Are Anti-Drones Real?
Are Anti-Drones Real?
Why are Countries Around the World Investing Heavily in this Technology?
What are Drones?
Drones, also known as UAVs(unmanned aerial vehicles), are not just popular in the entertainment field but an integral part of military and security activities.
Drone technology uses different types of devices and sensors like accelerometers, gyroscopes, barometers, and GPS to measure the drone’s position and movement.
Drones also use various communication technologies, such as radio frequency, Wi-Fi, and cellular networks, to transmit data and receive commands from the operator along with a variety of propulsion systems, such as electric motors, gas engines, or even jet propulsion, to generate the thrust required to lift off the ground and fly through the air.
As Drones gained popularity and were on the rise, many countries raised the alarm about the threat posed by these unmanned vehicles and proposed solutions to tackle these new forms of intruders.
Thus were designed Anti-Drones.
What are Anti-Drones?
Anti-drones are systems or technologies designed to detect, intercept, or otherwise mitigate the threat posed by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones.
These systems are usually used for security or military purposes and include various technologies and methods.
Some examples of anti-drone technologies include:
Drone jammers
Drone jammers emit radio signals that disrupt the communication between a drone and its operator, causing the drone to lose its ability to receive commands and fly erratically, crash, or return to its point of origin.
These devices are also known as drone signal jammers, drone jamming systems, or counter-drone systems.
Drone jammers work by transmitting a powerful signal on the same frequency as the drone’s control signals, overpowering the drone’s commands and disrupting its communication with the operator.
Anti-drone nets
Anti-drone nets are physical barriers designed to catch or ensnare unauthorized drones and prevent them from entering or exiting a specific area.
Anti-drone nets are made of lightweight, durable materials, such as high-strength polymer or nylon, and can be deployed quickly and easily by trained personnel.
Anti-drone lasers
Anti-drone lasers emit a focused beam of high-energy light, such as infrared or ultraviolet radiation, that heats the drone’s surface and causes it to malfunction or catch fire. Some anti-drone lasers also use a pulsed laser system to disrupt the drone’s electronics and communication systems, causing it to lose control and crash.
Anti-drone lasers are typically mounted on stationary or mobile platforms, such as vehicles or buildings. They are designed to target drones at ranges of several hundred meters.
Drone-capturing birds of prey
Some countries have trained birds of prey, such as eagles and hawks, to capture and bring down drones.
Which Countries use Anti-Drones
Many countries around the world use anti-drone technology, as the use of drones have become more widespread in recent years, and there is a growing concern about the potential threats they pose.
Some countries, such as the United States, Israel, and the United Kingdom, have been at the forefront of developing and deploying anti-drone technologies for military and security purposes.
The United States, for example, has developed a range of anti-drone technologies, including drone jammers, detection systems, and counter-drone lasers, which have been used by the military and law enforcement agencies to protect sensitive areas and events.
Israel has also developed advanced anti-drone systems, such as its “Drone Dome” system, which uses a combination of radar, radio frequency jamming, and electro-optical sensors to detect, track, and intercept drones.
Other countries have also developed and deployed anti-drone technologies. For example, the Dutch police have used eagles to intercept rogue drones, while Japan has developed a drone-catching net that can be launched from a vehicle.
In addition, many private companies offer anti-drone systems and services to governments and organizations around the world.
One such popular case is Pentagon awarding L3Harris Technologies a $40 million order to send Ukraine “Vampire” counter-drone systems.
Conclusion
Drones have always intrigued me, but when I first heard of Anti-Drones a few days back, I realized how fast technology is evolving around us.
It might not be humanly possible to dive deep into every new emerging technology, but it's fun to know the basics and feed the curious mind.
If you would like to learn more about the Pentagon-funded project, check out this article.