C-UAS System Tested on 12m FRISC During Exercise 'Bold Machina 25'
Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System Trials with the Royal Netherlands Navy
Overview of the Exercise
During NATO’s Exercise ‘Bold Machina 25’ held in Den Helder, Netherlands, a counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) developed by the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) was tested aboard a 12-meter fast raiding, interception, and special forces craft (FRISC). On September 24, military officials and members of the media observed the system’s capabilities.
System Development and Capabilities
The C-UAS has been engineered by a collaborative team that includes both a U.S. Navy officer and a Swedish officer. This compact, standalone, and omnidirectional system is specifically tailored to detect Class 1 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) threats.
Key Components of the C-UAS
- Dspnor Dronnur 2D Radar
- Mounted at the bow, this radar operates on a low probability of intercept and detection (LPI/LPD) basis.
- Mara Spotter Multisensor Mast
- Positioned at the aft, it integrates electro-optic/infrared (EO/IR) and acoustic sensors for short-range detection.
- DroneShield DroneSentry-X Mk 2
- Located at the stern, this mast focuses on radio frequency (RF) detection of UAVs.
- Trakka Systems TC-300
- An EO/IR gimbal mounted on the port side, enhancing targeting capabilities.
- Silvus Technologies Filtering by Aliasing Spectrum Sensing Technology (FASST)
- This RF spectrum scanning sensor broadens the system’s detection abilities.
Modularity and Vendor Flexibility
Importantly, the system is designed with modularity in mind, allowing for the integration of additional sensors from various vendors. This vendor-agnostic approach is anticipated to enhance operational adaptability, making the unit suitable for various combat scenarios.
Strategic Implications
The successful trial of the NPS C-UAS on a FRISC underscores the growing emphasis on countering UAV threats across NATO forces. As drone technology continues to evolve, robust C-UAS solutions will be pivotal in safeguarding naval assets and enhancing overall operational security.
The development and integration of such advanced technologies demonstrate a proactive response to emerging aerial threats, reinforcing the necessity for continual innovation in defense strategies. Furthermore, the collaboration between U.S. and allied forces heralds a unified approach toward addressing the challenges posed by unmanned systems in modern warfare.
