Kortholdsluftvern, Luftvern

DroneDefender Counter-Drone System (US)

DroneDefender, a portable counter-drone system developed by Dedrone. Utilizing radio-frequency (RF) jamming, DroneDefender provides a non-kinetic method for neutralizing unmanned aerial threats, primarily commercial drones.

System Overview

  • Name: DroneDefender
  • Manufacturer: Dedrone
  • Country of Origin: United States
  • Type: RF jammer (electronic countermeasure)
  • Intended Use: Law enforcement, military, and critical infrastructure protection

Technical Specifications

  • Detection Capabilities:
    • Integrated with Dedrone’s AI-driven detection and tracking software
    • Can be used with radar, radio-frequency sensors, and electro-optical systems
  • Neutralization Method:
    • Radio-frequency (RF) jamming disrupts drone communication and GPS signals
    • Forces drones to land or return to their point of origin
  • Effective Range:
    • Up to 2 km, depending on environmental conditions and drone type
  • Mobility:
    • Man-portable (rifle-like design)
  • Deployment Mode:
    • Handheld, battery-powered system

Operational Use & Effectiveness

  • Known Deployments:
    • Used by U.S. and allied military forces, law enforcement, and government agencies
    • Deployed at high-security events, including U.S. presidential inaugurations
  • Combat/Field Testing History:
    • Successfully tested against commercial drones in real-world conditions
    • Used in counter-terrorism and border security operations
  • Effectiveness Against Various Drone Types:
    • Effective against most commercial and consumer drones
    • Limited effectiveness against military-grade UAVs with encrypted communication

Notable Features & Advantages

  • Key Strengths:
    • Non-destructive method for disabling drones
    • Silent operation without visible or audible detection
  • Unique Capabilities:
    • Disrupts multiple communication bands simultaneously (GPS, Wi-Fi, etc.)
    • Compact and easy to deploy in urban and field environments
  • Adaptability & Scalability:
    • Can be used as part of a larger counter-drone system with multiple sensors

Limitations & Challenges

  • Known Weaknesses:
    • Not effective against drones with pre-programmed flight paths
    • Limited range compared to kinetic or directed energy solutions
  • Operational Constraints:
    • Requires trained operators for effective use
    • Battery life limits operational duration
  • Adversary Countermeasures:
    • Advanced drones may use frequency-hopping or encrypted communication to resist jamming
    • Some UAVs may switch to autonomous operation if jamming is detected

Future Developments & Upgrades

  • Planned Enhancements:
    • Research into increased range and frequency coverage
    • AI-driven adaptive jamming for enhanced effectiveness
  • Integration with Other Systems:
    • Compatible with Dedrone’s full counter-drone ecosystem
  • Future Deployment Plans:
    • Expected to see continued expansion in military, law enforcement, and VIP protection roles

Image: U.S. Army photo by 55th Signal Company

AI-assisted article.