GPS World

Tag: Joint Counter-small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Office

  • BAE Systems laser-guidance kits tested by US counter-UAS office

    BAE Systems laser-guidance kits tested by US counter-UAS office

    Image: BAE Systems
    Image: BAE Systems

    The Joint Counter-Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems office successfully tested BAE Systems’ APKWS laser-guidance kits in a counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) mission.

    During the Department of Defense-led exercise at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona, the 70 mm APKWS-guided rockets demonstrated 100% effectiveness when fired against 25-to-50-pound UAVs traveling at more than 100 miles an hour. The APKWS C-UAS solution is platform agnostic, permitting multiple options to accelerate fielding.

    APKWS transforms unguided rockets into smart munitions for precision strikes on soft and lightly armored targets. An updated proximity fuse for the standard M151 warhead enables laser-guidance kits to target Class-2 and Class-3 UAVs, which typically weigh less than 55 lbs. The fuse retains the legacy point denotation capability for flexibility of the weapon in the field.

    APKWS now enables rockets to engage and destroy UAVs at a fraction of the cost of existing C-UAS systems with unprecedented precision.

    The kits are available to all U.S. armed forces, as well as allies via foreign military sales.

  • DOD office recommends D-Fend solution to counter rogue drones

    DOD office recommends D-Fend solution to counter rogue drones

    The recommendation is based on demonstrations at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona

    In September 2021, EnforceAir helped safeguard Pope Francis and a crowd of 60,000 Slovakia. A ground-level tactical kit provided 360-degree azimuth coverage, fending off a rogue drone and sending it back to its original takeoff position. (Photo: D-Fend)
    In September 2021, EnforceAir helped safeguard Pope Francis and a crowd of 60,000 in Slovakia. A ground-level tactical kit provided 360-degree azimuth coverage, fending off a rogue drone and sending it back to its original takeoff position. (Photo: D-Fend)

    EnforceAir, a solution that counters small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS), has been recommended by the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DoD) Joint Counter-sUAS Office (JCO).

    Developed by D-Fend Solutions, EnforceAir was recommended as a subcomponent integrated within SAIC’s Valkyrie C2 system.

    EnforceAir was recognized for its RF detection and mitigation, its demonstrated impressive effectors and its ability to force land certain drones. D-Fend Solutions’ EnforceAir was the only RF cyber takeover technology named.

    EnforceAir automatically executes cyber drone detection and takeover mitigation of rogue drones for safe landings and outcomes, empowering security agencies and professionals with control while preserving operational continuity.

    The JCO recommendation is the result of a formal U.S. government evaluation event held at Yuma Proving Ground in April 2022.

    “It’s an honor to be recognized by the U.S. DoD Joint C-sUAS Office, following a rigorous demonstration and evaluation” said Zohar Halachmi, Chairman and CEO of D-Fend Solutions. “We’re excited to provide continued support for the counter-drone mission, within a layered defense, integrated in the most advanced C-UAS systems for the nation’s defense.”

    EnforceAir is D-Fend’s flagship offering. With hundreds of deployments worldwide, EnforceAir focuses on the most dangerous drone threats in the military, public safety, airport, prison, major event and critical infrastructure environments.