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11 Jan 24. Indian Navy to induct Hermes 900 Starliner. The Indian Navy will induct two Hermes 900 Starliner unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) by the end of February, a spokesperson for the Indian Navy told Janes on 10 January.
Elbit Systems’ Hermes 900 Starliner is manufactured in India by Adani Defence and Aerospace under the name ‘Drishti 10′ for Indian customers. Drishti 10 was unveiled on 10 January in the presence of India’s Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral R Hari Kumar.
The Indian Navy spokesperson said the Drishti 10 UAVs will be handed over to the service in Porbandar, located along the coast of the Arabian Sea in the western state of Gujarat.
“Indian Navy personnel are currently undergoing training provided by Adani officials to efficiently operate the Drishti 10 UAVs,” the spokesperson added.
In his address at the unveiling ceremony, Adm Kumar said the UAV will be a “force multiplier” for the Indian Navy, undertaking intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations across the Indian Ocean. (Source: Janes)
11 Jan 24. Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) is developing the Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC) that will track objects in the geosynchronous orbit, protecting critical U.S. and allied satellites. DARC is a global network of three advanced ground-based sensors to be operated in collaboration with AUKUS alliance partners, the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom.
Leaders from the three countries recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding to host and operate DARC as a collaboration to expand beyond what individual nations could achieve alone in one of the most critical domains for future security.
Northrop Grumman’s highly advanced DARC technology will operate 24/7, in all weather conditions, filling critical gaps in the ground-based element of the space domain awareness architecture enterprise.
11 Jan 24. Cuashub.com said today that UK Tender: Kinetic Effector RFI
In the United Kingdom- The Authorities aim to assess market potential and gather market perspectives on requirements to ensure consideration in potential procurement initiatives. Information in this Request for Information (RFI) or any communication between the Authorities and Potential Providers does not constitute a contract, agreement, or representation of any resulting procurement or contract. The Authorities bear no liability for this RFI or associated documentation and will not reimburse costs incurred by Potential Providers in responding to the RFI.
Published Date– January 9, 2024
Closing Date– February 2, 2024
For additional information, please visit- Kinetic Effector RFI
The term ‘kinetic effector,’ often denoted as a ‘hard kill’ or ‘hard stop’ solution, encompasses methods for physically capturing or retrieving drones. These counter-drone tools aim to prevent drone incursions by capturing, entangling, or disabling them. Kinetic effectors, including ammunition for existing firearms, bespoke systems like ‘smart’ weapons sighting systems, and specially designed ammunition requiring an Authorized Firearms Officer (AFO), may be classified as ‘firearms,’ limiting their operational use. Remotely piloted aircraft, drones, or Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) serve various legitimate and illegal purposes, necessitating measures like kinetic effectors to counter their potential misuse, either as standalone devices or integrated with detection systems.
Remotely piloted aircraft, commonly known as drones or Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), serve diverse purposes across various sectors of society, encompassing both lawful and unlawful activities. These applications range from transporting Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) to engaging in video espionage, privacy infringements, and the illicit transportation of contraband, among other uses. Kinetic effectors emerge as a potential solution to address the reckless, inconsiderate, or criminal deployment of drones. These tools can function independently or integrate with other technologies, such as detection systems, to counteract misuse effectively.
The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) Counter Drones coordinates this activity with national equipment and interoperable training using ‘mutual aid’ for all Home Office forces. Police Scotland, Police Service of Northern Ireland, Ministry of Defence Police, Civil Nuclear Constabulary, British Transport Police, and the National Crime Agency also accord with the principles set out in the national model that in the future will be covered under the College of Policing’s Authorised Professional Practice (Counter Drones) (APP) for the deployment, training and use of counter drones equipment.
https://cuashub.com/en/content/uk-tender-kinetic-effector-rfi/?_hsmi=289617652&_hsenc=p2ANqtz–2-BT0LXhWFF6bU3np4cfc96ZbDAYPddatYOqdUM25tEKmsJjcOBJUY6d8U5r72qec5vs9sz1ciq8KeYbFCdwZIhsSkfDznOZge-nF4z8NT6Icarw#utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&utm_content=289617652&utm_source=hs_email (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
10 Jan 24. RTX Raytheon’s GhostEye® MR proves operational readiness during U.S. Air Force exercise. Raytheon, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, in partnership with the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory’s Strategic Development Planning and Experimentation (SDPE) office and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, demonstrated the operational performance and readiness of the GhostEye® MR advanced medium-range sensor for the National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System (NASAMS) during an extended exercise at White Sands Missile Range.
GhostEye MR expands NASAMS’ combat-proven capabilities against enemy aircraft, unmanned aircraft systems, and cruise missile threats. The radar was designed and developed by Raytheon, primarily through internal research and development investments. During the recent exercise, GhostEye MR was successfully integrated with NASAMS’ Air Defense Console and the Battlespace Command and Control Center (BC3), a command-and-control element used by the U.S. Air Force.
“This experiment showed that GhostEye MR is a viable sensor option for integrated air and missile defense,” said Jim Simonds, U.S. Air Force Air Base Air Defense Program Manager at the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory. “The radar clearly demonstrated its ability to be rapidly deployed and detect and track live targets precisely at longer ranges, providing increased standoff and decision-making time.”
In a configuration designed as an air base air defense solution for the U.S. Air Force, all three system components communicated effectively, sharing information and relevant data during a live threat scenario. GhostEye MR provided a comprehensive air picture for the command-and-control system to determine whether a target was a threat and what response was required. Additionally, the radar supported simulated engagements and, with NASAMS, successfully defeated the targets.
“The team’s success demonstrates that GhostEye MR can meet the needs of the U.S. Air Force,” said Tom Laliberty, president of Land & Air Defense Systems at Raytheon. “Air bases around the world face a growing array of sophisticated airborne threats, and this exercise marked a significant step toward fielding an integrated capability for air base air defense.”
This demonstration also builds on last year’s successful air base air defense experiment in Andøya, Norway, that showcased NASAMS’ ability to engage and intercept various aerial threats using multiple Raytheon missile types and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace’s Fire Distribution Center.
In August of last year, Raytheon was awarded its first government contracts to advance development and assessment of GhostEye MR. A member of Raytheon’s GhostEye family of sensors, GhostEye MR provides increased range and altitude coverage to expand the defended-area capabilities of NASAMS. The radar leverages commonality with the Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor, or LTAMDS – currently advancing through development for the U.S. Army. (Source: Google/PR Newswire)
10 Jan 24. Cuashub.com said today that Administrators Review NNSA Counter-UAS Technologies.
On December 18 and 19, 2023, NNSA Principal Deputy Administrator Frank Rose and Associate Administrator for Defense National Security Lew Monroe toured the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS) and Sandia National Laboratories (SNL). Their visits focused on the threat of UAS to key nuclear sites and reviewing NNSA counter-UAS technologies and programs to address the threat of unauthorized drones entering these and other NNSA sites.
Rose and Monroe began their tour by visiting NNSS on December 18. Upon arrival, they were provided with a comprehensive briefing and witnessed a live demonstration showcasing counter-UAS programs and the latest advancements in air defense for NNSS.
During Rose and Monroe’s visit to SNL, they visited the Physical Security Engineering, Robotics, and Autonomy Laboratory at SNL for an extensive tour of cutting-edge UAS and counter-UAS projects. The visit included a live demonstration at the Security System of the Future Laboratory and briefings by the Remote Target Engagement System team on technology enhancements in use at Air Force Nuclear Weapons facilities. Additionally, the Advanced Surety Laboratory outlined developments in Systems-of-Systems analysis. The visit concluded with a focus on the future vision for NNSA’s UAS and counter-UAS programs, featuring demonstrations of emerging technology to enhance airspace security. (NNSA).
https://cuashub.com/en/content/administrators-review-nnsa-counter-uas-technologies/?_hsmi=289448545&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9Eas19tF6142vpBU4f2fSiIk3rUCjnAgk-kWfdEStroz1k8bu0ZMy1Z_1FWFNsX_5W81Gwg_DfZk8YqfN2tJD8PysqiEXbxIY9K0gXiuJ_Gm280go#utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&utm_content=289448545&utm_source=hs_email(Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
10 Jan 24. Cuashub.com said today that MARSS Demos NiDAR at Red Sands C-UAS Exercise. MARSS played a significant role in the recently held Red Sands Live Fire Counter-UAS Exercise in Saudi Arabia. The exercise strengthens the military ties and coordination between the United States and Saudi Arabia and showcases how different technologies can defeat various attacks. Additionally, the exercise aims to formulate procedures for countering Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) and enhance the defensive preparedness of the two nations against evolving UAS threats.
The live exercise represented a highly intricate operation, encompassing diverse counter-UAS technologies, various UAS targets, and intricate scenarios based on sophisticated enemy tactics, techniques, and procedures.
Numerous participants and systems were actively involved in the exercise, with MARSS utilizing its innovative NiDAR technology.
Jeff Tipton, Business Development Director in Defence at MARSS, stated, “Through our involvement in the live exercise, MARSS was able to demonstrate the effectiveness of our live NiDAR Command and Control Centre to the US CENTCOM Commander, as well as the Chief of General Staff of the Royal Saudi Armed Forces and his Component Commanders. It was a pleasure to be involved, and truly exciting to work with such esteemed colleagues.”
NiDAR was presented through an easy-to-use interface on a single touch-screen during the exercise, highlighting its capability to integrate data from multiple sensors into a unified tactical picture. This streamlines the information necessary for controlling and responding to threats, providing a significant advantage over traditional systems that often require multiple operators to manage separate sensor screens.
Tipton further noted, “MARSS’ AI technologies were also on display, capable of autonomously identifying, categorizing and tracking potential threats while alerting users to mission-critical events in real-time.vAs a result, NiDAR is able to reduce the operator burden and associated human risk factors, as well as providing enhanced decision-support and allowing for a more rapid and accurate response.”
In this special exercise, MARSS collaborated with EOS Defense Systems USA (EOS) as the Remote Weapons Station/Cannon provider during the CUAS Hard Kill Challenge, presenting innovative and effective Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (CUAS) defeat options. Phil Coker, CEO of EOS, remarked, ”The Hard Kill Challenge was a great opportunity to demonstrate the power and potential of combining a very powerful and modern battle management system with a precise kinetic kill capability. This is a winning combination.”
The latest exercise follows Red Sands 23.1, which was conducted in March 2023. MARSS and EOS are now invited to participate in Red Sands 2024 (Networked Lethality) with their fully networked end-to-end CUAS solutions.
“For MARSS, the intent is to show the full NiDAR Cueing Capability live at Red Sands 2024 and defeat drones from NiDAR to EOS HK,” Tipton concluded. (Reference)
https://cuashub.com/en/content/marss-demos-nidar-at-red-sands-c-uas-exercise/?_hsmi=289448545&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_W3IZUonezNR1uuRuRtVDhfl81KshlBpbz4aeFs12Wm6aboXFWKS_CmaeagsKkkOMAR6b2ww21g00gNvg4-1jHK2RLzCOzHydZKFjoP2_SMK0_4B0#utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&utm_content=289448545&utm_source=hs_email (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
09 Jan 24. Indian Army issues tender for driver night sights. The Indian Army has outlined the detailed requirements supporting its acquisition of thermal imager (TI)-based driver night sights (DNSs) for its in-service BMP-2/2K infantry combat vehicles (ICVs).
In a request for information (RFI) document issued by the army on 8 January, the service intends to procure approximately 2,500 TI-based DNS for BMP-2/2K and its variants such as the Carrier Mortar Tracked (CMT) vehicle and the Armoured Ambulance Tracked (AAT) vehicle.
According to the RFI document, TI-based DNS will be employed in the plains and desert terrain along the western borders of India, mountainous terrain along the northern borders (Eastern Ladakh/Central Sector/North Sikkim) of India, and island territories of Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep.
The shelf-life of the sights should be at least 15 years and their operational life should be at least 10,000 hours, the RFI said.
(Source: Janes)
09 Jan 24. Hanwha to Provide Korean Military Anti-Drone Systems. South Korean aerospace and defense maker Hanwha Systems Co. is set to establish a military system to cope with small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and drones from the North while planning to develop various models of the system for exports.
The unit of the country’s defense-to-chemical conglomerate Hanwha Group said on Friday it has signed two deals worth about 35 bn won ($26.9 m) with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration for integrated anti-drone facilities in critical areas.
Hanwha Systems plans to build equipment for South Korean forces that identify small UAVs and drones approaching key infrastructure such as airports and install jammers to force those flying objects to go off course or crash by interfering with the radio waves. It will be the first time for the country to deploy such a system. It will also supply a mobile interception system.
The company aims to standardize and upgrade its anti-drone systems while diversifying product lines for export.
“The global anti-drone market is rapidly growing, given increasing drone attacks in conflict areas across the world,”
said Park Do-hyun, Hanwha Systems’ head of the command and control business division.
“We aim to provide systems to defend swarm drone attacks with Hanwha System’s world-class technologies of radar, thermal observation devices, AI target identification distinguishing drones and comprehensive multi-layered response capabilities,”
Kim said, referring to artificial intelligence.
JAMMING, INTERCEPTION
Hanwha Systems is set to provide 22 sets of drone jamming systems in a 30bn won deal to detect and incapacitate the UAVs at core infrastructures such as the center of the Seoul metropolitan area and airfields of the Air Force, which urgently need such facilities, industry sources said.
Last year, North Korean drones entered the airspace of the South with one of them coming into the no-fly zone around the presidential office in Seoul, prompting South Korean forces to scramble for fighter jets and attack helicopters. They failed to shoot the drones down, however.
Hanwha System’s jamming system consists of a detection radar, electro-optical and infrared thermal observation devices, a jammer and an integrated console for operations, according to the company.
Separately, in a 5 bn won contract, by December 2024 it is also set to supply 33 sets of systems mounted on military vehicles to jam, capture and intercept drones, industry sources said.
The South Korean forces are expected to share target information through these anti-drone systems, which will be established across the Seoul metropolitan area. The country in September launched the drone operation command. (Source: UAS VISION/The Korea Economic Daily)
08 Jan 24. Cuashub.com said today that MatrixSpace Co-Leads Industry Standard for Surveillance SDSPs. MatrixSpace and INVOLI have jointly led the development of the inaugural F3623-23 Standard Specification for Surveillance Supplementary Data Service Provider (SDSP), recently published by ASTM International.
These SDSPs play a crucial role in supporting Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) operators by delivering essential air traffic surveillance, weather information, terrain details, obstacle clearance, and other specific data relevant to operations, particularly in the under-400 feet airspace frequently utilized in autonomous operations.
Traditionally, various sensors like radar, LiDAR, optical devices, Transponder Modes A, C, or S, and ADS-B lacked a unified platform for collecting and distributing surveillance data. UAS operators were required to establish individual, point-to-point connections with different sensor providers, resulting in a cumbersome and costly process. Moreover, operators had to reconcile track data from various sources, requiring validation for each track.
This newly established global SDSP standard sets forth benchmark requirements for collecting and disseminating air traffic surveillance data, streamlining the process for users. SDSPs are now empowered to develop data fusion capabilities, allowing for a consolidated track. This innovative approach eliminates complexity, offering UAS operators a convenient “one-stop shop” for comprehensive surveillance services.
The ASTM International recently published another SDSP standard for weather information. These efforts incentivize the UAS industry to build products that comply with these standards and have high confidence from the regulators. Regulators worldwide consider compliance with the standards one of the top requirements for operational approvals.
The MatrixSpace Radar delivers robust situational awareness for airborne and ground-based objects with its exceptionally low SWaP-C (size, weight, power, and cost). This capability remains effective irrespective of lighting and weather conditions. Consequently, it plays a pivotal role in enabling long-awaited Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flights for uncrewed and autonomous aircraft while enhancing general aviation safety measures.
“Industry-driven standards are essential for the UAS industry to ensure requirements are based on practical, real-world implementations, and SDSPs play a vital role in expanding the UTM ecosystem and the overall safety of UAS operations,” commented Akaki Kunchulia, Airspace Regulations Lead for MatrixSpace. “This standard allows them to focus on product development adhering to this standard, which in turn ensures a level of integration not previously possible. As radar and other sensing capabilities become more advanced, we can integrate them easily into the wider surveillance service.”
The CEO of INVOLI, Manu Lubrano, commented, “As low-altitude BVLOS (beyond visual line of sight) autonomous and semi-autonomous flight proliferates, there is a growing need to provide a standard way to monitor air activities for collision avoidance. This is one of the key challenges facing the UAS industry to operate safely and at scale. This standard allows SDSPs to provide complex but streamlined surveillance data to multiple users and, in turn, enable more BVLOS flights.”
About MatrixSpace
MatrixSpace is re-imagining radar. We are addressing the next generation of AI-enabled sensing so that objects can be identified, and data collected in real-time – no cloud access required. We’re building the smallest radar system to provide new levels of integrated outdoor surveillance in 4D (the size, location, and movement of objects in time), making it accessible to a broad range of public and private enterprises. www.matrixspace.com.
About INVOLI
INVOLI is a leading provider of hardware and software solutions for air traffic detection and visualization, drone remote identification, and drone live tracking.
https://cuashub.com/en/content/matrixspace-co-leads-industry-standard-for-surveillance-sdsps/?_hsmi=289100313&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9SWCUQzbTc765HDj8G04siOPPhrKyKh5vnXkUKNizJpKHCOBcGW68LcP3X4ZYwaIby9Mj0c4BX2-wdaXb911wQAaxu3Foy7z-1ZIxzjN4ct94yso4#utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&utm_content=289100313&utm_source=hs_email (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
08 Jan 24. “C-UAS detection, mitigation will need to be managed at community level” – DHS. There is a need for urgent action to enable every community to detect and mitigate drone activity to the same degree (or better) than is currently possible at the federal level, according to Samantha Vinograd, Assistant Secretary for Counterterrorism and Threat Prevention at the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in a recent broadcast interview.
During the interview she highlighted the department’s increasing concern over the rapid increase in the use of drones for malicious purposes. Ranging from the equivalent of ‘joyriding’ escapades by irresponsible individuals through narcotics trafficking (especially into prisons) all the way through to terrorist intent, the scale and increasing intensity of incursions is causing significant concern in government circles.
The low entry threshold from a cost perspective, the increasing technological sophistication of drones and the ease with which they can be procured and used combine to accentuate the threat potential. The escalation in the scale of unauthorised drone use in national airspace is in itself a worrying fact. The scale is leading to a recognition that DHS “cannot be everywhere,” and that there is a need for urgent action to enable every community to detect and mitigate drone activity to the same degree (or better) than is currently possible at the federal level.
While large-scale public events are currently catered for, the potential for drone intervention in routine VIP travel at state and local level, sporting and entertainment events at which spectators can number in the tend of thousands and the potential for attacks on critical infrastructure all pose concerns for planners and operators. The added worry is that DHS’ authorisation for the current level of countermeasures expires in February and with Congress now mired in internal squabbling, there is no guarantee it will be smoothly renewed, let alone expanded to take account of emerging circumstances.
In the first half of 2023 alone, 302 drone incidents took place near an airport, of which 146 were close to the country’s largest 30 airports. Six aircraft had to divert to avoid colliding with a drone.
For more information: DHS ‘concerned’ drones being used for ‘malicious purposes’ – ABC News (go.com) (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
04 Jan 24. Russia’s ZALA Group unveils Izdeliye 55 drone, claims it to be invulnerable to EW. Zala Aero Group, a prominent Russian developer and manufacturer of UCAVs and loitering munitions, unveiled what it claims to be its latest LM impervious to EW attacks – the Izdeliye 55 (Product 55 in English) – on 2 January.
The new drone is a member of the well-established Lancet family and features an X-wing aerodynamic design, four engines, remote container launch and is purportedly easy to operate. Its advanced features – including real-time high-definition video feed right up to the moment of impact and a selectable angle of approach to the target – have the potential to significantly enhance the operational effectiveness of Russian forces on the ground in Ukraine.
Its resistance to EW effects, in addition, could provide significant tactical advantage. However, it is worth pointing out that a large number of recent claims made by Russia for various items of equipment have been – not disproven, exactly, but circumvented by Ukrainian responses. The obliteration of the recently-deployed counter-battery radar by (ironically) an artillery battery is a case in point. Nonetheless, if true, the drone may pose a new challenge to C-UAS systems currently fielded.
For more info: Изделие 55 – ZALA AERO — Беспилотные системы (БПЛА), беспилотные воздушные суда (БВС) (zala-aero.com) (in Russian)
(Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
04 Jan 24. US Department for Energy publishes RFI for C-UAS protection of nuclear sites. The US Department for Energy has issued “A Request for Information: Data Standards, Interfaces and Command and Control Capabilities for the Next-Generation Counter Uncrewed Aircraft System (cUAS) Enterprise for the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA).”
According to the RFI:
“Sandia National Laboratories (SNL), on behalf of the Center for Security, Technology, Analysis, Response and Testing (CSTART) within the National Nuclear Security Administration’s (NNSA’s) Defense Nuclear Security Office (NA-70), seeks information regarding the current capabilities, technologies, approaches, and business models for Counter Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (CUAS). NA-70 desires to explore Command and Control (C2) systems that are highly agile and adaptable to evolving threats. There is also interest in C2 systems that enable the use of advanced algorithms by exposing sensor data in raw formats that follow established and open data standards. Of particular interest are CUAS architectures and C2 capabilities that enable seamless integration of sensors, effectors and C2 algorithms from multiple suppliers, such that systems may be upgraded with the latest technology, without lengthy and costly development cycles.
“…..This RFI represents the first step in an anticipated large-scale multi-stage acquisition to establish the next-generation, long-term CUAS enterprise at multiple high security sites operated by NA-70. Responses to this RFI are expected to help inform NA-70’s acquisition strategy and planning for near-term development and testing of next-generation systems and their ultimate installation at high security sites.
NA-70 is responsible for the physical security of several high-security Continental United States (CONUS) sites. “In support of NA-70’s physical security goals, the Center for Security, Technology, Analysis, response, and Testing (CSTART) provides expertise on security technologies, systems, analysis, testing, inspection support, training, and response force.
“The characteristics of high security sites differ significantly, ranging from open and flat terrain in minimally populated areas to mountainous terrain near population centers. The widespread availability and rapid evolution of small uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS), often referred to as “drones,” pose significant national security challenges. NA-70 has begun to plan for its long-term, next-generation approach to counter the UAS threat, pursuing an approach that:
- Provides an open, non-proprietary architecture that is fully adaptable to different sites
- Provides the ability to seamlessly incorporate sensors and effectors from multiple manufacturers, and the ability to quickly upgrade capabilities as threats and defensive capabilities evolve, without requiring full system replacement
- Fully capitalizes on the advantages provided by multi-sensor fusion and autonomous data analytics and decision-making, enabled by technologies such as machine learning and optimization
- Provides the ability to be operated, enhanced, and maintained by site personnel and contractors without permanent commitment to any one supplier
“The next-generation CUAS must address UAS threats defined as follows:
- Capable of operating against Group 1, Group 2, and Group 2+, which is defined as aircraft with an unloaded weight of 55 lbs or less but which may exceed 55 lb when loaded with a payload
- Capable of addressing extended altitudes beyond typical Group 2 limits in certain cases
- Capable of operating against multiple simultaneous threat aircraft
- Capable of operating against UAS controlled via a full spectrum of C2 methods including remote RF control, control over cellular networks, GPS waypoint-guided and fully autonomous e.g. terrain-aided dead reckoning
- Capable of mitigating a spectrum of threat activities ranging from accidental incursions to surveillance to physical threats
“The following site characteristics apply to the next-generation CUAS enterprise:
- CUAS must ultimately be configurable to operate and achieve the system requirements at a wide variety of sites with a range of terrain including wooded and mountainous, open desert, populated areas, in proximity to military installations, etc.
- Must operate effectively in a wide range of climate and weather conditions including high wind environments
- Each site will have multiple defined boundaries / regions within which UAS may not be allowed to intrude (“defended volume”), within which it is allowable to mitigate UAS (“engagement volume”), and within which it is allowable / possible to monitor UAS (“monitoring volume”)
“The top-level mission requirements for the next-generation CUAS enterprise are as follows:
- MIS-001: The CUAS must sense, track, and assess defined UAS threats, allowing sufficient time for neutralization before reaching the defended area.
- It is anticipated that multiple types of sensors and effectors, likely from multiple suppliers, will be required to maximize CUAS performance across the full threat spectrum and the diversity of site characteristics.
- The CUAS must be able to discern and de-conflict between authorized and unauthorized UAS.
- MIS-002: The CUAS must neutralize the defined UAS threat before reaching the defended area.
- It is anticipated that multiple types of effectors, likely from multiple suppliers, will be required to maximize CUAS performance across the full threat spectrum and the diversity of site characteristics
- MIS-003: The CUAS must utilize an open and modular architecture that enables equipment and algorithms from multiple providers to be interoperated with maximum effectiveness, combined performance, and extensibility.
- This architecture and enterprise must facilitate the seamless incorporation of data from disparate sources at multiple time scales, including for real-time operations, intelligence sharing, algorithm training, and other uses.
- MIS-004: The CUAS must employ automated and autonomous algorithms to leverage performance of multiple subsystems and developments in data fusion, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.
- The CUAS must be capable of algorithmically fusing data from multiple sensors to improve detection performance and reduce false and nuisance alarm rates.
- The CUAS must be capable of providing autonomous and operator-aiding command and control functions.
- MIS-005: The CUAS must include a modular user interface to efficiently meet the needs of key stakeholders, including operators, command, and headquarters.
- The CUAS must allow an operator to be in the loop to provide human inputs, corrections, and critical decisions.
- When operator in the loop decisions are utilized, the CUAS design must allow the operator sufficient time to make decisions.
- The operations should be user friendly.
- The CUAS should include features to enable the joint human-machine system to improve over time.
- MIS-006: The CUAS must operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with minimal downtime, in a full spectrum of weather and climate conditions.
- MIS-007: The CUAS must be compatible with common power, communications and other infrastructure elements typical of the sites.
- MIS-008: The CUAS must support quantitative analysis, testing and health status self-checks to ensure initial and continuing function and performance.
- MIS-009: The CUAS must be provisioned with an approved sustainment plan for the system’s lifecycle.
- The CUAS supplier may be required to perform sustainment and maintenance OR may be required to be able to facilitate sustainment and maintenance by a third party provider
- MIS-010: Operational procedures and comprehensive training must be provided to enable operators, maintainers, command and headquarters to effectively perform the CUAS mission, integrate CUAS with site security and mission operations, and manage the system’s lifecycle.
“Additional cross-cutting mission requirements are as follows:
- MIS-CC-001: The CUAS and its components should maximize data transparency to the broader system and to the government.
- Source code and all algorithm documentation for sensor fusion, autonomy, command and control, and user interface elements must be provided to the government.
- All sensor / detector elements should be able to provide raw sensor data and all levels of processed data to the system.
- MIS-CC-002: The CUAS must conform to all applicable laws and regulations and incorporate best practices for safety and health, physical and cyber security, reliability, maintainability, and scalability.
Deadline for responses is January 31, 2024 11:59 pm MST.
For more information: https://sam.gov/opp/8724bc0b38c24c25898b638acab53185/view
(Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
05 Jan 24. US Navy seeks “innovative proposals” to counter cross-domain attacks from uncrewed systems. Inspired by recent events in the Red Sea and the Gulf as well as observing the continuing escalation of drone warfare in Ukraine, the US Navy on 3 January issued notice of a forthcoming Request for Solutions (RfS) for a Counter-uncrewed Experimentation and Advanced Development (CEAD) system integration with C2 systems. The full RfS is likely to be released on or around 31 January, according to the government notice, which specifies that solutions are sought for cross-domain uncrewed system (UXS) threats.
“The purpose of this [request for solutions] is to solicit innovative proposals for addressing the challenge of countering multiple cross-domain uncrewed systems (UXS) that could be employed in coordinated attacks,” the notice reads, in part. “The government is seeking solutions capable of integrating information from undersea, maritime surface, ground, and air domains to effectively detect, identify, track, and mitigate multiple UXS”.
Organisations seeking to express interest must be members of the Expeditionary Missions Consortium (EMC2), which is the anticipated vehicle for an Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) to be used as the procurement vehicle. The project seeks to leverage insights in previous counter-UXS experimentation to develop more robust solutions to the increasingly complex and rapidly changing threat environment.
Interested parties should visit the EMC2 website (see below) to become a member of the consortium in order to be able to view the RfS when released. Primary and secondary points of contact for this project are and respectively. For more information: https://emccrane.org (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
05 Jan 24. Ultralytics turns to deep neural networks to assist object detection and tracking. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is behind new software designed to detect and track a wide range of objects. The Neural Autonomous Navigation Observer (NANO) solution is a set of very small deep neural networks (DNN) for drone use, to date detecting simple objects in low resolution.
Ultralytics’ YOLOv8 is designed to be accurate and easy to use for a wide range of object detection and tracking, instance segmentation, image classification and pose estimation tasks, says the company. Integrations with leading AI platforms extend the functionality of Ultralytics’ offerings, enhancing tasks like dataset labeling, training, visualization, and model management. Enterprise license is designed for commercial use, permitting seamless integration of Ultralytics software and AI models into commercial goods and services, bypassing the open-source requirements of AGPL-3.0.
Enterprise license requests: Ultralytics Licensing
For more information visit: www.github.com; www.ultralytics.com (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
01 Jan 24. Iran’s Shahed-238 presents stiffer challenges for counter-UAS in Ukraine. The emergence of Iran’s jet-powered Shahed-238 UCAV, revealed by the Ashura University of Aerospace Sciences and Technologies last November, has led to considerable speculation on social media as to the effect the weapon in Russian hands might have on the conflict in Ukraine.
An upgraded variant of the Shahed-136 which, license-manufactured by Russia, is known as the Geran-2, the Shahed-238 is turbojet-powered. This will give the UCAV a higher top speed – so-called ‘dash’ speed having become a tactical priority as operational concepts have evolved – but with a likely trade-off against endurance and range.
At least three variants are thought to exist: a baseline model with an autonomous INS/GPS guidance system; a model designed for operations in a thermal imaging environment, carrying EO/IR sensors; and a radar-guided model.
With details sketchy to say the least, much of the assessment of capability must remain speculative. For example, the matt black coating seen on the demonstration models is thought by some to indicate a radar-absorbing or other low-observable capability. It is clear, however, that launch from a mobile platform has been added to the weapon’s flexibility. The most significant advantages in the context of the Ukraine conflict are likely to be the autonomous guidance system, which will allow for better target selection and discrimination, and the redesigned engine cover which, combined with the new engine, will add to the aircraft’s manoeuvrability and agility. As will the doubling of the number of actuators, from four to eight. Taken together, this could mean it will be easier for Russia to mount effective attacks on critical targets such as fast-moving armour, agile air defence assets or command/communications nodes.
For outside observers, this means Russia may develop a significant short-term advantage by using the Shahed-238, although no confirmation has yet been evident as to numbers shipped from Tehran or, indeed, whether Russia may be manufacturing it under licence. However, despite the advantages in speed, manoeuvrability and agility, all may not be rosy in Moscow’s garden.
If the last 22+ months of conflict have taught us anything about the Russian armed forces, it is that they have very poor middle management. Russian officers – especially from the O5/O6 level and up – are well educated, competent and often innovative: laudable initiatives such as switching from ponderous fixed-site air defence to more agile solutions and the innovations surrounding fitting field-expedient C-UAS jammers to armoured vehicles prove that. But at the level of the NCO and platoon leader – the level at which the tactical battle is won or lost – Russian capabilities are poor to say the least. An attempt was made a decade ago to fix this capability gap by engaging Rheinmetall to mastermind a combat training centre (the first of four) at Molino in the Nizhny Novgorod oblast. After the 2014 invasion of Crimea, however, Rheinmetall cancelled the contract. On the other hand, Ukrainian NCOs have benefited significantly from training provided by the US, UK and Canada, among others.
The bottom line, at least for now, is that, despite the potential advantages offered by the new UCAV, it is extremely unlikely that Russia will gain a strategic advantage from their use, due primarily to a systemic inability to be sufficiently tactically flexible. Meanwhile, Ukraine will have to develop and field in greater numbers a series of C-UAS solutions that will cope with the increased approach speed and more advanced target discrimination of the Shahed-238. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
04 Jan 24. Aselsan’s new electro-optical systems achieve important milestones in 2023. Aselsan’s latest electro-optical systems – ASELFLIR-500, DORUK-2, and TULGAR – achieved important production and delivery milestones in 2023. According to Aselsan’s General Manager Ahmet Akyol on 31 December, the first prototype of the TULGAR pilot-helmet – designed for the Turkish Aerospace (TA) Kaan aircraft (formerly known as TF-X) – has been built and the first batch of the DORUK-2 handheld electro-optical sight has been delivered. In a previous announcement Akyol noted that the Turkish army had received the first instalment of the DORUK-2 system. Aselsan was unable to comment to Janes on deliveries of the DORUK-2 system to the Turkish army because of security reasons. Mass production of the ASELFLIR-500 camera has also begun following successful integration into unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and various firing tests, Akyol said. (Source: Janes)
04 Jan 24. USMC test radars, networks for expeditionary base operations. Something as seemingly simple as picking the right commercial boat radar could make or break the U.S. Marine Corps’ vision for future operations: small units dispersed on islands and beachheads across contested waters, all looking for enemy ships and planes while gathering information to create a common picture of the theater.
But identifying the best radar is more complex than it sounds, according to Col. Matthew Danner, who leads the Japan-based 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.
He said Marines are experimenting with the new Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations concept to identify how many people are needed at these temporary, remote posts; what gear they need; and how they can best support the larger naval and joint force.
Though these expeditionary advanced bases could perform a range of missions, the 31st MEU focused on sensing expeditionary advanced bases during its two short deployments in 2023, Danner told Defense News during a Jan. 4 media roundtable.
“What they typically consist of is a ground sensor capability … that will enable us to provide remote sensing capability offshore, and then the radars to provide surface radar out to 40 or 50 nautical miles,” he explained. “And then we link those collections into other sensor EABs [expeditionary advanced bases], we feed it up into joint architecture, and then that contributes to the common operational picture that enables the joint task force or the geographic combatant commander to understand the battle space and employ certain capabilities.”
Not all radars are created equal; it depends on the environment, Danner added.
“There are certain radars that blend into the operating environment better in the Baltic Sea, that are going to stick out [in the Pacific] and become very, very obvious because they’re not the types of radar that are used in the [area],” he said. “Usually it has to do with blending into the electromagnetic spectrum so that our collections don’t stand out from the normal environment itself,” allowing enemy forces to find and target the Marines at expeditionary bases.
Col. Samuel “Lee” Meyer, who commanded 13th MEU during its deployment last year, previously told Defense News his sensing EABs included about 30 to 50 Marines who moved ashore using helicopters or surface connectors. Those forces “provided a risk-worthy, low-cost, low-footprint option to get eyes and ears on an area where the Navy may not be, or may not be able to maintain persistence.”
Meyer said he experimented with Shield AI’s V-Bat drone to provide live video feeds and with Simrad commercial boating radar to build maritime domain awareness.
Danner said his forces used a couple models of the Furuno boating radar, as well as a top secret-level communication tool called Athena’s Trident.
(Source: C4ISR & Networks)
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