R2 Wireless & Centinus test integrated counter-drone system
AI Analysis
R2 Wireless and Centinus are testing an integrated counter-drone system, combining passive RF detection with autonomous drone investigation, currently under evaluation by the US Navy's ONR WaveBreaker program. The system, demonstrated in live MACE 3 exercises, aims to address the challenge of tracking low-altitude, fast-moving drones using a unified detection-to-response workflow. The system's hardware-agnostic approach allows integration with various third-party sensors and drones.
Key Takeaways
- The system integrates R2 Wireless's ODIN (passive RF sensing) and Centinus's DOMINION (autonomous drone operations) software.
- Testing is occurring under the US Navy's ONR WaveBreaker program, reaching MACE 3 live demonstrations.
- The system addresses limitations of current C-UAS systems struggling with fast-moving, low-signature drones utilizing multiple communication bands.
- ODIN detects and geolocates drone emissions, while DOMINION deploys airborne assets for verification and tracking.
- Target applications include maritime security, base/port protection, and expeditionary operations; potential expansion into civilian sectors like critical infrastructure protection.
Why It Matters
This integrated system represents a shift towards more automated and comprehensive C-UAS solutions, moving beyond reliance on single-sensor detection. The passive RF sensing component is particularly valuable as it avoids alerting targeted drones. Successful integration and deployment could significantly enhance force protection capabilities and reduce vulnerabilities to drone-based threats.
R2 Wireless & Centinus test integrated counter-drone system
IT Brief US - Technology news for CIOs & IT decision-makers
R2 Wireless & Centinus test integrated counter-drone system
Tue, 28th Apr 2026 (Today)
By Sofiah Nichole Salivio, News Editor
R2 Wireless and Centinus have launched an integrated counter-unmanned aircraft system offering now being evaluated in the US Navy's ONR WaveBreaker programme.
The system combines R2 Wireless's ODIN passive radio frequency sensing platform with Centinus's DOMINION autonomous drone operations software. The aim is to link RF detection and geolocation with airborne investigation and operator decision support in a single workflow.
The work has progressed to MACE 3 live demonstrations under the Navy programme, moving the joint system into a live testing environment rather than a laboratory setting.
Counter-UAS operators face a growing challenge from low-altitude, fast-moving drones that do not remain within a single sensing domain. The companies say such threats can use RF, GNSS, Wi-Fi, cellular networks and low-signature flight profiles, exposing weaknesses in systems that depend on separate sensors and manual handovers.
In the integrated setup, ODIN detects, classifies and geolocates emissions of interest. DOMINION then assigns airborne assets to investigate and verify activity, while combining inputs from third-party drones, sensors and command-and-control systems.
This creates a chain from detection to verification and response. In practice, operators receive a single operational picture while autonomous airborne assets maintain tracking across multiple sensors over time.
Defence focus
The initial focus is military use. The companies identified maritime approaches, expeditionary operations, choke points, forward operating environments, base and port security, and the protection of high-value assets as key areas.
These settings have become a focal point for defence technology suppliers as armed forces seek faster ways to identify small drones before they disappear from view or move close enough to pose an immediate threat. Passive sensing is also drawing interest because it does not require the system to emit signals while searching for activity.
R2 Wireless said its platform was built around passive spectrum sensing and situational awareness. It has raised more than USD $13 million to date and expanded from Israel into Europe and the United States.
Centinus positions itself as the provider of autonomy software that works across different hardware and control systems. That hardware-agnostic approach is designed to let users connect a range of third-party drones and sensors rather than rely on a single aircraft or supplier.
The companies also highlighted possible uses beyond defence, including public safety and critical infrastructure protection. Potential applications include perimeter monitoring, incident verification, and security for utilities, energy sites, transport hubs, logistics nod