Robust Control Signal Detection and Defeat in Challenging Conditions

Unmanned aerial systems (UAS – or drones) have become an existential hazard and are rarely out of the headlines today. The EU Commission recently issued a warning about the potential use of drones to carry out terrorist attacks. Not only is critical national infrastructure in danger, but commercial facilities, such as sports arenas and stadiums, are also vulnerable to a wide array of threats – in addition to the issues of invasion of privacy, smuggling and industrial espionage. Regardless of the UAS operator’s intention, drones pose a serious security risk.

To counter rapidly-developing UAS threat, accurate classification of the type of drone detected is critical to the subsequent decision-making process. Rohde & Schwarz’ ARDRONIS counter-UAS (C-UAS) solution provides reliable drone control uplink signal detection and disruption capabilities, even under challenging conditions. Modular and scalable, ARDRONIS can be deployed on a variety of platforms and readily integrated to suit specific threat profiles, with numerous systems already operational with government users.

ARDRONIS effectively detects and disrupts a UAS control uplink signal at a very early point. It monitors remote control uplink and drone downlink signals (in all relevant frequency bands) and can detect and locate those at ranges of up to 5-7 km under optimal conditions.

“R&S ARDRONIS combines leading Rohde & Schwarz sensors to form a reliable, high-performance solution for, e.g. securing a predefined airspace against drones,” commented the company’s Executive Vice President Monitoring and Network Testing, Dietmar Vahldiek. “Highly sensitive antennas and monitoring receivers collect the extremely agile platforms’ signals. Through repeated involvement in protecting high-profile events and high-ranking VIPs, R&S ARDRONIS has proven to be a valuable asset for security services involved and a future-proof solution. We are skilled experts with the expertise needed to get the job done, combining German engineering with an international mindset.”

With partners ESG and Diehl Defence, Rohde & Schwarz also offers a mission-proven modular multi-sensor UAS detection and defence system designated GUARDION, which includes the ARDRONIS sensors and countermeasures. Already tried and tested in a number of major political events and in operation with many customers worldwide, GUARDION provides secure detection and defence against drones in stationary, mobile or deployable configurations, adapted to the individual requirements of customers and situations.