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19 Oct 23. DroneShield to Host Inaugural Counterdrone Event at Indo Pacific.
• DroneShield to host its Inaugural Counterdrone Event at Indo Pacific Exhibition held in Sydney on 8 November 2023
• Speakers include leading minds across military, industry and policy sectors
• Registrations available for Military, Industry and Media
DroneShield (“DroneShield” or the “Company”) is pleased to host its inaugural event counterdrone event at Indo Pacific Exhibition, held 7-9 November at the Sydney Convention Centre.
The event will be held on 8 November, with further details available here: https://www.indopacificexpo.com.au/registration/index.asp?utm_source=DroneShield+Newsletter&utm_campaign=28ad84a5cb-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_11_14_2019_9_39_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_d009ed65de-28ad84a5cb-220809634
The event is free to attend at no cost, for all Indo Pacific 2023 trade visitors, exhibitors and conference delegates. Registration can be done here.
Angus Bean, DroneShield’s CTO, commented “Unmanned Systems have been extensively involved in warfare and terrorism across virtually all conflicts globally over last several years, and continuing to rise.”
“We are pleased to host the very first dedicated Australian event in this area in conjunction with AMDA, where the audience can hear from thought leaders across military, industry and policy areas. The backdrop of Indo Pacific, the largest military exhibition in Australia in 2023, provides attendees with a complete experience.”
19 Oct 23. SIG SAUER Electro-Optics ROMEO-M17 Receives NSN Designation. SIG SAUER, Inc. is honored to announce the ROMEO-M17 (RM17) red dot sight has been assigned a NATO Stock Number (NSN). This distinguished designation is part of the continued modernization efforts of the Modular Handgun System (MHS) Program. For inclusion on the MHS Additional Authorized List (AAL), the U.S. Army evaluated numerous pistol red dot sights, from multiple manufacturers, through vigorous environmental and performance evaluations and the RM17 and R2 achieved successful selection. In fact, the RM17 stood above the rest as the best performing and most durable sight evaluated. The issuance of the NSN to these products streamlines the procurement process for all NATO members and partner countries as an identified standardized material.
The ROMEO-M17 (NSN: 1240-01-713-9795) was developed from the ground up for the U.S. Army’s Modular Handgun System and is the ultimate aiming solution. The RM17 will withstand the rigors of the battlefield, featuring the proprietary SIG-LOC™ mounting system with bottom-mount technology and 5 interface points with the pistol slide, for an extremely strong and robust lock-up. Combined with the side-mounted battery the sight has an extremely low position when mounted to the slide, offering a full sight picture and co-witness with the existing standard-height iron sights.
“The assignment of an NSN number is an exciting achievement for SIG SAUER Electro-Optics and the ROMEO product line. With the global demand for these products the NSN assignment will allow for ease in the procurement process, the ability to increase our reach within the NATO countries, and faster deployment” said Andy York, President, SIG SAUER Electro-Optics. “This assignment is also significant to non-NATO customers and civilians as the NSN designation does not come easily and signifies that the ROMEO-M17 has achieved a testing and use acceptance by the world’s most discerning military customers.”
The SIG SAUER Electro-Optics ROMEO-M17 is a mil-spec, fully enclosed and gas-purged red dot reflex sight with a distortion-free glass aspheric lens and is submersible to depths up to 35 meters. Other features include a new and very robust flexure-arm adjustment system made of the same Beryllium Copper found in many riflescope designs, and a housing that is forged and machined from 7075 Aluminum with an integrated loaded chamber indicator (LCI) gas deflector and machined anti-reflection grooves on all rear facing surfaces for reduced glare. The optic incorporates a high-efficiency point source red LED emitter, with 2 MOA dot/32 MOA circle reticle, independent brightness adjustment buttons, 15 brightness settings including night vision settings, and a side-mounted CR2032 battery compartment with a threaded battery cap so the optic does not need to be removed from the pistol for battery changes. The ROMEO-M17 has a minimum continuous runtime of 50,000 hours at medium brightness setting, and utilizes MOTAC™ (Motion Activated Illumination), MAGNETAC™ (Magnetic Activation), and D.A.R.C™ (Dark Adaptive Reticles & Coatings) technologies.
ROMEO-M17 Specs:
Objective Lens Diameter: 24mm
Reticle: Circle dot with 2 MOA Red Dot / 32 MOA Circle
Lens Type: Asphere
Brightness Adjustment Settings: 15 (12 Day / 3 Night Vision)
Water Resistance: Submersible to 20 meters
Overall Length: 2.4 inches
Overall Width: 0.9 inches
Overall Height: 1.1 inches
Mounting Footprint: SIG-LOC™ MHS
Battery Type: CR2032
Battery Location: Side
Weight (w/o battery): 1.5 ounces
19 Oct 23. UK E-7 Wedgetail delay partly due to Boeing 737 MAX issues. The Ministry of Defence has recently addressed concerns surrounding the procurement of the E-7 Wedgetail aircraft.
Kevan Jones, the Labour MP for North Durham, raised multiple questions relating to the E-7 Wedgetail programme.
Firstly, he inquired, “To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he plans to finalise the full business case for the E-7 Wedgetail programme.”
Subsequent questions touched on the change in forecast delivery dates and requested a recent estimate for the delivery of the third E-7 Wedgetail aircraft. Mr. Jones asked, “To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, for what reason the forecast delivery of the first E-7 Wedgetail aircraft has changed from 2023 to late 2024.” And, “To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent estimate he has made of when the third E-7 Wedgetail aircraft will be delivered.”
In response, James Cartlidge, The Minister of State for the Ministry of Defence, provided clarity. He stated, “The In-Service Date for the Wedgetail capability, including dates for delivery of all three aircraft, will be published in the Full Business Case expected for submission in the first part of 2024.”
Mr. Cartlidge also shed light on the reasons behind the delays, noting, “There have been some delays to the aircraft delivery schedule, due to contractor performance and a combination of shortages in materials, parts and skills which are being felt across the global aviation industry.
Additionally, the contractor has underestimated the complex and increased assurance activity required to enable flight certification following Boeing 737 MAX aircraft accident investigations. We are working closely with Boeing to minimise the adverse impact of these challenges.”
The E-7 Wedgetail is an advanced airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft. It’s designed to provide airborne surveillance, command, and control capabilities, offering a real-time view of the battlespace, enhanced situational awareness, and the ability to guide decision making.
The Government faced a great deal of criticism for reducing the purchase from five aircraft to three aircraft. (Source: News Now/UKDJ)
19 Oct 23. During a ceremony at ADEX (Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition) on Oct. 18, 2023, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Huneed Technologies for the Korean company to produce a flat panel array for GA-ASI’s Lynx® and Eagle-Eye Multi-mode Radar systems. The Lynx radar is used on several models of GA-ASI’s line of Unmanned Aircraft Systems, including the MQ-9A Reaper and MQ-20 Avenger®, while Eagle-Eye is featured on MQ-1C Gray Eagle Extended Range (ER) and 25M models. Huneed’s flat panel array technology will be incorporated into a new common radar antenna subsystem for GA-ASI’s radar products.
Huneed Technologies, a global aerospace and defense company that specializing in tactical communication and avionics equipment, has been a long-time partner of GA-ASI. In 2022, Huneed was contracted to supply Circuit Card Assemblies for GA-ASI’s line of unmanned aircraft. Huneed signed its first MOU with GA-ASI in 2017, and in 2021 the MOU was renewed.
“Huneed is Korea’s leading defense and aviation company with a long track record of establishing successful business relationships with a number of global OEMs in the aerospace industry. Huneed possesses advanced processes and production capabilities to join our global supply chain, and we appreciate Huneed’s long-term partnership,” said Jaime Walters, vice president of International Strategic Development at GA-ASI.
GA-ASI is manufacturer of UAS operated by the U.S. and international partners as an intelligence-gathering and strike-capable asset. GA-ASI has delivered more than 1,000 unmanned aircraft since its founding in 1992 and its aircraft have flown over 8 million hours. GA-ASI’s newest and most advanced aircraft, the MQ-9B SkyGuardian® and SeaGuardian®, are tailored to meet the multi-domain and multi-environmental needs of its customers.
Huneed’s Chairman Eugene Kim said: “Unmanned technology is crucial for global security, safeguarding pilots while improving battlefield monitoring. Partnering with GA-ASI showcases Huneed’s capabilities, and we are dedicated to demonstrating excellence in our contributions.”
18 Oct 23. WhiteFox Defense Technologies, an airspace management and counter drone solution provider, announces it has been selected by AFWERX for a SBIR Phase II contract in the amount of $1.25m focused on Scorpion 3, a light-weight, portable drone detection and mitigation solution to address the most pressing challenges in the US Department of the Air Force (DAF).
Scorpion offers efficient and reliable situational awareness, in any dynamic environment. The intuitive user interface allows the operator to integrate authorized drones into secured airspace, detect unauthorized drones and defend critical assets. Simple to use, cost-effective, and feature rich, Scorpion-3 is a portable/person-carriable RF-based detection, early warning, tracking, and identification solution.
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and AFWERX have partnered to streamline the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) process by accelerating the small business experience through faster proposal to award timelines, changing the pool of potential applicants by expanding opportunities to small business and eliminating bureaucratic overhead by continually implementing process improvement changes in contract execution. The DAF began offering the Open Topic SBIR/STTR program in 2018 which expanded the range of innovations the DAF funded and now in October 2023, WhiteFox Defense will start its journey to create and provide innovative capabilities that will strengthen the national defense of the United States of America.
“We are honored that WhiteFox Defense Technologies has been selected by AFWERX for an SBIR Phase II contract valued at $1.25 million. This is a significant milestone for our organization and a testament to the innovative capabilities of Scorpion 3, our lightweight, portable drone detection and mitigation solution. With this contract, we are poised to address the most critical challenges within the Department of the Air Force,” said Luke Fox, CEO of WhiteFox Defense Technologies.
About WhiteFox Defense Technologies
Headquartered in California, WhiteFox Defense Technologies is a leading global technology company specializing in the development of innovative solutions for airspace management and counter drone defense. With a strong focus on pioneering the safe integration of drones into society, WhiteFox offers worldwide drone airspace security solutions that promote trusted autonomy through transparency and accountability in our skies. WhiteFox is committed to pushing the boundaries of technological advancements to create a safer and more secure airspace, providing cutting-edge products and services to industries worldwide. For more information, please visit our website at https://www.whitefoxdefense.com.
(Source: C-UAS Hub)
18 Oct 23. The Challenges Of Counter-Drone Technology As Seen In Recent Conflicts. Drone and counter-drone technologies have become critical tools on the modern battlefield, with the outcome of conflicts increasingly hinging on the superiority of these systems. Recently, both Ukraine and Israel have faced challenges on their respective battlefields due to the effective usage of drones by their adversaries. Russian drones have played a significant role in hampering the Ukrainian counter-offensive. Meanwhile, a Hamas drone attack was used to launch their October 7 assault on Israel. While the focus has been primarily on the effectiveness of the drone systems, equally important is the limitations of modern counter-drone systems. Ukraine and Israel both have counter-drone systems; however, these systems have limitations that were exploited by their adversaries.
Most modern militaries, including Ukraine and Israel, have invested heavily in counter-drone technology. Indeed, modern air-defense systems, surface-to-air missile systems, and large-caliber machine guns are now fairly effective against larger drones. A major challenge arises with smaller drones, especially those that fly at lower altitudes, which are difficult to detect or target. Both countries have an array of specialty counter-drone systems in their arsenals to neutralize these drones.
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Counter-drone systems are generally categorized as kinetic or non-kinetic. Kinetic systems fire projectiles, such as bullets or missiles, at a drone to destroy it. Most kinetic counter-drone systems incorporate a sensor, such as radar, to detect the drone and a motorized platform to aim and fire the weapon. Meanwhile, non-kinetic systems disrupt a drone’s flight capabilities by blocking or corrupting the signals crucial for control and navigation. These systems emit noise signals at set frequencies commonly used for controlling drones, rendering the drone incapable of detecting its command signals amidst the noise. They may also transmit false GPS signals, confusing the drone’s systems and disrupting any pre-loaded flight plans. It is worth noting that it is difficult to jam the drone’s transmission signals since this signal is considerably stronger than the command signals.
Given the Russian usage of drones, many aid packages to Ukraine have included counter-drone systems. For example, the list of equipment provided by the United States to Ukraine includes several systems including counter-drone gun trucks, laser-guided rocket systems, and “other c-UAS equipment.” Additionally, they have included electronic warfare equipment, which likely incorporates non-kinetic counter-drone technology. Ukraine also recently received several CORTEX Typhon systems from Kongsberg, a Norwegian company; these systems use radar to detect drones, and then fires missiles to shoot them down. Moreover, images from Ukraine show soldiers carrying “anti-drone rifles” which are a non-kinetic system that sends a directed radio pulse to disrupt a drone.
Israel has emerged as a notable player in the counter-drone sector, using the Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Drone Dome and the Elbit Systems ReDrone. These systems are non-kinetic, detecting a drone through 3D radar, signal detection, or cameras, and then emitting jamming signals to disrupt its operation. Newer versions of the Drone Dome also include lasers for destroying the drone. The Drone Dome and ReDrone systems are used by a number of other countries to protect critical infrastructure from drone attacks and are generally considered fairly effective at neutralizing drones.
Despite these systems, there is an inherent challenge in counter-drone technology. The commercial drone market is advancing rapidly, and counter-drone technology is often lagging behind it. As drones develop new capacities, they can be used for mission sets where counter-drone systems are ineffective. In this case, Russia and Hamas deployed their drones for missions where Ukrainian and Israeli counter-drone systems would be limited in their effectiveness.
Notably, the Russians are using drones to patrol their obstacle belts, such that if the Ukrainians attempt to breach the obstacles, they will shoot them with artillery. Non-kinetic systems would likely be ineffective at jamming the transmission signal from the drones. Moreover, Russian drones such as the Orlan-10 have advanced autonomous flight capabilities that will limit the effectiveness of jamming. Should the Ukrainians deploy a kinetic counter-drone systems against these drones, the Russian electronic warfare teams would pick up the radar signals and target those locations with precision artillery. As such, it is difficult to counter these drones, which in turn has slowed down the Ukrainian counteroffensive.
During the October 7th attack on Israel, Hamas strategically used drones to target Israeli defenses including security towers and communication towers using modified commercial drones laden with explosives. These drones have the ability to fly low, allowing them to not be picked up by radar. Additionally, they likely shifted to radio frequencies that are not detected or jammed by counter-drone systems. Moreover, these attacks took place in urban areas, where the utility of counter-drone systems is generally restricted. Buildings naturally obstruct line-of-sight, complicating drone detection and interception. Meanwhile, the use of non-kinetic systems is also constrained in urban environments to avoid interference with the local population.
The counter-drone challenges faced by Ukraine and Israel underscore the cat-and-mouse dynamics between drones and counter-drone technologies. Commercially empowered drone technology is evolving at a rapid pace, outpacing the progress in counter-drone technology, primarily driven by the military sector. With one country develops and deploys new counter-drone systems, their adversaries adapt by identifying weaknesses and devising strategies to circumvent them. The next round of counter-drone systems for Israel and Ukraine will likely attempt to overcome the challenges they currently face. In turn, the drone strategies of their respective adversaries will change as well, and the sequence continues.
(Source: Google/Forbes)
18 Oct 23. Argentina boosts maritime defence with acquisition of P3 Orion aircraft. The Argentinian Minister of Defence and Navy chief led the surveillance aircraft agreement.
Argentina has taken a step towards strengthening its maritime defence capabilities by acquiring four P3 Orion aircraft, enhancing its surveillance and search and rescue abilities in the South Atlantic.
This builds upon the existing four P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft procured from Lockheed Martin in 2020, according to GlobalData’s Argentina Armed Forces – Equipment Inventory 2023 report.
The signing ceremony, led by Minister of Defence Jorge Taiana and the head of the Argentine Navy, Admiral Julio Guardia, was a move to enhance Argentina’s control and surveillance over the South Atlantic.
These aircraft, known for their observation capacity and extended flight autonomy, are set to monitor the territorial sea, exclusive economic zone (EEZ), and search and rescue missions. The acquisition adds to Argentina’s ongoing efforts to improve its surveillance and control over its waters.
Last month, Argentina also enhanced its naval surveillance and airforce capacity with a letter of intent to acquire eight AW 109 helicopters from Leonardo. These helicopters will also play a role in strengthening the Argentine Navy’s surveillance and control efforts in the South Atlantic, particularly within the Exclusive Economic Zone.
Taiana stated: “The acquisition of these aircraft constitutes a great contribution to strengthening the policy that we are developing to improve the surveillance and control of our waters. We are the ones who guarantee control in our waters.”
Guardia emphasised the aircraft’s capabilities: “These four aircraft are central to the Force, allowing almost continuous presence in our areas of interest, thanks to the enormous autonomy they have, the radar systems, and some other technical elements.”
One of the key aspects of the acquisition is the aircraft’s ability to recover long-range exploration capacity in the EEZ and increase its presence in maritime areas of interest, including the Argentine Antarctic. These capabilities will be important for monitoring living and non-living resources and naval lines of communication.
Negotiations for incorporating these aircraft began in March, culminating in the signing of the agreement. The acquisition, funded through the National Defense Fund, will further solidify Argentina’s commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and marine resources.
These aircraft have an extensive operational radius, enabling them to cover the Argentine maritime coastline, continental shelf and the Antarctic. Their ability to operate in all weather conditions, advanced sensor systems and communication equipment position them as assets in search and rescue operations.
The Argentine Navy will collaborate with the Joint Maritime Command to conduct surveillance and control operations in the national jurisdiction’s maritime and river spaces.
The acquisition also includes transferring the entire maintenance system, accessories, spare parts and components from Norway to the Alte Naval Air Base in Trelew, Chubut province. Argentina’s military planning for defence, as outlined in the political directive of National Defense (Decree 457/21), identifies the need for strategic control of vast territorial spaces, a task for which these aircraft are well-suited.
The aircraft’s arrival on Argentine shores marks a leap forward in the country’s maritime defence capabilities.
The event was attended by key figures including the director of the Norwegian Defense Materiel Agency, Magnus Hansvold, and the Norwegian ambassador to Argentina, Halvor Sætre, highlighting the collaborative nature of this defence agreement. (Source: naval-technology.com)
18 Oct 23. RoK, U.S. Defense Firms Join Forces in Developing Advanced Radar. A South Korean defense firm has reached a preliminary agreement with a U.S. company to develop an advanced radar for drones carrying out observation missions at high altitudes, the industry ministry said Wednesday.
Huneed Technologies, a local defense firm, and the U.S.-based General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. signed the memorandum of understanding to develop a radar system that can be used for operations at altitudes of 13 kilometers and above, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.
The two firms will jointly develop the high-resolution observation radar for drones, with Huneed supplying a homegrown active electronically scanned array (AESA) antenna, it added.
The AESA system can detect and track multiple targets simultaneously and extensively, as the beam of radio waves is electronically steered to points in different directions without moving the antenna.
“The agreement indicates that South Korean defense firms’ technology competitiveness has now reached a level that allows them to become key partners with global aeronautical defense companies,” First Vice Industry Minister Jang Young-jin said during the signing ceremony.
Jang said that the government will make efforts to broaden the range of research collaboration with the United States and expand the bilateral alliance to cover not only security but also cutting-edge industries and technology sectors as well.
The ceremony took place on the margins of the Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition (ADEX) 2023, which runs through Sunday.
(Source: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/ Yonhap News Agency)
19 Oct 23. Launch of SensorFusionAI.
• DroneShield launches SensorFusionAI (SFAI), a sensor-agnostic, 3D data fusion engine for complex environments
• Currently deployed as a module in DroneSentry-C2, DroneShield’s Command-and-Control (C2) system
• This launch enables SFAI as a standalone module which can integrate into third party C2 systems on SaaS basis, providing smart fusion capability from diverse sensor arrays
DroneShield Limited (ASX:DRO) (“DroneShield” or the “Company”) is pleased to launch SensorFusionAI (SFAI), a sensor-agnostic, 3D data fusion engine for complex environments.
Angus Bean, DroneShield’s CTO, commented “Detection of drones or Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) is moving towards multi-sensor approach for fixed site (and in certain situations, vehicle and ship systems) where the space and budget allows for such approach, due to ability to provide better detection results with multiple sensor modalities, such as radiofrequency, radar, acoustic and camera systems, either deployed in a single or across multiple nodes. However the multi-sensor approach only generates better results, with an intelligent software engine to fuse together the sensor outputs and give an intelligent set of outputs – otherwise adding more sensors is counterproductive as it creates more data without a clear way to manage it.”
DroneShield has developed a true AI-based sensorfusion engine, initially for its own DroneSentry-C2 command-and-control system, including all common drone detection modalities (RF, radar, acoustics, camera).
This separation enables third party C2 manufacturers (including primes) to add SFAI to their C2 systems, on a subscription basis (SaaS), thus improving the performance.
Oleg Vornik, DroneShield’s CEO, added “DroneShield seeks to be both the complete supplier of C-UAS solutions where possible, or a subcontractor where it makes sense. There will be numerous situations globally where the customer has an existing preference for another C2 supplier, based on their existing relationships or other requirements. Providing SFAI to such third party suppliers, maximises our market share and further monetises the IP that we have developed.”
Key feature of SFAI include:
• Behaviour Analysis – Track an object to determine classification and predict trajectory.
• Threat Assessment – Intelligently determine threat level based on a wide range of data types.
• Confidence Levels – Designed for complex, high noise environments, with inconsistent data inputs.
• After-Action Reporting – Sophisticated analytics presented in easy to interpret graphical dashboards.
• Edge Processing – Utilises an edge processing device (SmartHub) for reduced network load and high scalability.
• Versatile Adaptable Inputs – New sensors use existing software adaptors to improve integration time.
• Output to Any Platform – Visualisation on DroneSentry-C2 or third-party C2 platforms, data analysis, alert systems or security management software.
SFAI has significant advantages over traditional multi-sensor C2 engines, whereby system sensors are utilised for their strengths with their weaknesses offset by the strengths of sensor types:
• System intelligently builds a model informed by all inputs over time.
• Confidence values allow for soft sensitivity selection, reducing false positives or false negatives.
• Prediction model can interpolate paths for consistent tracking even with sparse data.
• Any incomplete or contradictory data mediated by comprehensive object model.
• All sensor data fused into one consistent intelligence packet.
17 Oct 23. Ireland completes receipt of C295 maritime patrol aircraft.
Ireland has received the second of a pair of Airbus Defence and Space (DS) C295 transport aircraft configured for maritime patrol operations.
The Irish Air Corps announced the milestone on 17 October, posting footage of the twin-turboprop arriving into its future home station of Casement Aerodrome (also known as Baldonnel Aerodrome) near Dublin.
Delivery of the second and final maritime patrol aircraft (MPA)-configured C295 came around four months after the first flew into the same location on 27 June, having appeared in the static display line up of the Paris Air Show 2023 the week before. The Irish Air Corps is acquiring the larger and more capable C295 in place of the two CN235MP Persuaders that have been flown since December 1994. The new C295 MPAs are fitted with Airbus’ Fully Integrated Tactical System (FITS), an Ireland-specific mission sensor suite, and Collins Aerospace’s Pro Line Fusion avionics. (Source: Janes)
16 Oct 23. Insitu Pacific and Innovaero Team Up to Develop UAS Strike Concept. Insitu Pacific (IPL) and Innovaero will collaborate on an integrated solution for a long-range strike capability using uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS), providing a versatile solution in an increasingly complex battlespace.
The work underway will coordinate:
– IPL’s Integrator, which provides intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), and
– Innovaero’s One-Way Loitering (OWL) munition which can strike a long-range target after flying directly to it or circling overhead.
“This unified approach would combine uncrewed intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and long-range strike capabilities to rapidly deliver direct effects in the engagement zone without the need for crews in larger air assets being put at risk,” said Andrew Duggan, managing director Insitu Pacific.
“The concept is designed to achieve seamless integration with current Australian Defence Force systems, including the Integrator, and offers great potential to become an integral strike asset.”
Together, the companies will develop, test, and field the collaborative system using Insitu Pacific’s common ground control station (GCS) and INEXA software to control both UAS and long-range OWLs. Operators would command both assets through the common GCS.
“The versatility of the proposed combined ISR and strike solution provides a significantly shorter ‘sensor to shooter’ loop to engage emerging threats,” said Simon Grosser, Innovaero Group CEO.
“Our collaboration with Insitu Pacific builds on our work with Defence in Australia to develop an Australian loitering munitions capability, and offers an integrated solution for long range UAS target detection and effective engagement.”
Development and testing for the Integrator/OWL system will continue through 2023.
The announcement builds on a Memorandum of Agreement established between Insitu Pacific and Innovaero in July 2021 to strengthen the development of Australian technology for uncrewed aerial systems.
(Source: https://cuashub.com/)
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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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