The Future of Counter-Drone Defense: Insights from D-Fend Solutions

D-Fend Solutions specializes in RF cyber based counter-drone technologies for government agencies, militaries, and special forces. The company’s solutions are engineered to detect and neutralize drone threats effectively and safely, allowing the operator to achieve full control, safety, and continuity throughout incidents. 

Jeffrey Starr, the CMO of D-Fend Solutions

In this exclusive Q&A, Jeffrey Starr, the CMO of D-Fend Solutions, talks to DA about how the increasing accessibility of commercial drones has changed the global threat landscape, the challenges of detecting and neutralizing smaller drones, and how D-Fend Solutions’ RF cyber takeover technology offers unique advantages over traditional counter-drone methods. 

How has the increasing accessibility and sophistication of commercial drones changed the threat landscape for military and security forces worldwide?

The increasing accessibility and sophistication of commercial drones has fundamentally changed the threat landscape for military and security forces worldwide. Drones have become readily available, low-cost tools that can be used for a wide range of malicious purposes, including reconnaissance, surveillance, attacks, and smuggling. Their ease of use, maneuverability, and payload capacity make them a potent threat in both military and civilian environments. This has essentially weaponized the skies, requiring a new generation of counter-drone systems.

What are the biggest challenges in detecting and neutralizing smaller, commercially available drones, particularly those that fly low or use advanced navigation systems?

Detecting and neutralizing smaller, commercially available drones presents several challenges. Their small size and low altitude make them difficult to detect with traditional radar systems. They often fly under the radar, literally and figuratively. Additionally, advanced navigation systems make it harder to track and intercept these drones.

However, the biggest challenge lies in mitigating these threats without causing collateral damage or disrupting legitimate operations. Traditional methods like jamming or kinetic solutions are often unsuitable in sensitive environments due to the risk of interference or physical harm.

D-Fend Solutions emphasizes the use of RF cyber takeover technology. Can you explain how this approach differs from traditional kinetic methods, and what unique advantages it offers for both military and civilian applications?

D-Fend Solutions’ RF cyber takeover technology represents a significant departure from traditional kinetic methods. Instead of physically destroying or disabling a drone, our system takes control of it, allowing for a safe and controlled resolution of the threat.

By taking control of the drone, the system can guide it on a safe route to a safe landing zone, minimizing the risk of collateral damage, such as harm to bystanders or damage to property. When allowed by laws and regulations, the captured drone can also be preserved and analyzed. 

The non-jamming approach ensures that legitimate communications and operations are not disrupted. The system can be deployed in various configurations, including stationary, mobile, and man-portable, to adapt to different operational requirements.

With the emergence of non-kinetic counter-drone takeover technologies, what are some key operational benefits of taking control of rogue drones?

Taking control of rogue drones offers a range of key operational benefits. It enables precise threat mitigation, offering the ability to guide a rogue drone to a safe landing zone and ensure that the threat is neutralized without causing unintended consequences or operational disruptions. 

When allowed, such as in military settings, the captured drone can also provide valuable information. The system can additionally be programmed to respond differently to diverse types of drone threats, allowing for a tailored and effective response.

How does D-Fend Solutions’ mobile technology help military and security forces adapt quickly to shifting threat scenarios?

D-Fend Solutions’ mobile technology provides military and security forces with the flexibility and agility they need to adapt quickly to shifting threat scenarios. The mobile systems can be rapidly deployed to new locations, providing on-the-move protection for convoys, patrols, and other mobile assets.

The systems can be integrated into vehicles, providing a mobile bubble of protection that moves with the asset being protected. This enables military and security forces to respond to drone threats in real-time, regardless of their location.

Could you elaborate on how D-Fend Solutions’ backpack deployable C-UAS solution addresses operational demands for flexibility, portability, and rapid deployment?

D-Fend Solutions’ backpack deployable C-UAS solution is specifically designed to address the operational demands for flexibility, portability, and rapid deployment. The system is lightweight and compact, allowing it to be easily carried by a single operator. It can be quickly set up and deployed in minutes, providing immediate counter-UAS capabilities in any location. This is particularly valuable for special forces, law enforcement, and security personnel who need a rapidly deployable solution for protecting critical assets or responding to emerging threats.

How does D-Fend Solutions work with military and security agencies to ensure interoperability, integration, and adaptability of solutions to existing defense systems?

D-Fend Solutions recognizes the importance of interoperability, integration, and adaptability in defense systems. We work closely with military and security agencies to ensure that our solutions can seamlessly integrate with their existing systems. Our systems are designed with open architectures, allowing for easy integration with other sensors, mitigation technologies, and command and control systems, in support of a multilayer defense. We also adhere to relevant governmental standards to support interoperability with other systems.

We collaborate with our customers to adapt our solutions to their specific needs and requirements, and provide comprehensive training and support to ensure that our customers can effectively operate and maintain our systems.

By prioritizing interoperability, integration, and adaptability, D-Fend Solutions ensures that our solutions can seamlessly integrate into existing defense systems, providing military and security agencies with a comprehensive and effective counter-UAS capability.

It has been insightful discussing the evolving landscape of drone threats with D-Fend Solutions, and we look forward to seeing how your innovative solutions continue to shape the future of defense and security operations.