Technology has advanced beyond leaps and bounds and thanks to the new-age advancements, mankind has invented a device that has made aerial surveillance a major security. Yes, we call them anti-drones! Drones hovering on certain aerial premises are a threat to the overall security and safety of that area. Whether it is about conveying sensitive information to malicious attackers with a camera or monitoring/ spying on a certain premise, drones are havoc to security. However, with anti-drone devices, anyone can keep their aerial space protected without any issues.
How do anti-drone technologies work?
Anti-drone technologies typically fall into two categories: detection and countermeasure. The detection devices include radio frequency detection for signals from the remote control, infrared detectors to track heat signatures, and/or acoustic sensors for recognizing the sound of drone motors. On the other hand, countermeasure devices include technologies like drone jamming systems that can work to repel or intercept a drone by interfering with signals or jamming the communication between drones and their operators.
Who can use anti-drone technology?
Anti-drone technologies can be deployed to protect zones with critical infrastructures and areas such as airports, large public spaces like stadiums, battlefield sites, and military installations. Domestically, federal agencies can deploy counter-drone tech for certain circumstances, including:
- Securing domestic military bases
- Protecting sensitive nuclear facilities
- Securing prisons and preventing drones from smuggling contraband inside
- Protecting large gatherings
What are the different counter-drone technologies used today?
Drone RF Jammer (DRFJ) can jam communication bands, GNSS signals, and any other intercepted frequencies at the same time to disrupt the connection between the GCC (Ground Control Centre) and the drone. The directional antennas automatically generate and emit jamming waveforms at the frequencies that the RFDD (Radio Frequency Based Drone Detector) has recognized. The device also allows for user-configured frequencies to be used for jamming. Additionally, it is possible to manually feed the jammer frequencies.
There are different anti-drone technologies used by individuals and organizations. These include the following:
- Drone monitoring equipment
- Radio frequency analyzers
- Acoustic sensors
- Optical sensors
- Anti-drone radars
- Countermeasure equipment for drones
- Radio Frequency Jammers
- GPS spoofers
- High-power microwave devices, etc.
The sensors for the day and night cameras are installed on a servo-based, autonomous positioning system. RFDD (Radio Frequency Based Drone Detector) issues positional commands to this system, and VDIT (Video based Drone Identification & Tracking) captures drone video and pictures after being placed in the desired location. The software platform receives video feeds, and the program’s video processing algorithms immediately confirm the presence of the drone and simulate tracking.
As the autonomous drones fly without any connection to their operators, detecting them is nearly impossible. However, using a drone detection radar, they can be detected as it offers both elevation and azimuth data precisely for remote monitoring.
Conclusion
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have proved to be jeopardy to privacy, safety, and security. Issues such as spying, legislative uncertainty, etc. have become a concern and with anti-drone solutions, these issues can be averted seamlessly. Counter-drone technology can do wonders in detecting, jamming, capturing, or disabling unauthorized drones which make these devices an integral part of safety protocols in sensitive establishments.
