An overview of anti-drone systems: Technologies, challenges, and ...
AI Analysis
The article reviews the current landscape of anti-drone systems, highlighting technologies like radar, RF detection, and directed-energy weapons. It discusses the integration of multiple technologies to enhance effectiveness and addresses challenges such as legal and ethical issues.
Key Takeaways
- Expansion of drone threats including weaponization and espionage.
- Technologies include kinetic, jamming, spoofing, and directed-energy weapons.
- Integrated systems combine multiple detection and interdiction methods.
- Challenges include privacy concerns and regulatory constraints.
- Future trends emphasize continuous innovation against evolving threats.
Why It Matters
As drone technology proliferates, so do associated security threats, necessitating robust counter-UAS systems. Understanding and developing these technologies is crucial for maintaining airspace security and addressing legal and ethical challenges, ensuring comprehensive defense strategies are in place.
An overview of anti-drone systems: Technologies, challenges, and future directions | Journal of Transportation Security | Springer Nature Link
An overview of anti-drone systems: Technologies, challenges, and future directions
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Review
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Published: 31 March 2026
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Volume 19, article number 23, (2026)
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Abstract
The explosive expansion of drone technology has ushered in significant benefits across various industries, from commerce to recreation. Nonetheless, numerous security threats have also been unleashed by this trend, warranting the development of effective anti-drone systems. This review paper provides a comprehensive examination of expanding threats posed by drones in the form of weaponization, espionage, and smuggling contraband. In addition to kinetic technologies, jamming, spoofing, and directed-energy interdiction weapons, it discusses the array of modern anti-drone technologies, including radar, radio frequency detection, acoustic detection, and optical detection systems. The research also discusses integrated anti-drone systems, which combine multiple technologies to enhance their effectiveness. It also addresses the technical, ethical, and legal challenges these systems impose, such as resource and environmental constraints, privacy concerns, and regulatory bounds. The research closes by mapping the future of anti-drone research, pointing out emerging trends and technologies and the need for continuous innovation to counter shifting drone threats.
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Data availability
No datasets were generated or analysed during the current study.
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