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31 Oct 24. Sri Lanka inducts King Air 360ER surveillance aircraft. The Sri Lankan Air Force (SLAF) has acquired a Beechcraft King Air 360ER to enhance its maritime surveillance operations. The aircraft, which was donated by the US government, was scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka in mid-September 2024. According to the SLAF, it inducted the aircraft into service on 10 October. The acquisition was funded by a USD19 million grant by the US Department of Defense’s (DoD’s) Building Partner Capacity programme, the US Embassy in Sri Lanka said in a press statement. The donation, which includes the aircraft and support services, originated in 2019 and is part of a long-term collaboration with the SLAF, according to the US Embassy. The SLAF added that the 360ER has been provided on “a gratis basis” to strengthen the country’s “capacity to secure its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and maintain maritime security within Sri Lanka’s Flight Information Region (FIR)”. According to Air Marshal R A Udeni P Rajapaksa, commander of the SLAF, the aircraft will contribute to “collective security efforts in the Indian Ocean region” and combat “transnational crime”. Manufactured by Beechcraft Textron Aviation in late 2022, the King Air 360ER (which has the serial number SMR-844) was integrated with radars and cameras in 2024, according to the US Embassy. The SLAF has said the aircraft will be used to conduct intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations; expand on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) capabilities; monitor illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing; and support the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) in countering human smuggling and drug trafficking. (Source: Janes)
31 Oct 24. Northrop Grumman Corporation’s (NYSE: NOC) LITENING targeting pod has completed initial flight testing on the U.S. Navy F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet aircraft, a critical step on the path to fleet operations. The tests put the electro-optical/infrared pod through a set of demanding maneuvers representative of operational scenarios. LITENING’s daylight and infrared sensors provide high-definition video in multiple wavelengths to deliver a decisive advantage in surveillance and targeting missions.
30 Oct 24. US Marines Conduct Successful Live-Fire Test of Iron Dome-Integrated Air Defense System. The U.S. Marine Corps has successfully completed its first live-fire drill using a new air defense system that integrates the Israeli Iron Dome’s Tamir interceptor, Israel’s Defense Ministry confirmed in a recent statement. The prototype system, designed specifically for Marine operations, is a collaboration between Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and U.S.-based Raytheon Technologies, marking a significant development in the Marine Corps’ medium-range air defense capabilities.
The new system combines American radar and command-and-control elements with the Iron Dome’s Tamir interceptors and a mobile launcher. The exercise tested the system’s continuous launch capabilities, with Marine personnel independently operating the system throughout the drill. According to officials, the Marines successfully intercepted multiple targets, validating the Tamir interceptor’s adaptability to intercept various threats, including cruise missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles, and other aerial projectiles. The training was an essential milestone in evaluating the system’s medium-range interception potential for future operational deployment.
Rafael and Raytheon developed the system’s mobile launcher to meet the specific needs of the Marine Corps. This prototype is part of a broader assessment program that the Marines have implemented to determine the system’s full operational potential. A key aspect of the test involved training Marines in the complete operation of the system, ensuring they could operate both the launcher and interceptors independently. The U.S. Marine Corps is focused on enhancing its medium-range air defense capabilities to address the diverse range of aerial threats faced in modern warfare.
Israel’s Iron Dome system, which includes Tamir interceptors, is part of the country’s multi-layered missile defense network managed by the Israel Missile Defense Organization under the Directorate of Defense Research & Development. Israel’s defense architecture also includes other defense systems, such as David’s Sling and Arrow systems, designed to provide comprehensive protection against various missile and aerial threats.
(Source: https://www.sofx.com/)
30 Oct 24. Cuashub.com said today that University of Illinois commits to securing against drone threats. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has awarded a two-year renewal to SkySafe to continue addressing security concerns related to unregulated drone usage on campus. The renewal, announced by SkySafe in an October 22 press release, follows a year of using SkySafe’s cloud-based drone detection technology to manage airspace and secure major campus events.
SkySafe’s system enables the university to monitor, identify and track drone activity, providing warning of drone threats across campus.
“Our solution has given the University of Illinois comprehensive situational awareness across campus, accurately pinpointing both drones and their operators with near-perfect precision,” said Melissa Swisher, Chief Revenue Officer at SkySafe. “We’re excited to strengthen our partnership with the University of Illinois in addressing the challenges posed by evolving drone threats.”
The university’s use of SkySafe includes event security at high-profile gatherings like American football games, where large crowds and broadcast rights create additional security challenges. In one recent case in September, with around 60,000 spectators at a game, a drone was detected violating restricted airspace, leading to the arrest and later prosecution of the drone operator.
The incident demonstrates the potential threat drones pose to mass gatherings like those in stadiums. A drone operator with hostile intent could inflict serious loss of life or injury among such a densely packed crowd.
In the past year, SkySafe’s system recorded over 7,500 drone flights in the university’s airspace. This level of drone activity is the basis for an expanding C-UAS market focused on public safety, and highlights the challenge faced by those looking to protect against hostile drones. While the vast majority of these flights were likely those of harmless hobbyists, it can be difficult to differentiate these from hostile drones at first glance.
Detection and warning functions allow the university’s security team to detect potential airspace breaches, reducing the risk of disruptions.
“By preventing disruptions, the system safeguards public safety and operational efficiency, as well as valuable broadcasting rights for major networks like CBS and ESPN,” Swisher noted.
Due to the difficulty of distinguishing between harmless and hostile drones, and the potential threat these drones can pose in the time it takes to do so, securing airspaces as a whole is the easiest way to protect crowds against drone threats.
Detection and tracking technologies allow for the identification of potential incursions, although the challenge of defeating the drone or apprehending the operator still remains. Generally, layered defence strategies that offer multiple solutions for countering incursions are recommended.
https://cuashub.com/en/content/university-of-illinois-commits-to-securing-against-drone-threats/ (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
29 Oct 24. Raytheon, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, in partnership with the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory Strategic Development Planning and Experimentation office, and the U.S. Navy, demonstrated the multi-mission GhostEye® MR advanced medium-range sensor during a joint test event called Gray Flag 2024. GhostEye MR tracked targets over water, showcasing the sensor’s readiness to deter current and future threats.
Raytheon recently demonstrated GhostEye MR’s operational readiness against a variety of high-speed targets during Gray Flag 2024, building on previous tests in New England, White Sands Missile Range, and Yuma Proving Ground.
GhostEye MR successfully tracked a variety of high-speed targets in a maritime environment. This most recent GhostEye MR experimentation demonstrates the success of OSD’s Rapid Defense Experimentation Reserve (RDER) program, which aims to accelerate the development of critical defense capabilities.
“Participating in the Gray Flag joint test event is a critical step toward achieving maturity for this multi-mission radar,” said Tom Laliberty, president of Land and Air Defense Systems at Raytheon. “GhostEye MR is the future sensor for NASAMS and will enable air defense forces around the globe to defend against a broad range of sophisticated aerial threats, as showcased during this test.”
Gray Flag 2024 presented realistic threat scenarios designed to stress the radar in simulated combat conditions. This demonstration builds on previous GhostEye MR testing in New England, White Sands Missile Range, and Yuma Proving Ground.
“Following up on last year’s OSD-funded Rapid Prototyping Program technology demonstration at White Sands Missile Range, GhostEye MR demonstrated its ability to execute extended-range detection and tracking of stressing targets in a variety of operational environments at Gray Flag 2024,” said Jim Simonds, U.S. Air Force Air Base Air Defense Program Manager at the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory. “The sensor’s continued interoperability with joint command and control systems during the test has GhostEye MR well positioned to deliver critical data to the joint force.”
A member of Raytheon’s GhostEye family of sensors, GhostEye MR is a 360-degree surveillance and fire control sensor, designed for the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS), and can detect, track and identify a wide variety of threats including those used by adversaries in large-quantity raid attacks.
The radar leverages software-defined apertures also featured in the US Army’s Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor (LTAMDS) program, enabling the radar to support multiple missions – integrated air and missile defense, counter-unmanned aircraft systems, and air base air defense. In August 2023, Raytheon was awarded its first government contract to advance development and assessment of GhostEye MR. (Source: PR Newswire)
30 Oct 24. Sentrycs, a leading innovator in C-UAS solutions, and Third Eye Systems, a renowned developer of advanced imaging solutions, announced a new strategic partnership. This collaboration brings together Sentrycs’ cutting-edge passive drone detection technology and Third Eye’s advanced Electro-Optic systems, delivering an unparalleled layer of drone identification and verification. By combining their expertise, the two companies are setting a new standard for enhanced airspace security solutions.
Sentrycs and Third Eye Systems Partner to Deliver Next-Generation Drone Detection and Identification Solution
“The collaboration between Sentrycs’ autonomous and zero false alarm drone detection capabilities and Third Eye’s state-of-the-art imaging technology serves as a true technological force multiplier,” said Yoav Zaltzman, Sentrycs CEO. “This partnership is yet another example of how interoperability and technological synergies significantly enhance multi-layered strategies, delivering a more accurate real-time aerial picture and allowing our customers to detect, identify, and neutralize threats with even greater precision.”
This partnership leverages the complementary strengths of Sentrycs and Third Eye to deliver an end-to-end C-UAS solution, enhancing protection against unauthorized commercial UAVs. Sentrycs’ precise detection and tracking system seamlessly integrates with Third Eye’s imaging technology, allowing for real-time visual identification via thermal and VIS imaging. This integration offers fast and accurate classification of threats, distinguishing between UAVs, drones, birds, and other objects. It also enables users to identify whether a drone is carrying a payload, providing an additional layer of threat assessment. In multi-drone scenarios, the system enables users to prioritize and respond more effectively, while the Electro-Optic system automatically directs high-performance cameras toward detected UAVs for instant live imaging, ensuring quick and safe drone mitigation even in complex environments.
“We are excited about this new collaboration with Sentrycs, combining our Edge AI expertise with their leading-edge detection systems,” said Lior Segal, Third Eye CEO. “Together, we provide a faster, more reliable way for operators to detect, classify, and respond to drone threats. This level of integration will save critical response time, which is vital in high-risk environments. It helps deal with the most complex threats whether deployed in urban areas, remote locations, or other high-risk sites, these integrated solutions are designed for rapid response under harsh conditions, ensuring operators can act quickly and effectively when it matters most.”
Sentrycs and Third Eye share a commitment to providing cost-effective, high-performance solutions that meet the evolving needs of an ever-changing airspace security landscape. Both systems are designed to be highly portable and easy to maintain, reducing operational costs while maintaining tactical readiness. With fast deployment, reliable results, and seamless integration, this solution provides the comprehensive protection needed to address the growing threat of unauthorized commercial drones and creates a significant technological advantage for operators in the field.
About Sentrycs Sentrycs is a leader in adaptive counter-drone solutions, supported by innovative Protocol Analytics technology. Sentrycs field-proven solutions are designed to passively detect, track, identify, and where necessary, mitigate unauthorized drones. It is custom-built for various environments, including airports, borders, prisons, critical infrastructure, and mass events. Founded in 2017, Sentrycs has offices in Israel and the US, serving customers worldwide. By uniting its field-proven technology and expertise in global drone environments, Sentrycs is leading the way toward a safer and more secure drone-driven future.
About Third Eye Systems Third Eye Systems, founded in 2010, is a pioneering provider of cutting-edge thermal and visual imaging solutions with a strong emphasis on the defense and security sectors. Known for its focus on Edge AI, Third Eye delivers advanced image processing technology that provides high-performance, real-time surveillance in all conditions. Third Eye’s solutions are designed to be reliable, man-portable, and operational 24/7, serving as battle-tested systems that set the standard in defense and security countermeasures. (Source: PR Newswire)
04 Nov 24. Chess Dynamics has launched its next generation Fire Control Radar and Electro-optical system – SeaEagle FCRO – designed to deliver precision fire control for any in service naval gun, with applicability also to other types of weapon.
SeaEagle FCRO combines high performance electro-optical sensors with a state-of-the-art fire control radar in an integrated stabilised package.
FCRO is designed to provide live geo-coordinates of both air and surface targets to the combat management system of the warship, allowing precision targeting of naval guns and other weapons against air, surface, and shore targets at ranges up to 30km.
The system draws upon Chess’s 30-plus years of expertise in delivering high performance surveillance and gun fire control systems. Visitors to the Cohort plc stand at Euronaval will be able to learn more about SeaEagle FCRO’s performance and how it has been designed to address the threat of small, fast, incoming targets and provide precision targeting for guns equipped with modern smart munitions.
Mark Byfield, Business Development Director at Chess Dynamics, said: ‘We listened to naval end users and knew there was a genuine need for a more compact and affordable next generation radar and electro-optical fire control system that was compatible with the target ranges of naval gun calibres between 30mm and 127mm. This next generation FCRO brings together proven capability and world class innovation and embodies the established design strategies that already deliver high performance and reliability to end users of our SeaEagle FCEO and EOSS product ranges.’
Easily maintainable, and more compact and lighter than other solutions available, the new FCRO has been designed to interface to several Combat Management Systems and is easily retrofittable onto existing platforms, as well as new builds, providing advanced capabilities to all classes of naval vessel.
29 Oct 24. Cuashub.com said today that the USAF seeks air launched Counter UAS solutions. The United States Air Force (USAF) released a Request For Information (RFI) on October 24 for Low Collateral Effects Interceptor (LCEI) technologies capable of combatting Group 1 and 2 sUAS threats. Led by the Counter small-Unmanned Aircraft Systems branch within the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, the RFI outlines that the LCEI must be a flight-tested autonomous aircraft with hard kill capabilities. Although initially only for planning purposes, the information garnered might subsequently be used to inform future USAF acquisition strategy and solicitation.
The focus on LCEIs represents a continuation of Pentagon strategy that places the technologies at the heart of the United States’ layered C-UAS capabilities. This started in 2021, with LCEIs the focal point of the first C-UAS technology demonstration at the Yuma Proving Ground in 2021 hosted by the USAF, the Joint Counter-sUAS Office and the Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office.
The initial testing in 2021 successfully demonstrated the capacity of LCEIs developed by Xtend, Aurora Flight Sciences & ELTA North America to carry out C-sUAS mission objectives while minimizing collateral damage. As Major General Sean Gainey, then Director of the JCO stated at the time:
“By focusing the first event on low collateral effects interceptors, we are addressing a key challenge when operating in complex urban environments, around sensitive sites, or in situations where the rules of engagement limits kinetic capabilities.”
LCEI’s ability to interdict hostile sUAS while minimizing collateral damage provides the user with far greater operational flexibility and increased confidence in autonomous operation. Their employment also reduces the risk that the slower speed of traditional kinetic countermeasures could be exploited by hostile forces deploying swarms of smaller and autonomous drones that are also immune from EW countermeasures.
The USAF has also developed its own LCEI, with the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Paladin System due to enter operational assessment in FY25. The latest RFI demonstrates the vital role LCEIs will continue to play as the U.S bolsters its C-UAS capabilities.
https://cuashub.com/en/content/us-air-force-seeks-air-launched-counter-uas-solutions/ (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
29 Oct 24. Cuashub.com said today that Sentrycs showcases C-UAS system at Project COURAGEOUS’ final meeting.
Last week, Sentrycs showcased their Counter-UAS system at INTERPOL’s Headquarters in Lyon. The demonstration took place as part of the closing meeting for Project COURAEGEOUS, and enabled participants to observe Sentrycs’ integrated counter-drone solution in operation.
Audelia Boker, VP of Marketing at Sentrycs, led the demo, in which she displayed the system’s detection, tracking and identification (DTI) capabilities in detail. In exclusive comments to the C-UAS Hub, Audelia stated that her and the team “are honoured that Interpol chose to showcase Sentrycs during the closing meeting of Project COURAGEOUS in their headquarters in Lyon, France; where our system’s capabilities, ease of use, and high performance were appreciated by all.”
Sentrycs’ autonomous and integrated counter-drone solution provides detection, tracking, identification, and mitigation, including a C2 module. It operates in a “pre-defined parameters, automated enforcement mode”, working with end-users to configure and deploy the system according to their operational needs and policies. It runs autonomously, without requiring extensive training or specific skills from staff on the ground.
The Sentrycs’ DTI Module enables end-users to detect, track and identify drones in the vicinity of the perimeter, using an autonomous 24/7 monitoring system; extract rich real-time data, including the operator’s last known location and flight parameters; and add friendly drones to an “Allowed list” according to their serial number.
Sentrycs was one of the industry stakeholders present at the event, and while a significant part of the meeting focused on the work done by INTERPOL and government and law enforcement partners to achieve a standardised C-UAS test methodology, it also highlighted the importance of collaborating with industry to ensure that C-UAS solutions meet the requirements of end-users, and that performance specifications are tested and communicated in a standardised manner.
Sentrycs showcases C-UAS system at Project COURAGEOUS’ final meeting
(Source: https://cuashub.com/)
28 Oct 24. DroneShield Expands European Presence to Meet Surging Demand for Counterdrone Solutions. In response to the escalating need for advanced counterdrone technologies across Europe, DroneShield (ASX:DRO), a world-leading innovator in counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS), is proud to announce the expansion of its European footprint. To enhance its regional capabilities, DroneShield has strategically appointed a team of seasoned C-UAS professionals, establishing a strong presence in both Denmark and Germany, complementing and supporting its existing strong European network of in-country partners.
The newly formed European team includes Hans Høyer, Asger Hviid, Oleksiy Prymin, and Red McClintock, each seasoned with deep expertise in C-UAS technologies. This multilingual team, proficient in English, German, Ukrainian, French, and Scandinavian languages, is poised to provide localised customer engagement and support, offering tailored solutions to military, security, and commercial sectors across the continent.
25 Oct 24. US and Philippines Marines train with hand-held C-UAS and RF jammers. US Marines from Battalion Landing Team 1/5 (BLT 1/5), 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), shared counter-UAS (C-UAS) technology and tactics during training with the Philippine Marine Corps’ 3rd Marine Brigade at Tarumpitao Point, Palawan, Philippines, between 17 and 21 October.
The training, part of Exercise KAMANDAG 8, included a demonstration of portable RF jammers and the NightFighter II, a handheld C-UAS tool designed for use in austere environments. Capable of neutralising a hostile UAS at long range, the NightFigher II is designed to disrupt a drone’s signals before it can carry out its mission.
The 15th MEU is the first deployed MEU to employ a NightFighter II system ashore while training with allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific.
New technologies and tactics for small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) were also demonstrated including a custom 3D-printed attachment that can release multiple munitions at the command of the sUAS operator.
“The work we’re doing here will help refine how we and our Philippine partners may fight together in the future,” said US Marine Corps Lt. Col. Nicholas Freeman, commanding officer of BLT 1/5. “We’re not just incorporating new technology — we’re building habits of constant learning, adaptation and problem-solving as new threats and opportunities emerge.” (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
25 Oct 24. US Air Force seeks low collateral effects interceptor to counter small drones. The United States Air Force (USAF) Counter small-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-sUAS) branch is requesting information regarding Low Collateral Effects Interceptor (LCEI) technologies related to countering the threat from small drones (Groups 1 and 2).
The Request for Information states that the LCEI should be autonomous aircraft with hard kill systems effective against Groups 1 and 2 uncrewed aerial systems.
All interceptor systems must be hosted on air vehicles that can be determined to be air-worthy by the government. The air vehicle must be based on or derived from US components and electronics and must have sufficient flight hours and reliability data.
Responses to the request are invited by November 25, 2024. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
25 Oct 24. Rohde & Schwarz launches new drone detection technology. Rohde & Schwarz has launched ARDRONIS Detect, which is designed to detect and identify various types of drones.
ARDRONIS Detect is the basis component of the ARDRONIS system, a counter-uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS) technology that offers detection, localisation, and identification capabilities. The system is designed to detect drones using a range of signals, including FHSS and analogue and digital video signals.
ARDRONIS Detect operates via the ARDRONIS Control Center software, which provides an interface for scanning, displaying detected signals, and other options. It can be used in combination with existing command and control systems.
Jens Steinwandt, Head of Product Management SPM/C-UAS at Rohde & Schwarz said ARDRONI Detect has been designed to be deployed in various settings, including fixed, semi-mobile, and mobile configurations for defence, security, and critical infrastructure applications.
The system is available now and Rohde & Schwarz says customers can upgrade their existing equipment or purchase a new system. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
25 Oct 24. Number of drones recorded over prisons in England and Wales doubles in 2023. The UK government has responded to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request regarding the number of drones flown in the vicinity of prisons in England and Wales. The government cited Ministry of Justice figures for the number of drones spotted, rising from 122 in 2019 to 1063 in 2023. The 2023 total was a substantial increase over the previous year when 478 were “sighted or reported”. These figures have been released under the UK’s FOI Act because the government believes the data to be in the public interest. “Disclosure would provide greater transparency and enable the public to be made aware of any drone activity at specific prisons,” the statement reads. “This could increase the public’s operational understanding of how establishments maintain good order and security in prisons. It is important that the public have confidence in the operation of the prison system and there is a public interest in ensuring that drone incidents are being actioned in an efficient and in an effective manner in compliance with formal operational standards and procedures.” The government decided not to disclose the specific prisons where drones had been recorded, noting that it “would be likely to be used to subvert the effectiveness of our current counter measures at specific prisons”. Indeed, if details on drone incidents detected at specific prisons were to be released, including the actions taken during a drone incident, criminals could alter their behaviour to avoid detection. It is worth noting that in January 2024, the UK established 400 metre flight restriction zones around all closed prisons and young offender institutions in England and Wales. These FRZ disrupt illegal drone use by strengthening the authority to intercept illicit items entering prisons and enabling the police to fine or prosecute those seeking to undermine prison security. It will be interesting to see how this move impacts the reported sightings figures for 2024. Since June 2016, police and prison staff in England and Wales have worked collaboratively to make over 70 drone-related convictions amassing a total of more than 240 years behind bars for those who broke the law. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
25 Oct 24. US Department of Homeland Security evaluates collateral effects of kinetic C-UAS. The United States Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate’s (S&T) Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS) programme and partners are furthering a public-private collaboration to assess innovative C-UAS technologies to thwart drones being used for nefarious purposes. During the latest round of evaluation in July, S&T put three additional technologies to the test, in part to understand the collateral effects of using kinetic capabilities. Testing took place at Camp Grafton South in North Dakota, which is managed by the North Dakota National Guard. The University of North Dakota—which is part of the Federal Aviation Administration’s Center of Excellence for Unmanned Air Systems—the Northern Plains UAS Test Site, and accessND provided the personnel and expertise to execute the demonstration. S&T shared details of the event in an article published on its website on October 24.
“The goal of the project is to investigate the state of the market in kinetic mitigation capabilities and determine the effects of using these capabilities, in order to decide which ones are suitable for the different Department of Homeland Security (DHS) component mission sets,” said S&T Program Manager Andy Myers. “The demonstrations have provided a foundation for identifying capabilities that look promising for further development, which will inform future S&T exploratory efforts.”
One of the participants was Lockheed Martin Advanced Technology Laboratories. Its Coordinated Autonomous Remote Intercept capability deployed specialised UAS group target tracking algorithms to cluster detections of aircraft, enabling the tracking of drone swarms, including their size, location, and movement. The system then autonomously launched a swarm of defensive aircraft to intercept the incoming threat.
Other participants included Fortem Technologies, which demonstrated its DroneHunter F700.
S&T said in its article that “among the promising technologies in the offing were a rotor-entanglement system and GPS jamming” and that test and evaluation work will continue. “The ongoing collaboration will offer DHS’s first opportunity to test GPS jamming capabilities. The rotor-entanglement system uses a unique delivery vehicle created via 3D printing technology, making for a cost-effective mitigation system.” (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
23 Oct 24. Aselsan develops new C-UAS system to counter mini and micro drones. Turkish defence manufacturer Aselsan has introduced new counter-uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS) technology at the Saha Expo 2024. The KORKUT 25mm remote controlled weapon system is suitable for integration onto a range of tactical vehicles. It can counter mini and micro UAS threats, particularly in rural environments. Equipped with 25mm airburst ammunition, KORKUT 25 possesses both soft and hard kill capabilities against UAS, and uses data from external sensors such as radar and surveillance cameras. The system features a gyro stabilised structure, remote operability feature, high resolution day and night/infra-red cameras as well as a laser range finder, automated target detection and tracking function, and automatic ballistic calculation technology. In addition, Aselsan’s BUKALEMUN GNSS spoofing system provides static and dynamic deception capabilities for extended distances within pre-defined scenarios, while the new KANGAL-FPV jammer has been developed as a counter-FPV electronic warfare system. Aselsan’s SEDA 100-cUAV acoustic detection system, integrated into the company’s İHTAR anti-drone system, detects UAS at long range. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
22 Oct 24. SkeyDrone, Senhive and Proximus team up for drone detection. SkeyDrone, Senhive and Proximus have joined forces to introduce a drone detection system to the market. Unauthorised drone activities are a threat to infrastructure and industries. Using Proximus’ telecommunications and digital infrastructure in Belgium, Senhive’s drone detection sensors will be strategically installed on eligible telecom towers. The drone detection network will be gradually extended and Proximus NXT will play a role in commercialising the solution. SkeyDrone is responsible for the software and services, providing a real-time overview of the airspace traffic situation, visualising the position of both the drone and the pilot. The system includes intrusion detection alerts, enables visual analytics and integrates with existing uncrewed traffic management (UTM) systems to distinguish authorised from unauthorised drone flights. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
24 Oct 24. Indra showcases its CROW system’s ability to thwart complex drone swarm attacks during NATO TIE24 anti-drone interoperability exercises. During the Anti-Drone Interoperability Exercises (TIE24) organised by the NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA), Indra demonstrated the ability of its CROW anti-drone system to interoperate with all kinds of systems and adapt to each mission and type of attack, including those in which swarms of drones modified to resist countermeasures are used.
Given the wide range of settings and different types of drones in existence, the most advanced armies are searching for anti-drone systems that can adapt to each specific mission and scenario in a flexible manner. With this premise in mind, CROW’s command and control system demonstrated its ability to integrate with 27 sensors and effectors made by different manufacturers in Europe during these exercises, the most important ones organised by NATO held in September in the Netherlands.
The system used the new NATO interoperability standard (C-UAS AEDP-4869), previously known as SAPIENT, which can integrate all kinds of technologies in an extremely simple way, almost as if it were a plug and play device. Indra took part in it during the ‘blind’ exercises, known as the Performance Challenge, with which NATO sought to validate the new interoperability standard that should ensure that the technologies of the allied countries can be combined to constantly guarantee the most advanced anti-drone solution.
Juan López Campos, Indra’s head of the solution, explained that “CROW’s command and control system provides each army with complete freedom to configure the system to best meet its needs. The solution is capable of operating in combination with the command and control systems of other allied countries, while it can also be integrated into the future combat cloud”.
Another important benefit of Indra’s system is its high degree of usability. In fact, CROW was used by military operators who had no previous training in operating it without any problems arising.
Scanning the sky: During the exercises, Indra also tried out its new radio frequency sensor as part of the specific tests carried out by the study group of the Unmanned Aerial Systems Detection and Classification by Radio Frequency (NATO SET-204) project. This system also used the new NATO interoperability standard to integrate with other command and control systems.
This is the latest sensor to be incorporated into Indra’s existing range of systems, which include state-of-the-art radars, electro-optical systems, radio frequency systems and jammers (systems that interfere with signals).
The Spanish Air Force has used Indra’s CROW system during real missions, including the one carried out in Mali. Other State Security Forces and Corps have employed it to protect the airspace at major international conventions and events. (Source: www.joint-forces.com)
25 Oct 24. Cuashub.com said today that DoD & SBA announce first funds for the SBICCT Initiative.
On October 22, 2024, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the first group of Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) Licensees and Green Light Approved investment funds granted under the Small Business Investment Company Critical Technology Initiative (SBICCT Initiative).
The 13 funds currently Licensed and Green Light Approved collectively project to invest over $4 bn in nearly 1700 portfolio companies. These are focused on all 14 DoD Critical Technology Areas, key to fulfilling the SBICCT Initiative’s primary objective to attract and scale private investment into technology areas vital to economic and national security.
Directed Energy – described by the U.S. DoD Office of Strategic Capital as “the use of lasers, high power microwaves, and high energy particle beams to produce precision disruption, damage, or destruction of military targets at range” – is one of the Critical Technology Areas outlined in the 2023 National Defense Science and Technology Strategy.
Leveraging Directed Energy as a C-UAS capability has continuously developed as a priority for the US Military. Earlier this month, Leonardo DRS and BlueHalo announced the successful live-fire demonstration of a new Counter Unmanned Aircraft System (C-UAS) Directed Energy (DE) Stryker vehicle, leveraging BlueHalo’s 26kW LOCUST Laser Weapon System to successfully destroy numerous drones.
Earlier in July 2024, the Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) released a Request for Information (RFI) seeking High-Energy Laser (HEL)-based weapon solutions. Last month, Epirus announced the development of its latest High-Power Microwave Product – Expeditionary Directed Energy Counter-Swarm (ExDECS) – in partnership with the Office of Naval Research (ONR), Marine Corps Warfighting Lab (MCWL) and the Joint Counter-small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Office (JCO).
With the DoD and SBA’s announcement this week, it is likely that funding to develop Directed Energy capabilities will continue to increase, assisting in the delivery of a key C-UAS capability for the U.S. Military for years to come.
https://cuashub.com/en/content/dod-sba-announce-first-funds-for-sbicct-initiative/ (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
25 Oct 24. Cuashub.com said today that Fincantieri Group signs MoU with Barzan Holdings for C-UAS radar system in Qatar. Italian defence giant Fincantieri Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) this week with Barzan Holdings of Qatar to focus on the joint development of the Omega360 radar program.
Barzan Holdings, a company wholly owned by the Qatari Ministry of Defense and responsible for furthering the military capabilities of the state’s Armed Forces, have partnered with Fincantieri to develop an innovative short-range surveillance system. The fully digital architecture of the system makes it capable of covering all 360 degrees simultaneously and with high accuracy and is planned to form the central sensor of Qatar’s national anti-drone system.
The company claims that Omega360 is particularly effective against micro and nano drones, with the inclusion of high Doppler spectrum resolution and implementation of artificial intelligence algorithms, enabling the classification and detection of drone swarms by radiofrequency and at long distances – without any limitations that may be found with standard optical systems.
This agreement furthers marks the collaboration between Qatar and Fincantieri – with the company already advancing naval units to the Qatar Armed Forces in recent years. The recent MoU also emphasises the need for local production of 40 Omega360 units and the establishment of a Centre of Excellence in Qatar for assembly and maintenance of these systems.
In a press release, Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and General Manager of Fincantieri, highlighted the importance of the MoU in enhancing the Qatari State’s ability to counter the drone threat:
“The agreement with Barzan Holdings represents a strategic step toward the future of defense and security, combining innovation with local production capabilities. With Omega360, we are pioneering the introduction of cutting-edge technologies into a highly complex market.”
The company projects that the first operational systems are expected to be delivered by the end of 2026.
https://cuashub.com/en/content/fincantieri-signs-c-uas-mou-with-barzan-holdings/ (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
25 Oct 24. Cuashub.com said today that Spain plays key role in developing a standardised Counter-UAS testing methodology under Project COURAGEOUS.
Spain’s Counter-UAS efforts were recognised at INTERPOL’s closing meeting for Project COURAGEOUS last week. During the meeting, Spain was referred to as a key partner in contributing to the development of a standardised test methodology for detecting, tracking and identifying illicit drones. According to Christopher Church, Senior Mobile Forensics Specialist at INTERPOL, Spain played a “pivotal role in evaluating the performance of countermeasures under real-world conditions, enabling the project team to gather valuable data and insights”.
In coordination with the Spanish National Police and Guardia Civil, the Spanish Ministry of Interior held several validation trials under Project COURAGEOUS to test and evaluate several Counter-UAS systems. The trials were held in airports and stadiums, among other locations, with the aim of enhancing the protection of public spaces, events and borders.
In an exclusive quote for the CUAS Hub, Chief Inspector Ángel Manuel Siles Garcia, Head of Airspace Security and Protection at the Spanish National Police stated that “the National Police has been part of the COURAGEOUS Project from the beginning, and has provided qualified UAS and C-UAS operators from the Security and Air Protection Area to carry out the practical exercises and tests, as well as technical personnel in electronics and telecommunications for the technical assessment and supervision of the systems and procedures applied during the different trials”.
Chief Inspector Siles Garcia also highlighted some of the current Counter-UAS priorities for the Spanish National Police, which “include several critical aspects due to the rapid advancement of drone technology and its proliferation in various areas”, reflecting “the need for a multidimensional approach that combines technology, regulation, training, and international cooperation to effectively address the challenges posed by drones today”. He continued, “these priorities focus on security, regulation, and technological innovation. Continuous technological innovation involves investing in R&D to develop new solutions and improve existing ones in the fight against unauthorized drones”.
INTERPOL’s official video for Project COURAGEOUS also highlighted that “Spain is one of the first countries to create a national network for detecting and neutralising drones. It’s called SIGLO-CD”. The SIGLO-CD system is designed to enable the remote detection, identification, tracking, and monitoring of most commercial drones, particularly those following widely used protocols, flying over the urban area of Madrid. Additionally, it allows for the neutralization of UAS flying over critical infrastructure and state institution facilities, such as the Royal Palace, the Government Presidency, and the Congress and Senate.
(Source: https://cuashub.com/)
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