Elbit Systems has secured a significant $60 million contract with a NATO European country to supply its advanced ReDrone counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS). This deal highlights the growing concern amongst NATO members regarding the increasing threat of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), and their potential misuse by terrorists and smugglers. Elbit Systems, a leading global defence technology company, is set to deliver the ReDrone system over a three-year period.
The ReDrone system is a modular, multi-sensor, and multi-mission system that is part of Elbit’s advanced electronic warfare (EW), radar, and signal intelligence (SIGINT) portfolio. It provides capabilities that extend beyond typical active and passive sensors, offering a comprehensive counter-UAS solution that can detect, identify, locate, track, and neutralise hostile UAS. The system is designed to operate in diverse conditions, day or night, in both urban and rural environments, and under various weather conditions. It features both stationary and mobile configurations, which can be installed on vehicle platforms to provide operational flexibility. Additionally, the ReDrone system is equipped with advanced command and control (C4I) capabilities, enhancing overall mission management.
The ReDrone system provides end-to-end, multi-layered protection. It offers 360° coverage, detecting and classifying all commercial drones, and determining the direction and location of both the drone and its operator. The system uses fast wideband receivers to detect all types of commercial drone communications, separating them from Wi-Fi signals. This passive subsystem provides detection and direction of arrival, while multiple 2D or 3D radars are used for active detection, typically for extended ranges. ReDrone is capable of defeating drone communications and global navigation satellite systems (GNSS). It effectively blocks all radio communication channels and GNSS signals using a compact radio frequency (RF) transmitter, which disrupts the drone’s command and control link with minimal risk of collateral damage.
The ReDrone system can handle multiple drones simultaneously and operate continuously, with or without operators. It offers both automatic and manual jamming options, utilising a smart jammer with waveform control. Furthermore, the system has a unique capability to take over a drone and safely land it at a specific location. Operators can disconnect a target drone’s communication channel and assume full control, sending it to a safe landing at predetermined GPS coordinates. The advanced command and control (C2) system integrates and displays data from connected sensors on a user-friendly digital map, all managed from a single control station. The system is designed for integration with any architecture and can be installed in various configurations, including mobile, stationary, portable, transportable, or fixed setups. It is designed for rapid deployment and can be installed by a single person in less than 20 minutes, requiring no special skills.
The ReDrone solution incorporates Elbit Systems’ advanced DAiR radar, SIGINT sensors, EW counter measures, and electro-optical (EO) day/night payload. It combines advanced signal processing, decision algorithms, C4I capabilities, cyber techniques, and cutting-edge active and passive sensors, all on an open, unified platform.
This versatile system is designed for a range of applications, including military, paramilitary, homeland security (HLS) and civilian uses. It is suitable for defending borders, airports, seaports, strategic facilities, public events, landmarks, prisons, military bases, and military or VIP convoys and motorcades. It can be operated from stationary positions or on the move to protect VIP motorcades and military convoys. The system can be combined with Elbit Systems EW & SIGINT – Elisra’s counter improvised explosive device (CIED) vehicle protection system to provide comprehensive force protection against threats from both air and ground.
According to Oren Sabag, General Manager of Elbit Systems ISTAR & EW, “This contract, coming amid the rising threat of unmanned aerial systems, follows a series of contracts awarded to us in the CUAS field. We are proud that another NATO member country has chosen our solution, further demonstrating the robustness and effectiveness of our system, built on our advanced capabilities in EW, SIGINT, radar, and EO technologies”.
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