AI Analysis
Canada has conducted tests on above-the-horizon laser systems to counter drone threats, highlighting advancements in counter-UAS technologies. AIM Defence and Prandtl Dynamics received recognition for their innovative C-UAS solutions involving AI and acoustic technologies.
Key Takeaways
- Canada tested above-the-horizon laser systems for counter-UAS applications.
- AIM Defence received $1 million for its AI and laser-based C-UAS solution.
- Prandtl Dynamics demonstrated acoustic technology to disrupt drone electronics.
- The IDEaS program hosted a counter-UAS sandbox at DRDC Suffield Research Centre.
- Ukrainian drones executed a significant attack on a Russian depot, showcasing drone warfare capabilities.
Why It Matters
The rapid advancement and proliferation of drone technology necessitate effective countermeasures, as demonstrated by recent drone attacks in conflict zones. The development and testing of innovative counter-UAS technologies, such as lasers and acoustic systems, are crucial for maintaining strategic defense capabilities against evolving drone threats.
by Treena Hein
During the early hours of September 18, 2024, a significant attack was carried out employing uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) or drones, further highlighting the need to defend effectively against these types of attacks. Ukrainian drones struck a large Russian depot that housed Iskander and Tochka-U missiles, as well as glide bombs and artillery shells. The “swarm” attack, according to the Associated Press, caused “burning across an area six kilometers wide.”
The headline-grabbing event was just one of numerous drone strikes in the recent past, from Kyiv to Tel Aviv.
This summer, Canada became the fifth NATO country to test above-the-horizon lasers to defeat drone threats (scenarios with no mountain or other geographic backdrop to stop the laser).
The tests were conducted during the third Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) Counter Uncrewed Aerial Systems sandbox in June at the Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) Suffield Research Centre in Alberta. The IDEAaS program previously hosted sandboxes in 2019 and 2022 to evaluate detect-and-defeat technologies and then to assess how well those could be integrated into Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) command-and-control systems.
At over 500 square kilometres, the experimental proving ground is one of the world’s largest instrumented outdoor laboratories and an ideal place to safely conduct iterative testing of counter-drone technologies.
For the third iteration of the sandbox, a variety of “hostile” drones were used as targets to imitate real-world threats. To safely conduct the tests, DRDC coordinated with air traffic control, space operations, and the International Space Station. Feedback was provided by the CAF, the U.S. Department of Defense Irregular Warfare Technical Support Directorate, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and various scientific experts.
Drones are becoming faster, smaller, less detectable — and as recently shown in Russia, being used in innovative ways.
“We’re seeing UAS proliferate in number and capability at an exponential rate,” explained Ron Dauk, program manager of Boeing’s Laser & Electro-Optical Systems. “Examples include swarms and high-performance first-person-view drones.”
AIM Defence representatives demonstrate their tactical CUAS concept. Photo: Steve Berry
Acoustic counter-drone technology
The IDEaS program awarded three “diamond in the rough” prizes. AIM Defence of Vancouver, B.C., received $1 million for its tactical C-UAS solution using artificial intelligence (AI) tracking and ultra-compact laser technology.
Second place honours, worth $375,000, were awarded to DARIT Technologies of Sherbrooke, Que., and Prandtl Dynamics of Toronto, Ont.
Prandtl Dynamics, a startup formed in September 2023 by University of Toronto undergrads, demonstrated directed acoustic technology. When directed at drones at specific amplitudes and frequencies, Prandtl’s ultrasonic beams disrupt onboard electronics to cause flight disruption is