The initiative is intended to strengthen Europe’s ability to detect, track and identify drones. It will cover connected drones, which use public or private telecommunications networks, and non-connected drones. It also aims to support the integration of these detection tools into broader counter-drone response systems.
The call covers three possible dimensions: artificial intelligence-based detection of connected drones through telecommunications networks; cellular sensing for detecting non-connected drones; and the integration of detection and tracking capabilities with command-and-control systems and appropriate counter-drone effectors.
The Commission is inviting Member States to submit proposals together with consortia of private entities such as telecommunications suppliers, telecom operators or operators of critical infrastructure. Ukraine may also participate as part of a consortium. The Commission welcomes both single and cross-border projects, which could also include Ukraine.
Following the outcome of this exercise, the Commission intends to explore the possibility of publishing an official funding call to support piloting cellular detection and counter-drone response capabilities across the Union.
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