The University of Alabama has named D-Fend Solutions as its counter-drone technology supplier to protect campus operations, critical research infrastructure, and major public gatherings.
The university functions as a small city, covering 3.5 square miles with a population of nearly 50,000 students, faculty, and staff. During football season, the campus becomes one of the largest population centers in the state, with Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium hosting over 100,000 fans while surrounding areas draw an additional 70,000 tailgaters.
“D-Fend and EnforceAir have been game changers for us,” said Michael Kelley, Director of Security Technologies at the University of Alabama. “Our situational awareness has expanded dramatically. Not only do we know what is in the airspace around our campus, but we have the ability to mitigate if necessary.”
The selection of EnforceAir followed a rigorous evaluation process, including season-long live performance trials against competing systems. The university chose the radio frequency cyber-driven technology for its ability to support controlled mitigation by authorized personnel without the risks of kinetic measures or jamming, which can disrupt campus communications or cause collateral damage.
During the evaluation phase, the system identified over one thousand drones operating in the vicinity, highlighting the scale of unmanned aerial system activity in collegiate environments. The university now integrates the technology into its Emergency Operations Center, using a Unified Command Framework to coordinate with local, state, and federal partners during large-scale events.
“Higher education institutions face unique challenges: open environments, major public events, critical research, and evolving regulatory frameworks,” said Zohar Halachmi, CEO and Chairman of D-Fend Solutions. “EnforceAir enables proactive, non-disruptive control that aligns with both safety and operational continuity.”
Unauthorized drones pose risks ranging from accidental collisions and falling debris to the disruption of high-level research and athletic events. Michael Kelley added, “We are initiative-taking, not reactionary. We have to plan for the future, and D-Fend’s technology allows us to do exactly that.”
