered to meet the stringent requirements of government organizations, all branches of the U.S. military and defense contractors. For more information, visit https://www.fonon.us. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

08 Aug 24. Vision Products Selected as Sole Supplier for Naval Aviation Systems Consortium’s HMD Program. Vision Products (www.visionproducts.llc), a leading developer of advanced head mounted displays and digital night vision systems, has been selected as the exclusive supplier for the Naval Aviation Systems Consortium’s (NASC) Micro-Displays and Optics for Future Naval Helmet Mounted Displays program. This prestigious selection underscores Vision Products’ innovative capabilities and commitment to enhancing naval aviation display technology.

Vision Products will collaborate closely with the NASC and Vision Products’ partners to develop a high-resolution, daylight-readable, color helmet-mounted display (HMD) designed to meet the rigorous demands of naval aviation. This partnership aims to significantly improve situational awareness and operational effectiveness for naval aviators.

“We are honored to be chosen as the sole supplier for this critical program,” said Dr. Michael Browne, President of Vision Products. “Our team is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of head mounted display technology, and this opportunity allows us to leverage our expertise to support the next generation of naval helmet-mounted displays. The wide field of view, high-resolution, daylight-readable, color HMD we are developing will provide unparalleled clarity and performance, enhancing mission success and safety for our naval aviators.”

Bradley Schieferdecker, Aircrew Combat Effectiveness Branch Head at PMA-202, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “We are looking forward to working with Vision Products on this important initiative. Their proven track record in advanced optics and micro-displays makes them an ideal partner for developing a daylight-readable display that meets the unique needs of naval aviation.”

Vision Products has a longstanding history of delivering cutting-edge head mounted display solutions for defense and commercial applications. The company’s expertise in high-resolution displays, digital night vision, wide field of view displays, and advanced optics has positioned it as a leader in the industry. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

08 Aug 24. Cuashub.com said today that AIM Defence’s Fractl:1 Laser Wins Counter-Drone Competition. AIM Defence‘s Fractl:1 Tactical Directed Energy Laser secured first place at the international Counter Drone Sandbox held earlier this year in Canada, earning a $1m prize.

This victory reinforces AIM’s leadership in low-cost, compact Tactical Counter-Drone Systems and follows the Australian Government’s $5.4m announcement to purchase a Fractl counter-drone system for internal testing and evaluation.

The Sandbox, part of the Canadian Armed Forces’ Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) program, aims to evaluate cutting-edge counter-drone technology worldwide competitively. Held biannually for the past six years, it is internationally recognized as an independent assessment of counter-drone capabilities for NATO and Five Eyes allies.

Addressing the increasing threat of weaponized drones, the 2024 Sandbox focused on effectively detecting and neutralizing quadcopter, FPV, and fixed-wing targets. AIM Defence was one of fifteen companies selected to showcase their technology at the event alongside industry giants from Canada, the USA, and the UK.

We’re extremely thankful to the Canadian Government for giving us this opportunity and to their red team who really put our system to the test with a range of drones that we’d never seen before from FPVs to fixed wings across a range of scenarios. It was a challenging event and we’re proud to have come out on top,” said AIM co-founder Ms Jessica Glenn.

The Fractl system employs state-of-the-art artificial intelligence (AI) tracking and ultra-compact laser technology developed in-house, and it has integrated with the US Space Force for safe engagement above the horizon. During the event, Fractl successfully tracked and neutralized drones from distances up to 1.5 kilometers, shooting down over 30 targets during the exercise.

The Canadian evaluation team concluded that AIM’s Fractl system best met the sandbox prize criteria for demonstrated performance, continuous improvement, and significant follow-on interest from the Department of National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces in AIM’s Fractl CUAS approach.

“While we are immensely proud of our achievements to date, we’re just getting started. We’ve seen a significant uptick in demand for effective counter-drone technologies and plan to reinvest the winnings back into AIM so we can continue to develop best-in-class technology and protect our allies,” said AIM co-founder Dr. Jae Daniel.

https://cuashub.com/en/content/aim-defences-fractl1-laser-wins-counter-drone-competition/?utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8Dg6ElwrcYCJ254EmHh6Dx2t69FvsSdkHUHDVTyKWjh-HW27ZdnqfD7uzxQQsOzAjcOhT53hHlVv6EkIFRSMJDU42fuQEF-yKL5br0voYfaBQm8_U&_hsmi=319243807&utm_content=319243807&utm_source=hs_email (Source: https://cuashub.com/)

07 Aug 24. Counter-drone missile competition possible in 2025, Army officials say. The U.S. Army is considering holding a competition in fiscal 2025 for a next-generation interceptor to take out threats from unmanned aerial systems, Brig. Gen. Frank Lozano, program executive officer for missiles and space, told an audience Aug. 6 at the Space and Missile Defense Symposium.

The Army uses its Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation & Missile Center to evaluate systems such as Raytheon’s Coyote and Blue Halo’s Next-Generation C-UAS Missile. But according to Lozano, “there are other companies out there working on [counter-UAS] interceptors that might actually also have some growth potential to intercept rockets, large caliber rockets, as well as potentially cruise missiles.”

A competition next year would be held “to see if there’s anything out there better that we should be pursuing,” he said. “[It’s] a way to confirm that our investment is yielding the outcome that we’re trying to achieve.”

The Army released an objective requirement in March 2023 through the Aviation & Missile Technology Consortium — managed by Advanced Technology International — to develop a Long-Range Kinetic Interceptor prototype, according to an AvMC spokesperson.

The service and the Joint Counter-small UAS Office are requiring the development and testing of the prototype NGCM, the spokesperson told Defense News.

The vendors selected for immediate funding came from a pool of 16. Eleven others were placed in a “basket” for potential future selection, the spokesperson said.

The Army is also planning on holding a competition for a new handheld device to take out drones, Lozano noted.

“Inherently, a handheld system has limited power,” he said, but Lozano noted the Army recently observed promising capabilities in the handheld realm during a fielding exercise with the 101st Airborne Division.

Prior to a Joint Readiness Training Center rotation the service provided the unit with handheld capabilities that could go up against small UAS, according to Lozano.

A competition for a mobile flat-panel array radar to detect drone threats is also in the works for FY25.

The Army already has such equipment incorporated in the Stryker combat vehicle’s mobile counter-UAS system, but officials are seeking to establish a reliable system for future operations, Lozano said.

(Source: Defense News)

07 Aug 24. US Army to hold new counter-drone battle command system competition. The U.S. Army is planning to hold a competition to replace its command-and-control system capable of managing drone threats for the maneuver force in the second quarter of fiscal 2025, Lt. Gen. Frank Lozano, the service’s program executive officer for missiles and space, said Tuesday at the Space and Missile Defense Symposium.

“One of the technological advancements that we’re working on is a critical decision aid process,” he said. “The integration of [artificial intelligence] algorithms help operators make decisions in a much more timely fashion.”

As a result, the Army is looking for a more capable Forward Area Air Defense Command and Control, or FAAD C2, capability that is like its Integrated Battle Command System, or IBCS, but focused on countering drones within the maneuver force, Lozano said.

IBCS is the C2 system for the Army’s Integrated Air and Missile Defense System but will also tie other sensors and shooters together on the battlefield. IBCS reached full-rate production in 2023.

“The intent … is to take what we have in IBCS where we leverage a track fusion engine, multiple engagement calculators, self-healing mesh network and leverage that into a smaller package for counter-[unmanned aircraft systems] applications,” Lozano described.

The intent is to begin with “something easily digestible, easily achievable, that many in industry can compete and participate in with the hopes of winning an award,” Lozano said. “I’m looking forward to a lot of participants in this room being able to compete for that capability.”

(Source: Defense News)

07 Aug 24. US Army setting sights on 4 C-UAS competitions in ‘25, including next-gen missile. SMD 2024 — The US Army is eyeing four counter drone-related competitions next year, including one to select a next-generation missile, according to Brig. Gen. Frank Lozano, the Army’s program executive officer for missiles and space.

Lozano, expected to receive his second star today, spoke at the Space and Missile Defense symposium in Huntsville, Ala. on Tuesday, providing the audience with a laundry list of upcoming competitions to gear up for. If lawmakers greenlight the service’s budget request and efforts stay on track, he is anticipating four opportunities in 2025.

One top race expected to grab attention is a next-generation counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) missile. The service is currently working with Raytheon’s Coyote and BlueHalo’s Freedom Eagle (FE-1) missiles but preparing to open up the field.

“There are other companies out there that are working on interceptors for a counter-UAS application that might actually also have growth of potential to intercept … large caliber rockets, as well as potentially cruise missiles,” Lozano said

“So, we’re going to be holding a competition next year to look at a next generation counter-UAS missile,” he added.

Also on the agenda for 2025 is hosting a competition to find a handheld C-UAS system for soldiers in combat. Power limitations are typically a challenge for systems this size and it simply isn’t feasible for soldiers on the battlefield to tote along a 500-kilowatt generator, Lozano said.

However, the 101st Airborne Division has been testing out new handheld systems, he added, and that feedback has been positive enough for the service to launch a competition next year.

When it comes to C-UAS tech, Lozano and his team are also preparing to compete a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense System (THAAD) command and control replacement. Dubbed the Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS) maneuver, the Army is looking for a mobile system to first connect with C-UAS capabilities before also adding in maneuver short-range air defense ones.

“The intent will be to start off with something easily digestible, easily achievable, that many in industry can compete and participate in with the hopes of winning an award,” Lozano said.

The fourth and final C-UAS competition slated to kick off next year, he said, is finding a flat panel array radar for the new single vehicle Mobile-Low, Slow, Small-Unmanned Aircraft Integrated Defeat System (MLIDS). The Army had been using a two-mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) all-terrain vehicle (M-ATV) configuration that includes a “very capable” Raytheon radar. However, the service, Lozano said, is transitioning that setup to a single Stryker vehicle, and it wants to explore other radar options from companies like Elbit and SRC.

“[We’re setting] up a competition where we can bring out all the vendors and have a competition to make sure we understand what the state of play is within the market space, and give everybody an opportunity,” he added.

(Source: Breaking Defense.com)

07 Aug 24. First Polish AEW&C crews complete training ahead of IOC in September. The first Polish crews to be trained on the Saab 340 Erieye airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft have graduated, ahead of the type being declared ready for operations.

Polish Secretary of State at the Ministry of National Defense (MND) Paweł Bejda announced the milestone on 6 August, adding that initial operating capability (IOC) will follow in the coming weeks.

“The first crews of Saab 340 AEW aircraft have completed training. In terms of reconnaissance capabilities, we are reaching a level we did not have access to before. Two early warning and [control] aircraft purchased from Sweden will achieve initial operational capability in September,” Bejda said.

Poland contracted the two Saab 340 Erieye AEW&C aircraft in July 2023, with the first being officially presented to then Polish Minister of National Defence Mariusz Błaszczak in September 2023 ahead of arriving in Poland in March. The second of the two aircraft acquired was delivered from Sweden in early June.

Given Polish Air Force and Polish Navy markings, the aircraft will be operated by the Naval Aviation Brigade with crews drawn from both services.

The two Saab 340 Erieye AEW&C aircraft will be used to protect Polish airspace and strengthen NATO’s eastern flank. (Source: Janes)

07 Aug 24. Cuashub.com said today that Senate recommends $500m for Project Replicator. The US Senate has recommended a further $500m in funding for Project Replicator in the fiscal year 2025 appropriations bill, released August 1. The initiative underscores US commitment to investment in the development and deployment of advanced UAS and C-UAS systems, with the aim of enhancing the nation’s defence capabilities against modern threats.

Project Replicator

Project Replicator seeks to accelerate the research, development and fielding of autonomous UAS and C-UAS technologies by enabling commercial integration. Improving C-UAS capabilities is a key focus for the US due to the advancing capabilities of Russia and China. New systems developed under the Replicator initiative could aid Ukraine in its war against Russia and bolster Taiwanese efforts to deter an invasion by China.

“The Committee recognises the urgent need for the military services to field systems that defend against the growing and constantly evolving threat from unmanned aerial systems (UAS),” the report states.

The report also suggested that further finding could be forthcoming, with funds possibly being redirected from the Rapid Defence Experimentation Reserve (RDER).

“The Committee recommends full funding for Replicator funds requested in the fiscal year 2025 President’s budget request,” the report notes.

“Additionally, the Committee understands that Replicator Tranche Two selections are forthcoming, and that the Department may seek congressional action to ensure additional funding for Tranche Two systems is included in the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2025.”

“In anticipation of these emerging requirements, and in light of the Committee’s substantive concerns about the lack of results of RDER, the Committee recommends reallocating RDER resources into a Rapid Defence Innovation Reserve.”

How will the money be spent?

A major portion of the funding will be directed toward R&D efforts to explore advanced C-UAS technologies, including electronic warfare, directed energy weapons and kinetic interceptors. Such technologies will aid the US and its allies in efforts to detect, track and disable hostile UAS.

Funds will also be allocated for testing and evaluation protocols under “robust test and evaluation master plans” to ensure the reliability and effectiveness of new systems. This will likely include simulated environments and live-fire exercises to assess performance under realistic combat conditions.

The Replicator initiative emphasises the importance of collaboration between the DoD and leading defence contractors. By leveraging private sector innovation and expertise, the DoD aims to expedite the development and deployment of these C-UAS systems for the US and key allies, something Taiwan has recently indicated that it needs in order to counter the threat from China.

The approval of the fiscal 2025 appropriations bill, with its substantial investment in Project Replicator, highlights the US awareness of the UAS threat in the modern military theatre. As the landscape becomes increasingly complex, the focus on autonomous and advanced technologies will be essential in maintaining a strategic advantage over adversaries with rapidly advancing UAS capabilities.

The Counter UAS Technology USA 2024 conference will feature a range of speakers from US government, including the RCCTO, Marine Corps and the Office of the Secretary of Defense, who will discuss US capabilities and strategies in C-UAS.

https://cuashub.com/en/content/senate-recommends-500-m-for-project-replicator/?utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_MRZKZQvTx0W_3or3og3HhUMR8LT7XXlpeH2blYR17d4THCB7f9zngvrfaczMzVYrX2r6JtOpFucUMY8-m9OYZm8hfPIKpVtKZl1MSyiFa4uT8kQQ&_hsmi=319065772&utm_content=319065772&utm_source=hs_email (Source: https://cuashub.com/)

07 Aug 24. Cuashub.com said today that Mexico confirms casualties from cartel bomb-dropping drones. Last week, as reported by multiple news outlets, Mexico’s Defense Secretary, General Luis Cresencio Sandoval, confirmed that soldiers had been injured or killed as the result of cartel bomb-dropping drones.

Although Sandoval did not provide specific casualty figures, he confirmed that most fatal attacks occurred in Michoacan, a region embroiled in intense conflict. The Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) is fiercely fighting local gangs for territorial control in this western state.

“Our personnel have suffered wounds, and some of our troops have even died in these attacks,” Sandoval stated. These remarks represent a notable departure from earlier statements that only acknowledged injuries caused by improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the area. Although the precise timing of these drone attacks has not been disclosed, Sandoval suggested that they mainly targeted army patrol units. Sandoval stated the army was acquiring anti-drone systems to combat the threat.

“What we are seeking with this anti-drone equipment is to have the security capability, which we lack, for our personnel performing reconnaissance and patrols,” Sandoval said.

Despite the growing threat from aerial attacks, Sandoval emphasized that roadside bombs remain a more frequent hazard to army units. The cartels’ use of IEDs, trenches, pillboxes, homemade armored vehicles, and sniper rifles has transformed Michoacan into a war zone. This militarization of cartel tactics underscores their determination to control lucrative drug trafficking routes and territories.

The CJNG, one of Mexico’s most powerful and violent drug trafficking organizations, has been leading this conflict. Their innovative use of drones to drop explosives marks a significant escalation in the technology and methods employed by cartels. This development not only poses a severe threat to Mexican security forces but also signifies a dangerous evolution in cartel warfare.

Mexico confirms casualties from cartel bomb-dropping drones

(Source: https://cuashub.com/)

06 Aug 24. ELTA North America (ELTA NA), a United States company headquartered in Maryland, is a defense industry leader in integrated Counter UAS solutions, fixed and mobile radars, ground vehicle protection systems, airborne sensors, and cutting-edge solutions for National Security across multiple domains. ELTA NA performs on both classified and unclassified US based contracts. Expertise includes production and assembly of the Iron Dome radar among other design, production, assembly, integration, test and repair efforts.

ELTA North America On-The-Move CUAS System.

ELTA North America Modular Air Defense System Kit.

ELTA NA’s participation in the Joint Counter-small Unmanned Aircraft System Office (JCO) demo consisted of two integrated systems that were enhanced beyond the prior operational capability. Both the Modular Air Defense System Kit and the On-the-Move System were demonstrated, primarily highlighting the improved radar capabilities that provide autonomous Detect, Track, Identification and Classification prior to alerting an operator and recommending a defeat solution.

Reported by Sydney J. Freedberg Jr. in the Breaking Defense July 24, 2024 “Swarm Wars” article, COL Michael Parent, Chief of Acquisitions & Resources at the Army-led JCO stated, “Demo Five really was our most challenging JCO demonstration to date.” COL Parent further stated that the systems attending this event all showed a “greater level of maturity” and offered “much better solutions” to the threat compared to those at previous demos. ELTA NA was one of 8 selected from a group of 60 applicants mature enough to handle this task. “This was an incredibly difficult field demonstration,” said ELTA NA CEO Joe Adams. “There were up to 50 unmanned aircraft of different types converging on a single target at one time. Our radars are cutting edge, there’s a reason why they were used by others in this JCO Demo.” Mr. Adams also stated, “Although ELTA NA has the ability to provide a fully integrated solution, we believe it’s important to work across industry as partners for effective layered solutions to counter this dynamic threat environment.”

(Source: PR Newswire)

02 Aug 24. US Army conducts live-fire C-UAS exercise during Operation Hard Kill. The United States Army’s 10th Mountain Division and the Combat Capabilities Development Command, known as DEVCOM, have collaborated to defeat uncrewed aerial system (UAS) threats during Operation Hard Kill at Fort Drum on August 1.

Operation Hard Kill provides an opportunity for 10th Mountain Division and industry partners to work together to develop a collaborative system to facilitate counter-UAS training at Fort Drum. It demonstrates 10th Mountain Division and Fort Drum’s ability to coordinate and execute the use of C-UAS equipment through live-fire exercises.

The August 1 event included the Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station (CROWS) B system, for use on armoured vehicles and ships. It allows weapon operators to engage targets without leaving the protection of their vehicle. A four-legged uncrewed ground vehicle armed with an artificial intelligence-enabled rifle was also part of the test.

The event also tested command and control support across US Army departments.

For more information: US Army DEVCOM: https://www.army.mil/devcom (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

30 Jul 24. SkySafe drone detection system to stem flow of illicit goods at the US Southern border. SkySafe has been awarded a drone detection contract from Amentum, acting on behalf of the United States Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate and US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) under the Department of Defense Information Analysis Center’s multiple-award contract vehicle.

Drones are frequently used to smuggle illegal drugs across the international border into the US. They are operated from a distance by remote control and are most often used under the cover of night. The drones that are flown across the border can typically carry two to five pounds in weight and will attempt several trips in one smuggling event. Packages of hard narcotics are often equipped with trackers to allow smugglers waiting on the northern side of the border to easily locate them after they are dropped. Human smugglers also use drones to monitor agents on patrol.

SkySafe will deploy its cloud-based drone detection system along a portion of the US Southern border to further help curb the flow of illicit goods into the United States. The company’s Software as a Service (SaaS) platform detects, tracks, and identifies a wide range of drones. The system integrates hardware and software components and will provide CBP agents with real-time alerts for situational awareness. SkySafe’s technology and support infrastructure were selected from a competitive process. The project will be implemented in phases.

For more information: https://www.skysafe.io/ (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

30 Jul 24. Skylark Labs to demonstrate C-UAS technology at DoD innovation event. Artificial intelligence specialist Skylark Labs has been selected by the US Department of Defense’s (DoD) Office of Innovation and Modernization to participate in the Technology Innovation Discovery Event (TIDE) 2024. The company will demonstrate its counter-uncrewed aerial system (C-UAS) technology.

Sponsored by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, TIDE 2024 will take place on August 28, 2024, at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly, Virginia.

Skylark will demonstrate its ARIES (Aerial Reconnaissance & Elimination System) and other proprietary technologies at the event. These systems are designed to detect, classify, and respond to threats in real-time. Previously, Skylark Labs demonstrated the ARIES system to DoD stakeholders, focusing on its ability to detect and track drones beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS). (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

30 Jul 24. Russia ‘develops interceptor drone’ that shoots net to disable UAS. Russian news portal TAdviser reports that the Russian military has developed an uncrewed aerial systems interceptor known as the ‘Osoed’, which is designed specifically to target and neutralise other drones. The article notes that detailed information on this interceptor is limited, but that it is built on a 9-inch FPV drone platform and is equipped with a special mechanism that shoots a net covering enemy equipment from a distance of several metres.

“The device can reach speeds of up to 140 km/h, and the charge of the battery pack is enough for 24 minutes of flight. The operating range is 4-5 km, the maximum altitude is 5-6 km,” TAdviser says.

Osoed can be equipped with additional equipment, such as thermal imager, making night interceptions possible. In addition, TAdviser reports that a new version will be equipped with a ram that allows a UAV to be destroyed without damaging the Osoed itself.

Earlier this month, Russian media reported that Pervyy Dirizhabl (First Dirigible) had developed a drone protection system comprising a net that is attached to aerostats. For more information; https://tadviser.com/ (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

05 Aug 24. SAE Media Group Acquires Leading Community Hub for C-UAS Professionals. SAE Media Group has completed the acquisition of C-UAS Hub (cuashub.com), a premier resource for news and actionable information in the counter-UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) market. The acquisition joins SMG’s growing family of conferences and publications focused on solutions to detect, track, and ultimately disrupt/destroy unmanned aircraft or drones before they can do harm.

The idea for C-UAS Hub originated when the site’s co-creators – Tom Adams and Casey Flanagan – were working counter-UAS missions in federal law enforcement. While traveling across the United States supporting high-profile events and drone-related criminal investigations, it became readily apparent that there was no central location to find relevant information to support their efforts. They launched the web site in 2022, followed by a daily e-mail newsletter and LinkedIn page.

C-UAS Hub features the latest industry news, original articles, vendor profiles, products, services, events, and jobs, along with a library of guides, references, and research papers. Attracting users from over 180 countries, the site has enjoyed rapid growth. During the first half of 2024, organic search traffic increased by nearly 300% and new users increased by 70%.

“We are passionate about this site and excited to collaborate with SAE Media Group to realise its full potential,” said Tom Adams. “With current events in Ukraine and Israel, and the verified drone threat to prisons, borders, ports, and critical infrastructure, C-UAS Hub will continue to expand and serve as a primary reference for the defence industry, security industry, and law enforcement.”

“This acquisition strengthens our offerings to the C-UAS community and allows us to not only deliver live events but ensures the latest market intelligence is available to industry practitioners 24/7/365,” said Miles Dixon, Managing Director of SMG Conferences. “C-UAS Hub has established itself as the news platform for anti-drone professionals worldwide and we look forward to adding value though our expanded products and services.”

Added SAE Media Group President Joe Pramberger: “For more than a century, SAE has brought together the key stakeholders in aerospace, defence, automotive, and other critical industries to collectively solve important problems for the public good. The acquisition of C-UAS Hub will help us continue that legacy.”

About SAE Media Group

A wholly owned subsidiary of SAE International, SAE Media Group (saemediagroup.com) is comprised of two synergistic organisations: SMG Media, headquartered in New York City, offers a diverse multimedia portfolio of engineering magazines, newsletters, web sites, webcasts, podcasts, and custom marketing services; SMG Conferences, based in London, produces over 45 high-level networking events worldwide, concentrating on the aerospace, military, medical, and pharmaceutical markets. Together, they serve the information needs of one m technical professionals across the globe.

02 Aug 24. US Army awards Raytheon $2bn to begin LTAMDS production.

The production deal comes nearly five years after the service first tapped the company to develop the Patriot replacement radars.

As the US Army moves to build a layered defense system to protect key locations like Guam from aerial threats, it has officially awarded a high-dollar initial production contract of a key component of that plan: a new 360-degree radar dubbed the Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense System, or LTAMDS.

Meant to replace the current Patriot radars, the systems will be the first production units fielded some six years after the US government selected Raytheon, now owned by parent company RTX, to deliver six production representative units for testing and other assessment activities. While the duo encountered technical challenges with those initial LTAMDS units that led to a production delay, on Wednesday the service announced it was awarding the company just north of $2 bn to begin low-rate initial production on an unspecified number of radars. Those dollars, the Army added, will run through the end of November 2028.

The contract announcement notes that money for the LTAMDS radars is also funneled in from Foreign Military Sales figures for Poland. In September 2023 Warsaw announced its agreement to buy 12 of the radars, becoming the first international customer for the system.

“The LTAMDS capability increases sensor/radar performance to maximize the inherent Patriot Advanced Capability (PAC-3) Missile Segment Enhanced (MSE) Interceptor capabilities to engage threats,” the service wrote in fiscal 2025 budget request documents. That spending request, still on Capitol Hill, includes $517m to purchase four units next year. If the Army’s current plan sticks, it wants to purchase another five LTAMDS in 2026 and another handful in 2027, before upping the production run to eight units per year in 2028 and 2029, according to budget documents.

Service leaders are currently on a quest to modernize the entire force, including by fielding a new Integrated Air and Missile Defense architecture it can deploy abroad. As tensions have risen between China and the US in recent years, Washington is looking to shore up Guam’s defenses.

LTAMDS is expected to provide the sensing capabilities, surveillance and fire control in the lower tier portion of the ballistic missile defense battlespace. But the new radar is just one part of the equation to better protect the US territory in the Pacific Ocean.

To do that, the Pentagon recently formed a new joint program office (JPO) with Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) head Lt. Gen. Robert Rasch now dual hatted as the lead it. At a Center for Strategic and International Studies event in Washington this week, the three-star general said he is still waiting for FY24 dollars to be reprogrammed so he can expand the small JPO.

“At this point, early on, I would characterize it as a coalition of the willing,” Rasch said.

“This large JPO that you’re imagining is about eight people right now, those eight people are working really, really hard establishing the network of communications,” he later added, noting there is ongoing work with offices like the Missile Defense Agency and the Army’s Program Executive Office for Missiles and Space.

A requirements document is currently working its way through the approval process, and Rasch said he is waiting for Department of Defense leaders to make “key decisions” about which service or agency will “own” various pieces of Guam defense equipment “at the end of the day.” Historically, such ownership questions can be sticky since it requires a service to dedicate part of its budget to buying equipment for a grander plan.

For example, in addition to deploying LTAMDS radars on Guam, the evolving plan also includes the Army’s new command and control system called the Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS), and the Indirect Fire Protection Capability Increment 2 (IFPC Inc 2) system. The Army Long Range Persistent Surveillance (ALPS), Lockheed Martin’s Remote Interceptor Guidance-360 (RIG–360), Sentinel A3 and A4 radars, as also involved.

The Navy and Air Force also are contributing tech, including the former with Aegis Ashore missile system.

“So really a cacophony of command and control systems. … We’re fighting in a swivel chair fashion and we think we can do better: We think we need to do better,” Rasch told the audience.

In a bid to net together as much as possible before setting up the system on Guam, the Army has embarked on an incremental Integrated Fires Test Campaign. Last year the test series focused on IBCS and LTAMDS integration. This year it is slated to add in Dynetics’ IFPC Inc 2 prototypes. Remaining capabilities will also be folded into the test plan leading up to the 2027 goal of having an operational air defense system protecting the island.

“Not only do I have to get those individual programs across the goal line, they all have to work together,” Brig. Gen. Frank Lozano, the Army’s Program Executive Officer for Missiles and Space said at the same CSIS event this week. (Source: Defense News Early Bird/Breaking Defense.com)

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RADAR, EO/IR, C-UAS, NIGHT VISION AND SURVEILLANCE UPDATE

August 2, 2024 by

Sponsored by Echodyne

www.echodyne.com

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01 Aug 24. BlueHalo, the company transforming the future of global defense with actively deployed and operationally proven Counter-Uncrewed Aerial System (C-UAS) solutions, announced today the successful completion of critical milestones in the development of its agile and disruptive new Next-Generation C-UAS Missile (NGCM): Freedom Eagle (FE-1). In June, BlueHalo announced its selection as one of two vendors chosen to continue development of the Next-Generation C-UAS Missile (NGCM) by the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation & Missile Center (CCDC AvMC) Aviation & Missile Technology Consortium® (AMTC). The company has since completed multiple rounds of testing for the FE-1, including the successful firing of its dual-thrust, solid rocket motor. Fueled by strategic early investments from the company, this milestone demonstrates the FE-1’s technological maturity and readiness while significantly reducing the technical and scheduling risks typically associated with rapid development programs.

“On battlefields around the globe, drones are proving to be one of the most rapidly evolving threats to national security, demanding the accelerated development of innovative technologies for continued all-domain dominance,” said Jonathan Moneymaker, BlueHalo Chief Executive Officer. “Our forward-thinking investments and collaborative efforts have positioned BlueHalo as a trusted and viable alternative missile provider, ready to outpace these emerging threats with superior technology while expanding the solid rocket motor industrial base and creating a more robust national security supply chain.”

FE-1 goes beyond current capabilities to increase lethality and range against Group 3 UAS and other larger air threats while seamlessly integrating with existing infrastructure and Command and Control (C2) systems. It offers a low-cost effector with superior maneuverability to defeat an array of Short-Range Air Defense (SHORAD) threats. FE-1 joins BlueHalo’s suite of innovative, effective C-UAS solutions for national defense customers. This includes the company’s LOCUST Directed Energy Laser Weapon System, which has been successfully delivered and operationally deployed to identify, track, and engage a wide variety of targets with its hard-kill High Energy Laser.

“FE-1 doesn’t just meet today’s challenges; it evolves with them,” said Jimmy Jenkins, President, BlueHalo Armed Forces Portfolio, and former air defender in the U.S. Army. “We’ve already reached the point in FE-1’s development where we are firing rocket motors because we identified the need early and have the capability, know-how, and agility to develop and deliver a technically superior solution to the frontlines quickly. We’re proud to work with AMTC and PEO Missile and Space to rapidly bring this critical capability to the warfighter.”

“With FE-1, we’re providing warfighters with increased range, reduced time-to-target, and rapid launch capabilities,” said James Batt, BlueHalo Chief Growth Officer. “With the addition of this kinetic offering to our proven C2, Directed Energy, and RF-based C-UAS solutions, BlueHalo is proud to deliver ironclad, industry-leading end-to-end layered air and missile defense.” (Source: PR Newswire)

01 Aug 24. Temporary GM400a installed at Netherlands radar site.

The Nieuw Milligen radar station in the Netherlands has been installed with a new, temporary Ground Master 400 Alpha (GM400α) radar from Thales, the Netherlands Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced on 1 August.

The GM400α is a temporary replacement of the 52-year-old Medium Power Radar (MPR) stationed at Nieuw Milligen until the new radar station in Herwijnen is installed with the long-range SMART-L Multi-Mission/Fixed (MM/F) system from Thales.

Once operational, Herwijnen will monitor the southern regions of the Netherlands, while the radar station in Wier, which is already fitted with the SMART-L MM/F, covers the northern regions.

SMART-L MM/F is a land variant of the naval SMART-L 3D active electronically scanned array (AESA) multibeam air and surface surveillance and target designation radar. Two MM/F systems – integrated with a ballistic missile defence (BMD) capability and a space object surveillance mode – were procured by the MoD to improve the Royal Netherlands Air Force’s (RNLAF’s) ability to detect new threats such as low-flying unmanned systems and ballistic missiles.

GM400α is an S-band radar featuring five times more processing power than previous versions with an extended 515 km range, enabled by an upgraded radar processor and ‘advanced’ detection algorithms. The system is designed to be mobile, with a deployment time of 30 minutes, supported via a foldable antenna, the company said. By integrating Doppler waveforms, the radar has the ability to detect objects of interest at a very low altitude, such as tactical unmanned aircraft systems (UASs), Yves Descourvieres, the head of product management at Thales, told Janes (Source: Janes)

01 Aug 24. Advanced C-UAS Technology to be Displayed at TIDE 2024.

Skylark Labs is set to showcase its ARIES C-UAS system at TIDE 2024, designed to detect, classify, and respond to emerging threats in real-

Skylark Labs will demonstrate advanced counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) technology at the Technology Innovation Discovery Event (TIDE) 2024, having been selected by the Office of Innovation and Modernization.

Skylark Labs will display its ARIES (Aerial Reconnaissance & Elimination System) and other proprietary technologies at TIDE 2024, taking place on August 28 at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly, Virginia.

The company’s systems are designed to detect, classify, and respond to emerging threats in real-time, providing critical support for defense and intelligence operations.

Skylark’s solutions integrate seamlessly with existing systems, improving operational efficiency while reducing costs. This approach eliminates the need for frequent manual updates, and increases overall mission success rates and warfighter safety.

Sponsored by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD(R&E)), TIDE 2024 is a key platform for discovering emerging technologies with the ability to enhance strategic and operational capabilities.

Skylark Labs’ AI technology is designed to address a gap in modern defense operations by providing real-time adaptive intelligence in changing threat environments.

The company’s self-learning AI adapts to new threats across multiple domains without requiring manual updates, enhancing situational awareness and accelerating decision-making for warfighters.

Previously, Skylark Labs demonstrated the ARIES system to key Department of Defense stakeholders, showcasing its ability to detect and track drones beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS). The successful demonstration showcased ARIES’ potential to enhance counter-UAS operations, providing critical real-time intelligence for rapid decision-making.

Dr. Amarjot Singh, CEO of Skylark Labs, commented; “We’re honored to showcase our advancements at TIDE 2024. Our adaptive AI represents a leap forward in autonomous threat detection and response, offering unprecedented capabilities for defense applications.

“Our adaptive AI technology surpasses traditional static systems by continuously learning at the edge. This capability is crucial for maintaining situational awareness and enabling rapid, informed decisions in dynamic environments.” (Source: https://www.defenseadvancement.com/)

01 Aug 24. Cuashub.com said today that JCO Reports Successful Counter Drone-Swarm Demonstration.

The U.S. Army reported a successful counter drone-swarm demonstration at the Joint Counter-Small Unmanned Systems Office’s (JCO) fifth C-sUAS demonstration at Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) from June 3-28, 2024. During the event, testers launched over 40 UAS targets converging on a defended area in each session. These tests enabled the JCO to evaluate the command-and-control capabilities of nine C-sUAS systems, observing how each system sensed and identified various types of UAS threats.

“It was a very successful demonstration in informing U.S. [forces] and our allies what capabilities exist out there for this very challenging profile,” said Col. Michael Parent, JCO Acquisition Division chief.

“You don’t want to obviously engage the target multiple times,” Parent added. “You’ve got so many [UAS] coming at you, you have to be able to differentiate and have the most promising threat first.”

The demonstration presented a wide array of threats that swarmed the C-sUAS systems in mass and waves, showcasing both kinetic and non-kinetic defeat solutions. Experiments tested capabilities that included guided rockets, kinetic interceptor drones, electro-optical/infrared cameras, radio frequency scanners, and radio frequency jammers.

Small UASs pose significant threats to military operations, as demonstrated in Ukraine and parts of Israel, by transporting ammunition for targeted attacks and gathering reconnaissance. To address this, former Defense Secretary Mark Esper designated the Army as the executive agent for C-sUAS defense in 2019.

The JCO plans to start prototyping specific C-sUAS proposals in 2025 based on combatant commanders’ needs and will hold the next demonstration in fiscal year 2025. The current systems showed improved speed and threat recognition compared to previous demonstrations. This event was the first demonstration in nearly 12 months.

As the JCO is still evaluating the test results, Parent refrained from commenting on the effectiveness of each vendor’s systems or specific performance data. Among the eight vendors, the JCO selected two proposals from Maryland-based ELTA North America: vehicle-mounted and platoon transport solutions.

According to Parent, the testing results will be compiled and sent to U.S. combatant commands and vendors. Additionally, the JCO will collaborate with joint partners to identify priority focus areas for UAS systems.

https://cuashub.com/en/content/jco-reports-successful-counter-drone-swarm-demonstration/?utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_FUulG0g-e793pl2lUh8NCHhJJDsXv6iI9Lt8YG3jw9KnS-mm7ZPI0BRZl3GqHEB_23XCnYYtrIJ-uu9cA12VV4VLaA1xy-KS_04RPrgArpIV4dd4&_hsmi=318308429&utm_content=318308429&utm_source=hs_email(Source: https://cuashub.com/)

01 Aug 24. DroneShield Limited (ASX:DRO) (“DroneShield” or “the Company”) has released the latest update to their full range of Radio Frequency (RF) sensors including the RfPatrol Mk2, RfOne Mk2 and all DroneSentry-X models.

This update significantly expands the pool of drones that RFAI can identify, including several additions requested by customers who collaborated with DroneShield to provide real-world recordings of previously unseen models.

New features include:

Advanced Scanning: Users can customise each device’s scanning pattern to include any combination of AI-powered RF scanning, Wi-Fi scanning, and other emission detection.
Directional Hardware Upgrade: Existing Directional Antenna Units for the RfPatrol Mk2 now have greater sensitivity and performance in showing a user drone location.
Directional Filtering: RF Filters have been enhanced on the DroneSentry-X Mk2 to adapt system capabilities to nuances in operational environments.
Expanded API: The extensive API has been expanded for all DroneShield systems. All major features are controllable remotely, including signal filters and detection band activation.
Code Downloads: Client developers can now download protocol buffer code packages from the Access Portal to streamline the integration of DroneShield hardware into third-party systems.

Angus Bean, DroneShield Chief Technology Officer, commented, “Our focus on delivering world-class counterdrone technology is highlighted by collaboration with our valued customers. We provide the latest integration tools they need, and work closely with them to gain insights to the cutting-edge threats they experience.”

31 Jul 24. Cuashub.com said today that SkySafe, a leader in drone detection and airspace security, today announced it has been awarded a significant contract from Amentum, a leader in global engineering, project management and solutions integration, acting on behalf of the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate (DHS S&T) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) under the Department of Defense Information Analysis Center’s (DoD IAC) multiple-award contract (MAC) vehicle. These DoD IAC MAC task orders (TOs) are awarded by the U.S. Air Force’s 774th Enterprise Sourcing Squadron to develop and create new knowledge to enhance the DTIC repository and the R&D and S&T community.

SkySafe will deploy its state-of-the-art, cloud-based drone detection system along a portion of the U.S. Southern border to further help curb the flow of illicit goods into the United States. SkySafe’s proven technology and support infrastructure were selected from a competitive process. The project will be implemented in phases.

“Amentum is committed to solving our customer’s most difficult challenges through innovation and industry collaboration” said Kris Meyer, Amentum Counter-Uncrewed Systems Portfolio Manager. “We are proud to work on this important counter-UAS initiative with SkySafe.”

SkySafe’s comprehensive Software as a Service (SaaS) solution offers unparalleled capabilities in detecting, tracking, and identifying a wide range of drones. The system seamlessly integrates hardware and software components and will provide CBP agents with real-time alerts for comprehensive situational awareness.

SkySafe is proud to contribute to the ongoing efforts to secure our nation’s borders and looks forward to continued collaboration with Amentum, DHS S&T, and CBP to address the ever-evolving landscape of airspace security challenges.

“We are honored to partner with Amentum and the Department of Homeland Security in this critical effort to protect our borders,” said Grant Jordan, CEO of SkySafe. “Our advanced technology, honed over years of real-world deployments, is uniquely suited to address CBP’s evolving challenges. We are confident that our solution will significantly enhance border security and help safeguard our communities.”

SkySafe Awarded Contract to Enhance U.S. Border Security

(Source: https://cuashub.com/)

31 Jul 24. Cuashub.com said today that Sentrycs to Protect Ports in Latin America. Sentrycs, a technology leader of Adaptive Protocol Analytics-based counter-UAS solutions, announces it has been selected by a major maritime logistics and shipping company to protect ports in Latin America from drug cartels smuggling narcotics into shipping containers.

Exploiting the port facility’s previous focus on traditional perimeter security, criminals were utilizing small drones with and without GPS to perform surveillance flights and monitor the presence of security guards. In the absence of guards, they breached the fences, opened containers, and stashed contraband. If guards were present, they resorted to bribery or violence. The risks of such security lapses were clear: loss of key customers up to entering a blacklisted suppliers’ list in destination countries.

Two further limitations were crucial in selecting Sentrycs over jamming-based anti-drone systems: the logistics company used their own drones for monitoring purposes, and Sentrycs’ allows differentiation even between identical drones, mitigating only unauthorized ones. Additionally, Sentrycs ensured uninterrupted operations in the semi-urban port environment, where internal communication systems relied on WiFi.

“During Sentrycs’ site inspection, the system detected 127 unique unauthorized drones in 5 days. The fact that our solution could locate the operators’ last known locations was a game-changer both for our customer and for the local law enforcement authorities,” said Yoav Zaltzman, CEO of Sentrycs.

Sentrycs to Protect Ports in Latin America

(Source: https://cuashub.com/)

30 Jul 24. Game-Changing Customisation in New C2 Software for Security & C-UAS. VSD-C2 is a groundbreaking command and control (C2) display application that has just been released by Cambridge Pixel, a leading UK-based software engineering company renowned for their expertise in radar and sensor/effector processing. VSD-C2 sets a new standard for customisation, offering unparalleled flexibility and capability in the C2 software market.

In response to the escalating demand for advanced security and defence solutions, particularly in the rapidly evolving counter-drone sector, developers and integrators are under increasing pressure to deliver sophisticated, cost-effective solutions swiftly. Traditional command and control display applications often force a compromise between fully bespoke software, which is time-consuming and costly to develop, and COTS (Commercial Off-The-Shelf) software, which is often not flexible enough to meet project requirements.

VSD-C2 from Cambridge Pixel revolutionises this landscape by providing a hybrid solution that combines the best of both worlds. This enhanced version of the popular Video Security Display allows for extensive customisation, enabling branding, layout, and functionality to be fully tailored. Features include a diverse selection of display windows, accommodating both 2D and 3D sensor feeds, live video, fused PPI radar, and innovative options such as a 3D view and a panorama display. Customised, multi-step workflows can be implemented with inbuilt support for a variety of off-the-shelf effector technologies, including hailing devices, dazzlers and inhibitors/jammers. The software also supports real-time overlaid symbology, as well as background maps or charts. Additionally, VSD-C2 is designed to support multi-screen operator displays, enhancing operational efficiency.

Integration is seamless with VSD-C2, thanks to its support for Open Standards and compatibility with a wide and growing range of sensors and effectors. The software is also fully integratable with Cambridge Pixel’s suite of modular solutions, enabling the addition of radar interfacing, target tracking, track fusion and distribution, camera slew-to-cue, multi-sensor recording, and more—offering a comprehensive C2 system tailored to specific operational requirements.

David Johnson, Founder and Managing Director of Cambridge Pixel, commented on this significant development: “VSD-C2 addresses the critical challenge faced by many security and defence integrators today—how to deliver a highly customised command and control display solution that is both cost-effective and timely. We are thrilled to introduce this innovative product and invite interested parties to explore how VSD-C2 can transform their operations.”

Cambridge Pixel’s VSD-C2 stands as a testament to their commitment to innovation and excellence in the security and defence industry.

26 Jul 24. USA “can learn from Ukraine’s low-cost drone detectors” – US air defence chief. The commanding general of the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command, Army Lt. Gen. Stephen Gainey said Ukraine’s use of acoustic sensors as counter-drone solutions could be replicated by US forces as a “low-cost defeat system”.

“Just because it’s low cost and some of our stuff is higher cost, we should be able to find ways to work together and augment some of our capabilities with some of that lower cost capability,” Gainey said during a discussion at the Hudson Institute on July 24. He praised Ukraine’s ability to innovate low cost technologies. “Their use of acoustic sensors proliferated across their country to the point now where they’re almost positively identifying drones at distance. The way they’ve employed this acoustic sensor and as the cat and mouse game of flying drones higher, lower, or fast or slower, they’ve been able to innovate and adapt to have a pretty good capability from the detection standpoint and a low cost defeat.”

Gainey added that one of the key lessons the US could learn from Ukraine is “the ability to be able to disperse our capability and be able to respond to several different threats simultaneously”.

Gainey also spoke about the US intention to develop defence systems for drone swarms. “Again, the investment we’re putting into high-powered microwave to be able to address a large number at one time is a relatively low cost per shot capability. We already have four high-powered microwave prototypes.” In a call to industry he added “Hey, we need help in this area. Come bring your best technology, best ways you can get after it and let’s go for it.” He said that depending on demonstration results, the Department of Defense could “fund it and get it out rapidly and then start learning in the field on making it better as opposed to just waiting and taking a long time”.

Addressing platform and system modernisation within the US Army, Gainey spoke of the integrated battle command system, or IBCS, which is a fire control C-II system that “has the ability to integrate traditional Patriot components, the radar, the launchers, but also integrate the counter cruise missile capability launchers with the Sentinel radar, and eventually even the counter UAS capability where the operator has the ability from his EOC to be able to leverage the sense fire control data from that element and then assign that target to the appropriate effector, and employ that in a 360-degree manner”. Gainey said it is essential that the Department of Defense develops in that way “based on what we’re seeing”.

Prior to the Hudson discussion, Gainey discussed the command’s initiatives to lead a proof-of-concept demonstration for using C-UAS in the homeland to help U.S. Northern Command determine how to move forward with C-UAS capabilities across the continental United States.

Speaking at a Coffee Series event hosted by the Association of the U.S. Army on July 23, Gainey said: “Warfare is changing drones and all the capabilities that they may need. We do our own internal science and technology work so we’re able to do the gap analysis across the space and missile defence portfolio through our Center of Excellence. Then our Center of Excellence is able to walk down and document to our technical centre from a science and technology perspective. They can go out and work closely with industry and see what’s out there to help get after some of the challenges that we have moving forward. We’re having to leverage more capability for a mission set with our modernization. We’re building based off knowing that there’s a 360-degree threat.”

For more information: US Army Space and Missile Defense Command

The Hudson Institute (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

29 Jul 24. London Defence R&D introduces long-range C-UAS technology. London Defence R&D has introduced its LD-600 RF effector, a long-range counter-drone system.

Capable of operating up to 10 kilometres, the LD-600 RF is equipped with directional and omnidirectional antennas, and is designed for continuous operation. It is equipped with a C2 control panel and the system’s IP67 protection rating offers resistance to harsh environmental conditions.

For more information: London Defence, https://londondrd.uk/about-us/ (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

26 Jul 24. D-Fend receives additional confirmation from FAA for EnforceAir 2 C-UAS. July 26, 2024 Kylie Bielby Counter-UAS systems and policies. D-Fend solutions has received additional confirmation from the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for EnforceAir2, the company’s counter-drone technology, following completion of a series of evaluations related to airport operational continuity.

In communications with D-Fend Solutions, the FAA commented that it had “evaluated EnforceAir2’s ability to detect, track, and identify potential risks posed by errant or hostile unmanned aircraft systems, and ensured the system does not adversely impact or interfere with safe airport operations, navigation, air traffic services, or the safe and efficient operation of the National Airspace System”. The evaluation was conducted as part of Section 383(a) of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, which requires the FAA to develop a plan for certifying, permitting, authorising, or allowing drone detection and mitigation systems in the National Airspace System.

In 2023, D-Fend was selected for participation in the FAA’s Airport UAS Detection and Mitigation Research programme at Atlantic City International Airport (KACY) and Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR). The programme aims to enable the agency to work with other federal departments to ensure that systems are being developed, tested, or deployed to detect and mitigate potential risks posed by errant or hostile drone operations. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

24 Jul 24. Paris Olympic sites ‘intercepting six drones per day.’ French security forces guarding sites set to be used in the Paris Olympics, which gets underway later this week, are intercepting an average of six drones per day, France24 quotes Prime Minister Gabriel Attal as saying.

Attal reminded the public and visiting tourists that there is a ban on flying drones, and that unauthorised drones will be intercepted and their operators arrested. In addition, airspace in a 150-kilometre radius around Paris will be completely closed on Friday evening during the opening ceremony.

France24 said there had been several incidents around the Olympic village on July 21, and, according to a member of Attal’s team, the communications chief of the Brazilian delegation was apprehended for operating a drone.

The French government has reportedly invested EUR350 m in counter drone systems designed to jam or mitigate with laser technology.

On July 23, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) issued a notice to remind drone pilots of restrictions associated with the Olympics. “With the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris and a large number of different sports being played at venues across this part of France, EASA would like to remind you that it is important that you don’t fly your drone near any major public event,” the notice read. It was accompanied by links to guidance on French airspace restrictions and data on the risks of flying a drone at public events. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

29 Jul 24. Intersoft Electronics and TSS Solutions team up to develop C-UAS technologies. Intersoft Electronics Inc and TSS Solutions will combine forces to develop and deliver Air Surveillance Radar (ASR) Service Life Extension Programmes (SLEP), as well as counter-uncrewed aerial systems technologies to the United States military.

The scalable radar systems covered by the new agreement integrate Intersoft’s ASR-M®, a modular approach to airport surveillance radar that embeds advanced technologies to enhance radar performance. The core of ASR-M a signal processor which features patented technologies that have been developed to address current and emerging challenges, such as wind farm mitigation, anomalous propagation, and 5G interference.

For more information: TSS Solutions, Intersoft Electronics, https://www.tsssolutions.com/, https://intersoft-electronics.com/

27 Jul 24. JCO seeks C-sUAS capabilities for contested electromagnetic environments. The Joint Counter-small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-sUAS) Office (JCO) is seeking information from industry to inform its next demonstration, in or around March 2025. Industry’s responses to the Request for Information will enable the JCO to refine the requirements of the demonstration and better understand availability of technology to target proper dates to execute the demonstration.

The JCO is interested to understand industry’s C-sUAS capabilities that can operate in a contested electromagnetic environment. The JCO intends to focus the FY25 Demonstration 6 within two topic areas:

Group 3 short range defeat: Systems used to detect, track, identify, and defeat (DTID) Group 3 UAS within 2km slant range from the C-sUAS platform. The JCO is specifically interested in small arms munitions at or below 40mm and kinetic interceptor effectors.
Groups 1 and 2 dismounted DTID: Systems used by dismounted forces to detect, track, identify, and/or defeat Group 1-2 UAS. This includes handheld weapons, personal weapon affixable systems such as enhanced optics and warfighter wearable systems.

The C-sUAS capabilities that meet the description above must be able to successfully operate in a contested electromagnetic environment within the frequency ranges of 30 MHz – 20,000 MHz. Ultimately, the sensor systems must effectively operate while being actively interfered with or targeted by adversary jamming systems or experiencing other electromagnetic interference. The sensor systems must then accurately cue effector systems that are impacted by the contested electromagnetic environment. Finally, the effector systems then must effectively defeat, deny, or degrade threat UAS within this contested environment.

The RFI notes that methods to enable system resiliency and successful operation within a contested electromagnetic environment may include but are not limited to the following: incorporating low probability of detect, low probability of intercept, adaptive beamforming, frequency hop, and other means to manoeuvre across the EMS.

The C-sUAS platforms must have the ability to understand they are being impacted within the EMS and autonomously manoeuvre elsewhere within the EMS or enact other resiliency measures to enable functionality, continued operation, and successful mission performance.

Written responses from small and large companies are invited by August 6, 2024.

For more information: JCO contract opportunity on SAM.gov (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

29 Jul 24. Cuashub.com said today that USAF Seeking Counter-UAS Tech for Fall 2024 Demonstration.

North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and the United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) seek vendor information about new Counter-UAS tech for a Fall 2024 demonstration hosted by NORAD and USNORTHCOM. Candidate systems should be capable of detecting, tracking, identifying, and/or defeating Group 1 and Group 2 small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) as defined in Joint Publication 3-30, Joint Air Operations, dated July 25, 2019, and revised on September 17, 2021.

NORAD and USNORTHCOM are conducting a field capability experiment, FALCON PEAK 2025 (FP25), to discover new technologies, enhance collaboration, and provide developers with immediate feedback to accelerate the maturation of innovative capabilities with DoD-wide applicability that enable operations within the homeland. This C-sUAS experiment will focus on systems capable of detecting, tracking, identifying, and/or defeating sUAS threats in a military installation scenario in accordance with continental United States statutes, directives, policies, and strategies. The capabilities and characteristics of selected systems will be showcased during FP25. The results will inform decision-makers of emerging solutions that may enhance or enable operations.

Interested vendors are invited to submit white papers addressing the following points, detailed in the RFI attachment:

Need and Problem Statement: Explain why the technology is necessary and the specific problem it addresses.

Innovation and Advancements: Describe what is new or advanced in your approach and why it will achieve FP25 goals.

Technology Maturity: Outline your technology’s current maturity and what is needed to advance it to the next level (e.g., R&D funding, procurement).

Performance and Details: Provide anticipated performance metrics and relevant details about your technology.

The information gathered through this RFI may inform future government decisions regarding C-sUAS technologies. Respondents may be considered for further engagement, including a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA). However, submitting a response to this RFI does not guarantee selection for a CRADA or any other form of contract or agreement.

Original Published Date: Jul 22, 2024, 05:06 pm MDT

Original Response Date: Aug 04, 2024, 05:00 pm MDT

Please visit Sources Sought for Counter-Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-sUAS) Technologies on sam.gov for additional information.

https://cuashub.com/en/content/usaf-seeking-counter-uas-tech-for-fall-2024-demonstration/?utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-87Eylb5ENElIR2x7A5bqznQxlGnIVah4yfFl3yjfy9z4FQ5Rnl_eadT2HRjGEl-s_WniFxVDJTbipwUnUWs7HlvpVZ_XI2sjK5CEk97-LHLmu1-VQ&_hsmi=317729178&utm_content=317729178&utm_source=hs_email(Source: C-UAS Hub)

29 Jul 24. Cuashub.com said today that DoS Issues Second Request for Digital Drone Forensics Tools. The United States Embassy in Mexico has issued a second Request for Quotation (RFQ) for tools to support digital drone forensics investigations. The U.S. Department of State’s (DoS) Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) aims to assist Mexico’s Secretariat of National Defense (SEDENA) by providing the necessary equipment and software following training conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The Grupo de Respuesta a Emergencias will utilize the forensics tools.

Mexican cartels are infamous for using drones for various illicit activities, including weaponizing them, conducting surveillance on rival cartels, military, law enforcement, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and transporting drugs across the U.S.-Mexican border.

Original Published Date: Jul 22, 2024, 09:09 am CST

Original Date Offers Due: Aug 05, 2024, 04:00 pm CST

For more information, please visit Counter UAV UAS – V2 on sam.gov.

https://cuashub.com/en/content/dos-issues-second-request-for-digital-drone-forensics-tools/?utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-93UHmY-F-qU374Lc2ZAwyfzGT9sWFEEsDUBzdTqXGswa7wAdru3_hyzXBaKpQLJEupNuZPcLgtTrknTFVgVvlSjcqAkcFEBic8hsAl1Of15lb5bTA&_hsmi=317729178&utm_content=317729178&utm_source=hs_email (Source: C-UAS Hub)

29 Jul 24. Cuashub.com said today that U.S. Air Force Counter-small Unmanned Aircraft Systems RFI. The United States Air Force (USAF) is issuing this Request for Information (RFI) to enhance its understanding of market capabilities and identify qualified vendors for Counter Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-sUAS) services. These services include integration, development, purchasing, fielding, training, and sustaining C-sUAS systems capable of detecting, tracking, identifying, and defeating sUAS globally. Responses to this RFI will inform the USAF’s acquisition strategy and identify businesses capable of providing effective C-sUAS support.

The USAF’s C-sUAS mission focuses on defending critical assets from various threats, including personnel, bases, flight lines, storage areas, and equipment in transit. Given the widespread use of UAS technologies for recreational and military purposes, the USAF is responsible for safeguarding these assets from diverse threats.

These threats are classified into Groups 1-3 UAS, which vary significantly in capability. The characteristics for Group 1-3 UAS are as follows:

Size: Less than 1,320 lbs

Speed: Less than 250 knots

Operating Altitude: Below Flight Line 180 or below 3,500 ft AGL

The threats posed by these UAS range from commercial or hobbyist drones to military-grade systems, creating a constantly evolving challenge. The operators and their intentions can also vary widely, from commercial hobbyists interested in DoD activities to malicious actors aiming to harm personnel, gather intelligence, or destroy military assets.

The USAF is tasked with protecting a broad spectrum of assets from a wide and ever-evolving threat landscape.

Original Published Date: Jul 24, 2024, 01:11 pm EDT

Original Response Date: Aug 23, 2024, 10:00 am EDT

Please visit Request for Information U.S. Air Force Counter-small Unmanned Aircraft Systems on sam.gov for more information.

https://cuashub.com/en/content/u-s-air-force-counter-small-unmanned-aircraft-systems-rfi/?utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_DFIyUAsvOOmJc4KLfTASYfEs_4xdW23ii-GNFeN-BcFNj5LQthC_NUzjKOhjYlPzDXs6t_hcvxP9yWy1m8gA3rB1-3SSssBGRAPeJTmTo-umpAww&_hsmi=317729178&utm_content=317729178&utm_source=hs_email (Source: C-UAS Hub)

29 Jul 24. France to Deploy High-Tech Helma-P Laser Counter-Drone System to Secure Paris Olympics.

The Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games will see the deployment of advanced anti-drone systems, including the Helma-P laser system developed by the Compagnie industrielle des lasers (CILAS). This technology will be integrated into the specially designed aerial security apparatus for the event.

The PARADE system (Programme de protection déployAble modulaiRe Anti-DronEs), developed by Thales and CS Group, has overcome initial challenges during the Coubertin 1 and 2 trials. After critical revisions required by the Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) and the Senate Foreign Affairs and Armed Forces Committee, the system appears ready for action.

Helma-P, a key component of the PARADE system, is a directed energy weapon designed to neutralize small and micro-sized drones within seconds, through dazzling or physical destruction. A prototype of this system was successfully tested on the Forbin air defense frigate and was recently presented by the Minister of the Armed Forces, Sébastien Lecornu, at the Villacoublay air base.

General Arnaud Bourguignon, in charge of aerial security for the Games, emphasized the importance of this technology in facing potential threats of terrorism, protest, or individuals attempting to film events with their drones.

“We are preparing to face all threats,”

he stated, adding that the apparatus will represent 20,000 hours of surveillance during the Games.

In practice, the Helma-P system, mounted on a Sherpa Light vehicle, can detect, track, and neutralize drones up to a distance of 1,000 meters. Its effectiveness is estimated at 100%, although it is weather-dependent.

Furthermore, the deployed systems, including Helma-P, will be interconnected via the SAP (Shared Aerial Situation) software, developed by the National Office for Aerospace Studies and Research (ONERA) and Thales. This software allows for the synthesis of data from various sensors for optimized management of security operations in real time.

The Helma-P system stands out as a high-performance neutralization solution for aerial threats such as UAVs. Designed to operate effectively in both operational theaters and urban environments, this counter-air measure system can detect, identify, follow, and neutralize agile targets with extreme precision. This technology offers a decisive operational advantage to the forces equipped with it.

The extended range of Helma-P allows for effective operations over distances ranging from one to several kilometers. The system offers a progressive effect, capable of transitioning from optical jamming to neutralization or even total destruction of the target, thus providing significant tactical flexibility. Additionally, Helma-P is particularly economical in terms of logistics, requiring no ammunition and incurring zero firing costs, making it ideal for prolonged field use.

In terms of discretion, Helma-P is both invisible and silent, allowing operators to conduct missions without alerting the adversary or disturbing the surrounding environment. The surgical precision of laser impact point control on the target also ensures precise and controlled neutralization, minimizing collateral damage.

Helma-P is also capable of targeting a variety of threats, including drones of all sizes, robots used in military or security operations, and enemy radar systems, compromising their surveillance and defense capabilities. It can also remotely disable improvised explosive devices (IEDs), thereby reducing the risk to demining teams, and offers defense against long-range projectile attacks such as rockets, artillery, and mortars.

Thus, Helma-P represents an essential component of modern defense strategies, combining cutting-edge technology and advanced operational capabilities to effectively protect against a wide range of threats.

(Source: UAS VISION/Army Recognition)

26 Jul 24. Indonesian Air Force deploys Leonardo RAT 31DL/M long-range radar. Indonesia has started operating Leonardo’s RAT 31DL/M tactical long-range radar to strengthen surveillance.

The Indonesian Ministry of Defense (MoD) announced in mid-July that the Indonesian Air Force (Tentara Nasional Indonesia-Angkatan Udara: TNI-AU) is operating a RAT 31DL/M, jointly produced by Leonardo and the Bandung-based state-owned defence electronics firm, PT Len Industri.

The RAT 31DL/M radar is currently operated by the TNI-AU’s 221st Radar Unit based in Ngliyep, Malang, located in East Java, the MoD said.

RAT 31DL/M with a maximum range of 400 km can detect a variety of incoming airborne threats including ballistic missiles, the MoD added.

The MoD said the radar is also equipped with a device to resist electronic countermeasures (ECM).

Leonardo announced in January 2020 that it signed a contract with PT Len to provide a RAT 31DL/M radar to the TNI-AU to enhance the service’s air-defence capabilities. Under the contract, PT Len would supply local components, provide infrastructure support, and conduct maintenance operations for the radar.

According to Janes C4ISR and Mission Systems: Land , RAT 31DL/M is an L-band, distributed, solid-state, transportable, 3D radar that has a weight of about 30,000 kg. The radar’s antenna has a width of 4.5 m, a height of 6.5 m, and includes 42 rows of transmit/receive modules with 52 radiators per row. RAT 31DL/M can detect airborne threats up to an altitude of 30,500 m.

RAT 31DL/M is also operated by the air forces of Austria, Germany, and Italy. (Source: Janes)

26 Jul 24. USMC is Looking For ‘Buckshot-Like’ Ammo to Counter Explosive Drones. The Marine Corps is on the hunt for innovative counter-drone technologies to protect its ground troops from the growing threat of small unmanned aerial systems (UAS). According to a recent announcement from Marine Corps Systems Command, the service is seeking electronic warfare attachments, specialized ammunition with “buckshot-like” capabilities, and advanced optics for the M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle. This equipment is intended to enhance the ability of dismounted Marine squads to detect and neutralize drones.

The Marine Corps’ focus is on equipping every squad, from logistics units to reconnaissance teams, with the necessary tools to counter drone threats. This move is part of a broader effort to ensure that all units can conduct self-defense against Groups 1 and 2 drones, which weigh up to 55 pounds. The initiative was detailed in a request for information (RFI) posted on July 15, inviting industry developers to submit white papers outlining potential solutions for drone detection and neutralization.

Capt. Taylor Barefoot, the Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems Capabilities Integration officer at the Marine Corps’ Capabilities Development Directorate, emphasized the need for a “rudimentary, essential, self-defense capability” for every Marine unit. The Corps aims to find squad-portable tools capable of identifying drones within a half-mile and weapons effective against drones up to 55 pounds. The budget for this equipment is expected to be similar to that of the gear used for jamming improvised explosive devices in previous conflicts.

In the search for solutions, the Corps is exploring a range of technologies, including firearms with smart optics designed to shoot down drones and low-end anti-air missiles like the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS). The APKWS, less expensive than larger missile systems, presents a cost-effective option for countering adversary drones. Additionally, the Corps is interested in multi-layered sensor networks combining acoustic, visual, and electronic sensors to identify drones before they pose a significant threat.

The September competition, aimed at identifying effective counter-drone technologies, is expected to draw several companies with AI-enabled cameras. These trials will help determine which systems can be integrated into the Marine Air-Ground Task Force, potentially in the Pacific region, within the next 12 months. Industry submissions are due by August 2, with selected candidates invited to a live-fire demonstration at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, California.

Currently, the Marines utilize the Light Marine Air-Defense Integrated System (L-MADIS) and other vehicle-based systems to counter drone threats. However, these solutions are not practical for smaller, dismounted units. (Source: https://www.sofx.com/)

26 Jul 24. France deploys new SéSé helicopter defense system for Paris 2024 Olympics. During the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Système d’écoute du Signalement électronique (SéSé), translated as the Electronic Reporting Listening System, will be used to ensure the safety of the French Gendarmerie’s helicopters against drones. Designed by the French Armaments Procurement Agency (DGA), this system will be deployed on ten helicopters to provide aerial surveillance during the event. During the Coubertin exercise, the SéSé demonstrated its capability to detect and prevent drone collisions by identifying their electronic signals to enhance the safety of aerial operations during the Games.

The SéSé system demonstrated its effectiveness was demonstrated during the Coubertin LAD II exercise, where it was tested on a gendarmerie EC135 helicopter. (Picture source: Gendarmerie Nationale)

The Système d’écoute du Signalement électronique (SéSé), translated as the Electronic Reporting Listening System, is a collision-avoidance system developed by the French Armaments Procurement Agency (DGA) to improve the safety of helicopter operations due to the increasing presence of civilian drones. Between 2017 and 2021, the number of drones in France increased significantly from 400,000 to 2.5 m, raising the risk of airspace collisions, particularly for low-flying helicopters. This growth prompted stricter regulations, including a mandate for all civilian drones over 250 grams to broadcast their position and a unique identification number via WiFi, serving as a virtual license plate detectable by authorities.

Conceived by engineers at the DGA’s Innovation flight test lab, SéSé is designed to detect electronic signals emitted by drones, providing real-time location data to helicopter pilots. The system is cost-effective, using commercially available electronic components to maintain low production costs. It is simple to operate and can be quickly deployed across multiple helicopters, improving situational awareness and reducing the risk of mid-air collisions by alerting pilots to nearby drones.

The development of SéSé followed an incremental approach, beginning with a prototype in 2020 and advancing through ground tests to successful flight trials in 2022. Its effectiveness was demonstrated during the Coubertin LAD II exercise, where it was tested on a gendarmerie EC135 helicopter. (Source: Google/https://www.armyrecognition.com/)

11 Jun 24. MEGA Military Equipment Guide App – IDDEA Using AI Image Detection. The Belgian Company IDDEA (International Digital Defense Equipment Agency) launched MEGA-Army, an advanced Military Equipment Guide App that leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to provide rapid, accurate identification of military equipment via pictures taken by mobile devices, tablets, and integrated systems.

Discover MEGA-Army APP at Eurosatory 2024, IDDEA Booth Hall 5A Stand K396-32

Introducing MEGA Army: Revolutionizing Intelligence with Cutting-Edge AI Military Equipment Recognition and Identification! (Picture source: IDDEA)

What is MEGA-Army?

MEGA-Army is a state-of-the-art application designed to recognize and identify military equipment in real time using AI-powered image recognition. This tool is engineered to support a wide range of defense operations, providing invaluable assistance to military personnel, analysts, and strategists by offering:

Instant Identification: Simply capture an image of the equipment using a mobile device or tablet, and MEGA-Army will quickly identify it, providing detailed information about its specifications, capabilities, and usage.

Comprehensive Database: Our app is backed by an extensive, continuously updated database of over 1,200 different military equipment types from around the world, including Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs), Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs), tanks, engineer vehicles, unmanned systems, air defense systems, missiles, command posts, artillery systems, electronic warfare systems, and radars. We also provide regular daily updates with new equipment and hybrid combat vehicles deployed on modern battlefields, ensuring you have access to the latest and most accurate information.

Seamless Integration: MEGA-Army can be integrated into various platforms, including air and land drones, combat management systems, turrets, and more, making it a versatile tool for modern warfare. This integration enhances operational efficiency and provides real-time support in diverse defense contexts.

With MEGA-Army, IDDEA brings the future of military equipment identification to your fingertips, ensuring you stay ahead in the rapidly evolving defense landscape. (Source: Google/https://www.armyrecognition.com/)

29 Jul 24. HADES heating up: Integration contracts for Army’s new spy plane coming by year’s end.

Andrew Evans, director of the Army ISR Task Force, told Breaking Defense the initial packages include “a Moving Target Indication capability, we’ll have high end signal intelligence capability, and we’ll have a number of other capabilities that come with HADES as a baseline configuration.”

A key Army official is confident the service’s manned ISR HADES platform will award contracts for sensor integration before the end of the year, with the plane expected to be operational 12-18 months after.

Speaking to Breaking Defense during last week’s Farnborough Airshow, Andrew Evans, director of the Army ISR Task Force, said that the decision about which company will be putting their sensors onto the Bombardier Global 6500 airframe already selected by the service will come by “the end of the calendar year, certainly. We will look to accelerate that, and we think that partnership will be very powerful for us moving forward.”

Evans declined to say which companies or capabilities are in the running at this point, but did say the initial packages include “a Moving Target Indication capability, we’ll have high-end signal intelligence capability, and we’ll have a number of other capabilities that come with HADES as a baseline configuration.”

See how we Define the Possible.

The Army official emphasized the benefit of adding hardpoints to the wing of the aircraft, which should allow the Army to put mission-specific capabilities onto the airplane without needing to switch out the baseline configuration — and could involve defensive capabilities. “We’re looking at that with great interest as well, right? Protecting something like this becomes very important,” he noted.

While he declined to go into specific capabilities being considered for the hardpoints, he raised the possibility of using what the Army terms “launched effects” off of hardpoints. Asked if those hardpoints could be used for a strike capability, Evans said that would be unlikely and “a little bit of a hard line for us.”

Evans also threw praise towards Bombardier, noting that the Army is on track to acquire its second Global 6500 airframe before the end of the year. The decision to go with the Global 6500 was made, Evans said, in part because the plane has room to grow in the future as the sensors for HADES evolve and grow.

“We are fully confident in where the OEM [original equipment manufacturer], in this case, Bombardier defense, is going with the jet. We’re happy about the design. We think we’ve got a good plan [going] forward there,” he said. “What I like to tell people is, the way that HADES will be configured today will likely not be the way it’s configured in five years, 10 years or 15 years.”

Manned Vs Unmanned

The fact the Army is pursuing a manned ISR platform in 2024 has raised eyebrows in some communities, especially given the emphasis the US Air Force has put in recent years on moving away from manned ISR in favor of unmanned or space-based assets.

Evans was quick to note he gets that question a lot, but deflected any thoughts that manned ISR is an antiquated concept. Space assets are very expensive, he noted, and unmanned systems have their own limits.

“If you think about an unmanned system and its value, it is communicating to something via satellite link, or maybe a direct link to a ground system. And in the world of high probability of RF [radio frequency] interference,” he said. “We’re seeing that play out in Ukraine, unmanned systems are very susceptible to that jam. So in fact, what we’re seeing happen in Europe today is oftentimes manned systems can provide support that unmanned systems cannot provide because they’re not as susceptible to the jam that’s occurring.”

Asked how HADES will work with other services, Evans said that the program has to be certified by the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff as fitting into the Pentagon’s CJADC2 concept before it could move forward.

“I think, by and large, most folks in the DoD feel that HADES is a risk mitigator for all other investments that are being made,” he said. “So if you think about us as a service going to a to a lot of on-orbit capabilities, there still is a gap that occurs when you do that, whether it’s a technology gap — but it’s a capacity gap, and so HADES helps fill some of those gaps.” (Source: Defense News Early Bird/Breaking Defense.com)

30 Jul 24. Cuashub.com said today that Silentium Defence Delivers Sensors for the JABMS AIR6500.

Silentium Defence Pty Ltd, manufacturers of passive radar technology, have delivered the first tranche of sensor systems for Australia’s Joint Air Battle Management System, AIR6500.

The Joint Air Battle Management System project aims to establish the foundation for the Australian Defence Force’s future Integrated Air and Missile Defence capability by delivering a command and control system to enable coordinated and synchronized air and missile defense operations. This capability will significantly enhance the Air Force’s current Air Defence System and will be implemented in two tranches.

Tranche 1 involves acquiring four Active Electronically Scanned Array radars to replace the existing Tactical Air Defence Radar System. These new radars, procured from Canberra-based CEA Technologies, will offer improved detection of aircraft and missile threats at greater ranges and with enhanced accuracy, providing more time for warning, decision-making, and response. The first radar is expected to be delivered in 2024.

Tranche 2 will complete the delivery of the Joint Air and Battle Management System, enhancing situational awareness and protection of Australian Defence Force assets against increasingly advanced air and missile threats. It will also improve interoperability with Australia’s Coalition partners. In August 2023, the Government announced Lockheed Martin Australia as the strategic partner for delivering this system.

The Silentium Defence MAVERICK passive radar systems, delivered to Lockheed Martin Australia, offer a new 3D capability that enables instantaneous, wide-field-of-view surveillance. These systems also support target tracking with higher fidelity and greater accuracy, facilitating cross-cueing of complementary sensors and effectors.

The MAVERICK Fortress-3D passive radar introduces a new dimension in covert sensing with its 3D surveillance capabilities for the battlefield. This compact, cabin-based system can function independently as a stand-alone asset or be integrated into a broader network to contribute to a common operating picture.

Designed and developed in Australia, the MAVERICK Fortress-3D features a low electromagnetic signature, making it challenging to geolocate and target. It is an ideal expeditionary surveillance solution for monitoring land, sea, and air targets.

Skylark Labs to Showcase ARIES C-UAS Tech at TIDE 2024

(Source: https://cuashub.com/)

25 Jul 24. DOD event challenges industry to down largest drone swarms to date. The 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment and the Threat Systems Management Office operate a swarm of 40 drones to test capability in 2019. The office in charge of countering drones upped the ante this summer, pitting industry teams against swarms of 50 drones at a time. (Army)

The joint office established to find solutions to countering air drone systems sought to challenge industry with large barrages of drone attacks during a demonstration in the Arizona desert last month.

“Although I can’t discuss at this time, the actual results of the demo, what I can say is the selected vendors did show increased maturity and awareness of the threat environment that U.S. allies are facing,” Col. Michael Parent, chief of the Joint Counter-small unmanned aircraft systems Office’s acquisition and resources division, told reporters in a recent briefing. “It was a very successful demonstration informing the U.S. and our allies what capabilities exist out there in a very challenging profile.”

The proliferation of drones on the battlefield is rising. For example, Ukraine is losing 10,000 per month while defending itself from Russian invaders, according to the Royal United Services Institute think tank. Flooding the battlefield with a large number of drones, especially those able to fly in a coordinated fashion, is a threat the U.S. military is still trying to address.

The joint office, also known as JCO, and the U.S. Army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office, or RCCTO, chose eight industry teams and evaluated nine systems during a capability evaluation at Yuma Proving Ground over the month of June.

Whittled down from nearly 60 proposals, the eight companies chosen to bring systems were Clear Align; Trakka USA Defense; Ideas, Commitment, Results (ICR), Inc.; ELTA North America; Teledyne FLIR; Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC); Advanced Technology Systems Corporation (ATSC) and Anduril Industries.

Both non-kinetic and kinetic solutions were evaluated along with multi-mission radars, electro-optical/infrared cameras, radio frequency scanners and jammers, guided rockets, interceptor drones and small arms weapon systems, according to Parent.

The demonstration “was the most challenging demonstration to date at this point,” Parent said, with up to 50 air drone targets at a time, operated by a third party, coming from all directions and converging on a defended area. Drones in the swarms included rotary and fixed-wing aircraft — fast moving jets and slow-moving propeller-driven frames — and ranged from Group 1 drones weighing less than 20 pounds to Group 3 drones weighing less than 1,300 pounds.

Test scenarios were not shared with industry teams before the demonstration.

“The challenge of the profiles really meant that no one characteristic, no one capability, whether kinetic or non-kinetic, in itself could really defeat this kind of a profile,” Parent said. “So what we saw was that you really do need a full system-of-systems approach, a layered approach.”

The demonstration is the fifth of its kind. The Pentagon created the joint office in late 2019 and selected the Army to lead the organization. It is entirely focused on bringing counter-small drone capability into the force. The office’s first demonstration took place in the spring of 2021 and the second took place in the fall, followed by another in the spring of 2022, and then another in the summer of 2023.

In the first demonstration, the office looked at low-collateral interceptors to counter small drones; in the second demonstration, it examined cheap, ground-launched and hand-held capabilities; and in the third, it evaluated high-power microwaves as well as the concept known as counter-UAS as a service.

To address the challenging threat of one-way attack drones prominently seen in Ukraine over the past year, the office most recently tackled how to defeat them in a June demonstration at Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona.

As the demonstrations have evolved, Parent said he is seeing industry come with increasingly mature approaches.

“The vendors being selected in the demonstrations are having a better understanding of the threat that they must defeat, their command and control is better and you have a better understanding of what is required to operate in the environment,” Parent said. “We are seeing a much better capability from the vendors in actual solutions themselves as well.”

The solutions all showed better tracking, identification and defeat capabilities, he added.

Now the JCO is in the process of analyzing the data from the demonstration in order to inform individual vendors on performance and progress, according to Parent.

The JCO may determine more investment is required for a solution and could either choose to fund that effort or encourage industry teams to continue their own internal investment to reduce system risk, Parent said.

The services or combatant commanders could also choose to embark on a prototyping effort for a particular solution like the U.S. Army did, for example, with its Epirus-developed Leonidas High Power Microwave counter-drone solution, Parent noted.

Some solutions could be chosen for immediate acquisition, he added, because a solution showed enough maturity to address current or future threats.

The JCO is planning another demonstration between the second and third quarter of fiscal 2025. Additional details on the demonstration will be released within the fourth quarter of FY24. (Source: Defense News)

30 Jul 24. Cuashub.com said today that Skylark Labs to Showcase ARIES C-UAS Tech at TIDE 2024. The Office of Innovation and Modernization has selected Skylark Labs for the Technology Innovation Discovery Event (TIDE) 2024. This event will be held on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly, Virginia. At TIDE 2024, Skylark Labs will showcase its ARIES counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) technology. Sponsored by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD(R&E)), TIDE 2024 is a premier platform for discovering emerging technologies that deliver impactful enhancements to strategic and operational capabilities. Skylark Labs’ participation underscores its commitment to advancing national security through technological innovation.

Skylark Labs’ cutting-edge AI technology addresses a crucial capability gap in modern defense operations: the need for real-time adaptive intelligence in rapidly evolving threat environments. The self-learning AI continuously evolves at the edge, adapting to new threats across multiple domains without manual updates. This technology significantly enhances situational awareness and accelerates warfighters’ decision-making.

At TIDE 2024, Skylark Labs will demonstrate its ARIES (Aerial Reconnaissance & Elimination System) and other proprietary technologies. These systems are designed to detect, classify, and respond to emerging threats in real-time, supporting defense and intelligence operations.

Skylark’s solutions integrate with existing systems, enhancing operational efficiency while reducing costs. This approach eliminates the need for frequent manual updates, increasing mission success rates and warfighter safety.

Previously, Skylark Labs showcased the ARIES system to key Department of Defense stakeholders, demonstrating its unique ability to detect and track drones beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS). The successful demonstration highlighted ARIES’ potential to significantly improve counter-UAS operations, providing critical real-time intelligence for rapid decision-making.

Silentium Defence Delivers Sensors for the JABMS AIR6500

(Source: https://cuashub.com/)

29 Jul 24. No plans for more E-7s as UK AEW capability gap becomes a chasm. The UK has had no dedicated crewed, fixed-wing airborne early warning aircraft since the retirement of the E-3D Sentry fleet in 2021.

The UK’s new Labour government that came to power in July 2024 in a dramatic election win, has said that it has no plans to increase the number of vital E-7 Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft currently being built for the Royal Air Force (RAF).

Amid rumblings of a shortfall in the UK government’s finances, the prospects for defence, which was already faced with a funding blackhole according to the National Audit Office, could well make for grim reading once the recently announced Strategic Defence Review findings are revealed in 2025.

With the UK government stating on 25 July that there were “no current plans” to order further E-7 Wedgetail aircraft for the RAF, the best-case scenario for the programme appears to be maintaining the acquisition for three aircraft, which is at best the bare minimum required to maintain national taskings.

At worst, three RAF E-7 AEW&C aircraft will not be enough.

Under a 2019 deal, the then UK Secretary of State for Defence Gavin Williamson, stated that five E-7s would be acquired in a multi-bn-dollar deal. This order was subsequently reduced to just three airframes as a cost-saving measure, a significant reduction in AEW coverage from the RAF’s previous fleet of seven E-3D AWACS.

The final operational sortie of the RAF E-3D fleet took place in 2021, which, with the planned arrival of the first E-7 not taking place until 2025, will mean at minimum a four-year airborne early warning gap in the UK’s defence.

In reality, with flight and systems testing to be performed following delivery, it will likely take at least another six months before initial operating capability can be achieved, with a UK AEW capability gap extending well into its fifth year.

According to figures released in December 2022 the three E-7 Wedgetail AEW&C aircraft due to enter service with the UK RAF would cost £630m ($810.7m) each, despite savings resulting from reducing the planned buy down from an initial five platforms.

In reworking the planned acquisition, the UK MoD shaved £265m off the expected programme cost for the three aircraft to £1.89bn, down from £2.155bn originally. The original business case foresaw a spend of just short of $2bn for the entire five-strong fleet.

E-7 Wedgetail: programme progress

STS Aviation Group is converting the three secondhand Boeing 737NG aircraft into the E-7 Wedgetail configuration at its Birmingham site in the UK, with the first of the Northrop Grumman Multi-Role Electronically Scanned Array (MESA) surveillance radar having been installed on the lead platform.

As was revealed in 2021, the first two airframes of the E-7 programme, which is based on the 737 Next Generation airliner, were initially operated by commercial airlines based in China and Hong Kong before being acquired by US manufacturer Boeing via a broker.

Earlier this year, the former UK Conservative government stated that the first E-7 aircraft would not arrive in the UK until autumn 2025. The first E-7 Wedgetail was previously expected to be delivered to the UK MoD in 2024, following completion of its flight test programme and initial certification activity.

Bizarrely, the UK will acquire the fourth and fifth MESA radars from Northrop Grumman despite them having no aircraft on which to mount the sensors, it was revealed by Airforce Technology in mid-2023.

(Source: airforce-technology.com)

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For more information, please visit: Echodyne.com.

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RADAR, EO/IR, C-UAS, NIGHT VISION AND SURVEILLANCE UPDATE

July 26, 2024 by

Sponsored by Echodyne

www.echodyne.com

26 Jul 24. Indian Navy installs Lanza-N surveillance radar on INS Mysore. The Indian Navy has installed a new radar on one of its Delhi-class guided-missile destroyers to enhance surveillance capabilities. Janes understands that the Indian Navy has installed the naval version of Spanish company Indra’s Lanza 3D air surveillance radar on its second Delhi-class destroyer, INS Mysore (D60), as part of the vessel’s mid-life upgrade. In May 2023 Indra announced it will supply three Lanza-N 3D radars to the Indian Navy. Indra said at the time that it had delivered the first of these radars to the Indian Navy, while the production of the second and third radars had been initiated. Indra has also partnered with India’s Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) to deliver additional Lanza-N radars to the Indian Navy. TASL will acquire Lanza-N’s core elements from Indra and build 20 additional Lanza-N radars in India for integration on multiple undisclosed Indian Navy vessels. The Lanza-N radars will be delivered to the Indian Navy under a INR12 billion (USD143 million) contract secured by TASL from the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) in 2019 to supply 23 shipborne 3D air surveillance radars to the service by 2029. (Source: Janes)

25 Jul 24. Cuashub.com said today that EnforceAir2 Receives Confirmation from the FAA. D-Fend Solutions, the leader in field-proven radio frequency (RF) cyber-based, non-kinetic, non-jamming, counter-drone takeover technology, has received additional confirmation from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for EnforceAir2, the award-winning counter-drone technology acclaimed for its ability to provide protection from unmanned aircraft systems, following completion of a series of evaluations related to airport operational continuity.

In communications with D-Fend Solutions, the FAA commented that “The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) evaluated EnforceAir2’s (EA2) ability to detect, track, and identify potential risks posed by errant or hostile unmanned aircraft systems and ensured the system does not adversely impact or interfere with safe airport operations, navigation, air traffic services, or the safe and efficient operation of the National Airspace System. This evaluation was conducted as part of Section 383(a) of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018,” which requires the FAA to develop a plan for certifying, permitting, authorizing, or allowing UAS detection and mitigation systems in the National Airspace System (NAS).

“This assurance by the FAA is a significant milestone for EnforceAir2 toward fulfilling its vision of surgical detection and mitigation of drone threats within the National Airspace System,” said Zohar Halachmi, Chairman and CEO of D-Fend Solutions. “Our mission to ensure control and continuity in airports has been advanced by this recognition, which is a testament to our ability to provide safe and effective counter-drone solutions.”

This acknowledgment continues to highlight EnforceAir’s impactful recognition by the FAA for counter-drone technology. In 2023, D-Fend was selected for participation in the FAA’s Airport UAS Detection and Mitigation Research Program at Atlantic City International Airport (KACY) and Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR). The program aims to enable the agency to work with other federal departments to ensure systems are being developed, tested, or deployed to detect and mitigate potential risks posed by errant or hostile UAS operations.

https://cuashub.com/en/content/enforceair2-receives-confirmation-from-the-faa/?utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9RySbqKOYtt2EfTkBw_-1JnfxNP942BInUXrXy6EOFa5oPpNd1Omog395m4YL6s6UrRxnfYa6quddkgBx9Le18QunpglpP4wBTyhw56F7dVFTrDQ0&_hsmi=317281452&utm_content=317281452&utm_source=hs_email (Source: https://cuashub.com/)

24 Jul 24. An innovation by Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) will deliver unprecedented interoperability to F-35 Lightning II and F-16 fighters, ground-based artillery systems such as HIMARS, and the MLRS family of munitions. For NATO partners, the interoperability could extend to other 4th Generation jets as well as new mobile rocket launchers built in Europe.

The innovation: Lockheed Martin engineers are transforming the combat-proven Sniper® targeting pod — a staple on 4th Generation fighters worldwide — into an edge communications and computing node to enable combined joint all domain Command and Control.

While the F-35 comes equipped for interoperability, two technical enhancements in this new Sniper Networked Targeting Pod will keep 4th Generation fighters and other legacy platforms in sync. An advanced datalink compatible with the F-35 will allow seamless sharing of target and surveillance information between aircraft. A Mobile Ad-hoc Network (MANET) radio, meanwhile, will support a decentralised but highly secure mesh network of multiple air, ground and sea platforms ready to share and act on that information.

The rapid development of Sniper is a direct response to NATO defense forces that seek closer collaboration between new F-35s and existing fleets of 4th Generation fighters, which they expect to fly another 40 years. Customers also want continuous target-tracking data from aircraft sensors to improve ground-based precision fires’ capabilities and strike targets that relocate after being discovered.

“To deliver unprecedented interoperability, we’ve evolved Sniper to do what’s never been done before,” said Stacy Kubicek, Vice President, Sensors & Global Sustainment, Lockheed Martin. “The Sniper Networked Targeting Pod connects the battlespace, enabling seamless data sharing across platforms and systems – a capability in high demand by U.S. and allied forces and a powerful force multiplier for joint operations.”

Lockheed Martin’s investment in the Sniper Networked Targeting Pod is part of the company’s vision for 21st Century Security®, which aims to integrate networking capabilities and edge computing across customers’ aircraft, sensor systems and weapons.

The enhanced Sniper will enable missions in which F-35 multirole fighters and their advanced sensors serve as forward observers that identify and track targets while sharing precise coordinates with F-16s and ground-based Command and Control Systems that allow the employment of MLRS family of munitions from either HIMARS or M270.

“The F-35 is the aircraft of choice for allies across NATO. By 2035, there will be more than 600 F-35s in the European region,” said J.R. McDonald, vice president of F-35 Business Development. “The enhanced capabilities the Sniper targeting pod can bring will serve to further enhance the connectivity and interoperability the F-35 brings to current and future customers.”

Lockheed Martin has proven interoperability through a series of ongoing tests and demonstrations. Recent tests, using HIMARS and GMLRS, have shown Sniper’s ability to connect air and ground forces in new ways. The company plans to conduct more-complex flight testing and live missile shots in cooperation with the U.S. military.

Core to 21st Century Security, Lockheed Martin engineers have speeded the development and testing of Sniper by harnessing the latest digital technologies such as simulated missile shots directed by real-world inputs from the targeting system.

Lockheed Martin chose the Sniper pod to facilitate communication between 5th and 4th Generation jets for two reasons:

Upgrading a “plug-and-play” external pod with a datalink compatible with 5th Generation fighters provides more flexibility than modifying the aircraft.
The Sniper pod is widely integrated, easy to upgrade, and trusted by air forces around the world.

The electro-optical sensor system has been successfully integrated on the F-16, as well as most other types of military jets deployed in Europe. U.S. and allied air forces have put nearly 2,000 Sniper pods through more than 4 m operational hours worldwide including combat and nontraditional intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

Now, besides linking F-35s, F-16s, rocket launchers, and command and control systems, the Sniper Networked Targeting Pod could enhance capabilities of other Lockheed Martin-built systems. Those include the United Kingdom’s SkyKeeper air-defense system and Lockheed Martin’s new low-observable hypersonic missile, Mako. (Source: U.S. DoD)

24 Jul 24. Teledyne FLIR Defense Unveils Non-ITAR Long Range Airborne Imaging System at Farnborough Air Show. Teledyne FLIR Defense, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (NYSE:TDY), today unveiled its UltraFORCE® 380-HDc imaging system at the Farnborough International Air Show. The new long-range airborne surveillance solution is not subject to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), easing shipment and freedom of movement to customers outside the United States.

The UltraFORCE 380-HDc delivers superior high-definition multi-spectral imaging in a compact, low-profile package. Full 1080p resolution across its visual, thermal, low-light, and shortwave infrared (SWIR) cameras makes the 380-HDc an optimal solution for airborne reconnaissance, patrol, and search and rescue missions.

UltraFORCE 380-HDc also features an advanced laser rangefinder and pointer, allowing users to covertly ‘light up’ targets or points of interest and to coordinate operations with observers wearing night vision goggles or similar devices. Intelligent, automated operation optimizes tracking and continuously indicates size, location, speed and distance of multiple targets.

“The new UltraFORCE 380-HDc is a powerful long-range imaging system in a small package,” said Kety Frachey, senior director for airborne systems-Europe at Teledyne FLIR Defense. “With 380-HDc, we’ve brought together the most vital capabilities military and law enforcement users worldwide require to execute their missions in a smaller SWaP-C form.”

With its low 14.6” height profile and weighing only 30 kg (65 lbs), the UltraFORCE 380-HDc gimbal is designed to maximize ground clearance in rotary aircraft without sacrificing capability and performance. The system provides two- to four-times greater magnification than other products in its class.

UltraFORCE 380-HDc will be available globally starting in the fourth quarter. The system can be fully supported by Teledyne FLIR’s Surveillance Service Centre in West Malling, Kent, meeting UK and EU localized content requirements. UltraFORCE also will be configurable with the company’s 380X upgraded imaging capabilities, including multi-tile video management, touchscreen, and de-scintillation filter that removes atmospheric effects such as fog and smoke, among other features.

(Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

23 Jul 24. Intersoft Electronics Inc. US of Naples, Florida, and TSS Solutions of Melbourne, Florida, are combining forces to develop and deliver Air Surveillance Radar (ASR) Service Life Extension Programs (SLEP), as well as Counter Unmanned Aerial System (CUAS)/anti-drone opportunities, to the U.S. military. Both companies are well positioned and complement each other’s seasoned radar manufacturing capabilities.

The announcement was made during the 2024 Farnborough International Airshow.

Intersoft and TSS Solutions signed the agreement Monday, leveraging the companies’ great synergies to satisfy the growing demand for ASR SLEP to modernize aging systems. “The combination of these two radar powerhouses will serve the U.S. Warfighter and Government well,” says Michael Espinola, CEO of Intersoft Electronics Inc.

Don DiFrisco, President and CEO of TSS Solutions, echoes Espinola’s optimism about the agreement. “TSS has a long track record of success partnering with industry leaders to innovate world-class, cost-effective solutions for the Warfighter,” DiFrisco said. “Our partnerships with Intersoft, in particular, have produced industry-leading results. We have every expectation of raising the bar even higher with this latest collaboration.”

The scalable radar solutions comprising the new agreement integrate Intersoft’s ASR-M®, a modular approach to Airport Surveillance Radar that embeds advanced technologies to enhance radar performance. The modularity accelerates system integration and commissioning while reducing costs in production, maintenance, and support.

The core of ASR-M® is the Next Generation Signal Processor (NGSP®), which features patented, innovative technologies that address current and emerging challenges, such as wind farm mitigation, anomalous propagation, and 5G interference.

With a pedigree of 40 years in design, development, manufacturing and field services, Intersoft Electronics has become a reference in radar technology and CNS services worldwide. Intersoft-electronics.com.

Founded in 1991, TSS Solutions, an Acorn Capital Management company, is a global defense electronics leader in upgrading, reengineering, repairing, and operating ground-based tactical and fixed-position radar and SATCOM systems. TSS Solutions serves the global defense, telecommunications, and commercial industries. TSSsolutions.com.

Acorn Capital Management is a middle-market private equity firm focused exclusively on Aerospace, Defense, and Intelligence. Acorn invests solely in operating companies that strive to enhance global mobility and protect national interests. Acorn has a formidable reputation in the industry and is recognized for its deep understanding of the Aerospace and Defense markets, with proprietary access to the best companies within these sectors. With operational expertise and its ability to lead and manage investments through variable economic and industry cycles, Acorn works with management to build its portfolio companies into significant market leaders. AcornCapitalManagement.com(Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

23 Jul 24. Aeva® (NYSE: AEVA), a leader in next-generation sensing and perception systems, today announced that a top national defense security organization has chosen Aeva’s 4D LiDAR technology to help protect critical energy infrastructure sites across the United States. Aeva’s sensors are expected to be the primary detection sensor to protect sensitive locations in various facilities from intrusion, such as water entries and exits and at perimeter fences, with first deliveries expected later this year.

Aeva’s 4D LiDAR sensors were selected because of the unique benefits associated with its FMCW-based technology including:

Instant velocity data for every point – allowing for quick detection of moving objects, whether on the ground or on the surface of water.
Immunity to interference – critical for ensuring reliable performance when the sun is in the field of view of the sensor, such as during sunrise and sunset.
Ultra long range – allowing for the early detection of potential intruders at a range of hundreds of meters away from the sensor.
High-density point cloud – ensuring that the sensor can detect small objects with ease.
Improved immunity to detection – making the system better protected from would-be intruders using technologies like night vision goggles.

“After evaluating multiple sensing technologies, including 3D time-of-flight LiDAR, this top national defense security organization selected Aeva 4D LiDAR because of our pioneering work in FMCW-based perception technology,” said James Byun, Managing Director of Business Development at Aeva. “This win further validates the growing applications for and unique benefits of Aeva’s technology for some of the most demanding and high-stakes physical security applications, which complement our existing automotive and industrial programs, and we are pleased that our technology is trusted to help protect some of the most sensitive critical infrastructure sites across the country.”

About Aeva Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: AEVA)

Aeva’s mission is to bring the next wave of perception to a broad range of applications from automated driving to industrial robotics, consumer electronics, consumer health, security and beyond. Aeva is transforming autonomy with its groundbreaking sensing and perception technology that integrates all key LiDAR components onto a silicon photonics chip in a compact module. Aeva 4D LiDAR sensors uniquely detect instant velocity in addition to 3D position, allowing autonomous devices like vehicles and robots to make more intelligent and safe decisions. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

22 Jul 24. BAE Systems looking to accelerate LAD cockpit for Eurofighter. BAE Systems is looking at potentially accelerating development of its large area display (LAD) cockpit for the Eurofighter Typhoon.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the Farnborough International Airshow 2024 running from 22 to 26 July, Andrew Mallery-Blythe, Typhoon operational requirements manager and test pilot at BAE Systems, said the aim is to try and have the LAD included in the upcoming Phase 4 Enhancement (P4E) upgrade package that is to be rolled out in the late 2020s.

“We are looking to see if the LAD could be brought forward to be put in the P4E architecture,” Mallery-Blythe said at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) on 19 July, adding, “Currently, the team working on it does not believe there is a technical reason why it could not be brought forward.”

The LAD is one of three primary upgrades being developed for the Eurofighter, with the other two being the Leonardo European Common Radar System (ECRS) Mk 2 E-Scan radar and the BAE Systems Striker II helmet-mounted display (HMD). However, while the ECRS Mk 2 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar and the Striker II HMD have been contracted for operation aboard the jet in 2030 and 2028, respectively, the LAD remains a company-funded effort.

As Mallery-Blythe told Janes and other defence media during a tour of the company’s Warton production and development facility in May, the Eurofighter’s current cockpit that displays sensor and flight information to the pilot via three multifunction displays (MFDs) is no longer up to the task. (Source: Janes)

22 Jul 24. US selects BriteCloud active expendable decoy for F-35. Leonardo’s UK-based electronic warfare (EW) business is set to supply active expendable radio frequency (RF) decoys to enhance the self-protection capability of US-operated F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters.

In an 18 July solicitation notice issued ahead of the Farnborough International Airshow running from 22 to 26 July, Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) said it was planning the sole-source procurement of up to 2,000 Active Expendable Decoys (AEDs) per year for fiscal year (FY) 2025 through FY 2027. Leonardo – manufacturer of the BriteCloud AED – was explicitly identified as the only contractor with the manufacturing technology, infrastructure, capacity, and platform qualifications to meet the requirement.

Dispensed from standard chaff/flare launchers, AEDs are small, self-contained, expendable jammers that function as a ‘break lock’ countermeasure to defeat RF-guided anti-air missiles in the terminal phase of an engagement. They function independently of the aircraft to provide an additional RF countermeasure capability.

NAVAIR – which contracts on behalf of the F-35 Joint Program Office – in early June 2024 released a sources sought notice detailing plans for the fast-track, single-source procurement of an AED for the F-35 platform. This outlined requirements for a mission load-programmable AED with a 2×1×8 inch form factor that has previously demonstrated RF countermeasures performance at Technology Readiness Level 9 (defined as an actual system proven through successful mission operations). It has also mandated that the AED “must be qualified for use on F-35 and ready for immediate production”. (Source: Janes)

22 Jul 24. Cuashub.com said today that Ondas Holdings Inc., a leading provider of private industrial wireless networks and commercial drone and automated data solutions, announced it has received an initial purchase order from a military customer for several Iron Drone Raider counter-UAS systems. These systems will be deployed and operated as part of military defense activities to protect borders, critical locations, populations, and defense forces from hostile drones.

The initial purchase follows Ondas’ accelerated development of the Iron Drone Raider system to meet specific, military-grade defense and homeland security forces requirements. This development was prioritized to address urgent security needs arising from ongoing global geopolitical conflicts. Additional follow-on orders and deployments of the Raider system are anticipated to address the continuous and urgent demand for protection against hostile drones.

“We are excited to receive our initial Iron Drone Raider order directly from a military customer, positioning Ondas as a prime defense contractor for this high-performance counter-drone system, ” said Eric Brock, Chairman and CEO of Ondas. “The Raider has best-in-class specifications designed to protect critical locations and populations from the rapidly growing threat posed by hostile drones. This Raider platform, powered by proprietary, advanced autonomy software and integrated sensors is a major asset in Ondas’ portfolio. We believe this unique AI-enabled technology can provide a highly reliable, cost-effective solution to hostile drones compared to alternatives, which are typically expensive and often cause significant collateral damage when deployed. We are excited to deliver the Raider to our initial military customer and plan to offer the platform to defense and security customers worldwide.”

The ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, Israel, and other parts of the world underscore the growing threat posed by small, hostile drones, which are increasingly used for aerial surveillance and kamikaze attacks. Countermeasures such as jamming GPS signals can neutralize some drones, and those operating autonomously or without communications require a kinetic option, which is not always feasible and can cause collateral damage.

To address this challenge, the Iron Drone Raider system has been developed to counter all types of hostile drones, regardless of their navigation methods. This system uses a high-speed interceptor drone called Raider, which identifies and “locks on” incoming hostile drones. It navigates using advanced AI-enabled sensor technology, operating along a “Continuum of Autonomy.” Integrating ground-based and onboard thermal and micro-radar sensors with AI-powered command and control software enables the Raider to operate autonomously at high speeds and be responsive in complex, GPS-denied environments.

Once deployed, the Raider drone locates, tracks, and incapacitates the hostile drone using a net. The net can be attached to a parachute to ensure a safe descent, gently lowering the captured drone to the ground. After the mission, the Raider drone returns to its launch site for reuse. The fully automated system includes a docking station that can simultaneously store and launch up to five Raider drones.

The global counter-drone market was valued at approximately $1.6 bn in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 27.8%, reaching $14.9 bn by 2032, according to Beyond Market Insights. Ondas believes that the current demand for counter-UAS capabilities is driven primarily by government customers, with defense and homeland security applications accounting for most of the spending on protecting borders, populations, and critical government locations. As hostile drone threats and civil aviation regulations evolve, Ondas anticipates significant growth in non-defense and commercial markets for protecting critical infrastructure assets. An Ondas subsidiary is expanding its manufacturing capacity to support the adoption of the Iron Drone Raider in the rapidly growing counter-drone market.

https://cuashub.com/en/content/ondas-secures-order-for-iron-drone-raider-counter-uas-systems/?utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz—2jLxPJ7GVbLL64qpGZXHCS1sTn5xgqfUseVsuO93hMbtG81aM6njuzKcjXJBghzu0hePV1W9akvjDbV59MnDQF1gv8-FYm-ejC_WbxXtxb8dUyE&_hsmi=316915833&utm_content=316915833&utm_source=hs_email (Source: https://cuashub.com/)

23 Jul 24. Fortem Technologies announced the successful partnership with MBDA, showcasing an innovative new effector concept for Sky Warden at the Farnborough International Airshow 2024. This collaboration highlights the advanced capabilities of Fortem’s DroneHunter® technology, integrated into MBDA’s Sky Warden counter-uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS) modular solution. MBDA recently demonstrated the effectiveness of the Sky Warden system during an operational event in Italy, impressing 17 customer delegations with its ability to neutralize a wide range of offensive drone threats in realistic operational scenarios. The Sky Warden system utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) to assist human operators in identifying and classifying threats from its comprehensive sensor suite, including radar, passive RF, and electro-optical cameras. This enables the system to automatically assign the most appropriate effector, maximizing efficiency and response time. A key advancement showcased at the airshow is the new ground-launched anti-air munition developed in collaboration with Fortem Technologies. This effector is designed to defeat Class 1 and smaller Class 2 uncrewed aircraft systems (sUAS) and loitering munition threats. Featuring an independent warhead design, operators can deploy this new drone platform instantly on the battlefield. Tests have proven its effectiveness and lethality.

“Fortem Technologies is honored to contribute to this cutting-edge solution, providing unmatched expertise and technology to enhance the Sky Warden system”, said Jon Gruen, CEO of Fortem Technologies. “This relationship highlights the speed, agility and development capabilities that Fortem and MBDA combine to meet our customers’ rapidly changing needs while offering a solution at cost parity with some of the evolving threats we see.”

The recent demonstration in Italy showcased Sky Warden’s ability to neutralize various threats using a combination of jammers, hunter drones, lasers, and the Mistral 3 missile. The new RF-guided drone-style effector with a directional fragmenting warhead complements the existing effector solutions within Sky Warden. This gives customers more options to adapt Sky Warden to their specific needs.

Sky Warden is a scalable system capable of neutralizing any form of threat, from tactical drones to reconnaissance mini-drones and traditional air-breathing threats. It manages the full C-UAS kill chain from detection to neutralization and can operate both as an integrated component in a layered air defense architecture or in a standalone configuration. Its modular, scalable, and evolvable design ensures that it meets the diverse requirements of global customers. (Source: PR Newswire)

22 Jul 24. RAF to fly Red 6 augmented reality helmet in Hawk trainer. The UK Royal Air Force (RAF) is to fly the Advanced Tactical Augmented Reality System (ATARS) on a BAE Systems Hawk T2 advanced jet training aircraft by the end of October.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the Farnborough International Airshow running from 22 to 26 July, Group Captain Ryan Morris, assistant head planning, military flying training, said that the augmented reality helmet developed by US company Red 6 will be demonstrated on a Hawk jet in partnership with BAE Systems.

“We have signed the second part of a contract [with Red 6] today, for a concept demonstration to see if [the helmet] can be integrated in a Hawk and what training benefit that might bring,” Gp Capt Morris said at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) 2024 on 19 July. “This concept demonstration will involve flying 10-or-so sorties in Hawk in October,” he added.

As Gp Capt Morris noted, the demonstration will see one of the RAF’s 28 Hawk T2s pulled from the flightline at RAF Valley to be fitted with the head tracker and other equipment before the demonstrations are flown out of the same location in North Wales.

“We have enough Hawks on the line right now [following recent engine issues that have caused problems with pilot training] so that [removing one for the concept demonstration] would have no impact,” he said. (Source: Janes)

19 Jul 24. USMC seek C-UAS technology to protect troops from small enemy drones. The United States Marine Corps has issued a Request for Information (RFI) from industry to help forces counter the threat from small drones.

Issued on July 15, the RFI pertains to dismounted counter-uncrewed aircraft systems (C-UAS) technology “to support ‘every’ Marines’ ability to conduct self-defence against threat Groups 1 and 2 small UAS (sUAS)”. Recent exercises and intelligence have shown that troops are vulnerable to UAS and require the ability to defend themselves from the threat.

The Marine Corps says it has an “emerging urgent requirement” for lightweight, easy to use and easy to train systems that can detect, track, identify and defeat small drones. The RFI calls for both squad-level and platoon-level C-UAS. Squad-level solutions need to be carried by dismounted Marines with little to no impact on their primary mission. They would use a passive detection system that can detect UAS using acoustic or radio frequency (RF) detection. Sensors should be body worn and components may include a handheld tablet, bracelet, earpiece, and/or glasses that receive alerts, warnings, or notifications from an external sensor such as a radar.

Also sought are Platoon-level solutions which may be transported in light tactical vehicles, assembled without the use of material handling equipment and operate on battery power.

To defeat enemy sUAS, non-kinetic squad-level solutions would feature a directional RF and/or Global Positioning System (GPS) jammer, and ideally able to mount on organic rifle. Non-kinetic platoon-level C-UAS would include an omni-directional RF/GPS jammer and/or spoofer. Kinetic systems for both levels might be in the form of a rifle / rifle optic capable of tracking and defeating small UAS.

Vendors are requested to submit white papers for capabilities that meet the requirements by August 2. Mature capabilities that have the potential to meet these requirements may be invited to an Industry Day in September 2024 for a demonstration against live targets.

For more information: https://sam.gov/opp/7583df85be8e43049feef904fa50ad55/view

(Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

19 Jul 24. UK DASA seeks aerial threat detection systems. The UK Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) has launched a new GBP2 m competition seeking fast paced proposals over four key challenge areas, called Innovation in Support of Operations.

One of the four areas of interest pertains to aerial threat detection. According to the full competition document, DASA is looking for information on “reduced cost, low probability of intercept, wide-area sense and detect [systems] including (but not limited to) air search (including passive) and the function of 3D counter-battery radar.”

The document lists potential threats to be detected as adversary RF emitters; adversary ISR assets including drones, vehicles or personnel; and adversary weapons in flight such as mortars, rockets, and artillery.

Funded by the Ministry of Defence, the competition intends to identify “nearly ready solutions and techniques that can be accelerated into scalable and deliverable effect faster than our adversaries”.

The competition will run for three cycles, open continuously from 18 July until 3 December 2024. DASA expects individual funded proposals to be in the region of to be in the range of GBP50,000 to GBP200,000. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

22 Jul 24. Israeli researchers develop technology to locate hostile drones in extreme weather. A new development by researchers at Tel Aviv University’s Faculty of Engineering is designed to locate hostile drones in changing and extreme weather conditions. The system uses an AI-enabled radar that will classify drones according to the electromagnetic radiation they emit. The researchers explain that drones are usually identified using cameras that record every aircraft that enters Israeli territory, but add that weather conditions can make it difficult to photograph and locate the drones. As part of the new development, the identification is carried out through a representation of the drone’s ‘identity card’, using radar and electromagnetic tagging of the drone’s wings, separating drones with different IDs. The AI algorithm relies on a neural network that classifies the drone as friendly or hostile, and is designed to work in changing weather and environmental conditions. Experiments were first carried out under laboratory conditions in a sterile environment, and then in an external environment, to simulate real cases. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

19 Jul 24. EU standardisation committee issues draft C-UAS agreement for public comment. Last August, The European Committee for Standardisation (CEN) held a workshop on testing methodology for counter-uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS). The participants have now agreed on the final draft of the CEN Workshop Agreement (CWA), which seeks to develop a standardised test methodology for UAS detection, tracking and identification systems to protect the lower airspace. It does not cover the neutralisation of drones. It is the aim that this standardised test methodology will lead to a much better understanding of the capabilities of C-UAS technology within the EU network of law enforcement agencies.

To create the CWA, 823 drone incidents from across the world have been analysed to identify trends and any gaps that should be filled to ensure a coherent and cohesive approach to the drone threat across EU member states.

The standardised test methodology is based upon a series of standard user-defined scenarios representing a wide set of use cases such as prison and airport security, critical infrastructure protection, border security, drugs and human trafficking. While these scenarios are geared towards civil use, the CWA document notes that “as the domain of counter-UAS is highly dual use-oriented, more military scenarios are certainly also highly relevant”.

The final draft of the CWA provides industry with insight into the operational needs and performance requirements of end users, to drive the design of the C-UAS solutions. It also sets out a standardised way of testing and communicating performance specifications and capabilities.

CEN says the integral test methodology proposed allows for a fair qualitative and quantitative comparison between different C-UAS technologies.

A public enquiry on the draft CWA is now open, closing on 28 August 2024. Comments can be submitted to the Workshop Secretariat Mrs. Cristina Popa using a commenting form. CEN says that the comments received will be considered by the workshop participants before its publication.

For more information: European Committee for Standardisation: https://www.cencenelec.eu/

18 Jul 24. Dedrone releases next-gen computer vision models for lower airspace awareness. Dedrone has made its next generation of computer vision models available for broad use by its customers. The Pythagoras 1 release for lower airspace awareness and counter-UAS features improvements in precision on all object classes and recall on most object classes. This next generation model is now powering all of Dedrone’s products.

Dedrone used NVIDIA’s machine learning graphics processing unit H100 as a training system and PyTorch as the framework for its computer vision models, which enabled the company to employ a completely new neural network architecture. The company’s existing data sets were augmented through both simulated data sets and the integration of active learning of the most interesting cases.

Dedrone employs data augmentation techniques using the AutoKat tool. AutoKat augments existing images by inpainting artificial objects into them, either with or without existing annotations. For this project, the company acquired various models, including 21 helicopters, seven planes, and 11 drones (including quadcopters, fixed-wing drones and three Group-3 drones), which can be scaled, oriented, and placed in any position within an image. “This method allows us to create a diverse set of images, particularly useful for balancing our dataset by generating many helicopter and plane annotations,” Dedrone said in a blog post. “It also helps in addressing the object size distribution, which is crucial for advancing our models to work with 4K images.”

Pythagoras 1 has delivered an average 20% speed increase of Dedrone’s video tracker in addition to improving accuracy, and reducing both false positives as well as false negatives. “These improvements can be measured by improved Mean Average Precision (mAP) and Mean Average Recall (mAR),” Dedrone said. “Recall and Precision are the two key metrics used to assess detector performance. In practice, there is a trade-off between these metrics. Increasing the threshold for classifying an object in the airspace will result in fewer false positives, thus improving precision. However, this tends to allow for more false negatives in practice, so recall is now lower.”

The company also reports a 14x improvement in average precision for extremely small drones. These improvements were observed across all objects and several spatial scales.

The new inference engine has reduced the time it takes for its model to execute on a video, which, in turn, allows Dedrone to leverage more “neurons” in its neural network for a similar cost of frames per second when compared to the company’s previous model. Additionally, the network can handle more pixels of information without taking a large hit in runtime when compared to Dedrone’s previous deployment method. This change has enabled the company to quickly process and infer what is in 4k video, and consequently allow it to be ready for new airspace awareness challenges like Drone as First Responder. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

16 Jul 24. Eurocontrol C-UAS specialists recognised for their work on standardisation. Eurocontrol’s Julia Sanchez and Javier Ceballos-Gutiérrez have been honoured by the Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautcs (RTCA, Inc), for their contributions to counter-uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS) standards. Julia Sanchez, an uncrewed air traffic management expert, received the Outstanding Leader award for her pivotal role in creating DO-403: system performance and interoperability requirements for non-cooperative UAS detection systems. Leading a team of experts, Julia developed a comprehensive and robust framework. Javier Ceballos-Gutiérrez, a surveillance expert, was recognised as a Significant Contributor for his foundational work on C-UAS system architecture. His expertise in air traffic management and performance based surveillance helped define the system’s architecture and standardising interfaces. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

16 Jul 24. UK NPSA issues call for fourth CORE event to test AI-enhanced C-UAS. Following three successful C-UAS Capability Optimisation Research Environment (CORE) events, the UK’s National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) is looking for expressions of interest from vendors of AI-assisted detect, track, and identify technology. The technology will form part of this year’s CORE event, which is expected to be held from Monday 7th – Friday 11th October 2024 and hosted by both NPSA and the United States Department of Homeland Security. The theme for 2024 is AI-enhanced C-UAS. Use of AI could, for example, include providing initial detection in congested spectrum environments, improving classification (UAS vs non-UAS or to further levels of detail), automatically assessing threat intent, or achieving better outcomes than traditional fusion, correlation and tracking algorithms and techniques. NPSA will provide the test site with infrastructure including control rooms and data recording tools, and a test fleet of rotary and fixed-wing platforms. There is no participation cost to the vendor. Interested parties are required to complete the expression of interest form by August 9. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

22 Jul 24. Chess Dynamics and BAE Systems Bofors collaborate on next-generation Tridon Mk2. Chess Dynamics, the leading British surveillance, tracking and gunfire control specialist, has today announced a successful collaboration with BAE Systems Bofors for the fire control element of the Tridon Mk2. This next generation 40mm anti-aircraft system represents a significant advancement in firepower and operational capability, and incorporates Chess’ leading air defence system technology. ,The Tridon Mk2 builds upon the legacy of the original Tridon system, renowned for its dependability, with enhanced capabilities to mitigate a wide range of threats from drones to aircraft. The system offers security and protection for military forces and civil infrastructure across large areas. Chess Dynamics’ expertise in surveillance, fire control and precision positioning has been instrumental in accurately delivering live target coordinates to the Tridon Mk2 for a ground-based air defence (GBAD) role. The Tridon Mk2 fire control system is a variant of Chess’ Hawkeye Air Defence (AD) system. The Hawkeye AD system provides an integrated fire control solution for all types of ballistic effectors. It contains high-definition thermal imager and daylight TV sensors, coupled with a high-performance laser range finder, all co-mounted on a dynamic direct-drive positioner. With a built-in tracker, Hawkeye AD delivers precise 3-D coordinates of both air and surface targets to gun control or combat systems.

“We are incredibly proud to work with BAE Systems Bofors on this critical project,” said David Tuddenham, Managing Director at Chess Dynamics. “Our Electro-Optic Fire Control pedigree in both the Land and Maritime domains delivers class leading GBAD technology and capabilities for BAE Systems Bofors and the Tridon Mk2 end users. This significant project for Chess builds on many years of partnership with BAE Systems”.

The collaboration between Chess Dynamics and BAE Systems Bofors underscores their commitment to delivering cutting-edge defence solutions to meet the evolving needs of modern warfare.

22 Jul 24. iLAuNCH backs revolutionary new EO camera. The iLAuNCH research collaboration’s latest project will develop an Earth observation camera that uses shortwave infrared technology and AI to peer through clouds.

The “multi-sensor camera” is being developed by Leonardo, Spiral Blue Nominal Systems and ANU and will be used for disaster operations, land management and defence.

The $180-m iLAuNCH trailblazer is a partnership between academic institutions and more than 20 industry partners that aims to accelerate the development of the space manufacturing sector.

Since its inception in 2022, it has already helped scores of projects.

“This partnership will bring first mover advantage to Australian industry and ANU, which is set to deliver a commercially viable product for future satellites,” said iLAuNCH Trailblazer executive director, Darin Lovett.

The four organisations will each bring different technology and skills to the project.

“Leonardo has developed extremely sensitive detectors for shortwave infrared which can show heat on an image as well as seeing the earth’s surface through clouds,” said iLAuNCH.

“This shortwave infrared technology has not yet been integrated into a full camera system for space applications.

“ANU has been developing their Rosella processor as the computer behind the detector that reads in the images and makes them available for other processing.

“Spiral Blue has developed an in-space computer tailored for edge processing AI and will be integrating their computer against the ANU processor to capture and process imagery through refining AI, which enables more advanced processing capabilities.

“Nominal Systems helps make the integration of this space camera into a full satellite bus seamless by bringing their satellite hardware into the loop design tools, so that at the completion of the project they can offer a fully integrated plug and play space camera.”

iLAuNCH said the development of this technology would also create a pathway for its commercialisation and enable PhD graduates to transition directly into skilled jobs.

The news comes after the federal government scrapped the high-profile $1.2bn project to detect bushfires from space last year.

The National Space Mission for Earth Observation (NSMEO) was announced by the previous administration in the weeks leading up to the election and would have seen four local satellites launched from 2028.

It significantly follows the cancelling of a separate promise to invest $32.3m into Australia’s spaceports and launch sites and amid criticism Labor lacks interest in the space sector.

The $1.2bn program was set to be jointly led by the ASA, CSIRO, Geoscience Australia, the Bureau of Meteorology, and the Department of Defence. (Source: Space Connect)

22 Jul 24. Eurofighter ECRS Mk2 E-Scan radar on course for first flight in coming weeks. BAE Systems and its programme partners are on course to fly the Leonardo European Common Radar System (ECRS) Mk2 aboard a Eurofighter Typhoon testbed aircraft in the coming weeks.

Ahead of the Farnborough International Airshow 2024 running from 22 to 26 July, the prime contractor for the project to fit the new E-Scan radar aboard the Royal Air Force’s (RAF’s) 40 Tranche 3 Typhoon FGR4 combat aircraft said that ground trials at the company’s Warton facility in northern England had been completed, ahead of the imminent commencement of flight trials.

“A programme of ground-based testing has been completed on a Eurofighter Typhoon test and evaluation aircraft equipped with the advanced new ECRS Mk 2 radar ahead of flight trials,” BAE Systems said on 19 July.

News of the milestone came seven months after BAE Systems said in January that the first ECRS Mk 2 E-Scan radar had been fitted aboard Eurofighter test aircraft ZK355/BS116 ahead of flight trials scheduled to begin later in 2024. With ZK355/BS116 the first to be fitted and flown, further aircraft will be added to the flight-test programme as it progresses.

The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) awarded BAE Systems in July 2023 an GBP870 m (USD1.12 bn at the time) contract for further development and integration of the ECRS Mk 2 for the RAF’s Tranche 3 Typhoon fleet. This five-year award is geared at taking the radar from development to a production standard, and covers 12 radar sets in addition to the prototype set delivered for testing in April 2023. (Source: Janes)

20 Jul 24. Boeing to supply E-7 in first major win since plea deal.

The United States Air Force said it had reached a deal with Boeing (BA.N), for the supply of E-7 Wedgetail airborne warning and control aircraft and downplayed concerns that the company’s internal crisis would harm its ability to supply the Pentagon.

The provisional deal covers the rapid production of prototypes as the Air Force phases out E-3 Sentry or AWACS airborne warning and control aircraft, and follows reports of disagreements over the price for the 737-based Wedgetail planes.

“We have reached agreement with (Boeing)… We have got a reasonable price point that we can afford,” Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall told reporters at the Royal International Air Tattoo military air show in western England.

A formal contract will be finalised in August, he added.

It is the first major contract announcement since Boeing agreed earlier this month to plead guilty to a criminal fraud conspiracy charge to resolve a U.S. Justice Department investigation into 737 MAX fatal crashes over five years ago.

Experts have said the guilty plea, which is opposed by the crash victims’ families, potentially threatens the company’s ability to secure contracts from agencies such as the Defense Department and NASA, although it could seek waivers.

Asked how the plea deal had affected the Pentagon’s ability to negotiate with Boeing, Kendall said, “The short answer is it has not; we are continuing to do business with Boeing”.

Delta cancels more flights after IT outage

Under U.S. rules, the Pentagon has to assess whether any supplier it does business with is a responsible company.

“We will be working in a coordinated fashion … to understand what implications there might be from the plea deal, but I don’t anticipate at this point that it is going to … lead to significant disruption of our contracting,” Andrew Hunter, assistant Air Force secretary for acquisition, technology and logistics, told reporters.

Boeing is the Pentagon’s second-largest contractor and is widely said to be competing with Lockheed Martin (LMT.N) in a strategically important contest to replace the F-22 fighter.

The latest agreement stems from efforts by the Air Force to replace Cold War-era E-3s, whose distinctive rotating radar dome allows crew to track targets and direct aircraft in a battle.

The transition between the two planes has been delayed amid negotiations over price, raising some concerns in Congress about gaps in capability.

“We are very glad to have an affordable basis for the rapid prototyping program, which is the basis for the production programme going forward,” Hunter said.

Boeing welcomed the agreement, which provides a boost to its defence business following a series of cost overruns and delays.

“We are focused on executing well and meeting the needs of our customer,” a spokesperson said. (Source: Reuters)

RADAR, EO/IR, C-UAS, NIGHT VISION AND SURVEILLANCE UPDATE

July 19, 2024 by

Sponsored by Echodyne

www.echodyne.com

10 Jul 24. Echodyne participates in NATO’s C-UAS drill. Echodyne announced in a LinkedIn post that it has supported NATO’s Communications and Information Agency (NCI Agency) to help with the alliance’s testing of its first-ever counter-drone doctrine.

In the recent Ramstein Legacy drill exercise, participating units familiarised themselves with technology that included electronic warfare equipment, radars, and command-and-control systems through practical exercises and hands-on training.

The drill, held June 3-14, focused on developing NATO’s integrated air and missile defence as well as countering small uncrewed aerial system threats. CS Group and Rohde & Schwarz also participated in the exercise.

Reporting on the drill, Defense News said that GPS spoofing was detected and affected some of the drones. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

18 Jul 24. Cuashub.com said today that Zen Technologies Unveils Air and Ground Defense Technologies. According to news reports, India’s Zen Technologies, a provider of anti-drone technology and defense training solutions, along with its subsidiary AI Turing Technologies, has launched four new innovative air and ground defense technologies- the Hawkeye, Barbarik-URCWS (Ultralight Remote Control Weapon Station), Prahasta, and Sthir Stab 640.

Zen Technologies, India’s provider of anti-drone technology and defense training solutions, along with its subsidiary AI Turing Technologies, has launched several innovative products:

Hawkeye– Equipped with multiple sensor detection modules, it enables all-weather drone tracking up to 15 km, ensuring continuous threat detection and enhanced security.

Barbarik-URCWS– Described as the world’s lightest remote-controlled weapon station, offering precise targeting capabilities with calibers ranging from 5.56mm to 7.62mm, suitable for ground vehicles and naval vessels.

Prahasta– An automated quadruped that uses LiDAR and reinforcement learning for real-time 3D terrain mapping, facilitating unparalleled mission planning, navigation, and threat assessment. It can be armed with various caliber weapons (9mm, 5.56mm, 7.62mm) and serves as a first line of defense for commandos during CI operations.

Sthir Stab 640– A rugged stabilized sight designed for armored vehicles, ICVs, and boats, featuring an intelligent fiber optic gyro-stabilized system. It provides exceptional situational awareness with automatic search and tracking capabilities and is compatible with weapon mounts of 7.62mm, 12.7mm, 20mm, and 30mm calibers.

https://cuashub.com/en/content/zen-technologies-unveils-air-and-ground-defense-technologies/?utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9r0-NZCxTqkx0V8c3ir2xaag7vQqzDMfsy8AQLXf6XJazyrU2z59CL3DUyOs5AtcHFOUMAdUxc5i2TqmsczpxVXGe5k6ViWSWeOMVuxJpvRET7pFI&_hsmi=316249918&utm_content=316249918&utm_source=hs_email (Source: https://cuashub.com/)

17 Jul 24. Cuashub.com said today that USMC Seeking Information on Dismounted Counter-UAS Solutions.

With the proliferation of UAS threats on the modern battlefield, Marines must maintain awareness of friendly UAS and be capable of self-defense against hostile UAS. Every unit, down to the individual Marine, is vulnerable to surveillance and potentially dangerous attacks from threat sUAS, regardless of their geographic location on the battlefield. Marines need effective self-defense capabilities against these threats to ensure freedom of movement. This need has been demonstrated through numerous Department of Defense (DoD) experiments, training exercises, and real-world operations.

The purpose of this Request for Information (RFI) is to gather potential solutions from the industry for Dismounted Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (Counter-UAS) systems, enabling every Marine to defend against Groups 1 and 2 small UAS (sUAS) threats. Vendors must submit white papers detailing capabilities that meet the specified requirements. Mature capabilities that fulfill these requirements may be invited to an Industry Day in September 2024 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, for live target demonstrations. This RFI aims to identify potential solutions for an urgent emerging requirement.

The requirements may include training, integration, testing, production, and maintenance support. This RFI is market research per FAR Part 10, not a Request for Proposal (RFP). In support of Program Executive Officer Land Systems (PEO LS), the USMC is issuing this RFI to determine which vendors can provide the described support.

Squad-level solutions need to be carried by dismounted Marines with little to no impact on their primary mission. Platoon-level solutions may be transported in light tactical vehicles, assembled without the use of material handling equipment, and operated on battery power.

Original Published Date: Jul 15, 2024, 08:28 am EDT

Original Response Date: Aug 02, 2024, 05:00 pm EDT

https://cuashub.com/en/content/usmc-seeking-information-on-dismounted-counter-uas-solutions/ (Source: https://cuashub.com/)

17 Jul 24. Cuashub.com said today that Air Mobility Command and AFRL Pioneer UTM at MacDill AFB. Air Mobility Command (AMC) and the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Information Directorate are assessing the CLUE UAS Traffic Management (UTM) system at MacDill Air Force Base, reports Marc D. DeNofio of the AFRL. This is the first Department of the Air Force (DAF) installation to utilize UTM in controlled airspace managed by DOD air traffic controllers. This integration ensures the safe operation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAS) alongside manned air operations, enhancing overall operational safety.

Initiated in 2016, the CLUE program aims to prepare the Air Force and DOD for UAS operations on their installations. The system provides situational awareness and operational capabilities for UAS operators and stakeholders. Introduced at MacDill in February 2022, CLUE demonstrated its capabilities, focusing on airspace deconfliction and security.

Collaboration with various Air Force and AMC units determined it to advance to the next assessment phase. Developed over two years at MacDill, CLUE assists air traffic controllers by providing a three-dimensional view to enhance procedures and enable automatic flight permissions for UAS operators. In May 2024, CLUE UTM began formal operational feasibility assessments accessible to the Air Traffic Control Tower, the Base Defense Operations Center, and Airfield Management.

CLUE UTM is sensor-agnostic, integrating various sensors and systems for UAS detection, tracking, and identification. At MacDill, it helps airspace managers and UAS operators achieve real-time flight planning and mission execution through a control interface called SAFIRE-X, ensuring operational feasibility for DOD use cases.

https://cuashub.com/en/content/air-mobility-command-and-afrl-pioneer-utm-at-macdill-afb/?utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8wGxPXk5qHlvt2GY7EAQRSZra5M4aiU6ub_CjaHeeiQn1msSFM6-3WDaEvuAu_9j0Qt0no9vXvJazS6BguktJlIBkyO49-kublkebG0t8s0r83Ae8&_hsmi=316113079&utm_content=316113079&utm_source=hs_email (Source: https://cuashub.com/)

16 Jul 24. Cuashub.com said today that The importance of counter-UAS “left-of-launch” security planning

The term “left-of-launch” has been widely used by the military, public safety, and counter-UAS professionals worldwide over the last few years. What does the term mean, and what is its importance to an overall physical security plan in the homeland security environment?

A similar term, “left-of-boom,” has been used extensively by military and public safety professionals over the last two decades to describe the time before an improvised explosive device (IED) incident when measures could be implemented to prevent or minimize the impact of the event.

To facilitate these IED preventive measures, the FBI-led Terrorist Explosive Device Analytical Center (TEDAC) was created to help the U.S. government and its international partners proactively prevent and mitigate IED attacks by providing scientific and technical information and intelligence to law enforcement, military, and intelligence partners to disrupt the networks that finance, supply, build, emplace, and employ the devices.

In addition to investigative and forensic measures to disrupt the IED networks, the left-of-boom also includes training, creating or modifying security policies and procedures, technology implementation, and physical design measures meant to prevent or minimize the impact of an IED attack.

What does left-of-launch mean?

The term counter-UAS left of launch is very similar in context to its IED cousin. It describes the time before a careless, clueless, or nefarious drone incident when measures could be implemented to prevent or minimize the event’s impact.

In an article published in War on the Rocks earlier this year, Paul Lushenko and Caitlin Lee suggest that the U.S. government has primarily adopted a narrow “right-of-launch” reactionary approach that involves intercepting and neutralizing drones once they are en route to their target using various methods. The authors further mention that a “bullet-on-bullet” approach is likely expensive and insufficient. The authors further promote the concept of a left-of-launch approach to “focus not only on drone attacks but also the networks behind them.”

Similarly, in a 2023 article, David Kovar suggests that “analyze” and “attribute” should be part of the CUAS Kill Chain. To prevent the next malicious UAV operation before it occurs, the mitigated UAV should be analyzed to understand the “who, what, when, where, why, and how” of its operation. Attribute the operation to an individual, group, or potential threat actor if possible. Finally, intelligence sharing feeds the results into the kill chain.

Image Credit: David Kovar, URSA, Inc.

What are the critical left-of-launch preventative measures?

Analysis, attribution, and attacking the network are all key components of left-of-launch activities, but what else does the concept include?

There are several left-of-launch activities that public safety and security teams can begin to work on and implement now to reduce the threat of careless and clueless or nefarious drone activity. Examples of these activities include:

UAS Risk and Threat Analysis

A UAS threat and risk assessment should be one of the first left-of-launch steps an organization should take. The results of these efforts will play a significant role in developing policies and procedures, training, identifying internal and external stakeholders, determining physical hardening measures, and, if warranted, selecting and deploying counter-UAS technologies.

UAS threat identification involves recognizing potential means and methods of attack. This includes assessing existing protective measures (if any), identifying vulnerabilities in the asset being examined against the considered UAS attack tactic, and developing attack scenarios.

A UAS risk assessment aims to identify relevant threats, construct attack scenarios, determine vulnerabilities, estimate the likelihood of terrorist or malicious acts, and evaluate their potential consequences.

Security by Design and Physical Hardening

Security by design is a proactive approach involving designing and building airspace awareness and protection features into critical infrastructure or other assets.

This can mean including network infrastructure and building specific field-of-view vantage points to install counter-UAS technology in a structure’s original design. It could also include features in the original design or post-construction modifications that prevent or minimize the impact of careless/clueless or nefarious drones, such as a roof over a stadium, nets over an area susceptible to contraband delivery, or installing specific infrastructure to protect critical components at an oil/gas or chemical facility from an airborne UAS threat. It can also mean disguising or hiding assets of value.

Training

Training is a vast category, and the needs of each role or function can vary. Training can include UAS threats, UAS response procedures, counter-UAS equipment-specific training, and legal and regulatory compliance, to name a few.

Policies and Procedures

Policies and procedures are essential to an organization’s operations. They provide a framework for consistent decision-making, ensure regulation compliance, and promote efficient and effective processes.

Policies are formal guidelines or rules that dictate how certain situations should be handled within an organization. An example of a policy could be how the agency or organization complies with applicable state/federal laws and regulations related to counter-UAS technologies.

Procedures are detailed, step-by-step instructions for implementing policies and performing specific tasks. They describe the processes required to achieve the policies’ objectives. An example procedure could be the steps for applying for the necessary regulatory authority for the agency’s radar or the procedures for collecting, preserving, and analyzing digital evidence collected from a drone.

Tabletop Exercises

Tabletop exercises are valuable tools for organizations to prepare for and manage drone-related incidents. Regular exercises build confidence among security team members, ensuring they are ready to act effectively in an actual crisis.

The benefits of a drone-related incident tabletop include:

Enhanced preparedness— Exercises can help clarify roles and responsibilities during a drone-related incident and help internal and external security stakeholders understand the complexities and challenges they might face during an actual incident.
Improved coordination and communication— Drone response exercises can facilitate coordination between internal and external security stakeholders, fostering a collaborative approach to a known or suspected drone incident.
Identify gaps and weaknesses— Exercises can help identify gaps and deficiencies in current drone response plans, procedures, and protocols.
Risk management—Drone response exercises can enable organizations to proactively approach risk management by anticipating and preparing for potential issues. The exercises can also help an organization understand resource needs and constraints, allowing better allocation during an event.
Decision-making practice—Exercise participants have the opportunity to practice making critical decisions under pressure. The exercises also provide a platform for developing and testing team members’ leadership capabilities.
Learning and training—Participants develop and hone their crisis management, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. Knowledge and best practices can also be shared among security stakeholders.

Collaboration with other Internal and External Security Stakeholders

Collaboration with internal and external security stakeholders is crucial for effective airspace awareness and protection efforts.

Sharing information and insights between internal teams and external partners, such as partner organizations, law enforcement agencies, and intelligence communities, enhances situational awareness and threat detection.

Collaborative efforts ensure that resources are effectively allocated and utilized, avoiding duplication of efforts and maximizing the use of available technology and expertise.

Combining the strengths and capabilities of various stakeholders leads to developing more robust and comprehensive counter-UAS strategies that address potential vulnerabilities and gaps.

Regular communication and coordination between stakeholders streamline decision-making processes and ensure a timely and coordinated response to potential threats.

Community Engagement and Social Media

Community engagement, similar to training, is a broad term. It can include developing relationships with local drone clubs, RC airplane organizations, and retail locations where drones are sold. It can also include developing relationships with businesses and landowners near the protected asset or venue and installing “No Drone Zone” signs.

Social media and outreach to other news and information outlets can pay significant dividends by reducing the incidents of the careless and clueless over a protected facility. In doing so, public safety and security personnel can focus their efforts on the non-compliant users of the airspace or drone pilots with nefarious intent.

Selection and Implementation of Technology

The discussion of counter-UAS technologies is last and not by accident. Implementing airspace awareness and protection technologies as part of an agency or organization’s security plan is essential to a defense-in-depth security posture. The previous left-of-launch measures have no legal constraints and can now be used by any organization or entity.

Each organization seeking to evaluate and purchase airspace awareness and technologies has unique user requirements, budgets, and, in some cases, legal and regulatory constraints that dictate the types of technologies able to be deployed.

A defense-in-depth counter-UAS strategy involves using legally authorized multiple detection and mitigation technologies to enhance the likelihood of detecting and countering various drone threats.

The four primary categories of technologies used to detect UAS are radars, EO/IR cameras, acoustic sensors, and various radio frequency detection technologies. Kinetic and non-kinetic are the two categories of technologies used to mitigate, disrupt, disable, or destroy drones.

The DHS Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Counter-UAS) Technology Guide provides additional information on counter-UAS technologies. For further legal and regulatory information in the United States, please visit Advisory on the Application of Federal Laws to the Acquisition and Use of Technology to Detect and Mitigate Unmanned Aircraft Systems.

Summary

Although responding to a known or suspected drone threat is essential to airspace awareness and protection, right-of-launch activities should not be the only focus of a security team or public safety agency.

Left-of-launch activities and planning can occur regardless of legal or regulatory authorities and a budget to purchase counter-UAS technologies. In many cases, left-of-launch activities can significantly reduce or eliminate the threat or impact of a careless/clueless or nefarious drone operation.

The C-UAS Hub Resources section contains resources to help organizations conduct and organize left-of-launch activities. Counter-UAS product and service information can also be found on our industry resource website.

The importance of counter-UAS “left-of-launch” security planning

(Source: https://cuashub.com/)

16 Jul 24. Cuashub.com said today that Upcoming CORE- AI to Detect, Categorize or Identify UAS Threats. Following the success of the previous three CORE events, the UK National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will host another event from Monday, October 7th, to Friday, October 11th, 2024. This event will focus on using AI to detect, categorize, or identify UAS threats.

CORE is a collaborative environment for companies with C-UAS technologies at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 and above to experiment, research, and develop their capabilities. It provides a community-driven approach to research and development, enabling C-UAS companies to collaborate, engage in two-way communication with the UK Government and international partners, and access the expertise of NPSA and the Cross-Government Science & Technology community.

The October CORE event will be open to technologies utilizing AI to detect, categorize, or identify threats posed by UAS. This includes but is not limited to, the use of AI for:

– Initial detection in congested spectrum environments

– Improved classification (differentiating UAS from non-UAS and further detailing)

– Automatic threat intent assessment

– Achieving superior outcomes compared to traditional fusion, correlation, and tracking algorithms and techniques

Companies interested in this opportunity should visit the Capability Optimisation Research Environment (CORE)- Expression of Interest website. The expression of interest form must be completed and submitted by Friday, August 9th, 2024.

https://cuashub.com/en/content/upcoming-core-ai-to-detect-categorize-or-identify-uas-threats/?utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8YDfBAbJohp5U-1poF7wZf7e8z3oUFjv0jyX2BPGGysXdVtjXMHIbaJHZ3Ti1GdKpZVyojPXQY-rf-J2-vx-M9wT5uZrmP4a_xgCJxjyWvuZvZJcE&_hsmi=315979602&utm_content=315979602&utm_source=hs_email(Source: https://cuashub.com/)

16 Jul 24. Cuashub.com said today that U.S. Army Releases Directed Energy RFI. The Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) is seeking High-Energy Laser (HEL)-based weapon solutions from the industry for integration into common Army Air and Missile Defense (AMD) networks. The goal is to demonstrate a capability to defeat Groups 1-3 UAS threats utilizing an engage-on-the-short-halt capable platform. The proposed HEL solution should include the USG-defined Modular Open System Architecture (MOSA) weapon system design considerations, allowing greater flexibility for U.S. Soldiers to employ, operate, and maintain the system.

Laser weapon systems will be critical components within the Army’s formations as their lethality, interoperability, and sustainability improve over the next decade. Rapid and scalable production of these systems necessitates collaboration among industry partners. The RCCTO aims to work with industry to accelerate the development and field testing of a producible and sustainable laser weapon system. This system is designed to meet the Army’s counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) battalion force protection requirements by integrating seamlessly into the Army’s AMD architecture, specifically to deliver lethal effects against Groups 1-3 UAS.

Following the RCCTO Other Transaction Authority (OTA) prototype award under Title 10 USC 4022 in early FY25, the selected vendors’ laser weapon systems will undergo an accelerated United States Government (USG) field test program to ensure they are safe and operationally suitable.

After successfully completing the development and demonstration phase, RCCTO will select a prime contractor for production in FY26. The program plans to transition to the Program Executive Office Missiles and Space (PEO MS) for production, with consideration for utilizing the Middle Tier of Acquisition (MTA) Rapid Fielding approach to produce up to 20 laser weapon systems. These units will leverage available hardware and software open-interface standards to maximize lethality, interoperability, sustainability, and producibility.

Original Published Date: Jul 10, 2024, 11:16 am CDT

Original Response Date: Aug 07, 2024, 05:00 pm CDT

For more information, please visit Broad Agency Announcement- Special Topic, Enduring Directed Energy, on sam.gov.

https://cuashub.com/en/content/us-army-releases-directed-energy-rfi/?utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz–HdxKyyp_Q3K6TI8g9YtCuijwz3Z_GDenrB0quLyLwXN_GuyqpBB_WFNzC757aA2A3fecnyfHn-021OVzIQR6WRjhwW7ZQ2N-KbNcJk1PYr5r0gW8&_hsmi=315979602&utm_content=315979602&utm_source=hs_email (Source: https://cuashub.com/)

17 Jul 24. EOS dazzles with its laser technology at the 2024 Canadian CUAS Sandbox event. Last month, Electro Optic Systems (EOS) joined innovators from across Canada and around the world for the Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) program’s 2024 Counter Uncrewed Aerial Systems (CUAS) Sandbox event. At the event, counter-drone prototypes were put to the test in realistic scenarios; EOS demonstrated its Laser Dazzler technology.

Led by Ian Hilton-Cowie, EOS Projects Engineering Lead, and the EOS Defence Systems Titanis Team, the demonstration highlighted the potential of the Laser Dazzler as part of their counter-drone solutions. The Laser Dazzler, integrated into the company’s Slinger counter-drone system, successfully showcased its ability to degrade, deny, and destroy the electro-optical sensors on typical UAS, using a non-lethal, zero-collateral laser.

Andreas Schwer, Group CEO of Electro Optic Systems, said, “EOS has established itself as the pioneer in Laser Dazzling technology, being the first to successfully integrate it into remote weapon systems. Through the success of our Slinger system, we have proven our ability to deliver accurate counter-drone technologies. The Laser Dazzler builds on this experience, using our world-leading technology to extend options for non-lethal payloads.”

The Laser Dazzler enhances the remote weapon system (RWS) with optic-dazzling, disabling, and disengaging capabilities, offering a formidable solution to counter uncrewed threats. It can be integrated with an RWS as almost a drop-in replacement for the 7.62mm coaxial machine gun. This allows operators the flexibility to use either lethal kinetic or non-lethal scalable kinetic electronic warfare (SKEW) measures against aerial threat.

The dazzle effects from CUAS begin at the effective range of its camera. Laser light, being a single wavelength and coherent, travels far in a vacuum but disperses over distance in the atmosphere. The Laser Dazzler features bespoke beam-forming and optics engineered to achieve the necessary power density at operational ranges, tailored to specific tactical requirements.

For Group 1 UAVs, which rely heavily on the global positioning system (GPS) and global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) along with inertial navigation systems (INS) for navigation and payload delivery, maintaining sensor integrity is crucial. The Laser Dazzler’s capability to mitigate sensor damage from light exposure ensures sustained operational accuracy.

Designed and developed in Australia specifically for export markets, the Laser Dazzler addresses current and emerging threats from uncrewed systems, drawing on lessons from recent conflicts, such as in Ukraine.

Schwer concluded, “EOS is committed to the continuous development of defence technology, equipping allied forces with systems that are not just lethal but also adaptable. Our ongoing innovations and partnerships keep pushing the boundaries of what is possible in defence technology.”

Organisers will publish lessons learned and announce the prize winners in the coming weeks.

17 Jul 24. Teledyne FLIR, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, today announced the next-generation embedded software for the ITAR-free Boson+ thermal camera module, delivering high performing uncooled thermal imaging technology for defense, firefighting, automotive, security, and surveillance applications.

Featuring industry-leading thermal sensitivity of ≤20 mK, Boson+ has been upgraded to provide even sharper thermal imagery and improved spatial filtering. Continuously improved thermal performance and proven market-leading reliability make Boson+ the low-risk integration choice for unmanned platforms, security applications, handhelds, wearables, and thermal sights.

“Boson+ shares the industry-leading size, weight, and power (SWaP) of the widely deployed and real-world-proven Boson thermal camera module, simplifying integration and shortening time to market for our customers,” said Dan Walker, vice president, product management, OEM cores, Teledyne FLIR. “With software updates including new color palettes, low gain mode, and an updated GUI, the AI-ready Boson+ continues to be the go-to thermal module for defense, industrial, and commercial integrators.”

Boson+ interfaces seamlessly with the new Teledyne FLIR AVP, an advanced video processor that powers Prism™ AI and computational imaging at the edge. The AVP, built on the latest Qualcomm QCS8550, efficiently runs Teledyne FLIR Prism AI software providing detection, classification, and target tracking. To improve data fidelity and enhance decision support, it also operates Prism ISP algorithms including super resolution, image fusion, atmospheric turbulence removal, electronic stabilization, local-contrast enhancement, and noise reduction.

Made in the USA, the 12-micron pixel pitch Boson+ is available in both 320 x 256 and 640 x 512 resolutions. The noise equivalent differential temperature (NEDT) of 20 mK or less offers significantly enhanced detection, recognition, and identification (DRI) performance. Improved video latency enhances tracking, seeker performance, and decision support.

Truly designed for integrators, the Boson+ is available with a variety of lens options, comprehensive product documentation, an easy-to-use SDK, and a user-friendly GUI. Customers have access to the US-based Teledyne FLIR Technical Services team to reduce development risk and cost. Boson+ is dual use (non-ITAR) and is classified under US Department of Commerce jurisdiction as EAR 6A003.b.4.a.

The Teledyne FLIR Boson+ is available for purchase globally from Teledyne FLIR and its authorized dealers. To learn more, visit www.flir.com/bosonplus.

15 Jul 24. German Advanced Radar Detection System Integrated onto Predator B. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA‑ASI) and Raytheon Deutschland GmbH,have announced that they will integrate the Advanced Radar Detection System (ARDS) onto a GA-ASI Predator B/MQ-9 Reaper. A scalable Electronic Support Measure (ESM) system for passive radar monitoring, ARDS is designed and developed by Raytheon Deutschland on the basis of modules which are produced in Spain and in the UK.

“Adding an ELINT [Electronic Intelligence] role to Predator B by integrating ARDS will help our customers to map air defense radar threats in contested airspace, from stand-off distances,” said Linden Blue, CEO, GA-ASI

The European-made ARDS provides passive, wide-area ELINT over land and sea and enables high-fidelity detection and direction-finding of RF emitters. The ARDS will be integrated into a standard pod that will be mounted on the centerline hard point of Predator B.

“Predator B is the ideal platform for our ARDS as it deploys the ELINT capability with significantly greater endurance at much lower cost per flight hour compared with other platforms,” said Andreas Radermacher, managing director, Raytheon Deutschland GmbH.

A combined GA-ASI and Raytheon team is currently freezing the design of the integration hardware that will make this capability available to customers in 2018. The team plans to execute developmental and operational flight tests in the second half of 2017. (Source: C4ISR & Networks)

15 Jul 24. Kopin Partners with Wilcox Industries for Modular Dismounted Soldier System. Provides Integrated Day and Night Heads up Display Optical Solutions. Kopin Corporation (NASDAQ: KOPN), a trailblazer in application-specific optical solutions and high-performance micro-displays for defense, enterprise, consumer, and medical products, announced its collaboration with Wilcox Industries on the cutting-edge FUSION CLAW™ head borne information system.

The FUSION CLAW is set to revolutionize the battlefield with its advanced modular technology platform, seamlessly integrating night vision, communications equipment, Identification Friend-Foe (IFF), AI-informed power prioritization, multi-spectral forward illumination, mission recording, and Day/Night Heads-Up Display (HUD) into a single, lightweight package. The system’s design ethos—modularity, scalability, adaptability, and power management—ensures that operators can remain laser-focused on their missions. Kopin’s pivotal role involves the development and production of look-through mixed reality accessories, which we believe significantly enhance warfighter situational awareness with state-of-the-art Day and Night HUDs.

These new accessories will work with legacy fielded systems and as the demand for sophisticated Day and Night Visual Augmentation Solutions (VAS) skyrockets with over 70,000 systems already fielded and 100 commercial licensees integrating with the Android Tactical Assault Kit (ATAK)(1) , the FUSION CLAW system stands at the forefront of technological innovation. Warfighters can now access a wide array of information directly through a seamless heads-up display, eliminating the need for the user to look down at a chest-mounted End User Device (EUD).

“ATAK system users and future AR initiatives need the capability to view critical information in all ambient lighting conditions, from intense daylight to total darkness,” said Nic Peterson, Kopin’s Director of Business Development for Warfighter Vision. “We believe our power-efficient, high-performance microdisplays combined with innovative near-eye optics enable Kopin’s HUD products (designed and built in USA) to meet the complete operational needs of the warfighter and augments their current ATAK system, today. We are delighted to expand our customer base with esteemed partners like Wilcox, renowned for their outstanding contributions to the armed services.”

We believe with the FUSION CLAW system, Kopin and Wilcox Industries are poised to deliver unmatched situational awareness and mission success, ushering in a new era of battlefield innovation and significant revenue potential. James Teetzel, CEO of Wilcox Industries, stated, “The teaming of Kopin & Wilcox presents a unique partnership that is well poised to meet the development and production demands of the customer. The proliferation of this requirement for a headborne modular technology platform, with integrated VAS components, has amplified the necessity for such a business partnership, and we could not be more excited.” For this partnership, Wilcox brings a myriad of technical expertise related to the development of headborne mounting solutions and electro-optics, in addition to years of experience facilitating urgent and unique contract requirements for the US DoD and broader international defense market. As an industry leader in this space, Kopin brings vast industry knowledge and experience with micro-displays and optical solutions. Together, we believe the Wilcox & Kopin team will not only be able to meet customer requirements but will also facilitate increased technological development. James Teetzel further stated, “Wilcox has always listened to our customers, as it is their collective guidance that has allowed Wilcox to design, develop, and offer industry leading technology for over 40 years. The forming of this partnership is no different, as Wilcox looks to work jointly with Kopin in providing the best-in-class solutions in line with specific end-user requirements. We are honored and privileged to work closely with Kopin to jointly develop, produce, and provide meaningful equipment in support of the Modular Dismount Solider System requirements.”

(1) Tactical Assault Kit (TAK) – Air Force Research Laboratory (afresearchlab.com)

About Kopin

Kopin Corporation is a leading developer and provider of innovative display and optical technologies sold as critical components and subassemblies for defense, industrial and consumer products. Kopin’s technology portfolio includes ultra-small Active-Matrix Liquid Crystal displays (AMLCD), Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCOS) displays and Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) displays, a variety of optics, and low-power ASICs. For more information, please visit Kopin’s website at www.kopin.com.

About Wilcox

With over 40 years of experience, Wilcox Industries designs, develops, and manufactures complex mounting and electro-optical solutions to fit the needs of even the most urgent and demanding Government and Department of Defense customer requirements. Our state-of-the-art headquarters and production facility in Newington, New Hampshire allows for single facility, vertically integrated approaches that not only increase efficiency, but also meet the intense security requirements necessary to support Government and Department of Defense contracts. For more information, please visit Wilcox’s website at www.wilcoxind.com

(Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

11 Jul 24. AFSOC seeks industry feedback for ‘Swarm Carrier’ drone.

The Swarm Carrier would be one of three drone types that Air Force Special Operations Command expects will strengthen a budding initiative to incorporate more autonomous systems in missions. Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) is seeking industry feedback for a “Swarm Carrier” uncrewed aircraft system capable of launching from a C-130 and deploying drones of it own, according to a new notice published Wednesday.

AFSOC eventually plans to seek input on drones in sizes between Group 2 and Group 3, Pentagon parlance for small- to mid-size UAS. One drone would be a Group 2 intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) drone, which could be internally carried and launched by the Group 3 “Swarm Carrier.” The Swarm Carrier itself should be capable of launching as a palletized effect from a C-130. And a separate Group 3 drone would be “signature managed” — denoting stealth qualities that could hide it from detection — and deployed from a Group 5 UAS, the largest drone class, to act as a command node for a swarm and relay data back from a contested or denied environment.

According to the document, a request for information (RFI) will follow for each of the other drone concepts besides the Swarm Carrier. The command wants industry to move relatively quickly: The RFI seeks systems that could be fielded within two-to-three years, which could then be upgraded through a modular open systems architecture approach.

Visit Honeywell Aerospace website to learn more.

The market research bolsters a concept in the works by AFSOC known as Adaptive Airborne Enterprise, or A2E, that has motivated tasks like a single crew controlling multiple MQ-9 Reapers. AFSOC officials have also previously discussed plans to outfit platforms like the Reaper, a Group 5 UAS, with the ability to launch several smaller drones.

A document included in the market research [PDF] describes the A2E concept as extending the reach of special operators, who could send drones into contested and denied environments with kinetic, non-kinetic, and sensing capabilities. “A2E systems and payloads will operate overtly or covertly as mission dictates, with the ability to provide low-cost, expendable mass and attritable platforms while also providing high-fidelity targeting information and required effects for the Joint Force,” the document says.

AFSOC is looking to cast “the widest possible net” in its search for viable vendors, including “non-traditional performers and innovators with relevant capabilities and technologies.” Especially in the UAS space, small and mid-size companies have recently beat out big defense primes in contests like the Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program and a test vehicle project led by the Air Force and Defense Innovation Unit.

Like with CCA, the RFI says that vendors who lose out in initial bids could get other chances in the future. Responses are due by August 9.

(Source: Breaking Defense.com)

15 Jul 24. UK procures Smash C-UAS fire-control system. A soldier of the British Army’s 16 Air Assault Brigade demonstrates the Smart Shooter Smash C-UAS fire-control system mounted on an L85A3 assault rifle at the GBAD Expo on 11 July. (Janes/Nicholas Fiorenza)

The United Kingdom is procuring the Smash counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) for the British Army, Janes learnt at the Ground Based Air Defence (GBAD) Expo hosted by the British Army at Baker Barracks, Emsworth, southern UK, on 11 July. The 500 Smash fire-control systems ordered have been entering service with 16 Air Assault Brigade over the last two months, with one system equipping each platoon.

Smash is designed to ensure that each round finds its target by providing a standard assault rifle with precision targeting algorithms and advanced electro-optical processing, according to its manufacturer, Smart Shooter.

It can be integrated into any type of assault rifle, and its employment was demonstrated to Janes mounted on an L85A3 by a 16 Air Assault Brigade soldier. He said the system only releases the trigger of the weapon it is mounted on if an optimum shot is possible.

Incorporating a laser rangefinder, Smash enables the destruction of low-altitude unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) at a range of 250 m in day mode and 100 m in night mode, according to Smart Shooter. It can also receive target information from an external sensor. (Source: Janes)

15 Jul 24. US Army Seeks Counter UAS High-Energy Laser Solutions.

The U.S. Army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office is seeking to develop a high-energy laser that can defeat groups 1 through 3 unmanned systems.

The RCCTO is requesting white papers in response to this BAA W50RAJ24S0001 Supplement. The white paper format shall be in accordance with (IAW) instructions found in the White Paper Submission section of this document. A Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) cost is requested with the white paper submission IAW Section V(A) (14) of the BAA.

The ROM cost is requested with the whitepaper per the format in Annex A and will not contribute to the page total for the white paper submissions.

White paper submissions are due no later than 5:00pm CT on 07 August 2024.

Summary

Laser weapon systems will be critical enablers within the Army’s formation as the lethality, interoperability, and sustainability of these systems advance over the next decade. The ability to produce laser weapon systems rapidly and repeatedly at scale requires industry partners to work together. RCCTO’s objective is to collaborate with industry to expedite the development and field testing of a producible and sustainable laser weapon system. This system will be designed to meet the Army’s C-UAS Battalion force protection requirements by seamlessly integrating into the Army’s Air and Missile Defense (AMD) architecture, specifically to deliver lethal effects against Groups 1-3 Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).

Following the RCCTO Other Transaction Authority (OTA) prototype award, under Title 10 USC 4022 in early FY25, selected vendors’ laser weapon systems will undergo an expedited United States Government (USG) field test program to demonstrate that they are safe and suitable for operational use.

RCCTO will select a prime contractor in FY26 for production following the successful completion of the development and demonstration effort. The program intends to transition to Program Executive Office Missiles and Space (PEO MS) for production and is considering using Middle Tier of Acquisition (MTA) Rapid Fielding to produce up to 20 laser weapon systems. These production units will maximize available hardware and software open-interface standards to maximize lethality, interoperability, sustainability, and producibility requirements.

Problem Statement

The rapid increase in the availability and sophistication of UAS represents a significant challenge to U.S. strategic objectives. Adversary capabilities are progressing exponentially, and the USG is challenged with increasing our ability to efficiently assess and mitigate nefarious UAS threats.

The imminent emerging threat to U.S. Soldiers comes from Groups 1-3 UAS platforms that provide the enemy with intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and attack capabilities; either through delivery of submunitions or via one-way kamikaze attacks. These Group 1-3 UAS threat systems are well suited to conduct tactical and operational level missions, can be launched from forward operating positions without the use of conventional runways, and are difficult to detect and destroy due to their low-flying altitude and small size. To maintain overmatch on the battlefield, continued modernization through use of emerging technologies is required to increase detection, range, lethality, reliability, and survivability in Multi-domain Operations (MDO).

To aid in this fight, RCCTO is seeking High Energy Laser (HEL)-based weapon solutions from industry for integration into common Army AMD networks to demonstrate a capability to defeat Groups 1-3 UAS threats utilizing an engage-on-the-short-halt capable platform. The proposed HEL solution should include the USG defined Modular Open System Architecture (MOSA) weapon system design considerations, allowing greater flexibility for U.S. Soldiers to employ, operate, and maintain the system.

Opportunity Sought

The U.S. Army objective is to produce a HEL weapon system capable of fixed site defense (“palletized”) and/or integration onto an existing Army Platform, such as a Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV). White paper submissions shall include how you would approach designing, integrating, building, and delivering a HEL C-UAS weapon system in a cooperative manner with the government stakeholders. The USG will provide the Army’s Forward Area Air Defense Command and Control (FAAD C2) Interface Control Documents (ICD), Army owned platform interface specifications, such as JLTV, including onboard sensors and radios, the Integrated Recording Appliance (IRA) design reference ICD, and the Navy Joint Laser Deconfliction Safety System (JLDSS) as Government Furnished Information (GFI) upon contract award. The systems must be ready for a sensor and laser lethality characterization test in 1QFY25, a lab demo in 2QFY25, an integrated system field test in 3QFY25, and a Soldier Touch Point (STP) event in 1QFY26.

All white papers must be received no later than 5:00 pm CT on 07 August 2024. (Source: UAS VISION/The Bridge; Laser Focus World; SAM.GOV)

15 Jul 24. C-UAS deployed over Madrid to protect Spanish football fans. Spanish National Police deployed counter-uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS) technology to protect fans who gathered to watch the European Football Championship final match on July 14. Tens of thousands of football fans gathered in Madrid, for example, at the Plaza de Colón and Puente del Rey, where the city council had installed large screens to show the action as Spain took on England.

Spanish tech media outlet, El Radar, reported that the National Police Air Unit deployed an Airbus helicopter and DJI drones as well as the C-UAS technology from DJI and ASDT. ASDT’s technology is part of the national police and army’s Condor programme. The police established officers in one of the towers near Plaza de Colón and another at ground level in Madrid Río. Both teams flew drones to monitor and capture images.

The airspace was closed to drones not engaged in security operations. Nevertheless, before the match got underway, the police unit detected the first unauthorised drone. As the game progressed, a police drone picked up images of members of the crowd throwing flares into the air. The drone was flown higher to avoid being hit by a flare. Further unauthorised drone flights were detected in different locations around Madrid, mostly after the match ended and the crowd celebrated victory.

The police’s air unit is used to deploying C-UAS at football matches and regularly uses the technology at national league and Champions League matches, El Radar reports. The systems are designed to safely disable the drone and return it to the ground without destroying it, which could cause damage over a crowd of people. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

13 Jul 24. Senate Armed Services Committee calls for answers on AI-enabled and DE C-UAS resourcing and deployment.

The United States Senate Armed Services Committee has voiced its concerns regarding the speed at which the US military is fielding AI-enabled counter-uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS).

In its report, the committee points to obstacles to transitioning these innovative capabilities from Special Operations Command (SOCOM) to conventional forces. “The committee commends SOCOM and U.S. Central Command for leveraging innovative capabilities like open-architecture, vertical take-off and landing, and AI-driven autonomous air vehicles for Group 3 defeat missions,” the report states. “However, the committee is concerned that the Services have not budgeted to sustain and expand these types of critical capabilities.”

Seeking answers, the committee is calling on the service acquisition executives of the US Army, Navy, and Air Force to provide separate briefings to the Committees on Armed Services of both the Senate and the House of Representatives, by January 31, 2025. These briefings should include plans to resource, transition, and scale advanced, AI-enabled, combat-validated UAS defeat capabilities to conventional forces.

In addition, to meet the growing threat to the military from individual UAS and UAS swarms, the committee recognises the importance of directed energy (DE) capabilities in C-UAS but cautions that these must be fully tested and servicemembers must be trained in their operation before they can be deployed. The committee therefore is calling for the Secretary of Defense to submit a briefing by March 31, 2025, on the current Department of Defense (DOD) capability to test DE systems and plans to increase that capability.

The committee says this briefing should cover a number of issues including a complete list of DOD test ranges currently conducting DE systems testing; an assessment of existing Federal Aviation Administration and National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) policies and regulations relevant to the testing of DE systems and the use of spectrum analysis tools; and an assessment of the potential impacts of DE system tests on the National Airspace System and the electromagnetic spectrum. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

13 Jul 24. Russian drone strays into Belarus airspace. Lieutenant General Mykola Oleshchuk, Commander of the Air Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, said in a Telegram post that a Russian Shahed-type strike drone had strayed into Belarusian airspace in the early hours of July 13.

Oleshchuk said Russia launched five of the drones from Primorsko-Akhtarsk towards Ukraine during an air raid, and that Ukrainian military had shot down four of in the Donetsk and Kharkiv regions.

“The fifth left Ukrainian airspace in the direction of the Gomel region of Belarus,” MSN reported the commander as saying, with local media reports suggesting the drone flew for at least 300km over Belarus.

This is not the first occurrence of a Russian strike drone reaching Belarus. For example, another incursion happened just two days prior, on July 11. The location of both drones is currently unknown. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

12 Jul 24. South Korea intends to target Pyongyang’s drones with lasers this year. South Korea will deploy laser weapons to shoot down North Korean drones this year, South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) said in a video statement on YouTube.

DAPA has developed the directed energy weapons in cooperation with Hanwha Aerospace, for the project dubbed ‘StarWars’. The lasers are designed to shoot down flying drones by burning down engines or other electric equipment in drones with beams of light. The cost for one launch is approximately 2000 won (GBP 01.11 or USD 01.44).

The laser system, known as Block-I, neutralised 100 percent of its targets during a live-fire test on April 23, DAPA said.

While other countries are developing similar weapons, South Korea is likely to be the first to deploy them on a large scale, if it meets its goal to put the systems into practice this year. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

12 Jul 24. Drone Coalition commits to one million drones and C-UAS tech for Ukraine. The Drone Coalition member nations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a framework for the international supply of drones to Ukraine. The coalition comprises Estonia, Denmark, Sweden, Netherlands, Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, New Zealand, Poland and Latvia. To date, the Netherlands, the UK, Latvia, New Zealand, and Sweden have pledged in total over EUR45M to the common fund, with additional contributions anticipated.

Latvia is providing a drone testing training range for industry and military to continuously improve drone technology. The UK launched an industry competition on behalf of the Drone Coalition to develop and procure First Person View (FPV) drones, of which 265 bids were received. These bids are currently being evaluated and the first contracts are expected to be signed in August.

Ukraine has a high demand for a wide spectrum and capacity of drones, and the Drone Coalition is planning to deliver one m FPV drones to Ukraine. The MoU commits to providing Ukraine with drones and components produced by the industry of Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) countries, as well as finding ways to support Ukrainian manufacturers to ensure that the Ukrainian Armed Forces are equipped with the most efficient capabilities.

The framework established in the MoU outlines the coalition’s core activities, management structure procurement mechanisms.

In addition to the FPV drones, coalition members are working to provide other types of uncrewed aerial systems including reconnaissance, strike drones, AI upgraded drones, as well as counter-drone capabilities.

A statement issued by the coalition’s member nations on July 10 reads: “Through the Drone Coalition we will be seeking joint procurement initiatives to utilise and expand national industrial capacities. We, nations of the Drone Coalition, encourage additional funding to be made available to achieve the coalition’s aims. The Drone Coalition remains open for other Allies and partners to join.” (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

10 Jul 24. MARSS to participate in Red Sands C-UAS exercise. Companies will demonstrate counter uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS) technologies at the annual Red Sands exercise in Fort Drum, between 26 July to 8 August 2024. The exercise serves as a dress rehearsal for the third edition of the Saudi Arabia Red Sands 24.2, scheduled for September.

The theme for this year’s exercise, organised by ARCENT and DEVCOM in coordination with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defence is the networking of sensors and countermeasures.

MARSS will be joining partners to demonstrate the integration of sensors and effectors into its NiDAR technology, featuring artificial intelligence capabilities. The event will provide hands-on experience of how NiDAR can support in defeating hostile UAS.

MARSS offers a C4 that is scaled down to an essential C2 between the sensors. At the upcoming exercise, NiDAR has been selected as the C2 system to integrate C-UAS effectors from the United States. MARSS is able to integrate with a number of effectors, including mobile and long-range systems, to give NiDAR the ability to defeat up to CAT3 drone threats.

MARSS is partnering with third parties on future C4 proposals, allowing the company to expand into other domains including autonomous vessels across the marine industry. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

08 Jul 24. Tusk seeks NATO support to shoot down Russian drones over Ukraine. Prime Minister of Poland, Donald Tusk, said his country would take out Russian drones and missiles over Ukraine before they stray into Polish airspace, if NATO would support the action.

Tusk was speaking to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at a briefing in Warsaw today where the two parties signed a security agreement.

Ukrainian news outlet Censor.NET shared a video of the briefing and reported Tusk as saying: “We have been talking for a long time about an idea that was born in Poland – about the idea of NATO’s response to aerial attacks, that are headed in the direction of Poland and are still within the territory of Ukraine. To try to shoot them down without waiting for them to fly into NATO territory, and even over Ukrainian land. And it seems absolutely logical.”

To do so, Tusk said Poland would need the “unequivocal cooperation” of NATO. “We are open to this,” Censor.NET reported Tusk as saying. “Logic shows that it would be much more effective. But we are under no illusions that this is an easy decision. Therefore, in the document we have written down the desire, the need for such a conversation. We will include allies from other NATO countries in this conversation.” (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

12 Jul 24. D-Fend releases upgraded EnforceAir2 C-UAS. D-Fend Solutions has announced the release of EnforceAir2 version 24.04.2, which includes all upgrades to the counter-drone system released since its launch last year.

Version 24.04.2 of EnforceAir2 includes new user interface (UI) features, expanded detection and mitigation coverage, and enhanced capabilities for deployment on naval vessels. The system also now provides operational support in zones with disrupted GNSS environments.

The upgraded UI offers an AI-based mitigation engine that recommends appropriate drone mitigation options for each individual drone; direct UI integration linking drone tickets with map representation of drone location to enhance situational awareness when dealing with drone swarms; a new graphic representation of the threat level and the possible intentions of the pilot; and single-click access to detailed drone information to enable operators to assess a drone’s threat level.

Application Programming Interface (API) upgrades include strengthened support for exchange of information with external command and control (C2) systems in real time, and additional feeds into EnforceAir2 SDR to facilitate tagging of large numbers of authorised drones for the control airspaces that may contain thousands of drones operating as a baseline.

EnforceAir2 naval deployment upgrades include support for multiple sensors deployed on a moving platform utilising D-Fend’s MSC2 technology, as well as enhanced mobile counter-drone system plans and dynamic updating of warship operational area maps.

In addition to the software enhancements, D-Fend has expanded EnforceAir2’s detection and mitigation drone coverage with the inclusion of many additional drone models. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

12 Jul 24. US Army eyeing new multifunction precision radar. US Army officials are looking to fast-track the development of a new multifunction precision radar (MFPR) system to support the ground service’s ongoing development of its Hypervelocity Gun Weapon System (HGWS), according to a recent industry solicitation.

The request for information (RFI), issued by the army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) on 8 July, is calling for industry details on “technical skills, facilities, tooling, and personnel” required for the development of an MFPR prototype.

The information provided by industry via the request for proposals (RFP) must also demonstrate a company’s ability to develop two functional MFPR prototypes for operational demonstration by fiscal year (FY) 2027, the solicitation stated. Based on the responses to the RFP, army officials anticipate issuing a development contract for the radar prototypes no later than August, it added.

Any viable MFPR prototype system, according to army officials, must be able to receive and transmit data across “an operational band that is available or could be available” for US Department of Defense (DoD) use, the RFI said.

The prototype must also be capable of providing “radar track data and support projectiles in flight” while also providing “long-range, high-precision, and maximized angular coverage for search detection, identification, and tracking of threats”, army officials said in the solicitation.

In terms of target and threat tracking capability, industry offerings for the MFPR programme must be capable of seeking, detecting, and tracking air and missile threats while distinguishing between “friendly projectiles” and valid threats, the RFI stated. (Source: Janes)

15 Jul 24. US Army seeks directed energy C-UAS solution against groups 1-3 UAS platforms. The US Army’s W6J1 RCCTO BELVOIR office is seeking industry white paper responses to its requirement for an enduring directed energy weapon requirement. Deadline for responses is August 7.

“Laser weapon systems will be critical enablers within the Army’s formation as the lethality, interoperability, and sustainability of these systems advance over the next decade,” says the tender document. “The ability to produce laser weapon systems rapidly and repeatedly at scale requires industry partners to work together. RCCTO’s objective is to collaborate with industry to expedite the development and field testing of a producible and sustainable laser weapon system. This system will be designed to meet the Army’s C-UAS Battalion force protection requirements by seamlessly integrating into the Army’s Air and Missile Defense (AMD) architecture, specifically to deliver lethal effects against Groups 1-3 Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).

“Following the RCCTO Other Transaction Authority (OTA) prototype award, under Title 10 USC 4022 in early FY25, selected vendors’ laser weapon systems will undergo an expedited United States Government (USG) field test program to demonstrate that they are safe and suitable for operational use.

“RCCTO will select a prime contractor in FY26 for production following the successful completion of the development and demonstration effort. The program intends to transition to Program Executive Office Missiles and Space (PEO MS) for production and is considering using Middle Tier of Acquisition (MTA) Rapid Fielding to produce up to 20 laser weapon systems. These production units will maximize available hardware and software open-interface standards to maximize lethality, interoperability, sustainability, and producibility requirements.

“The rapid increase in the availability and sophistication of UAS represents a significant challenge to U.S. strategic objectives. Adversary capabilities are progressing exponentially, and the USG is challenged with increasing our ability to efficiently assess and mitigate nefarious UAS threats.

“The imminent emerging threat to U.S. Soldiers comes from Groups 1-3 UAS platforms that provide the enemy with intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and attack capabilities; either through delivery of submunitions or via one-way kamikaze attacks. These Group 1-3 UAS threat systems are well suited to conduct tactical and operational level missions, can be launched from forward operating positions without the use of conventional runways, and are difficult to detect and destroy due to their low-flying altitude and small size. To maintain overmatch on the battlefield, continued modernization through use of emerging technologies is required to increase detection, range, lethality, reliability, and survivability in Multi-domain Operations (MDO).

“The U.S. Army objective is to produce a HEL weapon system capable of fixed site defense (“palletized”) and/or integration onto an existing Army Platform, such as a Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV). White paper submissions shall include how you would approach designing, integrating, building, and delivering a HEL C-UAS weapon system in a cooperative manner with the government stakeholders. The USG will provide the Army’s Forward Area Air Defense Command and Control (FAAD C2) Interface Control Documents (ICD), Army owned platform interface specifications, such as JLTV, including onboard sensors and radios, the Integrated Recording Appliance (IRA) design reference ICD, and the Navy Joint Laser Deconfliction Safety System (JLDSS) as Government Furnished Information (GFI) upon contract award. The systems must be ready for a sensor and laser lethality characterization test in 1QFY25, a lab demo in 2QFY25, an integrated system field test in 3QFY25, and a Soldier Touch Point (STP) event in 1QFY26.”

For more information

https://sam.gov/opp/f01b5e2152e946f1887d09cd41f37ba0/view

(Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

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RADAR, EO/IR, C-UAS, NIGHT VISION AND SURVEILLANCE UPDATE

July 12, 2024 by

Sponsored by Echodyne

www.echodyne.com

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12 Jul 24. Vision Flex Excels at 2024 IDEaS Counter UAS Sandbox in Canada. The Counter UAS Sandbox, organised by Canada’s Department of National Defence in Suffield, Alberta, hosted industry leaders in advanced solutions for detecting and defeating of UAS.

This was a great opportunity to show the latest advancements in our vision-optics systems and our ability to keep up with the acceleration of drone capabilities.

Vision Flex, utilising its state-of-the-art Twin-AI tracking system, was able to accurately track an aggressively flown FPV drone at high speeds in the 1km range.

OpenWorks Director James Cross stated

‘ Events such as the IDEaS Sandbox are essential in receiving valuable feedback from the wider community on developments in defence solutions. We’re very impressed with the enhanced tracking ability of Vision Flex and will continue to ensure we stay on the forefront of optical innovation’

During the event, participants engaged in simulations of diverse operational scenarios such as defending forward operating bases, protecting mobile units and dismounted personnel, and conducting urban and naval operations. (Source: UAS VISION)

11 Jul 24. LTR-25 mobile radar system a regained capability for Royal Air Force. The LTR-25 is one of the Royal Air Force’s newest, forward-deployable radar systems capable of providing cover anywhere in the world.

It is a solid-state three-dimensional long-range system which can be carried around the globe by transport aircraft such as the A400M Atlas.

“As opposed to the static radar systems we currently have in place around the United Kingdom, the LTR-25 is transportable in nature, allowing us to move the system to wherever it is needed,” said Squadron Leader Paul Griffin of 144 Signals Unit.

On arrival at a location, the system can begin transmitting within four hours.

The LTR-25 is capable of detecting non-cooperative aircraft even under adverse conditions, including clutter and in an ECM (electronic countermeasures) environment.

Since the Second World War, radar has been a way of seeing what’s approaching when it can’t be seen by the human eye.

Radio waves are used to determine the distance, direction and velocity of an incoming object.

Radar has been deployed on planes, at sea and in both fixed and mobile land variants.

The RAF has not had a forward-deployed radar setup like the LTR-25 for a number of years and it’s being described as a regained capability. (Source: forces.net)

10 Jul 24. Cuashub.com said today that MARSS Showcasing NiDAR Layered Defense at Red Sands 24.2. MARRS Group announced it will showcase its NiDAR layered defense at this year’s Red Sands 24.2 exercise in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). MARSS will participate for the second time after joining last year’s Red Sands Live Exercise. During the event, MARSS showcased its NiDAR C2 technology, an AI-led system capable of autonomously identifying, categorizing, and tracking potential threats.

Companies worldwide will converge on Fort Drum, New York, from July 26th to August 8th for a full dress rehearsal ahead of the third edition of Red Sands 24.2, scheduled for September.

The theme for this year’s Counter-UAS exercise, organized by U.S. Army Central (ARCENT) and (DEVCOM) in coordination with the KSA Ministry of Defence, is networking sensors and countermeasures. MARSS will join partners to demonstrate the integration of sensors and effectors into NiDAR, providing a comprehensive end-to-end layered defense system. Enhanced with AI, this system ensures optimal efficiency from detection to denial.

The event will offer future operators hands-on experience in how NiDAR can support the defeat of hostile UAS.

MARSS has collaborated with top-tier sensor and hardware manufacturers for several years, incorporating the latest CUAS innovations into the NiDAR integration list. This approach opens up more opportunities and configurations for current and new customers.

At the upcoming exercise, NiDAR has been chosen as the C2 system to integrate CUAS effectors from the USA, highlighting MARSS’ reputation as a trusted and battle-proven C2 partner across the GCC.

Josh Harman, MARSS VP of Business Development, added, “MARSS offers a C4 scaled down to an essential C2 between the sensors, as this allows for an intuitive and seamless operational picture for the end user. It’s what the current market is missing—a one-picture interface that simplifies integration, extends the decision timeline, removes clutter, and automates the coordinated actions for a precision defeat.”

https://cuashub.com/en/content/marss-showcasing-nidar-layered-defense-at-red-sands-24-2/?utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8bCvtOvSJkLD39Yfzb0v24L3YZDmkNEff3fx3H6EPJC_RlrJqFQMMbNtgMXcR-H5MDu-j0iZ9ommtH3v1tzkYdsVjfi8YobHEcbWhjIC1GGQwXkZg&_hsmi=315138811&utm_content=315138811&utm_source=hs_email (Source: https://cuashub.com/)

10 Jul 24. Terma, a global leader in radar solutions, proudly announces the launch of the SCANTER 2502 Compact Surface Movement Radar (cSMR).

Revealed in March at the esteemed Airspace World event in Geneva, cSMR sets a new benchmark in the industry as a gap-filler radar with its compact design and exceptional performance capabilities.

As a supplement to existing SMRs, cSMR with its compact form factor and high performance, is designed to mitigate blind spots in or around more challenging areas in airports, offering total radar coverage, even in traditionally hard-to-reach areas obstructed by airport terminals etc. The key feature of the SCANTER 2502 based cSMR radar is the ability to detect both cooperative and non-cooperative objects, ensuring complete situational awareness.

This innovation allows for an unprecedented level of monitoring and safety, addressing gaps that other systems might miss. Airports can now maintain a detailed and continuous overview, improving operational efficiency and elevating safety standards across the board.

Moreover, the SCANTER 2502 demonstrates its versatility by its ability to serve as a SMR radar in small airports or remote tower operated airports, showcasing its adaptability and effectiveness in diverse aviation settings.

“We are excited to introduce the SCANTER 2502 compact SMR solution. This innovative radar system represents a significant advancement in radar technology, providing unparalleled performance and reliability in a compact and easy to install package. With the SCANTER 2502 radar, airports can achieve complete situational awareness and enhanced safety like never before.” says Kristoffer Engelbæk, Sales Manager, Security Sales. The new cSMR solution adds to the already +250 SCANTER radars operating in airports around the world and is available for sales today.

09 Jul 24. NATO Tests Counter-Drone Technologies. The commercial and recreational use of drones has grown exponentially, posing new challenges for airspace security. To address this, NATO’s Communications and Information Agency (NCI Agency) has been testing and developing counter-drone (C-UAS) technologies. These efforts aim to protect Alliance airspace from unauthorized drones using machine learning and artificial intelligence to detect intrusions.

After months of delays, NATO has adopted its first counter-drone doctrine, recently tested in an exercise along the Black Sea. This doctrine advises member states on layered defense approaches and common training standards for operators. The exercise, TIE22, involved over 30 companies and organizations deploying systems to ensure interoperability between NATO nations’ C-UAS technologies. The focus was on Class 1 unmanned aerial system threats, which include small, mini, and micro drones.

NCI Agency tested two drone detection prototypes: a modified version of ARTEMIS and the Drone Identification System (DroIDs). DroIDs uses machine learning to detect and identify drones without manual feature extraction, representing a significant technological advancement. Dr. Cristian Coman, the lead for counter-drone activities at NCI Agency, highlighted the importance of integrating C-UAS technologies with existing air defense systems to ensure NATO’s airspace remains secure.

The exercise featured participation from Romania, Germany, Portugal, Hungary, France, Turkey, and Poland, with support from British and Finnish fighter jets. U.S.-based Echodyne, French CS Group, and German electronics specialist Rohde & Schwarz were among the companies showcasing their counter-drone equipment.

Cristian Coman, chief scientist at NATO’s Joint Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance center, emphasized the growing threat of Class 1 UAS in military conflicts. He noted that maintaining air superiority is increasingly challenging, necessitating advanced counter-drone measures. Participants in the exercise engaged in practical drills, using electronic warfare equipment, radars, and command-and-control systems to detect and counteract drone threats.

Italian Navy Lt. Cmdr. Federico Fugazzotto, acting as part of the “red team,” flew drones to simulate enemy threats, including American-made Parrot Disco and Chinese-made DJI models. The exercise’s scenarios varied in complexity, testing participants’ ability to detect and neutralize drones under different conditions.

The new counter-drone doctrine will provide a comprehensive guide for NATO member states, focusing on the operationalization of C-UAS, the importance of multidomain and layered solutions, and standardized training for operators. The doctrine is expected to be ratified by a NATO committee before the end of the year. (Source: https://www.sofx.com/)

09 Jul 24. Cuashub.com said today that Airspace at Yuma Proving Ground Busy with JCO C-UAS Demo. Established in 2020 to address the threat of small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS), the Joint C-sUAS Office has hosted industry demonstrations of cutting-edge C-sUAS technology at the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) for the past three years. Their most recent event, the fifth at this location, spanned four weeks in June and was the most ambitious yet, concentrating on systems capable of detecting and defeating sUAS swarms. Out of nearly 60 proposals, 12 systems were selected by the JCO for demonstration, with nine participating in the event, reported army.mil.

“We have up to 50 targets in the air simultaneously,” said Hi-Sing Silen, test integration manager for the JCO. “Those include rotary-wing, fixed-wing, fast-mover jet engines, and propeller-driven group threes, all coming at you from almost 360 degrees. It is as hard as it can be for a system trying to defend itself.”

“As far as I’m tracking, this is the first time the DOD has flown this many threat targets in the air at one time,” said Silen. “In other swarm demonstrations I have seen or heard about, you either have waves of incoming threats, or they are coming one after another. In our scenario, you have 50 threats converging on your position at almost the same time.”

The methods for detecting, tracking, and identifying threats varied among vendors, as did the defeat mechanisms. These included machine guns and rockets, high-powered microwave systems, and electronic warfare systems. Some vendors offered kinetic interceptor drone-on-drone defeats or combined multiple mechanisms.

The testers watched for any anomalies and took extensive notes on each system. The most recent demonstrations also attracted observers from counter-UAS programs who were hoping to gain insights that might be useful to other aspects of advancing technology to defend against the sUAS threat.

YPG’s clear, stable air and arid climate, combined with its extensive institutional UAS testing expertise, make it an appealing location for testers. Additionally, its capability to control a large portion of the radio frequency spectrum enhances its attractiveness. YPG manages over 500 permanent radio frequencies and several thousand temporary ones monthly.

https://cuashub.com/en/content/airspace-at-yuma-proving-ground-busy-with-jco-c-uas-demo/?utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9UKq6FIJ6-5J0MGOPGdxyrm2zAKBRam9GAe6tDOzoxx8N2RCtO0DFF3uWUiFVpVe0ebQYgwKiqucazrXYxvR0uoLcW1r4N6nETXPFIQz_p_cuwN2w&_hsmi=314949595&utm_content=314949595&utm_source=hs_email(Source: C-UAS Hub)

09 Jul 24. 82nd Airborne Division Tests Advanced Night Vision Sights for Airborne Infiltration. The 82nd Airborne Division, along with the 3rd and 10th Special Forces Groups, is in the final stages of testing the Family of Weapons Sights – Individual (FWS-I). This program aims to equip Soldiers with advanced thermal sights for individual weapons, enhancing their capabilities during static line and military free fall airborne operations.

The FWS-I provides Soldiers with enhanced thermal imaging, allowing them to see further into the battlefield and improve their surveillance and target acquisition capabilities, day or night. “The FWS-I gives Soldiers the capability to see farther into the battlefield, increase surveillance and target acquisition range, and penetrate day or night obscurants,” said Lashon Wilson, a test coordinator for Project Manager Soldier Lethality. Staff Sgt. Derek Pattle, a Test NCO with the Airborne and Special Operations Test Directorate (ABNSOTD), emphasized the importance of mastering night vision devices and targeting systems for Army paratroopers and Special Operators, particularly during forced entry parachute assaults.

Conducting operations during daylight hours can expose paratroopers to enemy fire and counterattacks, making night-time operations and the use of advanced targeting systems crucial. According to Capt. Joseph Chabries, a Plans Officer at ABNSOTD, the key question for military equipment used by Army paratroopers and Special Operations is its survivability during airborne infiltration. “Ensuring these systems are both suitable and effective for issue to airborne forces often requires a more technical approach,” Chabries noted.

Staff Sgt. Dalton Carter, a weapons squad leader with the 82nd Airborne Division, praised the FWS-I’s operational features, viewing it as a significant advancement for Army night vision capabilities. Similarly, Sgt. David Brown, a fire team leader participating in the static line testing, highlighted the FWS-I as a potential force multiplier during limited visibility conditions or obscured battlefields.

Post-drop operations included assembling jumpers to perform system function checks and collimation using the Mobile Boresight Collimation Station (MBCS). This station evaluates the bore sight retention and repeatability of the FWS-I before and after airborne operations, determining any displacement of the boresight reticle due to shocks from aircraft exit, parachute deployment, or landing.

Jacob Boll, ABNSOTD’s Operational Research Analyst, noted that ABNSOTD is uniquely equipped with a mobile bore sight collimation capability, a critical asset for post-drop weapons testing. The instrumentation section of ABNSOTD trained extensively to conduct these tests, ensuring that the FWS-I remains operational and effective.

Maj. Joshua Cook, Deputy Chief of ABNSOTD’s Test Division, underscored the importance of operational testing in ensuring that new systems are effective and suitable for Soldiers. Headquartered at West Fort Cavazos, Texas, the mission centers on ensuring systems perform optimally in real-world environments. Direct feedback from test units and Soldiers is crucial in refining these systems for enhanced military readiness.

The Fort Liberty, North Carolina-based ABNSOTD, part of the U.S. Army Operational Test Command, plays a vital role in planning, executing, and reporting on operational tests and field experiments for Airborne and Special Operations Forces. This testing provides essential data for the development and fielding of new equipment and systems, contributing to the Warfighter’s effectiveness and readiness. (Source: https://www.sofx.com/)

09 Jul 24. Thales has won a contract from Naval Group to test a passive hull-mounted sonar designed for autonomous operation. The contract is part of a project led by the French defence procurement agency (DGA) to develop an unmanned combat underwater vehicle demonstrator for testing purposes. The passive omnidirectional hull-mounted sonar to be integrated into the demonstrator will comprise a cylindrical panoramic array and an internal unit housing the operating software. Together, the array and operating system will provide an accurate, detailed picture of the ocean surface environment to ensure that the underwater vehicle can ascend and surface safely. Thales will assist with integration of the sonar solution on the DDO. The project will give the French Ministry of the Armed Forces access to the latest underwater systems technologies to gain and sustain undersea dominance in the theatre of operations. These new technologies and tactical capabilities are expected to deliver an effective operational response in the medium term to meet the needs of underwater warfare and new forms of naval combat.

“The passive omnidirectional hull-mounted sonar developed by Thales is a key component of the unmanned underwater vehicle’s acoustic detection system. Its autonomous detection, classification and location capabilities will rely on high-performance signal processing, data analytics and artificial intelligence functionalities,” said Marc Delorme, Thales lead for the Unmanned Combat Underwater Vehicle (UCUV) project.

08 Jul 24. NATO tests counter-drone playbook amid real-life jamming in Romania. After months of delays, NATO has adopted its first counter-drone doctrine, testing its tenets in an exercise along the Black Sea shore that was marred by real-life interference wafting across the water.

The focus of the Ramstein Legacy drill, held June 3-14, was on developing the alliance’s integrated air and missile defense with an additional eye on combating Class 1 unmanned aerial system threats — a reference to small, mini and micro drones.

Participating units hailed from Romania, Germany, Portugal, Hungary, France, Turkey and Poland, supported by British and Finnish fighter jets. In addition, three companies were invited to introduce some of their counter-drone equipment, including the U.S.-based firm Echodyne, the French CS Group, and German electronics specialist Rohde & Schwarz.

“Class 1 UAS have become one of the most important threats we observe at the moment in military conflicts. Where for many years having air superiority was one of the pillars of the NATO doctrine, we have seen recently that’s no longer the case,” said Cristian Coman, chief scientist at the joint intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance center at NATO’s Communications and Information Agency (NCIA).

On the first day of the training, participants were asked to get familiar with the capabilities of the systems at the exercise, including electronic warfare equipment, radars, and command-and-control systems.

The following days were focused on practical exercises and hands-on training, with each scenario increasing in difficulty. Part of the personnel involved in this segment were officers from the Italian C-UAS Center of Excellence, who performed the job of the enemy.

“We are here acting in the role of the red team in this exercise, where we are the threat the trainees need to identify and counteract. We are flying the drones, which are common civilian ones,” Italian Navy Lt. Cmdr. Federico Fugazzotto told reporters.

Some of the models displayed included the American-made Parrot Disco first-person-view drone as well as two Chinese-made DJI types. Exercise participants were instructed to use their detection equipment for picking up the drones’ electronic signatures.

According to Fugazzotto, increasingly complex scenarios entailed flights of varying lengths, hiding the drones’ points of departure on the ground, and attacking with multiple systems at once.

Crimea mirage

As the training unfolded, experts with NCIA confirmed to Defense News that GPS spoofing was detected and affected some of the drones, though officials did not name the source. The interference method feeds false coordinates to drone navigation systems in an effort to crash or disorient them.

“When I had the hand-held device from the drone, where you basically have the controller, my hand device would ‘be’ on a foreign location in Crimea,” Mario Behn, the principal scientist at NCIA, told Defense News. “But the drone was still here, which of course is physically impossible, as it is a huge range,”

On both days of Ramstein Legacy, data provided by the website GPSJam showed a high level of GPS interference that encompassed all of Constanta.

Military personnel here were vague about anti-jamming techniques and equipment used to mitigate interference, citing security concerns in revealing Western countermeasures.

The extensive level of jamming was also apparent in the area surrounding the nearby Mihail Kogalniceanu air base, where Finnish F/A-18 fighter jets and British Eurofighters were deployed. The exercise marked Finland’s first foreign deployment for NATO since joining the alliance in April 2023.

When asked if he was used to flying amid this amount of jamming, Lt. Col. Rami Lindström, commander of the Finnish F/A-18 detachment in Romania, acknowledged the GPS interference but appeared unfazed about it affecting the equipment.

“We have a lot of reports in Finland about the same kind of jamming, so we are used to that. But the F-18 is a warhorse and is resistant against that,” Lindström told Defense News in an interview.

“You can say we know our neighbor and we like to share this knowledge with our allies,” the Finnish official added, referring to Russia.

Back to school

In 2019, NCIA established an academy in Oeiras, Portugal, to provide training on NATO systems devoted to communications, air command and control, and cybersecurity. With drones omnipresent in today’s military thinking, the school’s emphasis is about to change.

“Our idea would be to add a counter-UAS curriculum with educational courses followed by enhanced practical training, which would be very easy to integrate at the Portugal academy,” Behn said.

There are some hurdles to that end, however, especially when it comes to standardizing hands-on training.

For one, the drone arsenals of NATO countries are so diverse that finding cross-cutting training approaches will be tricky. That is in addition to the ceaseless cat-and-mouse game of buying improved drones and superior countermeasures.

“Procurement processes take years, except we don’t have years to defend against those small drone threats,” Coman said. (Source: Defense News)

03 Jul 24. Slovakian trials of military integrated ATM/UTM system include remote and network ID components. Slovakia’s Mám Dron association has published the latest results from the country’s integrated ATM/UTM military system trials.

According to the association: “The technological partners of the Mám Dron association, the companies R-SYS and Dronetag , in cooperation with the Simulation Center of the Academy of the Armed Forces of General Milan Rastislav Štefánik , carried out a dynamic demonstration of the integrated ATM/UTM system at the end of 2023 during the event Ensuring the training of operators of unmanned aerial systems (BLS) in the environment OS SR . The IXO MIL system from R-SYS provided situational awareness in the area of the training polygon and provided various types of dynamic and static data, including geographic zones, no-fly zones and information on target objects. At the same time, the system enabled the exercisers to be notified and non-verbal communication between the exercise leader and the exercisers via a chat tool. This solution is the functional equivalent of a UTM system (level U2), which meets the requirements given by the valid EC (EU) regulations for UTM/U-Space.

“Positional information and tracking of BLS that flew in the area of the training polygon was carried out by two methods – DirectID directly via Bluetooth/WiFi ( Direct remote identification ) and RemoteID via LTE networks (Network identification). The transfer of positional data from BLS was ensured by Dronetag modules, fully integrated into the UTM solution of IXO MIL. This originally civilian UTM solution has been modified for use in various types and components of the armed forces or law enforcement components, allowing to display the positions of non-cooperative targets using various types of survey sensors and also to communicate with cUAS solutions through standard protocols.

“The result of the cooperation of the military (experimental) and civil sectors was a successful demonstration of current technological possibilities in the field of ATM/UTM integration and display of BLS location information in real time . The possibility of tracking and monitoring various unmanned aircraft systems in real time through a web and mobile application based on the principle of the functional equivalent of the UTM system and access to special software providing relevant data on aircraft was also presented.

“The data used and the tested IXO MIL application itself enabled the implementation of actions related not only to pre-flight preparation, but also to control and monitoring activities in the area of responsibility, with deconfliction between the entities themselves in the airspace, as well as with a warning about a potential violation of a foreign area of responsibility. The aim of the demonstration itself was to actively demonstrate in real time compliance with the required level of security in the form of deconfliction and interoperability through system coordination, which can increase the efficiency of task performance and compliance with national and international standards during training, but also when performing special tasks using BLS.”

According to project’s final conclusions:

“This demonstration showed how modified UTM systems can safely and effectively manage drone operations even in a demanding military environment, especially in a period when the pressure to integrate and ensure the joint functioning of military and civilian manned and unmanned operations in common airspace, especially in ground and very low altitudes will exert increasing pressure not only on the implementation of rules for UTM/U-Space, but also on the automation and mutual integration of new and existing solutions into a reliable and economically efficient technological ecosystem.”

For more information: https://mamdron.sk/spolocnost-r-sys-demonstrovala-moznosti-integrovaneho-atm-utm-riesenia-pre-potreby-ozbrojenych-zloziek/

(Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

08 Jul 24. Cuashub.com said today that Aaronia’s AARTOS Supports Austrian Grand Prix Security.

Protecting against unauthorized or nefarious drones at large events has become an increasingly important security aspect. At the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Austrian Grand Prix 2024, ensuring the safety of the fans, drivers, and crews was a top priority. For airspace awareness and protection, the event security team used a mobile version of the AARTOS DDS system installed in a Mercedes Sprinter.

At the Grand Prix, security officials, familiar with AARTOS DDS from its successful use at Airpower 2022, chose it again for drone protection. Aaronia AG’s AARTOS DDS system integrates into existing security frameworks and includes the high-end AARTOS X9 version. This system can be set up in minutes and provides comprehensive drone protection, detecting drone position, speed, and altitude and scanning the entire frequency spectrum for real-time drone and operator positioning. Aaronia’s RTSA-Suite PRO software can identify and control almost all commercially available drones, landing them safely if necessary. A mobile app can share data in real-time with authorized security authorities.

“In addition to numerous drone sightings on the outskirts of the designated no-fly zones, we unfortunately had to intervene several times,” explains Stephan Kraschansky, CEO of Aaronia Austria. “In most cases, it was enough to warn the pilots about their misconduct. In a few cases, however, we had to take control of the drones and land them safely to avoid any risk. At the same time, the security officials took care of the drone pilots.”

Aaronia’s AARTOS Supports Austrian Grand Prix Security

(Source: https://cuashub.com/)

06 Jul 24. US Army flies 50 targets simultaneously in latest C-UAS test. The US Army is concerned that adversaries could potentially use small uncrewed aerial systems (sUAS) to target service members, necessitating robust counter-UAS (C-sUAS) defences for use anywhere US forces may be deployed.

The Joint C-sUAS Office (JCO), established in 2020 to tackle this threat, has hosted industry demonstrations of the latest C-sUAS technology at U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground for the past three years. The JCO’s most recent event took place over four weeks in June, focusing on demonstrating systems capable of detecting and defeating swarms of sUAS. Of nearly 60 proposals, 12 systems were selected for demonstration by the JCO, and nine participated in the Yuma event.

“We have up to 50 targets in the air simultaneously,” said Hi-Sing Silen, test integration manager for the JCO. “Those include rotary-wing, fixed-wing, fast-mover jet engines and propeller-driven group threes, all coming at you from almost 360 degrees. It is as hard as it can be for a system trying to defend itself.”

Silen said the event was the first time the US Department of Defense has flown so many threat targets in the air simultaneously. “In other swarm demonstrations I have seen or heard about, you either have waves of incoming threats or they are coming one after another. In our scenario, you have 50 threats converging on your position at almost the same time.”

The methods to detect, track and identify threats differed by vendor, as did defeat mechanisms, which included machine guns and rockets, high-powered microwave and electronic warfare systems. Some vendors provided kinetic interceptor drone-on-drone defeats, or combined aspects of other mechanisms.

The testers watched for any anomalies and took extensive notes on each of the individual systems. The demonstrations also attracted observers from counter-UAS programs who were hoping to gain insights that might be useful to other aspects of advancing technology to defend against the sUAS threat. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

02 Jul 24. Roke introduces portable C-UAS technology. Roke has launched a portable counter-uncrewed aerial system (C-UAS) unit. Roke Agile Counter-UAS comprises a standalone C-UAS sensor system, RapidEO; and an open-architecture, interoperable fusion and autonomy engine, OMNISCIENT Decision-Making Module (DMM).

Roke’s AI-powered RapidEO sensor system can detect and confirm UAS threats to vehicles, buildings and people. Lightweight and requiring limited power supply, its sensing capability is designed to protect against swarms and multi-axis attacks even in cluttered environments.

For networked and multi-sensor applications, Roke’s open-architecture fusion and autonomy engine, OMNISCIENT DMM, is fully interoperable and allows users to integrate their choice of sensor mix to best address a specific challenge. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

09 Jul 24. Boeing’s Compact Lasers shine at Counter-Drone Competition.

At the 2024 Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) Counter UAS Sandbox in Suffield, Alberta, Canada, Boeing’s Compact Laser Weapon System (CLWS) supported a range of counter-uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) test exercises.

As part of mock operational scenarios staged from May 27-31, Boeing successfully operated two CLWS units — one in a fixed containerized configuration and one integrated with a military-grade Polaris RZR — side by side to cooperatively detect and defeat both single targets and multiple targets simultaneously, including high-performance first-person view (FPV) drones, stationary mortars and a swarm of five UAS.

Boeing configured the units with a radar system to detect targets before automatically “handing over” control to the compact lasers to identify, track, engage and defeat them — demonstrating the full counter-UAS kill chain at distances ranging from 200 meters to 2.5 kilometers.

“This was a great opportunity for us to roll up our sleeves alongside Canadian defence and security organizations to show what CLWS could do reliably over several days, as well as the benefit of multiple lower-power, lower-cost systems engaging the same target at the same time,” said Kurt Sorenson, CLWS program manager. “CLWS is a combat-proven, multi-mission solution with an open systems architecture that’s capable of meeting Canada’s integrated command and control requirements.”

The biannual Counter UAS Sandbox, organized by Canada’s Department of National Defence’s IDEaS program in coordination with the Canadian Armed Forces, brought together advanced solutions from across industry to detect and defeat small UAS. A “Sandbox” is an opportunity for innovators to demonstrate and test solutions and receive feedback from the Canadian defence and security community while informing them about the state of the possible.

Types of operational scenarios simulated at the event included forward operating base defense, mobile force and dismounted personnel protection, and urban and naval operations.

Boeing’s CLWS — recently returned from a multi-year overseas deployment with the U.S. Marine Corps — has defeated more than 400 drones in dozens of demonstrations, scenarios and environments in the hands of military operators with as little as one hour of training.

About IDEaS

IDEaS is a defence innovation program which invests in research and technology aimed at meeting the demands of the current and future complex global defence and security environment. Since launching in April 2018, IDEaS has been working with Canadian innovators to develop the science and technology landscape, and is helping turn innovative thinking into tangible solutions for the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces, as well as Canadians. (Source: UAS VISION)

02 Jul 24. Russia develops combat drone and C-UAS buggy in response to ‘jet-powered drone threat.’ A counter drone conference in St. Petersburg is considering the threat posed to Russia by Ukraine’s use of jet-powered drones. The Technologies to Detect and Counter UAVs conference on July 1 and 2 has been organised by the RuDrones competence centre for uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAV) technologies and the Vector Research Institute (part of the Rostec corporation’s Ruselectronics holding).

Speaking at the conference yesterday, Andrey Tabekin of the Russian Ministry of Digital Development said the Belgorod border region is “facing a new threat from jet-powered drones”. Tabekin said experts are currently working on jamming solutions to counter the drones.

Russian news agency TASS reported yesterday that the Red Line company has developed a single-use Vogan-9SP combat drone to intercept UAVs and detonate their payload. The quadcopter is designed to accelerate to about 200 km/h and operates with a radar station and a laser system that lights up a detected target. Tests are ongoing with an aim to increase the system’s speed.

A representative from Red Line told TASS that a ‘go’ command is given and the drone takes off from a launcher, approaches the target and takes automatic direction from its own guidance systems. Ultimately, an operator makes the decision whether to destroy the drone based on an image from Vogan’s video camera.

TASS also reported yesterday that the personnel of an air defence battalion from Russia’s Southern Battlegroup have constructed a buggy vehicle designed to fight drones. The vehicle is reported to be in the final rounds of testing.

According to TASS, “the vehicle’s front part features a turret with two mounted PKT machine-guns and an improvised six-barrel muzzle-loading shotgun placed between them. The front turret mounts a thermal imaging sight that projects images to a monitor on a passenger seat. Turret control and firing are automated and conducted from a passenger seat. The rear turret that rotates 360 degrees is equipped with six coaxial AK-12 assault rifles that conduct simultaneous fire. Six shotguns for buckshot fire are installed along the vehicle’s perimeter. Instead of buckshot, servicemen use 7.62mm bullets glued together with wax.”

For more information: https://tass.com/defense/1810675 (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

01 Jul 24. Sentrycs releases updated C-UAS technology. Sentrycs has introduced version 4.7 of its analytics-based counter-uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS) technology. This latest release supports the most recent Autel drones and protocols as well as most recent DJI drones, including DJI FPV as well as OcuSync 3 and OcuSync 4 protocol-based drones. Sentrycs v.4.7 extends its multi-sensor capabilities and enables users to manage multiple sites and sensor locations with a single command and control. The new version is also designed to analyse the activity of drones performing Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), to better understand their targets and missions. Sentrycs’ C-UAS technology supports Remote ID, but is not dependent upon it. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

08 Jul 24. USAF seeks market information on electro-optical/infrared C-UAS technologies. The United States Air Force (USAF) Counter small-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-sUAS) branch is requesting information regarding Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) camera technologies related to combatting the sUAS threat groups 1 and 2. According to the request for information: “This request is issued for the purpose of exchanging information and market research that will allow industry to best communicate to the Government their capabilities through this exchange of information. Responses to this request are voluntary and will not affect any contractor’s ability to submit a proposal if, or when, an RFP is released. The requested information is for planning purposes only and does NOT constitute a commitment, implied or otherwise, that a procurement action will be issued.” Responses to this request are due no later than Wednesday, 31 July 2024, at 3:00 P.M. Eastern Standard Time (EST)For more information: https://sam.gov/opp/c91f63bcef8c4bd9812e16b9be2ce899/view (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

08 Jul 24. Germany grants BVLOS approval to Securitas for critical infrastructure protection by drone. Security specialist Securitas has received approval from the national civil aviation authority for fully automated drone operations and beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flights in Germany. Securitas Air Control flights will offer critical infrastructure protection. The approval enables Securitas to “completely rethink perimeter protection” said Marcel Scheinfeld, regional head of Commercial & Solutions at Securitas GmbH in a post on LinkedIn. “Time-consuming patrols, particularly those in rough terrain, can now be dispensed with and technically replaced by these flights, with a high level of security.” The drones are equipped with a variety of sensors, including high-resolution cameras, thermal imaging cameras and laser rangefinders. These technologies are designed to enable the drones to detect people, vehicles and other objects such as licence plates even in difficult conditions such as poor visibility or total darkness. They can also communicate with people via integrated loudspeaker systems using live offender speech and provide visibility in dark areas using headlights. The uncrewed systems take off and land autonomously from drone hangars, which also serve as maintenance and charging stations. Flight operations are monitored by an operator regardless of location. For example, a flight over Hamburg may be monitored by an operator in Munich. U-ROB GmbH has provided technical support to Securitas for the project. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

RADAR, EO/IR, C-UAS, NIGHT VISION AND SURVEILLANCE UPDATE

July 5, 2024 by

Sponsored by Echodyne

www.echodyne.com

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02 Jul 24. Application Insight: Advanced IR Thermal Imaging Lenses for C-UAS Systems. Enhance threat detection and minimize false positives with Ophir’s high-performance IR continuous zoom lenses for counter unmanned aerial systems.

Ophir Optronics, an MKS brand and a leader in optical solutions, offers cutting-edge IR continuous zoom lenses designed to provide unparalleled performance in Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) applications.

These lenses are optimized for long-range detection, precise identification, and reliable tracking of small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS), ensuring superior operational effectiveness in the field.

The rapid proliferation of drones over the past decades has introduced significant security challenges for both civilian and military sectors. This escalation in potential threats has spurred the development of sophisticated C-UAS technologies aimed at detecting, identifying, and neutralizing these risks. Among the leading solutions, infrared (IR) thermal imaging plays a crucial role, especially when integrated into multi-sensor C-UAS platforms.

Ophir’s IR continuous zoom lenses offer advanced optical design and rugged construction making them an asset to modern defense systems tasked with countering the growing threat of sUAS. By providing precise, long-range detection and identification capabilities, these lenses enhance the operational readiness and effectiveness of military and security forces.

Delivering exceptional image clarity with a Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) close to the diffraction limit ensures crisp, clean imagery across the entire zoom range, facilitating accurate identification and tracking. The precision optics maintain focus throughout the full zoom capability, allowing seamless transitions between wide and narrow fields of view without losing sight of the target.

With capabilities extending beyond 8 kilometers, these lenses are engineered for long-range engagements, providing operators with the ability to detect and identify threats from significant distances. This extended reach is crucial for early threat detection and effective countermeasures.

Built to endure the most challenging conditions, Ophir’s lenses are ruggedized and compliant with US and European military standards for temperature, shock, vibration, and environmental sealing.

Features:

High-precision optics with MTF close to the diffraction limit
Continuous zoom providing adequate, focused pixels on target
Focus maintained through the full zoom range/ entire field-of-view range
Tight boresight retention
Extended identification ranges exceeding 8km
Ruggedized design for durability in the harshest environmental conditions
Accurate Line-of-Sight (LOS)
Focal length ranges from 21mm to 1350mm
US and European military standard compliance for temperature, shock, vibration and
environmental sealing including DIN 3140, IPC 620, MIL-PRF 13830, Mil-PRF 85285, MIL
STD 810, MIL-C-48497, MIL-C-48616, ISO 10110 sections 1-19, ANSI\ASQ Z1.4.
Available with high durability (HD) or hard carbon (HC) coatings
(Source: https://www.defenseadvancement.com/)

02 Jul 24. C-UAS Hub said today U.S. Air Force Issues RFIs for Radar and EO/IR Technologies. The Counter-small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-sUAS) branch of the United States Air Force (USAF) is seeking information on radar and EO/IR camera technologies for countering the threat posed by small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) in groups 1 and 2, as detailed in Table 1 below and associated Request For Information (RFI) documents found on sam.gov.

A separate RFI was issued for both radar and EO/IR technologies. The requested data includes company information, general information, hardware information, system unclassified capabilities, software, price, and support. Both RFIs currently have a response date of July 31st, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. EDT.

For specific information on each RFI, please visit:

Counter small-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-sUAS) RFI regarding radar, EO/IR camera, and OTM technologies; and

Counter-small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-sUAS) EO/IR Camera Request for Information (RFI). (Source: https://cuashub.com/)

03 Jul 24. C-UAS Hub said today Roke Announces Agile Counter-UAS Solution. Last week, Roke launched the Roke Agile Counter-UAS, a dynamic, portable, and deployable system designed to help military and civilian organizations address the growing and evolving threat posed by Unmanned Air Systems (UAS).

Roke Agile Counter-UAS provides a two-pronged defense against the rapidly evolving threats to people, assets, and infrastructure. This scalable and flexible solution includes a standalone C-UAS sensor system, RapidEO, a pioneering open-architecture, interoperable fusion, and an autonomous engine, the OMNISCIENT Decision-Making Module (DMM).

The AI-powered RapidEO sensor system is a versatile, all-in-one solution for detecting and confirming UAS threats. It is portable, lightweight, and requires minimal power supply, making it deployable at scale to protect vehicles, buildings, and people. Its unique sensing agility allows it to defend against swarms and multi-axis attacks even in cluttered environments, quickly raising the alarm and enabling decision-makers to respond rapidly.

For networked and multi-sensor applications, Roke’s OMNISCIENT DMM offers full interoperability, allowing users to integrate a variety of sensors to address specific challenges best. Unlike other closed and siloed solutions, this introduces a new level of flexible capability to the market.

As the UAS threat evolves and sensor technology advances, decision-makers are not locked in—the solution allows users to adapt deployment faster than other solutions to dominate new threats. The OMNISCIENT DMM works with a range of sensors from Roke’s ecosystem of technology partners.

“The increasing sophistication and threats posed by UAS are presenting a major challenge for both civilian and military organizations,” said Paul MacGregor, Managing Director at Roke. “Roke Agile Counter-UAS is our new market-leading response to an environment where it is more important than ever to be flexible, resilient, and future-proof and to be able to deploy solutions at speed and scale.” (Source: https://cuashub.com/)

02 Jul 24. C-UAS Hub said today Sentrycs Releases New Update to Counter Drone Threats. Sentrycs has released the most recent software update for their protocol analytics-based anti-drone technology, version 4.7 to counter new drone threats. The most recent update includes the following:

Addition of the most recent Autel drones and protocols
Addition of the most recent DJI FPV, OcuSync 3, and Ocusync 4 protocol-based drones
The introduction of multi-site management capabilities for geographically distant sites
Capability to analyze the activity of drones suspected to be performing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.

For more information on the Sentrycs protocol analytics-based anti-drone technology, visit the Sentrycs website. (Source: https://cuashub.com/)

01 Jul 24. Leonardo DRS, Inc. (NASDAQ: DRS) has provided the 1,000th advanced sensor package which is at the core of BAE Systems’ 2-Color Advanced Warning System (2CAWS), a next-generation missile warning and hostile fire detection system. The system is designed to protect U.S. Army pilots and crews from new and emerging missile threats.

The advanced DRS 2-color infrared detector package is integrated into BAE Systems’ 2CAWS system for the U.S. U.S. Army’s Limited Interim Missile Warning System (LIMWS) Quick Reaction Capability program.

The 2CAWS technology provides a foundation for the Army’s current and future threat detection needs by giving aircrews advanced 360-degree threat detection capabilities to enhance survivability.

“We are proud to have reached this important milestone and be partnered with BAE Systems to have developed this critical lifesaving technology for aircrews,” said Jerry Hathaway, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Leonardo DRS Electro-Optical and Infrared Systems business unit. “The challenges in Ukraine emphasize how important it is to have this capability on aircraft today on the battlefield to maneuver and conduct operations.”

The system was designed to provide threat information to the aircrew and integrates with countermeasure systems to protect against shoulder-fired and vehicle-launched infrared surface-to-air missiles.

U.S. Army and BAE Systems program officials recently visited the Leonardo DRS facility to celebrate the delivery of the 1,000th 2CAWS for the LIMWS program, and to congratulate employees on their dedication to keeping our frontline pilots and aircrews safe.

The Leonardo DRS has an extensive installed base of electro-optical and infrared technology across the U.S. military. Advanced sensing capability is a key strategic focus for Leonardo DRS providing world-leading sensing and laser technologies for a range of aircraft protection and mounted and unmounted sensors supporting the men and women of the U.S. armed forces.

28 Jun 24. Skynode S: Auterion autonomy kit lets attack drones fly through jamming. Just announced on Thursday but already quietly combat-tested in Ukraine, the palm-sized Skynode S card makes small drones much less dependent on an uninterrupted wireless link to a human remote controller.

The Ukraine war has shown the lethal power of drones. It’s also proven their vulnerability to even brief disruptions in their wireless links back to their human operators, with Ukraine losing thousands of drones a week to electronic warfare.

But now Auterion, a US-Swiss firm that works for the US, Britain, Holland and Ukraine, with production lines in Texas and Kyiv, says they’ve solved a big part of that problem. The company’s Skynode S upgrade kit, announced Thursday but already combat tested in Ukraine, is meant to make small drones smart enough to perform some crucial functions on their own.

“We’re not picking targets autonomously, because that is a whole new set of ethical considerations,” said Lorenz Meier, Auterion’s founder and CEO, in a call with Breaking Defense. You designate the target, [that] is a human decision, but everything from there is fully automated. … The whole terminal guidance is all fully automated and can’t be jammed, doesn’t rely on GPS, and also works on moving targets.”

Autonomous terminal guidance is a complex technical problem that the Russians have already tried — and, so far, seemingly failed — to tackle with their own Lancet drone. It matters so much militarily, for both sides, because the trickiest time for attack drones is often the final approach to their targets.

The fundamental physics problem is that small drones can only carry small amounts of explosives, so even a small mistake can mean a miss. But small drones — at least, ones without Skynode S — can’t perform precise maneuvers on their own: They need a human pilot flying them by remote control. That means an unskilled, exhausted or just unlucky operator can fumble the strike at the last minute. Or the enemy can force a fumble by jamming the control link, which requires less and less power as the drone gets closer and closer to the target.

To dispense with that human guidance, you need a drone with electronic eyes sharp enough, and a digital brain smart enough, to distinguish the designated target from the background clutter and home in on it autonomously. But while computers have gotten pretty good at identifying static images of cute kittens, puppies and consumer products, they have a harder time with three-dimensional objects, especially when they’re camouflaged, partially hidden behind cover, poorly lit, or moving.

Meier is emphatic that Skynode S has solved this problem well enough to give Ukrainian drones an edge in combat, without needing exquisite sensors or bulky on-board computers.

“It has been hard, and there were setbacks, and it was a very intense six months to get to this point,” he told Breaking Defense. “[But] we’ve made sure that we have a really, really good computer vision tracker” that can follow the designated target “even if it moves, if it turns, if anything changes.”

Open Architecture: The Path To Infinite Upgrades

SkyNode S also allows drones to navigate accurately over long distances when GPS is degraded, jammed or otherwise unavailable, Meier said. The same circuit board that runs the target-tracking algorithm can also be linked to jamming-resistant GPS antennas, electromagnetic sensors that triangulate the drone’s position off radio beacons and computer vision algorithms that match the terrain below the drone against high-res satellite maps.

None of this means the drone can identify and choose its own targets, Meier emphasized. That’s a much more complex problem, not only technologically but legally and morally.

However, the company is working on an electronic warfare upgrade to Skynode S that, instead of using computer vision to track targets, would home in on radio and radar signals. It should be possible to program such an EW drone with a library of distinctive enemy transmissions, then launch it in the general direction of a radar, jammer or communications node with the order to find and kill it.

Such “Homing Anti-Radiation” capabilities have existed in high-end missiles systems since the 1980s, as with the American AGM-88 HARM. But putting them in much cheaper drones could proliferate them dramatically across the battlefield, at least at shorter ranges.

Remarkably, all these capabilities run off an electronics card smaller than a human hand, as Meier demonstrated by holding one up during his video call with Breaking Defense. “I have one of these avionics units here, so you see … it’s ridiculously small.”

These cards are also adaptable enough that they can be installed on drones from multiple manufacturers and run apps developed by other companies. This design approach is known as Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA), where different companies agreed to common technical standards so their software applications and hardware components can plug-and-play together.

“We’ve done a lot of MOSA for real, in real systems, with real things that deploy,” Meier said. “We’ve built an app store. [It’s] the Android of drones.”

The openness of the system was put to the test in a recent hackathon in Poland run by the Pentagon’s Defense Innovation Unit. Teams from more than a dozen different companies and universities were able to whip up navigation apps to run atop Auterion’s operating system and field-test them on real drones.

In fact, DIU’s Blue sUAS program — a curated list of small unmanned air systems approved for military use — uses Auterion open-source software and the MavLink communications protocol that Meier developed as a graduate student in Zurich before founding Auterion. That makes it easier for Auterion to work with other companies from many countries.

“We’re working with American drone companies, European drone companies, and Ukrainian drone companies,” he said. “We’re powering systems in DoD inventory, in Dutch inventory, in British inventory.”

When Meier began working on autonomous drones back in 2008, “that was in a more peaceful world, where I was personally focused more on disaster recovery and urban navigation,” he told Breaking Defense. “But since then, the world has become a more dangerous place, and the freedoms that we’re taking for granted need to be protected.”

“There is a moral obligation to not withhold our technology from defense,” he said. “If we feel we make the best operating system for drones, it would be the wrong thing to withhold it, even from lethal applications.” (Source: Breaking Defense.com)

01 Jul 24. BlueHalo Selected for US Army Next Generation C-UAS Missile.

The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation & Missile Center (CCDC AvMC) Aviation & Missile Technology Consortium (AMTC) has down-selected BlueHalo as one of two vendors to move forward for the development of the Next-Generation Counter-Uncrewed Aerial System (C-UAS) Missile (NGCM).

BlueHalo is leveraging a long corporate heritage in proven C-UAS technologies to expand its layered defense solutions with a long-range missile–entering the kinetic interceptor market space and providing an agile and alternate prime within the industrial base to counter the rapidly evolving threats.

“As we’ve seen in Ukraine, Jordan, Israel, and the Red Sea, drone attacks are increasing in number, sophistication, speed, and size–representing the fastest evolving threat vector of the modern era,” said Jonathan Moneymaker, BlueHalo Chief Executive Officer.

“Adding the increased range, reduced time-to-target, and rapid launch capabilities of our technically superior NGCM to BlueHalo’s operational, industry-defining RF and directed energy C-UAS solutions gives unmatched, layered protection to our warfighters, allies, and assets. We are honored to work alongside AMTC to expand our nation’s kinetic C-UAS capabilities and continue BlueHalo’s legacy of delivering next-generation defense technology into the hands of the warfighter.”

Last fall, BlueHalo revealed its NGCM in response to the U.S. Government request for a more advanced C-UAS missile technology to meet the pacing threat. NGCM goes beyond current capabilities to increase lethality and range against Group 3 UAS and other larger air threats while –enabling a rapid delivery timeline to get the technology to the frontlines quicker and more cost-effectively than alternatives.

“BlueHalo’s NGCM provides an agile, disruptive, technically superior interceptor to the munition industrial base, delivering unmatched protection to our warfighters and transforming our nation’s air defense systems at mission speed,” said Jimmy Jenkins, General Manager, Defense Sector, and a former air defender in the US Army. (Source: UAS VISION)

01 Jul 24. Cuashub.com said today that Lithuania Considering Acquisition of Anti-Drone Systems. According to LRT, Lithuania is currently assessing the need to acquire anti-drone systems due to its proximity to the Russian Federation’s borders and Russia’s close ally Belarus.

“Now we are assessing what capacity is needed. I will go to the prime minister; I will talk about what kind of investments are needed here to get this thing moving because there is a world of drones and there is a world of anti-drones,” Defence Minister Laurynas Kasčiūnas said on LRT TV’s program Dienos Tema (Topic of the Day) last week.

Kasčiūnas contended that developing anti-drone capabilities should occur concurrently with the advancement of drone technology.

Earlier this year, in response to Russian aggression, six NATO nations agreed to construct a “drone wall” along the alliance’s eastern flank, spanning from Norway to Poland. This initiative aims to protect Norway, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, and Poland from threats posed by Russia and its close ally Belarus.

The drone wall is one of many measures being taken by NATO member nations in response to the threat from the Russian Federation. On October 13, 2022, defense ministers from 14 NATO allies and Finland (Finland was not a member of NATO at the time) convened in Brussels to sign a letter of intent to develop the “European Sky Shield Initiative.” Led by Germany, this initiative aims to establish a European air and missile defense system by jointly acquiring air defense equipment and missiles among European nations. This collaborative effort is designed to enhance NATO’s Integrated Air and Missile Defense capabilities.

Lithuania Considering Acquisition of Anti-Drone Systems

(Source: https://cuashub.com/)

29 Jun 24.US DoD programme to fly uncrewed aircraft in civil airspace gets underway. Project ULTRA, an uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) cargo transport initiative, has completed its first simulation.

Last month, the United States Department of Defense (DoD) issued the project’s first task order, which uses USD2.5 m in Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 funding that Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven secured as a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee. The order directs Project ULTRA to begin simulating the movement between military installations of cargo payloads of at least 25 kilograms over 100 kilometres using unmanned aircraft.

A task order is expected to be issued this autumn using funding Hoeven included in FY2024 appropriations legislation, to conduct a demonstration flight between Grand Forks Air Force Base and Cavalier Space Force Station.

Project ULTRA builds collaborative research between the DoD, NASA and the Northern Plains UAS Test Site, which helped lay the foundation for this new initiative.

“Project ULTRA is underway,” said Senator Hoeven on June 27. “We provided the funding, helped build the partnerships and got the contract with DoD in place. Now with this first simulation, the project partners are preparing to demonstrate the practical UAS applications they’ve been tasked with, the first being moving cargo between military installations using unmanned aircraft.”

Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Brent Ingraham said the long-term goal of the project is safely integrating DoD’s uncrewed systems into the US national airspace.

Project ULTRA will demonstrate a variety of UAS applications that will benefit Grand Forks Air Force Base, while also providing a template for UAS activities at installations across the country. This includes development of practical UAS applications like supply delivery, base inspections and installation security.

Initially, Project ULTRA received an open contract valued at up to USD18.25 m and can continue to receive funding in subsequent years. The project partners include GrandSky, the Northern Plains UAS Test Site ,Simulyze, Scientific Applications and Research Associates (SARA), Modern Technology Solutions International (MTSI), Perikin, and Aura Networks. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

01 Jul 24. SkeyDrone collaborates to secure Belgian airspace during summer festival season. SkeyDrone has today announced its collaboration with several Belgian police districts, responsible for security at major music festivals. The Police Districts of Rupel, Lokeren and Limburg Capital Region will use SkeyDrone’s drone detection system in an effort to keep the airspace above the festivals in their districts safe.

Belgium hosts many music festivals during the summer. In recent years, the use of drones has increased significantly, posing potential risks to large public gatherings.

SkeyDrone will provide continuous, real-time monitoring of the airspace around the festival sites, using technology that is designed to detect drones and automatically distinguish between authorised and unauthorised flights. Upon detection of any unauthorised drone activity, SkeyDrone’s system can instantly send alerts. It also locates the drone pilot, enabling the immediate confiscation of illegal drones by the police.

The system covers all critical areas of the festivals, from stages and camping sites to parking and entrance zones.

SkeyDrone has previously deployed its drone detection technology at large music festivals such as Tomorrowland, where 12 illegal drones were confiscated by the local police in 2023. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

27 Jun 24. Sierra Nevada Corporation is to deliver the Finnish Border Guard’s new surveillance aircraft based on the Bombardier Challenger 650. The Finnish Border Guard’s Dornier 228 surveillance aircraft are coming to the end of their life cycle. The aircraft will be replaced by two new multirole aircraft, the supplier of which has now been selected. The aircraft will be manufactured by Canadian Bombardier, and the system integration will be carried out by American Sierra Nevada Corporation.

Sierra Nevada Corporation has been selected as the supplier of the following multirole aircraft for the Finnish Border Guard. The procurement contains two aircraft solutions based on Bombardier’s Challenger 650 business jet, which Sierra Nevada Corporation will modify to suit the operational needs of the Finnish Border Guard. The Agreement was signed in Helsinki on June 27, 2024. The aircraft are planned to enter service in 2026 and 2027.

In the final stage of the bidding competition, two Prime candidates submitted bids by the deadline. In the evaluation of the tender for the MVX Program, Sierra Nevada Corporation’s solution met the capability requirements set by the Finnish Border Guard. The selection was based on the supplier’s experience and demonstrated ability to implement complex aircraft modifications, as well as the ability to deliver the aircraft within the set deadline.

“The new surveillance aircraft will significantly increase Finland’s capability in border security and maritime security tasks, which is important in our difficult-to-predict security environment,” says Major General Matti Sarasmaa, Chief of Border and Coast Guard Division.

The leader of the MVX Program, Brigadier General Jari Tolppanen, is confident now that the Program is progressing to the production phase. “The set performance goals are achieved within the budget frame. The Agreement is balanced. Sierra Nevada Corporation is a very capable and experienced supplier of surveillance aircraft,” states Tolppanen.

Modern, cost-effective performance: The Border Guard’s Dornier 228 surveillance aircraft are about to be decommissioned. With the new aircraft being acquired now, not only will the DO fleet be replaced, but also significant improvements will be achieved in the performance and capability of the Finnish Border Guard. With the new Challenger 650s, there will be significant improvement in operating time and greater transport capacity. In addition, the aircraft will be equipped with advanced technical systems and modern surveillance sensors. The new aircraft guarantee high-class performance and are designed to perform in various different tasks and conditions.

“The Finnish Border Guard is about to have a capability whose performance and wide range of sensors is state of the art, even in international comparison. It is a world-class multirole aircraft that is capable of operating in the Finnish Border Guard’s demanding operating environment,” says the MVX Program Manager, Lieutenant Colonel Kenneth Rosenqvist.

The Finnish Border Guard’s specialists have evaluated the equipment and systems to be procured in a major evaluation phase in 2023. In this way, it was ensured that the acquired entity meets the requirements and is suitable for its intended use. The total cost of the acquisition is some 163 m euros. The Finnish Parliament allocated funding for the acquisition in the 2023 budget. The financing covers two aircraft with their systems, as well as the training of the necessary personnel, technical support for commissioning and spare parts. The bidding process with its many phases proved that the solution offered by Sierra Nevada Corporation was cost-effective and capable.

Providing support to other authorities: The most important tasks of the Finnish Border Guard’s aircraft are monitoring of land and sea borders, search and rescue, identification of ships travelling the Baltic Sea, and detection of maritime environmental damages and leading their response operations. The aircraft also support other authorities in monitoring the state and situation of the Baltic Sea and in monitoring Finland’s territorial integrity. In addition to the Finnish Border Guards’ systems, the systems of the Finnish Defense Forces and the patient transport capability of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health will be integrated into the aircraft. Moreover, the aircraft can participate in international cooperation.

The new aircraft will significantly improve Finland’s border security. The modern system body adapted to the operational needs of the Finnish Border Guard and the conditions of the operating environment is protean and agile. The MVX aircraft are strategic assets for the Finnish Border Guard and the entire Finnish society for the next 30 years. The multi-phase project is a combination of history and the future

The MVX Program started with a preliminary assessment in 2019. The project received funding in 2022. Initially, nine suppliers were invited to the bidding competition. As the project progressed, the number of Prime candidates was reduced from nine to four based on the preliminary solutions offered. The Finnish Border Guard and its experts evaluated the offered solutions and systems, and based on the results, two suppliers were invited to the final stage of the tender. After the final negotiation phase and overall consideration, Sierra Nevada Corporation was chosen as the aircraft supplier.

Over the years, the Finnish Border Guard’s aircraft have been registered almost without exception in alphabetical order. The first surveillance aircraft, VL Sääski II, was designated OH-MVA. The current Dorniers have the registrations OH-MVN and OH-MVO. Since the new jet-powered Challenger aircraft represent a big step forward and a new era in the aviation of the Finnish Border Guard, it has also been decided to take a bigger leap forward in the registrations. Therefore, the first new aircraft to be commissioned will be registered OH-MVX, and its sister OH-MVY.

(Source: www.joint-forces.com)

28 Jun 24. Photonis, part of Exosens, the world leader in amplification, detection and imaging technologies, has supplied cutting-edge Micro Pore Optics (MPO) detection technology to the SVOM (Space-based multi-band astronomical Variable Objects Monitor) mission, to aid in the study of the most distant explosions of stars, the gamma-ray bursts.

Launched on June 22nd by the Chinese Long March 2C rocket from the Xichang launch base, the SVOM mission is the result of the collaboration of two national space agencies; the Centre national d’études spatiales (CNES) of France and the China National Space Administration (CNSA), accompanied by contributions from leading research institutions and universities.

The SVOM mission’s sub-payload features The MXT Telescope (Microchannel X-Ray Telescope), used to observe gamma bursts in the soft x-ray range. The MXT is equipped with 40µm sized Micro Pore Optics plates, a state-of-the-art detection technology developed by Photonis, a leading brand of Exosens, alongside the University of Leicester and the CNES. The optic built with those MPOs is coupled to a focal plane camera equipped with X-ray sensitive pnCCD. The MXT instrument will utilize the technology to capture high-resolution images and spectra of gamma-ray bursts, which will provide valuable insights into this phenomenon.

The Micro Pore Optics manufacturing requires high-precision glasswork carried out by Photonis. According to François Gonzalez, SVOM project manager at CNES, “Making regular micro-channels of this size in glass has been a big challenge. The industrial process requires more than 50 manufacturing steps, each as complex and delicate as the next. Photonis’ expertise in glasswork was essential in overcoming this challenge.”

“Exosens is delighted to have contributed to the SVOM mission’s success, harnessing our expertise in high-performance optics. Our Photonis brand has designed and manufactured the Micro Pore Optics that enable the MXT telescope to capture high-quality images and spectra of gamma-ray bursts, advancing our understanding of these cosmic events.” said Jérôme Cerisier, CEO of Exosens.

The power that emerges from a gamma-ray burst is considerable, which makes them visible at very large distances. The SVOM mission aims to study these events in unprecedented detail, capturing high-resolution images and spectra that will shed light on their origins, composition, and behavior.

The mission’s findings will have significant implications for our understanding of the universe.

RADAR, EO/IR, C-UAS, NIGHT VISION AND SURVEILLANCE UPDATE

June 28, 2024 by

Sponsored by Echodyne

www.echodyne.com

28 Jun 24. Germany’s Puma S1 Features New C-UAS. The German Bundeswehr showcased its Puma S1 infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) equipped with a counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) from Dedrone at the Eurosatory 2024 defence exhibition held in Paris from 17 to 21 June. Known as DedroneSensor RF-300, the system is designed to passively detect, classify, and locate commercial unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and their remote-control signals. According to the company, it can automatically track and map UAV flightpaths and pilot locations and provide information on “hot spots” of ‘drone’ activity. The vehicle was demonstrated to the Bundeswehr in this configuration, where it proved capable of detecting a swarm of nine UAVs before the turret destroyed the threat, Mathias Kraus, head of sales at Projekt System & Management (PSM), informed Janes. This latest configuration has been proposed to the Bundeswehr, Kraus added. PSM alongside Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) and Rheinmetall are upgrading the Bundeswehr’s fleet of Puma IFVs to the S1 standard. The upgrade includes equipping the Puma with the Multirole-capable Light Missile System (MELLS), the Bundeswehr’s designation for Spike LR; digital radio equipment; the IdZ-ES expanded future soldier system; high-resolution day- and night-vision camera systems for the driver; and the mounted infantry squad and optronics for the gunner and commander. (Source: UAS VISION/Janes)

27 Jun 24. Cuashub.com said today that Boeing’s Compact Laser Weapons System Shines at Sandbox ’24. Boeing’s Compact Laser Weapon System (CLWS) participated in a series of counter-uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) test exercises at the 2024 Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) Counter UAS Sandbox in Suffield, Alberta.

During mock operational scenarios from May 27-31, Boeing successfully deployed two CLWS units—one in a fixed containerized setup and another integrated with a military-grade Polaris RZR. These units worked together to detect and neutralize single and multiple targets, including high-performance first-person view (FPV) drones, stationary mortars, and a swarm of five UAS.

Boeing configured the units with a radar system to detect targets before automatically “handing over” control to the compact lasers to identify, track, engage, and defeat them — demonstrating the full counter-UAS kill chain from 200 meters to 2.5 kilometers.

The biannual Counter UAS Sandbox, organized by Canada’s Department of National Defence’s IDEaS program in coordination with the Canadian Armed Forces, gathered advanced industry solutions for detecting and defeating small UAS. This “Sandbox” event allows innovators to showcase and test their solutions, receive feedback from the Canadian defense and security community, and educate attendees about the latest technological possibilities.

The event simulated various operational scenarios, including forward operating base defense, mobile force and dismounted personnel protection, and urban and naval operations.

Boeing’s CLWS, recently returned from a multi-year overseas deployment with the U.S. Marine Corps, has successfully defeated over 400 drones in numerous demonstrations, scenarios, and environments. Military operators have achieved these results with as little as one hour of training.

https://cuashub.com/en/content/boeings-compact-laser-weapons-system-shines-at-sandbox-24/?utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9szJYbSNVNs4GKjTm8Zpbey5j-UbZ2k3uiy9YzPlGgG1ikMxjugD2u0oQ7CODeO6UWYYTfmUtoM86Dtd7RE5KfA1zFDEKE4Zac8uL8QNk7wHiAN84&_hsmi=313453688&utm_content=313453688&utm_source=hs_email(Source: https://cuashub.com/)

27 Jun 24. Cuashub.com said today that OSL Implements an Airport Drone Detection System in Venice. OSL has partnered with SAVE’s Venice Airport, introducing a proactive airport drone detection solution designed to enhance site security and ensure the safety of over 11.3m passengers annually.

Unauthorized drone activity poses a significant safety risk for airports worldwide, capable of suspending operations, causing severe damage to aircraft, and compromising the safety of individuals on-site. In response, SAVE Group, which manages airports in Venice, Treviso, Verona, Brescia, and Brussels South Charleroi Airport in Belgium, sought effective solutions for drone detection.

The hardware-agnostic approach integrates numerous categories of Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (CUAS) technology, allowing OSL to meet SAVE’s needs for minimal disruption and seamless operations through the most effective deployment possible.

Developing a bespoke, site-wide solution involved close collaboration with the SAVE team. OSL prioritized gaining a comprehensive understanding of the airport’s requirements and operational dynamics, conducting on-site assessments in Italy, and leveraging insights from our previous successful implementations.

With this in-depth understanding, OSL crafted a comprehensive drone detection solution for Venice Airport. Monitored 24/7 remotely from OSL’s UK-based operations center, this solution ensures rapid detection and response to any drone activity. Scalable and flexible, it can adapt to evolving safety challenges, enabling a proactive and robust approach to airport security.

OSL Implements an Airport Drone Detection System in Venice

(Source: https://cuashub.com/)

27 Jun 24. Cuashub.com said today that USAR Trains on WW2 Decoy Methods to Counter Drone Threats. With national threats escalating worldwide, the Army Reserve incorporated training to counter modern adversary drones during Combat Support Training Exercise 24-01, held in the first two weeks of June 2024 at Fort Hunter Liggett, California, reported Exercise News Day. The training included dusting off old-school techniques, including decoy methods to counter drone threats.

Instructors from the 91st Training Division use UASs to provide troops with realistic training scenarios that reflect the conditions observed in Ukraine and other conflict zones.

“Many of the things we are looking at are composition and disposition at our training sites, as well as how our units are situated out there, what resources they have, water and fuel,” said Army Reserve Lt. Col. Vince Frausto, Branch Chief of Operational Effects for the 91st Training Division Headquarters Company. “We can also monitor, with the UASs, vehicle movements as well as staging areas you can use.”

Soldiers on the ground are trained to identify drones and report them to their command chains.

“The troops are taking steps that are aligned with our doctrine,” Frausto continued, “from dispersion to dislocation as well as using the natural terrain to conceal and camouflage where they are and where their resources are located.”

Under the direction of Col. David Acosta, Commander of 2nd Brigade, 91st Training Division, soldiers from the 801st Engineer Company and the 157th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion constructed decoy tactical operation centers throughout CSTX training areas. These decoys were designed to thwart opposition forces’ drone intelligence collection efforts.

“The idea behind making this structure is that in the current operational environment we find ourselves in, there are so many sensors out there looking for targets,” said Acosta. “You see this particularly in Ukraine, but also in other conflicts, and so, by being able to conceal one’s true command post, you’re enhancing the survivability of the force.”

Decoy construction is a recurring tactic in warfare. U.S. and British Soldiers constructed decoy equipment and vehicles to confuse the Axis Powers in Europe during World War II.

“This kind of operation, using decoys, has been seen throughout history, the most common example people think of is during World War II. There are pictures of inflatable tanks,” said Acosta. “The 23rd Headquarters Special Troops known as the ‘Ghost Army’ operated throughout the European theater of operations before the D-Day landings in 1944 to great success in confusing the Germans about the true intent of allied operations on the Western Front.”

This revived method of intelligence denial makes it exceptionally challenging for adversaries to assess U.S. troop numbers and assets accurately.

The decoy structures, which can be swiftly assembled using recycled materials, are difficult to distinguish from real tactical operation centers.

One decoy structure was built using materials from a used, inoperable tactical operation center, netting, a discarded chair, and a broken commercial television antenna painted to look like a military communication system. Soldiers also added empty food boxes filled with rocks to enhance the illusion of an active presence in the area.

To further increase realism, instructors rigged some of the UASs to drop weight-filled tennis balls, representative of explosives, near Soldiers The Soldiers found within the radius of the simulated explosives became casualties within the scenario.

“We’ve seen a lot of this in the real world, some of it posted on social media sites, with what’s occurring overseas, for example, in Ukraine, so we wanted to add that level of realism,” said Frausto.

Post Image- Army Reserve Soldiers assigned to the 801st Engineer Company, the 157th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, and the 91st Training Division set up a decoy tactical operation center, using salvaged materials to disrupt opposition force intelligence collection during Combat Support Training Exercise 24-01 on June 9, 2024, at Fort Hunter Liggett, California. The CSTX trains and prepares capable and combat-ready Army Reserve units to deploy in support of the Army and joint partners worldwide. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Britton Spencer) The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.

USAR Trains on WW2 Decoy Methods to Counter Drone Threats

(Source: https://cuashub.com/)

27 Jun 24. SPX Communication Technologies introduces fully customisable C-UAS capability. Radio frequency (RF) technology specialists SPX Communication Technologies today launches the BLACKTALON Ecosystem, a new Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS) capability based on the operationally proven BLACKTALON solution.

The BLACKTALON Ecosystem integrates SPX Communication Technologies’ BLACKTALON C-UAS technology and decades of expertise in the space with a vendor-agnostic framework. This approach ensures solutions can meet every customer’s unique requirements. Defence and security teams gain from a tailored approach to their specific Concept of Operations, threats, user groups, existing capabilities, and budgets.

Customers also benefit from SPX Communication Technologies’ extensive experience developing C-UAS solutions for high-threat scenarios from Ukraine to Iraq and other active global hot spots. SPX collaborates closely with customers from their concept stage to operational deployment, ensuring solutions are optimised for specific user needs and mission objectives and remain supported throughout their operational life.

The core BLACKTALON solution includes carefully selected active radars, EOIR, passive RFDF, RF jammer, and mast configuration. While SPX will continue to offer this standard configuration, the open architecture of BLACKTALON Ecosystem allows any of these elements to be customised or replaced. This flexibility provides customers access to the latest systems and hardware capabilities without unnecessary barriers and in a suitable timeframe.

For example, customers could choose autonomous optical tracking from OpenWorks, cutting-edge 3D radar from US provider Echodyne, RF subsystems from SPX and mount them on a range of dispersed or centrally located mobile or transportable masts to provide a single scalable BLACKTALON C-UAS capability.

These latest capabilities join the Ecosystem alongside existing providers Chess Dynamics, supplier of surveillance, fire control, and large positioning systems, and Blighter, the UK’s leading supplier of ground-based electronic scanning radar systems.

Graeme Forsyth, C-UAS Product Manager at SPX Communication Technologies, said: “The complexity and speed that modern conflict develops means it’s impossible for a single C-UAS provider to own all the necessary technologies to provide a best-in-class solution suitable for all forms of threats today and in the future. As a trusted partner for global defence and security teams, our BLACKTALON Ecosystem helps break down barriers to threat response. It continues evolving to support their C-UAS need – all in close collaboration with customers, the industry, and supported by our proven technology.”

James Cross, Director at OpenWorks, said: “Collaboration is key in the development of successful C-UAS defence technology. Integration and flexibility are at the forefront of system capabilities and requirements. Our inclusion in the BLACKTALON Ecosystem reflects this, and we are proud to be involved with a system that allows end-users a fully customisable design depending on mission-specific requirements.”

David Montague, Director EMEAI at Echodyne, said: “Systems are evolving rapidly to address the C-UAS threat, with accuracy, flexibility, and ease of integration being key evaluation criteria. We are pleased to be included in BLACKTALON Ecosystem, which provides rich optionality for customers to easily tailor system design and performance to mission and location requirements.”

The BLACKTALON Ecosystem offering is now available. For more information, visit www.tcibr.com/blacktalon-ecosystem or email

About SPX Communication Technologies (TCI | ECS)

SPX Communication Technologies, part of SPX Technologies, innovates specialised technologies within the Radio Frequency (RF) spectrum to ensure a smarter, more secure future for all.

Formed by TCI and Enterprise Control Systems (ECS), SPX Communication Technologies and its Spectrum Battlespace portfolio enables defence and security teams to detect, defeat and exploit RF signals to enhance Communications Intelligence (COMINT) and Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS).

Combining decades of technology innovation and expertise with agile and collaborative teams, SPX Communication Technologies delivers sustainable and exceptional results to customers across the globe – including Europe, APAC, the Middle East, and Africa.

For more information, visit www.tcibr.com or www.enterprisecontrol.co.uk

24 Jun 24. Cuashub.com said today that AARONIA’s AARTOS Impresses as a Counter-UAV System. Eurosatory, one of the world’s most significant defense and security exhibitions, this year themed “Protect Your Future,” saw international military and security experts gather in Paris to explore and discuss the latest developments. A focal point was the increasing importance of diverse drone deployments and their subsequent detection and defense. The AARTOS DDS system drew particular attention from the professional audience. This currently market-leading system can be modularly adapted to various needs.

AARONIA AG offers highly adaptable solutions for all requirements and budgets with its four variants of the AARTOS DDS, from the laptop versions X2 and X5 for limited mobile and stationary deployment areas to the high-end solutions X7 and X9 for particularly demanding military applications. This year at Eurosatory, hundreds of military and security experts were convinced by the AARONIA stand. The focus on detection was especially on the mobile X2 and the high-end X9 solution.

AARTOS DDS offers unique features in all versions compared to competitors’ systems. The system determines the position and speed of drones and their altitude. It ensures high-speed detection of drone activities by scanning the entire frequency spectrum, including simultaneous scans of different frequencies, allowing the detection of all drones operating with radio signals. AARTOS provides the drone’s and operator’s positions in real time. AARONIA’s proprietary software solution, RTSA-Suite PRO, plays a central role here. This powerful real-time spectrum analysis software allows the integration of various hardware components for evaluation, ensuring simple, efficient, and optimal use of the respective system.

Regarding drone defense, the programmable AARTOS 360° Smart Jammer was the center of interest. It features an extremely high range of up to 10 kilometers. Furthermore, it allows complete individual customization or programmability of any frequency range between 400MHz to 6GHz in real-time using drag & drop. The Smart Jammer covers all drones in the frequency range and can disrupt them automatically or have the operator control them.

“The numerous discussions with various experts from different branches of the armed forces confirm that AARTOS can make a decisive contribution to the overarching integration of C-UAVs into the armed forces,” says Stephan Kraschansky, CEO of AARONIA Austria. “With the programmable jammer, we have once again demonstrated our innovation leadership. It underscores our commitment to providing efficient, flexible, and highly powerful solutions for our customers.”

In addition to drone detection and defense, the AARTOS system can also be used in electronic warfare. The unique real-time all-frequency monitoring capability allows the detection of everything from BOS radios to radar pulses and remote-controlled systems (air and ground). The programmable AARTOS 360° Smart Jammer can then disrupt these systems.

Post Image-From left: Stephan Kraschansky, CEO of AARONIA Austria, in conversation with Lieutenant General Andreas Marlow. (Image Credit: AARONIA)

26 Jun 24. Cuashub.com said today that Netline Communications Announces Direction-Finding Sensor.

Netline Communications Technologies Ltd., a premier developer and manufacturer of advanced electronic warfare and tactical spectrum dominance systems for defense forces and homeland security agencies, introduced an innovative solution for drone detection with its new non-database direction-finding (DF) sensor.

This groundbreaking development by Netline is engineered to identify all drone threats within the covered area, including diverse non-standard and DIY drones, which pose significant challenges in contemporary war zones and conflict areas.

“Netline is stepping up to meet the growing field demands for a comprehensive system that can identify and locate all potential drone threats,” said Shai Palti, Netline’s CEO. “As the drone industry evolves, defence forces face new and complex challenges. Netline’s new approach provides our clients with a robust solution for detecting, locating, and mitigating every threat in the spectral area, even if it’s a new drone with unknown spectral signatures or communication links”.

The latest version of Netline’s DF sensor employs a three-step detection process. First, the sensor scans the spectrum for all radio frequencies (RF) within the relevant bands. Next, it uses a hybrid algorithm to distinguish targets from the spectral noise. Finally, it tracks the suspicious targets and assesses their threat level based on various parameters.

Strategically deploying two or more DF sensors within the covered area enhances precise localization capabilities. The system ensures comprehensive and effective drone detection and localization by intersecting the direction lines from multiple sensors.

These capabilities complement Netline’s battle-proven drone mitigation systems. Leveraging SDR technology, Netline’s jammers disrupt communication between drones and their operators, block GNSS signals, and cover all potential drone frequencies.

“At Netline we constantly learn and monitor the evolving threats in different war zones around the world to develop critical and rapid solutions. Our R&D teams have developed this innovative and adaptive algorithm that recognises common factors of airborne threats, indicating their existence without needing specific data,” summarized Mr. Palti.

https://cuashub.com/en/content/netline-communications-announces-direction-finding-sensor/?utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_v5PEhw4T0SpksSrIlUGqqsa2At8xJuiWHvAO33ieQihJkpKNMrBZoKBmz2yIl0NaYimkE8bUTuPw2ogxcRDGG1ef-6sq6ooD8cnt8IVmTVTFB9F8&_hsmi=313256562&utm_content=313256562&utm_source=hs_email (Source: https://cuashub.com/)

25 Jun 24. Cuashub.com said today that Prison Adds Physical Design Measures to Reduce Drone Threat.

A controversial new prison being built in Leicestershire, UK, will feature “security by design” physical design measures to reduce the risk of contraband delivery by drone, reports the Leicester Mercury.

The non-opening windows will prevent the potential delivery of contraband directly to inmates’ cells via drones. The windows will also reduce noise and eliminate the possibility for residents to dispose of contraband, making it easier for staff to detect banned items.

The details were revealed in new plans for the layout and design of the prison, being built on Welland Avenue, Gartree, Lubenham. These plans were approved at the Harborough District Council (HDC) planning committee meeting on Tuesday, June 11.

Drones are being used worldwide to deliver dangerous contraband, including tools, drugs, and cellular telephones, which are often used to facilitate criminal activity from within the walls of the prison. Although much of the focus is on drone detection and mitigation technology, prisons can use physical design measures to reduce the risk of successful contraband drone delivery, including features such as nets and hardened windows.

Prison Adds Physical Design Measures to Reduce Drone Threat

(Source: C-UAS Hub)

25 Jun 24. HENSOLDT Air Traffic Control Radar achieves Initial Operational Capability for RAAF. HENSOLDT Australia has delivered on a key milestone for the AIR5431 Phase 2 program by introducing a new Air Traffic Control (ATC) sensor into operational service at the Army Aviation Centre Oakey, achieving Initial Operational Capability for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). Project AIR5431 Phase 2 is replacing the ageing Australian Defence Air Traffic System and Alenia surveillance sensors located at Australian Defence Force’s fixed bases across Australia. The sensors provide surveillance coverage for fixed base flying operations and support the National Air Traffic Management Surveillance Infrastructure Plan (NASIP). Additional sites will be delivered this year, with final delivery scheduled for September 2025. The delivery includes the state-of-the-art Operational Maintenance Trainer (OMT) manufactured in Germany by HENSOLDT and operated and maintained in Australia by HENSOLDT Australia Pty Ltd. HENSOLDT will provide ongoing sustainment under a Support Contract.

“HENSOLDT Australia is delighted by the achievement of this important milestone in the delivery of this critical air surveillance capability to Defence. This milestone represents the culmination of significant effort on the part of the Commonwealth and HENSOLDT teams to this point and we look forward to delivering the remainder of the capability over the coming months”, said Mark Novak, Managing Director of the Australian subsidiary.

24 Jun 24. Norway to receive GM200 MM/C radars next year. Norway is to receive Ground Master 200 (GM200) Multi Mission/Compact (MM/C) radars in 2025, Janes learned at the Eurosatory 2024 defence exhibition held in Paris on 17-21 June.

The Nordic country ordered five GM200 MM/Cs under a government-to-government agreement with the Netherlands in May 2021, with a follow-on order for three more announced in November 2022.

Thales Nederland handed the first GM200 MM/C radar to the Royal Netherlands Army (RNLA) in Hengelo, the eastern Netherlands, on 14 February. The Netherlands placed the first order for nine of the radars mounted on Scania Gryphus trucks in 2019.

Norway was the second country to order the GM200 MM/C in 2021, followed by Denmark and Lithuania joining the programme in 2023.

Norway ordered eight GM200 MM/Cs mounted on FFG’s Armoured Combat Support Vehicle (ACSV); Lithuania six mounted on trucks; and Denmark five detachable radars mounted on towers.

The GM200 MM/C is the land-based version of the Thales NS200 naval radar that supports missions including simultaneous weapon locating and counter battery fire, air surveillance, and air defence. Equipped with an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, it can detect and classify unmanned aerial vehicles and track rockets, artillery shells, and mortar rounds and distinguish them from objects such as birds and windfarms.

The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced that it would acquire GM200 MM/Cs under a government-to-government agreement for the procurement of a new Deep Find radar under its Project Serpens. (Source: Janes)

24 Jun 24. European gun makers trial small arms as drone stoppers. Western gun makers are exploring the potential of small arms to counter small drones, turning cheap and widely available weapons into last-resort defenses against an emerging threat.

The shift is playing out on the battlefields of eastern Ukraine, where invading Russian forces and defending Ukrainian soldiers have employed tactics to that effect. Now, other militaries are starting to explore the use case, says Italian gun manufacturer Benelli Armi, owned by the Beretta Holding.

“The use of different types of guns in this capacity in Ukraine has accelerated the demand we get for our shotguns to be sold in a counter-drone configuration – we’ve received a lot of request for information for this from NATO countries,” Mauro Della Costanza, head of sales at Benelli’s defense division, told Defense News at the Eurosatory trade show here.

The company supplies shotguns combined with special drone ammunition, which are already in use with the French and Italian armed forces. Dubbed the ALDA round, short for anti-light drone ammunition, this type of projectile is dedicated to shooting down moving targets such as small drones, weighing less than 25 kilograms, at distances between 80 and 120 meters.

Della Costanza said that the growing interest in using shotguns to neutralize these low-flying threats has to do with the cost-effectiveness and ease of operation these weapons offer to forces.

“Considering the size of these drones and the high price of some of the more complex countermeasures used to shoot them down – a shotgun with 1,000 [of these] rounds is at maximum three thousand euros,” he said.

In a video shared with Defense News of a recent customer trial, one of the company’s shotguns is seen successfully countering a small quadcopter at a distance of 90 meters in a matter of seconds.

Another firearms manufacturer in the counter-drone business is Belgian firm FN Herstal. A company representative told Defense News that the firm began testing suitable weapons several years ago, but that the war in Ukraine has attracted new inquiries.

In March 2022, the company took part in a NATO-led counter-drone exercise in Italy, for which it developed a container-based perimeter defense system incorporating a range of sensors connected to kinetic and non-kinetic effectors.

The hard-kill weaponry included a remote weapon station that can be fitted with medium or heavy machine guns or an automatic grenade launcher with airburst munition, all from the Belgian company’s product line.

When faced with first-person-view exploding drones, soldier-carried infantry weapons may seem like an unlikely defense. But, as one Ukrainian shotgun instructor stated in an interview with Ukrainian state-run news agency ArmyInform, small-arms “are a very good chance compared to running, believe me.” (Source: Defense News)

18 Jun 24. CENTCOM seeks industry capabilities to provide sensors to detect kamikaze drones. The Tradewinds US Department of Defense artificial intelligence contracting office reports that the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO) is seeking demonstrations for sensors enabling increased and enhanced detection of one-way unmanned aerial systems (OWUAS) that threaten US and partner forces.

The demonstrations are part of the US Central Command (CENTCOM) Desert Guardian (Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems – cUAS) programme.

“Sensors will augment existing sensor coverage and must integrate into a third-party interface for further analysis and correlation with other sensor data,” says the tender. “All sensor types are welcome (including, but not limited to, EO/IR, acoustic, radar), low-cost/attritable solutions preferred but not required. Desired solutions will adhere to the following parameters:

“RANGE – Sensors must aim to enhance and/or improve visibility of OWUAS flying closer than 7 km or further than 25 km to force location (<7 km, >25 km).

“ALTITUDE – Sensors must specifically aim to enhance and/or improve visibility of OWUAS flying at low altitudes close to force location (<300 m altitude within 25 km range). Sensors should aim to enhance and/or improve visibility of OWUAS flying at all altitudes further from force location (greater than 25 km range).

“UAS SIZE – Sensors must enhance and/or improve visibility of Group 2 and 3 UAS size (21-1,320 lbs).

“UAS SPEED – Sensors must focus on Group 2 and 3 UAS speed (<250 kts) at a minimum, ability to also detect higher speeds (250 kts+) is encouraged.

“INTEGRATION – Sensors must have and demonstrate the ability to automatically and repeatedly transport and integrate data into a third party interface for visual display, analysis, and prosecution.

“THIRD PARTY INTERFACE: Sensors will need to be integrated into a command and control framework using a remote procedure call (RPC) standard provided by the third party interface. This framework is programming language-agnostic and derived from open source/well-known standards. Vendors will be expected to use a software development kit (SDK) provided by third party interface, which uses a gRPC framework to send protocol buffers to the third party interface. Sensor participants will be expected to write a thin integration layer using the SDK for data ingestion, while taskable agents will conform to a command and control tasking API. Sensors will be expected to provide health/status reporting as part of data integration, example code for sensor integration will be provided if vendor is selected for Round 2.

“The goal for this effort is to enable DoD warfighters to better detect, identify, and defeat hostile UAS within their vicinity by leveraging heterogenous sensors integrated into a common interface. If successful, this process will complement existing sensors and improve force protection by providing early warning for personnel shelter and expanding the window available for kinetic and non-kinetic defeat.

“In this context, “innovative” is defined as any commercial product, technology, service, and/or any application of an existing commercial product, technology or service that have the potential to fulfill requirements, close capability gaps, or provide potential technological advancements for the Department of Defense. This may include any novel process, practice, methodology, or application of the preceding items to a new mission domain.”

“Responses to this CSO will be accepted by the Government beginning Jun 15, 2024 through Jul 15, 2024 at 1700 Eastern Time. This general solicitation will be reviewed, updated, and amended, at a minimum, on an annual basis.”

For more information: CENTCOM Desert Guardian (Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems – cUAS) | Opportunities | Tradewinds (tradewindai.com)

(Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

22 Jun 24. US Air Mobility Command seeks industry support to enable airborne counter-UAS capabilities.

The US Air Force Air Force Air Mobility Command (AMC) is seeking information on concepts and technologies related to an on‑aircraft Counter-Small Unmanned Aircraft System (C-sUAS) capability. AMC is conducting an analysis to evaluate potential Counter-small Unmanned Aircraft System (C-sUAS) solutions for integration onboard AMC fixed-wing airborne platforms to enhance aircrew situational awareness of other s-UAS operating in the proximity of the aircraft.

According to the request for information

“AMC is interested in information on concepts and technologies that:

Represent full or partial on-aircraft C-sUAS capability solutions. Partial capability solutions could include those that only satisfy a sub-set of the desired C-sUAS functions (e.g., only detect, track, and identify sUAS; no defeat); or are otherwise limited (e.g., operable only in-flight or during certain environmental conditions).
Have been demonstrated on an airborne platform or have been used on other mobile platforms (e.g., ground vehicle), with the potential for future integration onboard an airborne platform with additional development.

Deadline for responses is 28 August, 2024.

For more information: https://sam.gov/opp/5bb523767a4345c6b5c111de8e3fb836/view

(Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

17 Jun 24. DOD’s digital and AI office seeks UAS detection sensors. The United States Department of Defense’s (DOD) Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO) is seeking demonstrations for sensors enabling increased and enhanced detection of one-way uncrewed aerial systems (OWUAS) that threaten US and partner forces.

CDAO is responsible for accelerating DOD’s adoption of data, analytics, and AI. The goal for this effort is to enable DOD warfighters to better detect, identify, and defeat hostile UAS within their vicinity by using heterogenous sensors integrated into a common interface. If successful, this process will complement existing sensors and improve force protection by providing early warning for personnel shelter and expanding the window available for kinetic and non-kinetic defeat.

Sensors will be required to augment existing sensor coverage and must integrate into a third-party interface for further analysis and correlation with other sensor data. All sensor types are welcome (including, but not limited to, EO/IR, acoustic, radar), low-cost/attritable solutions preferred but not required.

Sensors must aim to enhance and/or improve visibility of OWUAS flying closer than 7km or further than 25km to force location. They should enhance and/or improve visibility of Group 2 and 3 UAS size, and focus on Group 2 and 3 UAS speed (<250 kts) at a minimum, while the ability to also detect higher speeds (250 kts+) is encouraged. The sensors must have and demonstrate the ability to automatically and repeatedly transport and integrate data into a third party interface for visual display, analysis, and prosecution.

CDAO requires sensors that can be integrated into a command and control framework using a remote procedure call (RPC) standard provided by the third party interface. This framework is programming language-agnostic and derived from open source/well-known standards. Vendors will be expected to use a software development kit (SDK) provided by a third party interface, which uses a gRPC framework to send protocol buffers to the third party interface. Sensor participants will need to write a thin integration layer using the SDK for data ingestion, while taskable agents will conform to a command and control tasking API. Sensors will be expected to provide health/status reporting as part of data integration. An example code for sensor integration will be provided if the vendor is selected for Round 2. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

16 Jun 24. USN seeks kinetic C-UAS capability against group 3+ drone threats. The US Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) has released a tender for kinetic defeat counter-UAS systems to protect US Navy assets.

According to the DIU:

“The growing threat of adversarial unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) poses significant risks to U.S., allied and partner forces, naval vessels, and commercial vessels transiting key maritime routes across the globe. Within the last eight months, these adversarial UAS actions threat have directly resulted in the death of three innocent seafarers, the complete loss of one commercial vessel, significant damage to more than a dozen vessels, a 900% increase in war-risk shipping insurance premiums and a 50% reduction in year-over-year trade volume for one of these key waterways, which have all resulted in a 9% reduction in effective global shipping capacity and a significant increase in global shipping costs. The U.S. is committed to protecting commercial maritime trade and, more importantly, service members conducting maritime operations in contested environments.

“To support this goal, the U.S. Department of the Navy seeks a kinetic defeat solution for group 3+ UAS. The proposed solution must demonstrate a high probability of kinetic defeat on adversarial group 3+ UAS and be more cost effective than the current traditional air defense solutions being used against UAS and available to Naval operational commanders.” Deadline for responses is 28 June 2024.

“The U.S. Navy intends to rapidly prototype and conduct a phased operational test and evaluation plan to validate the performance of one or more proposed shipborne kinetic defeat Counter UAS solutions. It is expected that solutions will be capable of expeditious worldwide deployment, integrated with a variety of naval platforms and must display the ability to be easily integrated into the existing sensors onboard a naval vessel.

“Solution briefs will only be accepted for complete Counter UxS (Uncrewed Systems) solutions that include a kinetic defeat effector and launcher that is focused on group 3+ UAS. Solutions may assume they will receive a track from the naval vessel’s combat systems to facilitate find and fix. The solution must be able to integrate with the naval vessel’s existing combat systems, but may also utilize an adjunct passive system (e.g., Electro-Optical / Infrared) that does not interfere with the ship’s organic sensors.”

For more information: https://www.diu.mil/work-with-us/submit-solution/PROJ00535

(Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

22 Jun 24. Eurosatory 2024: Excellent technical military counter-UAS solutions to the wrong problem.

On my way to the Eurosatory defence show in Paris last week I met a Ukrainian defence procurement official.

“We have one major priority,” he told me. “We need a network of affordable counter UAS systems which can be fielded on a large scale to identify and take down kamikaze drone threats as soon as they are launched against us. It’s no use waiting until the last kilometre or so. For one thing, our current jammers have a range of one kilometre but Russian attack drones go into autonomous mode 5km away, so the jammers are not effective. Russia is now using more effective stand-off weapon systems which are proving very difficult to track, so we need networks of passive sensors which can alert us to possible attacks as soon as they emerge.”

Would he have found such as system at the Eurosatory show?

While there were some examples of long range, ground-based air defence system concepts on display their missiles were too big and too expensive to meet the challenge of low-cost AI-enabled drone swarms. Instead, what he would have found is a host of new products that western suppliers have developed to protect expensive armoured vehicles from occasional drone attacks, with new mobile weapon stations integrating passive sensors – or active sensors which can operate in short bursts – integrated with airburst ammunition loaded cannons.

These at least are starting to close the affordability gap, in which a USD1,000 drone can take out a USD3 m armoured vehicle. And they could, in theory, form the basis of a network of more mobile air defence systems deployed not just on the battlefield but as measures of last resort to defend critical assets, such as electricity generating stations, many kilometres away from the front.

It is the theoretical effectiveness of these combined systems that prompted one visiting general to the show to assert that the days of drone supremacy in current wars are limited. French Army Chief of Staff General Pierre Schill told visiting reporters :“The life of impunity of small, very simple drones over the battlefield is a snapshot in time,” he said. “Right now it’s being exploited, that’s clear, and we have to protect ourselves. Today, the sword, in the sense of the aerial drone, is powerful, more powerful than the shield. The shield is going to grow.”

But as the C-UAS challenge in Ukraine changes every four weeks, according to some estimates, this is a bold prediction. And drones have changed warfare in ways which many defence departments have not yet fully understood: long-range, low-cost drones are not just tactical weapons they are simultaneously strategic threats used against civilian infrastructure with growing effectiveness.

Over the past two years, European and US defence companies have been busy developing new technologies to make passive and active sensors more mobile around the battlefield, none more so than Germany’s Alpine Eagle, which was at the show to demonstrate its air defence drone – equipped with small but powerful radars for 360% surveillance above the battlefield, which would go some of the way to meeting the needs of Ukrainian procurement officials.

Alpine Eagle is just one application which exploits a new generation of lightweight, robust radar systems. Echodyne was at the show to demonstrate how its portfolio of short, medium range and airborne advanced metamaterial electronically scanned array (MESA) radars that can be integrated into a wide range of ground-based and airborne air defence networks. The company’s products fall outside US International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) provisions,

Thales had on display its 6×6 Griffon Vehicule d’Observation d’Artillerie (VOA), brimming with sensors to designate ground and air targets, featuring a lightweight Thales MURIN surveillance radar capable of identifying targets 24km in the distance.

Another battlefield drone-scanner was demonstrated by Patria with its Multi-Static Coherent Location (MUSCL) mast-mounted system which can detect NATO class 1 mini and small drones at between 20 and 40km. Hensoldt, meanwhile, featured its TRML-4D C-band ground defence radar using AESA technology can detect up to 1,500 airborne threats out to a range of 250km

Northrop Grumman had its Forward Area Air Defense Command and Control (FAAD C2) system on display, which uses multiple sensors to provide a single integrated air picture (SIAP) to all SHORAD weapons, along with engagement orders and weapon control status to provide complete situational awareness. The system has been supplied to the US Army, the US Air Force, the US Marine Corps and defence organisation in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania as part of an interoperable Baltic, NATO and US air defence network.

Australia’s DroneShield reported it was doubling the production run of its DroneSentry-X Mk2 CUAS systems by the end of 2024 to meet increasing demand.

As well as getting more mobile, the latest generation of C-UAS systems are becoming more personal. Cerbair launched a new member of the Chimera C-UAS family at Eurosatory, the Chimera 200, weighing around 16 kg with both detection and jamming capabilities. But the prize for the most innovative personal C-UAS system being promoted at the show surely went to VBE Jammer Technology of Shenzhen, which featured an integrated handheld flashlight/drone jammer, able to disrupt GPS, BDS and GLONASS signals.

There was a handful of new laser C-UAS systems on show.

France’s Cilas exhibited its HELMA-P C-UAS laser weapon, which is being considered for use at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games – to detect, track and neutralise drones up to 1km away. The HELMA-P has also been integrated within MBDA’s Sky Warden C-UAS system, “a modular system designed to integrate and control a large range of sensors and effectors,” said the company. “This scalable system can effectively neutralise any form of threat, from tactical drones to reconnaissance mini-drones, as well as other traditional ‘air breathing’ threats.” India’s Bharat Electronics was also promoting its laser C-UAS D4 system, a Directed Energy Weapon System (DEWS) developed to be integrated with layered network of C-UAS sensors and mitigation methods. No performance data was available. EOS was promoting its directed energy capabilities as part of its Titanis Counter Drone Defence System, which “had disabled Group 1 drones at an effective rate of 20 drones per minute – at ranges of more than 1,000 metres,” according to the company.

Safran had on display its PASEO Master early threat detection system, which was instrumental in the early detection of Houthi launched drones in the Red Sea.

New systems to protect armoured vehicles from drone attacks

No self-respecting NATO armoured vehicle will soon be without a drone defence system, though it will probably take most NATO countries two to three years to equip their ground fleets with new air defence systems, by which time the threat will have evolved.

The German Bundeswehr displayed its Puma S1 infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) equipped with a Dedrone Sensor RF-300, designed to passively detect, classify, and locate commercial drones and their remote-control signals. The Scorpion collaborative combat programme from KNDS will equip the French Army armoured vehicles with anti-drone systems within two years, linking their detection capability with turrets that can fire missiles or 40mm airburst grenades. KNDS also launched its Leopard 2 A-RC 3.0 weapons station concept at the show, featuring a remote-controlled 30 mm weapon system for deployment against near-field and aerial threats.

Meanwhile, MSI-DS exhibited its mobile and deployable short-range air defence system, the TERRAHAWK PALADIN, to defend and protect against threats from drone and fast incoming air targets, as well as hostile ground and maritime targets, and is capable of integrating a wide range of direct fire effectors up to 40mm, integration of C-UAS missile and rocket systems, ammunition, radar, and tracking options.

The latest version of the BAE Systems Hagglunds CV90 infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) was on display, fitted with a C-UAS IRON FIST Active Protection System (APS), which combines a search-and-track radar and infra-red cameras with data fusion algorithms.

There has clearly been a huge step forward in the last year or so to take on board the lessons of Ukraine, especially in developing better C-UAS protection for armoured vehicles. And for most armed forces, that is the key challenge. But defending targets simultaneously both on and off the battlefield – which is Ukraine’s current massive challenge – will need more consideration to ensure these short-range improvements in defeating the drone threat can somehow be knitted together to provide a more holistic defence system. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

24 Jun 24. AARTOS Drone Detection System by AARONIA Impresses as State-of-the-Art Solution for Flexible and Powerful CUAVs. Eurosatory, one of the world’s most significant defense and security exhibitions, this year themed “Protect Your Future,” saw international military and security experts gather in Paris to explore and discuss the latest developments. A focal point was the increasing importance of diverse drone deployments and their subsequent detection and defense. The AARTOS DDS system drew particular attention from the professional audience. This currently market-leading system can be modularly adapted to various needs.

AARONIA AG offers highly adaptable solutions for all requirements and budgets with its four different variants of the AARTOS DDS. From the laptop versions X2 and X5 for limited mobile and stationary deployment areas to the high-end solutions X7 and X9 for particularly demanding military applications. This year at Eurosatory, hundreds of military and security experts were convinced by the AARONIA stand. The focus in terms of detection was especially on the mobile X2 and the high-end X9 solution.

AARTOS DDS offers unique features in all versions compared to competitors’ systems. The system not only determines the position and speed of drones but also their altitude. It ensures high-speed detection of drone activities by scanning the entire frequency spectrum, including simultaneous scans of different frequencies, allowing the detection of all drones operating with radio signals. The drone’s and operator’s positions are provided in real-time by AARTOS. AARONIA’s proprietary software solution, RTSA-Suite PRO, plays a central role here. This powerful real-time spectrum analysis software allows the integration of various hardware components for evaluation, ensuring simple, efficient, and optimal use of the respective system.

Regarding drone defense, the programmable AARTOS 360° Smart Jammer was the center of interest. It features an extremely high range of up to 10 kilometers. Furthermore, it allows complete individual customization or programmability of any frequency ranges within 400MHz to 6GHz in real-time using drag & drop. The Smart Jammer covers all drones in the frequency range and can disrupt them either automatically or controlled by the operator.

In addition to drone detection and defense, the AARTOS system can also be used as part of electronic warfare. The unique real-time all-frequency monitoring capability allows the detection of everything from BOS radios to radar pulses and remote-controlled systems (air and ground). The programmable AARTOS 360° Smart Jammer can then be used to disrupt these systems.

RADAR, EO/IR, C-UAS, NIGHT VISION AND SURVEILLANCE UPDATE

June 22, 2024 by

Sponsored by Echodyne

www.echodyne.com

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23 Jun 24. Thales cut-price weapon that can take down multiple drones at once by disrupting their electronics could be available as early as next year, says the head of the company spearheading the development for the UK. Alex Cresswell, chair and chief executive of Thales UK, said the new radio frequency directed energy weapon (RFDEW) which is being field tested with the UK military over the summer, should be ready for use “quite quickly”. “Going from something that works in real life on Salisbury Plain to something that you would send off to Ukraine is still quite a jump. It’s a year’s jump but not many years’ jump,” said Cresswell in an interview with the Financial Times. “Could the system that we have demonstrated be available for someone to field [as early as next year]? Yes, of course it could,” he added. Thales UK, the British subsidiary of the French defence and technology group, is leading the development of the weapon as part of an industrial consortium under contract with the Ministry of Defence. A decision on when and where to deploy the system would be up to the UK government. At a cost of only 10p per use and with a range of up to 1km, the system will offer a cheaper alternative to traditional missile air defence systems, which typically cost upwards of hundreds of thousands of dollars. The technology can be mounted on military vehicles and uses a mobile power source to produce radio frequency waves or pulses to interfere with the electronics of a moving target. The industry, said Cresswell, has been working on countermeasures against incoming attacks for decades. However, since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine both sides have relied heavily on drones to attack from the skies, spurring investment from governments and industry in ways to counter such attacks. What people are trying to pursue, he added, is weapons that are “much more cost effective for the combat mass that they provide”. Thales, which has the French government as its biggest investor, generated €18.4bn in revenues in 2023 and is recruiting heavily worldwide. In the UK, where it employs more than 7,000 people, sales have risen 20 per cent over the past two years to just over £1.1bn by the end of 2023. Cresswell said he expected sales in the UK to increase another 10 per cent this year as the company benefits from higher government orders. It makes missiles and launchers at two sites in Belfast in Northern Ireland, as well as providing sonar systems for the Royal Navy’s nuclear submarines. Missiles made in Belfast have been supplied, via the UK Ministry of Defence, to Ukraine. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has not only depleted governments’ weapons stockpiles but also underlined that most were too small to cope with a long and intense conflict. Output at the Belfast facilities, where Thales builds the Starstreak short-range air defence system and assembles the Saab NLAW anti-tank system, has doubled over the past 18 months to its highest level for the past two decades. Cresswell said Thales plans to double output again over the next two years to meet demand. There has been a “seismic shift” in the way weapons and munitions are procured, with a “much higher focus on resilience being built in, capacity being built in and the ability to scale up being built in”, he said. (Source: Google/FT.com)

20 Jun 24. Rheinmetall and Anduril join forces to develop C-sUAS system.

The Düsseldorf-based technology group Rheinmetall and Anduril Industries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during Eurosatory in Paris, one of the world’s leading trade shows for defence and security. Under this collaboration, Rheinmetall and Anduril will work together to design, develop, and produce new layered Counter small Unmanned Aerial System (C-sUAS) air defense systems. The scope of this collaboration is primarily to address European markets first.

These C-sUAS systems will combine Rheinmetall’s command and control system, Skymaster, and high-power guns with Lattice an open, modular and scalable hardware components including Anduril’s Sentry Tower, Wisp sensors and Anvil, its autonomous interceptor. By combining the unique capabilities of both companies, an unmatched layered solution for C-sUAS will be offered. Overall, the MoU aims to bring together the complementary skills of these two leading companies.

Oliver Dürr, CEO of Rheinmetall Air Defence AG said: “This cooperation will showcase the most innovative C-sUAS system – combining the strength of Rheinmetall military capabilities and the cutting edge development speed of Anduril. I am absolutely confident that this combination will address the future needs of our clients and that we shall bring the right solution at the right time on the market.”

Greg Kausner, Anduril’s SVP of Global Defence states: “The pace of warfare is accelerating at the speed of technology development. Global defence forces must face a rapidly evolving set of threats from both emerging unmanned systems and legacy manned platforms. Air defence systems require a layered approach that is flexible, adaptable and rapidly deployable. Anduril’s partnership with Rheinmetall will bring an innovative, software-defined and hardware enabled C-sUAS system to our customers to ensure they stay one step ahead of the drone threat.”

For more than a century, Rheinmetall has delivered high-power air defence guns and systems globally, providing unmatched firepower. Anduril, a global defense technology company, has developed a growing family of low-cost autonomous weapons systems all powered by its AI-enabled, interoperable Lattice software platform.

This cooperation will enable both companies to fulfill the strategic ambition to jointly develop and implement a systematic approach covering a wide sensor and effector mix. Ranging from diverse hard kill effectors to non-lethal effectors to gun missiles and state of the art active and passive detection sensors. The system will increase the survivability dramatically and allow new strategic and operational advantages.

20 Jun 24. Denmark, Germany and Hungary to Jointly Purchase Skyranger Air Defense Systems. The German Ministry of Defence announced at Eurosatory 2024 that Denmark, Germany, and Hungary signed a letter of intent in Paris for the joint procurement of SKYRANGER as part of the European Sky Shield Initiative ESSI.

The turret system can be integrated into Boxer vehicles, for example. It is considered the cornerstone of the German Army’s air defence.

Skyranger 30 is a turreted short-range air defense system developed by Rheinmetall Air Defense. It was first presented in March 2021. Its role is to provide ground units with a mobile system capable of engaging fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, Group I and Group II unmanned aerial systems, kamikaze drones and cruise missiles.

The Skyranger 30 bridges an acute existing capability gap in mobile air defence. The system constitutes an optimum combination of mobility, protection, flexibility and precision, making it a match for new challenges in the short- and very short-range threat spectrum. A hybrid solution, the system’s turret combines the highly effective 30mm x 173 KCE revolver gun, surface-to-air missiles and the necessary sensor suite, all on a single platform.

The Skyranger 30 systems earmarked for Germany will be armed with Stinger missiles. Depending on customer requirements, the system can be fitted with various modern guided missiles such as the Mistral, Stinger or special C-UAS missiles. (Source: UAS VISION)

21 Jun 24. USAF mobility fleet seeks on-board defenses against small drones. Air Mobility Command documents say they’re interested counter-drone systems, including platforms that can operate near friendly aircraft, so as not to hypothetically accidentally jam or spoof a nearby vice president’s plane.

The US Air Force is asking industry for help for potentially carrying defensive systems aboard mobility aircraft that can fend off small drones.

According to a request for information (RFI) released by the service today, it’s interested in “concepts and technologies related to an on-aircraft Counter-Small Unmanned Aircraft System (C-sUAS) capability.” The RFI was posted by Air Mobility Command, or AMC, which oversees operations of tankers and transport aircraft — slower, larger platforms typically more vulnerable to enemy attack.

Referring to the Pentagon’s “Group” system for classifying drones, with 1 being the smallest and 5 the largest, the RFI says that “Group 1 and 2 UAS are of primary interest, with an objective capability for Group 3 UAS.” The notice says that a “primary interest” is to field defenses “during critical phases of fixed-wing flight operations below 16,000 feet,” though the effort also seeks capabilities that can defend aircraft during ground operations, such as taxiing.

Mobility aircraft already carry defensive systems, such as flares and laser jammers, to defeat threats like missiles. But the proliferation of drone warfare and increasing civilian use of unmanned systems appears to be motivating the Air Force to field new defenses against UAS threats, particularly as officials warn that adversaries like China could exploit vulnerabilities in logistics operations. Mobility aircraft can sometimes rely on robust base defenses, notes a separate concept of operations (CONOPS) published alongside the RFI, but the prospect of austere operations means crews may have to carry C-sUAS capabilities with them.

The CONOPS explains that AMC not only needs to defend against enemy drones, but also UAS that happen to be in the area but don’t mean harm. The document says that industry solutions should offer greater situational awareness of the presence of drones, as well as minimal crew input to defeat or avoid them if the need arises. Civilian environments further require different considerations, the document says.

For example, a mobility aircraft called upon to aid a humanitarian mission may encounter friendly drones that are lending assistance, which the document notes would be “counterproductive to defeat.” Ideally, a C-sUAS solution would be able to identify friend or foe drones. Likewise, solutions must also be capable of discriminating in commercial settings, since “systems can’t broadly jam/spoof GPS or kinetic kill potential threats if the Vice President’s plane is sitting on a ramp at Frankfurt International airport,” the CONOPS document says.

As such, the RFI and CONOPS suggest the Air Force is interested in kinetic or non-kinetic options, including some that can identify but not necessarily destroy UAS, with AMC particularly interested in capabilities already demonstrated on other platforms that could be integrated on aircraft.

Alongside airborne defenses, the CONOPS document notes that counter-drone tools when aircraft are parked on the ground would need to be small so as to not displace cargo and easily roll on/off the aircraft if it has an accessible ramp. Aircraft lacking such a ramp would likely need hand-carried and rapidly deployable C-UAS systems, or equipment able to be operated aboard the aircraft.

“sUAS may be encountered everywhere, and the likelihood of encounter is increasing with the rapid development of small, inexpensive drones,” the CONOPS document says. AMC is seeking replies by August 28.

20 Jun 24. Trillium’s HD45 Gimbal Supports Army UAS. Trillium Engineering has supplied its HD45 payload for Army sUAS operations, enhancing reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition (RSTA) capabilities with its advanced imaging. Trillium Engineering is supporting the US Army with cutting-edge imaging technology onboard small uncrewed aircraft systems (sUAS). Trillium asserts that in warfare, timely and accurate intelligence can make the difference between mission success and failure. Trillium’s HD45 payload is a key component in enhancing the Army’s reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition (RSTA) capabilities, and is featured on four out of six platforms currently undergoing flight evaluations for the company-level sUAS Directed Requirement.

Trillium’s HD45 payload is ideal for the sUAS mission, offering high-definition optics and robust stabilization. The HD45 provides sharp, actionable intelligence in diverse environments, providing soldiers with crystal-clear imagery and precise location data to enhance situational awareness and decision-making in the field.

The HD45 offers high-definition imaging and advanced stabilization, crucial for effective reconnaissance and surveillance missions. Its lightweight and robust design mirrors the compactness of the HD40 while maintaining the superior imaging capabilities of the HD55.

It features embedded video processing with electronic stabilization and scene tracking, onboard Global Positioning System/Inertial Navigation System for real-time target location accuracy within 6 meters and supports day/night operations through its integrated visible and thermal cameras.

This advanced, all-in-one, imaging system is Modular Open System Approach (MOSA) compliant, shortening the timeline for integration across multiple platforms.

Meeting the Army’s future requirements

In 2023, the Army Futures Command recognized the need for enhanced intelligence capabilities and approved a Directed Requirement for a Company-Level sUAS. This initiative aims to deliver an initial capability for the Army’s maneuver battalions and inform requirements for future iterations.

Key requirements include:

Commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) system
Vertical take-off and landing (VTOL)
Less than 55 pounds
The ability to fly for eight hours within a 24-hour period

Funding supports the initial procurement, integration, and operational deployment of the sUAS, thereby enhancing situational awareness and operational effectiveness.

Strengthening the Army’s UAS and RSTA capabilities with strong partnerships

Trillium Engineering has teamed with many top platforms in the US Army’s initiative to strengthen RSTA capabilities.

According to the Joint Small Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Capability Development Document, the Army plans to field short-range reconnaissance (SRR), medium-range reconnaissance (MRR), and long-range reconnaissance (LRR) UAS at the platoon, company, and battalion levels, respectively.

According to Trillium, the company is committed to supporting the Army’s vision by delivering reliable, high-performance imaging solutions, and looks forward to playing a key role in enhancing the Army’s tactical UAS operations. (Source: https://www.defenseadvancement.com/)

RADAR, EO/IR, C-UAS, NIGHT VISION AND SURVEILLANCE UPDATE

June 19, 2024 by

Sponsored by Echodyne

www.echodyne.com

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18 Jun 24. Naval Group and TERMA Group Join Forces to Develop Cutting-Edge Counter-Drone System. By adding the SCANTER 6002, the solution will be elevated to one of the strongest on the market, to fight against asymmetric threats. The Scanter 6002 is a 2D radar which, associated with an optronic device, should improve the accuracy of threat detection, allowing Naval Group’s system to propose the best course of action to fight the threat. This agreement is part of the Air-Surface Fight innovation roadmap (Smart Naval Force axis) and marks an important step in our strategy for developing anti-drone systems on board our ships. (Source: Defense Arabia)

18 Jun 24. Safran launches Skyjacker counter-drone system. At Eurosatory 2024, Safran Electronics & Defense has announced the launch of its Skyjacker counter-drone solution. Skyjacker is an effective response to the growing threat posed by drones in the battlespace and at sensitive installations. Skyjacker’s strength lies in its unique spoofing capability: it alters the trajectory of a drone to neutralize the threat it represents by simulating the GNSS signals ensuring guidance towards its target. Coupled with radar detection and optronic identification, Skyjacker can efficiently defeat isolated drones and drone swarms in land and naval environments.

Skyjacker replaces the hostile drone’s satellite guidance signals with modified signals designed to deceive the drone about its position in order to disrupt or interrupt its mission. Skyjacker is particularly well suited to countering saturation attacks, such as swarming drones. The system can also defeat isolated drones piloted remotely by an operator and deliver effects at ranges from 1 to 10 kilometers (over 6 miles).

Skyjacker’s modular design incorporates a C2 (command and control) unit to manage the entire system, as well as one or more spoofing transmitters. It can be coupled with a wide array of sensors, such as optronic sights, radars and radiofrequency detectors, and with lasers, communication jammers and other effectors. Skyjacker can be deployed as a mobile version or interconnected with existing surveillance and fire control systems on land vehicles or naval vessels.

To deliver an initial mobile version of Skyjacker, Safran Electronics & Defense teamed with Hologarde, which designed the Bassalt anti-drone system for the French Air and Space Force to protect major events (Paris Olympics Games, G7 summit, Bastille Day parade). Safran Electronics & Defense and Hologarde demonstrated Skyjacker’s effectiveness at the Coubertin LAD II exercise organized by the Air and Space Force’s Air Defense and Air Operations Command (CDAOA) at Air Base 107 in Vélizy-Villacoublay, near Paris, in March 2024.

“We’re now working to deploy Skyjacker as part of the counter-drone protection capability for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” says Alexandre Ziegler, Executive VP, Defense Global Business Unit of Safran Electronics & Defense. “Trials with the French Navy have also proved particularly conclusive, confirming Skyjacker’s suitability as a highly effective, cost-controlled protection solution for frontline vessels.”

18 Jun 24. Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) collaborated with the U.S. military on nine separate experiments to improve operational readiness in the Indo-Pacific region. These experiments took place during biennial military exercises conducted by U.S. Indo-Pacific Command focusing on joint training in a multi-domain environment.

Capabilities enabled by Northrop Grumman technologies allowed the Joint Force to practice real-world efficiency in detecting, locating, tracking and engaging adversarial threats at sea, in the air, on land and in cyberspace.
Some of the Northrop Grumman-built platforms that participated in the exercise include the B-2 Spirit, E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, Ground/Air Task-Oriented Radar (AN/TPS-80 G/ATOR), Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS) and Maritime Targeting Cell (MTC).
Participation in field training exercises enabled warfighters to leverage and demonstrate innovative military capabilities and provided an opportunity for Northrop Grumman to gain customer feedback and valuable real-world insight, potentially leading to improved solutions.

Expert:

Steve O’Bryan, corporate vice president, global business development: “These exercises are excellent opportunities for Northrop Grumman to demonstrate new capabilities while gaining first-hand feedback from military users, so we can continually improve effectiveness when employed operationally. We support the U.S. Joint Force with transformative technologies to advance and connect military capabilities and ensure battlefield readiness today and tomorrow.”

Additional Details:

Northrop Grumman regularly participates in training exercises with the U.S. military and allies to demonstrate innovative warfighting capabilities providing a definitive edge. The company participated in previous Indo-Pacific exercises where various systems, including the U.S. Army’s IBCS, deployed as part of an expansive, distributed network across the area of operations.

17 Jun 24. Lynred, a leading global provider of high-quality infrared sensors for the aerospace, defense and commercial markets, today announces it will showcase Seegnus, its first very compact high-resolution (1280 x 1024 SXGA format), small pixel pitch (7.5µm) midwave (MWIR) ‘HOT’ (High Operating Temperature) infrared sensor, at Eurosatory, Paris, June 17 – 21, at booth #5A-C155.

Seegnus’ multiple features offer key performance advantages to manufacturers of long-range/large Field-of-View (FoV) miniature infrared systems, including a net 20% increase in Detection/Reconnaissance/Identification (DRI) range performance over Lynred’s earlier VGA model within this category of midwave products.

Seegnus’ high-resolution, large FoV, low acoustic noise and low power consumption, housed in lightweight, durable and stealthy packaging, make this best-in-class infrared (IR) sensor ideal for conducting long-range imaging in tactical gear. These include Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) gimbals, tactical goggles, armored vehicle sights, Remote Control Weapon Sights (RCWS) and submarine optronic masts.

Seegnus can also be used in fixed or airborne surveillance systems in any industry.

“Seegnus incorporates all of the top infrared imaging performance criteria in demand from camera makers today: a compact large array format with 150K ‘HOT’ design, coupled with low weight and low power consumption advantages,” said Alain Manissadjian, product manager at Lynred. “Seegnus extends Lynred’s SWaP (small Size, low Weight, low Power consumption) portfolio in the MWIR range and shows its robust capability in mastering III-V semiconductor technology. We are excited about exhibiting Seegnus at Eurosatory this week, where we anticipate customers will be very impressed by the added value this best-in-class IR sensor brings to long-range tactical applications.”

Combined with the latest 220mm folded compact f/4 COTS optics and in good mid-latitude summer atmospheric conditions, Seegnus is capable of detecting individuals at a distance of up to 14.5km in a 630m width imaged scene, while recognizing them at 3.9km in a 170m width imaged scene.

In addition, thanks to the PlugUp platform standard underpinning Seegnus, which enables Lynred to maintain the same form factor and identical interfaces (mechanical, optical and electrical) across designs, an SXGA upgrade from Lynred’s previous compact VGA model is extremely easy.

Lynred will exhibit Seegnus at booth #5A-C155 at Eurosatory, taking place this week. It will run a live demo of Seegnus, the smallest SXGA sensor for long-range imagery, in a standard camera, as well as display a mechanical mock-up of Seegnus, plus optics, within a compact 6.3” gimbal.

Product features

Seegnus is a new high-resolution (SXGA – 1280×1024), small pitch (7.5µm), ‘HOT’ (High Operating Temperature) cooled mid-wave infrared sensor, housed in a very compact and SWaP configured package for long-range and large FOV miniaturized infrared systems. It offers:

High 24/7 cooler reliability (32,000hrs)
Low power (<3.5 Watts)
Compactness (300cm3)
Easy integration (thanks to three different possible attachment planes)
Easy upgrades (due to an identical interface to earlier models)

About Lynred

Lynred, alongside its subsidiaries Lynred USA and Lynred Asia-Pacific, is a global leader in designing and manufacturing high quality infrared technologies for aerospace, defense and commercial markets. It has a vast portfolio of infrared sensors that covers the entire electromagnetic spectrum from near to very far infrared. Its products are at the center of multiple military programs and applications and are key components of many top brands in commercial thermal imaging equipment sold across Europe, Asia and North America. Lynred is the leading European manufacturer for IR detectors deployed in space.

www.lynred.com

14 Jun 24. Drone destroyer: Defence conducts live fire testing of Fractl portable high energy laser. The Australian Defence Force has conducted live fire testing of a directed energy weapons system against unmanned drones in Victoria.

The Defence Counter-UAS Directed Energy Weapons System, manufactured by high power laser start-up AIM Defence, was demonstrated with assistance from company employees and ADF personnel at Puckapunyal Military Area, Victoria from 27 to 31 May.

The testing exercise is considered the final stage of a joint Robotic and Autonomous Systems Implementation & Coordination Office and Jericho investment spanning over the last five years.

During the testing, AIM Defence co-founder Dr Jae Daniel and AIM Defence co-founder Jessica Glenn showcased the Fractl Portable High Energy Laser to personnel from the Australian Army and Royal Australian Air Force.

Personnel included Australian Army Director General Future Land Warfare Brigadier James Davis, Australian Army Director General Systems and Integration Brigadier Kurt Brown, Robotic and Autonomous Systems Implementation & Coordination Office Director Colonel David Robertson, and Royal Australian Air Force Jericho Disruptive Innovation Group Director Group Captain Jesse Laroche.

Earlier this year in March, it was announced that AIM Defence had been contracted to produce a deployable directed energy system for use against drones by the Australian Defence Force.

The $4.9m contract represents the first time the ADF has acquired a directed energy prototype for ongoing field-based counter-drone trials and evaluation.

The Fractl:2 DE system is reportedly powerful enough to burn through steel and precise enough to track and shoot down a drone travelling at 100km/h a kilometre or more away, according to AIM Defence.

Portable and battery powered, Fractl:2 can shoot down over 50 drones per charge and can be plugged into a wall socket for continuous operation. It has the added advantage of near-zero usage cost as light-based energy replaces ammunition. (Source: Defence Connect)

17 Jun 24. US Senate Committee calls for DOD C-UAS strategy and task force. The United States Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) wants the Department of Defense (DOD) to establish a counter-uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS) task force and develop a C-UAS strategy.

SASC passed its version of the US fiscal 2025 defence authorisation bill on June 13. The bill now heads to the Senate floor for consideration.

The SASC bill requires a C-UAS task force to review guidance relating to counter drone activities. It calls for a DOD strategy to cover C-UAS technologies, referring drone offences for investigation and prosecution, and assessing resources or authorities necessary for drone incursion response.

The bill would direct the US Army, Navy, and Air Force to provide briefings on respective service plans for C-UAS capabilities as well as requiring a report on all recommendations, findings, and results from DOD’s C-UAS Cross Functional Team, including efforts relating to airspace data feed accessibility. It would also require the All-Domain Anomaly Resolution Office to provide a liaison to the C-UAS task force to improve coordination in areas of shared responsibility.

In addition, the bill would authorise increased funding for C-UAS research and testing between the Army and university-based partners; as well as increased funding for various combatant commands’ C-UAS activities.

SASC also calls for a full-scale C-UAS exercise in DOD’s special use airspace with a briefing on the outcomes and lessons learned from the exercise. A further briefing, on the acquisition of military grade UAS by foreign terrorist organisations is included in the bill.

Finally, SASC’s bill requires the Army to certify at least one additional interceptor and production manufacturer for the M-LIDS/FS-LIDS counter-UAS system. For more information: US Senate Armed Services Committee. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

17 Jun 24. C-UAS Hub said today that the U.S. Navy Seeks Counter-UAS Solutions for Group 3+ Drones. The U.S. Navy plans to rapidly prototype and execute a phased operational test and evaluation to validate the performance of one or more proposed shipborne kinetic defeat Counter UAS solutions for Group 3+ drones. These solutions must be capable of quick worldwide deployment, integration with various naval platforms, and seamless incorporation with the existing sensors on a naval vessel.

Only complete Counter UxS (Uncrewed Systems) solutions will be accepted, including a kinetic defeat effector and launcher for group 3+ UAS. Solutions should assume they will receive tracking data from the vessel’s combat systems to facilitate detection and targeting. Integration with the vessel’s existing combat systems is required. However, adjunct passive systems (e.g., Electro-Optical/Infrared) that do not interfere with the ship’s organic sensors are permitted.

Partial solutions, such as those providing only radar or find, fix, and track capabilities, will not be considered. Proposed solutions must address the entire kill chain, enhancing find, fix, track, and identification capabilities while incorporating kinetic defeat functionality without interfering with the vessel’s existing combat system. High-powered microwave and directed energy solutions will not be considered for this solicitation.

A solution brief’s technical merit and relevance will be evaluated based on its ability to meet primary attributes and the cumulative evaluation of secondary solution attributes and capabilities.

Primary Attributes

The solution must support the full kill chain (find, fix, track, target, engage, assess) with both “human in/on-the-loop” control modes. Solutions may assume they will receive a radar track from the naval vessel’s combat systems to facilitate “find and fix.”
The solution must exist in a technically mature state of development for the government to host a baseline assessment of the solution’s capabilities planned to occur at a West Coast naval test location, subject to range availability, within 90 days after the prototype award.
The offeror must demonstrate the ability to deliver up to 5 production representative prototypes within 12 months of the prototype award.
The solution effector must be reloadable at sea and not require heavy lift equipment.

Secondary Attributes

Solutions that can demonstrate a high probability of kinetic defeat for group 3+ UASs (ideally greater than 90%) for self-defense to protect the ship within a radius of approximately 15 km and a high probability of kill (ideally greater than 70%) for area defense to protect nearby commercial shipping lanes and vessels within a greater than 15 km radius are preferred.
The solution must minimize the cost per defeat to reduce the asymmetry of the current cost of traditional air defense defeat solutions compared to the threat.
Solutions that have a terminal guidance capability integrated into the effector are preferred. A system requiring terminal illumination, terminal shipboard guidance and/or dwelling are less preferred.
Accelerating the kill chain by enabling a faster decision loop from initial detection until the launch of the effector is preferred and must be characterized. Minimizing “time to defeat” (the time from decision to launch to defeat in flight) is desirable and must be characterized.
The solution should minimize installation size, weight, power, and restrictions imposed on other systems onboard a naval vessel. Solutions weighing less than 5,300 lbs in operational status and 2,300 lbs without the launcher and effector are preferred—solutions less than 220 cubic feet with any dimension no greater than 90 inches are preferred.
Solution briefs should also specify proposed installation and integration locations to include but not limited to a) forward CIWS platform, b) missile deck, c) aft vertical launch system deck, and d) aft superstructure O2 deck platforms if installing onboard a DDG 51-class guided missile destroyer.
The solution should integrate into a naval vessel’s existing combat systems and ancillary support systems (water, electrical power, and air). The ability to integrate into the combat systems with the following characteristics is preferred: MIL-STD-1760 and MIL-STD-1553 interface, along with the ability to operate on 208 – 220 VAC.
The production solution should be capable of achieving compliance for shipboard installation onboard a naval vessel and able to operate in a harsh maritime environment (e.g., exposure to salt water, shock, etc), including but not limited to MIL-STD-810 and MIL-DTL-901E.
The solution should be able to support obtaining or complying with safety and shipboard installation military specifications during the prototype period.
The solution should be able to support obtaining Hazards of Electromagnetic Radiation to Fuel (HERF), Hazards of Electromagnetic Radiation to Personnel (HERP), Hazards of Electromagnetic Radiation to Ordnance (HERO), Weapons System Explosive Safety Review Board (WSESRB), etc. while also incorporating the appropriate arms, ammunition, and explosives safeguards throughout the prototype phase and before final production.
The solution should be able to comply with DODINST 8500.E1 Change 1 – CyberSecurity Information Assurance dated 14 Mar 2014, DODINST 8510.01 RISK MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK (RMF) FOR DOD SYSTEMS dated 19 July 2022, and SECNAVINST 5239.3C Dept of the Navy CyberSecurity Policy dated 2 May 2016 to meet shipboard cybersecurity requirements throughout the prototype phase and before final production.
A solution developed using a modular, open-source architecture leveraging open and extensible software design principles that enable integration with third-party modular components, where applicable, standardized or common interfaces, and software containerization will be preferred.
The solution should be able to demonstrate adaptability to evolving operational threats, including the ability to leverage real-time, or near real-time, operational deployment data, logs, and user feedback to assess, correct, and/or improve system behaviors and performance, including safely, securely, and promptly deploying software updates to fielded systems. Companies may assume the U.S. government will share data on evolving threats. A DD254 (Contract Security Classification Specification) and DD2345 (Military Critical Technical Agreement) will be required to share this data at the appropriate classification level. Additionally, successful solutions will be required to provide personnel with appropriate security clearances and, eventually, the ability to obtain a Facility Clearance to store classified information.
Preference may be given to solutions that can provide evidence demonstrating a Counter UAS capability in relevant and/or representative environments.

Counter-UXS (Other Domains)

Solutions that provide evidence of adaptability for applications against uncrewed systems in other domains (e.g. uncrewed surface vehicles) may be given preference, but all primary attributes must still be addressed.

Companies interested in submitting proposals for Counter-UAS solutions for Group 3+ drones must submit by June 28th, 2024, at 23:59:59 US/Eastern Time. For more information, please visit Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems- NEXT (Counter NEXT). (Source: https://cuashub.com/)

17 Jun 24. C-UAS Hub said today that the DoD Seeking C-UAS Detection Solutions for One-Way UAS. The Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO) is soliciting demonstrations for sensors that enhance the detection of one-way unmanned aerial systems (OWUAS) threatening U.S. and allied forces. These sensors will complement existing coverage and must integrate into a third-party interface for additional analysis and correlation with other sensor data. All sensor types are welcome, including EO/IR, acoustic, and radar, with a preference for low-cost/attritable solutions, though this is not mandatory. Desired solutions should adhere to the following parameters:

RANGE – Sensors must aim to enhance and/or improve the visibility of OWUAS flying closer than 7 km or further than 25 km to force location (<7 km, >25 km).

ALTITUDE – Sensors must specifically aim to enhance and/or improve the visibility of OWUAS flying at low altitudes close to a force location (<300 m altitude within 25 km range). Sensors should aim to enhance and/or improve the visibility of OWUAS flying at all altitudes further from a force location (greater than a 25 km range).

UAS SIZE – Sensors must enhance and/or improve the visibility of Group 2 and 3 UAS size (21-1,320 lbs).

UAS SPEED – Sensors must focus on Group 2 and 3 UAS speed (<250 kts). At a minimum, the ability to also detect higher speeds (250 kts+) is encouraged.

INTEGRATION – Sensors must demonstrate the ability to automatically and repeatedly transport and integrate data into a third-party interface for visual display, analysis, and prosecution.

THIRD PARTY INTERFACE: Sensors must be integrated into a command and control framework using the third-party interface’s remote procedure call (RPC) standard. This framework is programming language agnostic and derived from open-source/well-known standards. Vendors will be expected to use a software development kit (SDK) provided by a third-party interface, which uses a gRPC framework to send protocol buffers to the third-party interface. Sensor participants will be expected to write a thin integration layer using the SDK for data ingestion, while taskable agents will conform to a command and control tasking API. Sensors will be expected to provide health/status reporting as part of data integration, example code for sensor integration will be provided if vendor is selected for Round 2.

This initiative aims to empower DoD warfighters to effectively detect, identify, and neutralize hostile UAS in their vicinity by integrating heterogeneous sensors into a common interface. If successful, this approach will enhance existing sensor systems and improve force protection by warning personnel to take shelter and extending the time for kinetic and non-kinetic countermeasures.

Responses to this Commercial Solutions Opening are due July 15th, 2024, at 5:00 PM EDT. For more information, please visit Desert Sentry Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems – cUAS Defense Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) General Solicitation Demonstrations of Innovative Commercial Technologies

(Source: https://cuashub.com/)

17 Jun 24. Thermoteknix unveils ClipIR-12 – latest in thermal fusion technology – at Eurosatory 2024. Thermoteknix, a global leader in thermal imaging, night vision, and fused technologies, is launching its latest breakthroughs in fused thermal clip-on systems with its new ClipIR-12 range at Eurosatory 2024.

Based on thermal fusion technology developed by Thermoteknix over the past 12 years, ClipIR-12B, and ClipIR-12E, are the latest, fourth generation evolution, significantly lighter, higher resolution and more compact than their predecessors.

See the new ClipIR-12 on STAND C386, Hall 5A on the UK Pavilion, Eurosatory 2024, Paris.

Both ClipIR-12 models attach to existing night vision devices to deliver thermal imaging fusion. Fused thermal and night vision is the gold standard for low-light and no-light operations giving tactical advantages and enhanced situational awareness, while increasing the range significantly compared to traditional standalone night vision.

Exceptionally low power consumption is achieved with Thermoteknix patented Shutterless XTI technology, also providing outstanding uninterrupted image quality with zero lag and ultra-low latency; critical for helmet mounted applications. A wide field of view is delivered to the night vision device, providing maximum situational awareness.

ClipIR-12B is powered by either by an internal battery or externally by either a four or eight cell battery pack mounted on the rear of the helmet. ClipIR-12E is powered externally from an external battery pack.

Groundbreaking Augmented Reality capabilities are achieved by connecting either Thermoteknix ARTIM or ARTIM-MINI intelligent battery packs which combine the thermal fusion with an intuitive look-vector driven 3D AR display with real-time data from leading Battle Management Systems such as ATAK.

“The ClipIR-12 range brings more than ten years’ of Thermoteknix’ experience designing and manufacturing fused thermal and night vision systems. These latest advancements in technology enhance the operational effectiveness, situational awareness, and safety of military personnel in the field.” comments Jonti Salisbury, Head of Imaging Sales at Thermoteknix.

Thermoteknix is renowned for its innovative engineering, challenging convention and developing groundbreaking technology. The company was awarded the prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation in 2024, the highest public accolade for any British company.

14 Jun 24. Germany procuring Heads-Up displays for Tornado aircraft. Germany will purchase Heads-Up Displays for half of its Tornado fleet at a cost of $70m, plus additional small arms munitions costing $112m.

German Federal Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced a decision to procure 45 heads-up displays (HUD) for its Tornado aircraft in a release from 13 June 2024, at a cost of €66m ($70m), to be delivered by 2027.

The order is enough to equip roughly half of the relevant aircraft, as Germany maintains a fleet of 93 PA-200 Tornado fighters, according to GlobalData’s ‘Germany Armed Forces Equipment Inventory 2023’ report.

Reports from Bloomberg earlier in the week suggested that the order of HUD equipment would amount to €40m, well below the announced figure from the German MoD.

The Tornado aircraft entered into service with the German Air Force in 1982, and the manufacturer, Panavia Aircraft (BAE Systems, EADS, Alenia), ceased production in 1998. Operational in five different forms, the Tornado was purchased by Germany as a GR 1 interdictor strike (IDS) variant.

In this service is operated as a low-level, high speed reconnaissance aircraft, with an optimised electro-optical suite comprised of three internally mounted infrared sensors linked to a vide recording system. The tornado provided real-time reconnaissance with facilities for in-flight review, post flight analysis, and instant ground access to recorded imagery.

The purchase of new equipment for the German Airforce is one of a series of procurement projects Germany is initiating as a a part of modernisation efforts. Funds for the HUDs will come from the regular defence budget as well as the Bundeswehr special fund.

As part of the same announcement, Germany stated that it will spend almost €105m ($112m) on 7.62mm and 9mm ammunition to replace stock already delivered to Ukraine. In addition to being supported by funds from the regular defence budget and the Bundeswehr special fund, this purchase will also be financed by seal 60 of the General Financial Administration, intended for income and expenses that either cannot be assigned to a single department, or that affect the federal government as a whole. (Source: airforce-technology.com)

15 Jun 24. Cuashub.com said today that GAO: Actions Needed to Support Remote Identification in the NAS.

Actions Needed to Better Support Remote Identification in the National Airspace is a study and report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO).

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) generally mandates that drones be equipped with Remote ID technology, which the FAA likens to a “digital license plate.” This technology allows law enforcement to identify and investigate unauthorized drone activity, aligning with the FAA’s goal to aid law enforcement efforts. However, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that the FAA has limited resources to assist tribal, state, and local law enforcement in utilizing this technology. Many law enforcement agencies contacted by GAO had little knowledge of Remote ID or how it could be used in their investigations. Developing additional resources could enhance the FAA’s support for law enforcement using Remote ID.

Moreover, the FAA is working on an interface to provide drone registration information from Remote ID to law enforcement, but there is no plan or timeline for its release. Simultaneously, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is developing an application that would link to the FAA’s interface, yet DHS also lacks a plan or timeline for this effort. Consequently, law enforcement may continue to face delays in accessing the real-time information necessary for tracking and investigating unauthorized drone activity.

GAO: Actions Needed to Support Remote Identification in the NAS

(Source: https://cuashub.com/)

17 Jun 24. Defense Innovation Unit seeks systems to counter Red Sea drone attacks.

As Iran-backed Houthi rebel groups continue to use attack drones to target ships in the Red Sea, the U.S. Navy and the Defense Innovation Unit are partnering to prototype a counter uncrewed aircraft system that can disable or shoot them down.

The Navy is looking for a system it can easily integrate with a range of platforms to defend against such adversary drone attacks, DIU said June 14. The program, dubbed Counter NEXT, aims to quickly test prototypes and field them on vessels around the globe.

“It is expected that solutions will be capable of expeditious worldwide deployment, integrated with a variety of naval platforms and must display the ability to be easily integrated into the existing sensors onboard a naval vessel,” DIU said in a statement.

Since last fall, Iran-backed groups have used drones, uncrewed surface vessels and anti-ship ballistic vehicles to launch dozens of attacks on U.S., allied and commercial shipping vessels in the Red Sea. The incidents have disrupted global trade in key waterways and killed three merchant sailors.

According to a June 13 report from the Defense Intelligence Agency, 65 countries and 29 major energy and shipping companies have been affected or have had to alter their routes in response to these aggressions.

“The growing threat of adversarial unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) poses significant risks to U.S., allied and partner forces, naval vessels, and commercial vessels transiting key maritime routes across the globe,” DIU said. “The U.S. is committed to protecting commercial maritime trade and, more importantly, service members conducting maritime operations in contested environments.”

DIU has a portfolio dedicated to leveraging commercial and off-the-shelf technology to defend against these types of drone threats. Matthew Way, who leads that effort, said counter UAS is a high priority for the organization, adding that DIU plans to use a portion of the $800 million budget increase Congress provided in fiscal 2024 to fund efforts like Counter Next.

“We’ve really got to focus on, how do we get after those more advanced capabilities . . . and how do we protect ourselves from adversarial threats that are employing this technology as well,” he said during Applied Intuition’s June 13 Nexus conference in Washington, DC.

Pentagon officials have emphasized that defending against enemy drones will require a layered approach, including electronic warfare and kinetic effects.

Counter Next is focused on kinetic systems that cost less than a traditional missile or air defeat system and rely on mature technology that can be ready for testing within 90 days of a contract award. And while it’s not required, DIU may prioritize proposals that demonstrate the ability to take out surface vessel threats.

Companies must also be able to deliver at least five systems within 12 months of being selected.

(Source: Defense News Early Bird/C4ISR & Networks)

27 May 24. Call to industry and economic operators: procurement cluster on enablers for safe integration of military UAS capabilities in the European sky. In the context of the cluster of UAS-related projects that aim at providing the sought “UAS Enablers for Safe Airspace Integration in European Sky”, the European Defence Agency (EDA) intends to launch a tender with four lots to support the progress of safe airspace integration of UAS, from low level to high altitude operations (HAO).

Lot 1: UAS Single European Sky Experimental Integration (max. estimated budget 1.5M Eur)

In a drive to elevate the capabilities of European-made low-cost small and tactical Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) for precision navigation, the new project focuses on two key objectives. Firstly, it seeks to enhance their operational resilience in challenging environments for safe airspace integration – specifically environments with limited or denied GNSS access and potential electronic jamming threats. Secondly, the project will leverage recent breakthroughs in EU space-based services alongside onboard sensor fusion powered by artificial intelligence. This integration aims to achieve unwavering navigation accuracy regardless of spectrum availability, demonstrably validating its effectiveness through real-world proof-of-concept and demonstration phases. The successful development of these advanced navigation capabilities for UAS aims to ensure their safe integration into the airspace.

Lot 2: Risk Assessment for UAS operations (max. estimated budget 400 k Eur)

The objective of this lot is to expand the current online tool supporting the MIL-UAS-SPECIFIC methodology (see EDA webpage https://eda.europa.eu/mil-uas-specific-study) to automatize most of the risk assessment process by leveraging the – regularly updated – MIL-UAS-SPECIFIC methodology or any other harmonised Risk assessment methodology accepted by the military (e.g., SORA). The current online tool will become a “networking/connecting” online tool, with selectable Risk assessment methodologies running back office, including a selectable accepted risk level for the UAS operations to cover operations in peace, crisis and war times.

Lot 3: Higher Airspace Operations study (max. estimated budget 800 kEur)

Over the last years, Higher Airspace Operations (HAO) have been in the spotlight. The upcoming EASA regulatory work requires that the civil–military aspects are included. The objective is to clarify specific civil–military aspects in the domain of HAO in order to: a) analyse the security risks posed by HAO; b) Address potential challenges in order to avoid any adverse impact on national security and defence capabilities with an EU approach; c) Ensure military access to higher airspace. Take advantage of all opportunities, particularly those offered by the civil-military collaboration make the most of the identified synergies.

Lot 4: Consultancy services for needs assessment, market research and consultation, analysis of the state-of-the-art (max. estimated budget 200 kEur)

This project aims to bridge the gap by assessing the specific needs of military UAS users and leverage the dual-use of UAS technology towards the safe integration into European airspace. It has three key objectives: a) to understand end-user needs for safe airspace UAS integration. b) to evaluate technologies for enhanced UAS integration, including the market research and analysis of state-of-the-art of current conspicuity, ATM and positioning technologies within the EU market, that can enable safe UAS integration; c) proposal of way forward and consultation for future projects.

For more information, please consult the Public Information Notice.

https://ted.europa.eu/en/notice/-/detail/292847-2024

Information Session: Where and When?

The information session will be held on 04 July 2024 from 10:00 am until 12:00 CET.

The event will be done remotely via Webex. Link to be provided after registration to the contacts provided in the register form.

How to register?

Participation is free of charge, but interested parties must register in advance, and no later than 28 of June 2024 EOB, using the following link: https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/EDA_UAS_Enablers

Contact Information

Please use the registration form as primary mean to access information. Please refrain from email exchange, unless strictly necessary and no other option is possible. m(Source: EDA)

13 Jun 24. Flex Force Enterprises, LLC, a leader in C-UAS equipment design and manufacturing, is proud to announce the launch of its latest innovation, Dronebuster® Fixed-Site (FS). This groundbreaking product redefines industry standards and revolutionizes how integrators architect their c-UAS systems. The Dronebuster FS incorporates leading-edge technology and user-centric design to deliver unparalleled performance and efficiency. It empowers users to cost-effectively install distributed c-UAS equipment to protect complex perimeters as part of a layered defense.

“The team continues to rapidly innovate our Dronebuster platform. The Dronebuster FS provides lots of capability to adjust the system parameters and is readily integrated onto vehicles, pan-tilts, or user-defined installations,” says Greg Valentin, President of Flex Force Enterprises.

Key features of the Fixed-Site include:

Scalable architecture with multiple RF emitter configurations
Low cost, IP-67 capability for distributed effects
Easy to integrate and operate with serial network protocols
Capability to adjust system parameters to optimize performance against threat or minimize collateral damage concerns

The official unveiling of the Dronebuster Fixed-Site will occur at Eurosatory in Paris, France, on June 17, 2024. Attendees are encouraged to visit booth D281 in Hall 5a to experience firsthand the innovation and potential of the latest addition to the Dronebuster product family. Founded in 2012, Flex Force Enterprises LLC, a DZYNE Company, designs and manufactures advanced weapon systems for the modern warfighter. The company has a proven record of transitioning emerging technologies into deployable, combat-proven products that provide immediate tactical advantages. Our product families—the ASP and Dronebuster—provide the warfighter with significant overmatch capability. The Dronebuster is in use worldwide by U.S. and coalition forces to defeat terrorist drone threats. (Source: PR Newswire)

14 Jun 24. Exosens, the world leader in amplification, detection and imaging technologies, announces it will be exhibiting at Eurosatory, the world’s largest specialist defense exhibition, on stand K51 in Hall 6.

The high-tech company, with over 85 years’ experience on European and international soil, will showcase its latest product innovations for the defense market.

Photonis, a brand of the Exosens group and world leader in image intensifier tubes, will showcase its flagship products and 4G+ and 4G technology. Photonis has become the benchmark for European armed forces, closely meeting their needs. Over the years, night vision has become central to modern warfare, as operations increasingly take place at night. Drawing on decades of expertise, Photonis offers image intensifier tubes which improve soldiers’ tactical situational awareness, agility and mobility, as well as their targeting and driving capabilities, even on the darkest of nights.

Together, Photonis and Xenics – Exosens’ specialist infrared camera brand – are imaging technology experts with cameras covering the full spectrum from UV to LWIR. The company will show a UV detector for missile launch detection systems for aircraft and armoured vehicles, intensified and low-light cameras to improve visibility in driver vehicle applications for situational awareness, shortwave infrared (SWIR) cameras to provide better visibility in difficult conditions, as well as thermal cameras to help identify targets offering higher quality images regardless of day- or night-time conditions.

Demonstrations of infrared cameras and a burst image intensifier tube hologram will be available to view on the stand.

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RADAR, EO/IR, C-UAS, NIGHT VISION AND SURVEILLANCE UPDATE

June 13, 2024 by

Sponsored by Echodyne

www.echodyne.com

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13 Jun 24. L3Harris Delivers Enhanced Airborne ISR Capability to Canada. L3Harris delivers three integrated King Air 350ER ISR aircraft to the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) specially modified to enhance Canada’s intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. The aircraft, modified at L3Harris’ Greenville, Texas aircraft integration center, were delivered as part of the Canadian manned airborne ISR (MAISR) project.

MAISR, a Foreign Military Sale coordinated under the U.S. Army’s Fixed Wing Project Office, will provide the Canadian Department of National Defence (DND) with three rapidly deployable ISR aircraft for increased security and enhanced mission effectiveness.

“These deliveries represent another milestone in our commitment to helping create a safer world and more secure future,” said Jason Lambert, President, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance. “We’re pleased to collaborate with the U.S. Army to enhance ISR mission capabilities for our Canadian allies.”

“At a time when defence and security needs are changing faster than ever, Canada and the United States are investing in each other to keep us strong at home, secure in North America, and engaged in the world,” said Consul General of Canada Susan Harper. “This state-of-the-art aircraft is a shining example of our dedication to ensuring our militaries have what they need to defend our homelands. And we made it together. Built in Greenville, Texas with an airframe from Kansas, an engine from Quebec, and systems from Tennessee, Iowa and Texas, the CE-145C Vigilance aircraft provides enhanced situational awareness and decision making for our countries’ leadership during critical operations. Canada and the U.S. enjoy unprecedented interoperability – a strategic choice that enriches both countries’ defence, security, and economic frameworks.”

The CE-145C Vigilance brings new capability for Canadian Special Operations Forces Command, which requires an aircraft to be capable of promptly achieving tactical, operational and strategic effects on operations. MAISR will provide a readily available, mission-tailored and sustainable manned airborne ISR capability to meet this mandate and enhance the CAF airborne ISR capabilities.

L3Harris delivers platform modernization and fielding solutions to meet the ever-increasing complexities of ISR collection, with more than 70 years of experience designing mission-tailored solutions on platforms of all sizes. (Source: ASD Network)

13 Jun 24. Cuashub.com said today that Fonon and Laser Photonics Test “Laser Shield Anti-Drone System.” Laser Photonics Corporation, a leading global developer of laser systems for cleaning and material processing applications, along with its parent company, Fonon Corporation, a multi-market holding company specializing in R&D, equipment design, and manufacturing of advanced laser material processing systems for both subtractive and additive manufacturing, has announced the successful early testing of Fonon’s Laser Shield Anti-Drone System (LSAD) prototype at LPC’s testing facility.

The LSAD is a cutting-edge solution being developed to deter unauthorized drone activity. The system is designed by Fonon in collaboration with Laser Photonics and leverages the company’s existing laser technology. Once fully developed, it will serve as an immediate response defense system to address the threat of small-scale unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in conflict zones and expeditionary locations. LPC has provided Fonon with the testing area and related resources to evaluate the LSAD prototype at its Orlando facility.

The LSAD’s first proof of concept was recently completed and tested at Laser Photonics’ newly developed Customer Experience Center, which features an internal laser range. This state-of-the-art facility allowed Laser Photonics and Fonon Corporation to assess the proof of concept under controlled conditions, evaluating the lasers’ precision and effectiveness in targeting and neutralizing distant objects. Conducting these tests internally ensured the reliability and accuracy of the preliminary results, which concluded with a successful proof of concept. The LPC facility will play a crucial role in the ongoing development of the LSAD.

Wayne Tupuola, CEO of Laser Photonics, commented, “Defense professionals worldwide are focused on anti-drone technology due to its increasing prevalence, which presents an opportunity for LPC and Fonon to collaborate on this project. We believe that Fonon’s LSAD has the potential to become a must-have technology for modern defense infrastructures.”

Fonon and LPC will continue collaborating on developing and testing the LSAD as part of their commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology in the defense and military maintenance sectors. The two companies boast a robust collective track record of research and development and a proven ability to penetrate the market successfully in the multi-application laser technologies sector.

As illustrated daily across a myriad of conflict zones globally, drones have begun to take an increasing role in modern warfare. Used as offensive weapons or as surveillance assets, the need for a modern, perimeter defense system has never been greater,” said Bryan Lee, Vice President of Fonon Technologies. “Together with Laser Photonics, we have been developing a prototype laser defense system that will effectively neutralize this growing threat. This will significantly increase the operational capabilities of our military and allied forces worldwide.”

Fonon Technologies, a sister company of LPC, will focus on marketing and promoting Fonon Corporation’s LSAD technology once it is fully commercialized. This will also support the parent companies’ current laser solutions for defense. Fonon Technologies exclusively serves the government, military, and defense sectors.

Laser Photonics and Fonon Corporation are actively seeking a partner to collaborate on tracking and target acquisition as they advance the development of the LSAD system.

https://cuashub.com/en/content/fonon-and-laser-photonics-test-laser-shield-anti-drone-system/?utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz–RDGT36qRoXRdRL3S8DOdtV2eGDQRsGmP7cfA5Jg3-aFtB8-q0QYXg2xwv9HdtEJoGE2_EJFqxtZbjffqDt1ACrMbYd2tpEw5etpR40OnRl-AyUI8&_hsmi=311436360&utm_content=311436360&utm_source=hs_email(Source: https://cuashub.com/)

13 Jun 24. Cuashub.com said today that USAF Special Operations Command Seeks RFQ for DroneBuster.

The United States Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) has issued a Request for Quote (RFQ) for the FlexForce DroneBuster.

The RFQ explicitly requests two DroneBusters and contains a document explaining the brand name justification, which includes the non-kinetic mitigation system on a list redacted in the document and other technical specifications.For additional information, please visit DroneBuster(C-sUAS) on sam.gov.

USAF Special Operations Command Seeks RFQ for DroneBuster

(Source: https://cuashub.com/)

13 Jun 24. Rheinmetall Electronics UK and Lightspace Technologies Sign Partnership Agreement.

Rheinmetall Electronics UK have signed a partnership agreement with Lightspace Technologies, Latvia to advance and produce Augmented Reality Systems using Multi-focal technology for use in XR and AR applications for the military market. Multi-focal solutions offer the ability to present images and information across multiple focal planes, giving significant operational enhancements and remove the eye fatigue induced by other single focal-plane solutions.

During 2023, Rheinmetall Electronics UK and Lightspace Technologies engaged in proof-of-concept development that was demonstrated as part of the Rheinmetall offering at the UK Ministry of Defence Army Warfighting Experiment (AWE) and to the UK Army’s Armoured Trials and Development Unit (ATDU). This solution was applauded for its impressive capability and approach.

A continuation of the development in 2024 and this partnership agreement marks a strengthening in the collaboration between Rheinmetall Electronics UK and Lightspace Technologies. This aims to leverage the respective strengths of each company to create cutting-edge Augmented Reality systems, with development and realisation tailored specifically for defence and security applications. By combining Rheinmetall’s global defence and security market with Lightspace’s expertise in augmented reality technology, the partnership seeks to develop solutions which significantly enhance situational awareness and decision-making processes to enhance operational effectiveness.

Rheinmetall Electronics UK Managing Director, Richard Streeter said:

“We are delighted to deepen our partnership with Lightspace, developing cutting edge AR solutions for demanding military applications. This is another element in Rheinmetall’s innovative product portfolio focussed on enhancing security and enabling freedom of action for our global customers. We look forward to launching the productised version of this technology – ACE-AR at the UK MoD’s Defence Vehicle Demonstration exhibition later this year.”

Lightspace Technologies CEO, Ilmars Osmanis said:

“Our partnership with Rheinmetall Electronics UK represents an exciting opportunity to leverage our leadership in multi-focal AR technology for defence applications. We look forward to collaborating closely with them to develop and deliver transformative AR solutions that address the unique challenges and requirements of defence and security operations for a wide range of use cases.”

12 Jun 24. Hanwha Systems to develop AESA radar for UAVs. A model showing Hanwha Systems’ brick-type TRB and tile-type TRB. Hanwha Systems’ air-cooled AESA radar for UAVs will be made up of tile-type TRBs, which have 50% less volume compared with brick-type TRBs. (Hanwha Systems)

South Korea’s Agency for Defense Development (ADD) has selected Hanwha Systems as the preferred bidder for a project to develop active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

Under the project, Hanwha Systems will develop an air-cooled AESA radar for UAVs that will be operated in conjunction with the KF-21 Boramae 4.5-generation fighter aircraft, the company said in a media release on 11 June. The KF-21 is currently being developed by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) in collaboration with PT Dirgantara Indonesia for the air forces of South Korea and Indonesia.

The AESA radar will enable the UAVs to simultaneously detect and track targets in the air, land, and sea, Hanwha Systems said.

Air-cooled AESA radars do not require additional cooling equipment. This enables them to be lighter in weight and have reduced volume compared with existing liquid-cooled AESA radars, the company added.

According to Hanwha Systems, the new AESA radar will also be made of “tile-type transmit-receive blocks (TRBs)”, which have been built by “compressing the existing brick-type TRBs”. The volume of a tile-type TRB is 50% less compared with a brick-type TRB, making it possible to reduce the size of an AESA radar while maintaining its performance.

In addition, tile-type TRBs can facilitate a more uniform cooling of the AESA radar compared with brick-type TRBs. The cooling helps the radar reach its desired power output, leading the system to have enhanced surveillance and detection capabilities. (Source: Janes)

12 Jun 24. Sweden procures new manportable C-UASs to bolster soldier protection. New portable counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UASs) have been delivered to the Swedish Armed Forces to enhance its capability to detect and disrupt UASs.

The systems were procured as part of a wider programme led by the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (Försvarets materielverk: FMV) and the Swedish Armed Forces’ Command and Control Combat School, which is evaluating a range of C-UAS capabilities.

After several years of trials, it was determined that three different types of C-UAS capabilities will be procured: manportable, stationary, and ‘heavy’. Once all three variants are procured, the armed forces will “have the ability to combat drones in all levels of conflict, terrain, and weather conditions”, the FMV detailed.

The ‘heavy’ systems will typically be connected to a command-and-control support system and be deployed to protect infrastructure such as airbases for long periods of time, the authority added.

Each system being procured can be iterated further to keep pace with the evolving threat landscape.

The FMV had not responded to Janes regarding the contract at the time of publication. (Source: Janes)

12 Jun 24. Kromek at Eurosatory 2024. Senior executives from Kromek, the radiation and biological detection company based in Sedgefield, Co. Durham, will attend the international Eurosatory exhibition at Parc des Expositions, Paris, France, from 17th-21st June 2024.

Kromek’s focus will be on its latest evolution of the D5 RIID, which can now be mounted onto any unattended UGV platform. This allows the operator to establish a crucial safe distance between themselves and a high-risk threat, source or environment. This reduces risk to human life, essential spectral and isotopic data can still be collected accurately, recorded and delivered in real time to the remote operator via a wired or wirelessly connected device. The data includes isotope ID, high accuracy dose measurements for gamma and neutron radiation, exact counts per second and all energies present across spectra.

The operationally-proven D5 RIID has been shown to be an exceptionally sensitive device, with a low false alarm rate which alerts users reliably and in real-time to the specific threat at hand. The device starts up in only 30 seconds and Its intuitive interface means that a new operator requires less than 10 minutes of training to be confident in using the detector.

When deployed on an unattended ground platform and connected to a communications module and power source, the D5 RIID can supply data to the onsite operator across the entire range of radiological threats and energies covered during a specific mission, no matter how far the vehicle or robot travels. Even radioactive sources at a distance from the detector itself are identified 50 times better than the ANSI standard, with an area efficiency 62% higher compared with a conventional RIIID. With the option to receive power over ethernet, the D5 RIID can interface with any UGV robot system, providing the ultimate mission flexibility.

The operator can also maintain situational awareness because the D5 RIID can be integrated into existing alarm networks, navigation and CBRN prediction systems and sends ANSI N42.42 files directly from the field to remote decision-makers via rapid reachback.

Kromek’s Commercial Director, Craig Duff, says: “deploying the D5 RIID onto an unattended platform brings new capabilities to an already ground-breaking detector. Its high sensitivity, small form factor and ruggedised capability means it can withstand the harshest of environments. Utilising an uncrewed platform allows the operator to keep their distance from an immediate area of concern, but still be able to accurately assess a radiological threat.”

11 Jun 24. Cuashub.com said today that U.S. Army Conducts Counter-UAS Camouflage Training. Advisors, leaders, and command leadership from the Security Force Assistance Command (SFAC) recently participated in a unique camouflage counter-UAS training challenge during the SFAC Forum at Fort Carson, Colorado. Teams were tasked with camouflaging a pair of military vehicles, and their efforts were evaluated based on the effectiveness of the camouflage from both aerial and ground perspectives, as well as the ease of moving the vehicles in and out of cover. An unmanned aircraft system was employed throughout the event to enhance the realism of the training.

The U.S. Army SFAC builds and sustains readiness by manning, training, and validating Total Army Security Force Assistance Brigades for employment by Combatant Commands.

According to Army Techniques Publication(ATP) 3-01.81, Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System Techniques, camouflage is an example of a passive defensive counter-UAS or counter-drone action. Passive measures increase soldier and equipment survivability by reducing the likelihood of detection and targeting of friendly assets and mitigating the potential effects of an air attack. The document further recommends that the closer a target resembles its background, the harder it is for threat UAVs to differentiate between them. Adhering to this fundamental principle of camouflage and concealment necessitates situational awareness, proficient camouflage and concealment skills, and identifying threat electromagnetic sensors.

Other passive defense measures include deception, dispersion, displacement, hardening, and protective construction.

Active defense measures involve a multi-step process that units and Soldiers undertake to detect, identify, decide, and potentially engage an unknown or threatening UAS. The faster these steps are executed, the more effective the response will be against the threat UAS. The primary active defense measures are detect, identify, decide, and defeat.

Camouflage is a vital survivability tactic in the age of drones in military warfare. Anything important must be camouflaged from the top, sides, and rear, including trenches, equipment, warehouses, and personnel.

U.S. Army Conducts Counter-UAS Camouflage Training

(Source: https://cuashub.com/)

10 Jun 24. Saab Reveals Giraffe 1X Compact Radar Module. The Compact Radar Module is designed to offer an all-in-one solution. The antenna will by a press of a button fold down into the compact and lightweight radar module, which offers a versatile and highly mobile capability for fast operational requirements. The well-known, battle proven and constantly software upgraded, lightweight Giraffe 1X radar can now be delivered together with the Compact Radar Module as one operational item. Its small footprint and large search volume (75 km) make it excellent for urgent operations with limited operational infrastructure.

“Giraffe 1X Compact Radar Module is an all-in-one solution, made with mobility and operational urgency as key user needs. The Compact Radar Module is the latest example of how we are leveraging the capabilities of the Giraffe 1X radar, giving customers a number of different ways to deploy Giraffe 1X wherever and however it can maximise their operational effectiveness,” says Carl-Johan Bergholm, head of Saab’s business area Surveillance.

Giraffe 1X provides commanders with quality air defence target data, drone detection for counter-UAS, and sense and warn capability simultaneously for rockets, artillery and mortars. Giraffe 1X also offers continuous software upgrades in order to meet emerging threats. (Source: ASD Network)

12 Jun 24. Teledyne FLIR Expands Next-Generation Hadron 640 Series of Dual Thermal-Visible Cameras for Unmanned Systems Integrators. Teledyne FLIR, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, today released its next generation of high-performance Hadron 640 dual radiometric thermal and visible camera modules. The ITAR-free Hadron 640+ and radiometric Hadron 640R+ provide industry-leading thermal sensitivity. All models are size, weight, and power (SWaP) optimized for integration into unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), unmanned ground vehicles (UGV), robotic platforms, and emerging AI applications utilizing Teledyne FLIR Prism™ software.

“The Hadron 640 series gives integrators the opportunity to deploy AI-ready, high-performance dual-camera modules into small unmanned systems where SWaP, performance, run time, and battery life are mission critical,” said Michael Walters, Vice President Product Management, Teledyne FLIR. “With Teledyne FLIR’s new Prism AI detection, tracking, and classification models and Prism ISP libraries offering super-resolution, turbulence mitigation, contrast enhancement, and more, Hadron 640 also enables effective AI-based applications.”

The new Hadron 640 modules include a 640 x 512 resolution Boson+ longwave infrared (LWIR) camera module with industry-leading thermal sensitivity of 20 millikelvin (mK) or better. It sees through total darkness, smoke, most fog, and glare allowing operational awareness day and night. The Hadron 640R+ provides temperature measurements for every pixel in the scene. The addition of a 64MP visible camera enables the Hadron 640 series to provide both thermal and visible imagery within a single camera module.

“Continued collaboration with Teledyne FLIR enables rapid payload and performance innovation for Teal drones, accelerates time to market, and equips warfighters with the best possible technology for operational success,” said George Matus, CTO of Red Cat. “The Hadron 640 series features enhanced thermal sensitivity and HD visible cameras to provide superior performance within a compact package for the support of our NATO allies and the U.S. Army’s Short Range Reconnaissance Tranche 2 program of record.”

To reduce development costs and time-to-market for integrators and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) product developers, the Hadron 640 series offers a complete system through a single supplier. This includes drivers for market-leading processors from NVIDIA, Qualcomm, and more, plus industry-leading integration support and service from a Teledyne FLIR support team of experts.

The Hadron 640 series products are all dual use and classified under US Department of Commerce jurisdiction. It is available for purchase globally from Teledyne FLIR and its authorized dealers. To learn more or to purchase, visit https://www.flir.com/hadron640.

For an exclusive in-person first look at the Hadron 640R+ running Prism AI, please visit hall 5A, stand #5A-127 at Eurosatory, June 17-21, 2024, in Paris, France.

10 Jun 24. Booz Allen Hamilton Names Non-Kinetic C-UAS as a Top Emerging Technology; D-Fend Solutions Recognized as Emerging Innovator for its Cyber and RF Effects. D-Fend Solutions, the leader in radio frequency (RF), cyber-based, non-kinetic, non-jamming, counter-drone takeover technology, announced today that it was included in the new research report from Booz Allen Hamilton, “Top 10 Emerging Technologies For DoD and National Security.” The report highlights emerging dual-use technologies that Booz Allen believes may be poised to achieve day-one mission impact over the next one to three years, specifically in the defense and intelligence sectors. Non-Kinetic Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) technology is identified as one of the top ten technologies in the report, and D-Fend Solutions is highlighted as an Emerging Innovator in the category.

The report underscores the critical need for the Department of Defense (DoD) to prioritize technologies that can significantly enhance mission outcomes amidst constrained defense budgets, with Non-Kinetic C-UAS recognized for such capabilities. Emerging Innovators were selected upon assessment of factors such as: technical merit and differentiation, leadership acumen and experience, commercial traction, investor backing, foreign influence and U.S. government (USG) traction.

Cyber Takeover is named as a distinct effector technology within Non-Kinetic Counter-UAS, essential to combat COTS UAS Systems, with Base Protection, Mobile Air Defense, and Crowd Protection mentioned as relevant use cases. On a tactical level, such “systems will continue to decrease in size and require less power, making them more mobile and operationally feasible,” traits reflected in D-Fend Solutions’ release of EnforceAir2.

“We are honored by our selection as an Emerging Innovator in the context of Booz Allen Hamilton’s designation of Non-Kinetic Counter-UAS as a Top Emerging Technology for defending against evolving UAS threats,” said Zohar Halachmi, Chairman and CEO of D-Fend Solutions. “Following thousands of successful worldwide deployments, in the most challenging real-life scenarios and for the most demanding end users, this recognition further validates our RF cyber takeover technology’s unique ability to bring control, safety, and continuity to complex military environments. At D-Fend Solutions, we’re dedicated to delivering situational awareness, operational continuity, and safe controlled outcomes.”

According to the Booz Allen Hamilton report, Emerging Innovators are defined as compelling organizations that are cutting edge in their respective fields and fit the criteria to be innovation partners for defense customers. As a standout innovator in Non-Kinetic C-UAS, D-Fend Solutions has been identified for its exceptional RF-cyber capabilities, its ability to disrupt legacy systems, and its potential to usher in a new future for both commercial and military systems.

The report was developed by Booz Allen’s Tech Scouting team — a core function of Booz Allen’s Chief Technology Office (CTO) that closely monitors early-stage technologies, non-traditional partners, and startups that Booz Allen believes are poised to transform mission outcomes for the public sector. Tech Scouting has a critical role as a trusted advisor to U.S. government clients, across Booz Allen’s portfolios and its venture capital arm, Booz Allen Ventures. (Source: PR Newswire)

10 Jun 24. US Mexico City embassy issues tender for a C-UAS system. The American Embassy in Mexico has issued a tender for a counter-UAS system.

According to a document posted on the www.sam.gov site:

“The U.S. Government intends to award a contract/purchase order to the responsible company submitting an acceptable offer at the lowest price. We intend to award a contract/purchase order based on initial quotations, without holding discussions, although we may hold discussions with companies in the competitive range if there is a need to do so. Quotations are due by June 20,2024 no later than 16:00 hours (Mexico City Time). No quotations will be accepted after this time. Proposals must be in English and incomplete proposals will not be accepted.

Your quotation must be submitted electronically to

For more information: https://sam.gov/opp/b1225cf2ff094594a15a04f8810095d5/view

(Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

13 Jun 24. Rohde & Schwarz is showing the latest offering in the ARDRONIS family of counter-UAS (C-UAS) solutions, specifically designed to satisfy emerging requirements of defence and security customers around the world at Eurosatory.

ARDRONIS Locate Compact is a compact, cost-effective and rugged drone monitoring solution. It allows easy and rapid deployment in harsh environments and is especially suited for the detection and localization of UAVs over large areas, such as national critical infrastructure sites, airports and military bases.

ARDRONIS Locate Compact can be deployed in

standalone mode or integrated into a wider system of systems, dependent upon customer requirements.

The complete ARDRONIS famil

Your benefits

► Detection and identification of all relevant UAS signals

► Direction finding of UAS video downlinks

► Localization of manipulated drones

► Cost effective coverage of large areas

► Future-ready and compatible with existing ARDRONIS systems

Specifications

► ARDRONIS Locate Compact is capable of detecting and identifying the signals of commercially-available remote-controls and telemetry downlinks.

► ARDRONIS Locate Compact is capable of locating commercially-available digital and analog video downlinks including DJI Lightbridge, DJI Ocusync, Autel Skylink and TBS Unify Pro via direction finding and signal triangulation.

► ARDRONIS Locate Compact can be deployed across a wide variety of operating environments, with environmental ratings of IP67 and a temperature range from -30°C up to 55°C. The small Size, Weight and Power (SWaP) means

ARDRONIS Locate Compact can be handled and

operated by a single person.

► Future-ready means, the solution and signal database is frequently updated, with capacity to support software upgrades and options for add-ons including detection of WiFi drones, pan-tilt control and decoding functionalities.

► For the interconnection between remote sensors, ARDRONIS Locate Compact offers 3G and 4G

connectivity.

► ARDRONIS Locate Compact can be integrated on permanent structures including airports but is also rapidly deployable as a semi-mobile solution for shorter duration operations.

► Use cases include VIP, event and convoy protection; airport, border and prison security; and expeditionary operation

ARDRONIS Effect

▶ detect / identify

▶ disruption

ARDRONIS Locate Advanced

▶ detect / identify

▶ locate / track drone and pilot

ARDRONIS Detect

▶ detect / identify

Rohde & Schwarz ARDRONIS locate compact: Highly capable and cost-effective counter UAS 3

10 Jun 24. Project Courageous trials evaluate C-UAS technologies. Interpol and partners recently conducted the third trial for Project COURAGEOUS, which aims to develop a standardised test methodology for detecting, tracking and identifying illicit drones. This methodology will be based on a series of standard scenarios that represent a wide range of locations and situations, for example, security at prisons, airports, critical infrastructure and borders, and countering drug and human trafficking.

Two validation trials have already been held, in Belgium and Greece. The latest trials in Spain provided an opportunity to test and evaluate various countermeasures against uncrewed aerial systems. The Project COURAGEOUS team considered factors such as reliability, accuracy, and ease of deployment.

Senior Forensics Specialist at Interpol, Christopher Church, said in a LinkedIn post that the trials in Spain played a “pivotal role in evaluating the performance of these countermeasures under real-world conditions, enabling the project team to gather valuable data and insights”. Church also shared a video overview of the trials.

Project Courageous is implemented by a consortium of partners, coordinated by the Belgian Royal Military Academy. Interpol is leading the dissemination and outreach efforts of the project, based on the organisation’s existing work in developing standard operating procedures related to counter drone operations, and its global law enforcement network. Law enforcement partners include Belgium, Estonia, Greece, Luxembourg, Romania, Spain. Research and technology partners include the Royal Military Academy, Belgium; TNO, the Netherlands organisation for applied scientific research; the Center for Security Studies, Greece; the Military University of Technology, Poland; and the University of Seville, Spain. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

10 Jun 24. Hensoldt at EUROSATORY 2024. One of HENSOLDT’s core competencies is the active and passive detection of threats and the protection of platforms and their users. At the EUROSATORY 2024 in Paris, HENSOLDT will present its wide range of sensor solutions for reconnaissance, surveillance and monitoring as well as sensors to improve security and operational effectiveness.

Visit HENSOLDT at the EUROSATORY 2024. We will welcome you at D89 in the static display area.

In Paris, HENSOLDT is presenting MUSS 2.0 (Multifunctional Self-Protection System), a further development in the field of vehicle-independent self-protection. The system represents the next generation of the existing MUSS, which has already been integrated into the PUMA infantry fighting vehicle more than 350 times. With MUSS 2.0, HENSOLDT now offers the latest generation of active protection systems (APS) for medium-weight armoured vehicles, self-propelled guns, artillery vehicles, infantry fighting vehicles and main battle tanks.

With TRML-4D, the latest member of its C-Band (NATO G-Band) ground-based air defence radar family, HENSOLDT is showing a state-of-the-art system regarding naval and ground tactical radars. TRML-4D uses the latest AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar technology, with multiple digitally formed beams. It is designed for near- to long-range ground-to-air detection and for weapon assignment. It is capable of detecting, tracking, and classifying various types of air targets, with an emphasis on small, fast, and low-flying and/or manoeuvring cruise missiles and aircraft as well as hovering helicopters. It ensures rapid response detection and tracking of approximately 1,500 targets in a radius of up to 250 km and at an altitude of up to 30 km.

At EUROSATORY, HENSOLDT will demonstrate ARGOSIA, which is a range of embedded SURMAR and ISR mission systems designed to meet the requirements of air surveillance and intelligence missions. Together with battle-proven sensors and equipment selected for their reliability and performances, ARGOSIA proposes many system configurations meeting the needs of defence, maritime and overland surveillance, law enforcement, Search & Rescue as well as IMINT and SIGINT missions. This modular and multi-console system consists of the Mission Management System software ARGOSIA, which integrates an advanced digital cartography engine, a sensor-fusion algorithm and powerful decision-support tools that help optimize operator workload.

With the “Airborne Missile Protection System” AMPS, HENSOLDT is presenting a flexible sensor suite for the self-protection of helicopters and aeroplanes. AMPS is capable of combining different types of warning sensors, countermeasures and other avionics equipment to protect the platform and its crew from a variety of threats, such as infrared, laser and radar-guided surface-to-air and air-to-air missiles.

10 Jun 24. When the doors of Eurosatory in Paris open on June 17 under the motto “Protect your Future,” the use of and protection against drones will be a central theme. What military experts have theorized for years has gained a unique dynamic due to the Russian war on Ukraine: the use of all kinds of drones and, consequently, their countermeasures. With AARTOS DDS, AARONIA (Hall 5b-C276) showcases the most advanced and efficient drone detection and defense system currently available.

The war has rapidly accelerated the development of drones for espionage and as weapons. Increasingly, FPV drones, often deployed in small swarms, are used. These are typically programmed not to use the usual frequencies of such drones, making them invisible to most drone detection systems, and most jammers cannot disrupt their radio connection.

AARONIA AG offers with AARTOS DDS a system with seamless ultra-wideband monitoring in real-time. This allows for the reliable detection of nearly all drones that operate with a radio signal. With four different versions that can be modularly adapted to the specific requirements of the users, AARONIA provides the right solution for any application. From the compact, mobile laptop version X2 for field use to the stationary high-end solution X9 for particularly demanding military applications.

For drone defense, the programmable AARTOS 360° Smart Jammer can be used, among other tools. This jammer features an extremely long range of up to 10 kilometers. Furthermore, it allows complete individual customization and programmability of any frequency ranges within 400MHz to 6GHz simply in real-time via drag & drop.

In addition to drone detection and defense, the AARTOS system can also be used as part of electronic warfare. Thanks to its unique real-time all-frequency monitoring, it can detect everything from BOS radios to radar pulses to radio-controlled systems (air and ground). The programmable AARTOS 360° Smart Jammer can also be used to disrupt these systems.

Specifically for these scenarios, AARONIA offers the SPECTRAN V6 MIL, a real-time spectrum analyzer integrated into a powerful and extremely shock-resistant outdoor laptop. It can capture and display signal transmissions in various ways, allowing their analysis to initiate necessary countermeasures if required.

10 Jun 24. First German Pegasus SIGINT spy aircraft rolls out. The German Air Force will operate a three-aircraft fleet of Pegasus spy planes, adding a significant surveillance capability to the country’s military.

The first of an eventual three-airframe fleet of Pegasus signals intelligence (SIGINT) spy aircraft for Germany has rolled out of Bomdardier Defense’s Wichita site in the US to begin its ground testing programme.

Bombardier’s Global 6000 business jet was selected for the Pegasus programme, which will see the integration of the Hensoldt Kalætron Integral SIGINT system and other sensors by Lufthansa Technik Defense in Hamburg, Germany, providing the country’s military with a new airborne surveillance capability.

In June 2021, Hensoldt was awarded a contract to supply an airborne system for electronic SIGINT on board three Bombardier jets based on its Kalætron Integral system, which collects and analyses military signals from radar and radio systems.

In a 5 June 2024 release, timed to coincide with the recent ILA Berlin airshow, Bombardier stated that since that award, Hensoldt, Lufthansa Technik Defense, and Bombardier had “collaborated closely on a joint design activity”.

At the end of 2023, Hensoldt’s overall mission system design passed customer acceptance and more recently saw the completion of extensive structural modification on the first airframe. Upon conclusion of initial ground and test flights at Bombardier’s US site, each aircraft will be transferred to Lufthansa Technik Defense’s facilities in Hamburg for further integration work.

Valued at over €1bn ($1.08bn), the Pegasus SIGINT programme sees Hensoldt acting as general contractor, bearing overall responsibility for project delivery, with Lufthansa Technik Defense acting as a subcontractor in procuring modified Global 6000 aircraft from Bombardier.

(Source: airforce-technology.com)

23 Apr 24. Dedrone, the leader in smart airspace security, today announced that it is the first counter-drone company to receive the Support Anti-Terrorism by Fostering Effective Technologies Act of 2002 (SAFETY Act) Designation status from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of SAFETY Act Implementation (OSAI). Both its command-and-control (C2) platform, DedroneTracker.AI, and its DedroneSensor radio frequency (RF) sensors have been officially awarded as approved technology under the SAFETY Act. Dedrone was advised by Petrone Risk in the successful pursuit of this award with Senior Managing Director Kathleen Lupia leading the effort.

“With this Designation award, DHS today made clear that airspace security is now an essential part of any anti-terrorism security apparatus,” said Aaditya Devarakonda, CEO of Dedrone. “Having previously worked with some of our customers in their efforts to acquire SAFETY Act acknowledgment, we know that OSAI’s process is extremely rigorous. This is a tremendous honor for Dedrone as the preeminent counter-drone company, now with SAFETY Act Designation status technology and a resounding validation of our ongoing work to ensure our dual-use technology is as effective as possible for both civilian and military applications.”

The SAFETY Act was designed to encourage the development and use of anti-terrorism products and services. A technology must have demonstrated effectiveness during operational testing or through prior use. Designation provides a liability cap as well as exclusive action in federal court, no joint and several liability for non-economic damages, and no punitive damages or prejudgment interest. The full Designation is in effect for Dedrone until April 30, 2029. Dedrone’s awarded technology deployed during its period of Designation is protected for the lifetime of its deployment.

Dedrone is implemented across 32 countries and is used by five of the G-7 nation governments; 829 sites, including 49 airports and 59 stadiums; 15 US federal entities and 20 non-US governments. The company actively provides counter-drone solutions for some of the most high-profile events and organizations, working with public safety entities to protect over 360 sites globally.

10 Jun 24. Indian Army orders portable C-UAS units from Axiscades. Axiscades Technologies Ltd has announced the order and commencement of delivery of a number of its Man Portable Counter Drone System (MPCDS) to the Indian Army.

The MPCDS is compact, portable, and operates on both battery and mains power. Covering multiple frequency spectrums, including command and control and navigation, the system has the ability to detect and jam a wide variety of drones within a range of up to five kilometres.

Under the terms of the contract, the system will be deployed at multiple locations across various commands in the Indian Army.

The Indian Ministry of Defence has outlined plans to enhance the nation’s counter drone capabilities through multiple tenders, including emergency procurements, with an estimated addressable opportunity of Rs. 3,000 crores within India alone over the next five years.

For more information: https://axiscades.com/ (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

10 Jun 24. Cuashub.com said today that Escribano, Indra and TRC Collaborate on Counter-Drone Solution. Indra, Escribano, and TRC have signed a partnership agreement to collaborate on a counter-drone (C-UAS) solution tailored to the needs and requirements of the Spanish Armed Forces in operational areas. This agreement includes the formation of a joint venture between Escribano and Indra, with TRC collaborating with Indra.

The three companies bring extensive experience with the relevant technologies, having developed operationally tested C-UAS solutions for the Air and Space Force (Indra’s CROW system for military bases and special events) and the Army (Escribano and TRC’s CERVUS project for vehicle-deployed devices). Indra and Escribano have also worked on C-UAS solutions for the Spanish Navy.

Each company has well-established, proven technologies. The integration of their capabilities will enhance the protection and security of the Armed Forces against new battlefield threats through a comprehensive C-UAS solution designed for easy deployment and integration into land and naval platforms, as well as for the protection of critical infrastructures.

This collaboration aims to develop a more advanced and comprehensive solution that meets the Armed Forces’ requirements, leveraging the specialization, operational experience, and knowledge gained from previous deployments.

Indra and Escribano have a history of working together on anti-drone systems, including the European JEY-CUAS project, the BACO project set to begin in 2025, and their upcoming participation in the European E-CUAS project starting in 2025. Additionally, Indra and Escribano have a joint venture to develop a directed energy laser weapon system to counteract drones (the DIAL program).

With the support of TRC, they aim to strengthen the joint venture’s industrial base with advanced solutions. This industrial plan will promote the creation of national strategic capabilities, investment in R&D&I, and the positioning of the Spanish industry in Europe. It will also emphasize territorial cohesion and industrial collaboration, which aligns with the 2023 Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS) principles.

This cooperation, which began at the NATO summit in July 2022 when the companies showcased their C-UAS technologies, will culminate in this strategic industrial partnership agreement. The three companies are committed to jointly developing cutting-edge C-UAS technologies.

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06 Jun 24. ERA and Diehl to cooperate on passive surveillance and multi-sensor tracking. ERA has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the German company Diehl Defence to cooperate in the field of passive surveillance systems and multi-sensor tracking capabilities for Diehl’s ground-based air defence systems (GBAD). The MoU combines Diehl Defence GBAD systems, primarily IRIS-T SLM, with ERA’s Passive ESM Tracker. Access to another ERA product, ERIS Multi-Sensor Tracker, will allow for real-time data fusion of data for active and passive systems. According to the MoU, both companies will assist each other in marketing efforts with multi-sensor-capable and passive-sensor-enabled GBAD systems. The availability of ERA components in the modular IRIS-T SLM architecture will provide customers with additional options for their individual configurations. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

07 Jun 24. Cuashub.com said today that the RF Drone Detection System Based on a Distributed Sensor Grid With Remote Hardware-Accelerated Signal Processing is a work by Przemyslaw Flak and Roman Czyba.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, have transitioned from military origins to a wide range of civilian applications, introducing new possibilities in various everyday services. The surge in consumer interest in amateur drones equipped with advanced cameras poses significant risks to public safety and privacy. In response, the literature presents various sensing techniques for drone detection, utilizing different physical phenomena. Among these, passive radiofrequency sensing stands out as it can detect a drone before takeoff and locate the operator.

A spectrogram-based method has been developed and optimized for computing location, enabling the deployment of sensor grids over standard Ethernet networks. Hardware-accelerated energy sensing extracts data frames from background noise during the detection phase. Machine learning identifies drone presence, focusing on preamble pattern recognition to minimize computational effort. This method has been evaluated using an open-source dataset in an isolated setting and fine-tuned across multiple neural network architectures.

Subsequently, the complete sensor processing chain was tested in a real-life scenario. The analytical energy detector stage achieved an approximate signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) margin of -8.7 dB. With 1.1 m parameters, the proposed neural network reached 99.93% accuracy in simulations within an SNR range down to -9.5 dB. Even after quantization for embedded platform implementation, the device can function as a stand-alone early intrusion detector or as part of a distributed sensor grid.

Publication Date– December 2023

RF Drone Detection System Based on a Distributed Sensor Grid With Remote Hardware-Accelerated Signal Processing contains the following major sections:

Introduction
System Model
Related Wor
Proposed Solution
Experimental Results and Discussion

Open Access Paper. This article is distributed under the terms of the Attribution-Non-Commercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license, and indicate if changes were made.

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RADAR, EO/IR, C-UAS, NIGHT VISION AND SURVEILLANCE UPDATE

June 7, 2024 by

Sponsored by Echodyne

www.echodyne.com

06 Jun 24. Cuashub.com said today that Rheinmetall and MBDA to Integrate SADM and Skyranger 30. To address existing capability gaps in short-range mobile defense against drones, Rheinmetall Electronics and MBDA Deutschland signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) at ILA 2024. The companies plan to integrate MBDA’s Small Anti-Drone Missile (SADM) into the Skyranger 30 and other Rheinmetall military vehicles. Leveraging Enforcer technologies, this new guided missile provides an effective solution against small and medium-sized drones, ensuring high hit probability at long stand-off distances. Complementing this, the 30mm cannon on the Skyranger 30 offers highly efficient mobile defense against airborne threats by combining firepower, advanced sensor technology, and high mobility at shorter ranges. Together, these two weapons systems offer a perfectly balanced defense strategy.

The LOI aims for long-term cooperation on integrating the missile into the Skyranger 30 and other military vehicles, along with developing, producing, and integrating a launcher onto various turret systems and Rheinmetall’s digital system architecture.

Thomas Gottschild, Managing Director of MBDA Germany, commented, “The current conflicts have clearly shown that drone defence is one of the key challenges for armed forces. In order to provide the best possible solution, we are joining forces and building on our partnership with Rheinmetall and their turret solutions to close capability gaps in drone defence with the help of our Small Anti Drone Missile.”

“As the prime contractor for the Skyranger 30 system in Germany, the Small Anti-Drone Missile is an ideal and logical addition to the capabilities of Rheinmetall’s systems and vehicles. We are working in advance and are already creating the conditions for the industrial set-up in order to quickly implement the customer’s decisions,” said Timo Haas, Chief Digital Officer von Rheinmetall.

Rheinmetall and MBDA to Integrate SADM and Skyranger 30

(Source: https://cuashub.com/)

06 Jun 24. Sensor specialist HENSOLDT is presenting its latest development in the field of reconnaissance and self-defence sensor technology with a new multifunctional infrared detection system. The system, developed for the entire range of flying platforms and consisting of a central computer and an imaging unit, works with two-colour infrared technology and enables better warning performance in the area of hazard detection with a long range and low false alarm rate. Thanks to the imaging technology approach, hotspot detection and general reconnaissance, the system goes beyond a pure missile warning system. Due to its passive mode of operation, the system itself cannot be detected.

The system detects and localises threats and offers 360-degree protection with six sensors. The infrared detection system can be integrated platform-independently thanks to its optimised size, weight and performance (SWaP) and cross-sectional development. It is easy to integrate thanks to standardised interfaces and is compatible with countermeasures such as chaff, flares and DIRCM (Directed Infra-Red Counter Measure). Integration into HENSOLDT’s proven AMPS (Airborne Missile Protection System) provides users with the best possible solution in the field of self-defence systems against surface-to-air and air-to-air missiles.

“With the new system, HENSOLDT is expanding its product portfolio in the infrared sector. This gives us the best possible sensor solution for our customers, also in combination with our other self-defence systems,” says Tanya Altmann, Head of the Optronics & Land Solutions Division at HENSOLDT. “Due to its design and performance data, it also meets the high requirements for integration into fighter aircraft. With its long range and low weight, the sensor can also make a critical contribution to the detection of threats and the self-defence of the platform.”

06 Jun 24. Cuashub.com said today that Toshiba to Showcase Drone Security and Radar Technologies. Toshiba Infrastructure Systems & Solutions Corporation announced this week that it will showcase its latest advanced radars at Eurosatory 2024, a defense and security trade show held in Paris, France, from June 17 to 21, 2024.

Eurosatory is a biennial international event highlighting the latest technologies and services in the defense sector. It draws defense agencies, manufacturers, and service providers from across the globe. The 2022 edition of Eurosatory featured 1,743 exhibitors and attracted 62,000 visitors from 148 countries.

Located in Hall 5A-J407, the Toshiba booth will feature the company’s comprehensive Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (C-UAS) solution, coastal surveillance 3D radar, and newly developed radar modules. Leveraging years of experience and innovation in defense, air traffic control, and weather disaster prevention, Toshiba has developed advanced radar technologies that embody its guiding concept of “reliable, sustainable solutions for a safe, secure society.”

At the booth, Toshiba will demonstrate its radar technologies, offer presentations, and invite visitors to explore its cutting-edge solutions.

Toshiba will showcase the following at the exhibition:

Counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS): Drones pose a singular threat. Toshiba’s system uses a high-performance radar and camera to detect, identify, and track them and provide robust countermeasures, including jamming and capture.
Coastal surveillance 3D radar: Compact and lightweight AESA 3D radar using GaN amplifiers, with long-range detection, high mobility, and easy deployment.
Radar modules: Compact, lightweight, and wide-bandwidth modules highly suited for various roles and integration into diverse radar systems.

https://cuashub.com/en/content/toshiba-to-showcase-drone-security-and-radar-technologies/?utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz–0Pj1MswSBeXQgvKMDp7IiTLsXyPNgcpoO-AokwUga65wNUwIInjN58oGSeuomwquptVoedWT0cqfTBStKwc_z_o28UMzoyJymnubnsaVAeOvukPQ&_hsmi=310425129&utm_content=310425129&utm_source=hs_email (Source: https://cuashub.com/)

05 Jun 24. Cuashub.com said today that DoD and Singapore MINDEF to Collaborate on Shipboard C-UAS. The Singapore Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and the United States Department of Defense (DoD) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for Defense Innovation Cooperation during a bilateral meeting between Singaporean Minister for Defence Dr. Ng Eng Hen and U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III at the Shangri-La Dialogue 2024 (SLD24). The MoU was signed by Tan Peng Yam, MINDEF’s Chief Defence Scientist, and Douglas A. Beck, Director of the DoD’s Defense Innovation Unit and Senior Advisor to the Secretary of Defense.

This Defense Innovation MoU enhances bilateral cooperation to adopt and scale commercial technologies that address shared operational challenges faced by both militaries, supporting common strategic objectives. As a result of this MoU, both parties have agreed to launch joint challenges in priority collaboration areas, including shipboard counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) and electromagnetic interference resilience.

“Speaking personally, it is great to be back in Singapore and to be here for the first time in this role. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to see firsthand the incredible dynamism of this country and the singular purpose that Singaporeans bring to delivering impact through public and private partnership – particularly in technology,” said Director Beck.

He continued, “Our alliance is built upon the foundation of mutually beneficial economic and defense cooperation and on our shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific and to the free and open international system upon which our mutual prosperity relies. In our own Defense Department, we are working hard under Secretary Austin’s leadership to take the commercial technology sector to the next level, to ensure we are able to leverage technology with the focus, speed, and scale necessary to deter major conflict or win if forced to fight.”

“Our allies and partners are central to this. Initiatives like the ones we are launching with Singapore will help bring the power of our respective tech sectors to bear on our mutual challenges in solving them. I could not ask for better teammates than we’ve had in our Singaporean partners, and I look forward to working with them on making this impact a reality.”

The DoD is represented by the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), which spearheads the adoption of dual-use commercial technologies to address warfighter challenges, aiming for strategic impact with speed and scale. Singapore MINDEF is represented by the Future Systems and Technology Directorate, which oversees the master planning and management of MINDEF’s research and development requirements.

https://cuashub.com/en/content/dod-and-singapore-mindef-to-collaborate-on-shipboard-c-uas/?utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz–0xCCZzKz24WMXrSUwp12omFcXElVPnaxwKTmAI6DlhitcGAIDZfH4W764SwQlL2eN_D6Q7XPpcUdiqqpQyKGbfW_AK8e4HDwkzu700FZjDHKKVTE&_hsmi=310244739&utm_content=310244739&utm_source=hs_email (Source: https://cuashub.com/)

05 Jun 24. Cuashub.com said today that New DroneShield Facility Will Triple Manufacturing Capacity.

DroneShield has opened its new headquarters, increasing its research and development (R&D) and manufacturing capacity to over AU$400 m in hardware and software annually. This expansion supports the company’s efforts to convert a sales pipeline exceeding $500m.

The new Pyrmont, NSW facility houses DroneShield’s 120 local staff and features a dedicated floor for high-tech R&D, engineering, and manufacturing. This setup is designed to fulfill orders from government, defense, and commercial customers across 70 countries.

This expansion is funded by DroneShield’s recent $115m capital raise—$30 m pending shareholder approval—and positions DroneShield, with a market capitalization of around $700m, as the second-largest publicly-listed defense company in Australia. The new headquarters enables the company to quickly build inventory to meet strong demand from high-quality customer opportunities. This includes a pipeline of over $500m, over 90 qualified projects at various stages, and $27m in orders currently being fulfilled.

“The threats that drones can pose are finally being taken seriously,” said Oleg Vornik, CEO at DroneShield. “Whether it’s due to the turmoil they can cause on the battlefield or the countless ways they can disrupt everyday life – at airports, prisons, and public events, for example – drone deterrence is now a priority for government agencies and authorities, in Australia and abroad.

“We are seeing a major push for comprehensive counter-drone and counter-UAS capabilities – predominately from the US, but broadly across Five Eyes and allies, and slowly but surely in Australia. However, our equipment is sophisticated, AI-based technology that can take up to four months to build, containing up to 200 components that must be manufactured, assembled, and quality controlled. Supply chain and inventory certainty is critical, and we are leveraging funds from the $115m capital raise to enable us to create upwards of $400m in equipment per year – all within Australia, at the new facility, as a truly sovereign defence supplier – for global customers that expect high-performance equipment to be available right away.”

The 2,000-square-meter facility, with potential for further expansion under discussion, is equipped to support additional growth amid rising demand across military and commercial applications, including airports, stadiums, and events. This expansion includes scaling DroneShield’s high-tech engineering and operations teams, with plans to add 40 employees in the short term. The company is accelerating the development of fully sovereign, in-house artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) engines to enhance the detection, identification, and response to drone threats.

The opening of DroneShield’s new headquarters follows a significant period of growth marked by several key milestones:

Record $55.1m revenue for 2023 (up 226 percent on the previous record year), alongside first-time profitability, with profit after tax of $9.3m in 2023 (DroneShield operates on December year-end).
Strong momentum into 2024, with the first quarter recording 10x revenue growth on the comparable first quarter of 2023.
The signing of a procurement agreement with NATO.
$4.3m U.S. Government contract, paving expansion into much larger work.
A collaboration to integrate DroneShield’s DroneCannon Mk2 into Lockheed Martin Australia’s Agile Shield Program.
Additional shipments to Ukraine, in this instance via the Australian Government’s aid package.
Launch of DroneSentry-X Mk2, a new generation of AI-enabled detection and defeat counter-drone system on a fully software-defined basis, with a SaaS subscription element.
Record $33m U.S. Government contract in mid-2023.

In addition to its global headquarters in Australia, DroneShield operates an office in Warrenton, Virginia, as its U.S. headquarters.

https://cuashub.com/en/content/new-droneshield-facility-will-triple-manufacturing-capacity/?utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-98kltAGhbQJKch9pUdQsV38FFkmLOfZzYXAvJ-HQj0iHLnoArFa31RSxnw0QZCBYMR6IXEVNaa1a39FVy2mf-VcoH9-CllpwvipgfTptDb23kyi5o&_hsmi=310244739&utm_content=310244739&utm_source=hs_email (Source: https://cuashub.com/)

05 Jun 24. Cuashub.com said today that 10th Mountain Division Hosts Counter-UAS Symposium. Over 40 organizations from the U.S. Army, along with representatives from the Department of Defense, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, and service members from Canada and the United Kingdom, as well as counter-unmanned aerial system (counter-UAS) industry partners, gathered at Fort Drum for the 2024 Counter-UAS Symposium from May 28-30. The event focused on discussing lessons learned by the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (LI), during their deployment to the U.S. Central Command Area of Responsibility.

The primary purpose of the symposium was to equip participants with lessons learned from the 2nd Brigade’s recent deployment to Iraq and Syria and to generate new ideas that will inform Army leadership decisions and enhance the capabilities of future deploying units.

“Transformation in contact is our method of [innovation] by liberating commanders and putting the ‘rifle’ back in their hands to learn,” said Brig. Gen. Kendall J. Clarke, 10th Mountain Division (LI) – deputy commander of operations. “Because counter-UAS is such an important topic, we deemed it necessary to widen the aperture to this vast audience.”

“It takes ownership by senior leaders across our brigade formations to continue to improve and be effective,” said Col. Scott Wence, commander of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (LI). Emphasizing the need for deep expertise, Wence challenged participants to ask hard questions and be prepared for any drone threat, whether it’s one or one hundred.

Other topics discussed included system improvements, outstation hardening, and crisis response, which were crucial in saving lives during and after attacks. Throughout its deployment, the 2nd Brigade faced over 170 attacks, 114 of which were from UAS since October 7, 2023. Despite these challenges, of the approximately 2,000 Soldiers deployed from the 2nd Brigade, 29 received Purple Hearts for non-life-threatening injuries. Still, remarkably, not a single Soldier was lost due to UAS attacks during the rotation.

Three Soldiers Earn Counter-UAS “Ace” Status

During the deployment in support of Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve, Staff Sgt. Daniel Smith, Sgt. William Taroc and Staff Sgt. Henry Davis, all assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (LI), earned “Ace” status for shooting down five or more enemy unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), reported the Fort Drum Garrison Public Affairs. Their combined efforts destroyed 28 incoming unmanned aircraft systems (UASs) during the deployment. To prepare for air defense tactics, they received counter-drone training at Fort Drum and Kuwait.

Taroc shot down 13 enemy drones, earning him “Ace” status with his two teammates. “At first, I didn’t know what I was doing during training because it was a lot to take on all at once,” Taroc said. “But it got better after a couple of days constantly working at it. And the leadership here instilled the confidence in us to understand the training, take it forward, and prepare for what actually was going to happen.”

10th Mountain Division Hosts Counter-UAS Symposium

(Source: https://cuashub.com/)

04 Jun 24. Cuashub.com said today that OSL Partners with Thorpe Park for Counter-Drone Capability.

Operational Solutions Limited (OSL) has announced a recent partnership with one of the UK’s most popular theme parks, Thorpe Park. With OSL-designed counter-drone solutions, Thorpe Park can proactively mitigate potential risks by swiftly detecting aerial activity, classifying UAVs, and enabling security personnel to respond promptly.

Adapting to new drone-based risks, such as unwanted surveillance or potential harm to visitors, was crucial for Thorpe Park. This led stakeholders to explore options with original equipment manufacturers in the industry. Given OSL’s experience with other high-profile deployments, Thorpe Park collaborated with OSL. The OSL solution helps detect, track, classify, and manage drone threats and identifies the pilots’ locations.

These solutions have already made a significant positive impact at Thorpe Park. Successful interventions to manage unauthorized drone activity have demonstrated the value of situational intelligence. At the same time, close collaboration has helped educate Thorpe Park staff and the local community about the risks drones pose.

“Partnering with Operational Solutions Ltd has been a game-changer for Thorpe Park. Their proactive approach and commitment to public safety have not only elevated our drone detection countermeasures but have also served to provide the peace of mind that comes with knowing that the safety of our visitors and staff is always ensured,” said Dan Warwick, Health and Safety Director at Thorpe Park.

OSL Business Development Manager Sam Lowe stated, “We’re thrilled to be providing our solutions to Thorpe Park. This partnership underscores our dedication to delivering tailored solutions that not only meet but exceed our clients’ expectations, and our continued collaboration will help Thorpe Park adapt to new drone-based risks as they evolve.”

The collaboration between OSL and Thorpe Park is intended to be dynamic and long-term. As the risk landscape evolves, OSL’s solutions will continuously scale and adapt, ensuring that Thorpe Park remains at the forefront of visitor safety.

https://cuashub.com/en/content/osl-partners-with-thorpe-park-for-counter-drone-capability/?utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-99KZeOZjP-gLSkPy8y17s0R3MjZl5K09GJ5JQ0-94TLr7TMcEcYYrcMARR9plRxBADW3JzkTLv6ZUN-2v98C0l5sjqpQwA1MY0Ala5qV8c08GCZdw&_hsmi=310054541&utm_content=310054541&utm_source=hs_email (Source: https://cuashub.com/)

04 Jun 24. Cuashub.com said today that USAF Seeks Counter-UAS Barriers for the F-15E Strike Eagle. The United States Air Force (USAF) is watching developments overseas and how small unmanned aircraft systems (s-UAS) are being utilized to target aircraft on airfields. Late last week, the Department of the Air Force, Air Combat Command released a Request for Information (RFI) for a Counter-sUAS barrier to prevent Group 1 or Group 2 sUAS from making physical contact with an F-15E Strike Eagle using commercial off-the-shelf material.

Existing shelters are Big Top Shelters with a canvas cover. The material should be flame retardant and be able to stop a 55 lb. drone traveling at 125 mph. Any space/gaps in the material or design should not exceed six inches. The weight of the material should be kept at a minimum to facilitate rapid opening/closing and able to be tightly secured in both open and closed positions.

Drawing of existing “Big Top Shelters” with a canvas cover (Image Credit- Department of the Air Force)

Original Published Date: May 29, 2024, 11:40 am EDT

Updated Response Date: June 7, 2024, 10:00 am EDT

Original Response Date:June 7, 2024, 10:00 am EDT

Please visit Request for Information: Counter Small Unmanned Aerial System Barrier on sam.gov for more information.

USAF Seeks Counter-UAS Barriers for the F-15E Strike Eagle

(Source: https://cuashub.com/)

03 Jun 24. Cuashub.com said today that Overview of the House NDAA Counter-UAS Amendment. The U.S. House of Representatives recently released a draft amendment to their version of the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Since 1961, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) has been an annual crucial piece of legislation enacted to establish the spending levels and operational authorizations for the United States Department of Defense. In addition to its primary focus on defense, the NDAA often includes provisions that impact other federal agencies. This year’s House NDAA proposal may include a Counter-UAS amendment, the Counter-UAS Authority Security, Safety and Reauthorization Act. I’ve had a chance to review this amendment and have highlighted important aspects for consideration as the legislative process continues.

How did we get to this point?

The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, signed into law on October 5, 2018, was a comprehensive measure that granted the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) new authority and responsibilities across a broad range of aviation issues, including enhancing safety, improving infrastructure, and fostering innovation. The Act also extended the FAA’s funding and authorities through Fiscal Year 2023.

A significant part of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 was Division H, also known as the Preventing Emerging Threats Act of 2018. This section authorized the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to conduct counter-UAS activities that would otherwise violate federal laws. This authority is commonly referred to within the industry as “124n Authority.”

The Preventing Emerging Threats Act of 2018 did not provide any legislative relief to state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) law enforcement agencies or owners and operators of critical infrastructure to use detection and mitigation technologies that would otherwise violate federal laws.

The authorities for DOJ and DHS originally expired in early October 2022 and have been extended through a series of reauthorizations in other legislation. The most current extension was in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, Section 1112, which extended the authorities of the DOJ and DHS until October 1, 2024.

The Counter-UAS Authority Security, Safety, and Reauthorization Act Amendment

There is a lot to unpack with this draft amendment. The United States hasn’t had any meaningful counter-UAS legislation passed and signed into law since October 2018. They say you shouldn’t look a gift horse in the mouth, but I will do that in this article. Federal agencies, as well as State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial (SLTT) law enforcement and owners and operators of critical infrastructure, might not get another chance after any new legislation is passed until October 2028, so we’ve got to get this right.

Keep in mind that as you read this article, the use of small commercial off-the-shelf and custom-built drones by criminal groups, terrorists, non-state actors, as well as state actors is evolving at an alarming rate. Drone technology is transforming modern armed conflict and is available for hundreds of dollars. The technology and tactics know no boundaries.

Another thing to remember is that the United States will soon be hosting two of the most important high-profile sporting events in the world over the next four years- the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games. Airspace awareness and protection will be key components of the security posture for both of these events and countless others.

Also, remember there are 60 Major League Baseball and National Football League stadiums combined. There are over 130 Division 1 college football stadiums. NASCAR has or will hold races at 24 different tracks nationwide this year. Aside from sporting events and mass gatherings, there are countless important critical infrastructure sites that include chemical plants, the defense industrial base, dams, ports, energy, nuclear, and communications sectors, to name a few, scattered throughout each state and territory.

What I like about the NDAA Counter-UAS Amendment

There are quite a few things that I like about this amendment. Some components are found in other documents, such as the Domestic Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems National Action Plan released by the Biden Administration in April 2022.

The term “counter-UAS detection and mitigation system” was used around five times throughout the draft amendment. This shows a progression in lawmakers’ understanding of the two major technology categories that comprise a counter-UAS system – detection and mitigation technology. Thankfully, the list of people who believe that counter-UAS technology only includes technologies that disrupt, disable, or destroy an uncrewed aircraft system is getting shorter by the day.
The legislation expands the use of detection technology to SLTT and creates a mitigation pilot program. Both of these topics are extremely important to the safety of the homeland. Unfortunately, both fall short of what is needed. I’ll explain why this amendment falls short later in this article.
The legislation reauthorizes the existing authorities of DOJ and DHS until October 1, 2028.
The legislation requires the FAA, DOJ, and DHS, in coordination with the FCC, to develop a list of authorized equipment not later than one (1) year after the enactment of this Act. The approved list will include considerations that include whether the equipment meets any applicable minimum performance requirements, its impact on aviation safety, its use in the national airspace system, and its impact on the spectrum, to name a few.
In coordination with the DOJ and DHS, the legislation requires the FAA to establish minimum performance requirements for the safe and reliable deployment or use of counter-UAS detection and mitigation systems, equipment, and technology within the national airspace system. Considerations include the impact on aviation safety, the efficacy of the technology, and interference on the communications spectrum. The FAA will also be required to develop a standardized process by which a manufacturer or end-user of a counter-UAS detection or mitigation system, equipment, or technology may demonstrate that such system, equipment, or technology meets the established requirements.

Wait…what did I just read?

Section 383 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 required the FAA to ensure that any technologies or systems developed, tested, or deployed by authorized federal departments and agencies to detect and mitigate risks posed by errant or hostile uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) or drone operations do not negatively impact or interfere with the safe and efficient operation of the national airspace system.

The FAA did just that. Several companies jumped at the opportunity to participate in the program, including:

Sentrycs and Pharovision
D-Fend Solutions
Flex Force
Dedrone
WhiteFox
SkySafe

This amendment continues to authorize the FAA to conduct testing, evaluation, and validation of counter-UAS detection and mitigation systems, equipment, and technology to ensure that they don’t adversely impact the safe and efficient operation of the national airspace or transportation safety.

The most jaw-dropping part of Section 5004 of this amendment is that it provides the FAA with legislative relief to conduct the counter-UAS mission outside of the testing, evaluating, and validating counter-UAS detection and mitigation systems the agency had been performing previously. In other words, it appears to give the FAA the responsibility to protect and secure designated airports around the U.S.

Later in the amendment, in Section 5007, in coordination with the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Attorney General, the FAA was tasked to develop a plan for operating counter-UAS detection and mitigation systems, equipment, or technology at covered airports. The plan must consider, at a minimum, federal agency personnel, including air traffic control personnel and Federal Air Marshal resources, relevant airport personnel, and other stakeholders.

The amendment also tasks the FAA with establishing the “Office of Counter-UAS Activities” to manage and direct the counter-UAS activities of the agency. It is unclear where the funding will come from to build the infrastructure needed for the FAA to succeed with these additional taskings.

This is a significant departure from the traditional mission of the FAA, which is “to provide the safest, most efficient aerospace system in the world.” The FAA has traditionally been a safety and regulatory agency, not a security agency. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the agency responsible for “protecting the nation’s transportation systems to ensure freedom of movement for people and commerce,” is not specifically mentioned in any part of this amendment.

Where NDAA Counter-UAS Amendment Falls Short

There are some areas where the proposed amendment falls woefully short. In some cases, I can’t help but wonder if the people who wrote or informed those who wrote the text understand drones or the technology used to detect or mitigate them.

The amendment expands the use of detection technology to SLTT only. Covered entities, such as critical infrastructure, can procure counter-UAS detection technology, but it must be operated by a trained and certified Federal or SLTT law enforcement agency. This is a significant failure and oversight in this proposed amendment.

This technology should be able to be operated by owners and operators of critical infrastructure, as proposed in S. 1631 and the Biden Administration Domestic Counter-UAS National Action Plan. My best guess as to why owners and operators of critical infrastructure aren’t able to operate this equipment is due to perceived privacy concerns.

I am unaware of any UAS platform that transmits personally identifiable information (PII). What is transmitted between the ground control station and the drone are command and control inputs for the drone, drone telemetry information, and management of the payload.

Information acquired by some radio frequency-based drone detection systems includes the drone’s location, the pilot/home location, drone altitude, speed, heading, etc. What is not transmitted, and therefore not acquired by these drone detection systems, is PII.

Owners and operators of critical infrastructure should not have to rely on law enforcement agencies to operate counter-UAS detection systems. There are not enough extra SLTT law enforcement agency personnel available to staff the countless critical infrastructure sites, some on a 24/7/365 basis.

If the House is concerned about PII, address PII specifically, and don’t limit things that are not PII, such as the telemetry and command and control data mentioned previously.

The amendment creates a pilot program that expands the use of mitigation technology outside of the four federal agencies with current authority. The problem with this pilot program is that the use of mitigation technology is only expanded to selected covered sites. Initially, five (5) sites will be selected, with an option to not more than 20 covered sites during the pilot program, which would expire on October 1, 2028.

Trained and certified Federal or SLTT law enforcement agencies will be required to operate the mitigation technology at these sites, but the authority will be site-specific.

For example, if Hard Rock Stadium, the home of the Miami Dolphins and Miami Hurricanes, were designated as one of the 20 covered sites, the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) could be trained and certified to operate counter-UAS mitigation technology at that location. Other stadiums in Florida, such as Raymond James Stadium (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), Ben Hill Griffin Stadium (University of Florida), Doak S. Campbell Stadium (Florida State University), and other crucial critical infrastructure sites eligible for protection, may not be eligible for coverage by FHP unless they are on the list of 20 covered sites designated through this pilot program.

Congress should adopt similar language from S.1631- “On and after the date that is 180 days after the date of enactment of the [insert name of legislation], the Secretary and the Attorney General, in coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration, may designate a combined total of not more than 12 State, local, Tribal, and territorial law enforcement agencies for participation in the pilot program, and may designate 12 additional State, local, Tribal, and territorial law enforcement agencies each year thereafter, provided that not more than 60 State, local, Tribal, and territorial law enforcement agencies in total may be designated during the 5-year period of the pilot program.”

Training 60 SLTT law enforcement agencies over five years will significantly increase the safety and security of the United States. It will allow for the protection of numerous sites using the policies, procedures, and training established by the DOJ, DHS, and the FAA. Limiting the pilot program to a maximum of 20 sites is ill-advised and does not take into consideration the exponential growth of this threat around the world.

The proposed amendment would prohibit counter-UAS detection and mitigation systems from a ‘covered manufacturer’ to be placed on the authorized equipment list. Technology widely deployed, such as the DJI Aeroscope, would no longer be authorized. While I don’t dispute the potential issue of using counter-UAS detection and mitigation equipment from countries that aren’t entirely friendly with the U.S., the way that the legislation is written doesn’t provide the users of systems such as the Aeroscope a transition period in which to wait for the authorized equipment list to be created and have time to assess, procure, install, test, and train on an equivalent radio frequency detection capability. This also assumes that advanced RF detection capabilities are legally available to SLTT and owners and operators of critical infrastructure.

What is next?

We don’t have any final language for the NDAA just yet. Some, none, or all of this amendment may appear in the final legislation that is eventually passed by Congress and sent to the White House for signature by the President. We will continue to monitor this important legislation and provide updates as they become available.

https://cuashub.com/en/content/overview-of-the-house-ndaa-counter-uas-amendment/?utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_9CssA-mMQcfgA0wfN5yU247kXDZ3i8cKEHcMA3wsG1WN1U7oeQNrqB8_QszPWLCbzrYYrFRGGTctlTslA8y4tLPZxyrrsNQ6USkkdaGzxqam18Is&_hsmi=309874963&utm_content=309874963&utm_source=hs_email (Source: https://cuashub.com/)

03 Jun 24. The evolution of military optronics. ODU presents pioneering connection solutions for demanding military operations. Optronics form an integral part of modern operational military equipment. They play a decisive role in the tactical superiority and safety of armed forces. From night vision technology and thermal imaging systems to enhanced head-up displays (HUDs) and augmented reality glasses, such optoelectronic systems are indispensable tools for military operations.

The use of highly sophisticated optronics in extreme environments and the high sensitivity of such systems present manufacturers with special challenges. In particular, the interfaces and connections of the optronics are a potential weak point that is considered crucial for the quality and reliability of the imaging.

Connectivity challenges for optronics:

Break resistance: The connection systems have to withstand enormous tensile and torsional forces, which can lead to bent or broken contacts if they are not stable enough, thus impairing the functionality of the optronics.
Environmental compatibility requirements: Military applications are increasingly becoming subject to environmental requirements. The connection systems should therefore comply with the RoHS guidelines so as not to pose a risk to the user or the environment.
Protection against environmental influences: For a solution that can be used as flexibly as possible, the interfaces and connections of the optronics must be able to withstand extreme environmental conditions such as dust, water and shock. The goal here is to achieve the highest possible IP rating for protection against damage and failure.
Reliability with the smallest foot-print: The connection solutions to be used must also lock securely in confined spaces without placing a long-term strain on the optronics. Conventional push-pull mechanisms increase the leverage effect on the connection due to their design and can therefore impair stability, especially in situations with vibration and shocks.

To meet the requirements of such highly innovative optronics, ODU has developed best-in-class connection solutions that exceed standards in performance, reliability and robustness.

The ODU-AMC® connection solutions with 5-finger coding are many times more robust than conventional half-shell coded systems. They offer reliable protection against twisting and breakage, and also enable the transmission of various data protocols for imaging applications such as HDMI, DisplayPort or coax.

ODU connectors are not only characterized by their break resistance and stability, but also meet the highest environmental standards. With an immersion depth of up to 20 meters and protection classes IP6K8 and IP6K9K, they offer reliable protection against water, dust and other environmental influences. This makes them ideally suited for use in harsh environments without reducing the performance of the optronics.

31 May 24. Trilateral Aukus agreement redefines submarine warfare with a sonobuoys algorithm. The future of Britain’s submarine fleet is being reshaped by a trilateral defence agreement known as Aukus, involving the UK, Australia, and the USA. The next-generation SSN-Aukus submarines, set to be built in the UK and Australia in the 2030s, will exemplify this international collaboration. Beyond submarines, Aukus has already started revolutionising submarine detection, with a new algorithm allowing shared sonobuoy data processing by the end of this year. This technological synergy promises to enhance anti-submarine warfare capabilities across the vast Indo-Pacific region as the video above explains. It will turn the cat-and-mouse game of submarine hunting into a co-ordinated effort, where an array of ‘cats’ makes it nearly impossible for the ‘mice’ to hide in the vast Indo-Pacific waters. (Source: forces.net)

31 May 24. 2024 marks the introduction of OpenWork’s latest optical system offering – Vision Pace. Recognising that UAS and loitering munition threats are becoming faster, smaller, and more agile; Vision Pace solves it. There’ll be more to come from OpenWorks regarding Vision Pace in future correspondence.

Alongside our new product, we have our operationally proven system – Vision Flex. Vision Flex, is our established modular AI-powered EO/IR camera system.

Our back-packable Vision Guard sensor system continues to develop at pace, and we eagerly anticipate showcasing this innovative lightweight and deployable product development at Eurosatory 2024.

Attending one of the pinnacle events in the defence and security event calendar is always something OpenWorks takes pride in. It is now more crucial than ever for us to align with and understand growing trends within the market. Eurosatory provides the perfect platform for connecting with industry peers and displaying our technology and systems.

Net-Capture System Sk 26 Sep 23. The new Vision Flex optical system was tested at the NATO Technical Interoperability Exercise (September 2023).

NATO TIE 23 brought together civilian and military specialists, as well as industry participants to test counter-drone technologies to make sure different systems could communicate and work together instantly.

Vision Flex participated in numerous “Performance Challenges” throughout the NATO test schedule, all of which it excelled in. The main objective of the test event was to test and demonstrate how the SAPIENT standard could be used to minimise the effort when combining sensors (Radar/RF/EO-IR), to create robust CUAS system – with Vision Flex, providing autonomous optical-targeting.

OpenWorks are proud to say the Vision Flex system was successfully connected to all C2 systems and provided autonomous (without operator input) target handover from radar and RF tracks to close optical tracking. Not to mention, rigorous slue-to-cue capability.

Technical Director Alex Wilkinson said:

“Vision Flex is our latest autonomous optical capability, and to see it providing the highest performance tracking with simple integration at NATO TIE23, is something that OpenWorks is extremely proud of. Vision Flex’s quick integration using SAPIENT, as well as other systems can contribute to the air security of Allied and Partner Nations, while reducing cost and time to deploy.

OpenWorks was proud to be able to support NATO in this exercise (and work closely with industry partners). The team enjoyed lots of interesting discussions surrounding existing and new projects for Vision Flex.”

ywall Patrol is deployed in SPAD’s CUAS

05 Mar 24. OpenWorks Engineering has been in France supporting SPAD – France’s Anti-Drone Platoon, with their deployment of net capture system SkyWall Patrol in their efforts to combat hostile drone threats at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Since the founding of OpenWorks, SkyWall Patrol has assisted numerous CUAS missions globally. The handheld net-capture system allows the user to physically capture a drone with low-collateral damage risk.

The capability of SkyWall Patrol to deploy net capture, enables evidential forensics on the drone, and stops the target permanently. Contrast this to Jammers, which can cause the target to ‘return to home’ into hostile hands. Furthermore, its straightforward application can be used in environments where electronic countermeasures cannot be facilitated.

SPAD have deployed SkyWall Patrol alongside Jammers and additional technology to create the ideal integration of CUAS measures. As shown in this French news article, this amalgamation of multiple CUAS technology provides proficient defence from a drone attack.

Unfortunately, the threat of drones to public safety continues to grow, and OpenWorks is proud to be able to support our customers in tackling this persistent threat.

05 Jun 24. New radar set to transform Eurofighter Typhoon operations. This agreement aims to elevate the Typhoon’s capabilities, ensuring its relevance in the skies well into the 2060s.

In a stride towards future-proofing European air defence, Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH and the NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency (NETMA) have sealed a contract for the Phase 4 Enhancement (P4E) System Definition (SD) package for the Eurofighter Typhoon.

This agreement aims to elevate the Typhoon’s capabilities, ensuring its relevance in the skies well into the 2060s.

Securing the skies with defensive systems

The P4E package introduces a suite of upgrades designed to maintain the Eurofighter Typhoon. Among the standout features is an automated sensor management capability for the Typhoon’s AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar. This enables the aircraft to handle multiple simultaneous tasks, reducing pilot workload and enhancing overall mission effectiveness.

Previously, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK have invested in the joint development of the AESA version of CAPTOR radars, known as the CAPTOR-E, to be installed in the Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft, as highlighted by GlobalData’s intelligence on the global military airborne radar market.

Furthermore, enhancements to the cockpit interface and Radio Frequency Interoperability are set to improve the aircraft’s survivability and lethality. These improvements show the commitment to extending the operational life of the Typhoon and adapting it to evolving combat scenarios.

In addition to sensor management advancements, the P4E package includes upgrades to the Typhoon’s defensive aids sub-system . These upgrades are poised to enhance electronic warfare capabilities in modern aerial engagements. Germany’s initial operating capability for additional electronic warfare capacity will also be integrated, reflecting a collaborative defence strategy among Eurofighter partner nations.

Collaboration at the core

The P4E package also involves analysis to extend the Typhoon’s service life. Eurofighter CEO Giancarlo Mezzanatto emphasised the importance of these enhancements, stating, “Typhoon, the backbone of European air defence, will protect our skies into the 2060s, and therefore, it is vital that we continue to enhance the capabilities of the platform and ensure it is operationally effective.”

The four Eurofighter Partner Companies—BAE Systems, Airbus Germany, Airbus Spain, and Leonardo—will carry out capability development under the P4E SD package. A network of suppliers supports this collaborative effort.

In November 2023, BAE Systems enhanced the Eurofighter Typhoon’s aerial defence capabilities by securing the continuation of its Digital GPS Anti-jam Receiver into the next phase of the P4E capability programme. This upgrade will significantly improve the Typhoon’s ability to withstand GPS signal jamming, spoofing, and radio frequency interference.

NETMA’s General Manager, Simon Ellard, highlighted the significance of this milestone, stating, “As the operational environment evolves, it is essential that we continue to grow Eurofighter’s capabilities to meet current and future threats. The P4E system definition package is a significant milestone in the delivery of an extensive capability upgrade that will ensure Eurofighter remains cutting-edge and a strong deterrence to our adversaries.” (Source: airforce-technology.com)

RADAR, EO/IR, C-UAS, NIGHT VISION AND SURVEILLANCE UPDATE

May 31, 2024 by

Sponsored by Echodyne

www.echodyne.com

30 May 24. Cuashub.com said today that DIU Seeks Modular Spectrum Characterization Solution. The Department of Defense (DoD) is seeking autonomous modular spectrum characterization solutions capable of passively detecting and gathering data primarily from wideband, high-bandwidth electromagnetic spectra while ensuring secure data storage. The initial prototype should focus on collecting radio frequency (RF) signatures, with future iterations potentially expanding to gather other phenomena, such as acoustic signatures. Proposed solutions must operate autonomously and support multiple configurable triggering methods, including user-based activation, geofence boundary activation, and time-based scheduling activation. Additionally, the solution must record both Power Spectral Density (PSD) and raw in-phase and quadrature (I/Q) data to on-board and/or attached storage media.

Traditional methods of Electromagnetic Spectrum signature gathering face several significant constraints:

Wideband and High Bandwidth Limitations: They struggle to effectively capture wideband, high bandwidth signatures.
Software Limitations: Existing software solutions are often not easily configurable, lack autonomy, have limited or no data parsing capabilities, and are not interoperable with various software-defined radios (SDRs).
SWaP Constraints: Size, weight, and power (SWaP) limitations make these solutions difficult to transport and limit their portability and deployability in the field.

Final technology solutions should be designed with the smallest possible form factor using commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components arranged to support a variety of size permutations. The solutions should minimize power consumption during idle operation and consist of non-emitting COTS components/devices. Some versions must be capable of operating under MILSPEC electromagnetic interference (EMI) conditions or be configurable to a non-emitting state. Future iterations may need to integrate with various platforms, such as unmanned systems (UXS), manned vehicles, and the Android Tactical Assault Kit (ATAK).

Please visit the Defense Innovation Unit- Modular Spectrum: https://www.diu.mil/work-with-us/submit-solution/PROJ00541?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=DIU%20New%20Solicitation%20Announcement%20-%20Modular%20Spectrum%20Characterization&utm_content=DIU%20New%20Solicitation%20Announcement%20-%20Modular%20Spectrum%20Characterization%20CID_fd4f1497fcea06ad74b7a9ce5ea1c223&utm_source=newsletter&utm_term=Read%20More Characterization opportunity for additional information.

Responses are due by June 11th, 2024, at 23:59:59 US/Eastern Time

DIU Seeks Modular Spectrum Characterization Solution

(Source: https://cuashub.com/)

28 May 24. U.S. Navy Awards Leonardo DRS Radar Design Agent and Engineering Services for AN/SPQ-9B. Leonardo DRS, Inc. (NASDAQ: DRS) announced today that it was awarded a contract from NAVSEA to provide AN/SPQ-9B radar design agent and engineering services. The contract includes options, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value to more than $26 million.

Under the contract, DRS will provide system engineering, software development, hardware design, installation, safety, test, product updates, system upgrade and configuration management support.

“We are very proud to be selected as the design agent on SPQ-9B and are honored to support this critical air and surface threat detection program for the Navy,” Cari Ossenfort, senior vice president and general manager of the Leonardo DRS Naval Electronics business unit. “Our agility, proven engineering processes as well as our experienced team are the key reasons we are a trusted partner to NAVSEA and PEO Integrated Warfare Systems.”

The AN/SPQ-9B is an X-band, pulse Doppler, frequency-agile radar which was designed specifically for the littoral environment. It has a very high clutter improvement factor supporting a very low false track rate in the littorals and in high clutter environments. It scans out to the horizon and performs simultaneous and automatic air and surface target detection and tracking of low flying anti-ship cruise missiles surface threats, and low/slow flying aircraft, UAVs, periscopes, and helicopters.

This award builds upon our existing RF and EW systems capabilities and is an expansion of the support that DRS has provided for AN/SPQ-9B over the past six years. This work is an example of DRS’s deep experience as a leader in complex design and manufacturing supporting a wide range of missions. The company’s capabilities extend across all domains to support naval, ground, air, space, and cyber missions in areas of sensing, force protection, computer networking, as well as naval power and propulsion systems.

(Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

24 May 24. Autonomous Surveillance Tower System Developed for U.S. Customs & Border Protection. Anduril’s Extended Range Sentry Tower (XRST) is designed to enable autonomous detections at extended ranges for counter intrusion missions, with tracking ranges of up to 7.5 miles away and 5+ miles autonomously.

Anduril Industries has unveiled its latest innovation in counter intrusion, the Extended Range Sentry Tower (XRST).

The most recent addition to Anduril’s Sentry family of autonomous systems, XRST brings proven autonomous surveillance capabilities to longer-range applications, while ensuring that operators are presented with relevant decision points, not noise.

XRST is designed to enable autonomous detections at extended ranges for counter intrusion missions. The system includes a sensor head that is integrated atop an 80-foot expeditionary tower to enable detection, classification, and tracking objects of interest up to 7.5 miles away, including 5+ miles autonomously.

Peter Babb, VP of Counter Intrusion at Anduril Industries, said; “We are constantly improving our technology solutions to deliver unrivaled situational awareness to operators, delivering autonomous capabilities that act as force multipliers for border security and force protection missions around the world. Our systems give operators the mission advantage they need to focus on responding to incursions, rather than working to identify them.”

XRST is part of the Sentry family of systems that leverage autonomy as a force multiplier to detect, identify, and track objects of interest. Sentry reduces manpower needs and response times by presenting tailored alerts to operators within seconds of detection. By constantly processing and training state-of-the-art algorithms at the edge, Sentry enables operators to increase the speed, accuracy, and effectiveness of their efforts.

XRST seamlessly integrates with Lattice, Anduril’s software platform, and existing Sentry Tower networks to create a network effect for counter intrusion. Lattice fuses real-time data from Anduril’s Sentry Towers in addition to third-party data sources to create comprehensive actionable intelligence for operators.

In November 2023, Anduril sprinted to complete the pilot tower and deployed it to support operations in Texas.

(Source: https://www.defenseadvancement.com/)

30 May 24. Cuashub.com said today that ACS Invited to Demonstrate Bullfrog Robotic Gun System. Allen Control Systems (ACS), a defense technology company specializing in counter-drone robotic gun systems, announced this week that it has been invited to participate in the U.S. Defense Department’s Technology Readiness Experimentation 2024 (T-REX 24-2). This premier event assesses and fast-tracks new technologies deemed critical for warfighting efforts by the DoD. ACS will demonstrate the Bullfrog™ Robotic Gun System at the event.

Low-cost, lethal, and increasingly autonomous drones are being deployed in large numbers by enemy forces worldwide. Recent advances in drone technology have made these drones more resilient to radio frequency (RF) jamming, allowing them to complete deadly missions. Another method to disable autonomous enemy drones is through kinetic defeat solutions that physically damage or destroy them. Previously, this required expensive missiles. At T-REX 24-2, ACS will demonstrate a new, highly accurate, and cost-effective kinetic defeat solution.

ACS’s Bullfrog™ robotic gun system combines cutting-edge software, computer vision, and artificial intelligence (AI) with the M240 machine gun to neutralize large numbers of lethal drones at higher effectiveness and much lower cost than any solution available today.

“Bullfrog is a step change in capability,” said Steven Simoni, co-founder and CEO of ACS. “As the only kinetic defeat solution at T-REX 24-2, we’re looking forward to demonstrating how our counter-drone robotic gun system addresses the threat from low-flying, cheap drones that have changed the battlefield.”

T-REX 24-2, hosted by the DoD and the Indiana National Guard, is a critical demonstration and evaluation platform for advanced military technologies. T-REX 24-2, happening from Aug. 19 to 26 at Camp Atterbury, Ind., is a component of the DoD’s Rapid Defense Experimentation Reserve (RDER), a process to incentivize experimentation of military technologies and accelerate the path from concept to the field.

Post Image- Camp Atterbury serves as a primary training site for individual, collective, and joint operations, providing realistic venues for live, virtual, and constructive training and testing events to increase training readiness, attract commercial defense industry participation, and build strategic partnerships. Camp Atterbury consists of over 34,000 acres four miles west of Edinburgh, Indiana. This includes approximately 26,000 acres of maneuver training space, a 6,000-acre impact area, urban training venues, the Atterbury Rail Deployment Facility, and much more. (Image Credit: National Guard Sgt. Joshua Syberg)

https://cuashub.com/en/content/acs-invited-to-demonstrate-bullfrog-robotic-gun-system/?utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9dHIF7ovNrhCymQbqNCHJZ7lcVbHruuN6u4-TKdB-2xYldGUsDDOFECzlpy5IhGBDoQjR7NiT4A9rrKmCNSbOZZEEj7JyG9muyjxi_fEfFSyJF3ls&_hsmi=309394989&utm_content=309394989&utm_source=hs_email(Source: https://cuashub.com/)

29 May 24. Israel examines M61 Vulcan for countering drones. Israel is examining the M61 Vulcan cannon to counter drones, according to the Israel Defense Forces, with local media reporting the weapon would go atop armored personnel carriers deployed along the northern border.

The potential acquisition comes as the country clashes with the Lebanon-based militant group Hezbollah, which launched drones and missiles toward Israel in April.

The Israel-based Alma Research and Education Center recently estimated that Hezbollah has more than 2,500 UAVs for various purposes, such as intelligence gathering and attack. The center added that drone attacks on Israel increased from seven in February to 24 in March.

The Israel Defense Forces placed drone-detection systems across the northern border to improve the response time and accuracy of interceptions, and in the military’s Northern Command established a unit dedicated to targeting drones. Still, Hezbollah was reportedly able to send a drone into Israeli airspace in May to attack a military facility.

The M61 is a six-barrel, electrically fired Gatling-style rotary cannon able to fire 6,000 rounds per minute. It has been in use on the U.S. military’s fixed-wing aircraft for decades. The American firm General Dynamics produces the weapon.

It has also been in service with the Israel Air Force since 1975, and received modifications as the Machbet variant. The force stationed the weapon at the northern border on top of the M113 armored personnel carrier, known locally as the Bardehlas, until it was retired in 2006.

Use of the Vulcan cannon relies mainly on ground forces identifying UAV threats to target.

Israeli defense companies that currently provide counter-drone products are Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries. Both companies declined to comment for this story, as did the Israeli Defense Ministry.

However, an IDF spokesperson told Defense News that the military “does not have Vulcan cannons at the moment. It, along with others solutions, are being tested at this stage in trials in the defense industries as part of our process of building military strength in the war.”

“There are a variety of measures, some in an operational trial, and others in the research and development phase, alongside adjustments in the operational activity in the field,” the spokesperson added. (Source: C4ISR & Networks)

30 May 24. Cuashub.com said today that DHS Prepares for Future Security Challenges. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the first-ever department-wide Innovation, Research and Development (IRD) Strategic Plan, articulating key investment goals over the next seven fiscal years to prepare for future security challenges. Developed at the direction of Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas, the Strategic Plan serves as a blueprint for DHS to keep pace with technology by leveraging research and development to address homeland security challenges.

“This visionary roadmap, informed by scientific efforts, will empower DHS and its components to reduce risks to the homeland through optimized innovation, research, and development investments,” said Dr. Dimitri Kusnezov, DHS Under Secretary for Science and Technology. “The technologies resulting from our IRD investments play a critical role in equipping the Department’s front-line operators with necessary tools to outpace our adversaries and enhance our preparedness and response capabilities.”

In 2022, Secretary Mayorkas tasked the DHS Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) with examining DHS’s execution of research and development (R&D), including developing a coordinated strategy focused on areas for long-term Departmental research. The resulting IRD Strategic Plan will help the Department and its partners make coordinated, integrated investments. In addition to capturing current IRD efforts already underway – compiling data from every DHS component and office – it provides an overview of complementary efforts led by federal, state, local, tribal, territorial, nongovernmental, and private sector entities.

From this analysis of common research fields, the plan highlights eight Strategic Priority Research Areas (SPRAs) and future capabilities that DHS needs across its missions. The SPRAs will enhance the coordination of R&D across DHS while giving a demand signal for industry, interagency, academic, and international communities about future partnership opportunities. The Strategic Priority Research Areas for Fiscal Years 2024-2030 are:

Advanced Sensing – next-generation sensor capabilities to enhance detection against a broad spectrum of threats.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Autonomous Systems – automated technologies that provide predictions, recommendations, or decisions across various operating environments, including means to deal with adversarial AI.
Biotechnology – augmented capabilities to predict, detect, and defend against current and emerging bioagents and biotechnologies of concern.
Climate Change – technologies to strengthen climate adaptation/resilience, improve equity, protect critical infrastructure, and reduce carbon emissions.
Communications and Networking – enhanced communications and networking capabilities while maintaining security and resiliency.
Cybersecurity – enhanced resiliency, protection, and operational assurance across data, software, hardware, and communications networks.
Data Integration, Analytics, Modeling, and Simulation – enhanced, integrated data ecosystems, analytics, and modeling to enable more accurate data-driven insights, predictions, and decisions.
Digital Identity and Trust – enhanced capabilities to establish and verify individuals’ identities and associated data’s validity, integrity, and privacy.

In collaboration with stakeholders from across DHS, S&T is advancing the implementation of the Strategic Plan by developing IRD investment roadmaps for each SPRA. These roadmaps will inform the Department’s budget process for FY 2027 and beyond.

More information about the IRD Strategic Plan and its priorities can be found at DHS IRD Strategic Plan FY24-30 | Homeland Security.

https://cuashub.com/en/content/dhs-prepares-for-future-security-challenges/?utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9j0XAPKeqPRT-kcAix23YGhBqPTSYOKvmx8rinFTqx2QuSFytPBwq8yPx_X5_i1VH3QG_V1mNdPlQ46x9d9-tqrcarBDu7o_0T675kI1xWXmbIZ1U&_hsmi=309394989&utm_content=309394989&utm_source=hs_email (Source: https://cuashub.com/)

29 May 24. Sweden to acquire additional GlobalEye AEW&C aircraft, accelerate entry into service. Sweden is to add to its order of two Saab S 106 GlobalEye airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft, at the same time as fast-tracking the type’s entry into service.

The Swedish government made the disclosures as part of a wider announcement of military aid to Ukraine published on 29 May. In the announcement, the government said that its commitment to donate one of the Swedish Air Force’s (SwAF’s) two Saab ASC 890 AEW&C airframes would be backfilled by an increased and accelerated order of the GlobalEye.

“The donation [of a Saab ASC 890 AEW&C aircraft] will entail a temporary decrease of Sweden’s defence capability, which will be addressed by procuring additional S 106 GlobalEye aircraft and advancing previous orders for two new GlobalEye aircraft,” the government announcement on the military aid package to Ukraine said.

The Swedish government contracted Saab in June 2022 to deliver two GlobalEye aircraft, with the option for two more. In response to a request for further information on the latest announcement, the SwAF told Janes. (Source: Janes)

29 May 24. Cuashub.com said today that Sentrycs Secures Contracts to Protect European Military Bases. Sentrycs, a global leader in cyber-based RF counter-drone technology, has announced strategic deals to implement its advanced counter-UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems) solutions to protect European military bases.

This field-proven Israeli technology will empower customers to counter immediate threats from small and commercial drones conducting ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) missions over sensitive sites, such as military bases, and occasionally engaging in attacks, as seen in recent conflicts like the Ukraine-Russia war and the Middle East.

Sentrycs’ solutions utilize proprietary protocol analysis technology to passively detect drones, track their flight paths, and identify their models, unique serial numbers, and IDs, distinguishing between friendly and enemy drones. If a drone is deemed a threat, the system neutralizes it by landing it safely in a predefined zone.

Sentrycs Portable Kit

These systems can be deployed as standalone units or integrated into broader, multi-layered C-UAS solutions to ensure effective protection against various types of drones.

“Winning these projects signifies a meaningful market recognition of Sentrycs’ unique capabilities and technology leadership,” said Yoav Zaltzman, CEO of Sentrycs. “Our commitment to ongoing innovation and our agility in adapting to the fast-changing threats, along with strong customer support, allow us to provide a field-proven and effective long-term solution. We are proud to contribute to the security of our allies with our advanced counter-drone solutions.”

Sentrycs Secures Contracts to Protect European Military Bases

https://cuashub.com/en/content/centcom-completes-week-long-counter-uas-hackathon/?utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz–DHXvEkZ-4wQRCxb8p18eFcWMCuviWoiZ9P_e8iyW5slONL1B-G9YGFa7OK2ot3fLAtCWFecjBGaMlAd6GWkQleD-qIJVP5oA2Q6bIhUyeOOnPkvs&_hsmi=309214000&utm_content=309214000&utm_source=hs_email (Source: https://cuashub.com/)

29 May 24. Cuashub.com said today that CENTCOM Completes Week-Long Counter-UAS Hackathon. The United States Central Command (USCENTCOM) recently concluded a weeklong Desert Architect Counter-UAS hackathon featuring 20 expert hackers. This event was organized with the Defense Digital Service, the 513th Military Intelligence Brigade, the 18th Airborne Corps, and the Defense Information Systems Agency.

Desert Architect aimed to address critical data and software challenges related to countering one-way unmanned aerial systems (UAS) within USCENTCOM’s area of responsibility. Held at USCENTCOM’s headquarters, the hackathon brought together top-tier hackers and USCENTCOM subject matter experts to focus on rapid innovation. The goal was to enhance the efficiency and precision of UAS-related processes, which are crucial for protecting US and allied forces. This initiative highlighted the Department of Defense’s commitment to developing advanced technological solutions to meet evolving threats.

“US Central Command is committed to leveraging every talented individual, technical solution, and innovative process available,” said Schuyler Moore, chief technology officer at USCENTCOM. “Desert Architect has combined exceptional hackers and brilliant software prototypes with a repeatable process to provide creative solutions building on progress made at our previous hackathon. This initiative targets critical operational issues, expanding the command’s network of technical experts and enhancing capabilities in the counter-UAS space.”

Throughout the week, participants collaborated to develop innovative prototypes to improve the speed and accuracy of UAS countermeasures. USCENTCOM’s subject matter experts were instrumental in this effort, working closely with the coding teams to ensure seamless integration and facilitate the rapid transition of these capabilities beyond the hackathon.

“Our strategic approach, summarized by ‘people, partners, and innovation,’ is successful when we give team members a chance to bring new and creative solutions to the table,” said General Michael Erik Kurilla, USCENTCOM commander. “Desert Architect provided that opportunity, and future hackathons will drive better solutions to critical missions advancing data-centric warfighting for the command.”

29 May 24. Pulsar Unveils the Axion XQ30 Pro: The Ultimate Compact Thermal Imaging Monocular. Pulsar, a leader in advanced thermal imaging technology, is proud to introduce its latest innovation, the Axion XQ30 Pro thermal monocular. Designed for first-time users and seasoned outdoor enthusiasts alike, the Axion XQ30 Pro sets a new standard for thermal imaging monoculars, providing exceptional performance and a robust set of features in an ultra-compact body.

Compact and Powerful

Unveiled at the prestigious IWA Outdoor Classics 2024, the Axion XQ30 Pro measures just 5.6 x 1.6 inches, making it the smallest thermal monocular in Pulsar’s lineup. Despite its compact size, it boasts a professional grade European made 384×288 thermal imaging sensor with NETD <25 mK, delivering unmatched sensitivity and detailed thermal images. These features ensure superior image quality for a variety of outdoor applications.

Feature-Rich for Versatile Use

The Axion XQ30 Pro is packed with features tailored to meet the needs of hunters and outdoor adventurers. Key features include:

Digital Zoom and Picture-in-Picture Mode: Enhance your viewing experience and focus on critical details with ease.
Eight Color Palettes: Adapt to various environments and conditions with customizable display options.
Onboard Multimedia Suite: Capture photos and videos of your adventures, all viewable on the power-efficient AMOLED screen.
Wi-Fi Connectivity: Seamlessly connect to smartphones and tablets via the Stream Vision 2 app, allowing for real-time sharing and remote control.

29 May 24. Terma, a global leader in radar technology, proudly announces the launch of its latest product suite advancement, a range of cybersecurity capabilities tailored specifically for the renowned SCANTER radar series. This breakthrough offering reinforces Terma’s commitment to ensuring security and reliability for its customers’ radar sites.

Terma’s new cybersecurity capabilities are designed to strengthen the resilience of SCANTER radars, providing comprehensive protection against cyber threats. Accessible to both existing and new radar customers, these new capabilities offer seamless integration into the customers’ existing cybersecurity infrastructure, supplementing the integrity of customers’ operations.

Centered around robust development, verification, and hardening processes, Terma’s cybersecurity capabilities offer a comprehensive suite of tools designed to bolster defenses against evolving threats in radar infrastructure, establishing a resilient and trustworthy defense mechanism. Moreover, Terma’s sophisticated monitoring setup enables swift identification and rectification of software vulnerabilities. Including features such as authenticated and encrypted communication and logging of suspicious activities, the capabilities empower rapid response and mitigation strategies.

“We are thrilled to unveil our latest cybersecurity capabilities tailored to SCANTER radars,” says Mads Ulrik Kristoffersen, Product Director, Radar & Hardware Systems at Terma. “With cyber threats on the rise, it’s imperative for organizations to adopt proactive measures to safeguard their assets. This addition to our already very strong SCANTER solutions not only enhances the resilience of SCANTER radars but also offers peace of mind to our valued customers.”

Terma’s new cybersecurity capabilities for SCANTER radars are ready for deployment now.

28 May 24. Cuashub.com said today that U.S. European Command Hosts Counter-Drone Workshop. U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and the Polish Ministry of National Defence co-hosted a regional counter-drone workshop with experts from Great Britain, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Romania, and Ukraine in Poznan, Poland, from May 20-24, 2024.

The workshop aimed to facilitate information sharing, enhance counter-drone capabilities, and develop training programs to prepare joint response forces for evolving drone threats, including surveillance, harassment, and attacks.

“Drones are highly prolific and evolving at an exponential rate across all domains – air, ground, underwater, and surface,” said British Army Maj. Gen. Charles Hewit, vice director of operations at USEUCOM. “To keep pace with this rapidly advancing threat, we must work closely with our capable Allies and partners to share expertise and develop collaborative counter-drone solutions.”

The workshop enabled participating delegations to synchronize efforts, establish interoperability agreements, and integrate regional counter-drone capabilities.

Participants discussed each country’s counter-drone force structures, identifying potential capability, equipment, and policy gaps to ensure comprehensive protection of U.S., Allied, and partner nation assets.

Aligning military and law enforcement jurisdictions was also crucial for ensuring a coordinated counter-drone effort among the participating countries.

Polish Army Brig. Gen. Kazimiertz Dynski, Chief of the Air and Missile Defense directorate, said the workshop allowed Allies and partners from across the European theater to synchronize efforts. Only through interoperability, agreements, and an integrated approach can we effectively counter the drone threat facing our nations,” Dynski said.

The workshop is part of an ongoing effort by USEUCOM and Allies to address the proliferation of drones by adversaries and other threat networks.

U.S. European Command Hosts Counter-Drone Workshop

(Source: https://cuashub.com/)

24 May 24. Grand Forks County and GrandSKY launch Project ULTRA to enhance DoD UAS/UTM capabilities. Grand Forks County in the United States, in collaboration with GrandSKY, has launched Project ULTRA (UAS Logistics, Traffic, Research, and Autonomy), an initiative aimed at enhancing the Department of Defense’s (DoD) capabilities through advanced uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) technology.

Project ULTRA is a collaborative effort involving federal organisations and private entities such as NASA, the Air Force Research Laboratory and MITRE. The initiative aims to boost logistics and traffic management within the National Airspace System (NAS) by using UAS technology.

The project, contracted by Washington Headquarters Services, is structured under a 5-year Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) contract with a maximum ceiling of USD18.25 m. Task orders will be issued to define specific projects and funding details, with Task Order 01 valued at USD2,480,281, set to commence at the end of May and conclude by September 30, 2024.

The project aims to enhance airspace situational awareness and traffic management within the NAS through testing and evaluation of uncrewed traffic management and other traffic management systems. It will develop replicable and scalable logistical and supply delivery systems to remote military locations, utilising beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) capabilities to create scalable service models for various DoD installations. Small UAS (sUAS) capabilities will be integrated into the project and scalable Counter UAS (C-UAS) technologies will be developed to enhance physical security measures at military facilities and to integrate C-UAS technologies with traffic management.

The Northern Plains UAS Test Site will provide critical support in flight route modelling, UAS selection, and Federal Aviation Administration coordination. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

22 May 24. US military hackathon creates prototypes to enhance C-UAS capabilities. The United States Central Command (USCENTCOM) recently concluded a weeklong hackathon featuring 20 expert hackers in partnership with Defense Digital Service, 513th Military Intelligence Brigade, 18th Airborne Corps, and the Defense Information Systems Agency.

The event, known as Desert Architect, was designed to tackle critical data and software challenges associated with countering one-way uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) within USCENTCOM’s area of responsibility.

“Desert Architect has combined exceptional hackers and brilliant software prototypes with a repeatable process to provide creative solutions building on progress made at our previous hackathon,” said Schuyler Moore, chief technology officer at USCENTCOM. “This initiative targets critical operational issues, expanding the command’s network of technical experts and enhancing capabilities in the counter-UAS space.”

Throughout the week, participants collaborated to create innovative prototypes that are designed to enhance the speed and accuracy of UAS countermeasures. USCENTCOM’s subject matter experts engaged closely with the coding teams to pave the way for rapid capability transitions beyond the hackathon. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

24 May 24. Visionary Machines to develop C-UAS technology for Australian defence department. Defence Connect reports that Visionary Machines has been awarded an innovation contract to develop its Pandion counter drone and robotic autonomous systems passive 3D multispectral perception sensor technology. The contract follows the company’s winning submission to Army Innovation Day 2023, an Australian Department of Defence initiative that sees the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA) partner with the Australian Army to challenge industry in solving complex problems for the Land Force.

Visionary Machines tendered for and was successful in securing a Phase 2 technology demonstration contract applicable across all three Counter Robotic and Autonomous Systems (C-RAS) capability themes, including Counter Aerial, Counter Ground and Counter Littoral and Riverine RAS.

Visionary Machines’ Pandion C-RAS Passive 3D Multispectral Perception System is an optical system for drone detection with multiple vehicle and stationary array applications. It is designed to track targets including uncrewed aerial systems, uncrewed ground systems, and uncrewed waterborne systems at significant distances from ground level or near ground level.

(Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

24 May 24. Defense spending measure would bar Chinese lidar in U.S. military systems. A U.S. defense spending bill advanced by the House of Representatives this week contains a measure that would bar the use of Chinese-made lidar sensors in U.S. military systems.

The measure, introduced by Rep. Elise Stefanik, a Republican from New York, would block the U.S. Defense Department from buying or using the Chinese-made version of the technology, which is a type of light sensor that is widely used in both autonomous vehicles and drones to help the machines gain a three-dimensional view of the world around them.

“As the U.S. military increases its use of autonomous unmanned systems, my amendment sends a clear signal that the U.S. cannot rely on untrusted lidar that jeopardizes our national security and undermines the competitiveness of American companies,” Stefanik said in a statement.

If passed into law, the measure would add to growing U.S. unease with Chinese-made lidar sensors. In January, the Defense Department added China’s Hesai Group (ZN80y.F), one of the biggest makers of lidar systems, to a list of companies with alleged ties to Beijing’s military.

Hesai has sued the Defense Department, arguing that the Chinese military does not exert any influence or control over the group and alleging that the designation harmed its reputation.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg told Reuters last year his agency has national security concerns about such technologies and that there was a need to better understand “the true ownership of the different enterprises that are supplying different elements of our transportation systems.” (Source: Reuters)

24 May 24. CSIR and ATNS expand passive radar testing. The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and South Africa’s Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) company will trial innovative passive radar technology at Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport as passive radar systems continue to gain traction in South Africa.

ATNS and the CSIR signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in May 2017 on the deployment of passive radar system technology for civil aviation operations, and renewed this in April 2023.

ATNS said both entities are making significant progress in meeting the MoU’s requirements and improving civil aviation safety in South Africa and beyond. ATNS is the sole provider of air traffic management, communication, surveillance, navigation, and training and associated service within South Africa. ATNS manages 10% of the world’s airspace.

The CSIR has collaborated with local companies on passive radar including Peralex and Lochtron, as well as academic institutions (the University of Pretoria and University of Cape Town). Armscor has also provided funding support for passive radar research and development.

Passive radar is much cheaper than active radar, as it has no moving parts and only requires receiving antennas, receiver hardware and a computer – a single node could cost around a few hundred thousand Rand, versus millions of Rand for a traditional radar system.

With the CSIR leading technology development, ATNS has provided technical know-how on system configuration to meet Air Traffic Management (ATM) technical standards requirements, in line with the International Civil Aviation Organization Standards and Recommended Practices (ICAO SARPs).

Over the last eight years the CSIR’s passive radar system has been rolled out to multiple sites in the North-Eastern part of South Africa, including one site on the roof of the CSIR’s buildings in Pretoria, another at the University of the North West (Potchefstroom campus), a third at Emalahleni (Tshwane University of Technology campus), one at Hartebeeshoek and another at OR Tambo International Airport.

Now, ATNS and CSIR engineering teams are currently at Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) to measure and survey passive radar site coverage. The aim is to determine the coverage that the system will provide in the area once deployed. This exercise will also determine the sites and the number of radar antennas to be installed, ATNS said this month.

“Deploying a passive radar at KMIA is an ideal opportunity to test the system, refine the current software and hardware solutions, and monitor continued passive radar performance characterisation testing over a predetermined period. This will include a robust systems engineering approach followed by customisation updating, verification and validation of the Air Traffic Control Passive Radar technology,” ATNS said.

Transmitters of opportunity

Unlike traditional radar, passive radar only needs a receiver to detect reflections of targets of interest from signals emitted by other sources, such as FM radio broadcast towers, TV transmitters, WiFi and weather radar. This makes passive radar (also known as passive coherent location, passive bistatic radar, piggyback radar and covert radar) cost effective, safe (no emissions) and highly mobile. No spectrum licensing is required either. By using several receiver sites one can use multilateration to identify the location of an aircraft, or by using a single receiver one can measure the angle of arrival of the reflected signal to determine a target’s location.

One of the benefits of passive radar is that it is covert, as it does not have a transmitter subsystem onsite that can be detected and destroyed. Transmitters more often than not, consist of public broadcast infrastructure and are therefore clandestine as radar transmitters. Furthermore, it is possible to detect stealth aircraft using passive radar due to the bistatic nature of the radar (transmit and receive functionality are geographically separated), as well as the lower operating frequencies of passive radar illuminators – which renders the radio absorbent material of stealth aircraft ineffective.

Passive radar is a rapidly progressing technology as the number of useable emissions increase and the cost of computer processing power decreases. Some European countries are even looking at replacing their active air traffic radars with passive radar systems.

The CSIR is looking at multiple applications for passive radar, including air traffic control (pending certification), border security and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) detection around airports. It has even tested passive radar at the coast and discovered that it can detect surface vessels like harbour patrol boats – small boats were detected at ranges of 4-5 kilometres during tests carried out in 2014 in the Western Cape. Tests at the CSIR have also seen the system detecting road traffic.

Passive radar prototypes have been built and tested in South Africa since 2013. In the Western Cape, passive radar receivers were able to detect large airliners at ranges of 250 km and also detect and track a C-47TP Turbo Dakota transport aircraft. A test in Gauteng in 2013 was able to detect a Cessna 172 aircraft flying at 2 000 feet above ground level at a range of 80 km and accurately predict the rotation speed of the aircraft’s propeller. These tests were done by using FM radio transmissions as the illuminator of opportunity.

ATNS pointed out that passive radar can be used for air surveillance or to fill gaps in active radar networks, and in the long term, may replace primary surveillance radars.

Passive radar for the Square Kilometre Array

Peralex has successfully used passive radar stations in the Northern Cape to monitor air traffic for the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) radio telescope in what is one of the first commercial applications anywhere in the world for the technology.

Peralex was contracted to supply a commercial passive radar system as the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) has a requirement to monitor their airspace. Requiring minimal electromagnetic interference is a co-requisite for this, making passive radar an ideal solution. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)

RADAR, EO/IR, C-UAS, NIGHT VISION AND SURVEILLANCE UPDATE

May 24, 2024 by

Sponsored by Echodyne

www.echodyne.com

23 May 24. Cuashub.com said today that Terra Drone and Toshiba Sign MOU to Expand UTM and C-UAS. Terra Drone Corporation, a leading Japanese drone, and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) technology company is pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Toshiba Infrastructure Systems & Solutions Corporation, a Toshiba Group company specializing in global infrastructure and Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) solutions. This agreement solidifies their commitment to expanding their UAS Traffic Management (UTM) and counter-drone businesses.

Terra Drone has developed ‘Terra UTM,’ an advanced UTM system designed to track drone locations under its supervision accurately. As drones become increasingly prevalent in daily operations, enhancing the value of these systems is crucial. Terra Drone has made significant strides in the UTM sector through strategic investments in two key companies: Unifly NV, a leading UTM technology provider in Belgium, and Aloft Technologies Inc., the U.S. market leader in UTM.

Terra Drone will collaborate technically with Toshiba, integrating Terra UTM with Toshiba’s C-UAS solutions. As the use of drones, especially in urban logistics, continues to grow, developing sophisticated systems to prevent collisions and unauthorized drone incursions is essential. Both companies are committed to establishing a society where drones operate safely and securely.

Toshiba Infrastructure Systems & Solutions Corporation specializes in C-UAS solutions, integrating sensors and response measures to detect and address suspicious drone activities. Utilizing advanced radar technology developed from various fields, the company is committed to protecting clients from new threats in the dynamic airspace environment. As novel services and values emerge in the sky, Toshiba Infrastructure Systems & Solutions Corporation is dedicated to ensuring air safety through cutting-edge technologies and services.

In July 2023, Terra Drone acquired a majority stake in Unifly, a global leader in UTM systems. Unifly has a proven track record, having implemented its system nationally in over eight countries. Terra Drone aims to develop comprehensive solutions for drones and Urban Air Mobility (UAM), striving to create a digital infrastructure in the skies to unlock the full potential of air mobility.

https://cuashub.com/en/content/terra-drone-and-toshiba-sign-mou-to-expand-utm-and-c-uas/?utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9hnT-zNb-Vszz_3BI8Wm07Rjne4WlZ-UUK2uuUteRh-OocUcyvvJXE-VqFej4xIIQV79JBQCG1OjKyw4tfBqDFxI-cTzK0NR14L677nYXQlQHvqec&_hsmi=308397680&utm_content=308397680&utm_source=hs_email (Source: https://cuashub.com/)

23 May 24. CACI Sets Another Distance Record for Optical Communications. CACI International Inc’s (NYSE: CACI) optical communications technology, NASA successfully sent data from its Psyche spacecraft to the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California, a distance of more than 200 million kilometers, as part of the Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC) experiment. Additionally, NASA will continue to leverage CACI’s optical technology for DSOC as the range is extended.

“With this latest accomplishment, we have achieved another ‘first for mankind’ milestone with our technology,” said John Mengucci, CACI President and Chief Executive Officer. “Our proven optical technology continues to attain historic milestones in the Optical Communications Terminal (OCT) realm. With more than 25 OCTs currently in low-earth orbit (LEO) for the U.S. government, we have demonstrated space-to-space and space-to-ground optical communications for proliferated LEO applications proving that a U.S.-based company can effectively design and manufacture this technology here at home.”

Recognized as the lowest-risk and most capable U.S. provider and manufacturer of OCTs across a broad spectrum of government customers and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) satellite providers, CACI has demonstrated exceptional performance in mission data transfer, including LEO and other classified implementations that support resilient, high-speed, secure, optical communications as an alternative to traditional radio frequency (RF) links. These innovations further demonstrate the company’s commitment to investing ahead of need in relevant, enduring, and enabling technologies that seamlessly integrate into OEM platforms. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

23 May 24. Cuashub.com said today that Visionary Machines Wins Multi-Domain Counter Drone Contract. Visionary Machines has been awarded an innovation contract to develop their PandionTM multi-domain Counter Drone and Robotic and Autonomous Systems (RAS) Passive 3D Multispectral Perception Sensor technology following a winning submission to Army Innovation Day 2023. This Australian Department of Defence initiative, in collaboration with the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA) and the Australian Army, aims to challenge the industry to solve complex problems for the Land Forces.

Visionary Machines successfully secured a Phase 2 Technology Demonstration contract, applicable across all C-RAS capability themes: Counter Aerial, Counter Ground, Counter Littoral, and Riverine RAS.

The PandionTM C-RAS Passive 3D Multispectral Perception System by Visionary Machines is an optical (camera-based) equivalent to a radar system for drone detection. It features applications for multiple vehicle and stationary arrays, capable of tracking targets such as Uncrewed Aerial Systems, Uncrewed Ground Systems, and Uncrewed Waterborne Systems from significant distances at or near ground level. This advancement in technology will play a critical role in safeguarding Australia.

“Where technological warfare is so rapidly reshaping the battlefield, this is an important investment in sovereign Australian technology and the disruptive enhancement of our Defence capabilities. Our system’s ability to detect without being detected and to see in all weather and lighting conditions are critical technology differentiators for Defence and further cements Visionary Machines as a global leader in computer vision,” said Sonny Foster, CEO of Visionary Systems.

The contract will enable Visionary Machines to demonstrate groundbreaking sensor technology capable of detecting targets at significant distances while operating with stealth. This passive capability ensures the system avoids detection, a critical requirement on the modern battlefield. Unlike traditional radar or laser range finders, which emit signals and are susceptible to detection and targeting, the PandionTM sensor system remains undetectable.

A key feature of the PandionTM system is its ability to “see” in challenging conditions, such as extreme weather and low visibility environments, including low light and complete darkness. By combining visible light and infrared light, it provides highly accurate 3D multispectral vision perception.

https://cuashub.com/en/content/visionary-machines-wins-multi-domain-counter-drone-contract/?utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz–gk6eZ-swsZIqpXIHaDZRWb6VWrXeBQicWQT0SqwqaC3U129OPeSHnFsis2swkgNyeGW66fMPck65DMDO4RYFtsH7OEpZ9HxZCVgM_WVEqatsOFfY&_hsmi=308397680&utm_content=308397680&utm_source=hs_email (Source: https://cuashub.com/)

23 May 24. Cuashub.com said today that Indra Playing a Key Role in European Counter-Drone Development. Indra, a global defense, aerospace, and technology company, is a leading participant in the European project aimed at developing the next generation of counter-drone systems, a crucial technology for the continent’s defense and the operational readiness of its armies.

Indra plays a significant role as a core team member of the Leonardo-led JEY-CUAS project, supported by the European Defence Industrial Development Program (EDIDP). European companies and research centers have collaborated to outline the technologies for future anti-drone systems, evolving into highly specialized solutions tailored to specific operational environments. The most effective systems will integrate numerous detection and neutralization technologies.

Within the project, Indra has coordinated the participation of the Spanish industry and led the definition of the operational concept. This involved high-level problem analysis, studying operational scenarios, evaluating user types, technological evolution, and applicable methodologies.

Indra has also spearheaded the development of essential technologies such as jammers and passive radar, assessed the typology of potential attacks, and evaluated various soft-kill and hard-kill countermeasures, including laser energy, electromagnetic pulses, and kinetic neutralizers. Additionally, it has analyzed several detection systems, including radars, acoustic systems, infrared and visible spectrum cameras, and radio frequency sensors.

A key contribution of Indra has been the integration of these sensors and effectors into anti-drone command and control systems through a standard protocol, ensuring interoperability with higher-level command and control systems. Moreover, new artificial intelligence modules have been developed and tested to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of future systems.

Indra recently participated in a demonstration in Italy showcasing the primary capabilities of the next generation of anti-drone systems. This demonstration, along with the upcoming preliminary design review, will conclude the JEY-CUAS project, completing the first phase of the program’s global roadmap. Future implementation will be pursued through projects supported by the European Defence Fund.

Protecting against drones is crucial for any army and state security forces. Drones have become effective, low-cost weapons capable of targeting aircraft, ships, and armored vehicles of significant strategic value. They are also used as loitering munitions, hovering over areas while awaiting potential targets.

Indra Playing a Key Role in European Counter-Drone Development

(Source: https://cuashub.com/)

22 May 24. Cuashub.com said today that BlueHalo Awarded $95.4m Directed Energy Technology Contract. The U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command (SMDC) has awarded BlueHalo a $95.4m contract for advanced Directed Energy (DE) technology prototype development under the Laser Technology Research Development and Optimization (LARDO) program through the Aviation & Missile Technology Consortium (AMTC).

This contract allows BlueHalo to continue designing and building state-of-the-art laser weapon systems for the warfighter. The initiative will deliver multiple prototypes featuring enhanced automation, efficiency, performance, and ruggedization, along with improved size, weight, and power (SWAP) characteristics.

“We are developing tools to win the next war so there is no next war,” said Dr. Vikram Manikonda, BlueHalo Chief Technology Officer, “We are expanding and accelerating BlueHalo’s air defense innovations, not only with Directed Energy technologies but with the diagnostic and surveillance monitoring systems that enable their sustainment, operation, and continuous improvement in the field. Our solutions are interoperable and designed with extreme care for the warfighter, providing the Army with a full system of systems to mature the use of laser weapons to meet our national security demands.”

Building on BlueHalo’s advancements in counter-UAS (C-UAS) technologies and insights gained from deploying its LOCUST laser systems, the company will engage in ongoing system performance improvements, research, and prototyping. These efforts aim to enhance performance and durability while increasing the lethality of engagements against small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) and similar threats.

“Through the LARDO program, the U.S. Army is investing in the rapid innovation and maturation of our Nation’s laser weapon capabilities,” said Trip Ferguson, BlueHalo Chief Operating Officer, “BlueHalo’s LOCUST laser systems are deployed overseas, providing multi-domain mission success in UAS threat elimination and force protection. We are honored that the U.S. Army continues to trust BlueHalo to deliver superior Directed Energy technologies and air defense innovations.”

The LOCUST system integrates precision optical and laser hardware with advanced software, artificial intelligence (AI), and processing to optimize the directed energy “kill chain.” This includes tracking, identifying, and engaging a wide range of targets with its hard-kill High-Energy Laser (HEL).

BlueHalo Awarded $95.4M Directed Energy Technology Contract

(Source: https://cuashub.com/)

21 May 24. Skylark Labs Demonstrates Cutting-Edge Counter-UAS System to DOD Stakeholders. Skylark Labs, a pioneering provider of AI-powered security and safety solutions, recently conducted a successful demonstration of its state-of-the-art counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) for key Department of Defense stakeholders. The demonstration showcased Skylark Labs’ ARIES system (Aerial Reconnaissance & Elimination System) and its advanced capabilities in detecting and tracking rogue drones, which was recently selected by the U.S. Air Force’s Phase II SBIR program.

The demonstration included representatives from the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) and provided an opportunity for Skylark Labs to highlight ARIES’ unique ability to detect and track drones beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS), significantly extending the range and effectiveness of counter-UAS surveillance.

“We were honored to demonstrate ARIES’ cutting-edge capabilities to DoD leadership,” said Dr. Amarjot Singh, CEO of Skylark Labs. “ARIES represents a leap forward in counter-UAS technology. By analyzing the trajectories of detected drones, the system can rapidly differentiate between friendly and hostile UASs, providing critical, real-time intelligence to inform rapid decision-making to provide interdiction of unauthorized drones.”

By simulating rogue drone incursions in various scenarios, ARIES successfully detected drones at long ranges, tracked their flight paths, and correctly identified potential threats based on trajectories and behaviors. The system showcased its ability to provide an early warning system for incoming drones to enable a rapid response.

Army Colonel (ret.) Brad Boyd, the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center’s former Chief of Joint Warfighting Operations, stated, “ARIES’ AI-driven detection and tracking capabilities are truly impressive. The ability to identify potential threats at extended ranges and provide real-time intelligence is a game-changer for our counter-UAS operations. Skylark Labs’ innovative approach has the potential to significantly enhance the Army’s ability to protect our forces against the growing threat of unmanned aerial systems.”

The successful demonstration highlights Skylark Labs’ ongoing commitment to delivering scalable AI solutions to the U.S. defense and intelligence communities. By providing critical situational awareness, ARIES empowers informed decision-making and enhances airspace security against the growing threat of rogue drones. (Source: PR Newswire)

22 May 24. Cuashub.com said today that UK Releases Guidance for Countering Drone Threats to Shipping. The United Kingdom’s Department for Transport released guidance for countering drone threats to shipping. The guidance comes as the misuse of drones can pose significant threats to commercial maritime vessels. Malicious use of aerial drones has led to disruptions and harm, with extreme examples including the attacks on the MV Mercer Street and the Pacific Zircon vessels using military-grade or weaponized commercial drones.

While aerial drones can indeed threaten commercial maritime vessels, various mitigation strategies are available. However, these strategies must be proportionate to the anticipated threat and carefully assessed to ensure they provide a net positive benefit to maritime organizations, as each mitigation option has its strengths and weaknesses.

This guidance aims to help the maritime industry understand aerial drone technologies, the potential threats to maritime vessels, and the options available to mitigate these threats. It focuses on addressing aerial drone threats and the associated response strategies.

The guidance provides an overview of the following:

Introduction to drone technologies
Current aerial drone technologies
Future drone technologies
Drone threats to commercial maritime vessels
Mitigating drone threats to maritime vessels
Introduction to counter-drone technologies
Counter drone technologies
Evaluating counter-drone technology for use in the maritime domain
Selecting counter-drone technology
Further guidance

https://cuashub.com/en/content/uk-releases-guidance-for-countering-drone-threats-to-shipping/?utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_ZCXyE2hY_JDI8EwjQ2jyaOgs0wlCUSy6v6pRURKLCPhpdVDoKNIzZjMegPXppu_eqFSNusJ1kfb9_-stlBBDh1QBCIN-olG80EXAv_nffTLYr5rI&_hsmi=308201282&utm_content=308201282&utm_source=hs_email (Source: https://cuashub.com/)

22 May 24. Radars and drone killers: Revamped USMC office hastens tech creation. The U.S. Marine Corps is developing new radars and leveraging its counter-drone systems as it looks to modernize and expand key capabilities.

The service’s Program Executive Office Land Systems is eyeing its newly reorganized portfolios — including ground-based air defense, expeditionary radars and light armored vehicles — to find efficiencies and build upon existing technology to rapidly field new systems and expand the portfolio.

Here are three notable areas the Corps is focused on:

Radars

One example involves the expeditionary radars program, which previously housed only the Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar. The office’s chief, Stephen Bowdren, told Defense News the G/ATOR is an active radar that has proved itself in the field and is now pivotal to future aspects of warfare like expeditionary advanced base operations.

But the Corps is still seeking a passive radar to complement G/ATOR and help Marines sense the battlefield without giving away their location.

Bowdren said his expeditionary radars program office is starting with an existing Army passive radar prototype to form the basis of a MuDRaCE — or Multi-Domain Radar for a Contested Environment — family of systems, as well as a Medium-Range Air Defense Radar, or MARAUDER, to field “as soon as possible.”

Bowdren noted he hopes this new passive radar will be ready for operations within two years given the service is approach the effort with an existing prototype.

Countering drones

Bowdren said his ground-based air defense portfolio is a prime example of “running fast with scissors.”

“Within the next year, we will have operationally assessed [the Medium-Range Intercept Capability]. We will have completed [initial operational test and evaluation] on, I think, both [the light and regular versions of the Marine Air Defense Integrated System. We are looking to field both of those systems probably within the next 12 to 18 months, easily,” he noted.

He said this portfolio has been able to move rapidly because the government serves as the systems integrator, pulling together existing sensors, computers, effectors and more to create kinetic and non-kinetic anti-drone technology.

Bowdren said the program office started with the assumption that its tech-integration effort would be a wild success: If the technology came together and was ready for fielding on a short timeline, what work did the program office need to do to ensure the training, the tactics development and the sustainment strategy were also ready to go on a short timeline?

It would have been a wasted effort if the tech integration failed and the program had to restart with a different radar or a different missile, for example. Indeed, there’s some risk in doing all this work in parallel, he said, but with that risk comes the reward of being able to field critical capabilities on a short timeline.

PEO Land Systems is considering further expanding that ground-based air defense portfolio, even as the original counter-drone systems continue through final test and evaluation. It could become a broader counter-intrusion portfolio, with Bowdren saying he sees benefits to incorporating an existing but separate Ground-Based Operational Surveillance System into the portfolio.

“Is that something that we add to our GBAD portfolio so that when you deploy a solution for counter-air to a base, it’s not a whole other separate suite of systems and boxes and screens, but it’s built in and plugged into the already existing security system?” he said.

He added that the Corps also must consider how to counter unmanned ground vehicles and unmanned surface vessels. “So is there really a counter-UxS portfolio we should be looking at?”

Recon vehicles

The light armored vehicle portfolio — specifically, the Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle — is in limbo, as the Marine Corps reconsiders how it wants to meet its reconnaissance mission and with what combination of manned and unmanned vehicles on the ground, on the water and in the air.

Bowdren said the recon community is still experimenting to help define that future suite of programs and equipment. The Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle, or ARV, will be at the center of that suite of systems, but the new vehicles could be supplemented by Ultra Light Tactical Vehicles, manned and unmanned surface craft, unmanned aerial systems, and more.

Bowdren said that study would be completed “soon.”

Even as those discussions and the related question of funding continue, Bowdren said his office is preparing to move as fast as it’s allowed with the available resources.

The program office is working with industry to develop ARV-30 prototypes that use the same 30mm cannon as that on the Amphibious Combat Vehicle. This would be the second ARV variant, following the command, control, communications and computer/uncrewed aerial systems (C4/UAS) variant that the Corps has tested since prototypes were delivered in December 2022.

Bowdren said his office is “committed” to pushing forward on the ARV family of vehicles even though the start date for procurement remains in flux. (Source: C4ISR & Networks)

21 May 24. Anduril Launches XRST to Advance Counter Intrusion Missions. Anduril Industries is excited to announce its latest innovation in counter intrusion: Extended Range Sentry Tower (XRST). The most recent addition to Anduril’s Sentry family of autonomous systems, XRST brings proven autonomous surveillance capabilities to longer-range applications, while ensuring that operators are presented with relevant decision points, not noise.

XRST is designed to enable autonomous detections at extended ranges for counter intrusion missions. XRST includes a sensor head that is integrated atop an 80-foot expeditionary tower to enable detection, classification, and tracking objects of interest up to 7.5 miles away, including 5+ miles autonomously.

“We are constantly improving our technology solutions to deliver unrivaled situational awareness to operators, delivering autonomous capabilities that act as force multipliers for border security and force protection missions around the world,” said Peter Babb, VP of Counter Intrusion at Anduril Industries. He added, “our systems give operators the mission advantage they need to focus on responding to incursions, rather than working to identify them.”

Anduril developed XRST to meet requirements for longer range detections for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, while using artificial intelligence, computer vision and machine learning to free up agents who, without this technology, have to spend countless hours manually identifying crossings. In November 2023, Anduril sprinted to complete the pilot tower and deployed it to support operations in Texas. More are forthcoming.

Anduril is proud to provide the only autonomous surveillance tower systems fielded at scale by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Our efforts have produced hundreds of thousands of autonomously identified incursions that have resulted in successful law enforcement, humanitarian, and force protection outcomes. Sentry is an operationally-proven capability with hundreds of towers actively deployed around the world, and XRST is ready to serve as a force multiplier for counter intrusion missions today. (Source: ASD Network)

20 May 24. Indra Presents a New 360 Vision System Equipped With AI to Reinforce the Protection and Efficiency of Armored Vehicles on Their Missions.

The company has presented the Ministry of Defence with its next-generation situational awareness system, an evolution of one of the solutions developed within the framework of the 8×8 program
The system perceives and interprets the situation around it in real time by means of the images collected by different 360-degree cameras, increasing the range of potential threat identification thanks to AI and presenting lines of action to protect the crew and fulfill the mission
This is a technology with which the world’s most advanced armies are equipping their armored vehicles and it is key to becoming involved in complex operations such as those taking place in urban areas

Indra has developed a 360 vision system based on artificial intelligence that endows armored vehicles with situational awareness and increases their effectiveness when it comes to fulfilling their mission.

The company presented the system to the Ministry of Defence, an evolution of the solution it began to develop during the initial phase of the 8×8 Dragon program, during a demonstration held at Wheeled Vehicle Maintenance Park and Center No. 2 in Córdoba before the heads of the Army General Staff (EME), the General Directorate of Armament and Material (DGAM) and the Army’s Logistic Support Command (MALE).

The system incorporates different artificial intelligence algorithms that analyze the images collected by the visible, night-vision and infrared cameras placed on different parts of the vehicle. It increases the range of potential identification of people and platforms thanks to AI, determines whether they are friends or foes and evaluates the degree of threat and the possibility of ambushes, proposing potential protective measures and lines of action to fulfill the mission.

The crew members monitor all the information and jointly contribute to its analysis in order to streamline the perception and understanding of what is going on at any given time, further increasing the efficiency of the system.

According to Miguel Rodríguez Mora, Indra’s sales director, “this is a technology that the most advanced armies in the world, including those of the US, the United Kingdom and Germany, are opting for,” while he stressed that “the use of AI will be particularly important during operations in complex environments such as urban and low-visibility areas, where it’s more difficult to distinguish attackers and the reaction times are shorter.”

Rodríguez Mora added that what sets Indra’s 360 vision system apart is that “it goes beyond mere perception of the environment and has the ability to understand data, recognize patterns and interpret and evaluate what’s happening and how it’s affecting the plans that have been put in place.” In this regard, he underlined, it can “automate tasks and make decisions much more seamlessly and clearly in situations of maximum stress, reducing the number of errors and increasing safety.”

The 360 vision system has been designed to be integrated into the 8×8 Dragon’s Mission System, which has also been developed by Indra to act as the armored vehicle’s brain, controlling all the vehicle’s sensors and subsystems. In turn, this kind of technology helps enrich the tactical vision managed by higher level tools such as the Battlefield Management System (BMS) that is currently integrated into the Army’s armored and combat vehicles. This is also based on Indra’s technology and serves to facilitate coordination and exchanges of information between the units deployed during an operation. (Source: ASD Network)

21 May 24. Teledyne FLIR, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, today announced the next mid-wave infrared (MWIR) Neutrino Ground ISR imaging module. The new ITAR-free Neutrino SX8-ISR 35-700 model with 1280×1024 resolution combines Teledyne FLIR’s world-class MWIR camera module and continuous zoom (CZ) lens for integrators developing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) systems.

“The Neutrino SX8-ISR 35-700 offers high-performance imaging, industry-leading operational lifetime, and simplified integration with market-leading control electronics from InVeo Designs LLC,” said Dan Walker, vice president of product management, Teledyne FLIR. “It comes standard with multiple connectivity options including Gigabit Ethernet (GigE), Camera Link, and RS232/422 enabling faster data transfer and seamless integration into networked ISR, perimeter security, border surveillance, and counter-UAS (CUAS) systems.”

The industry adopted and highly configurable AgileCore™ imaging electronics interface seamlessly with the new Teledyne FLIR AVP, an advanced video processor that powers Prism™ AI and computational imaging at the edge. The AVP, built on the latest Qualcomm QCS8550, efficiently runs Teledyne FLIR Prism AI software providing detection, classification, and target tracking. It also operates Prism ISP algorithms including super resolution, image fusion, atmospheric turbulence removal, electronic stabilization, local-contrast enhancement, and noise reduction, to improve data fidelity and more accurate decision support.

The Neutrino Ground ISR series utilizes a long-life Linear Stirling cooler that provides a superior mean-time-to-failure of greater than 27,000 hours and fully integrated CZ optics. Developed and produced by Teledyne FLIR, formerly New England Optical Systems (NEOS), which joined FLIR in 2019, the CZ lenses provide a range of focal length options to maximize detection, recognition, and identification (DRI) performance.

All Neutrino Ground ISR products are manufactured in the USA, classified under US Department of Commerce jurisdiction as EAR 6A003.b.4.a, and are not subject to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), providing greater flexibility for integration and development with foreign customers. Integrators also have access to a comprehensive software development kit (SDK), integration support, documentation from the highly qualified technical services team at Teledyne FLIR, and an industry-leading two-year warranty.

To learn more about the new Neutrino Ground ISR Series, please visit https://www.flir.com/products/neutrino-ground-isr-series/?vertical=mwir&segment=oem.

20 May 24. Cuashub.com said today that The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 C-UAS Overview. The long and winding path of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 is complete, with President Biden’s signature on the groundbreaking bipartisan legislation last week.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization is a significant victory for travelers, the aviation workforce, and the U.S. economy. It will enhance essential protections for air travelers, bolster safety standards, and provide support for pilots, flight attendants, and air traffic controllers.

The legislation extends the FAA’s authorization until Fiscal Year 2028. It also requires the FAA to issue a notice of proposed rulemaking for UAS operations beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) within four months. Additionally, it mandates the FAA to finalize a special rule for powered lift aircraft operations within seven months, a step forward for the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) sector.

But what is in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 that impacts the Counter-UAS (C-UAS) mission within the homeland? A few items identified in the legislation impact this important security mission. Examples include the following sections of the Act, further described below.

Counter-UAS Authorities

Unlike the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, this year’s version did not include the expansion of counter-UAS authorities. The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, Section 1112, did, however, extend the authorities of the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) until October 1, 2024.

The DOJ and DHS have been under a series of extensions since their original authorities granted in October 2018 expired in October 2022. Will this Fall finally be the time we see some movement? Owners and operators of critical infrastructure, public safety, and others have been anxiously awaiting Congress to pass bipartisan legislation that will increase the security of the homeland from the growing drone threat.

Section 916- Unmanned and Autonomous Flight Advisory Committee

This section requires the FAA to establish an Unmanned and Autonomous Flight Advisory Committee (UAFAC) not later than one (1) year after the Advanced Aviation Advisory Committee (AAAC) is terminated. The Secretary of Transportation originally chartered the AAAC on June 10, 2022.

The UAFAC will be composed of not more than 12 members but will include at least one (1) representative from:

Commercial operators of unmanned aircraft systems
Unmanned aircraft systems manufacturers
Counter-UAS manufacturers
FAA-approved unmanned aircraft system service suppliers

The UAFAC will provide the FAA Administrator with advice on policy and technical-level issues related to unmanned and autonomous aviation operations and activities, including, at a minimum, the following:

The safe integration of unmanned aircraft and autonomous flight operations into the national airspace system
Coordination of procedures for operations in controlled and uncontrolled airspace
The use cases and potential benefits of unmanned aircraft systems
The development of processes and methodologies to address safety concerns related to the operation of unmanned aircraft systems, including risk assessments and mitigation strategies

Section 925- UAS Test Ranges

This section includes language allowing the FAA Administrator to select and designate up to two (2) additional UAS test ranges through a competitive selection process.

The legislation allows the FAA to designate the UAS test ranges as restricted areas, special use airspace, or other similar type of airspace. Among the activities that would be authorized include conducting Counter-UAS testing capabilities, with the approval of the Administrator.

Section 935- Protection of Public Gatherings

This section broadens the FAA Administrator’s authority to temporarily restrict UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) operations over large public gatherings. Eligible entities must submit requests at least 30 days in advance, providing details such as the geographic boundaries of the venue, event dates and times, and other pertinent information.

The eligibility for flight restrictions is extended to include events at stadiums, which typically have restrictions for NFL games, to cover other events like concerts.

To be eligible for a temporary flight restriction under this section, large public gatherings hosted in a stadium or other venue must be hosted in a stadium or venue that has previously hosted events qualifying for the application of special security instructions. These events must have an estimated attendance of at least 30,000 people in a non-enclosed stadium and be publicly advertised.

Additionally, large outdoor public gatherings not located in a stadium, with a static geographical boundary, are publicly advertised, and have an estimated attendance of at least 100,000 people may qualify for temporary flight restrictions.

Section 1032- Limitation

None of the funds authorized under this title may be used for research, development, design, planning, promulgation, implementation, or execution of any policy, program, order, or contract with the Chinese Communist Party or any entity based in China or influenced by China unless such activities are explicitly authorized by a law enacted after the date of this Act’s enactment.

This section does grant the FAA Administrator exemptions from the prohibition if the activities are executed for testing, research, evaluating, analyzing, or training related to counter-unmanned aircraft detection and mitigation systems, including activities conducted under the Center of Excellence for Unmanned Aircraft Systems of the FAA or by the test ranges designated under section 44803 of title 49, United States Code.

Other Related Sections

Section 907- Remote Identification Alternative Means of Compliance

The FAA Administrator shall review and evaluate the final rule titled “Remote Identification of Unmanned Aircraft,” issued on January 15, 2021 (86 Fed. Reg. 4390), to assess the feasibility and advisability of allowing unmanned aircraft manufacturers and operators to comply with the rule’s intent through alternative methods, including network-based remote identification.

The FAA informally refers to its Remote Identification requirement as akin to a “digital license plate” in the sky. This rule mandates that drones that meet specific requirements can provide identification, location, and performance information during flight, which can be received by people on the ground and other airspace users. According to the FAA, the purpose of the RID rule is to help the FAA, law enforcement, and other federal agencies locate the operator or control station when a drone is flying unsafely or in restricted areas. Additionally, RID establishes the safety and security framework necessary for more advanced drone operations.

For additional context on what Remote Identification means for security and public safety officials, please visit Remote Identification: A Primer for Security Professionals.

Section 922- Extension of Know Before You Fly Campaign

The Administrator of the FAA is authorized $1,000,000 for fiscal years 2024 through 2028 to support the Know Before You Fly educational campaign or similar public information efforts to increase safety awareness regarding unmanned aircraft systems.

The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 C-UAS Overview

(Source: https://cuashub.com/)

20 May 24. Cuashub.com said today that Frontex Announces C-UAS and Red Team Industry Day. Frontex, the European Border, and Coast Guard Agency is hosting an Industry Day exploring innovative solutions for counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) solutions and adversarial red teaming services. Scheduled for June 12, 2024, via Webex, the event aims to connect with commercial operators offering technology-agnostic solutions to neutralize UAS threats effectively.

Counter-UAS Solutions

This initiative seeks innovative, portable, lightweight mobile solutions for neutralizing small and mid-sized drones at the EU external borders. These approaches include RF jamming, GNSS jamming, spoofing, directed energy weapons, and hybrid systems. Special emphasis is placed on ensuring precise frequency control and monitoring to prevent collateral impacts. Additionally, proposals for system integration, interoperability, and compatibility with existing systems or components are encouraged.

Red Teaming Services for Counter-UAS

The service provider should offer adversarial testing and evaluation services for C-UAS in real-world conditions. They should demonstrate experience in operating a diverse portfolio of threat-emulating aerial platforms. Additionally, the provider should be able to simulate various threat scenarios using owned drones, ranging from small to medium-sized, encompassing commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) and custom builds equipped with countermeasures against drone neutralization systems. Expertise in methodologies for testing the range and effectiveness of countermeasure solutions is essential, as well as proficiency in modeling, simulation, and analysis (MS&A), electromagnetic spectrum monitoring, and developing threat vulnerabilities and risk assessment frameworks.

Additional Information

Industry professionals are invited to showcase their innovative solutions and capabilities by submitting a brief overview detailing their proposed solutions and capabilities relevant to the specified areas of interest. Submissions should outline approaches to addressing the drone threat. Interested parties can express their interest by completing an online form by June 2, 2024.

https://cuashub.com/en/content/frontex-announces-c-uas-and-red-team-industry-day/?utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9xTb878yCLhfAcXrKXvSx57oxev9I1OzYKIYFe-vULRV6YO00acSL63ds4f2uTDR0ygsRty9BKyQzcaLTqfO0GftU18kfA-jzBKtjD5aLkJyE5ZIA&_hsmi=307718697&utm_content=307718697&utm_source=hs_email (Source: https://cuashub.com/)

20 May 24. Cuashub.com said today that Zeal OTM launches AirScout Sentry – AI, integrated multi-sensor C-UAS platform. Florida based Zeal OTM has announced the launch of its AirScout Sentry, an EO/IR-based system powered by AI-driven software, designed for optical detection, acquisition, classification, and tracking of unmanned aerial systems (UAS). “The AI-enabled system continuously monitors airspace for UAS threats, providing real-time alerts to operators,” says the company in a LInkedin post. “Utilizing commercial off-the-shelf cameras, AirScout Sentry deployments are customized based on airspace coverage requirements. While it can operate independently, its open-architecture software and flexible API allow for seamless integration with other sensors and systems, enhancing overall situational awareness and security.” For more information: https://zealotm.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/zealotm/ (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

15 May 24. UAVHE develops fluid-blasting C-UAS device. UAVHE SL has developed a blaster-type device designed for neutralising drone threats using supersonic streams of non-Newtonian fluid to incapacitate targets.

The HyperJet Anti-Drone Gun shoots streams of non-Newtonian fluid at supersonic speeds and is capable of achieving sub 1 MOA (Minute of Angle) accuracy at a range of 200 metres. The blaster can discharge up to 250kg of liquid projectiles per minute.

Equipped with a laser designator and high-intensity flashlight for enhanced visibility and precision in various conditions, the HyperJet is designed for both military and security operations. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

17 May 24. European Commission announces funding for the EUR 71m E-CUAS programme. The EUR 71m E-CUAS programme has been announced as one of the successful programmes to receive funding from the European Commission as part of its European Defence Fund (EDF) programme amounting to EUR1,031m of EU funding, supporting 54 joint European defence research and development projects. E-CUAS will bring together 24 beneficiaries from 12 Member States and Norway to advance defence technologies countering unmanned aerial systems, such as drones. E-CUAS aims to develop counter unmanned aerial systems (CUAS) solutions for countering class I unmanned aerial systems, including military-grade UAS, by integrating multiple technologies. The proposed solutions include passive and active sensors, soft kill and hard kill effector technologies, command and control capabilities, networking and communications infrastructure, cybersecurity, and interoperability data models. The project is in continuity with the JEY-CUAS project and will study, harmonise, and consolidate concepts of operations, use cases, user needs, and operational requirements. For more information: https://defence-industry-space.ec.europa.eu/funding-opportunities-0/calls-proposals/results-edf-2023-calls-proposals_en (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

17 May 24. Azerbaijani artillery using Israeli ELM-2084 as counter-fire radar. The Azerbaijani Ministry of Defence (MoD) has confirmed its land forces are using a smaller version of the Israeli-made ELM-2084 multimission radar to support artillery units. An Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) Elta ELM-2084 was seen clearly in a video released by the MoD on 16 May to show an artillery exercise involving 2S19 Msta-S self-propelled howitzers (SPHs) and 2A36 Giatsint-B towed guns. Azerbaijan was already known to have an ELM-2084 as one was seen in a video the MoD released in April 2020 showing the radar with the IAI Barak-8 air-defence system deployed north of Baku. A smaller ELM-2084 was probably glimpsed in television coverage of a visit that President Ilham Aliyev made to a new base in Beylagan in February 2019. A statement released by the president’s office said he was shown a “universal radar complex” that is used to support artillery units and monitor enemy fire. (Source: Janes)

RADAR, EO/IR, C-UAS, NIGHT VISION AND SURVEILLANCE UPDATE

May 17, 2024 by

Sponsored by Echodyne

www.echodyne.com

15 May 24. Echodyne, the radar platform company, announced that its EchoFlight radar is integrated into the American Aerospace Technologies, Inc. (AATI) AiRanger aircraft, which obtained a waiver from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) last week for commercial Beyond Visual Line-of-Sight (BVLOS) flight operations. The waiver permits AATI to use the onboard detect-and-avoid (DAA) system for adhering to aircraft right-of-way rules during BVLOS operations, making the AiRanger the first unmanned aircraft system (UAS) to meet industry consensus standards for the DAA system.

This approval marks a major milestone for the unmanned aviation industry as a whole and is the culmination of concerted efforts over many years from a diverse array of technology partners and regulatory bodies to safely bring a next-generation, first-of-kind BVLOS aircraft into commercial operation. The level of rigor and evaluation for such a feat is not to be understated, as this process required regulatory agencies to review new, emerging technologies that had never come into their assessment purview before.

In addition, the complex and cutting-edge aviation navigation technologies underpinning the AiRanger aircraft had not previously been integrated into one, singular system. The scale of the achievement is highlighted by how the AiRanger is able to rely on such advanced technologies to assist with remotely piloted concepts of operation (ConOps) across the full spectrum – human on the loop, human in the loop (semi-autonomous), and human out of the loop (fully autonomous).

“With the granting of the FAA waiver, it showcases how this entire process has been truly a multi-party collaborative endeavor and AATI is grateful to Echodyne for their steadfast and exceptional support throughout the multi-year effort,” said David Yoel, CEO at American Aerospace Technologies, Inc. “Echodyne’s EchoFlight radar provides unparalleled data fidelity and precision, and this first-of-its-kind waiver is evidence of radar’s role in providing the situational awareness necessary for successful detect-and-avoid systems.”

The FAA approval allows AATI’s AiRanger – a 220-pound aircraft capable of flying for 12 hours and up to 750 miles at altitudes to 12,000’ MSL – to conduct commercial operations at medium altitudes under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) beyond the pilot’s line of sight and without airborne or ground observers. The AiRanger’s initial deployment will be for critical infrastructure patrol, threat detection and reporting, focusing on pipeline surveillance. The operation is vital for maintaining pipeline integrity and safety, and ensuring quick response to potential hazards or leaks.

While many stakeholders had to come together to drive this innovation to market, the achievement underscores the essential role that radar plays in the commercialization of such aircraft operations – providing foundational situational awareness data to search, detect, and track volumes of airspace for both cooperative and non-cooperative aircraft. EchoFlight is integrated into a pod on each wing of the AiRanger aircraft, providing the necessary visibility to meet minimum operational performance standards (MOPS). The detection and tracking ranges provided by EchoFlight provide the DAA system with sufficient time and information to take avoidance measures and maintain operational safety.

“As all stakeholders in the unmanned aviation industry are aware, it takes a village to develop such a complex aviation navigation system that receives regulatory approval,” said Eben Frankenberg, CEO at Echodyne. “The integration of our EchoFlight radar into the AiRanger is one critical piece of many in the puzzle to create the safety case for BVLOS flight operation. We’re ecstatic to share in this milestone industry moment and are proud to see the value of radar realized in the commercialization of BVLOS operations.”

16 May 24. Cuashub.com said today that Epirus Delivers IFPC-HPM Systems to U.S. Army. Earlier this week, Epirus announced the delivery of the final two of four Indirect Fire Protection Capability – High-Power Microwave (IFPC-HPM) systems to the U.S. Army, marking a significant milestone. Key milestones achieved through collaboration between Epirus, the U.S. Army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO), and the U.S. Army’s Air Defense Artillery (ADA) community include the delivery of the HPM systems and the successful completion of New Equipment Training (NET) and Engineering Developmental Testing (EDT). These achievements pave the way for deploying IFPC-HPM capabilities to Soldiers to counter drones and drone swarms.

“We delivered our first IFPC-HPM system to RCCTO in November 2023, just nine months after our initial contract award, and finalized delivery of all four systems this March,” said Andy Lowery, Chief Executive Officer, Epirus. “Completion of NET and EDT puts the U.S. Army closer to fielding HPM operationally.”

Throughout April, EDT was conducted to evaluate the military utility and effectiveness of the IFPC-HPM system against UAS and UAS swarms, encompassing a variety of increasingly complex flight patterns. This testing also provided soldiers from the unit slated to receive the systems an opportunity to operate this capability following the NET they underwent at their home station in March.

The data gathered during EDT will be utilized in the Army Test and Evaluation Command’s test report for IFPC-HPM. This report will be crucial in informing the Department of Defense’s decisions regarding the counter-drone solution’s future programming, budgeting, and operational deployment.

“I’m thrilled with the effectiveness of our HPM systems throughout the test. We were able to demonstrate effects that we haven’t done in this close to a real-world environment, including coordinated fires for additional range and advanced waveforms for greater effectivity,” said Lowery. “We learned a lot about the importance of each system within the system-of-systems approach that will inform capabilities, limitations, and requirements. Most importantly, we’ve demonstrated that our HPM systems are effective for the counter-drone and counter-swarm mission as a final protective fires solution within a layered defense.”

https://cuashub.com/en/content/epirus-delivers-ifpc-hpm-systems-to-u-s-army/?utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_BBETOBVJ_7LoCP5wu3irhx5bopRdMfUJpK3qfQckdErmJrzdT8__vcFPVJnYAP7mYeUHpm92TZyQjLrWLvCHDLYJtwsJLH1miPyzxoGtE5mlsSgs&_hsmi=307273246&utm_content=307273246&utm_source=hs_email (Source: https://cuashub.com/)

16 May 24. Photonis, a leading brand of Exosens, and newcleo have signed their first purchase order to explore the deployment of the nuclear instrumentation detectors in the reactor core.

Photonis, part of Exosens, a market-leading global provider of electro-optic solutions used in the detection and amplification of photons, ions, electrons, and neutrons, confirms its commitment into supporting key actors of the nuclear industry, in order to meet the safety and performance challenges faced by the new generation of nuclear reactors. Photonis is providing newcleo, a renowned European leader in nuclear innovation, development and technical support to explore the deployment of nuclear instrumentation detectors in the reactor core of newcleo’s Small Modular Reactor demonstrator.

newcleo’s reactor design has been optimised over the last 20 years leading to the concept of an ultra-compact and transportable 200MWe module with improvements in energy density compared to other technologies.

The company is designing and building the next generation (Generation IV) of nuclear reactors: a lead-cooled fast reactor (LFR) fuelled with Mixed OXide (MOX) that will effectively close the nuclear fuel cycle, using what is today considered waste, as fuel.

The reactor design developed by newcleo was selected as part of the “Innovative Nuclear Reactors” call for projects under the France 2030 investment plan.

newcleo will contribute to climate change mitigation and global decarbonation. The nuclear player is combining available and proven technologies with new developments to create a sustainable business and deliver a new generation of safe, clean, more efficient reactors at competitive cost.

16 May 24. Cutting-edge drone killer radio wave weapon developing at pace. A new game-changing weapon that uses radio waves to disable enemy electronics and take down multiple drones at once is under development for the UK’s armed forces.

The Radio Frequency Directed Energy Weapon

System can neutralise a swarm of drones for 10p a shot.
UK designed and built system offers operational advantage and battlefield protection
UK Armed Forces will be operating with this technology in the coming years

A new game-changing weapon that uses radio waves to disable enemy electronics and take down multiple drones at once is under development for the UK’s armed forces.

This forms part of work to put the UK’s defence industry on a war footing following the Prime Minister’s announcement last month of an increase to the defence budget to 2.5% of GDP by 2030.

An example of a Radio Frequency Directed Energy Weapon (RFDEW), the versatile system can detect, track and engage a range of threats across land, air and sea. The system will be able to effect targets up to 1km away, with further development in extending the range ongoing. It beams radio waves to disrupt or damage the critical electronic components of enemy vehicles causing them to stop in their tracks or fall out of the sky.

At only 10p per shot fired, the RFDEW beam is a significant cost-effective alternative to traditional missile-based, air defence systems, capable of downing dangerous drone swarms with instant effect. The high level of automation also means the system itself can be operated by a single person. This technology can offer a solution to protection and defence of critical assets and bases.

Minister for Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge said:

We are already a force to be reckoned with on science and technology, and developments like RFDEW not only make our personnel more lethal and better protected on the battlefield, but also keep the UK a world leader on innovative military kit.

The war in Ukraine has shown us the importance of deploying uncrewed systems, but we must be able to defend against them too. As we ramp up our defence spending in the coming years, our Defence Drone Strategy will ensure we are at the forefront of this warfighting evolution.

RFDEW technology can be mounted on a variety of military vehicles and uses a mobile power source to produce pulses of Radio Frequency energy in a beam that can rapidly fire sequenced shots at individual targets or be broadened to simultaneously engage all threats within that beam.

Dstl Chief Executive, Paul Hollinshead said:

These game changing systems will deliver decisive operational advantage to the UK armed forces, saving lives and defeating deadly threats.

World class capabilities such as this are only possible because of decades of research, expertise and investment in science and technology at Dstl and our partners in UK industry.

The advanced technology is being developed by a joint team from the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) and Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S), working with UK industry under Project Hersa. The next steps for RFDEW is undergoing extensive field testing with British soldiers over the summer. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)

15 May 24. Cuashub.com said today that Counter-UAS Planning and Assessment Tool Released. At this year’s Association of Old Crows (AOC) Europe in Olso, Norway, Leonardo has unveiled Skytender, a Counter-UAS planning and assessment tool, reports EDR On-Line.

AOC Europe serves as a conduit, linking entities and individuals spanning government, defense, industry, and academia to facilitate the exchange of insights and knowledge. Its mission includes fostering discussions on the latest developments within the electromagnetic and information-related spheres.

Skytender empowers decision-making superiority and enhances asset protection by quantifying the effectiveness of deployed C-UAS systems against potential threats within the designated physical and electromagnetic deployment Area of Responsibility (AOR).

This solution aims to:

Accurately quantify the effectiveness of multiple C-UAS systems by analyzing sensor coverage, understanding RF emissions, optimizing sensor placement, and evaluating jammer behavior.
Enhance situational awareness and threat assessment by determining optimal tactics, identifying points of vulnerability, and simulating UAS swarms and coordinated attacks.
Provide a simplified user experience through a pre-configured C-UAS sensor and effector assets library and an intuitive, modern user interface, minimizing operator data entry requirements.
Allow scenarios to be configured and simulated in minutes, and include 2D and 3D mapping for intuitive visualization of the simulated scenarios/management.
Define, train, and disseminate Counter-UAS plans and SOPs, including a visual representation of the area that can reduce the need for an in-person site survey.

https://cuashub.com/en/content/counter-uas-planning-and-assessment-tool-released/?utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8EcAskxS2j9UXTsJ1bu7DNpkuSlASclGTdQIS3hwo9UtSEYoIF999yxETlbn129gdxiHgjUQ545bYWkM1iFkYKT9Vw8Jk93eq4smax9YUpFeHkm4Q&_hsmi=307153547&utm_content=307153547&utm_source=hs_email (Source: https://cuashub.com/)

15 May 24. Cuashub.com said today that Anduril and Dedrone Repeat on CNBC Disruptor 50 List. The 12th Annual CNBC Disruptor 50 Companies list was released this week, and two companies who have strong roots in Counter-UAS made the list again- Dedrone and Anduril Industries.

Approximately two-thirds of the 50 companies listed as Disruptors emphasize the significance of artificial intelligence to their operations. Notably, at the helm of this trend sits OpenAI, which retains its position as the list’s No. 1 company for the second year.

The influence of AI transcends these companies, with thirteen identifying as “generative AI companies,” including five within the top 10 of this year’s list. These firms secured over $5.5 bn in investments over the past year.

Industries across the spectrum, from cybersecurity to agriculture, recognize AI as indispensable to their missions. Furthermore, there’s a notable departure from the past Silicon Valley-driven era of disruptive innovation solely backed by venture capitalists, shifting away from the “better, faster, cheaper” mantra.

Anduril was listed at #2 on the 2024 list this year, moving up from the #7 spot the company held in 2023. Anduril first made the list in 2022, when it was listed at #23. Anduril describes itself as a “defense products company” that can take concepts from R&D to deployed capabilities in months.

Dedrone secured a spot on the prestigious list for the second year. Dedrone is a Sterling, Va.-based defense tech company and inventor of technology with advancements to protect against escalating drone warfare. Recognized for innovations in smart airspace security, Dedrone technology is used by the military, government, and commercial customers, including airports, stadiums, and high-profile events such as Formula One Grand Prix, to detect, track, and reduce threats. Additionally, Dedrone systems are at work in Ukraine.

Anduril and Dedrone Repeat on CNBC Disruptor 50 List

(Source: https://cuashub.com/)

13 May 24. UK seeks new partner to maintain RAF Fylingdales radar. The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) is looking for a new partner to support the operation and maintenance of the Solid-State Phased-Array Radar (SSPAR) at Royal Air Force (RAF) Fylingdales. RAF Fylingdales provides a continuous ballistic missile early warning service to the UK and the US. It also functions as a space surveillance and tracking (SST) system, capable of detecting objects the size of a can 3,000 miles into space. The SSPAR building and a significant number of the ancillary systems were built or installed over 35 years ago. A new partner is therefore required to operate, maintain, and possibly sustain the radar going forwards as the current support contract is coming to an end, a request for information (RFI) issued by the MoD on 6 May detailed. (Source: Janes)

12 May 24. 2Q24 DroneSentry-C2 Next-Gen v10.0 Release. DroneShield Limited (ASX:DRO) (“DroneShield” or “the Company”) is pleased to announce the roll-out of one of the largest updates yet to the DroneSentry-C2 platform, bringing a completely revamped User Interface, smarter AI, and extending detection capabilities to the C-UAS Command-and-Control software industry.

This Version 10.0 release of DroneSentry-C2 marks a turning point in the industry-leading software. The program has been re-written from the ground up, resulting in a faster and smoother experience. The redesign is even easier to use, and provides a framework for significant upcoming features.

Major upgrades include:

Streamlined User Interface: Most noticeable to any existing user will be the modernised look and feel of the DroneSentry-C2 interface. Stripped-back menus allow for faster navigation and clearer access to settings. Operators can now modify key setting without ever needing to navigate away from the monitoring dashboard. Load times moving between sites and analytics have been significantly reduced.
Mission Set Optimisation: The updated user interface has been optimised for both desktop and tablet experiences. Enabling far better use in ‘On-The-Move’ applications such as for vehicles and dismounted missions.
ThreatAI Launched: ThreatAI is an integrated threat analysis system for detected objects in DroneSentry-C2, which intelligently provides a responsive threat rating based on data from all sensors and user input. This new information is utilised by other sub-systems across the platform to better inform command decisions.
Improvements to existing AI: SensorFusionAI and DroneOptID continue to grow in their performance when identifying and classifying detected drones. This update sees improvements to both accuracy and breadth of these AI models.
Full integration of OTM sensors: DroneSentry-X Mk2 is now completely integrated into DroneSentry-C2 and SensorFusionAI, allowing for integrated control of disruption features, and smarter detections in the field.
Usability and Accessibility: A stronger focus on data visualisation makes complex information easier to understand and review quickly. Localisation into Spanish and Polish brings DroneSentry-C2 to more regions that need it.
Planning tool: This feature has been split out into a separate application to help new and existing clients plan out their Counter-UAS installations, and review the suitability of different systems.

Version 10.0 of the DroneSentry-C2 system is available from today, being deployed to existing DroneShield systems this week. It is available with both DroneShield and third party hardware sensors, and is provided on a subscription basis, either via secure cloud or on-premises server.

DroneShield CTO Angus Bean commented, “The release this quarter allows us to bring the DroneSentry-C2 platform to many more users. In a growing market it allows us to better scale and maintain our Software-as-a-Service, and simplifying the front-end opens opportunities with clients who were previously beyond our reach.”

10 May 24. Japan’s defense chief calls for more counter-drone tech. Japan’s defense chief Friday encouraged the country to bolster its anti-drone capability after drone footage posted on Chinese social media showed a Japanese aircraft carrier docked at a restricted port west of Tokyo.

Defense Minister Minoru Kihara’s acknowledgement of the vulnerability comes more than a month after a video filmed by a drone showed JS Izumo, one of two Japanese helicopter carriers, being retrofitted to carry stealth fighters to strengthen Japan’s counter-strike capability in the face of China’s military actions in the Indo-Pacific region.

The footage, also showing plants, buildings and facilities at the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s Yokosuka naval base, was posted on a Chinese social media site in March, prompting an investigation by ministry officials. The footage has also been posted on other platforms, such as X, formerly known as Twitter.

“After the video analysis, we have reached a conclusion that the footage was most likely filmed by a flying drone,” Kihara told reporters.

“We are taking the findings extremely seriously,” the minister added. “If drones harm defense facilities, it could cause serious disruptions to the defense of our country.”

Kihara declined to comment how the drone was able to fly over the flattop undetected, citing security reasons. But he stressed the need to respond to rapid technology advancement of drones and other unmanned vehicles. He also vowed to fortify defense around military bases.

He said Japan will accelerate efforts to introduce more capable anti-drone equipment and strengthen countermeasures such as forcible landing of drones by jamming.

The development comes as Japan accelerates its military buildup with long-range missiles under the ongoing security strategy adopted in 2022. JS Izumo serves a key role in that strategy.

In 2015, a small drone laced with traces of radiation was found on the roof of the prime minister’s office, sparking concerns about unmanned systems and their possible use for terrorist attacks. The incident did not lead to injuries nor damage, but the drone’s owner was convicted of obstruction of business.

Drone flights have since been restricted above key public and diplomatic areas as well as nuclear power facilities. While drones are used widely for industrial, search and rescue, and security purposes, the number of violations involving such technology have also rapidly increased.

(Source: Defense News Early Bird/Defense News)

08 May 24. Elbit America Team, Leaders Celebrate 3,000th Delivery of the F-35 HMDS. On April 25, 2024, Elbit America employees and legislators gathered to celebrate delivery of the 3,000th F-35 Helmet Mounted Display System (HMDS) from the company’s site in Merrimack, N.H.

Andy Chiango, Elbit America’s Vice President of Merrimack Operations and Site Lead, said, “Delivering 3,000 F-35 Helmet Mounted Display Systems to our Lockheed Martin and F-35 Joint Program Office customers is a tremendous achievement. Our Merrimack team has a direct impact on our nation’s defenders by providing this sophisticated equipment for the last decade, and we will continue supporting the F-35 HMDS for years to come.”

Elbit America’s Senior Director for Electronic Systems Bob Hess said, “The F-35 Gen. III Helmet Mounted Display System is the most advanced helmet-mounted display system in the world. The system’s next-generation user interface serves as a pilot’s primary display system, providing them with vital flight, tactical and sensor information day or night.”

The F-35 HMDS is produced by Collins Elbit Vision Systems, a joint venture between Elbit America and our long-time partners at Collins Aerospace.

Special guests at the celebration included U.S. Representative Chris Pappas (NH-01), who said, “American leadership is needed on the world stage, and a strong defense industrial base is crucial to that mission. The F-35 Helmet Mounted Display System helps warfighters stay safe and aware and allows them to complete their mission every time and come home.”

Also attending the celebration, were State Representatives Jeanine Notter (NH-12) and Maureen Mooney (NH-12) who jointly read a proclamation from the New Hampshire House of Representatives on the 3,000th delivery of the F-35 HMDS.

In addition, Chris Scott from U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen’s office and Justin Troiano from U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan’s office read letters congratulating Elbit America on the accomplishment. (Source: ASD Network)

RADAR, EO/IR, C-UAS, NIGHT VISION AND SURVEILLANCE UPDATE

RADAR, EO/IR, C-UAS, NIGHT VISION AND SURVEILLANCE UPDATE

RADAR, EO/IR, C-UAS, NIGHT VISION AND SURVEILLANCE UPDATE

RADAR, EO/IR, C-UAS, NIGHT VISION AND SURVEILLANCE UPDATE

RADAR, EO/IR, C-UAS, NIGHT VISION AND SURVEILLANCE UPDATE

RADAR, EO/IR, C-UAS, NIGHT VISION AND SURVEILLANCE UPDATE

RADAR, EO/IR, C-UAS, NIGHT VISION AND SURVEILLANCE UPDATE

RADAR, EO/IR, C-UAS, NIGHT VISION AND SURVEILLANCE UPDATE

RADAR, EO/IR, C-UAS, NIGHT VISION AND SURVEILLANCE UPDATE

RADAR, EO/IR, C-UAS, NIGHT VISION AND SURVEILLANCE UPDATE

RADAR, EO/IR, C-UAS, NIGHT VISION AND SURVEILLANCE UPDATE

RADAR, EO/IR, C-UAS, NIGHT VISION AND SURVEILLANCE UPDATE

RADAR, EO/IR, C-UAS, NIGHT VISION AND SURVEILLANCE UPDATE

RADAR, EO/IR, C-UAS, NIGHT VISION AND SURVEILLANCE UPDATE

RADAR, EO/IR, C-UAS, NIGHT VISION AND SURVEILLANCE UPDATE

RADAR, EO/IR, C-UAS, NIGHT VISION AND SURVEILLANCE UPDATE

RADAR, EO/IR, C-UAS, NIGHT VISION AND SURVEILLANCE UPDATE

RADAR, EO/IR, C-UAS, NIGHT VISION AND SURVEILLANCE UPDATE

RADAR, EO/IR, C-UAS, NIGHT VISION AND SURVEILLANCE UPDATE

RADAR, EO/IR, C-UAS, NIGHT VISION AND SURVEILLANCE UPDATE

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