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US Tests Teledyne Cerberus XL C-UAS to Counter Drone Threats After Success in Ukraine.
On October 30, 2024, the Teledyne Cerberus XL Counter-Small UAS (C-sUAS) system was showcased in a static display at Fort Carson, Colorado, as part of the Falcon Peak initiative. This experiment, led by U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM), took place from October 19 to 30, 2024. Falcon Peak marked the first initiative by the U.S. Department of Defense to test solutions for detecting, tracking, and neutralizing incursions by small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) on U.S. military installations.
Teledyne Cerberus XL C-UAS to Counter Drone Threats (Picture source: US DoD)
Planning for the Falcon Peak experiment began in November 2023. This exercise is part of a broader U.S. military strategy to develop advanced technologies to counter the growing threat posed by both commercial and military drones. These drones have become an increasing concern for defense installations worldwide. The experiment allowed for testing a range of technologies and systems designed to neutralize or interfere with unauthorized drone operations, with the Teledyne Cerberus XL system being one of the key solutions showcased.
The Cerberus XL, developed by Teledyne FLIR, is designed to detect and mitigate small UAVs, which have become ubiquitous in modern warfare, being used for reconnaissance, surveillance, and even armed attacks. This system was presented as part of the broader effort to enhance the protection of U.S. military installations against the growing drone threat. The Falcon Peak exercise was designed to simulate real-world scenarios where adversarial drones might attempt to infiltrate sensitive areas of U.S. defense infrastructure.
Over the two-week event, the Teledyne Cerberus XL system was tested alongside other technologies to assess their effectiveness in responding to various drone-related threats. The experiment involved simulated incursions by various sUAS, with systems being put to the test to evaluate their ability to track, identify, and neutralize drones in different environmental conditions and operational contexts.
In October 2023, Teledyne FLIR Defense signed a $31 million contract with Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace to provide the Cerberus XL C-UAS system to Ukrainian forces. This system was deployed in Ukraine, where it was tested in combat. Feedback from the field indicates that the Cerberus XL C-UAS has proven effective in detecting, tracking, and neutralizing the threats posed by small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS). Its ability to detect up to 500 simultaneous targets and operate in extreme conditions has made it a valuable asset for Ukrainian forces. The Cerberus XL has bolstered the security of Ukrainian military installations and has been crucial in protecting critical infrastructure from enemy drone incursions.
The experiment also highlighted the importance of collaboration between military entities, technology developers, and industrial stakeholders. The presence of advanced C-UAS systems like the Teledyne Cerberus XL underscores the role that cutting-edge technologies play in modernizing defense capabilities to address emerging threats.
At the conclusion of Falcon Peak, U.S. officials emphasized the importance of such initiatives in advancing the Department of Defense’s ability to adapt to the evolving security challenges posed by sUAS. The results of the experiment will provide insights for future strategies and offer a better understanding of how to protect U.S. military bases from drone-related threats.
For reference, the Cerberus XL C-UAS is a rugged platform that integrates sophisticated long-range sensors with advanced technology for combating unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS). This solution combines thermal and visual detection systems with long-range 3D radars and RF detection devices. With this advanced sensor combination, Cerberus XL can effectively locate and track aerial targets while integrating non-kinetic countermeasures capable of neutralizing drones at a distance of up to three kilometers. This detection and counter-drone system adapts to the most demanding environments, offering valuable rapid deployment capabilities in the field.
The Cerberus XL C-UAS stands out for its ability to modulate and configure defense for air, ground, and maritime threats, thus providing a multi-domain security solution. It meets the need for continuous surveillance and protection of sensitive sites such as military bases, airports, ports, and critical infrastructure. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, it can detect up to 500 simultaneous targets—a crucial advantage in defending against drone swarms, a growing threat in current conflicts. Used in the Ukrainian conflict, this system has proven its effectiveness in real-world conditions, further enhancing its reputation as a reliable defense solution.
Designed to easily integrate with kinetic neutralization solutions, the Cerberus XL is equipped with advanced AI-powered sensors, increasing target identification accuracy. It follows a complete non-kinetic kill chain, including detection, tracking, identification, and neutralization, making it a comprehensive solution against drone threats. Additionally, the system features the Teledyne Cameleon™ C2 client interface, allowing sensor integration with track display, camera control, mission recording, and system status monitoring, thus reducing operator workload. The trailer-mounted platform is ready to deploy in a matter of minutes, optimizing response time in critical situations.