C-UAS: Combatting Drones

Drones – The Problem

The conflict in Ukraine has given the world a glimpse into the future of land warfare. Drones (UAS) have arguably been the most effective and controversial piece of equipment used. Born out of necessity, cheap, shop bought drones have been modified to provide a lethal and effective weapon, surveillance and propaganda tool. This strategy was viewed as somewhat of a gimmick at first until we started to see multi million dollar armoured vehicles and even helicopters reduced to ashes thanks to a $500 drone.

Drones are readily available and incredibly cheap. They can be modified with ease. Some of the modifications required to weaponize the system are commercially available after market products put to a different use. A device designed to hold beer cans for delivery can also hold grenades. A baiting tool for fishing can be utilised below the drone in the same manner. At the most basic level the drone itself can carry an explosive which will detonate upon impact or at the push of a button. These drones have impressive ranges – The DJI Air 3 ($1300) boasts a 20km range at which it can broadcast clear video back to the operator. Drones will fly at impressive speed, an average consumer model can fly up to 70mph while racing variants can reach 150mph. Not only are they fast but they are highly manoeuvrable when controlled by a skilled operator.

If soldiers feared a sniper with an effective range of 1.5km, you can only imagine the psychological impact a weaponized drone has. Not only are the drones proving dangerous to infantry, they have also proved to be effective against armoured vehicles. The operators seek out points of weakness or simply fly the drones into any opening available. This has led vehicle crews to make modifications in the field such as fixing netting or even wooden structures around the outer shell to prevent direct drone hits. These have proven effective against single drone attacks but not against multiples.