Defending Critical Infrastructure from Small UAS

Defending Critical Infrastructure from Small UAS

small uas

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While used mostly by the military, small UAS are now widely available. With increased availability comes increased risk to critical infrastructure or crowded events. Traditional defense mechanisms against small UAS, such as shooting them down, pose safety risks in many situations.

How can government agencies defend against drones and protect critical assets? Two companies announced that they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which will explore ways to create an end-to-end solution to provide complete airspace security for US sensitive infrastructure. While Battelle’s DroneDefender defeats drones, Dedrone’s drone detection software platform, based on machine learning, alerts to the presence of rogue and unauthorized drones in protected airspace.

Battelle’s DroneDefender systems are non-kinetic cUAS solutions developed to instantaneously defend airspace against commercial drones without compromising safety or risking collateral damage. The systems quickly disrupt an adversary’s control of a drone, neutralizing it so that no remote action, including detonation, can occur, minimizing drone damage and risk to public safety.

DroneDefender has piqued the interest of authorities around the world. The technology is restricted to use by federal authorities under a strict permitting process, but sales are taking off with more than 200 units sold to the U.S. Department of Defense, the U.S. Department of

Homeland Security, and international customers. Wide adoption around the world has resulted in DroneDefender becoming the most prolific Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) defeat solution.

According to Battelle’s website, DroneDefender is the first man-portable, accurate, and easy-to-use system to provide critical security protection. It is an inexpensive, lightweight point-and-shoot system with a demonstrated effectiveness.

The agreement with Dedrone is a non-binding, non-exclusive partnership to collaborate and explore technology synergies. Battelle remains in active discussions with potential customers and companies in the rapidly expanding Counter Unmanned Aircraft System markets, according to Dan Stamm, manager of counter-UAS programs at Battelle.

Dedrone expertises in airspace security and developed a drone detection software platform that secures high-value airspace from drone threats. Their machine-learning software platform analyzes data from passive sensors to identify the characteristics of each drone, provide warning of their presence and map the flightpath. Dedrone’s proven platform is deployed around the world, protecting military, government, and commercial sites.

“The Department of Defense must prepare for a vast spectrum of airspace threats, including drones and other UAS,” said Joerg Lamprecht, CEO and co-founder of Dedrone. “With their best in class defeat technology, Battelle is an ideal partner to our detection program, and together we look forward to developing proactive solutions that protect military and government airspace.”