What simply occurred? The US has utilized massive drones for army functions for many years, however an increase in using small drones by adversaries has necessitated different measures. That is why shoring up sturdy counter-drone defenses is such an pressing precedence for the Pentagon. A brand new subject train held on the Yuma Proving Floor in Arizona happened over 4 weeks in June, pitting counter-drone techniques towards coordinated swarms of as much as 50 unmanned attackers from all angles – a harsh real-world torture check.
Michael Mum or dad from the Joint Counter-small Unmanned Plane Methods Workplace (JCO), which runs these occasions, stated that “Demo 5” was their most difficult drone protection check up to now. The JCO was established in 2020 and has hosted related trade demonstrations on the identical floor for the previous three years.
The eventualities included quick jets, slower prop-driven drones, and mini-helicopters, in response to a report by Breaking Protection. These ranged from 20 kilos as much as over 1,000 kilos. This aerial armada attacked in coordinated teams slightly than one after the other, with waves coming in from varied coordinates and altitudes, cranking up the problem to the utmost.
On the defensive aspect have been 9 techniques developed by eight distributors – Clear Align, Trakka, ICR, ELTA, Teledyne FLIR, SAIC, ATSC, and Anduril.
Moderately than counting on a single weapon or sensor, most defenses have been “layered.” These utilized radars, cameras, RF scanners, and a number of kinds of drone disablers resembling guided rockets, shooter drones, machine weapons, and GPS/radio jammers. Coordinating all these sensors and effectors towards the onslaught of unmanned attackers put the techniques to the final word check. Curiously, none used experimental laser or microwave weapons.
In comparison with final yr’s occasion with simply 5 distributors, the bigger subject of 9 techniques gave decision-makers on the Pentagon a much bigger choice to judge. The JCO officers are conserving quiet about which distributors’ tech fared finest, although, at the least publicly.
Efficiency continues to be being analyzed, however after the information is totally crunched, every service will determine in the event that they need to pursue the acquisition of any of the demonstrated counter-drone options based mostly on their strengths, weaknesses, and operational wants. There is not any obligation to purchase something.
The subsequent main train is already slated for early 2025.
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