Countering the autonomous aerial threat In an interview, Martin Woywod, Product Manager Counter-UAS (CUAS) Systems, Rohde & Schwarz , talks about the need for rapid detection, advanced technologies and a robust counter-drone system that can effectively address upcoming challenges and protect against the evolving threats posed by drones.
ARDRONIS - Rapid detection, advanced technologies and a robust counter-drone system that can effectively address upcoming challenges and protect against the evolving threats posed by drones. (Image: Rohde & Schwarz)
The development of counter-drone technology is a critical endeavor in todays world, where drones pose a growing threat to security and safety. The ability to detect and neutralize malicious drones is essential for protecting critical infrastructure, ensuring public safety, and mitigating potential disasters.
In what ways have UAS threats become more sophisticated in recent years?
The proliferation of malicious and non-cooperative drones has become an increasingly complex and dynamic threat to aviation and critical infrastructure security. In recent years, UAS threats have evolved in several ways, making them more sophisticated and challenging to counter.
The widespread availability of commercial drones has made it easier for malicious actors to acquire and modify them for nefarious purposes. Modern drones often feature advanced navigation systems, longer endurance, and higher payloads, enabling them to stay airborne for extended periods and carry more substantial payloads, including explosives or surveillance equipment.
Some drones now employ artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) algorithms, allowing them to adapt to changing environments, evade detection, and even autonomously select targets. The use of multiple drones in coordinated attacks, also known as swarm attacks, has become a growing concern, as it can overwhelm traditional air defense systems and create a higher likelihood of successful penetration.
Furthermore, as drones become more connected and reliant on wireless communication protocols, they also become more vulnerable to cyber-attacks, which can be used to disrupt or hijack drone operations. Additionally, some drones are now designed with stealth capabilities, making them harder to detect using traditional radar systems. Malicious actors can also use GPS spoofing and jamming techniques to disrupt drone navigation systems, making it difficult to track and respond to UAS threats.
To effectively counter these evolving threats, early warning and detection are crucial. Protective measures can only be taken after a threat is detected, and every second counts in responding to a UAS threat. Therefore, reliable and affordable counter-drone solutions are essential for civil and government organizations, as well as agencies responsible for protecting sensitive sites and critical national infrastructure.
How has counter-UAS technology evolved over the years to counter these threats?
CUAS technology has undergone significant evolution over the years to address the growing threat of malicious drones. Initially, CUAS solutions were primarily focused on detecting and tracking drones using light, radar or electro-optical (EO) and infrared (IR) sensors to provide visual detection and tracking capabilities. However, as the threat landscape has expanded, CUAS technology has advanced to incorporate a range of innovative solutions.
Early CUAS systems relied on traditional radar systems, which were often ineffective against small, low-flying drones. In response, manufacturers developed specialized radar systems that could detect and track drones more effectively. These systems often employed advanced signal processing algorithms and phased array antennas to improve detection and tracking capabilities.
The integration of radio frequency (RF) sensors has also become a key component of CUAS systems. RF sensors can detect the unique radio frequency signals emitted by drones, allowing for more accurate detection and tracking. This technology has been further enhanced through the use of machine learning algorithms, which can analyze RF signals to identify specific drone types and even predict their behavior.
Another significant advancement is the development of non-kinetic countermeasures, such as radio frequency (RF) jamming and cyber countermeasures. These solutions can be used to disrupt or hijack drone operations, providing a more effective and safer alternative to traditional kinetic countermeasures.
Furthermore, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) has become increasingly prevalent in CUAS systems. AI-powered systems can analyze data from multiple sensors to detect and track drones more accurately, while also predicting their behavior and identifying potential threats.
The development of modular, scalable, and networked C-UAS systems has also improved the effectiveness of counter-drone operations. These systems can be easily integrated with existing security infrastructure, allowing for seamless communication and coordination between different sensors and effectors.
Finally, the integration of C-UAS systems with other security systems, such as access control and surveillance systems, has become more prevalent. This integration enables a more comprehensive and layered approach to security, allowing for more effective detection, tracking, and response to UAS threats.
Overall, the evolution of C-UAS technology has been driven by the need to address the growing threat of malicious drones. As the threat landscape continues to evolve, it is likely that C-UAS technology will continue to advance, incorporating new innovations and solutions to stay ahead of the threat.
What are some of the biggest technological obstacles in developing counter-UAS solutions?
When it comes to countering dro
Most recent headlines
11/12/2025
Dalet, a leading provider of cloud-native, end-to-end media workflow solutions, ...
06/12/2025
In a live broadcast from the Reagan National Defense Forum, L3Harris Chair and CEO Christopher Kubasik joined Morgan Brennan on CNBCs Closing Bell: Overtime. Ku...
06/12/2025
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. A new survey from Pixitmedia by Datacore revealed a major shift in the Media & Entertainment industry in media archiving, with 85% of resp...
06/12/2025
HACKENSACK, N.J. LiveU has announced that the national public broadcaster Czech Television has completed one of the largest LiveU live production deployments fo...
06/12/2025
NEW YORK The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) presented the Excellence in Production Technology Emmy Award to NASA+ and Dr. Tom Leight...
05/12/2025
2025 Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame: Curt Gowdy Jr. - Master Storyteller, Nati...
05/12/2025
SVG Sit-Down: Veritone's Sean King on the Power of Mining Video, Audio DataThe company's Data Refinery offers users total control and governance over da...
05/12/2025
Platinum White Paper: Inside the Nashville Predators' Unified, Flexible, Sca...
05/12/2025
Netflix Reaches Agreement To Acquire Warner Bros. Following Planned WBD SplitThe deal does not include WBDs sports assets like TNT Sports (US, UK, LatAm), Euros...
05/12/2025
FOX Sports Returns to Indianapolis for Primetime Broadcast of Big Ten Championsh...
05/12/2025
SVG Summit 2025 Preview: Digital Engagement & Monetization Workshop Tackles the ...
05/12/2025
Atlanta United Lights Up New Emory Healthcare Studio With First Live Broadcast f...
05/12/2025
As Messi Takes the Pitch, MLS, Apple, NEP Roll Out Largest MLS Cup Production Ev...
05/12/2025
ESPN Enters College Football's Most Intense Month With Elevated Workflows fo...
05/12/2025
It's about that time! Awards season is in full swing, and the Film Independe...
05/12/2025
Every year, Spotify Wrapped offers a personalized look back at the audio that defined your year. It's a snapshot of your listening habits, designed to tell ...
05/12/2025
In 2025, Spotify's EQUAL, GLOW, and RADAR programs celebrated women, LGBTQIA , and emerging artists who turned moments into milestones. From breaking record...
05/12/2025
In our latest blog, we explain how Wi-Fi 7 rollouts can drive consumer loyalty with value-add services such as consumer cybersecurity. We also explore how this ...
05/12/2025
LOS ANGELES Netflix announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire the assets of Warner Bros. for $82.7 billion....
05/12/2025
NEW YORK Nielsens Gracenote has launched Gracenote Content Connect, a new ad platform that provides agencies, brands, supply-side platforms (SSPs) and demand-si...
05/12/2025
NEW YORK In an most important update to the workings of deal-based programmatic advertising, IAB Tech Lab has released version 1.0 of its Deals API for public c...
05/12/2025
NEW YORK Pass the turkey. Pass the stuffing. Pass the cranberry sauce. All are common requests of Americans celebrating Thanksgiving Day with family and f...
05/12/2025
NEW YORK Iris, the new cloud-connected camera control platform, has officially launched with features that turn virtually any PTZ camera into a software-connect...
05/12/2025
HOLLYWOOD, Calif. Netflix announced today that it has entered into an agreement to acquire the assets of Warner Bros. for $82.7 billion....
05/12/2025
NEW YORK Iris, the new cloud-connected camera control platform, has officially launched with features that turn virtually any PTZ camera into a software-connect...
05/12/2025
WASHINGTON The Federal Communications Commission has approved AT&T's $1.02 billion acquisition of spectrum from UScellular in a decision that was issued sho...
05/12/2025
The Best Coldplay Songs: 21 Tracks That Shoot for the Stars From Yellow to Viva La Vida, Fix You to Paradise, this playlist goes back to the start.
December ...
05/12/2025
Zafris Lecture Series Brings Nabil Ayers to Berklee The 32nd annual James G. Zafris Distinguished Lecture series was held on Thursday, November 13, with guest...
05/12/2025
Back to All News
Netflix Unveils the First Look for Land of Sin' - Premier...
05/12/2025
Introducing New Perks to Help You Get Even More from LinkedIn Premium Published on Dec 5, 2025 Categories: Company News, Product News
LinkedIn Corporate Co...
05/12/2025
Friday 5 December 2025
A new Game of Thrones Tale: Official trailer for Sky Exc...
05/12/2025
Back to All News
Don Lee, Lee Jin-uk, and Lalisa Manobal to Star in Netflix Act...
05/12/2025
Tis the season of giving once again and this year we've taken our Give Back Fridays' concept and turned it on its head.
In the autumn we were approach...
05/12/2025
Brayden Gogis doesn't remember a time when he wasn't completely fixated on games in all forms. In preschool, when they asked us to dress up as what we ...
05/12/2025
The Grinch steals the spotlight as the theme for The Late Late Toy Show 2025
Tune in tonight at 9:35pm on RT One and worldwide on RT Player
#LateLateToyShow...
05/12/2025
RT Announces New Presenters of Flagship News Programmes
New RT Six One News co-presenter Tommy Meskill
Sarah McInerney & Justin McCarthy join Morning Ir...
04/12/2025
ToolsOnAir Blackmagic Design HyperDeck Event Presets for just:in mac pro 2025 & ...
04/12/2025
ToolsOnAir AJA Ki Pro Event Presets for just:in mac pro 2025 & just:in linux
More Details:Starting with version 5.5, both just:in mac pro and just:in linux sol...
04/12/2025
Wangu Kanuri from Kenya and Godwin Asediba from Ghana are two of this years finalists for Thomsons Young Journalist of the Year Award. The pair are runners-up i...
04/12/2025
SVG Sit-Down: ProximaVision's Claudio Lisman on Why Tethered Drones Could Be...
04/12/2025
SVG Campus Shot Callers: Imry Halevi, Senior Associate Director of Athletics, Co...
04/12/2025
Platinum White Paper: LiveU Lightweight Sports Production: A Step Change in Spor...
04/12/2025
London to Riyadh: DAZN brings the boxing glamour to new production levels for Be...
04/12/2025
Analysis: Paramount bets on the battering ram' with Champions League play By Callum McCarthy, Editor-at-Large
Tuesday, December 2, 2025 - 10:12
Print ...
04/12/2025
Space City Home Network Launches SCHN DTC App for Astros and RocketsThe Rockets and Astros were previously the lone NBA and MLB teams without a DTC appBy Jason...
04/12/2025
SVG Summit 2025 Preview: Content Workflows Workshop Spotlights Evolution of Spor...
04/12/2025
New Sponsor Spotlight: Geotech's Patrick Wambold On the Unreal Engine Revolu...
04/12/2025
Curt Gowdy Jr. - Master Storyteller, Nationally and RegionallyBy Jason Dachman, Editorial Director, U.S.
Thursday, December 4, 2025 - 1:52 pm
Print This Sto...
04/12/2025
(L-R) Rebecca Lichtenfeld, Mohammadreza Eyni, Sara Khaki, and Judith Helfand att...
Countering the autonomous aerial threat In an interview, Martin Woywod, Product Manager Counter-UAS (CUAS) Systems, Rohde & Schwarz , talks about the need for rapid detection, advanced technologies and a robust counter-drone system that can effectively address upcoming challenges and protect against the evolving threats posed by drones. 
