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US Turns to AI-Powered Bullfrog Turret to Address Growing Threat of Low-Cost Drones.
Amid the rapidly evolving landscape of modern threats, the U.S. military is exploring advanced technological solutions to address the rise of low-cost weaponized drones. Among these efforts, the development of the autonomous robotic system "Bullfrog," designed by Allen Control Systems (ACS), marks a significant step forward in counter-drone defenses.
The Bullfrog Gun Turret is an autonomous system designed to detect, identify, and neutralize hostile drones, including Class 1 to Class 3 UAVs (Picture source: Allen Control Systems)
The Bullfrog Gun Turret is an autonomous system designed to detect, identify, and neutralize hostile drones, including Class 1 to Class 3 UAVs. Equipped with the standard M240 7.62mm machine gun, it combines proven kinetic firepower with advanced detection and autonomous engagement technologies. Compact and lightweight, weighing less than 400 pounds, the system is well-suited for mobile operations or the protection of strategic sites, such as critical infrastructure. Operating on a standard 24V DC power supply, the Bullfrog integrates easily with NATO vehicles and can operate in passive mode to reduce detection risks during deployment.
The system operates using advanced Linux-based software, which supports integration with third-party command-and-control (C2) systems and radars. This open architecture enables bidirectional data and target track communication. Using a database trained on millions of annotated images, the system ensures exceptional detection accuracy with a false negative rate of less than 2%. It also features semi-autonomous and fully autonomous operational modes, with "human-in-the-loop" and "human-on-the-loop" mechanisms to prevent unauthorized engagements. Additionally, its shot prediction capability ensures a high probability of success before firing, enhancing operational efficiency and safety.
The Bullfrog leverages advanced artificial intelligence to detect, track, and neutralize drones with high precision. Unlike human-operated systems, it achieves superior accuracy in engaging aerial targets, increasing the effectiveness of counter-drone operations. This development reflects the growing need for military forces to adapt to emerging threats, which are often characterized by low costs and significant battlefield impact.
Recent conflicts have underscored the strategic implications of drones, particularly their ability to disrupt military operations and inflict disproportionate damage relative to their cost. These developments have led to a growing demand for systems capable of rapidly detecting and neutralizing such threats. The Bullfrog addresses this need through machine learning algorithms and advanced sensors that reliably identify drones, even in complex or interference-heavy environments.
ACS has prioritized the autonomy of the Bullfrog, enabling it to operate with minimal human intervention. This reduces response times and enhances overall combat effectiveness. Initial tests of the system have yielded promising results, demonstrating its ability to outperform existing counter-drone technologies.
During the Technology Readiness Experimentation 2024 (TREX 24-2) event, held by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) at Camp Atterbury, Indiana, from August 19–26, the Bullfrog showcased its capabilities. As the only system in the DoD arsenal capable of autonomously detecting, tracking, identifying, and neutralizing drones, it completed the critical kill chain with precision. The integration of advanced artificial intelligence, computer vision, and ACS’s proprietary software enabled the Bullfrog to effectively utilize the standard M240 machine gun while maintaining a low size, weight, and power profile (Low SWaP).
Demonstrations included engagements against multiple drone swarms at various distances, capturing the attention of over 30 key stakeholders, including members of Congress, DoD officials, and senior representatives from special forces, the Marines, and counter-drone programs. The consistent performance of the Bullfrog at TREX generated significant interest from government stakeholders, indicating potential for expedited operational deployment. Notable attendees included Congressman Greg Pence, the Honorable Heidi Shyu, Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, and senior representatives from Army Futures Command and the Joint Counter-small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Office.
While the adoption of autonomous systems raises questions about increasing reliance on such technologies in combat environments, the rapid proliferation of weaponized drones highlights the necessity of innovations like the Bullfrog. These solutions offer a critical response to modern military challenges, ensuring enhanced defense capabilities against emerging threats.