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Sydney-based DroneShield has announced a US$200,000 contract to provide the US Air Force with multiple units of the company’s DroneSentry counter-drone system at the Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota, protected by the 319th Security Forces Squadron of the USAF (319th SFS).
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The DroneSentry systems to be deployed feature DroneShield’s passive RfOne radiofrequency direction finding sensors, with a world-leading range for detection of small class 1 drones, combined with the company’s DroneCannon fixed site electronic countermeasures systems.
DroneSentry utilises DroneShield Complete user interface, an intuitive and feature-rich alerting, tracking and reporting software – the system will receive regular firmware updates, including the company’s upcoming cutting-edge artificial intelligence-based firmware roll-out planned for late 2020.
Oleg Vornik, DroneShield CEO, explained, "DroneShield was selected because our technology leverages artificial intelligence software and tracking/defeat automation that solves the 319th SFS problem statement (i.e. the requirements provided to the bidders on the contract) with little to no impact on manning."
DroneSentry integrates DroneShield’s suite of sensors and countermeasures in a unified platform deployable in permanent or temporary installations. Incorporating radar, RfOne RF detectors, and DroneOpt cameras, Sentry correlates available data for users and provides maximum situational awareness and the quickest response to airborne threats.
"This is DroneShield’s first US Air Force deployment. We are immensely proud that the US Air Force, one of the most demanding customers in the world, chose to deploy DroneShield’s flagship, fixed site detect-and-defeat system, incorporating our new RfOne MKII sensors," Vornik added.
The DroneOpt (camera) sensors can take advantage of DroneOptID, which offers the latest in computer vision technology to detect, verify and track drones in real-time. DroneSentry also includes the DroneCannon RF countermeasure, providing an end-to-end detection and response capability.
Vornik expanded on his statements, saying, " The USAF has a substantial requirement for the protection of its bases, in the US and forward deployments, and we look forward to continuing to support the service members and the expanded rollout of our solutions for their protection.
"In addition to our other recent work for the US military and government sector, a key market for us, the need for DroneShield’s industry-leading counter-UAS solutions is expected to grow rapidly as global tensions continue to increase and the drone threat proliferates."
Based in Sydney, Virginia and London, DroneShield is a worldwide leader in drone security technology. The company has developed pre-eminent drone security solutions that protect people, organisations and critical infrastructure from intrusion from drones.
Stephen Kuper
Steve has an extensive career across government, defence industry and advocacy, having previously worked for cabinet ministers at both Federal and State levels.
