This article is part of PSF’s coverage of the counter-drones market, which includes over 300 emerging companies being tracked by PSF Analysts and AI-MI(TM). Please see more information at end of article.
In recent weeks, the skies over New Jersey and New York have been frequented by mysterious drone sightings, raising concerns among residents and prompting action from government officials. Additionally, the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East as well as other conflicts have shown how drones can be used to deliver lethal capabilities. These incidents along with others highlight the growing need for effective counter-drone technologies to ensure public safety and national security.
Recent Drone Sightings and Concerns
Since mid-November 2024, numerous reports have emerged of large, unidentified drones operating at night across several New Jersey counties, with sightings later extending to New York and Pennsylvania. These drones have been observed near sensitive sites, including military bases and critical( infrastructure, leading to speculation about their origins and intentions. Some officials have expressed concerns that these could be foreign “spy drones,” while others suggest they might be part of domestic operations or misidentified manned aircraft.
Government Response and Deployment of Counter-Drone Technologies
In response to these sightings, federal and state authorities have initiated several measures:
- Deployment of Detection Systems: The FBI and the Department of Homeland Security have deployed infrared cameras and drone detection technology in the affected areas to monitor and identify the drones.
- Legislative Actions: Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has called for the deployment of advanced drone detection systems in New York and New Jersey, urging the Department of Homeland Security to provide necessary resources to local authorities.
- International Collaboration: Experts have suggested leveraging advanced counter-drone technologies developed by allies, such as Israel, which has experience in dealing with similar threats. Israeli startups have developed systems capable of detecting and neutralizing drones, which could be integrated into U.S. defenses.
Types of Counter-Drone Technologies with Example Companies
To address the challenges posed by unauthorized drones, several counter-drone technologies are being considered and deployed by local, state and federal authorities as well as national security experts. Tbese include Radio Frequency Detection Systems, Radar Systems, Optical and Infrared Sensors, Acoustic Sensors, Drone Interceptors.
1. Radio Frequency (RF) Detection Systems: These systems detect and locate drones by identifying the radio frequencies used for their control and communication. RF detection systems are effective particularly in environments with clear communication signals and minimal RF interference. However, their limitations, especially against autonomous drones and in RF-dense environments, suggest that a multi-layered approach—integrating radar, optical, infrared, and acoustic sensors—may provide a more robust and comprehensive drone detection solution. Examples of providers include:
Apolloshield: This company is offering Omni RF Sensor, Directional RF Sensor, and RF Sense&Block for detecting a range of frequencies from suspected UAVs.
Dedrone: Dedrone offers radio frequency detection technologies for broad ranges of frequencies. These products are cloud-ready, ruggedized, and made for long ranges and closed networks.
2. Radar Systems: Radar systems play a crucial role in drone detection, offering significant advantages in range, all-weather capability, and real-time tracking. However, challenges remain in detecting small, low-reflectivity drones and minimizing false positives. Examples of providers includes:
Echodyne: They offer next-gen cognitive radars, Electronically scanned array (ESA) radar, beam steering radars, and UAV airborne radars.
ELTA North America: The company offers all-weather Synthetic Aperture Radar/Ground Moving Target Indicator (SAR/GMTI) for Small Tactical UAVs.
3. Optical and Infrared Sensors: Optical and infrared sensors play a vital role in drone detection, offering visual and thermal identification capabilities essential for threat assessment. However, their effectiveness is influenced by environmental conditions, line-of-sight limitations, and range constraints. Examples of providers include:
D-fend Solutions: The company’s EO/IR sensors leverage sophisticated electro-optical infrared thermal imaging (EO/IR) cameras to identify drones based on their visual and temperature-related identifiers.
Silent Sentinel: Silent Sentinel Jaegar’s high-performance cameras can detect people and vehicles from long distances with highly precise thermal and visible views in low visibility.
4. Acoustic Sensors: While acoustic sensors offer valuable capabilities, particularly in detecting RF-silent or autonomous drones, their limited range and susceptibility to environmental factors suggest they are most effective when used as part of a multi-layered detection system. Examples of providers include:
Squarehead Technology: The company’s Discover CUAS detection sensor is an acoustic array that passively detects and tracks drones using advanced machine-learning algorithms.
Mistral Solutions: Mistral Anti-drone uses EO cameras, 3D radars, RF detectors, acoustic sensors, and advanced video analytics to detect, track, classify, and neutralize drones over several kilometers.
5. Drone Interceptors: Drone interceptors offer a dynamic and flexible solution for identifying and neutralizing unauthorized drones, particularly when integrated with advanced detection and tracking technologies. Their ability to operate autonomously and adapt to various scenarios makes them a valuable component of modern C-UAS strategies. Examples of providers include:
Batelle: Batelle’s DroneDefender technology swiftly disrupts the adversary’s drone control, neutralizing it to prevent remote actions, including detonation, while minimizing damage and ensuring public safety.
Flex Force: Flexforce’s product called Dronebuster is a light-weight, handheld electronic attack solution to defeat commercial and recreational drone threats.
6. Laser-Based Systems: Laser-based systems, particularly those utilizing LiDAR technology, offer high-precision detection and are effective in complex environments. For example, the U.S. Army has effectively used laser technology to intercept drones in the Middle East, marking a notable milestone for laser weapon systems. However, their limited range and sensitivity to environmental conditions suggest that they are most effective when integrated into a multi-sensor detection framework Examples of providers include:
Epirus: Leonidas is a compact, high-power HPM system using GaN semiconductors for superior counter-electronics effects, offering enhanced maneuverability, safety, and operator control.
Xtend: Their product named as- Griffon, is designed to defeat Group 1/2 COTS UAS and RCMA in ranges of up to 3 miles from the launch point.
7. Jamming and Spoofing Technologies: These methods disrupt the communication between a drone and its operator or deceive the drone’s navigation systems, causing it to land or return to its point of origin. Their success depends on factors such as the specific drone technology targeted, the operational environment, and adherence to legal and regulatory frameworks. Examples of providers include:
White Fox Defense: Their product- SCORPION 3 is the portable drone detection solution with mitigation capabilities, ensures situational awareness, detects unauthorized drones, and safeguards critical assets.
SCI Technology: The company is offering- AeroGuard, which is a fully autonomous, rapid-response Drone Interdiction System that captures and disposes of any Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) threat.
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