First-of-its-kind anti-drone technology set to “revolutionise” UK CNI protection

Airports across Europe have been facing increasing drone-related disruptions, leading to swathes of flight cancellations, wasted resources and safety risks. The new technology uses high-power fibre lasers to counter intruding drones, costing less than £1 per drone intercepted, in turn providing a cost-effective solution to the proliferation of low-cost drones that conventional air defence systems cannot counter on a sustainable basis.

Drone Major has acquired exclusive rights to integrate and sell the system, which is designed by olee.space, to the UK, the US and European Union markets. Access to the technology will enhance British counter-drone capabilities and develop the UK’s production capacity to manufacture systems vital to the protection of Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) including airports, the energy sector, the Armed Faorces, border security agencies and other CNI.

The counter-drone system combines multiple lasers to produce a single, highly focused beam capable of travelling at the speed of light and engaging targets at ranges of up to 6 km. The system is designed to be integrable with any tracking and detection system in the world – radar, electro-optical/infrared sensors or multi-spectral – making it a versatile ‘plug-and-play’ technology that can pair with existing sensor infrastructure.

Adoption of the laser system will place the UK at the forefront of counter-drone innovation, providing a solution to risks posed by low-cost drone swarms, which cannot be reliably stopped by conventional air defences that use missiles each costing upwards of £150,000. The new technology costs less than £1 to counter a drone with a detection-to-neutralise time of under three seconds.

Zero collateral

The non-kinetic system is safer than conventional air defences as it produces zero collateral, making it safe to deploy near populated areas, fuel storage and sensitive electronics.

Further, the system has been extensively field-tested by the Indian Armed Forces across desert, maritime, mountain and tropical environments and validated in mobile configurations, including integration with infrastructure and uncrewed ground vehicles, ships and helicopters.

Its introduction to the UK market marks a crucial step forward when it comes to transforming the British drone defence capabilities and building the foundations for producing cutting-edge equipment.

Plugging the gap 

Robert Garbett, founder and CEO of Drone Major, informed Security Matters: “This partnership will help to revolutionise British drone defence systems and fill a critical gap in combating the threat posed by cheap drone swarms. olee.space’s cutting-edge counter-drone technology will ensure that the UK’s Critical National Infrastructure is safeguarded from drone intrusions, which have become increasingly common across the world.”

Garbett added: “The UK is home to exceptional talent and a wealth of innovative technologies. This new partnership will drive the development of a sophisticated British drone and counter-drone industry that’s able to independently manufacture high-tech systems within the country.”

James Solomon, co-founder of olee.space, responded: “Access to this first-of-its-kind anti-drone system will place the UK at the forefront of the global drone industry, delivering a reliable and cost-effective solution designed to mitigate trespasses by low-cost drones.”

Soloman concluded: “Our partnership with Drone Major will empower British SMEs and start-ups, allowing them to develop their own production capabilities and strengthen the UK’s supply chain resilience.”

*Further information is available online at www.dronemajor.net