Abstract
The proliferation of consumer-grade
drones has ushered in a new era of technological innovation and convenience,
yet it has also given rise to formidable security challenges. Unmanned aerial
vehicles are increasingly being exploited for nefarious purposes, ranging from
espionage and smuggling to acts of terrorism. As a response to this emergent
threat, the field of counter drone warfare has rapidly evolved. This article
provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of counter drone warfare,
examining the multifaceted nature of the drone threat and the intricate
strategies employed to mitigate it.
The article delves into the technical
aspects of countering drones, analysing the diverse methods used for detection,
identification, and neutralisation. From radar and radio-frequency technologies
to kinetic and non-kinetic counter measures, the discussion encompasses the
full spectrum of tools and approaches utilised by military and security forces
worldwide.
Furthermore, the article explores the types
of counter drone systems being used in the Ukraine-Russia conflict, the lessons
learnt in the Indian context and the future of counter drone systems.
Introduction
The Ukraine-Russia
conflict has been seen as the first full-fledged drone war with both sides
using drones extensively. Drones have been used for tasks like recce,
surveillance, and direction of own artillery fire, even in the form of
loitering munitions. Looking at the success of drones in this war, it is likely
that in future conflicts drones are going to play a larger role than ever.
Hence, it is very important that a nation possesses the capability to defend
itself from such weapon systems.
Counter
Drone Tech
Counter
drone technology refers to the methods and systems that are used to detect,
track, and mitigate unauthorised Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or drones.
These technologies are designed to identify and neutralise drones that may pose
a security threat, such as those carrying explosives, conducting surveillance,
or interfering with airspace. This technology typically involves a combination
of sensors, radars, cameras, and other equipment that can detect and track
drones, as well as jamming or interception devices that can disable or take
control of the drones. Some examples of counter drone technology include radio
frequency jammers, Global Positioning System (GPS) spoofers, net guns, and even
trained eagles.
As the use of drones becomes more
widespread, the need for effective counter drone technology is becoming
increasingly important, particularly in areas such as airports, military
installations, critical infrastructure, and public events. However, there are
also concerns about the potential misuse of counter-drone technology and the
need to balance security with privacy and civil liberties.
In a conventional war scenario, counter
drone technology plays a crucial role in defending against enemy drones, which
can be used for recce, surveillance or attack purposes. Some examples of
counter drone technology in a conventional war scenario are:1
Detection
and Tracking Systems.2
n Radar Detects
the presence of small unmanned aircraft by their radar signature, which is
generated when the aircraft encounters Radio Frequency (RF) pulses emitted by
the detection element. These systems often employ algorithms to distinguish
between drones and other small, low-flying objects, such as birds.
n RF Identifies
the presence of drones by scanning for the frequencies on which most drones are
known to operate. Algorithms pick out and geo-locate RF-emitting devices in the
area that are likely to be drones.
n Electro- Detects drones based on their visual
signature.
Optical
n Infrared Detects
drones based on their heat signature.
n Acoustic Detects
drones by recognising the unique sounds produced by their motors. Acoustic
systems rely on a library of sounds produced by known drones, which are then
matched to sounds detected in the operating environment.
n Combined
Many systems integrate a variety of
different
Sensors sensor
types in order to provide a more robust detection capability. For example, a
system might include an acoustic sensor that cues an optical camera when it
detects a potential drone in the vicinity. The use of multiple detection
elements may also be intended to increase the probability of a successful
detection, given that no individual detection method is entirely failproof.
Interdiction.3
n RF
Disrupts the radio
frequency link between the
Jamming drone
and its operator by generating large volumes of RF output. Once the RF link,
which can include Wireless Fidelity links, is severed, a drone will either
descend to the ground or initiate a ‘return to home’ manoeuvre.
n GNSS
Disrupts the drone’s satellite
link, such as GPS
Jamming or
Global Navigation Satellite System, which is used for navigation. Drones that
lose their satellite link will hover in place, land, or return home.
n Spoofing Allows
one to take control of the targeted drone by hijacking the drone’s
communications link (also known as protocol manipulation).
n Laser Destroys
vital segments of the drone’s airframe using directed energy, causing it to
crash to the ground.
n Nets Designed
to entangle the targeted drone and/or its rotors.
n Projectile Employs
regular or custom-designed ammunition to destroy incoming unmanned aircraft.
n Combined
A number of counter-unmanned aircraft
system
Interdiction systems also employ a combination of
Elements interdiction
elements-most commonly and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) jamming
systems that work in tandem.
Platform
Types.4
n Ground- Systems designed to be used from either
based stationary
or mobile positions on the ground. This category includes systems installed on
fixed sites, mobile systems, and systems mounted on ground vehicles.
n Hand-held Systems
that are designed to be operated by a single individual by hand. Many of these
systems resemble rifles or other small arms.
n UAV-based Systems
designed to be mounted on drones, which can come into proximity with the
targeted unmanned aircraft in order to employ interdiction elements at close
range.
Types
of Counter Drone Systems Being Used in Ukraine-Russia Conflict
Both
Ukraine and Russia have reportedly used various counter-drone systems in the
ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Here are some examples:
n Leleka-100 Drone Detection System.
This system uses cameras and acoustic sensors to detect drones and provide
early warning alerts to soldiers on the ground.5
n Zaslon Electronic Warfare System.
This Russian-made system is capable of jamming the signals of drones and other uavs, as well as disrupting the
communications of ground-based command and control systems.6
n Aero Scope Drone Tracking System.
Both Ukraine and Russia have reportedly used the DJI Aero Scope system to
detect and track drones that are being flown near military installations and
other sensitive areas.7
n Drone Shield Counter Drone System.
This system, which is designed to detect and track drones using radio frequency
and acoustic sensors, has reportedly been used by both Ukraine and Russia.8
n Sky Net Anti-Drone System.
Developed by a Taiwanese company, this system uses a combination of radar,
cameras, and jammers to detect and neutralise drones.9
n Kupol Counter Drone System. This
Russian-made system is designed to detect and track drones using a combination
of radar, cameras, and other sensors, and can be integrated with other air
defence systems.10
It is important to note that the use of
counter drone systems in the Ukraine-Russia conflict is constantly evolving,
and both sides are likely to continue to invest in and deploy new technologies
to gain a tactical advantage. However, it is also important to consider the
potential implications of these technologies, particularly in terms of civilian
safety, privacy, and human rights.
Lessons
Learnt for India
There are several lessons that India can
learn from the use of drones in the recent conflicts. Here are some key
takeaways:
n The Need for Effective Counter Drone
Systems. The Ukraine-Russia conflict has highlighted the importance of
having effective counter drone systems to defend against potential drone
threats. India may need to invest in and deploy a range of counter drone
technologies, such as radar systems, electronic warfare systems, and anti-drone
guns, to protect military installations, critical infrastructure, and public
safety.
n The Potential for Asymmetric Warfare.
The use of drones in the Ukraine-Russia conflict has demonstrated the potential
for asymmetric warfare, where smaller and less technologically advanced forces
can use drones to inflict damage on larger and more advanced military forces.
India may need to consider the potential for asymmetric threats from drones and
develop strategies to counter this threat.
n The Need for Effective Regulations.
The use of drones also raises important legal and ethical considerations,
particularly in terms of privacy and human rights. India may need to develop
clear guidelines and regulations for the use of drones and counter drone
technologies to ensure that they are being used in a responsible and ethical
manner.
n The Potential for Technological
Innovation. The use of drones in the Ukraine-Russia conflict has led to a
significant amount of technological innovation in this field. India has a
strong technology industry and could potentially play a leading role in the
development of new and innovative drone technologies.
n The Importance of Intelligence
Gathering. The use of drones for surveillance and reconnaissance purposes
has been a key aspect of the Ukraine-Russia conflict. India may need to enhance
its intelligence-gathering capabilities to detect and track potential drone
threats, particularly in areas where there are security concerns.
In summary, the Ukraine-Russia conflict
has highlighted the importance of effective counter drone systems, the
potential for asymmetric threats, the need for effective regulation, the
potential for technological innovation, and the importance of intelligence
gathering. India may need to consider these lessons in the context of its own
security concerns and develop appropriate strategies and capabilities to
address potential drone threats.
India’s
standing in Counter Drone Tech
India
has been working on developing counter drone technology to address the
increasing threat posed by UAVs or drones. We have made some progress in this
area, but it is still behind some other countries in terms of its capabilities
and infrastructure.
n One of the key initiatives in this area is
the development of the National Counter Rogue Drone Guidelines by the Indian
Ministry of Civil Aviation. The guidelines provide a framework for managing the
threat of rogue drones and include measures such as the establishment of a
counter-drone task force, the creation of no-fly zones, and the use of counter
drone technology.11
n India has also started developing its own
counter drone technology, with the Defence Research and Development
Organisation (DRDO) leading the charge. In 2021, DRDO developed a counter drone
system called ‘D4’ which can detect and jam drone signals up to 3 km away.12
n Indian start-ups are also working on
developing
counter drone technology, with companies such as Idea Forge, Detect
Technologies, and Drone Shield offering various solutions for drone detection,
tracking, and interception.13
Despite these efforts, India still faces
some challenges in countering drones. The country has a huge border that is
difficult to monitor, and there have been several incidents of drones being
used for smuggling and espionage activities. Additionally, the market for
drones is rapidly evolving, with new technologies and capabilities being
introduced all the time. As a result, India will need to continue to invest in
research and development to stay ahead of the threat posed by drones.
Future
of Counter Drone Technology
Counter
drone technology is evolving rapidly, and we can expect to see significant
advancements in the future. As drones become more common and accessible, there
is a growing need for effective countermeasures to prevent them from being used
for malicious purposes, such as spying, terrorism, or smuggling.
Here are some potential future
developments in counter-drone technology:14
n Detection and Tracking.
Advancements in machine learning and computer vision technology will enable
more accurate and reliable detection and tracking of drones. This could include
the use of advanced radar, thermal imaging, or acoustic sensors to detect and
track drones in real-time.
n Jamming and Disabling. Counter
drone technology may include the use of radio frequency jammers or other
techniques to disrupt the drone’s communication with its operator, causing it
to lose control or even crash. Other technologies may include the use of lasers
or electromagnetic pulse to disable drones in mid-air.15
n Interception and Capture. Future
counter drone systems could include the use of specialised drones designed to
intercept and capture other drones. This could include the use of nets or other
physical barriers to trap the rogue drone.
n Cyber security. As drones become
more connected and autonomous, there will be an increasing need to secure them
against cyber-attacks. Counter drone technology may include the use of advanced
encryption and authentication protocols to prevent unauthorised access to
drones.16
n Artificial Intelligence (AI) and
Machine Learning. Counter drone systems are already using AI and machine
learning algorithms to detect and classify drones. In the future, we can expect
to see even more sophisticated AI algorithms that can accurately differentiate
between authorised and unauthorised drones, and can quickly respond to new and
emerging threats.17
n More Advanced Sensors. The use of
advanced sensors such as radar, lidar and cameras will continue to improve the
ability of counter drone systems to detect drones in all types of weather and
lighting conditions.
n Improved Jamming and Disruption
Techniques. As drones become more advanced, counter drone systems will need
to become more sophisticated in their ability to disrupt and disable them.
Future technologies may include jamming techniques that can target specific
frequencies or even individual drones, as well as more advanced laser-based
systems.18
n Collaborative Systems. Counter
drone systems will increasingly need to work in collaboration with other
technologies such as air traffic control systems, satellite networks, and other
sensors to create a comprehensive and effective drone defence network.
We can expect to see a significant
increase in the sophistication and effectiveness of counter drone technology in
the coming years. As the threat of malicious drone use continues to grow, the
development of effective countermeasures will become increasingly important.
Conclusion
Counter
drone technology is essential for India for several reasons. First, drones can
pose a significant threat to national security, particularly in sensitive areas
such as border regions or military installations. Drones can be used for
espionage, smuggling, or carrying out attacks, and countering these threats is
crucial to maintaining the country’s security.
Second, the use of drones is becoming
increasingly prevalent in civilian applications, such as agriculture,
transportation, and infrastructure inspections. While this has several
benefits, it also creates security concerns, as drones can be used for illegal
activities such as smuggling or terrorist attacks. Therefore, it is essential
to have the capability to detect and neutralise unauthorised drones in
sensitive areas.
Third, India has a significant defence
industry and is home to several defence manufacturers. Developing indigenous
counter drone technology would not only enhance the country’s security but also
provide opportunities for domestic companies to enter the global market.
Overall, counter drone technology is
essential for India to protect its national security, prevent illegal
activities, and support its defence industry.
Endnotes
1 https://www.robinradar.com/press/blog/10-counter-drone-technologies-to-detect-and-stop-drones-today
2 https://dronecenter.bard.edu/files/2019/12/CSD-CUAS-2nd-Edition-Web.pdf
3 https://dronecenter.bard.edu/files/2019/12/CSD-CUAS-2nd-Edition-Web.pdf
4 https://dronecenter.bard.edu/files/2019/12/CSD-CUAS-2nd-Edition-Web.pdf
5 http://uacuas.com
6 https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/trecms/pdf/AD1137511.pdf
7 https://www.airport-suppliers.com/product/anti-drone-system/
8 https://www.droneshield.com/products
9 https://anti-drones.net
10 https://www.defensemirror.com/news/32431/Russia_s_Avtomatika_
Demos_New_Anti_drone_Electronic_Warfare_System
11 https://capsindia.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/R-K-Narang.pdf
12 https://vajiramias.com/current-affairs/what-is-d4-dronesystem/63d8f9bac302e759e0f7ebee/
13 https://inc42.com/startups/eyes-in-the-sky-india-drone-startups-looking-for-major-pie/
14 https://www.mdpi.com/2504-446X/6/11/317
15 https://www.electronicsforu.com/market-verticals/aerospace-defence/counter-drone-techniques-to-detect-neutralise-hostile-drones
16 https://dronesurveyservices.com/can-military-drones-be-hacked-2/
17 https://sigblog.hexagon.com/integrating-ai-and-machine-learning-into-c-uas-systems/
18 https://dronesurveyservices.com/can-military-drones-be-jammed/
@Maj HS Mankoo is an
alumnus of Officers Training Academy and was commissioned into Army Aviation in
April 2015. The officer has also served with 3rd Battalion, The Madras Regiment during the
attachment period. He has served in various operational areas and currently
posted as Instructor Cl ‘B’ at Indian Military Academy.
Journal
of the United Service Institution of India,
Vol. CLIII, No. 634, October-December 2023.