Spain enhances anti-drone capabilities with second Crow System from Indra.

The Air Support Deployment Squadron (EADA) of the Spanish Air and Space Army has recently enhanced its capabilities by acquiring a second Crow anti-drone system from Indra, a leading company in this field. Located at its Zaragoza base, the EADA has been operating a similar system for nearly two years.
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Crow is a comprehensive system that integrates a blend of active and passive detection sensors, identification, and neutralization components. (Picture source: Spanish MoD)

Categorized under the C-suas (Counter-small unmanned aerial systems) by the Spanish Air and Space Army, Crow, formerly known as Arms, is a comprehensive system that integrates a blend of active and passive detection sensors, identification, and neutralization components. These technologies collectively enable the detection, identification, and neutralization of a wide range of drones.

EADA's anti-drone assets have been deployed in significant operations such as security for the COP-25 (2019), the NATO summit in Madrid (2022), and the recent EU summit in Granada this year. The unit has also operated the Crow system during the EUTM Mali mission.

According to Indra, the Crow system integrates radars, infrared cameras, and radiofrequency sensors. This combination allows for the detection, identification, and classification of threats from several kilometers away, and the selection of the most appropriate countermeasure to disrupt drone communication and geolocation links. Hard-kill measures can be incorporated if necessary. The system also employs artificial intelligence and data fusion algorithms for optimal performance and automation. An operator control console facilitates situation monitoring, protection zone definition, alarm setting, and automated responses.

Described as an "intelligent shield" by the manufacturer, Crow can detect UAVs several kilometers away and neutralize them. The system can be directed to target a single drone or an entire swarm. Moreover, Crow can use spoofing techniques to disrupt drones' guidance systems, redirecting them to a safe location. It encompasses the entire spectrum of threat management, from detection to neutralization, including threat identification, event logging, and report generation.

The system neutralizes detected unauthorized UAS using both soft-kill and hard-kill technologies. Crow's catalog includes various countermeasures adaptable to different scenarios and risk-benefit assessments, as well as compliance with existing regulations. Additionally, it can integrate with other systems such as ATM, UTM, and U-Space in airports or ground-based air defense systems.

With the addition of this new system, the EADA advances in its anti-drone capabilities. As the reference unit of the Spanish Air and Space Army in this field, it remains at the forefront of the Spanish Armed Forces' capabilities. The Air Force highlighted this development in an official statement.