D-Fend Solutions Discusses RF Cyber Takeover C-UAS Technology

D-Fend Solutions is a leading developer of RF cyber based counter-UAS (unmanned aerial systems) technologies designed to safely and efficiently detect and neutralize drone threats, allowing the operator to remain in complete control until the end of the rogue drone incident.

In this exclusive Q&A, Jeffrey Starr, the CMO of D-Fend Solutions, sits down with UST to discuss the advantages of RF cyber takeover, the capabilities of the company’s EnforceAir system, and the future of counter-UAS technology in an increasingly drone-populated world.

Could you discuss the primary benefits of a non-jamming, non-kinetic approach in sensitive environments, such as airports or large events?

The primary benefit of a non-jamming, non-kinetic approach in sensitive environments is the preservation of operational continuity and safety. In locations like airports or large events, the potential for collateral damage or disruption from traditional counter-UAS methods like jamming or kinetic solutions may be simply unacceptable.

RF cyber takeover technology avoids these pitfalls. It surgically takes control of the rogue drone, guiding it to a safe landing zone without disrupting legitimate communications, causing physical harm, or risking damage to property or bystanders. This ensures that commerce, transportation, and everyday life can proceed smoothly, even during a drone incursion.

How is RF cyber takeover technology more effective at solving C-UAS challenges over traditional physical or line-of-sight dependent counter-drone solutions?

RF cyber takeover technology represents a paradigm shift in C-UAS, offering significant advantages over traditional physical or line-of-sight dependent solutions. Traditional methods often struggle in complex environments with limited visibility or dense urban landscapes. Radar-based systems can generate false positives, while acoustic detection is less effective against quieter drones. Kinetic solutions pose unacceptable risks of collateral damage.

RF cyber takeover technology overcomes these limitations by detecting, locating, and identifying rogue drones through their unique communication protocols. It then neutralizes the threat by taking control of the drone and landing it safely in a predefined zone. This approach requires no line of sight, avoids collateral damage, and can differentiate between authorized and unauthorized drones, ensuring that legitimate operations remain unaffected.

How does D-Fend Solutions’ EnforceAir distinguish between authorized and unauthorized drones in complex RF environments, and what kind of response options does it offer?

D-Fend Solutions’ EnforceAir system employs sophisticated analysis to distinguish between authorized and unauthorized drones in complex environments. The system passively and continuously scans and detects unique communication protocols and characteristics used by commercial drones. The system can distinguish between drones and can identify authorized drones, allowing them to operate freely while focusing on identifying and mitigating rogue threats.

EnforceAir offers a range of response options, providing flexibility to adapt to different threat scenarios. These options include:

• Real-time tracking and monitoring: Providing continuous situational awareness of the drone’s location and behavior.
• Fend-off: Causing the drone to follow its fail-safe direction, for example, return to its home position or hover in place.
• Takeover and controlled landing: Taking full control of the drone and guiding it on a safe route to a safe landing zone.

Rogue Drone Incident Lifecycle

EnforceAir 2

Can you elaborate on how the EnforceAir system maintains operational continuity and minimizes disruption?

EnforceAir is specifically designed to maintain operational continuity and minimize disruption. Unlike jamming systems that disrupt RF communications, EnforceAir uses a targeted approach, focusing only on the specific communications of the rogue drone. This prevents interference with other legitimate drone operations, communication signals, or critical infrastructure systems.

Moreover, the system’s ability to differentiate between authorized and unauthorized drones ensures that only rogue drones are targeted, while legitimate operations remain unaffected. This is crucial in environments where drones are increasingly used for commercial, security, and emergency response purposes.

How adaptable is the EnforceAir2 system across different deployment scenarios, and what advantages does its low-SWaP design offer for portable and vehicular applications?

The EnforceAir2 system is highly adaptable across different deployment scenarios, thanks to its modular design and versatile configuration options. It can be deployed as a stationary system for fixed-site protection, a mobile system for on-the-move operations, or a man-portable system for rapid deployment in remote locations.

Its low-SWaP (size, weight, and power) design offers significant advantages for portable and vehicular applications. The compact size and low power consumption make it easy to integrate into vehicles or carry as a backpack, enabling rapid deployment and extended operation in the field. This is particularly valuable for military, law enforcement, and security personnel who need a flexible and rapidly deployable counter-UAS solution.

D-Fend Solutions Product Portfolio

What role does the MSC2 multi-sensor command & control system play in enhancing EnforceAir’s coverage, and how does it facilitate scalable protection?

The MSC2 (Multi-Sensor Command & Control) system plays a crucial role in enhancing EnforceAir’s coverage and enabling scalable protection. It acts as a central management platform, integrating data from multiple EnforceAir sensors.

MSC2 provides a comprehensive view of the airspace, enabling operators to track and manage multiple drone threat areas simultaneously. Its advanced functionality can automate threat assessment and mitigation, allowing for rapid and coordinated responses. The system can be configured to operate autonomously, if desired, automatically detecting, and mitigating drone threats based on pre-defined rules and policies. This enables scalable protection for large areas or multiple sites, reducing the need, when warranted, for constant operator intervention.

Given the increasing availability of commercial drones in recent years, how do you see the role of advanced C-UAS developing in 2025 and beyond?

Given the increasing availability and sophistication of commercial drones, the role of advanced C-UAS will become even more critical in 2025 and beyond. As drone technology continues to advance, the potential for malicious use will also increase, necessitating more effective and adaptable counter-UAS solutions.

In the future, advanced C-UAS will need to be able to address a wider range of drone threats, including FPV drones, drone swarms, and drones equipped with advanced payloads. They will also need to be able to operate in increasingly complex and congested airspace environments.

RF cyber technology will play a vital role in meeting these challenges. Its ability to precisely detect, identify, and mitigate drone threats without causing collateral damage or disruption will make it an essential component of future airspace security strategies. We expect to see increased adoption of RF cyber-C-UAS by military, homeland security, law enforcement, and critical infrastructure organizations seeking to protect their assets and maintain operational continuity in the face of evolving drone threats.

Thank you for your time. It has been a pleasure speaking with D-Fend Solutions, and we look forward to following the continued advancements and adoption of RF cyber takeover technology in the counter-UAS industry.