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03 Dec 24. EIZO Unveils UHD XMC Card for Military ISR Applications.
EIZO Rugged Solutions has introduced the Condor VC300xX, a low-latency XMC video capture card designed for processing UHD footage in military C5ISR applications and UAVs. EIZO Rugged Solutions Inc., has introduced the Condor VC300xX, an XMC form factor ultra high-definition (UHD) video capture card for military C5ISR (command, control, communications, computers, combat systems, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance) applications.
The Condor VC300xX card can accommodate up to eight SDI video inputs, supporting a mix of 12G, 3G, and HD-SDI resolutions. It includes two CVBS capture channels with independent audio support.
Condor VC300xX XMC Card
The XMC video capture cards’ multiple SDI inputs, and support for various video formats, enables consolidated video capture from numerous sensors and cameras to support 360-degree situational awareness and tracking.
Its high resolution and low latency make it ideal for mission-critical defense systems, where decisions must be made quickly based on incoming video intelligence.
The Condor VC300xX supports PCI Express, ensuring high-speed data transfer to the host system for efficient, real-time processing and analysis of UHD video. With a low power consumption of under 20W, it is ideal for SWaP-sensitive (size, weight, and power) applications such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and other ISR applications.
The XMC card is available in air-cooled and conduction-cooled ruggedized variants and is designed to VITA 47.3 environmental standards.
John Payne, Senior Product Manager at EIZO Rugged Solutions, commented, “The Condor VC300xX is a single-slot XMC card with the ability to capture and transfer up to eight video feeds simultaneously in real-time, enabling operators to assist in quick threat detection and response.” (Source: https://www.defenseadvancement.com/)
05 Dec 24. Countering Drone Incursions at Nuclear Sites with RF Cyber-Takeover Technology. D-Fend Solutions outlines the increasing risks posed by drones to nuclear facilities and explores strategies for robust defense systems, highlighting RF Cyber-Takeover counter-drone systems as a reliable solution. D-Fend Solutions examines the increasing threat of unauthorized drones near nuclear facilities and outlines key strategies for implementing effective defense measures against them.
The rise of new security challenges has placed nuclear facilities in a precarious position. Among these emerging threats, commercially available drones—once regarded primarily as recreational tools—now represent a serious security concern.
Nuclear Facilities as Critical Infrastructure
Nuclear facilities are essential assets that encompass power plants generating electricity, research centers advancing nuclear science, reprocessing plants handling recyclable nuclear materials, and secure storage sites for nuclear waste. Additionally, certain facilities are responsible for nuclear weapons development and maintenance.
The sensitive nature of these facilities necessitates stringent security measures. However, the accessibility of drones has introduced new complexities to their protection. Drones have the potential to:
- Collect intelligence: Capturing detailed information about facility layouts and security protocols.
- Launch attacks: Small drones carrying explosives could inflict significant damage.
- Cause operational disruptions: Drone incursions might prompt shutdowns or evacuations, resulting in economic and operational impacts.
Why Nuclear Plants Need Drone Defense
Unauthorized drones bypass conventional ground-based defenses, creating significant risks for nuclear facilities. These risks reinforce the need for robust counter-drone measures to maintain operational security, protect sensitive information, and ensure public and environmental safety.
Reliable Detection & Warning Systems
While nuclear facilities already have comprehensive ground surveillance, additional drone detection systems are critical. These systems should identify a drone’s flight path, point of origin, and pilot location.
Early warnings enable security teams and Nuclear Site Protection services to prepare deterrence strategies or involve law enforcement to address operators located far from the site.
Comprehensive Reporting Protocols
Establishing a detailed reporting protocol is essential for documenting and responding to drone sightings systematically. Guidelines should specify:
- Who to notify based on the severity of the threat.
- What information to collect, including time, drone behavior, and appearance.
This data helps assess risks and determines the appropriate security response.
Ongoing Monitoring & Assessment
Advanced detection technologies, such as RF Cyber-Takeover C-UAS systems, enable real-time identification of unauthorized drones. Continuous monitoring allows security teams to respond immediately while analyzing patterns of activity to refine defense strategies and preempt potential threats.
Since many nuclear facilities lack enforcement authority outside their boundaries, collaboration with local law enforcement is vital for addressing drone-related incidents effectively.
Policy & Regulatory Evolution
The nuclear industry prioritizes public safety, with multiple redundancies ensuring secure operations. As regulations adapt to address the drone threat, enhanced protections for critical infrastructure will fortify defenses against malicious drone operators.
Advanced Counter-Drone Technologies
RF Cyber-Takeover C-UAS systems, such as D-Fend Solutions’ EnforceAir, play a key role in neutralizing unauthorized drones.
These technologies allow operators to take control of threatening drones, redirecting them without causing collateral damage or disruption. Such measures safeguard facility security, prevent breaches, and protect infrastructure integrity.
Developing and implementing comprehensive defense strategies ensures that nuclear facilities remain resilient against evolving threats.
(Source: https://www.defenseadvancement.com/)
03 Dec 24. MARSS Demonstrates NiDAR C-UAS Solution at Red Sands 2024. MARSS showcased its AI-driven NiDAR counter-drone platform at Red Sands 24.2, autonomously analyzing radar tracks and EO/IR data to defeat multiple military-grade UAS. Defense technology provider MARSS took on a leading role at Red Sands 2024, showcasing its end-to-end integrated counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) solutions.
Jointly organized by the U.S. Army DEVCOM, ARCENT, and the Royal Saudi Air Forces, Red Sands 24.2 provided a test-bed for the latest technological solutions to deal with the rising threat of UAS attacks.
As an active participant in Red Sands over multiple years, MARSS took a leading role in this year’s exercise, demonstrating its end-to-end, detection to defeat, C2 systems – fully integrated with EOS’ remote weapon station.
Over the course of the exercise, MARSS’ AI-powered NiDAR platform was tested against numerous simulated drone attacks, including both Category 2 rotary-wing, and Category 3 fixed-wing UAS. The system successfully defeated multiple military-grade drones.
This performance was enabled by NiDAR’s inbuilt threat prioritization, which autonomously analyses radar tracks and EO/IR data to assess and order the potential risks, as well as providing the operator with a recommended course of action.
Overseen by a human in the loop, NiDAR then relayed detailed slew-to-cue data to EOS’ integrated remote weapon station to defeat the identified threat at exceptional speed.
MARSS’ additionally demonstrated its fully wireless C2 functionality. Enabled by its partnership with Silvus Technologies, MARSS was able to integrate multiple sensors. This included radars from Echodyne and SRC, and EO/IR sensors from Current Corp, to provide a unified tactical picture on a single display.
Josh Harman, Vice President of Business Development with MARSS, commented, “In Ukraine and across the Middle East the defense industry and users are identifying major shortfalls with deployed integrated and non-integrated air defense systems. With constantly evolving threats, the time for sensors, effectors and integrated capabilities to react, adjust and deploy is ever shortening, and some existing systems are struggling to keep up.
“Over the course of the Red Sands exercise, MARSS demonstrated multi-sensor integration on a single UI that was mature and devastatingly effective against the various air threats – reducing the decision cycle of ‘detect to defeat’ to a matter of seconds.
“Exercises, such as Red Sands, are critical for understanding the needs and pressure points for our customer-base. With so many drones being deployed daily, or even hourly, in active areas, it’s imperative that any CUAS system can target the drones, but also the operators.
“MARSS’ NiDAR is able to do just that – enabling our customers to protect the public from the immediate threat, and future threats as well. It is capabilities such as these, combined with our ability to detect-and-defeat everything up to Cat 3 drone, that make MARSS’ systems so valued by our customers.” (Source: https://www.defenseadvancement.com/)
05 Dec 24. Anduril, OpenAI partner to boost counter-drone tech for bases, troops. Anduril and OpenAI will partner to improve the military’s counter-drone capabilities. (MediaProduction/Getty Images)
Defense technology firm Anduril Industries announced this week it will partner with ChatGPT-maker OpenAI to use the company’s artificial intelligence models to improve the U.S. military’s ability to protect its bases and personnel from drone attacks.
“Anduril and OpenAI will explore how leading edge AI models can be leveraged to rapidly synthesize time-sensitive data, reduce the burden on human operators and improve situational awareness,” Anduril said in a statement Wednesday. “These models, which will be trained on Anduril’s industry-leading library of data on CUAS threats and operations, will help protect U.S. and allied military personnel and ensure mission success.”
The companies did not disclose whether there is funding attached to the agreement, which continues a recent trend of large AI firms partnering with the defense industry. In November, Anthropic and Palantir announced they would work with Amazon Web Services to sell Anthropic’s AI models to defense and intelligence agencies.
The partnership comes amid growing concerns about weaponized drones, which have been used against U.S. and allied forces in the Middle East and Ukraine.
In June, the Defense Intelligence Agency reported that a slew of attacks by Iran-backed groups on shipping vessels in the Red Sea affected 65 countries and 29 major energy and shipping firms.
The Pentagon is working to push cutting-edge counter-drone technology to the military services through the second phase of its Replicator program, created to bypass the sluggish acquisition processes that keep the Defense Department from adopting and scaling technology.
Anduril is on contract to provide hardware and software for the first iteration of Replicator, which is on track to field thousands of small drones by next summer. The firm also announced a $250 million contract to deliver 500 of its Roadrunner counter drone systems to an unnamed Defense Department customer.
And earlier this week, the Pentagon’s Chief Digital and AI Office awarded Anduril a $100 million contract to increase production of its Lattice Mesh networking capability. The Defense Department is already using the data distribution platform at a small scale, but the three-year CDAO contract will make it available to all services and combatant commands.
(Source: Defense News)
05 Dec 24. DoD Announces Strategy for Countering Unmanned Systems. On December 2 Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III signed a classified Strategy for Countering Unmanned Systems. The strategy unifies the Department’s approach to countering these systems that looks across domains, characteristics, and timeframes.
Unmanned systems pose both an urgent and enduring threat to U.S. personnel, facilities, and assets overseas. Unmanned aerial systems, most commonly known as drones, pose the most significant threat at this time and increasingly in the US homeland. These threats are changing how wars are fought. By producing a singular Strategy for Countering Unmanned Systems, the Secretary and the Department are orienting around a common understanding of the challenge and a shared approach to addressing it.
The strategy builds on other major DoD initiatives, including the standup of the Joint Counter-Small UAS Office, the establishment of a Warfighter Senior Integration Group to meet urgent operational needs, and the launch of the Replicator 2 initiative to defend against the threats of small aerial systems at our most critical installations and force concentrations. The recent designation of the Commanders of NORTHCOM and INDOPACOM as the lead synchronizers for operations to counter-UAS in the homeland also ensures a cohesive approach to this challenge.
Focusing on the near-term problem is not be enough. The Strategy for Countering Unmanned Systems helps set the Department’s gaze beyond the “five-meter target” to threats we may see in the future, acknowledging the rapid evolution of these capabilities.
According to an unclassified fact sheet released by the department, unmanned systems are increasing in capability and are posing ever-increasing threats to the U.S. and its allies.
“Enabled by growing commercial innovation and the increasing sophistication of artificial intelligence, autonomy and networking technology, unmanned systems are fundamentally changing how militaries of all sizes, capacities, and capabilities — as well as non-state actors — achieve their objectives,” the fact sheet says.
Countering the effects of those unmanned systems has been a priority for the secretary of defense since he took office in 2021, said the Pentagon press secretary during a briefing today. The new strategy strengthens efforts already underway by the department to deal with the growing threat.
“Unmanned systems, more commonly known as drones, have the potential to pose both an urgent and enduring threat to U.S. personnel, facilities and assets overseas and increasingly in the U.S. homeland,” said Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder. “The threats presented by these systems are changing how wars are fought. With this singular strategy for countering unmanned systems, in conjunction with other major DOD initiatives … the DOD is orienting around a common understanding of the challenge and a comprehensive approach to addressing it.”
The new strategy builds on other major DOD initiatives, including the standup of the Joint Counter-Small UAS Office, the establishment of the Warfighter Senior Integration Group, and the launch of the Replicator 2 initiative meant to defend against threats posed by small aerial systems.
The new strategy is classified, but the associated unclassified fact sheet reveals some of the efforts the department plans to take as part of that strategy.
One effort involves gaining a better understanding of the threats posed by unmanned systems and improving the ability of American forces to detect, track and characterize those threats.
Another aspect of the strategy is to build counter-unmanned system efforts and knowledge into existing U.S. military doctrine, organization, training, materiel, leadership, personnel, facilities and policy.
Through the strategy, the department also commits to delivering adaptable counter-UAS solutions more quickly and at scale, including by working more closely with U.S. partners and allies.
Of note also is that the department, within the strategy, recognizes the vast difference between the low cost of developing and deploying unmanned systems and the high cost the U.S. currently spends to defeat those systems. Here, in the strategy, the department commits to reducing the imbalance.
Ryder said the strategy allows the department to approach the threat posed by UAS in a way that’s “comprehensive, cohesive and holistic.” (Source: U.S. DoD)
05 Dec 24. Updated data link is the first to incorporate the BE-CDL waveform, which enables faster communications. Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has been selected by the U.S. Marine Corps to provide Advanced Tactical Data Links (ATDL) in LITENING electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) targeting pods on F/A-18 aircraft. ATDL’s technology allows for faster transfer speeds compared to previous waveforms, enabling more rapid decision making.
- The LITENING pod’s ATDL is the first tactical aircraft data link to use the Bandwidth Efficient Common Data Link (BE-CDL) waveform, which enables faster communications.
- ATDL’s secure, two-way, multi-band link allows for the transmission of video, still images and metadata to enhance mission precision.
- Operators in the air and on the ground can view the same live video feed simultaneously.
James Conroy, vice president, navigation, targeting and survivability, Northrop Grumman: “LITENING’s high-definition sensors on the advanced EO/IR targeting pod gather critical information, enabling more rapid decision making. The ATDL enhancement is like upgrading to better Wi-Fi by building on LITENING’s already proven data links, making live feeds immediately available on the ground – a critical capability in our modern environment.”
The ATDL is a replacement for the Plug-and-Play II data link and can be added to any fourth generation or newer LITENING pod, including the G4, SE, LDP, Color and Large Aperture variants. It incorporates an updated processor, software-defined radio, wideband antenna and improved data recorder. LITENING is the first targeting pod to include the BE-CDL waveform, which enhances interoperability and increases data transfer rates for video, still images and metadata. Previous LITENING data link integrations include NET-T, which functions like a secure airborne Wi-Fi router, and other data terminals including the Mobile Ad-hoc Network and Freedom 550 radios which can connect multiple users across aircraft generations and domains.
LITENING is an electro-optical/infrared targeting pod on aircrafts that detects, acquires, identifies and tracks targets at extended ranges. LITENING enables a wide range of missions, including precision targeting, air superiority, close air support, surveillance and humanitarian assistance. The pod’s modular design allows for upgrades over time to keep pace with evolving mission needs. Northrop Grumman has delivered more than 900 LITENING pods to U.S. and international customers.
Northrop Grumman is a leading global aerospace and defense technology company. Our pioneering solutions equip our customers with the capabilities they need to connect and protect the world, and push the boundaries of human exploration across the universe. Driven by a shared purpose to solve our customers’ toughest problems, our employees define possible every day.
05 Dec 24. Teledyne FLIR, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, today announced Gremsy, a leading provider of advanced gimbals and payloads, as the latest collaborator in the Thermal by FLIR® program. Gremsy integrates the Boson® radiometric thermal camera module as part of its gimbaled National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) compliant Vio F1 drone payload. Assembled in the USA, the Vio F1 is an advanced, lightweight electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) payload for asset and infrastructure inspection, disaster relief, firefighting, search and rescue (SAR), and public safety missions.
The Vio F1 features a Sony 4K Block Zoom EO sensor with up to 240x zoom and a 640 x 512 radiometric NDAA-compliant and ITAR-free Boson thermal camera with up to 8x zoom. The payload also integrates a 2,400-meter laser range finder, making it an ideal option for industrial inspections and applications. With its integrated sensors, users can seamlessly engage the advanced functionalities of the payload through its diverse and intuitive viewing modes, allowing for individual and combined visible-thermal views.
“Working with the global leader in thermal imaging through the Thermal by FLIR program empowered Gremsy to drive innovation and get Vio swiftly to market,” said Vinh Tran, CEO at Gremsy. “Our goal was to create a payload that is compatible with multiple platforms, including Pixhawk, CubePilot, and Skynode, and to offer an easy-to-integrate solution for any drone maker, including BLUE UAS providers.”
Vio’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) features provide advanced detection and auto zoom capabilities that are critical for public safety and SAR operations. AI detection offers accurate and automated identification of key objects, including humans, vehicles, and boats. Layered with AI Auto Zoom, the system can automatically zoom in on the selected object for the best and most useful view. The zoom level in tracking mode automatically adjusts as the object moves closer or farther away, eliminating the need for teams to adjust the zoom during flight.
“Gremsy is a known innovator in advancing aerial imaging technology, making it an ideal candidate for the Thermal by FLIR program,” said Dan Walker, vice president, product development, Teledyne FLIR. “The Vio offers precision and accuracy, plus the upcoming implementation of our radiometric JPG file format will soon enable pilots to leverage the FLIR Thermal Studio Suite analysis and reporting software.”
Teledyne FLIR’s Thermal by FLIR program is a cooperative product development and marketing program created to support original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The program enables streamlined integration of Teledyne FLIR thermal camera modules into products and provides go-to-market support for resulting innovations.
Click here for details about Boson and visit the Thermal by FLIR page for additional information about the program: https://www.flir.com/products/lepton/?vertical=microcam&segment=oem
Click here for more information about the Gremsy Vio F1: https://gremsy.us/product/vio/
03 Dec 24. Embraer to enhance C-390 Millennium aircraft for maritime ISR missions. Embraer and the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) have signed an agreement to advance studies on expanding the C-390 Millennium’s capabilities for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, with a specific focus on Maritime Patrol. The agreement was formalised during the National Defence and Security Fair (Mostra BID) in Brasília, Brazil, on December 3, 2024.
The collaboration seeks to adapt the versatile C-390 Millennium platform to meet the evolving operational needs of the FAB and potential global customers. The aircraft’s ruggedness, advanced communication systems, and self-protection technology position it as an ideal candidate for ISR applications, particularly in maritime environments.
“The studies to adapt the C-390 Millennium aircraft to ISR missions have evolved in a structured way, analysing the aircraft’s capability to evolve in order to meet the current and future needs of the Brazilian Air Force, especially in relation to Maritime Patrol,” said Lieutenant-Brigadier Marcelo Kanitz Damasceno, Commander of the FAB.
Embraer Defence & Security President and CEO, Bosco da Costa Junior, highlighted the significance of the initiative: “We are honoured to move forward with the FAB on studies to expand the operational capabilities of the C-390 Millennium. It reinforces our commitment to always offer our customers an aircraft capable of carrying out their most challenging missions with unparalleled efficiency.”
The C-390 Millennium is already regarded as the most advanced aircraft in its category and has been adopted by several nations, including Brazil, Hungary, Austria, South Korea, and the Netherlands. Its capability to perform demanding missions, including operations on unpaved runways, underscores its global appeal.
The aircraft boasts a maximum payload of 26 tons, a top speed of 470 knots, and cutting-edge technology, making it a leader in its class. The C-390 Millennium fleet worldwide has accumulated over 15,000 flight hours, with an impressive mission capability rate of 93% and a mission completion rate exceeding 99%, reflecting its reliability and efficiency.
04 Dec 24. DARPA Taps RTX for Sensors That Defy Standard Limits. RTX BBN Technologies creating photonic chip-scale quantum sensors for defense and commercial applications. RTX’s (NYSE: RTX) BBN Technologies is developing next-generation, compact, low-power, deployable photonic sensors that will provide users with better awareness of environmental elements critical to their missions with greater than ten-times the precision of current sensors. This new capability will have widespread defense and commercial applicability, disrupting fields such as LiDAR, fiber-based sensing, biosensing, system and network monitoring, navigation and communications.
As part of DARPA’s Intensity Squeezed Photonic Integration with Revolutionary Detection (INSPIRED) program, the BBN-led team will deliver a prototype photonic chip that uses exotic quantum states of squeezed light to achieve its goals.
The successful delivery of this custom-designed prototype requires the team to push detection sensitivity 16 dB below the fundamental “shot noise” limit, which imposes a strict bound on the sensitivity of conventional sensors that are not equipped to take advantage of the unique quantum properties of light.
“Light is a powerful tool that finds widespread use in sensors like LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) for mapping, autonomous navigation, and more,” said Dr. Mo Soltani, BBN principal investigator on the effort. “But today’s sensors are limited by the randomness inherent in the way light fluctuates. Imagine that you have a light source, and you’re counting the photons arriving at a detector every second. Because of the quantum nature of light, the number of photons you count each second will vary, even if your source is perfectly stable.” This variation in detection, known as shot noise, limits how precisely a sensor can use light to probe its surroundings.
To overcome this problem, the team’s chip-scale detector will use quantum mechanics to fine tune the light it generates. “Our device minimizes the photon noise by ‘squeezing’ the light source—suppressing certain kinds of quantum fluctuations while augmenting others,” said Dr. Michael Grace, a quantum information scientist at BBN involved in the project. “This lets us focus on extracting the information embedded in a specific photonic property of interest without being limited by shot noise.”
Using squeezed light to increase the precision of photon measurements has been proven in meter-scale laboratory experiments and kilometer-scale gravitational wave facilities. The team will use its expertise in photonic integrated circuits and quantum measurement devices to achieve the design and fabrication innovations required to transfer squeezed light capabilities to a fieldable, millimeter-scale detector for detection across a wide frequency range within 100 MHz to 10 GHz.
In addition, BBN will use its proficiency in systems integration to manage a team that includes leading quantum and photonic experts from Xanadu Quantum, the University of Maryland (Prof. Saikat Guha), and Raytheon’s Advanced Technology business. The team brings robust capabilities in quantum sensor design, squeezing and sub-shot noise detection, quantum photonic testing and chip packaging, and rapid prototyping of compact RF-synthesizer modules.
“Improving the accuracy, sensitivity, resolution and efficiency of fielded sensors makes them more effective in a wide range of applications, from mapping and surveying to autonomous navigation and obstacle detection,” said Soltani. “All of that translates to better information to use in decision-making.”
Work on this contract is being performed in Cambridge, Massachusetts; San Diego, California; College Park, Maryland; and Toronto, Canada. (Source: ASD Network)
04 Dec 24. Embraer (NYSE: ERJ; B3: EMBR3), a global leader in the aerospace industry, signed a R$ 147m contract today at Mostra BID with the Financiadora de Estudos e Projetos (Finep) to complete new technologies to be used in the SABER M200 Multimission radar.
The new generation transportable tactical radar is optimized for medium-altitude air defense, surveillance and military aircraft. The SABER M200 Multimission radar is equipped with an Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) system to provide end users with an accurate aircraft identification capability. Thanks to its cutting-edge technology, this radar will expand the Brazilian Armed Forces’ operational capabilities while ensuring readiness for future air defense systems.
“Finep’s support for the development of the M200 multi-mission radar represents the continuation of a long tradition of cooperation for the development of a family of radars for the Brazilian Army. The M200 Multimission radar will be a key asset for building a Medium altitude Anti-Aircraft Defense System, essential for strengthening our country’s deterrence capacity,” said Finep’s president, Celso Pansera.
“The signing of this contract reinforces our commitment to developing the most advanced systems and solutions in Brazil, incorporating high national technological content,” said Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security. “Counting on Finep’s support for this important step is essential in order to develop and maintain a greater autonomy and sovereignty in this type of strategic technology.”
The SABER M200 Multimission radar is part of the Strategic Planning of the Brazilian Army and Embraer. This program has the support of the Brazilian Government for the development of genuinely national and independent AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar technologies, the Brazilian Armed Forces and export customers.
03 Dec 24. Chinese lidar sensors pose risk to US military security, report says. The report suggests for the procurement of lidar sensors from companies based in foreign countries of concern will be banned. Anew report from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies has highlighted potential risks associated with Chinese-made lidar sensors in the US military. Lidar, or Light Detection and Ranging, is a remote sensing technology using laser pulses to create detailed, three-dimensional maps. The report warns that Chinese companies are gaining control of the global lidar market. The widespread use of Chinese-produced lidar in the US, particularly in public safety, transportation, and utility systems, presents opportunities for espionage and sabotage. This could potentially allow Beijing to access sensitive US data or disrupt critical operations, according to the report. The US military uses of Lidar technology terrain mapping, target identification, navigation support, underwater threat detection, laser weapon assistance and high-altitude monitoring: technologies such as DARPA’s HALOE. The Department of Defense’s Joint All-Domain Command and Control initiative aims to integrate data and technology across military platforms. This includes outfitting next-generation autonomous military vehicles and drones with integrated lidar suites. For example, the US Army’s Future Vertical Lift programme, which aims to develop next-generation helicopters, will use Lidar technology for real-time terrain mapping and to enhance obstacle detection and avoidance. However, the use of advanced custom silicon chips in newer lidar sensors, especially those from China, adds another layer of risk, the foundation stated. These custom chips can be engineered to include hidden vulnerabilities, known as ‘hardware trojans,’ which could provide unauthorised access or control over lidar devices. Satellite-based laser systems could also disable such sensors quickly over large areas, the foundation noted. In May, US representative Elissa Slotkin introduced legislation to bar the Department of Defense from purchasing Chinese-made lidar. In September, the House China Select Committee chairman proposed legislation banning the Department of Transportation from buying equipment with China-made lidar technology. The latest report suggests Congress to include legislation in the National Defense Authorization Act to prevent the Department of Defense from purchasing lidar sensors from companies based in foreign countries of concern. In October 2024, the US Department of Defense indicated plans to re-add Hesai to a list of companies linked to the Chinese military. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
03 Dec 24. Spain flies new E-Scan radar for Eurofighter. Spain has for the first time flown the new European Common Radar System (ECRS) E-Scan radar for the Eurofighter combat aircraft. Airbus said on 2 December that a Spanish Air and Space Force testbed aircraft had flown with the active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar that will equip Spanish and German Eurofighters.
“Enhancing the Eurofighter’s capabilities in multimode air-to-air and air-to-ground operations, the electronically scanned radar will be integrated into the latest-generation Eurofighters of Spain’s ‘Halcón’ and Germany’s ‘Quadriga’ orders,” Airbus said.
The ECRS is also sometimes referred to as Captor-E. The baseline E-Scan radar is known as ECRS Mk 0, and is the system for Kuwait and Qatar as well as initially for Luftwaffe Tranche 2 and 3 Eurofighters. Airbus, through its subcontractors Hensoldt (Germany) and Indra (Spain), has constructed a new digital multichannel receiver to transform the ECRS Mk 0 into the ECRS Mk 1. Airbus had not responded to a Janes request for clarification on the particular version of the radar flown in this latest milestone at the time of publication.
For Spain, its 20 Tranche 4 Halcón I jets that are to be delivered from 2026 will receive the ECRS Mk 1 radar from new, as will the 25 Tranche 4+/5 Halcón II jets that are due to be contracted imminently. Further, the Spanish Air and Space Force operates 17 Tranche 1, 32 Tranche 2, and 19 Tranche 3 Eurofighters that may be retrofitted with the radar under plans to equip Long-Term Evolution (LTE) enhancements to its wider Eurofighter (designated C.16 in national service) fleet.(Source: Janes)
03 Dec 24. Cuashub.com said today that Unidentified drone comes within 250m of British aircraft carrier. It has been revealed that an unidentified drone managed to approach within 250 meters of the Royal Navy aircraft carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth. The incident follows sightings of drones flying near US bases in Britain just days ago. A discussion was raised in parliament followed the incident when the aircraft carrier was approached by a civilian drone near Hamburg, Germany. The German military attempted to neutralize the drone using jamming technology before it departed the area. Authorities are actively investigating the incident. The incidents have raised concerns over the security of critical infrastructure amid heightened tensions with Russia, following a statement by the Kremlin that UK and US assets are considered to be legitimate targets.
Lord Coaker confirmed the incident in the House of Lords, assuring members that measures are in place to protect military sites. He emphasized that all state agencies are working to identify those responsible, describing the matter as a live criminal investigation.
‘We take any safety issue seriously and maintain robust measures at Ministry of Defence sites. This includes counter-drone capabilities,” noted Lord Coaker. ‘This remains a live criminal investigation.’
Drones over RAF and USAF bases in the UK
Since November 20, small drones have been observed over and near RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall, RAF Fairford and RAF Feltwell, all of which host significant US Air Force (USAF) assets. RAF Fairford, for example, is home to the USAF Global Strike Command, which conducts long-range bomber operations. USAF Major General Pat Ryder stated that the drones have not posed a direct threat to personnel, facilities or equipment but confirmed the incursions are being actively monitored. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is collaborating with the USAF, local police and other agencies to address the incidents. The MoD emphasized the illegality of flying drones near military sites, warning that violators could face up to 14 years in prison under national security legislation.
Broader security concerns
The drone activity coincides with escalating tensions between Russia and Western nations over the war in Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin recently described US and UK military bases as legitimate targets following Ukrainian missile strikes into Russian territory using Western-supplied equipment.
Former Chief of Defence Staff Lord Stirrup highlighted the broader implications of drone threats, referencing their extensive use in the Ukraine conflict. He called for a comprehensive strategy to protect critical national infrastructure, noting that traditional air defense systems cannot cover all potential targets.
Sixty RAF electronic warfare specialists have been deployed to assist in safeguarding military sites against potential drone threats. The UK and US continue to evaluate and enhance counter-drone measures to ensure operational security. The head of MI5 has previously warned about Russia’s intent to disrupt Western stability, stressing the importance of vigilance.
https://cuashub.com/en/content/unidentified-drone-comes-within-250m-of-british-aircraft-carrier/ (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
03 Dec 24. Cuashub.com said today that US Army Colonel pursues ‘holy grail’ of HEL Systems to counter Group 3 UAS. The US Army is pushing for a tactically relevant high-energy laser (HEL) technology to address the growing threat of Group 3 UAS by 2027. In an exclusive interview with C-UAS Hub at the Future Armoured Vehicles Survivability conference, Col. Steven Gutierrez provided insights into the Army’s progress in HEL systems and the challenges ahead.
Col. Gutierrez, who serves as Project Manager for Directed Energy with the US Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office, described a tactically relevant HEL capability that is lethal against Group 3 UAS as the “holy grail” that he is chasing.
“When I speak of being able to get to that capability, I’m talking in terms of more than just lethality, I’m talking about affordability, maintainability and availability,” Col. Gutierrez told C-UAS Hub. “I think all of these will converge along the development line to be able to give that tactically relevant Group 3 directed energy killer.”
“We are pursuing an enduring and tactically relevant directed energy laser transition to a program of record in fiscal year 2026-2027,” he added.
Combat-proven success with prototypes
The Army has already demonstrated success with HEL prototypes. Following “unprecedented attacks” on US bases in the Middle East, Col Gutierrez noted that there were concerns over the rate of ammunition consumption for C-UAS systems. The Army’s HEL prototypes offered a capability that was immune to this issue.
“What resulted was the quickest new capability mobilization that I’ve ever experienced. In less than 90 days we were in theater and integrated into a layered air defense,” he said.
The HEL system reportedly achieved a flawless record against threat-representative drones in training scenarios in a CENTCOM region in Iraq.
“During that period of three days, we were able to shoot and engage threat representative targets, flying threat representative speeds and patterns, and we were successful 15 out of 15 times,” Col. Gutierrez said.
The challenges ahead
Developing HEL systems that are powerful, portable and affordable involves overcoming significant challenges. The production of key components like optics and beam control systems remains complex and costly.
“Right now, it is still nascent technology, especially when you put all the sub components together, if we were going to build to scale, we’re going to have to build up the industrial base to be able to support that,” Col. Gutierrez told C-UAS Hub. “A lot of my subcomponents take folks in white coats to build, and I need to get it to a point where blue collars can build.”
The Army is also exploring innovations like mobile clean rooms for in-field repairs and integrating real-world operational feedback into system design.
A layered defense approach
Colonel Gutierrez emphasized that HEL systems are not a standalone solution but a critical component of a layered air defense strategy.
“You’re not just fighting a capability war, but you’re also fighting a budget war,” he said. “When you have Group 1 and 2 threats that cost hundreds of dollars, why are you going to fire something that’s $100,000 to take it down. Lasers give you an option that’s very smart in that in that realm.”
As adversaries continue to advance their drone capabilities, the Army’s work on HEL technology seeks to provide a reliable, cost-effective solution.
US Army Colonel pursues ‘holy grail’ of HEL Systems to counter Group 3 UAS
(Source: https://cuashub.com/)
02 Dec 24. Japan unveils high-energy laser C-UAS. Japan has unveiled a prototype of a new vehicle-mounted high-energy laser system intended to bolster the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s (JGSDF’s) counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) capability. The laser system was publicly shown for the first time at an event earlier in November to mark the 70th anniversary of the JGSDF in Saitama Prefecture. Footage of the event was published on social media by the JGSDF. Speaking to Janes, a Japan Ministry of Defense (MoD) spokesperson said the system was developed for more than four years by its Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) in partnership with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI). Following the production of the prototype, the spokesperson said the MoD is currently assessing the scope of potential procurement of the system for the JGSDF. “We have not decided on the number of units to be procured, [or] when and where to deploy them,” the spokesperson said. The MoD spokesperson said the new laser C-UAS features a laser unit, a UAS detection and tracking system, a power supply unit, and a cooling device along with other associated systems. Media reports in Japan said the laser system can generate an output of 10 kW, although this has not been confirmed. Janes assesses that the laser system is mounted on an MHI 8×8 heavy wheeled vehicle that weighs around 20 tonnes. The vehicle is approximately 11 m long, 2.5 m in depth, and 3.5 m in height. Trials of the system are likely to continue before any JGSDF procurement is announced. (Source: Janes)
28 Nov 24. Origin gets grant for man-portable UAV with laser target capability . The project aims to minimise size, weight, and power consumption across various components. Latvian defence technology startup Origin has secured €4.5m ($4.75m) European Defence Fund grant to create a man-portable intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) drone with laser targeting capability. The collaborative project involves partners, Aktyvus Photonics from Lithuania and Leosys Laser and Electro-Optic Systems from Germany. It is supported by the European Commission and the defence ministries of Latvia, Lithuania, and Germany. The project aims to minimise size, weight, and power consumption across various components, including the laser designator, see-spot camera, gimbal, and the uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) itself. Established in 2022 by Ilya Nevdah and Agris Kipurs, Origin has secured €8.5m in funding so far. This includes equity investments from Change Ventures and Silicon Roundabout Ventures, along with €1.7m in EU grants. The MPortISTAR project is part of a broader initiative to achieve technological self-reliance within the European Union, reducing dependence on imported products. Weighing under 15kg, this UAV will integrate a laser target designator compatible with standard NATO laser-guided precision munitions. The project focuses on cost-effectiveness, aiming to be one-fifth the cost of current technologies, and reducing the need for forward-deployed troops to minimise casualty risks. This positions the new UAV to assume target acquisition tasks from larger UAVs at a reduced cost. Origin co-founder Agris Kipurs said: “The European defence landscape increasingly relies on adaptable, affordable technologies that enhance operational capabilities. At Origin, we are encouraged that the European Defence Fund recognises the necessity of strengthening the defensive capacities of small and mid-sized nations in a cost-effective way.
“Our MPortISTAR project directly addresses this need, ensuring that countries like Latvia can meet modern security challenges more effectively.”
Currently, Origin’s flagship product, The Beak, has already been deployed to Ukraine through the drone coalition and secured through contracts with two NATO countries. The Beak is a flexible ISR system equipped with precision strike capabilities, designed for easy portability and repeated use. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
03 Dec 24. Custom fabricated sapphire lenses and windows that provide front surface protection for AUVs used in demanding commercial and military environments has been introduced by Meller Optics, Inc. of Providence, RI, USA. Meller Sapphire Optics for Drones feature Mohs 9 hardness and withstand fast moving dirt, sand, chemicals, heat to 1,000o C, and 69 MPa pressure for protecting vision systems and sensors operating in harsh environments. Combining durability and high clarity, they are offered as lenses, windows, and domes that exhibit up to 85% transmission from the UV to IR; with coatings for enhanced transmission to better than 99%. Manufactured to customer specifications, Meller Sapphire Optics for Drones can be made in many shapes and sizes from 6.35mm to 254mm O.D. with varying wall thicknesses and surface finishes from 60-40 scratch-dig, flatness held to 0.5 fringes of HeNe and parallelism from 20 to 2 arc/secs.; depending upon configuration. The firm is ITAR Registered and DFARS/NIST compliant. Meller Sapphire Optics for Drones are priced according to configuration and quantity. Meller Optics will be exhibiting at SPIE Photonics West 2025, Booth #1940, Jan 25-30, 2025, San Francisco, CA., USA.
02 Dec 24. Cuashub.com announced today tha t Countering the Threat: A Comprehensive Review of National C-UAS Programs. With mounting global tensions and the increasing use of drones for hostile purposes in warfare and civilian contexts, the relevance of counter-UAS solutions and technologies has never been more pronounced. Most nations are acutely aware of the threat posed by drones and are actively working to develop counter-UAS programs and capabilities. C-UAS Hub’s first report, Countering the Threat: A Comprehensive Review of National C-UAS Programs, will dive into the counter-UAS programs of 32 nations, including every NATO member, Ukraine and nations with particular relevance in the Middle East, Asia and South America. The report will also assess the nations that pose a significant threat with regard to UAS capabilities, looking at the tactics, strategies and UAS arsenals of Iran, China and Russia.
Download the report to uncover:
- An overview of national counter-UAS programs and initiatives.
- Key contracts and systems developed across military and industry.
- An analysis of the UAS threat and the tactics and strategies of the adversary.
Available exclusively to C-UAS Hub members—find out more here.
About C-UAS Hub
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Countering the Threat: A Comprehensive Review of National C-UAS Programs
With mounting global tensions and the increasing use of drones for hostile purposes in warfare and civilian contexts, the relevance of counter-UAS solutions and technologies has never been more pronounced. Most nations are acutely aware of the threat posed by drones and are actively working to develop counter-UAS programs and capabilities.
C-UAS Hub’s first report, Countering the Threat: A Comprehensive Review of National C-UAS Programs, will dive into the counter-UAS programs of 34 nations, including every NATO member, Ukraine and nations with particular relevance in the Middle East, Asia and South America.
The report will also assess the nations that pose a significant threat with regard to UAS capabilities, looking at the tactics, strategies and UAS arsenals of Iran, China and Russia.
Download the report to uncover:
- An overview of national counter-UAS programs and initiatives.
- Key contracts and systems developed across military and industry.
- An analysis of the UAS threat and the tactics and strategies of the adversary.
To access the report, you must be a C-UAS Hub member. Members who are logged in can click the ‘download’ button below to view the report. Not a member? Create your free account here to login.
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Countering the Threat: A Comprehensive Review of National C-UAS Programs
(Source: https://cuashub.com/)
27 Nov 24. R2 launches RF omni-sensing platform at C-UAS demonstration in Israel. R2 has officially launched its ODIN RF omni-sensing platform at a counter-uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS) technology demonstration in Israel. The invitation-only event included members from the Israeli Air Force, IDF Home Front Command, Directorate of Defense Research & Development, Israel Police, law enforcement agencies, industry, partners and investors. The ODIN RF is designed to operate on land, at sea and in air atop commercial-off-the-shelf hardware. During the November 26 demonstration, R2’s ODIN omni-sensing platform was tested against advanced drones, including commercial drones that went through protocol hacking and modification, as well as drones which are typically seen in Ukraine, the company said on LinkedIn. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
30 Nov 24. Australia’s Department of Defence invites applications for C-sUAS systems integration partner. The Australian Defence Force’s Land156 programme is seeking a Systems Integration Partner (SIP) to undertake market analysis, design, implement, manage and provide ongoing assurance of capability delivery across the programme. The SIP will also deliver options for a counter-small uncrewed aerial system (C-sUAS) command and control (C2) system. Land156 is intended to protect buildings, headquarters, strike packages and expeditionary bases and nodes from UAS surveillance and attack. An open invitation to register has been published, which will lead to a down select of potential suppliers who will then be invited to respond to the subsequent request for tender. Responses are invited by December 20. For more information: Department of Defence – Australia. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
26 Nov 24. Alpine Eagle tests airborne C-UAS with German Armed Forces. Alpine Eagle GmbH recently participated in a warfighting experiment organised by the German Armed Forces, CEO Jan-Hendrik Boelens revealed in a LinkedIn post. Boelens said the company’s Sentinel airborne counter-uncrewed aerial system (C-UAS) technology was tested in an operational context for the first time. The event was also the company’s first public test of a swarm of four sensor UAS, collaborating to detect hostile drones. Sentinel is an air-to-air sensor and interceptor network designed to detect, classify, and intercept UAS, including small drones, micro-UAVs, and loitering munitions. Airborne sensors enable the detection of low-flying drones that exploit terrain to mask their presence from ground-based C-UAS sensors. For more information: Alpine Eagle https://alpineeagle.com/ (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
26 Nov 24. Komodo acoustic C-UAS tested at NATO trial in Denmark. Bionic System Solutions (BSS) has concluded its participation in the NATO Science and Technology Trial SET-348 on Bornholm, Denmark. The company tested its acoustic detection systems in complex environments and said its Komodo system demonstrated its effectiveness in detecting small uncrewed aerial systems. BSS is also taking part in another major exercise, this time in Oksbøl, beginning Nov 26. This will involve deploying eight new systems, named Iguana, for long-distance artillery and mortar localisation through acoustic sensing. The Iguana system is set to be ready for deployment in 2025. For more information: Bionic System Solutions https://www.bionicsystemsolutions.com/ (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
29 Nov 24. An innovative and fully mobile intelligent surveillance system from UK-based company, DJ Byers Security Solutions, is getting a major upgrade with advanced display software from Cambridge Pixel to support cutting-edge sensors including EchoShield radars and OpenWorks cameras. Designed to work on multiple platforms / host vehicles, such as Land Rovers, the PRESIDIAN uses multiple advanced sensors to detect and track targets of interest, including EchoShield, a next-generation cognitive 4D radar from Echodyne, and the powerful Vision Flex camera from OpenWorks. Central to the upgrade is the most advanced version of Cambridge Pixel’s VSD-C2 software, a flexible operator display for surveillance that provides state-of-the-art features and an intuitive user interface. VSD-C2 Advanced supports the upgraded sensors using Cambridge Pixel’s SPx Track Manager software module, which can seamlessly filter tracks and convert formats from a very wide range of sensors. The upgrade will allow operators of the fully mobile PRESIDIAN to accurately detect, track and display observations from ground targets to small, fast-moving drones. With support for a wide range of other devices, VSD provides flexible expansion possibilities including the addition of effectors such as jammers, or the output of Open Standards track data to enable integration with third-party systems.
Cambridge Pixel’s engineering expertise enabled the software to be adapted to the changes in the system hardware specifications that were made during the project. This level of flexibility meant DJ Byers could modify their requirements to develop the most innovative and effective solution for their customers.
Commenting on the project, Cambridge Pixel’s Principal Engineer, Andrew Haylett, said “VSD-C2 Advanced was the ideal solution for DJ Byers, providing them with the flexibility to select the most advanced sensors, and display the sensor data in a highly customised format. The result is a solution that will provide the operator with exceptional surveillance capabilities.”
Patrick Byers, Technical Director at DJ Byers Security Solutions added “By selecting Cambridge Pixel to support this upgrade to our fully mobile surveillance system, we’ve been able to adapt our specifications to take advantage of cutting-edge technology and ensure PRESIDIAN provides the advanced capabilities that our customers demand. They have been instrumental in the highly successful delivery of this project.”
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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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