What is Counter-Drone Technology?
Counter-drone technology aims to detect, identify, and counter unmanned aerial vehicles or drones. It primarily falls into two approaches: drone detection and drone interception/neutralization.
Drone Detection
Counter-drone weapons include technologies that help identify the presence of drones. Some detection technologies include:
1. Thermal Imaging. Thermal cameras are ideal for detecting small, fast-moving objects at low altitudes. They can detect the heat signatures emitted by a drone's engine and battery, allowing for tracking and identifying drones even in complex conditions. Furthermore, thermal cameras can also identify the drone operator, thereby helping to locate the individual controlling the drone.
2. RF Systems: Radio Frequency sensors used to detect drones operate in the frequency range of 70 MHz to 6 GHz. They gather information such as the drone's brand, model, serial number, current location, and the pilot's position. RF technology is cost-effective as it can detect both the drone and its controller and track multiple targets over long distances. However, detecting drones relying on inertial flight can be problematic, but this can be addressed by activating an illumination device, such as a pulsed radar.
3. Acoustic Methods. Acoustic sensors have an advantage over RF analyzers because they can detect any drone in the near-field of the electromagnetic spectrum, including autonomous drones that do not rely on radio waves. These sensors extract and classify the acoustic signatures of detected drones, assessing their rotor speed and altitude even when the drone is not within the line of sight.
Intercepting/Neutralizing Drones
In the effort to counter and intercept drones, the primary focus is on technologies that repel or capture the drone. Here are some examples:
1. Jamming Signals. Anti-drone guns with multiple frequency bands (GNSS, 2.4G, and 5.8G) can disrupt a drone's communication and GPS navigation, forcing it to land or change course.
2. Net Systems: This is a non-lethal method that uses nets to capture drones mid-air.
3. Trained Eagles and Falcons: Some entities use these birds of prey to disable or capture drones.
4. Kinetic Countermeasures: This refers to lethal means, including inflicting physical damage on the drone or shooting it down with weapons.
What is Counter-Drone Technology?
by sdruav.com | Sep 24, 2025 | Articles
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