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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.
(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.
(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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https://cuashub.com/en/content/escribano-indra-and-trc-collaborate-on-counter-drone-solution/?utm_campaign=C-UAS%20Hub%20General&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_N-yr_qDjNOjlx_adTk2Z1zJD_gQB9bd7D7SmVg-qCDXJE7LOo-NDcGjsBj0jQyngzPGWE8zevmOlRjZ0xFsOfNqjKuFTC2pcRjPCX_TJWe8a84M0&_hsmi=310857578&utm_content=310857578&utm_source=hs_email(Source: https://cuashub.com/)
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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