Safran introduces Skyjacker to combat growing drone threats at Eurosatory 2024.

At Eurosatory 2024, Safran Electronics & Defense announced the launch of its Skyjacker counter-drone solution, a significant advancement in addressing the growing threat posed by drones in the battlespace and at sensitive installations. Skyjacker's strength lies in its unique spoofing capability, which alters the trajectory of a drone to neutralize the threat it represents by simulating GNSS signals that ensure guidance toward its target. Coupled with radar detection and optronic identification, Skyjacker can efficiently neutralize both isolated drones and drone swarms in land and naval environments.
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Skyjacker's modular design incorporates a command and control (C2) unit to manage the entire system, along with one or more spoofing transmitters (Picture source: ArmyRecognition)

Skyjacker replaces hostile drone satellite guidance signals with modified signals designed to deceive the drone about its position, thereby disrupting or interrupting its mission. This system is particularly well-suited for countering saturation attacks, such as swarming drones. It can also neutralize isolated drones remotely piloted by an operator and deliver effects at ranges from 1 to 10 kilometers (over 6 miles). 

Skyjacker's modular design incorporates a command and control (C2) unit to manage the entire system, along with one or more spoofing transmitters. It can be coupled with a wide array of sensors, such as optronic sights, radars, and radiofrequency detectors, as well as with lasers, communication jammers, and other effectors. Skyjacker can be deployed as a mobile version or interconnected with existing surveillance and fire control systems on land vehicles or naval vessels.

To deliver an initial mobile version of Skyjacker, Safran Electronics & Defense teamed with Hologarde, which designed the Bassalt anti-drone system for the French Air and Space Force to protect major events like the Paris Olympic Games, the G7 summit, and the Bastille Day parade. The effectiveness of Skyjacker was demonstrated at the Coubertin LAD II exercise organized by the Air Defense and Air Operations Command (CDAOA) of the French Air and Space Force at Air Base 107 in Vélizy-Villacoublay, near Paris, in March 2024.

Alexandre Ziegler, Executive VP of the Defense Global Business Unit of Safran Electronics & Defense, stated that they are now working to deploy Skyjacker as part of the counter-drone protection capability for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. He also mentioned that trials with the French Navy have proven particularly conclusive, confirming Skyjacker's suitability as a highly effective, cost-controlled protection solution for frontline vessels.

Safran's launch of Skyjacker at Eurosatory 2024 marks an important step forward in counter-drone technology, addressing the critical need for advanced solutions in modern defense and security operations.