Tim Chattell, Chief of the General Staff’s Research Fellow at Chatham House’s International Security Programme, says counter-uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS) cooperation across Europe is essential to address the rising threat of drones used by hostile state actors, criminals and terrorists.
The recent collaborative action from allies in response to several drone incursions in Danish airspace, has already given adversaries a taste of what is possible at short notice.
Chattel says a wide variety of counter-UAS (C-UAS) should be deployed. “Many options at the tactical level already exist, including devices for firing nets; electro-magnetic (EM) devices which can remotely control or disable drones; counter-drones to intercept hostile drones; directed-energy weapons (i.e. lasers); and traditional munitions (i.e. shotguns).
“Not every solution will be appropriate for every situation: EM measures are typically passive, blocking off areas from all drones rather than targeting specific ones, and other methods carry obvious risks to the public. However, given the sheer variety of drones, and possible scenarios, the widest possible options should be available.
“Such capabilities should be integrated within frameworks that prioritize speed of response, and give effective legal protection to their users. It is easy to buy drone interception devices, position powerful lasers, and train personnel with shotguns. It is far more difficult to effectively legislate for their safe, rapid use.”
Another challenge, as Chattel explains, will be effectively co-ordinating between military and civil authorities. He points to Germany’s Interior Minister, Alexander Dobrindt’s plans to establish a German UAV defence centre, bringing together police, the federal criminal office, and the German Armed Forces.
“Cooperation across Europe is essential,” Chattel says. “The ‘drone wall’, suggested by EU Commissioner for Defence Andrius Kubiliuis is a promising start, but estimates of up to a year until effective establishment threaten the initiative.”
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See also Unmanned Airspace’s insight on the need for a layered approach to countering drones.
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