Advancements in Drone Neutralization Technology

There is an urgent need to broaden the conversation beyond tethered systems and into the expanding domain of electronic attack (EA), electronic warfare (EW), and electromagnetic interference (EMI) across all drone platforms. Alongside their growth, counter-drone C-UAS, capabilities have evolved. Among the most proven yet under-discussed, electromagnetic interference and active jamming. Even as drones grow more autonomous, they remain heavily reliant on: • GNSS signals (GPS, GLONASS, etc.) • RF links (control, telemetry, video feed) • Sensor fusion (radar, LiDAR, optical) • Digital onboard processing vulnerable to EMI “leakage” • Sensitive power and propulsion systems. Fiber-optic tethered drones were once believed to be more resistant, due to their “closed-loop” data channels. However, operational tests and classified field reports (including NATO’s C-UAS reports and DARPA red-team trials) show that even tethered drones can be rendered nonfunctional via indirect EMI, directed energy, or ground-based disruptions. Solutions: 1. Hardening Through EMI Shielding and Isolation • Faraday shielding of sensitive electronics and gimbaled sensors is now standard in military designs. • Power supply filtering and fiber-optic transceivers must be shielded against high-energy RF pulses and EMP-like spikes. 2. Adaptive Frequency-Hopping and Spread Spectrum • High-end C-UAS jammers rely on brute-force RF saturation. • In response, drones with spread spectrum communications (DSSS, FHSS) can maintain signal integrity, especially when encrypted and using agile protocols. • Comms switching is being piloted by NATO labs, adjusting frequency bands on the fly based on threat detection. 3. Tether Redundancy and Dual-Link Design • Redundant fiber links, shielded copper backup lines, or even air-gapped reversion systems are now being introduced in ISR and defense-grade tethered drones. • In some designs, a loss of tether triggers a satcom or LTE fallback system. 4. Pre-Mission EMI Mapping and Electromagnetic Preparation EMI mapping is becoming essential for drone operations. DoD and European forces have begun integrating SIGINT/EW, offering real-time EMI mitigation planning. 5. Use of Quantum-Resilient and Optical Communications While still experimental, quantum key distribution (QKD) and free-space optical communications (FSOC) are being considered to augment or replace RF links in sensitive missions. Looking ahead, at ePropelled we are interested in making drones survivable in tough environments. This calls for interdisciplinary research in drone design survivability of propulsion, power system, autonomy. The industry must pull together systems engineers, EW experts, software security professionals, and operations analysts. The next question must be: How do we build drones that can think, adapt, and survive—not just fly? #ePropelled #dronesystems #Survibilty #communicationsytems #EA #EMI #NATO #DoD #MoD #CUAS

New developments in Counter-UAS center on high-power microwave (HPM) weapons. As reported in The Merge, venture-backed #defensetech startup Epirus has developed a HPM solution called Leonidas. "Epirus' Leonidas puts up a shield of energy that disables pretty much anything that flies into it. Unlike laser systems or kinetic methods, which attack one target at a time, HPM can attack multiple drones simultaneously--a unique capability that's particularly valuable against swarming drone attacks that typically overwhelm traditional defenses. And it does it for just a few dollars per shot." Even more promising, Leonidas represents how DoD can work with a startup to develop innovative, critical new technologies. The effort was led by Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office. After delivering 4 prototypes for testing, the Army immediately deployed Leonidas to real world missions in the Middle East. In the meantime, Epirus has already invested on its own in a 100,000 sqft factory to scale production. 8VC Bedrock #defenseinnovation #defensetech #freedomsforge https://lnkd.in/eJkrUDts

The #usarmy has fortified its defensive capabilities against #unmannedaircraft systems (#UAS), commonly known as #drones, with the integration of the Low, slow, small, unmanned aircraft Integrated Defeat System (LIDS). At its core, LIDS employs Raytheon's Ku-band Radio Frequency Sensor (KuRFS) https://lnkd.in/grtZaXFY and Coyote effector, providing essential detect-and-defeat capabilities crucial for countering UAS threats. Raytheon built the KuRFS #radar to help the U.S. Army defend against rocket, artillery and mortar attacks in Iraq and Afghanistan. Today, it is also used as a counter-unmanned aerial system radar. It works with multiple weapons systems including the land-based Phalanx Weapon System, 50-caliber guns and 30 mm cannons. The radar also supports the High Energy Laser and the Coyote weapon system. KuRFS uses a radar sensing technique called active electronically scanned array, #AESA which uses many small phased antennas, rather than a single powerful antenna, to allow for better control of the beam. It operates in the Ku-band of the electromagnetic spectrum, which allows for higher-resolution imaging – an important part of tracking smaller flying objects. Awarded in October 2022, Raytheon's contract to equip two Army divisions with KuRFS and Coyote marked the initial deployment of LIDS. This partnership expanded in 2023 with additional awards for fixed site and mobile systems, further bolstering the Army's Central Command operations. A subsequent contract aimed to extend LIDS's coverage to a third Army division, highlighting the growing reliance on this integrated counter-UAS solution