The Present and Future of Counter-UAS Technologies in the Defence Sector

Counter-unmanned aircraft Systems (C-UAS) technologies have evolved rapidly to address the growing threat posed by malicious or errant drones. These systems encompass a range of methods to detect, track, and neutralise Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).

Below, we explore the latest developments in C-UAS technologies, focusing on Radar Systems (RS), Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), Laser Systems, and Hard Kill options, discussing their pros and cons, capabilities, and limitations.

Radar Systems (RS)

Pros:

• Wide Area Coverage: Radar systems can cover large areas, providing early detection of incoming drones.
• All-Weather Operation: Radars are effective regardless of weather conditions, making them reliable for continuous defence.

Cons:

• Difficulty Distinguishing Small Drones: Some radars struggle to differentiate small drones from birds or other small objects, which can lead to false positives.

Capabilities and Limitations:

• Radar systems can track multiple targets simultaneously and provide accurate location data. However, their effectiveness can be limited when detecting very small or low-flying drones.

Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS)

Pros:

• Precise Positioning: GNSS can provide accurate positioning and navigation for UAS, which is essential for various applications.

Cons:

• Signal Vulnerability: GNSS signals are susceptible to jamming and spoofing, which can disrupt UAS navigation.

Capabilities and Limitations:

• While GNSS is crucial for the operation of many UAS, the technology's reliance on external satellite signals makes it vulnerable to interference, which can be exploited by C-UAS technologies to neutralise threats.

Laser Systems

Pros:

• Precision: Laser systems can precisely target and neutralise drones without causing collateral damage.
• Silent Operation: Lasers operate silently, which can be advantageous in covert operations.

Cons:

• Weather Dependency: Laser effectiveness can be reduced by atmospheric conditions such as fog, dust, or rain.
• Energy Consumption: High energy consumption is required to generate powerful laser beams capable of disabling drones.

Capabilities and Limitations:

• Laser systems offer pinpoint accuracy and immediate effects upon target acquisition. However, their operational effectiveness is highly dependent on clear weather conditions, and they require significant power sources.

Hard Kill Systems

Pros:

• Immediate Neutralisation: Hard kill systems like projectiles or explosives can neutralise a drone threat immediately.
• Versatility: They can be designed to target a wide range of UAS sizes and types.

Cons:

• Collateral Damage: The use of kinetic force can result in debris or damage to the surrounding area.
• One-Time Use: Some hard kill systems, are single-use and require reloading or replacement after each engagement.

Capabilities and Limitations:

• Hard kill systems are effective at immediately neutralising UAS threats. Still, they carry the risk of collateral damage and often have limitations regarding reload speed and the number of available engagements before resupply is needed.

Conclusion

The development of C-UAS technologies is dynamic, with each system offering unique advantages and facing distinct challenges. Radar systems provide broad coverage but may need help with small targets. GNSS is essential for UAS navigation but is vulnerable to signal disruption. Laser systems offer precision with minimal collateral damage but are weather-dependent and energy-intensive. Hard kill systems can effectively neutralise threats but may cause collateral damage and some systems are single-use.

Key Players?

Below, we highlight the companies at the forefront of developing cutting-edge C-UAS technologies across different domains, addressing the growing threat of unmanned aerial systems. Their innovations in radar, GNSS, laser, and hard kill systems are shaping the future of airspace security and defence.

Radar Systems (RS)

1. Robin Radar Systems : Specialises in improving the capability of its sensors to detect various drones, including those used in military conflicts.
2. Fortem Technologies : Develop advanced radar technologies for airspace security and defence, focusing on detecting and neutralising drone threats.
3. ToshibaTech offers comprehensive systems that detect, track, identify, and mitigate threats from suspicious drones, integrating radar technologies into its solutions.

Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS)

1. DroneShield : A Five Eyes government funded the development of an area-specific GNSS denial system, addressing the vulnerabilities of GNSS signals to jamming and spoofing.
2. Calian GNSS : Provides high-precision GNSS antennas for drones, robots, and autonomous vehicles, enhancing positioning, navigation, and timing.
3. 北云科技 : Offers high-precision RTK GNSS receivers and GNSS+INS combined navigation for drones and autonomous vehicles, contributing to the resilience of GNSS-dependent systems.

Laser Systems

1. 川崎重工业株式会社 : Developed a high-energy laser C-UAS system capable of eliminating UAV targets up to a range of 100 meters, showcasing at DSEI Japan 2023.
2. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Showcased a 10-kilowatt fibre laser capable of targeting unmanned platforms, and field tests for a high-energy laser-based C-UAS prototype are ongoing.
3. BAE Systems Air successfully tested its laser-guided C-UAS, demonstrating the effectiveness of these kits in accurately detecting, tracking, and intercepting drones.

Hard Kill Systems

1. MSI-Defence Systems Ltd : It recently completed proof of capability trials for its MSI-DS Lightweight 30M 30mm CUAS system, which is designed to provide a hard kill capability against drones and airborne threats.
2. BlueHalo : Unveiled its Next Generation Missile as part of its layered C-UAS air defence technologies to enhance warfighter lethality and survivability.
3. APS (Advanced Protection Systems): Partnered with MSI Defence Systems to develop the Terrahawk Paladin Counter-UAS system, which includes a kinetic effector - Mk 44 Bushmaster II cannon, for countering aerial threats.

Challenges

As the industry evolves, it faces several significant challenges that impact the development, deployment, and effectiveness of C-UAS technologies. These challenges span various technological domains, including Radar Systems (RS), Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), Laser, and Hard Kill systems.

1 - Technological Advancements and Adaptation

The rapid pace of technological advancements in UAS capabilities necessitates a corresponding evolution in C-UAS technologies. UAS are becoming smaller, faster, more autonomous, and capable of operating in swarms, presenting a moving target for C-UAS developers. This requires continuous research and development to adapt existing C-UAS solutions and innovate new ones to counter emerging threats effectively.

2 - Scalability and Deployment

A critical challenge for the C-UAS industry is the ability to deploy and use adequate numbers of counter-UAS systems to cope with and counter the volume of drones being used by adversaries. Scalability is paramount, especially in conflict zones like Ukraine, where the drone threat evolves every six months. The industry must find ways to rapidly increase production and deployment capabilities to ensure C-UAS solutions are available at the required scale and at the point of need.

3 - Integration and Interoperability

Integrating C-UAS systems into existing defence and security frameworks poses significant challenges. This includes ensuring compatibility with different platforms, command and control systems, and other defensive measures. The integration challenge is compounded by the diverse range of C-UAS technologies, each with unique operational requirements and capabilities. Achieving interoperability among these systems is crucial for creating a cohesive and effective counter-UAS defence strategy.

4 - Regulatory and Legal Hurdles

Deploying certain C-UAS technologies, especially those involving kinetic or electronic warfare capabilities, faces regulatory and legal hurdles. These challenges include concerns over collateral damage, spectrum usage for electronic countermeasures, and the potential for harm to civilians in urban environments. Navigating these regulatory landscapes requires careful consideration and coordination with regulatory bodies to ensure compliance while maintaining operational effectiveness.

5 - Cost and Affordability

The cost of developing, deploying, and maintaining advanced C-UAS systems can be prohibitive, especially for smaller nations or private entities. Balancing the need for advanced countermeasures against budgetary constraints is a significant challenge. This necessitates the development of cost-effective C-UAS solutions that do not compromise performance or scalability.

6 - Detection and Discrimination

Detecting and accurately identifying UAS amidst a complex background of other objects and electronic signals is a persistent challenge. This is particularly difficult for smaller drones that operate at low altitudes and can easily blend into the environment. Advanced detection technologies, such as AESA radar and acoustic detection, are being developed to address this challenge, but they must continually evolve to keep pace with advancements in drone technology.

Conclusion

The C-UAS industry is grappling with complex challenges that span technological, operational, regulatory, and financial domains. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach that includes continuous technological innovation, strategic planning for scalability and deployment, regulatory engagement, and the development of cost-effective solutions.?

As the threat landscape continues to evolve, the C-UAS industry must remain agile and forward-thinking to protect against the ever-changing threat posed by unmanned aerial systems.