The European Network Against Crime and Terrorism (ENACT) has published a new report examining the threat posed by unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and counter-UAS solutions to combat crime and terrorism. The report also highlight European Union funded programmes to develop technology and institutional responses to the threat of rogue drones.
“EU-funded research projects have significantly contributed to the advancement of C-UAS technologies, particularly through the development of integrated systems, multi-sensor architectures, response management tools and validation activities in realistic operational contexts. Over time, these projects show a clear evolution from isolated detection or mitigation components towards more integrated, end-to-end capabilities covering detection, tracking, identification, situational awareness and mitigation.”
“Within the Horizon 2020 programme, the ALADDIN project focused on the design and validation of a holistic counter-drone solution combining detection, identification and neutralisation capabilities into a unified architecture. The project integrated multiple sensing technologies and advanced data processing approaches, contributing to improved performance in complex operational scenarios. Similarly, the DAPS project explored drone detection and mitigation solutions tailored to urban environments and critical infrastructure. Its relevance lies in addressing the need for scalable protection against unauthorised drones in security-relevant contexts, including environments where rapid deployment and controlled response are required.
“KNOX also contributed to this area by focusing on cost-effective and scalable drone alarm and protection systems, integrating detection and jamming functions for urban and security applications. In parallel, the RESPONDRONE project addressed the management of multi-drone operations and the integration of real-time data for first responders. While not specifically focused on counter-UAS, it provides valuable insights into coordinated drone operations, data fusion and situational awareness. These elements are directly relevant for C-UAS, particularly in scenarios involving multiple drones, complex airspace management, emergency response coordination or swarm-like threat patterns.
“More recently, Horizon Europe initiatives such as PRESERVE have placed stronger emphasis on emerging hostile drone threats in public spaces. PRESERVE focuses on the development of an integrated C-UAS platform combining detection, intelligence analytics, response management and validation in realistic operational contexts, with particular relevance for law enforcement and the Protection of Public Spaces.
“This reflects a broader shift towards solutions that are not only technically advanced, but also aligned with LEA requirements and deployment constraints. Overall, the EU-funded project landscape demonstrates that C-UAS capability development is increasingly moving towards integrated, modular and operationally validated systems.”
ALADDIN – Advanced hoListic Adverse Drone Detection, Identification Neutralization, Grant Agreement 740859. Available at: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/740859 11
European Commission (CORDIS), DAPS – Drone Alarm and Protection System, Grant Agreement 719382. Available at: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/719382.
European Commission (CORDIS), KNOX – Cost advantageous and scalable drone alarm and protection system, Grant Agreement 768242. Available at: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/768242
European Commission (CORDIS), RESPONDRONE – Novel integrated solution for operating a fleet of drones with multiple synchronized missions, Grant Agreement 833717. Available at: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/833717
European Commission (CORDIS), PRESERVE – Protecting European public spaces against emergent hostile drone threats, Grant Agreement 101168392. Available at: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/10116839
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