Sponsored by Echodyne
www.echodyne.com
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18 Jun 24. Naval Group and TERMA Group Join Forces to Develop Cutting-Edge Counter-Drone System. By adding the SCANTER 6002, the solution will be elevated to one of the strongest on the market, to fight against asymmetric threats. The Scanter 6002 is a 2D radar which, associated with an optronic device, should improve the accuracy of threat detection, allowing Naval Group’s system to propose the best course of action to fight the threat. This agreement is part of the Air-Surface Fight innovation roadmap (Smart Naval Force axis) and marks an important step in our strategy for developing anti-drone systems on board our ships. (Source: Defense Arabia)
18 Jun 24. Safran launches Skyjacker counter-drone system. At Eurosatory 2024, Safran Electronics & Defense has announced the launch of its Skyjacker counter-drone solution. Skyjacker is an effective response to the growing threat posed by drones in the battlespace and at sensitive installations. Skyjacker’s strength lies in its unique spoofing capability: it alters the trajectory of a drone to neutralize the threat it represents by simulating the GNSS signals ensuring guidance towards its target. Coupled with radar detection and optronic identification, Skyjacker can efficiently defeat isolated drones and drone swarms in land and naval environments.
Skyjacker replaces the hostile drone’s satellite guidance signals with modified signals designed to deceive the drone about its position in order to disrupt or interrupt its mission. Skyjacker is particularly well suited to countering saturation attacks, such as swarming drones. The system can also defeat isolated drones piloted remotely by an operator and deliver effects at ranges from 1 to 10 kilometers (over 6 miles).
Skyjacker’s modular design incorporates a C2 (command and control) unit to manage the entire system, as well as one or more spoofing transmitters. It can be coupled with a wide array of sensors, such as optronic sights, radars and radiofrequency detectors, and with lasers, communication jammers and other effectors. Skyjacker can be deployed as a mobile version or interconnected with existing surveillance and fire control systems on land vehicles or naval vessels.
To deliver an initial mobile version of Skyjacker, Safran Electronics & Defense teamed with Hologarde, which designed the Bassalt anti-drone system for the French Air and Space Force to protect major events (Paris Olympics Games, G7 summit, Bastille Day parade). Safran Electronics & Defense and Hologarde demonstrated Skyjacker’s effectiveness at the Coubertin LAD II exercise organized by the Air and Space Force’s Air Defense and Air Operations Command (CDAOA) at Air Base 107 in Vélizy-Villacoublay, near Paris, in March 2024.
“We’re now working to deploy Skyjacker as part of the counter-drone protection capability for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” says Alexandre Ziegler, Executive VP, Defense Global Business Unit of Safran Electronics & Defense. “Trials with the French Navy have also proved particularly conclusive, confirming Skyjacker’s suitability as a highly effective, cost-controlled protection solution for frontline vessels.”
18 Jun 24. Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) collaborated with the U.S. military on nine separate experiments to improve operational readiness in the Indo-Pacific region. These experiments took place during biennial military exercises conducted by U.S. Indo-Pacific Command focusing on joint training in a multi-domain environment.
- Capabilities enabled by Northrop Grumman technologies allowed the Joint Force to practice real-world efficiency in detecting, locating, tracking and engaging adversarial threats at sea, in the air, on land and in cyberspace.
- Some of the Northrop Grumman-built platforms that participated in the exercise include the B-2 Spirit, E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, Ground/Air Task-Oriented Radar (AN/TPS-80 G/ATOR), Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS) and Maritime Targeting Cell (MTC).
- Participation in field training exercises enabled warfighters to leverage and demonstrate innovative military capabilities and provided an opportunity for Northrop Grumman to gain customer feedback and valuable real-world insight, potentially leading to improved solutions.
Expert:
Steve O’Bryan, corporate vice president, global business development: “These exercises are excellent opportunities for Northrop Grumman to demonstrate new capabilities while gaining first-hand feedback from military users, so we can continually improve effectiveness when employed operationally. We support the U.S. Joint Force with transformative technologies to advance and connect military capabilities and ensure battlefield readiness today and tomorrow.”
Additional Details:
Northrop Grumman regularly participates in training exercises with the U.S. military and allies to demonstrate innovative warfighting capabilities providing a definitive edge. The company participated in previous Indo-Pacific exercises where various systems, including the U.S. Army’s IBCS, deployed as part of an expansive, distributed network across the area of operations.
17 Jun 24. Lynred, a leading global provider of high-quality infrared sensors for the aerospace, defense and commercial markets, today announces it will showcase Seegnus, its first very compact high-resolution (1280 x 1024 SXGA format), small pixel pitch (7.5µm) midwave (MWIR) ‘HOT’ (High Operating Temperature) infrared sensor, at Eurosatory, Paris, June 17 – 21, at booth #5A-C155.
Seegnus’ multiple features offer key performance advantages to manufacturers of long-range/large Field-of-View (FoV) miniature infrared systems, including a net 20% increase in Detection/Reconnaissance/Identification (DRI) range performance over Lynred’s earlier VGA model within this category of midwave products.
Seegnus’ high-resolution, large FoV, low acoustic noise and low power consumption, housed in lightweight, durable and stealthy packaging, make this best-in-class infrared (IR) sensor ideal for conducting long-range imaging in tactical gear. These include Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) gimbals, tactical goggles, armored vehicle sights, Remote Control Weapon Sights (RCWS) and submarine optronic masts.
Seegnus can also be used in fixed or airborne surveillance systems in any industry.
“Seegnus incorporates all of the top infrared imaging performance criteria in demand from camera makers today: a compact large array format with 150K ‘HOT’ design, coupled with low weight and low power consumption advantages,” said Alain Manissadjian, product manager at Lynred. “Seegnus extends Lynred’s SWaP (small Size, low Weight, low Power consumption) portfolio in the MWIR range and shows its robust capability in mastering III-V semiconductor technology. We are excited about exhibiting Seegnus at Eurosatory this week, where we anticipate customers will be very impressed by the added value this best-in-class IR sensor brings to long-range tactical applications.”
Combined with the latest 220mm folded compact f/4 COTS optics and in good mid-latitude summer atmospheric conditions, Seegnus is capable of detecting individuals at a distance of up to 14.5km in a 630m width imaged scene, while recognizing them at 3.9km in a 170m width imaged scene.
In addition, thanks to the PlugUp platform standard underpinning Seegnus, which enables Lynred to maintain the same form factor and identical interfaces (mechanical, optical and electrical) across designs, an SXGA upgrade from Lynred’s previous compact VGA model is extremely easy.
Lynred will exhibit Seegnus at booth #5A-C155 at Eurosatory, taking place this week. It will run a live demo of Seegnus, the smallest SXGA sensor for long-range imagery, in a standard camera, as well as display a mechanical mock-up of Seegnus, plus optics, within a compact 6.3” gimbal.
Product features
Seegnus is a new high-resolution (SXGA – 1280×1024), small pitch (7.5µm), ‘HOT’ (High Operating Temperature) cooled mid-wave infrared sensor, housed in a very compact and SWaP configured package for long-range and large FOV miniaturized infrared systems. It offers:
- High 24/7 cooler reliability (32,000hrs)
- Low power (<3.5 Watts)
- Compactness (300cm3)
- Easy integration (thanks to three different possible attachment planes)
- Easy upgrades (due to an identical interface to earlier models)
About Lynred
Lynred, alongside its subsidiaries Lynred USA and Lynred Asia-Pacific, is a global leader in designing and manufacturing high quality infrared technologies for aerospace, defense and commercial markets. It has a vast portfolio of infrared sensors that covers the entire electromagnetic spectrum from near to very far infrared. Its products are at the center of multiple military programs and applications and are key components of many top brands in commercial thermal imaging equipment sold across Europe, Asia and North America. Lynred is the leading European manufacturer for IR detectors deployed in space.
www.lynred.com
14 Jun 24. Drone destroyer: Defence conducts live fire testing of Fractl portable high energy laser. The Australian Defence Force has conducted live fire testing of a directed energy weapons system against unmanned drones in Victoria.
The Defence Counter-UAS Directed Energy Weapons System, manufactured by high power laser start-up AIM Defence, was demonstrated with assistance from company employees and ADF personnel at Puckapunyal Military Area, Victoria from 27 to 31 May.
The testing exercise is considered the final stage of a joint Robotic and Autonomous Systems Implementation & Coordination Office and Jericho investment spanning over the last five years.
During the testing, AIM Defence co-founder Dr Jae Daniel and AIM Defence co-founder Jessica Glenn showcased the Fractl Portable High Energy Laser to personnel from the Australian Army and Royal Australian Air Force.
Personnel included Australian Army Director General Future Land Warfare Brigadier James Davis, Australian Army Director General Systems and Integration Brigadier Kurt Brown, Robotic and Autonomous Systems Implementation & Coordination Office Director Colonel David Robertson, and Royal Australian Air Force Jericho Disruptive Innovation Group Director Group Captain Jesse Laroche.
Earlier this year in March, it was announced that AIM Defence had been contracted to produce a deployable directed energy system for use against drones by the Australian Defence Force.
The $4.9m contract represents the first time the ADF has acquired a directed energy prototype for ongoing field-based counter-drone trials and evaluation.
The Fractl:2 DE system is reportedly powerful enough to burn through steel and precise enough to track and shoot down a drone travelling at 100km/h a kilometre or more away, according to AIM Defence.
Portable and battery powered, Fractl:2 can shoot down over 50 drones per charge and can be plugged into a wall socket for continuous operation. It has the added advantage of near-zero usage cost as light-based energy replaces ammunition. (Source: Defence Connect)
17 Jun 24. US Senate Committee calls for DOD C-UAS strategy and task force. The United States Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) wants the Department of Defense (DOD) to establish a counter-uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS) task force and develop a C-UAS strategy.
SASC passed its version of the US fiscal 2025 defence authorisation bill on June 13. The bill now heads to the Senate floor for consideration.
The SASC bill requires a C-UAS task force to review guidance relating to counter drone activities. It calls for a DOD strategy to cover C-UAS technologies, referring drone offences for investigation and prosecution, and assessing resources or authorities necessary for drone incursion response.
The bill would direct the US Army, Navy, and Air Force to provide briefings on respective service plans for C-UAS capabilities as well as requiring a report on all recommendations, findings, and results from DOD’s C-UAS Cross Functional Team, including efforts relating to airspace data feed accessibility. It would also require the All-Domain Anomaly Resolution Office to provide a liaison to the C-UAS task force to improve coordination in areas of shared responsibility.
In addition, the bill would authorise increased funding for C-UAS research and testing between the Army and university-based partners; as well as increased funding for various combatant commands’ C-UAS activities.
SASC also calls for a full-scale C-UAS exercise in DOD’s special use airspace with a briefing on the outcomes and lessons learned from the exercise. A further briefing, on the acquisition of military grade UAS by foreign terrorist organisations is included in the bill.
Finally, SASC’s bill requires the Army to certify at least one additional interceptor and production manufacturer for the M-LIDS/FS-LIDS counter-UAS system. For more information: US Senate Armed Services Committee. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
17 Jun 24. C-UAS Hub said today that the U.S. Navy Seeks Counter-UAS Solutions for Group 3+ Drones. The U.S. Navy plans to rapidly prototype and execute a phased operational test and evaluation to validate the performance of one or more proposed shipborne kinetic defeat Counter UAS solutions for Group 3+ drones. These solutions must be capable of quick worldwide deployment, integration with various naval platforms, and seamless incorporation with the existing sensors on a naval vessel.
Only complete Counter UxS (Uncrewed Systems) solutions will be accepted, including a kinetic defeat effector and launcher for group 3+ UAS. Solutions should assume they will receive tracking data from the vessel’s combat systems to facilitate detection and targeting. Integration with the vessel’s existing combat systems is required. However, adjunct passive systems (e.g., Electro-Optical/Infrared) that do not interfere with the ship’s organic sensors are permitted.
Partial solutions, such as those providing only radar or find, fix, and track capabilities, will not be considered. Proposed solutions must address the entire kill chain, enhancing find, fix, track, and identification capabilities while incorporating kinetic defeat functionality without interfering with the vessel’s existing combat system. High-powered microwave and directed energy solutions will not be considered for this solicitation.
A solution brief’s technical merit and relevance will be evaluated based on its ability to meet primary attributes and the cumulative evaluation of secondary solution attributes and capabilities.
Primary Attributes
- The solution must support the full kill chain (find, fix, track, target, engage, assess) with both “human in/on-the-loop” control modes. Solutions may assume they will receive a radar track from the naval vessel’s combat systems to facilitate “find and fix.”
- The solution must exist in a technically mature state of development for the government to host a baseline assessment of the solution’s capabilities planned to occur at a West Coast naval test location, subject to range availability, within 90 days after the prototype award.
- The offeror must demonstrate the ability to deliver up to 5 production representative prototypes within 12 months of the prototype award.
- The solution effector must be reloadable at sea and not require heavy lift equipment.
Secondary Attributes
- Solutions that can demonstrate a high probability of kinetic defeat for group 3+ UASs (ideally greater than 90%) for self-defense to protect the ship within a radius of approximately 15 km and a high probability of kill (ideally greater than 70%) for area defense to protect nearby commercial shipping lanes and vessels within a greater than 15 km radius are preferred.
- The solution must minimize the cost per defeat to reduce the asymmetry of the current cost of traditional air defense defeat solutions compared to the threat.
- Solutions that have a terminal guidance capability integrated into the effector are preferred. A system requiring terminal illumination, terminal shipboard guidance and/or dwelling are less preferred.
- Accelerating the kill chain by enabling a faster decision loop from initial detection until the launch of the effector is preferred and must be characterized. Minimizing “time to defeat” (the time from decision to launch to defeat in flight) is desirable and must be characterized.
- The solution should minimize installation size, weight, power, and restrictions imposed on other systems onboard a naval vessel. Solutions weighing less than 5,300 lbs in operational status and 2,300 lbs without the launcher and effector are preferred—solutions less than 220 cubic feet with any dimension no greater than 90 inches are preferred.
- Solution briefs should also specify proposed installation and integration locations to include but not limited to a) forward CIWS platform, b) missile deck, c) aft vertical launch system deck, and d) aft superstructure O2 deck platforms if installing onboard a DDG 51-class guided missile destroyer.
- The solution should integrate into a naval vessel’s existing combat systems and ancillary support systems (water, electrical power, and air). The ability to integrate into the combat systems with the following characteristics is preferred: MIL-STD-1760 and MIL-STD-1553 interface, along with the ability to operate on 208 – 220 VAC.
- The production solution should be capable of achieving compliance for shipboard installation onboard a naval vessel and able to operate in a harsh maritime environment (e.g., exposure to salt water, shock, etc), including but not limited to MIL-STD-810 and MIL-DTL-901E.
- The solution should be able to support obtaining or complying with safety and shipboard installation military specifications during the prototype period.
- The solution should be able to support obtaining Hazards of Electromagnetic Radiation to Fuel (HERF), Hazards of Electromagnetic Radiation to Personnel (HERP), Hazards of Electromagnetic Radiation to Ordnance (HERO), Weapons System Explosive Safety Review Board (WSESRB), etc. while also incorporating the appropriate arms, ammunition, and explosives safeguards throughout the prototype phase and before final production.
- The solution should be able to comply with DODINST 8500.E1 Change 1 – CyberSecurity Information Assurance dated 14 Mar 2014, DODINST 8510.01 RISK MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK (RMF) FOR DOD SYSTEMS dated 19 July 2022, and SECNAVINST 5239.3C Dept of the Navy CyberSecurity Policy dated 2 May 2016 to meet shipboard cybersecurity requirements throughout the prototype phase and before final production.
- A solution developed using a modular, open-source architecture leveraging open and extensible software design principles that enable integration with third-party modular components, where applicable, standardized or common interfaces, and software containerization will be preferred.
- The solution should be able to demonstrate adaptability to evolving operational threats, including the ability to leverage real-time, or near real-time, operational deployment data, logs, and user feedback to assess, correct, and/or improve system behaviors and performance, including safely, securely, and promptly deploying software updates to fielded systems. Companies may assume the U.S. government will share data on evolving threats. A DD254 (Contract Security Classification Specification) and DD2345 (Military Critical Technical Agreement) will be required to share this data at the appropriate classification level. Additionally, successful solutions will be required to provide personnel with appropriate security clearances and, eventually, the ability to obtain a Facility Clearance to store classified information.
- Preference may be given to solutions that can provide evidence demonstrating a Counter UAS capability in relevant and/or representative environments.
Counter-UXS (Other Domains)
- Solutions that provide evidence of adaptability for applications against uncrewed systems in other domains (e.g. uncrewed surface vehicles) may be given preference, but all primary attributes must still be addressed.
Companies interested in submitting proposals for Counter-UAS solutions for Group 3+ drones must submit by June 28th, 2024, at 23:59:59 US/Eastern Time. For more information, please visit Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems- NEXT (Counter NEXT). (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
17 Jun 24. C-UAS Hub said today that the DoD Seeking C-UAS Detection Solutions for One-Way UAS. The Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO) is soliciting demonstrations for sensors that enhance the detection of one-way unmanned aerial systems (OWUAS) threatening U.S. and allied forces. These sensors will complement existing coverage and must integrate into a third-party interface for additional analysis and correlation with other sensor data. All sensor types are welcome, including EO/IR, acoustic, and radar, with a preference for low-cost/attritable solutions, though this is not mandatory. Desired solutions should adhere to the following parameters:
RANGE – Sensors must aim to enhance and/or improve the visibility of OWUAS flying closer than 7 km or further than 25 km to force location (<7 km, >25 km).
ALTITUDE – Sensors must specifically aim to enhance and/or improve the visibility of OWUAS flying at low altitudes close to a force location (<300 m altitude within 25 km range). Sensors should aim to enhance and/or improve the visibility of OWUAS flying at all altitudes further from a force location (greater than a 25 km range).
UAS SIZE – Sensors must enhance and/or improve the visibility of Group 2 and 3 UAS size (21-1,320 lbs).
UAS SPEED – Sensors must focus on Group 2 and 3 UAS speed (<250 kts). At a minimum, the ability to also detect higher speeds (250 kts+) is encouraged.
INTEGRATION – Sensors must demonstrate the ability to automatically and repeatedly transport and integrate data into a third-party interface for visual display, analysis, and prosecution.
THIRD PARTY INTERFACE: Sensors must be integrated into a command and control framework using the third-party interface’s remote procedure call (RPC) standard. This framework is programming language agnostic and derived from open-source/well-known standards. Vendors will be expected to use a software development kit (SDK) provided by a third-party interface, which uses a gRPC framework to send protocol buffers to the third-party interface. Sensor participants will be expected to write a thin integration layer using the SDK for data ingestion, while taskable agents will conform to a command and control tasking API. Sensors will be expected to provide health/status reporting as part of data integration, example code for sensor integration will be provided if vendor is selected for Round 2.
This initiative aims to empower DoD warfighters to effectively detect, identify, and neutralize hostile UAS in their vicinity by integrating heterogeneous sensors into a common interface. If successful, this approach will enhance existing sensor systems and improve force protection by warning personnel to take shelter and extending the time for kinetic and non-kinetic countermeasures.
Responses to this Commercial Solutions Opening are due July 15th, 2024, at 5:00 PM EDT. For more information, please visit Desert Sentry Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems – cUAS Defense Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) General Solicitation Demonstrations of Innovative Commercial Technologies
(Source: https://cuashub.com/)
17 Jun 24. Thermoteknix unveils ClipIR-12 – latest in thermal fusion technology – at Eurosatory 2024. Thermoteknix, a global leader in thermal imaging, night vision, and fused technologies, is launching its latest breakthroughs in fused thermal clip-on systems with its new ClipIR-12 range at Eurosatory 2024.
Based on thermal fusion technology developed by Thermoteknix over the past 12 years, ClipIR-12B, and ClipIR-12E, are the latest, fourth generation evolution, significantly lighter, higher resolution and more compact than their predecessors.
See the new ClipIR-12 on STAND C386, Hall 5A on the UK Pavilion, Eurosatory 2024, Paris.
Both ClipIR-12 models attach to existing night vision devices to deliver thermal imaging fusion. Fused thermal and night vision is the gold standard for low-light and no-light operations giving tactical advantages and enhanced situational awareness, while increasing the range significantly compared to traditional standalone night vision.
Exceptionally low power consumption is achieved with Thermoteknix patented Shutterless XTI technology, also providing outstanding uninterrupted image quality with zero lag and ultra-low latency; critical for helmet mounted applications. A wide field of view is delivered to the night vision device, providing maximum situational awareness.
ClipIR-12B is powered by either by an internal battery or externally by either a four or eight cell battery pack mounted on the rear of the helmet. ClipIR-12E is powered externally from an external battery pack.
Groundbreaking Augmented Reality capabilities are achieved by connecting either Thermoteknix ARTIM or ARTIM-MINI intelligent battery packs which combine the thermal fusion with an intuitive look-vector driven 3D AR display with real-time data from leading Battle Management Systems such as ATAK.
“The ClipIR-12 range brings more than ten years’ of Thermoteknix’ experience designing and manufacturing fused thermal and night vision systems. These latest advancements in technology enhance the operational effectiveness, situational awareness, and safety of military personnel in the field.” comments Jonti Salisbury, Head of Imaging Sales at Thermoteknix.
Thermoteknix is renowned for its innovative engineering, challenging convention and developing groundbreaking technology. The company was awarded the prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation in 2024, the highest public accolade for any British company.
14 Jun 24. Germany procuring Heads-Up displays for Tornado aircraft. Germany will purchase Heads-Up Displays for half of its Tornado fleet at a cost of $70m, plus additional small arms munitions costing $112m.
German Federal Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced a decision to procure 45 heads-up displays (HUD) for its Tornado aircraft in a release from 13 June 2024, at a cost of €66m ($70m), to be delivered by 2027.
The order is enough to equip roughly half of the relevant aircraft, as Germany maintains a fleet of 93 PA-200 Tornado fighters, according to GlobalData’s ‘Germany Armed Forces Equipment Inventory 2023’ report.
Reports from Bloomberg earlier in the week suggested that the order of HUD equipment would amount to €40m, well below the announced figure from the German MoD.
The Tornado aircraft entered into service with the German Air Force in 1982, and the manufacturer, Panavia Aircraft (BAE Systems, EADS, Alenia), ceased production in 1998. Operational in five different forms, the Tornado was purchased by Germany as a GR 1 interdictor strike (IDS) variant.
In this service is operated as a low-level, high speed reconnaissance aircraft, with an optimised electro-optical suite comprised of three internally mounted infrared sensors linked to a vide recording system. The tornado provided real-time reconnaissance with facilities for in-flight review, post flight analysis, and instant ground access to recorded imagery.
The purchase of new equipment for the German Airforce is one of a series of procurement projects Germany is initiating as a a part of modernisation efforts. Funds for the HUDs will come from the regular defence budget as well as the Bundeswehr special fund.
As part of the same announcement, Germany stated that it will spend almost €105m ($112m) on 7.62mm and 9mm ammunition to replace stock already delivered to Ukraine. In addition to being supported by funds from the regular defence budget and the Bundeswehr special fund, this purchase will also be financed by seal 60 of the General Financial Administration, intended for income and expenses that either cannot be assigned to a single department, or that affect the federal government as a whole. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
15 Jun 24. Cuashub.com said today that GAO: Actions Needed to Support Remote Identification in the NAS.
Actions Needed to Better Support Remote Identification in the National Airspace is a study and report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO).
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) generally mandates that drones be equipped with Remote ID technology, which the FAA likens to a “digital license plate.” This technology allows law enforcement to identify and investigate unauthorized drone activity, aligning with the FAA’s goal to aid law enforcement efforts. However, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that the FAA has limited resources to assist tribal, state, and local law enforcement in utilizing this technology. Many law enforcement agencies contacted by GAO had little knowledge of Remote ID or how it could be used in their investigations. Developing additional resources could enhance the FAA’s support for law enforcement using Remote ID.
Moreover, the FAA is working on an interface to provide drone registration information from Remote ID to law enforcement, but there is no plan or timeline for its release. Simultaneously, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is developing an application that would link to the FAA’s interface, yet DHS also lacks a plan or timeline for this effort. Consequently, law enforcement may continue to face delays in accessing the real-time information necessary for tracking and investigating unauthorized drone activity.
GAO: Actions Needed to Support Remote Identification in the NAS
(Source: https://cuashub.com/)
17 Jun 24. Defense Innovation Unit seeks systems to counter Red Sea drone attacks.
As Iran-backed Houthi rebel groups continue to use attack drones to target ships in the Red Sea, the U.S. Navy and the Defense Innovation Unit are partnering to prototype a counter uncrewed aircraft system that can disable or shoot them down.
The Navy is looking for a system it can easily integrate with a range of platforms to defend against such adversary drone attacks, DIU said June 14. The program, dubbed Counter NEXT, aims to quickly test prototypes and field them on vessels around the globe.
“It is expected that solutions will be capable of expeditious worldwide deployment, integrated with a variety of naval platforms and must display the ability to be easily integrated into the existing sensors onboard a naval vessel,” DIU said in a statement.
Since last fall, Iran-backed groups have used drones, uncrewed surface vessels and anti-ship ballistic vehicles to launch dozens of attacks on U.S., allied and commercial shipping vessels in the Red Sea. The incidents have disrupted global trade in key waterways and killed three merchant sailors.
According to a June 13 report from the Defense Intelligence Agency, 65 countries and 29 major energy and shipping companies have been affected or have had to alter their routes in response to these aggressions.
“The growing threat of adversarial unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) poses significant risks to U.S., allied and partner forces, naval vessels, and commercial vessels transiting key maritime routes across the globe,” DIU said. “The U.S. is committed to protecting commercial maritime trade and, more importantly, service members conducting maritime operations in contested environments.”
DIU has a portfolio dedicated to leveraging commercial and off-the-shelf technology to defend against these types of drone threats. Matthew Way, who leads that effort, said counter UAS is a high priority for the organization, adding that DIU plans to use a portion of the $800 million budget increase Congress provided in fiscal 2024 to fund efforts like Counter Next.
“We’ve really got to focus on, how do we get after those more advanced capabilities . . . and how do we protect ourselves from adversarial threats that are employing this technology as well,” he said during Applied Intuition’s June 13 Nexus conference in Washington, DC.
Pentagon officials have emphasized that defending against enemy drones will require a layered approach, including electronic warfare and kinetic effects.
Counter Next is focused on kinetic systems that cost less than a traditional missile or air defeat system and rely on mature technology that can be ready for testing within 90 days of a contract award. And while it’s not required, DIU may prioritize proposals that demonstrate the ability to take out surface vessel threats.
Companies must also be able to deliver at least five systems within 12 months of being selected.
(Source: Defense News Early Bird/C4ISR & Networks)
27 May 24. Call to industry and economic operators: procurement cluster on enablers for safe integration of military UAS capabilities in the European sky. In the context of the cluster of UAS-related projects that aim at providing the sought “UAS Enablers for Safe Airspace Integration in European Sky”, the European Defence Agency (EDA) intends to launch a tender with four lots to support the progress of safe airspace integration of UAS, from low level to high altitude operations (HAO).
Lot 1: UAS Single European Sky Experimental Integration (max. estimated budget 1.5M Eur)
In a drive to elevate the capabilities of European-made low-cost small and tactical Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) for precision navigation, the new project focuses on two key objectives. Firstly, it seeks to enhance their operational resilience in challenging environments for safe airspace integration – specifically environments with limited or denied GNSS access and potential electronic jamming threats. Secondly, the project will leverage recent breakthroughs in EU space-based services alongside onboard sensor fusion powered by artificial intelligence. This integration aims to achieve unwavering navigation accuracy regardless of spectrum availability, demonstrably validating its effectiveness through real-world proof-of-concept and demonstration phases. The successful development of these advanced navigation capabilities for UAS aims to ensure their safe integration into the airspace.
Lot 2: Risk Assessment for UAS operations (max. estimated budget 400 k Eur)
The objective of this lot is to expand the current online tool supporting the MIL-UAS-SPECIFIC methodology (see EDA webpage https://eda.europa.eu/mil-uas-specific-study) to automatize most of the risk assessment process by leveraging the – regularly updated – MIL-UAS-SPECIFIC methodology or any other harmonised Risk assessment methodology accepted by the military (e.g., SORA). The current online tool will become a “networking/connecting” online tool, with selectable Risk assessment methodologies running back office, including a selectable accepted risk level for the UAS operations to cover operations in peace, crisis and war times.
Lot 3: Higher Airspace Operations study (max. estimated budget 800 kEur)
Over the last years, Higher Airspace Operations (HAO) have been in the spotlight. The upcoming EASA regulatory work requires that the civil–military aspects are included. The objective is to clarify specific civil–military aspects in the domain of HAO in order to: a) analyse the security risks posed by HAO; b) Address potential challenges in order to avoid any adverse impact on national security and defence capabilities with an EU approach; c) Ensure military access to higher airspace. Take advantage of all opportunities, particularly those offered by the civil-military collaboration make the most of the identified synergies.
Lot 4: Consultancy services for needs assessment, market research and consultation, analysis of the state-of-the-art (max. estimated budget 200 kEur)
This project aims to bridge the gap by assessing the specific needs of military UAS users and leverage the dual-use of UAS technology towards the safe integration into European airspace. It has three key objectives: a) to understand end-user needs for safe airspace UAS integration. b) to evaluate technologies for enhanced UAS integration, including the market research and analysis of state-of-the-art of current conspicuity, ATM and positioning technologies within the EU market, that can enable safe UAS integration; c) proposal of way forward and consultation for future projects.
For more information, please consult the Public Information Notice.
https://ted.europa.eu/en/notice/-/detail/292847-2024
Information Session: Where and When?
The information session will be held on 04 July 2024 from 10:00 am until 12:00 CET.
The event will be done remotely via Webex. Link to be provided after registration to the contacts provided in the register form.
How to register?
Participation is free of charge, but interested parties must register in advance, and no later than 28 of June 2024 EOB, using the following link: https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/EDA_UAS_Enablers
Contact Information
Please use the registration form as primary mean to access information. Please refrain from email exchange, unless strictly necessary and no other option is possible. m(Source: EDA)
13 Jun 24. Flex Force Enterprises, LLC, a leader in C-UAS equipment design and manufacturing, is proud to announce the launch of its latest innovation, Dronebuster® Fixed-Site (FS). This groundbreaking product redefines industry standards and revolutionizes how integrators architect their c-UAS systems. The Dronebuster FS incorporates leading-edge technology and user-centric design to deliver unparalleled performance and efficiency. It empowers users to cost-effectively install distributed c-UAS equipment to protect complex perimeters as part of a layered defense.
“The team continues to rapidly innovate our Dronebuster platform. The Dronebuster FS provides lots of capability to adjust the system parameters and is readily integrated onto vehicles, pan-tilts, or user-defined installations,” says Greg Valentin, President of Flex Force Enterprises.
Key features of the Fixed-Site include:
- Scalable architecture with multiple RF emitter configurations
- Low cost, IP-67 capability for distributed effects
- Easy to integrate and operate with serial network protocols
- Capability to adjust system parameters to optimize performance against threat or minimize collateral damage concerns
The official unveiling of the Dronebuster Fixed-Site will occur at Eurosatory in Paris, France, on June 17, 2024. Attendees are encouraged to visit booth D281 in Hall 5a to experience firsthand the innovation and potential of the latest addition to the Dronebuster product family. Founded in 2012, Flex Force Enterprises LLC, a DZYNE Company, designs and manufactures advanced weapon systems for the modern warfighter. The company has a proven record of transitioning emerging technologies into deployable, combat-proven products that provide immediate tactical advantages. Our product families—the ASP and Dronebuster—provide the warfighter with significant overmatch capability. The Dronebuster is in use worldwide by U.S. and coalition forces to defeat terrorist drone threats. (Source: PR Newswire)
14 Jun 24. Exosens, the world leader in amplification, detection and imaging technologies, announces it will be exhibiting at Eurosatory, the world’s largest specialist defense exhibition, on stand K51 in Hall 6.
The high-tech company, with over 85 years’ experience on European and international soil, will showcase its latest product innovations for the defense market.
Photonis, a brand of the Exosens group and world leader in image intensifier tubes, will showcase its flagship products and 4G+ and 4G technology. Photonis has become the benchmark for European armed forces, closely meeting their needs. Over the years, night vision has become central to modern warfare, as operations increasingly take place at night. Drawing on decades of expertise, Photonis offers image intensifier tubes which improve soldiers’ tactical situational awareness, agility and mobility, as well as their targeting and driving capabilities, even on the darkest of nights.
Together, Photonis and Xenics – Exosens’ specialist infrared camera brand – are imaging technology experts with cameras covering the full spectrum from UV to LWIR. The company will show a UV detector for missile launch detection systems for aircraft and armoured vehicles, intensified and low-light cameras to improve visibility in driver vehicle applications for situational awareness, shortwave infrared (SWIR) cameras to provide better visibility in difficult conditions, as well as thermal cameras to help identify targets offering higher quality images regardless of day- or night-time conditions.
Demonstrations of infrared cameras and a burst image intensifier tube hologram will be available to view on the stand.
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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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