Deploying Hard Kill Counter-UAS Systems
The rail industry is blessed with a vendor ecosystem intent on developing and deploying the next generation of technologies and services focused on the continuous improvement in rail operations. These solutions, utilizing software-driven automation, edge computing and sensor technologies to support ever increasing efficient and safe train operations are typically data-intensive, and require increasingly robust wireless networking capabilities. This is why embracing a standards-based wireless platform, such as the IEEE 802.16t (dot16) standard, offers substantial benefits to a wide range of stakeholders across the railroad industry ranging from railroad operators and technology vendors to railroad customers, employees, and the public.
The proliferation of weaponized drones has in a short period of time become a disruptive element on the battlefield and changed the nature of how wars are fought. It has also raised new concerns from homeland security and public safety officials as to how to protect critical infrastructure and secure public events. This has necessitated the development of advanced countermeasures to protect airspace, especially the newly vulnerable lower sky areas that are not well protected by high altitude missile defense systems such as Iron Dome and David’s Sling. Among these countermeasures, hard kill solutions stand out for their ability to physically neutralize and mitigate the threats posed by hostile drones. This brief discusses the deployment of hard kill counter-UAS systems integrated with ground radar and advanced command and control functions.
Importance of Hard Kill Solutions
Hard kill solutions are crucial for homeland security as they provide definitive action against hostile drones. These systems can include kinetic interceptors, such as projectiles or intercepting drones, and directed energy weapons, like lasers and microwave systems. Their primary function is to disable or destroy drones physically, ensuring they pose no threat to critical infrastructure or public safety. Importantly, these counter-UAS systems need to be deployed as infrastructure, integrated with critical technologies including radar and command and control systems to ensure availability.
Integration with Ground Radar and Command and Control Systems
For hard kill solutions to be effective, they must be seamlessly integrated with ground radar systems. Ground radar plays a pivotal role in detecting and tracking drones. Specialized radar can identify the unique flight patterns and signatures of drones, providing real-time data on their location and movement. This information is vital for guiding hard kill systems to their targets with precision.
Similarly, an advanced command and control (C2) system is essential to manage the deployment of hard kill counter-UAS measures. The C2 system aggregates data from radar, RF analyzers, acoustic sensors, and optical and infrared sensors to provide a comprehensive picture of the airspace. It allows operators to make informed decisions swiftly and coordinate the deployment of hard kill systems effectively.
Protecting Critical Areas
Deploying integrated hard kill counter-UAS systems is essential for safeguarding borders, critical infrastructure, and densely populated areas. Borders are particularly vulnerable to drone threats, as adversaries may use drones for surveillance or smuggling. Critical locations, such as air and sea ports, power grids and communication networks as well as critical technology assets like data centers, are also at risk from coordinated drone attacks.
Additionally, protecting population centers from drone threats is paramount. Drones can be used to disrupt public events or carry out attacks in crowded urban areas. By deploying hard kill systems integrated with radar and C2 functions, authorities can ensure a robust defense against such threats.
Conclusion
The deployment of hard kill counter-UAS systems, integrated with ground radar and advanced command and control functions, is a vital component of modern homeland security strategies. These systems provide a multi-layered approach to defending the "low skies," ensuring that our airspace remains secure from the evolving threat posed by hostile drones. Militaries and defense technology providers across the world are working diligently to develop these solutions. Drone technology will continue to advance and weaponized drones will become even more lethal and capable of evading and spoofing of GPS and communications links. There is an imperative to advance and deploy robust and integrated countermeasures as infrastructure, backboned by hard kill solutions to protect and secure our borders, critical infrastructure, and population centers.
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Eric Brock is Chairman and CEO of @OndasHoldings (Nasdaq: ONDS) and Ondas Networks. Ondas Networks is a developer of software-based wireless technology for large established and emerging commercial and government markets. Ondas Networks' standards-based (802.16s), multi-patented, software-defined radio FullMAX platform enables Mission-Critical IoT (MC-IoT) applications by overcoming the bandwidth limitations of today's legacy private licensed wireless networks.