Battling the UAS Threat

In the wake of the Russian invasion into Ukraine in early 2021, a seismic shift reshaped the battlefield: the rise of fighter-drones and various UAS threats now paint a new picture on the horizon.

With subtle modifications and enhancements, one can turn an apparently ordinary store-bought drone into a potent war machine, capable of causing disruption even to the most advanced combat platforms and elite mission forces. The integration of these affordable aerial vehicles into modern warfare prompted many organizations to urgently seek effective defence measures.

Elbit Systems’ ISTAR & EW division leveraged its extensive over 50 years expertise in the field of EW to offer a multi-layered defense solution designed to counter these emerging threats – the C-UAS (Counter Unmanned Aircraft System) solution.

To truly understand Elbit Systems’ solution, it’s essential to grasp the inherent threat posed by drones and other offensive UAS. “We recognize the diverse scenarios where they can have an impact, and in our planning, we’ve concentrated on three key scenarios,” explains Tomer, the Marketing Officer and Director of Business Development within the ISTAR & EW division.

“Different UAS platforms, including drones, are used for targeted strikes and intelligence gathering. They can be focused on strategic assets such as government buildings, power plants, critical energy sources, military bases, and they can also pose a danger to elite forces operating deep within enemy territory or target convoys.”

Tomer highlights how the list of these threats has consistently evolved in the present era. “Adapting and improving our product in response to ongoing developments has been essential,” he notes.

The team has been closely following technological developments, continuously refining their product to align with evolving combat scenarios. This extensive research has resulted in the creation of a unique solution that combines various capabilities into a unified, effective defence system for different unmanned aerial platforms.

Multi-Layered Defense Solution

In the presence of their strategic clientele, the ISTAR & EW division remains steadfast in the face of these impending threats, revealing a comprehensive solution equipped with an array of sensors spanning multiple layers. “Our solution represents a holistic integration of detection and protection products, tailored to tackle a wide range of scenarios,” Tomer affirms.

Leading the charge is the initial layer, a sophisticated long-range detection system known as the tactical radar. “This system equips users with the capability to identify potential targets over significant distances,” he asserts.

Next in line is the second layer, boasting RF-SIGINT detection capabilities that provide a comprehensive intelligence picture of both the aerial vehicle and its operator. The third layer is an EO/IR Day & Thermal long-ranged cooled camera which is used for visual confirmation of existing threats.

The fourth layer houses a soft-kill jamming neutralization mechanism, highly skilled in disrupting a wide spectrum of frequencies, rendering an impending UAS attack virtually powerless. Finally, the fifth layer features a hard-kill mechanism, capable of launching a projectile toward the threat and eliminating it upon impact.

Tomer emphasizes that although each layer operates independently, it is the seamless integration of these components that propels this solution to the forefront in countering a wide range of airborne threats and UAS targeting ground assets. “It enables users to consolidate data from various sensors simultaneously, delivering a comprehensive understanding of the battlefield’s dynamics, all displayed on a single screen.”

By Operators, For Operators

Tomer explains that their solution is tailored to address the needs of Elbit Systems’ customers, who frequently encounter a variety of unpredictable threats while on the move. “It fulfills a crucial and substantial demand within our client base,” he emphasizes. “Our capabilities rely on an AI algorithm, allowing us to rapidly analyze and comprehend threats in real-time motion. This particular aspect sets us apart distinctly from our competitors.”

He further notes that many available solutions on the market have limitations in their spectrum range. “In our experience, our solution enables the detection of drones and other UAS in frequency bands that are often overlooked. It’s essentially a solution designed by operators, for operators.”

Tomer’s emphasis on this holistic approach highlights the seamless integration among these layers, offering users a unified display for complete situational awareness. This positions their solution as a robust defense, proficient at safeguarding against a wide range of airborne threats targeting ground assets – a promising advancement in modern defense technology.