US Army looking for new technologies to combat drones including swarms.

The topic of counter-drone strategies took the spotlight at this year's Association of the United States Army (AUSA) conference, as the U.S. Army issued a challenge to the industry to develop innovative methods for combating the threat posed by swarms of drones.
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Concept art from the U.S. Air Force Research Lab showing a drone swarm that the service could potentially use in the future (Image source: AFRL)

The Army's Innovation Team, with the goal of safeguarding the Pentagon against small drones, is planning a groundbreaking demonstration in June 2024. The challenge is to counter an organized group of 50 flying drones, commonly referred to as a drone swarm. Industry players, ranging from large corporations to small businesses, have been diligently working on a variety of solutions, encompassing weapons, wireless networks, and lasers.

The U.S. Department of Defense has conventionally categorized drones into five distinct groups based on size and functionality, with Group 1 representing the smallest drones and Group 5 comprising the largest and most advanced, such as the MQ-9 Reaper.

During the AUSA conference, major defense companies like BAE Systems unveiled modifications to their existing platforms. Notably, they showcased the capability to mount a 30mm cannon on a rail affixed to an armored multi-purpose vehicle, alongside other military equipment. Major General Sean Gainey, Director of the Joint Counter-small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Office (JCO), emphasized the effectiveness of the 30mm cannon against small UAVs. He also highlighted advanced technologies, such as the Army's proprietary Coyote interceptor and Lockheed Martin's MORFIUS system, which employs microwaves to disable drone electronics.

In addition to major players, smaller vendors like Dedrone have entered the arena with their own anti-drone solutions. Dedrone's approach involves the integration of third-party hardware with their proprietary software. Furthermore, the company has ventured into the development of its own technologies, including radio frequency sensors capable of detecting incoming drone threats.

As the threat posed by small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) continues to evolve and diversify, the need for effective counter-drone strategies has never been more critical. The AUSA conference served as a platform for defense industry leaders to showcase their innovations, catering to the growing demand for robust defenses against drone swarms. The forthcoming demonstration in June 2024 promises to shed light on the industry's progress in addressing this evolving challenge and providing a glimpse into the future of counter-drone technology.

Defense News October 2023