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20 Dec 24. Fixed and mobile detection systems help Connecticut police monitor drone activity. As US drone sightings attract attention, local news media have been reporting on Connecticut State Police’s drone detection capabilities.
The department uses truck-mounted detection technology to monitor the skies, primarily at large-scale events. The equipment can be deployed to areas receiving a large number of reported sightings.
Meanwhile, a fixed drone detection system is installed at the region’s Coast Guard Station. This has the capability to track drones within a five-mile radius and store data, such as height, speed and flight path. This data can be accessed by officers working remotely.
Matt McCrann, CEO of DroneShield, which supplies drone detection technology to Connecticut State Police, said “they have been an amazing partner and I’m glad they had the opportunity to share their best practices and lessons learned with a broader audience. Credible information and experience like theirs is much needed as the national discussion continues around both the responsible and potentially irresponsible and nefarious use of drones becoming more common in our daily lives.”
In various regional media interviews, Connecticut State Police have stated that they haven’t had any “unexplained” sightings, adding that most reported drones turn out to be manned aircraft or even stars.
(Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
19 Dec 24. National Defense Authorization Act “will raise US C-UAS spending by USD336.4m.” The passage of FY 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) includes an increase in funding on counter-UAS systems of USD336.4m, according to Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) President and CEO Michael Robbins in a X post.
According to the post: “Of note, funding for UAS Detection & Mitigation is increased by $336.442m across multiple budget lines (Army, USAF, USN, etc.) for homeland defense and OCONUS investments, totaling more than $1.7bn for DoD spending.”
As well as increasing funding for critical DOD programmes and offices, including the Defense Innovation Unit, AFWERX Prime, Replicator, and autonomy engineering for the Next Generation Combat Vehicle, exceeding requested amounts, the legislation “furthers the transition of hybrid and electric vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft and autonomy technologies from the Agility Prime program into the active Armed Forces (Section 229) and addresses the threat of sUAS to U.S. forces and bases (Sections 353, 925, 1073, 1089, and 1090),” according to an AUVSI statement.
The importance of increasing spending on counter-UAS systems were underlined by Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.) and Andrew Garbarino (R-N.Y.) shortly before the passage of the bill, in a letter to Speaker Mike Johnson.
“In light of the recent incidents involving drones spotted over the eastern seaboard, we urge you to swiftly take action on counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) legislation that will allow for state and local law enforcement to protect their communities from this emerging threat in the year end continuing resolution,” they said in the letter.
The Senate approved the USD895 bn NDAA on the 18 December by an 85 to 14 vote. According to news reports 11 Democrats and three Republicans voted against it. The bill is expected to be signed by President Biden imminently. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
17 Dec 24. US Army integrated air defence tests successfully detect and defeat drones. The United States Army’s Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS) developed by Northrop Grumman Corporation has demonstrated its ability to connect with sensors or effectors by successfully integrating with the emerging US Army Indirect Fire Protection Capability (IFPC) system, a ground-based weapon system designed to protect assets such as command centres and airfields.
During the flight tests held at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, the IBCS system detected, identified and tracked two surrogate unmanned aerial system targets and a surrogate cruise missile. It then engaged and defeated the maneuvering surrogate targets with the IFPC system.
IBCS is in production, currently fielded in Poland, and planned for deployment in Defense of Guam as part of the US Army programme of record for integrated air and missile defense modernisation.
(Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
27 Dec 24. China deploys new KJ-3000 early warning aircraft to neutralize the stealth capacities of US stealth fighters. On December 26, 2024, China’s next-generation airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft, the KJ-3000, made its maiden flight. The KJ-3000, with a reported detection range exceeding 360 kilometers for stealth aircraft, is based on the domestically developed Y-20B transport aircraft and is powered by WS-20 engines. This platform positions the KJ-3000 as a large-scale AEW&C system, comparable to the KJ-2000, while differing from medium-sized systems such as the KJ-200 and KJ-500.
The KJ-3000 employs a conformal antenna radar system, marking a departure from traditional radar designs. Integrated directly into the aircraft’s structure, the conformal radar provides 360-degree situational awareness and enhances the detection of stealth targets. According to reports, the radar offers a detection range between 600 and 1,000 kilometers for conventional targets and exceeds 360 kilometers for stealth aircraft like the F-22 and F-35. The radar’s design minimizes aerodynamic drag, enhancing flight efficiency and operational endurance. Additionally, the system reportedly can track up to 100 targets simultaneously.
The Y-20B platform offers significant payload advantages, with the KJ-3000 capable of carrying up to 66 tons—16 tons more than the KJ-2000. The WS-20 engines improve fuel efficiency, provide higher thrust, and enable extended flight operations. This domestically produced platform reduces reliance on imported systems, such as the Russian Il-76 used for the KJ-2000, enabling potential large-scale production and customization. The platform’s design reflects advancements over its predecessors, such as the KJ-2000, which featured a rotating radar dome mounted on the Il-76 airframe. The KJ-3000’s shift to conformal radar allows for a streamlined design, enhancing aerodynamic performance while maintaining high detection capability.
The KJ-3000’s radar technology integrates digital phased array systems, further enhancing detection and tracking capabilities. This design reduces weight and improves the aircraft’s fuel efficiency, operational speed, and range. Early assessments suggest the radar may detect, identify, and track advanced stealth aircraft such as the U.S. F-22 and B-21 bombers. Reports also indicate the system’s ability to detect smaller radar cross-sections could match ground-based radars under certain conditions.
The aircraft incorporates C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) systems, enabling it to function as a comprehensive command center. These systems facilitate coordination across air, land, and sea domains. The KJ-3000 is expected to operate alongside advanced fighter jets such as the J-20, J-16, and J-10C, reinforcing China’s air defense network.
Strategically, the KJ-3000 addresses the rise of advanced stealth technologies. Its capabilities aim to counter next-generation stealth aircraft, including sixth-generation fighters anticipated by 2030. Unverified reports suggest the KJ-3000 may feature active electromagnetic attack capabilities, potentially disrupting or disabling adversary electronic systems over long distances. Rumors also indicate support for integrating PL-17 air-to-air missiles, enhancing its role in both defensive and offensive operations, addressing one of the longstanding weaknesses of AWACS platforms. The KJ-3000’s development aligns with other advancements in China’s military capabilities, such as sixth-generation fighter prototypes and the Type 076 assault carrier. These unveilings coincide with key anniversaries, including the rollout of the J-20 fighter, reflecting a strategic effort to showcase defense advancements. The KJ-3000’s timing highlights its relevance to China’s strategic objectives, particularly in the Pacific region. Its capabilities are expected to strengthen China’s ability to detect and counter advanced threats, including stealth technologies used by potential adversaries.
The KJ-3000 is positioned to play a significant role in China’s AEW&C fleet, complementing large-scale systems like the KJ-2000 and medium-sized platforms such as the KJ-200 and KJ-500. Its conformal radar and digital phased array technology enhance stealth target tracking and operational efficiency. Built on the domestically developed Y-20B platform, it offers extended range, greater payload capacity, and higher endurance, reducing reliance on imported systems like the Russian Il-76. As part of a multi-layered air defense network, the KJ-3000 is intended to address evolving aerial threats and boost operational capacity. Unverified sources suggest the KJ-3000 may eventually replace older platforms like the KJ-2000, which has been in service for nearly two decades.
Based on the Y-20B platform, the KJ-3000 is expected to provide the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) with enhanced airborne early warning and control capabilities. Featuring conformal antenna radar technology, it delivers 360-degree coverage and improves the detection of stealth aircraft, including U.S. fighters like the F-22 and F-35, designed with low radar cross-sections. These advancements may diminish the operational advantages of U.S. stealth aircraft by increasing their visibility in contested airspaces. Additionally, the KJ-3000’s upgraded command and control systems are likely to enhance coordination among Chinese military assets, potentially complicating adversaries’ strategic operations. (Source: Google/https://armyrecognition.com/)
23 Dec 24. Dutch army to equip its soldiers with personal drone-protection kits. The Royal Netherlands Army plans to equip its soldiers with personal drone-protection gear, including targeting lasers and portable sensors, in an effort to counter the threat of small unmanned aircraft systems that has transformed battlefields.
The war in Ukraine and developments in the Middle East show the drone threat is acute, and Dutch troops currently lack the requisite equipment to effectively protect themselves, State Secretary for Defence Gijs Tuinman wrote in a letter to parliament last week. Given the urgency, the Defence Ministry is looking to buy anti-drone kit in the first quarter of 2025.
Russian and Ukrainian troops battle under a constant buzz of drones that observe any movement, while first-person-view drones target individual soldiers on the move, in foxholes or through the hatches of armored vehicles. While Western armies are unfamiliar with such fighting conditions, they are rushing to adapt.
“Military personnel may increasingly face attacks or unwanted reconnaissance using small unmanned systems, including drones,” Tuinman wrote in his letter. “The ability to take out UAS is essential to the security of our military and the missions and tasks they perform.”
While the Netherlands is turning to layered air-defense systems for larger drones, combating small and inexpensive drones with such systems is neither efficient nor effective, according to Tuinman. Instead, soldiers mostly rely on personal weapons or standard weapon systems, with “limited” hit probability due to drones’ small size, high speed and ability to hover, he said.
The Dutch defense department plans to spend between €50 m and €250 m to buy the personal anti-drone kit. Envisioned technologies include electro-optical aiming devices for personal weapons, such as targeting lasers, which would significantly increase targeting accuracy against small drones at a distance of 200 meters.
Other kit includes portable jammers to disrupt drone signals, and portable radio-frequency sensors that allow for earlier spotting of a possible drone threat. Experiments with C-UAS assets show that there’s no one single asset that will effectively address the threat of small drones, Tuinman said.
The higher accuracy using the aiming aids will “significantly” reduce ammo use to combat drone threats, while portable jammers make it possible to combat the threat by alternative means, according to the letter.
The Dutch plan to buy off-the-shelf equipment, and several suitable systems exist on the market, according to Tuinman. The ministry declined to provide details on which companies might supply the equipment.
The defense department will look at what options are available to acquire the capability as soon as possible, with the aim of signing a contract to buy the equipment in February or March, and the first deliveries in the following months, and continuing through to 2028.
The Netherlands will initially focus on equipping its units deployed near the front, including NATO’s eastern borders. Russian drones have violated the airspace of NATO allies several times recently, and soldiers may be confronted with drones conducting attacks or gathering intelligence during missions or exercises, Tuinman said.
With the rapid development of both drones and countermeasures, the ministry expects any assets it’s buying for so-called “extended all-arms air defense” to have an operational lifespan of no more than 10 years, and it plans to keep budget in reserve to replace the anti-drone equipment.
The Netherlands in September organized a NATO counter-UAS exercise, in which 19 allies and three partner nations including Ukraine tested more than 60 systems and technologies to detect and neutralize drones, including jammers and sensors.
The user base of such equipment is growing, with Belgium recently establishing a framework contract through the NATO Support and Procurement Agency for portable jammers and sensors, while Germany and the U.K. are buying electro-optical targeting assets, according to Tuinman. (Source: C4ISR & Networks)
23 Dec 24. British soldiers successfully test drone killer radiowave weapon for first time. British soldiers have successful trialled for the first time a game-changing weapon that can take down a swarm of drones using radio waves for less than the cost of a pack of mince pies.
RFDEW demonstrator on truck.
• Radio Frequency Directed Energy Weapons (RFDEW) can take down a swarm of drones for less than the cost of a pack of mince pies.
• Systems are capable of hitting targets up to 1km away and costs just 10p per shot
• The programme supports more than 135 highly-skilled jobs across UK industry
British soldiers have successfully trialled for the first time a game-changing weapon that can take down a swarm of drones using radio waves for less than the cost of a pack of mince pies.
The Radio Frequency Directed Energy Weapon (RFDEW) development system can detect, track and engage a range of threats across land, air and sea.
RFDEWs are capable of neutralising targets up to 1km away with near instant effect and at an estimated cost of 10p per shot fired, providing a cost-effective complement to traditional missile-base air defence systems.
The RFDEW is different from Laser Directed Energy Weapons – such as DragonFire – because it uses a radio frequency to disrupt hostile threats, rather than a laser beam of light energy.
The weapon uses high frequency waves to disrupt or damage critical electronic components inside devices such as drones, causing them to be immobilised or fall out of the sky. It can also be used against threats on land and at sea.
The British Army successfully trialed a demonstrator version of the RFDEW. The development system has been produced by a consortium led by Thales UK and including sub-contractors QinetiQ, Teledyne e2v and Horiba Mira and supports up to 135 high-skilled jobs in the UK.
This progress helps deliver on the Government’s Plan for Change by rapidly advancing technologies and building on the strong foundation of national security.
Its high level of automation means the system can be operated by a single person and could be mounted onto a military vehicle, such as a MAN SV, to provide mobility.
Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Maria Eagle MP, said: “The successful firing by the British soldiers of our Radio Frequency Directed Energy Weapon is another step forward for a potentially game-changing sovereign weapon for the UK. It’s great to see defence experts and industry working collaboratively to put cutting-edge equipment in the hands of our Armed Forces.
This is demonstration of the UK remaining at the forefront of directed energy weapons and developing a crucial advantage against the emerging threats we face.”
A live firing trial was recently completed by the Army’s Royal Artillery Trials and Development Unit and 7 Air Defence Group at a range in West Wales, where they successfully targeted and engaged Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS), in a first for the British Armed Forces.
The user experimentation trials completed in recent months have enabled Army air defence personnel to explore and exercise the capability’s potential in different configurations across a variety of range environments, threat types and engagement scenarios.
This activity follows the development process announced back in May and delivered by Team HERSA – a joint enterprise between UK MOD’s Defence Equipment & Support and Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl).
Dstl Programme Lead, Matt Cork said: “Getting this technology into the hands of our service personnel is hugely rewarding.
Dstl has worked collaboratively with DE&S and industry which has meant the rapid evolution of radio frequency technology.
Nigel MacVean, Managing Director, Thales IAS, said: “I am thrilled with the successful RFDEW firing trials. Thales has been at the forefront of this pioneering technology for over 40 years and our continued research and development in this sector, along with our partners in Government, paves the way for a strong future in this field. This latest trial marks a pivotal moment in the UK’s ongoing efforts to enhance the future operational capabilities of the Armed Forces and offers a precise, powerful, and cost-effective means to defeat multiple aerial threats. “
The trials programme will continue to enable further development and experimentation, while Team HERSA continues to work with operators to develop RFDEW requirements, doctrine and technology, shaping the next generation of mission-optimised RFDEWs. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
18 Dec 24. A Rheinmetall system for combating drones at ultra-close range has demonstrated its effectiveness in a joint exercise with representatives of the US Army Central Command and the Saudi Arabian Armed Forces. The RED SANDS III exercise took place in September 2024 at the Shamal 2 firing range in north-eastern Saudi Arabia and focused on countering uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS).
The multinational exercise provided a challenging environment for assessing C-UAS solutions. At the same time, it enabled technology developers and operational personnel to work together to close capability gaps. The exercise was preceded by successful qualification tests, which took place in the United States in the summer of 2024.
Designed as the last line of defence against small low-flying and fast-moving drones, Rheinmetall’s ultra Short-Range Air Defence (SHORAD) system offers an engagement range from 50 to 800 m. The Mission Master XT uncrewed ground system (UGS) serves as the carrier platform.
Developed by Rheinmetall Canada, the system consists of the Rheinmetall Fieldranger Multi remote-controlled weapon station with a twin Dillon Aero M134D minigun, a radar, an electronic optics package and an artificial intelligence (AI)-based target acquisition and tracking system. This advanced layered defence system is capable of engaging multiple threats with formidable fire power. It offers multi-domain capabilities that execute with precision when detecting, tracking and engaging aerial and ground threats.
Strong performance despite harsh desert conditions: In the final phase of RED SANDS III, five challenging scenarios were set up to simulate real-world threats. In all scenarios, participants’ capabilities were assessed against Group 2 and 3 multi-rotor drones as well as Group 3 fixed-wing aircraft. Rheinmetall’s ultra SHORAD system demonstrated superior capabilities, scoring hits on all drones and successfully neutralising every multirotor drone on the first pass. This performance was only matched by Rheinmetall and participants with costly advanced missile systems.
Even under the extreme conditions of the Saudi Arabian desert – where temperatures sometimes reached up to 45 °C – Rheinmetall’s ultra SHORAD system excelled thanks to its rapid operational readiness and its resistance to weapon interference, overheating and interruptions to the power supply. Earlier exercises at Fort Drum NY, USA, also demonstrated the system’s resilience in high humidity and heavy rain. Another outstanding feature is the system’s AI-driven tracker, which detects and classifies drones long before they are engaged, even in dusty conditions and poor visibility.
In addition to its operational success, Rheinmetall’s system proved to be extremely efficient. With a low cost per engagement, it represents a sustainable and economical solution.
A benchmark for the future development of CUAS: The exercise – an example of the partnership between the Saudi Arabian Armed Forces and US Army Central Command – provided a valuable platform for assessing and refining systems in real-world scenarios.
“We are proud to have played a critical role in enhancing operational readiness and fostering innovation to effectively counter emerging threats,” said Alain Tremblay, Vice-President Business Development and Innovation at Rheinmetall Canada. Rheinmetall’s performance at RED SANDS III underscores the company’s leadership in providing reliable, adaptable and cost-effective solutions that meet the evolving requirements of modern defence operations worldwide. (Source: joint-forces.com)
17 Dec 24. L3Harris recently collaborated with Overwatch Imaging to conduct a two-day demonstration of its WESCAM MX-15 and WESCAM MX-10 electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) systems integrated with Overwatch’s Automated Sensor Operator (ASO) software.
The demonstration, which took place in Loveland, Colorado, enabled Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) from the sky by automating object, target and situation detection in imagery collected through L3Harris’ sensor systems, improving situational awareness, reducing operator workload and boosting operational efficiency.
“Our collaboration with Overwatch Imaging integrates AI/ML with L3Harris’ proven technologies to drive smarter, faster and more adaptive solutions,” said Pat O’Reilly, VP, Venture Tech Disruption, L3Harris. “We’ll be able to address complex challenges faced by both commercial and Department of Defense customers by enhancing their operational capabilities.”
L3Harris collaboration with Overwatch Imaging [© Overwatch Imaging]
L3Harris’ WESCAM MX-Series EO/IR systems incorporate battle-proven imaging technology designed to operate in extreme temperatures, at excessive speed and varying altitudes, and within the harshest environments across domains. Overwatch Imaging’s ASO can integrate across WESCAM MX-Series products and deliver immediate results. The combination of these two technologies enhances customers’ ability to spot and classify potential threats in degraded visual environments more efficiently, reducing risks to humans and improving mission outcomes. These enhancements are critical for customers facing challenges with staffing, decision-making and managing large volumes of data.
The demonstration also served as another example of L3Harris’ role as the Trusted Disruptor in the defence industry. L3Harris’ relationship with Overwatch Imaging was created through a strategic partnership with venture capital firm Shield Capital designed to propel the development of emerging defence and commercial technologies. The collaboration aims to address customers’ increasing demand for innovative and agile solutions that can be deployed rapidly.
“Collaborating with innovative companies from across the defence technology ecosystem is at the heart of our strategy to disrupt our industry and accelerate delivery of proven capabilities into the hands of our warfighters,” said O’Reilly. “Together, the L3Harris and Overwatch Imaging teams will be well-positioned to deliver next-generation, AI-enabled solutions to meet our customers’ needs with efficiency and reliability.”
The ASO solution from Overwatch Imaging is available through L3Harris, enabling customers to implement complete automated solutions. (Source: joint-forces.com)
20 Dec 24. Cuashub.com said today that South Korea holds military drill against North Korean drones today. The South Korean military held a joint air defence drill this afternoon, focused on countering North Korean drone threats. The drill was announced this Wednesday with the intention of enhancing South Korea’s response capabilities against potential North Korean drone incursions.
The drill simulated a surprise attack by the North, with several drones in the East Sea, Yellow Sea and surrounding areas. According to the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), participating units included the Army Ground Operations Command, and the operations commands of the Navy and the Air Force. The aim of the exercise was to carry out a swift and coordinated deployment of defence assets to detect, identify, and intercept incoming enemy drones.
Following a high-profile failure at countering UAS activity in 2022, when five North Korean drones entered South Korea’s airspace and returned without being intercepted, this exercise symbolises Seoul’s efforts to improve its air defence capabilities, amid growing tensions on the peninsula.
In response to the 2022 intrusion, and recognising the wider importance of counter-UAS in modern combat and deterrence, South Korea also established a Drone Operations Command in September 2023, which integrated UAV units across the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps under one single command. Seoul’s President, Yoon Suk-yeol, referred to the drone command as a key step to “overwhelmingly respond” to future North Korean provocations.
Earlier this year, South Korea’s Defence Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) also announced plans to deploy laser weapons to neutralise North Korean drones. This programme has been named the “StarWars project” and as stated by DAPA, will make South Korea the “first country in the world to deploy and operate laser weapons, and our military’s response capabilities on North Korea’s drone provocation will be further strengthened”.
https://cuashub.com/en/content/south-korea-holds-military-drill-against-north-korean-drones-today/ (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
20 Dec 24. Kalashnikov Buckshot: ‘Worse Than Nothing’ Against Drones?
New videos on Russian social media analyzed in detail at The Armourer’s Bench website provide a do-it-yourself guide for creating anti-drone buckshot rounds for the ubiquitous AK-74 assault rifle. This seems to be something of a trend, which is not surprising when infantry combat is rare and drone attacks are frequent.
Ukraine has fielded more than a m drones this year, enough to target every Russian invader individually. How do Kalashnikov buckshot rounds work and how effective are they?
Homebrewed Buckshot
Shotguns, the preferred weapon against drones, are in short supply. The AK-74 can be converted into a shotgun with an adapter fitted to the end of the barrel firing a ‘grapeshot’ round, or the GP-25 underbarrel grenade launcher can be converted to fire a shotgun cartridge. But the most straightforward approach is to replace the weapon’s usual 5.45mm bullet with buckshot.
A video shared by Armourer’s Bench shows a soldier filling a length of electrical wire insulation sleeving with ball bearings, then using a candle to heat-shrink the sleeve around the ball bearings. He takes a cartridge, with the bullet removed and places the ball bearings into the cartridge case, hand-crimping the case neck around them.
The Russians appear to be using seven Crossman 4.5mm (.177) ball bearings in each round , which they say may not be ideal for accuracy. A video, claimed to be combat footage appears to show a Russian solder downing a drone with the improvised round, though this may actually be a training exercise.
Other posts recommend alternating buckshot rounds with normal bullets to clear the bore of plastic residue from the sleeve which may otherwise clog up the barrel, or alternating with tracer rounds to improve aiming.
Booming Counter Drone Shotgun Market
Normal assault rifle ammunition is generally ineffective against small, fast drones and is not recommended for the same reason that hunters do not use rifles against flying birds. Shotguns give a better chance of a hit.
Ukraine reportedly purchased 4,000 Escort BTS12 shotguns from Turkish company Hatsan for drone defense earlier this year, and the counter-drone shotgun industry has seen a surge of interest.
Italian shotgun makers Benelli reports increased interest and the company has introduced a special model, the M4 A.I. Drone Guardian (sic) —
“Its primary purpose is to serve as a ‘last resort’ weapon against small quadcopter FPV drones” — and has supplied both French and Italian armed forces with shotguns equipped with special ammunition for shooting down small drones at ranges of up to 120 meters.
The ammunition appears to be AD-LER (Anti-Drone Long Effective Range) rounds developed by Swedish small arms ammunition manufacturer Norma for counter-FPV use. Norma carried out extensive testing and found that the usual #8 shot was not effective enough against some drones, especially at longer ranges. AD-LER uses shot with is 20% larger and is made of tungsten, which is denser than lead and so has better ballistic properties.
There are many other shotgun rounds out there for counter-drone use, including the Skynet which launches a net for maximum coverage, but the Benelli/AD-LER appear to be the most successful so far.
AD-LER contains some 350 pellets or about 50 times as many projectiles as the improvised Kalashnikov round. An entire clip throws less pellets at the target and is extremely inaccurate compared to the shotgun. But, judging from the videos, the idea seems to be popular.
Worse Than Nothing?
The Russians warn that the Kalashnikov buckshot has a wide spread and the fouling problem means the weapon needs to be cleaned after every firing. They also suggest that the standard muzzle-brake (the device on the end of the barrel which reduces recoil) is removed because shot can strike it.
When there are so many videos of Russians throwing rifles, helmets, sticks and other objects at oncoming FPVs before dying, even a poorly-functioning improvised shotgun might seem like a good idea.
This is not necessarily the case.
“When shooting you are static, which makes it easier for the operator to aim the drone,”
warns a Ukrainian manual on drone protection. Stopping to shoot, rather than taking cover, makes you an obvious target.
Shooting is especially hazardous now that there are typically two or three or more FPVs vectoring in on every footsoldier from different directions.
And while there are plenty of videos of FPVs striking soldiers who are shooting at them, there are only a handful of videos of FPVs being shot down successfully.
OSINT analyst Andrew Perpetua, who has taken on the Herculean task of checking and geolocating every drone strike video every day, has perhaps seen more FPV attacks than anyone. These videos generally only show successful attacks, which obviously colors his view, but his verdict on anti-FPV shotguns is damning.
“Every single time I’ve seen a Russian aim a shotgun at a drone he has died,”
Perpetua noted on Twitter/X.
Buckshot rounds may give Russian soldiers a morale boost against ever-increasing numbers of FPV drones. But, like the non-functional jammers they are often sold, the sense of security Kalashnikov shotguns give may be false. (Source: UAS VISION/Forbes)
20 Dec 24. FAA banning drone flights over New Jersey, New York sites.
• Summary
• Companies
• FAA bars drones over 22 New Jersey and 29 New York utility sites for 30 days
• Spike in laser incidents linked to drone concerns, FAA says
• No national security threat from drone sightings, officials say
The Federal Aviation Administration said on Thursday it was temporarily barring drone flights over dozens of critical infrastructure sites in New Jersey and New York.
A frenzy of concern about drones in New Jersey and surrounding states has prompted a dramatic spike in the number of people in the area pointing lasers at airplanes flying overhead, which is illegal and can be dangerous, the FAA said on Wednesday.
U.S. agencies have repeatedly said that the spike in drone sightings does not pose national security risks and that they appear to be mostly aircraft, stars or hobbyist drones.
The federal government in recent days has also sent drone monitoring equipment to New Jersey and New York.
The FAA said the decision to ban drones for 30 days at 22 New Jersey utility sites was made in an abundance of caution at the request of federal security agencies after the aviation authority barred flights over two locations in the state in November. (Source: Reuters)
19 Dec 24. Cuashub.com said today that US Marines in Hawaii receive MADIS C-UAS capability. The US Marine Corps announced in a statement last week that the Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS) has been successfully fielded to the 3rd Littoral Anti-Air Battalion (3d LAAB) in Hawaii, representing a “significant milestone” in “equipping Marines with capabilities critical for maintaining air dominance and superiority.”
MADIS, which is able to detect, track, and defeat aerial threats, is described by Lieutenant Colonel Craig Warner, Future Weapons Systems Product Manager as “critical” to protecting Marines from the increasing use of UAS for surveillance, targeting and attacks. Lt. Col. Warner also highlighted that the system “serves as a powerful deterrent, signaling to adversaries that their aerial assets will not succeed against U.S. forces.”
After being successfully tested in live-fire conditions at Yuma Proving Ground in December 2023, the fielding the system to 3D LAAB only a year later is an impressive achievement. Colonel Andrew Konicki, Program Manager for Ground-Based Air Defense, remarked that “MADIS is a testament to the Marine Corps’ ability to swiftly respond to evolving threats” and hailing the fielding as an “amazing accomplishment that is just the beginning of providing the Marine Corps with the counter air capabilities greatly needed” in a LinkedIn post.
Col. Konicki emphasized in the PEO Land Systems statement that this is “only the first step” with the systems capabilities being incrementally improved over the next few years “to stay ahead of the threat while providing Marines the system they need to protect themselves.”
The plans to increase MADIS capability are already in action, with Invariant Corporation and Anduril Industries being awarded $200 m contracts each in November 2024 to develop and deliver a Counter-Unmanned Aerial System Engagement System (CES) to be integrated into MADIS. The Marine Corps is scheduled to deploy additional MADIS units to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalions in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2025. https://cuashub.com/en/content/us-marines-in-hawaii-recieve-madis-c-uas-capability/ (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
19 Dec 24. Cuashub.com said today that FBI Newark cautions public against attempting to shoot down suspected UAS. In a joint statement released on Monday December 16, 2024, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Newark office and New Jersey State Police (NJSP) warned the public against pointing lasers into the sky and attempting to shoot down suspected unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
According to the statement, there has been an increase in the number of pilots of manned aircraft being hit in the eyes with lasers due to members of the public on the ground thinking they see a UAS. Additionally, there is a concern over people potentially firing weapons at what they believe to be a UAS but could be a manned aircraft – which could have “dangerous and possibly deadly consequences if manned aircraft are targeted mistakenly as UAS.”
In the last month there has been an increasing number of reports of unexplained drone activity, with suspected sightings in the New Jersey area in particular gaining significant media attention.
Monday’s statement emphasized that FBI Newark, NJSP, other agencies and law enforcement partners “have been out every night for several weeks to legally track down operators acting illegally or with nefarious intent, and using every available tool and piece of equipment to find the answers the public is seeking.”
In the statement, the FBI and NJSP highlighted that UAS are sometimes misidentified and mistaken for more familiar objects, such as “manned aircraft, low-orbit satellites, or celestial bodies like planets or stars.”
The agencies point toward “many different websites and mobile applications the public can access through various governmental agencies and private companies” to determine if people are seeing UAS or something else. They stressed that “accurate identification is critical for maintaining safety and ensuring appropriate responses to UAS activity.”
https://cuashub.com/en/content/fbi-newark-cautions-the-public-against-attempting-to-shoot-down-suspected-uas/ (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
19 Dec 24. Cuashub.com said today that New Jersey Congresswoman Sherrill releases plan of action to identify UAS.
In a press release on Monday December 16, 2024 Representative Mikie Sherrill of the 11th District of New Jersey announced a plan of action to locate and track Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) flying over New Jersey, increase the available information for local law enforcement agencies, and improve communications with the public.
Rep. Sherrill emphasized that she is “incredibly frustrated with the lack of coordination and communication from agencies as New Jerseyans continue to watch unidentified drones fly across our skies” and that “New Jerseyans’ patience is getting very thin, including my own.”
The Representative is calling for a “effective, whole-of-government response” to the recent increase in reported drone sightings across New Jersey, writing to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and consulting with local leaders and subject matter experts.
Rep. Sherrill, a former Navy helicopter aircraft commander and member of the House Armed Services Committee, is no stranger to tackling the challenges faced by US C-UAS technologies and legislation. In 2023 she successfully passed the Balloon Location Identification Pronouncement Study (BLIPS) Act to increase coordination between the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Department of Defense (DOD) to better track unmanned, free-flying balloons in American airspace. Additionally, the statement highlights her fight to secure nearly $200 m in the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act, which will allow the Department of Defense to develop a strategy to counter threats from UAS technology and conduct a full assessment US C-UAS capabilities.
The action plan in it’s entirety is listed below, taken from the press release:
1. Deploy Reaper drones and counter-UAS radars to locate and track: Customs and Border Protection (CBP) possesses a fleet of MQ-9 Reaper drones, unmanned aircraft that have the electro-optical/infra-red (EO/IR) capabilities to track targets in various environments. Where appropriate, coordinating authorities should also have the use of counter-UAS radar systems that can accurately detect drones at site of launch — whether those systems are federal-, commercial-, state, or locally operated. CBP, which is under the jurisdiction of the Department of Homeland Security, would need to coordinate with non-border law enforcement to operate outside their normal area of responsibility. With that in mind, the FBI, which is currently leading the investigation into the drone incursions, should immediately and formally request the use of the required number of CBP MQ-9 Reaper drones, in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security, to track these UAS and identify their locations of origin. As they track the unidentified drones with the Reapers, federal partners should coordinate directly with New Jersey law enforcement agencies to respond swiftly to the drone landing locations.
2. Coordinate congressional information sharing: This issue crosses multiple jurisdictions — homeland security, law enforcement, the military, and the intelligence communities, just to name a few. In turn, the issue tracks across the jurisdiction of multiple congressional committees. Congress needs a unified response, which means it needs to be operating off of a unified set of information. Today, I am calling on congressional leadership to immediately convene a classified hearing with the committees of jurisdiction — including but not limited to the Committees on Homeland Security, Transportation and Infrastructure, Armed Services, Judiciary, and Intelligence — with leaders from the relevant federal agencies to receive a full briefing on the federal government’s response to incursions from unidentified UAS. Unclassified information from the briefing should also be promptly shared with the public.
3. Centralize the response: The interagency process, as it stands, isn’t meeting the moment. This is not the time for a lack of clarity over who holds responsibility, nor is it a time for intra-agency turf protection. It’s clear that there needs to be a coordinating agency that can knock heads together to hasten outcomes and streamline communication. There should be a clear process for local law enforcement to report sightings to be thoroughly reviewed by federal partners. So I am calling for President Biden to immediately stand up an interagency Task Force to address the challenges posed by unidentified UAS incursions — to formulate a whole-of-government approach and ensure that all information that is appropriate for the public to have is shared in a timely manner. The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), which has deep experience in overseeing the security of U.S. airspace and a wealth of assets and expertise in this arena, is naturally suited to lead the interagency response.
4. Streamline communication with the public:The lack of a unified, cohesive message from the federal government is only adding to the fear and concern that the public is feeling. Elected leaders from the congressional to municipal levels, and law enforcement agencies at the state and local levels, are receiving different information from different agencies, and lines of communication — both to report and to receive reporting — are unhelpful and unclear. Law enforcement agencies on the ground need clear guidance on how to relay the information they are receiving to federal officials with the relevant jurisdiction and clear guidance on what information can be shared with the public.In concert with the action above, I am calling for the federal government to immediately implement a clear reporting process and the means of disseminating appropriately cleared information to the public.
5. Future detection and prevention: It is clear from my conversations with agency leaders that the various federal actors in this space do not have sufficient resources or authorities to respond to incursions of this kind. Congress cannot grant them those resources without knowing what they need. Therefore, I am calling on the leaders of the agencies with jurisdiction over this issue to collaborate on a report to Congress that contains a detailed request for any novel legal authorities they believe they require and any new resources, financial or otherwise, they believe they require to ensure that they are fully capable of swiftly and decisively responding to UAS incursions in the future.
https://cuashub.com/en/content/nj-congresswoman-releases-plan-of-action-to-identify-drones/ (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
19 Dec 24. Safety Deals including new customers in North America. Sentrycs Concludes a Year of Record Growth with its C-UAS Technology Capable of Addressing the Growing Drone Threat Across Four Continents. Sentrycs, a technology leader in the Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) industry, announced today its continued progress globally within the public safety market. The company recently closed agreements with two new law enforcement organizations, including one in North America. These new agreements will deliver core protocol manipulation sensor solutions across a wide variety of scenarios, from fixed sites to vehicle-mounted (mobile) operations.
The deals mark another significant milestone for the company, which has seen its business quadruple, year over year, along with continued adoption of its pioneering technology which is now deployed across sensitive facilities and strategic assets worldwide. The company has seen a noticeable spike in C-UAS interest heading into 2025, especially as in recent weeks, concerns have grown over unexplained drone sightings throughout several east coast states in the US. These sightings have prompted calls from both officials and citizens for swift action to identify and mitigate these mysterious flights.
Unregulated or malicious drone activity poses significant risks to public safety and critical infrastructure, ranging from unauthorized surveillance and smuggling to potential terrorist threats where commercially available drones can quickly and inexpensively be weaponized. Addressing these challenges requires sophisticated solutions capable of countering such threats effectively while ensuring no interference with other communication systems that rely on the same frequency bands as the drones themselves. Sentrycs’ solution is one of the few available technologies that addresses these challenges head-on, offering reliable and field-proven capability designed to safeguard public safety with no collateral damage.
Leveraging proprietary technology, Sentrycs’ passively detects, identifies and tracks drones, significantly reducing the possibility of false detections, a constant challenge encountered with other technologies. The platform also allows the operator to mitigate (or neutralize) the drone in seconds, directing it to a designated safe landing spot or returning the device to its original home location, avoiding the need for kinetic engagements that often cause collateral damage.
“Recent events here in the US, specifically those in New Jersey really highlight the need to monitor unregulated drone activity, as it poses significant risks to public safety and critical infrastructure. Every single day our technology is supporting missions to monitor or mitigate illegal drone activity. Our global footprint means we address a variety of threats from ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) to enable human trafficking and drug smuggling, to even improvised explosive devices being delivered by the drones themselves” said Jason Moore, Chief Revenue Officer at Sentrycs. “Addressing these challenges demands sophisticated solutions that counter such threats immediately and effectively without interfering with critical communication systems or causing collateral damage”.
19 Dec 24. OPENSIGHT Suite to Enhance Next-Gen Search and Rescue Capabilities for Canadian Cormorants. FlySight will integrate advanced situational awareness technology into Canada’s AW101/CH-149 SAR helicopter fleet modernization program, enhancing mission capabilities through AR-enabled visual systems. FlySight will integrate the OPENSIGHT suite into the AW101/CH-149 SAR “Cormorant” helicopter modernization program, complementing Leonardo’s advanced HELIAWARENESS avionics system.
This integration is part of a comprehensive upgrade initiative by the Canadian Department of National Defence and Leonardo, aimed at modernizing and expanding Canada’s fleet of AW101/CH-149 SAR “Cormorant” helicopters. The program seeks to elevate the already exceptional performance of these aircraft in challenging Search and Rescue (SAR) missions.
FlySight will provide Leonardo with the OPENSIGHT suite, a state-of-the-art situational awareness solution that will be integrated into the HELIAWARENESS system. This collaboration will deliver the below key advancements:
• Advanced Moving Map and Enhanced Reality System – with AR and advanced Video Tech
– Cutting-edge technology for enhanced situational awareness
– Real-time, high-fidelity visual representations of mission environments
• Dynamic and Flexible Architecture
– Optimized interface for mission operators
– Enables efficient execution of complex missions under demanding conditions
• Comprehensive Sensor Integration:
– Deep integration with the aircraft’s avionic system
– Polished incorporation of the entire suite of onboard sensors
• Enhanced Capabilities – The integration of FlySight’s technology with Leonardo’s advanced avionics suite will result in:
– Reduced search times in SAR operations
– Increased target identification capabilities, particularly in challenging environments
– Improved mission planning, execution, and analysis activities
Andrea Masini, CEO at FlySight commented, “We are proud to contribute our expertise to this crucial modernization program. By providing Leonardo with our advanced OPENSIGHT suite, we’re helping to create a system that will significantly enhance the AW101/CH-149’s operational capabilities, supporting Canada’s vital search and rescue missions“. (Source: https://www.defenseadvancement.com/)
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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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