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DroneShield Protects Brazil Presidential Inauguration

Monday, January 16th, 2023

DroneShield is pleased to advise its DroneGun Tactical™ counterdrone/C-UAS system has been used in the inauguration ceremony for the president-elect of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, held at the Cathedral of Brasilia.

Lula da Silva, a 77 year-old who already served as Brazil’s president from 2003 to 2010, is taking the Presidential office for the third time.

Presidential security has used DroneGun Tactical™ to take down four suspicious drones that were heading towards the President at the inauguration event.

Tens of thousands of people have attended the ceremony.

A security agent walks with DroneShield’s DroneGun Tactical™ next to the presidential Rolls-Royce that was used by President-elect Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at his inauguration ceremony in Brasilia, on January 1, 2023 (Photo by CARL DE SOUZA / AFP)

DroneShield has expanded into the Brazil market in mid 2021, when it has received a formal approval from Anatel, the Brazilian National Telecommunications Agency responsible for issuing the concession of new radio frequencies, for deployment of its devices. Following the approval, the Company has now sold a quantity of its DroneGun Tactical™ units to Brazilian Government.

DroneShield CEO, Oleg Vornik, commented: “Brazil is a key South American market for DroneShield, and we are pleased to see deployment of our systems in the country at the highest level, which is expected to flow down to further systems being utilised in Brazil, as counter-UAS requirements continue to rapidly grow.”

Brazil media coverage of the DroneGun Tactical™ at the Presidential inauguration (credit: Globo)

Posted in International, Press Release, UAS | 9 Comments »

Massachusetts Army Guardsman Wins CENTCOM Innovation Contest

Wednesday, January 4th, 2023

WASHINGTON — Before deploying this summer with his Massachusetts Army National Guard unit, Sgt. Mickey Reeve had little idea he’d be on a world tour just a few months later talking about innovation in the military.

However, that’s where he found himself after winning the U.S. Central Command’s Innovation Oasis contest this fall for his counter-unmanned aerial system training software.

The tool simulates U.S. military c-UAS operating systems allowing operators to train with adjustable scenarios and locations. The customizable trainer can be used by teams to sharpen reaction time, refine engagement drills and streamline communications.

“This tool will potentially have the ability to influence operators to become more proficient at their jobs, which could positively impact the mission and save lives,” Reeve said. “I think it is going to be a massive benefit to our organization.”

For CENTCOM, the contest was a way to find a practical idea to help the joint force and inspire change across the command.

“This program is about building a culture of innovation across all of CENTCOM,” said Gen. Michael Kurilla, commander of CENTCOM. “It’s about finding those great ideas hidden from view inside a squad, trapped inside of a ship, locked down in a cubicle in one of our bases, or tucked away in an aircraft hangar. We want to unlock, embrace and then uplift those ideas and then implement them across the entire organization.”

Reeve came up with the winning idea while assigned to the Prince Sultan Air Base counter UAS team. Noticing a training gap within their simulators, he used his programming background to find a solution.

“I’m somebody that’s always had that work-oriented mindset, and I’m always craving that next thing to do,” he said. “This was a great opportunity for me to provide that outlet and to work on a solution that I found for my base.”

After seeing flyers for Innovation Oasis, he decided to enter and spent hours refining a functional prototype for his pitch. Thanks to the help from those around him, the Interim Platform Agnostic Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System Trainer was born.

“My team did a fantastic job of supporting me the entire way,” he said. “None of this would’ve been possible without them.”

CENTCOM awarded Reeve the Defense Meritorious Service Medal for winning Innovation Oasis. He also can attend the military school of his choice during the calendar year.

After the selection, Reeve went on a tour of Washington, D.C. and the Middle East to promote his idea and innovation throughout CENTCOM.

“The ideas are out there and they’re good ideas,” he said. “We have a tremendous talent pool throughout our organization.”

Army Futures Command’s Software Factory will work on bringing Reeve’s idea to the field.

With the success of the first Innovation Oasis, CENTCOM is planning for another contest this spring.

By Christopher Hurd, Army News Service

Posted in Army, Guest Post, UAS | Comments Off on Massachusetts Army Guardsman Wins CENTCOM Innovation Contest

DroneShield Successfully Completes Canadian Military Exercise

Friday, December 23rd, 2022

DroneShield Ltd (ASX:DRO) (DroneShield or the Company) is pleased to advise it has successfully completed the Counter Uncrewed Aerial Systems Sandbox 2022 exercise in Alberta, Canada.

The Canadian Joint Operations Command (CJOC) has lead the exercise, coordinating with the Canadian Army, Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), and Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM). The exercise represented a blending of requirements and characteristics of interest to one or more of the services, as well as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).

The US Department of Defense’s Irregular Warfare Technical Support Directorate (IWTSD) has also participated in the CUAS 2022 Sandbox as an official Application Evaluator and Observer, giving international exposure, expertise, and feedback the participants.

Image: DroneShield DroneSentry-X

DroneShield CEO, Oleg Vornik, commented: “North America is the single largest market for DroneShield, and Canada represents a growing segment, where we already have an existing customer base along with a pipeline of further projects. This exercise was a valuable opportunity to connect with key decision-makers at a number of Government agencies, and demonstrate our latest C-UAS capabilities to these existing and prospective customers.”

Image: DroneShield RfPatrol

Posted in International, Press Release, UAS | 2 Comments »

DroneShield Receives a Record $11 million Order

Thursday, December 22nd, 2022

DroneShield Ltd (ASX:DRO) (DroneShield or the Company) is pleased to advise it has received an all-time record purchase order for approximately A$11 million.

The order includes several different types of DroneShield counterdrone/C-UAS equipment. A substantial part of the order is expected to be delivered shortly, with the remainder in late March 2023. A$11 million corresponds to the combined value of both phases of the project. Payment for each batch is expected to be received within a month of each delivery. The proceeds are expected to be received across March and June 2023 quarters.

DroneShield CEO, Oleg Vornik, commented: “With this transformational next step in DroneShield’s growth, and as the counterdrone industry continues to rapidly grow, we look forward to rapidly fulfilling this contract.”

“From the start of the Company 7 years ago, DroneShield has demonstrated a consistent progression, first by building and then refining its product suite along with global distributor network, then moving to customer demos, followed by initial smaller sales, repeat $1m+ sales, and now moving into $10m+ sales territory.”

“Over last 24 months, we have made a significant investment in scaling our operations, to ensure we continue to meet delivery expectations of our customers as we rapidly scale up.”

Image: DroneGun MKIII

This large contract win follows a number of other recent wins for DroneShield in last couple of months. Other significant advancements include recommendation by the Joint Counter-small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Office (JCO) as part of the SAIC Team’s offering for deployment of its Counter-UAS as a Service across US DoD, a SBIR project awarded by US DoD with partner Quantum Research International, the first US airport deployment among other deployments across US, European and other Government customers, and appointment to the Australian Department of Defence Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Electronic Warfare Standing Offer Panel.

Additionally, last month, DroneShield welcomed a A$3.7 million investment from Epirus Inc, a high-growth U.S. defense technology company developing software-defined directed energy systems that enable unprecedented counter-electronics effects and power management solutions to optimize power efficiency in defense and commercial applications. This includes the Leonidas solid-state, software-defined high-power microwave (HPM) technology to enable unmatched counter-electronics effects for a range of use cases. Additional information about Epirus can be found at https://www.epirusinc.com. Epirus was founded in California in 2018 and has raised approximately US$300 million (approximately A$450 million) in funding since inception.

Posted in Contracts, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on DroneShield Receives a Record $11 million Order

N.D. ANG’S 178TH ATKS Named RPA Squadron of the Year

Monday, December 19th, 2022

SAN DIEGO – 16 December 2022 – The North Dakota Air National Guard’s 178th Attack Squadron (ATKS) was recognized as the General Atomics Remotely Piloted Aircraft Squadron of the Year at an event hosted by the Mitchell Institute on Dec. 9, 2022, at the Fargo Air Museum in Fargo, N.D. The award is given annually to the Squadron that distinguishes itself through its deployment of Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) in meritorious service. The 178th was selected from a field of more than 30 RPA squadrons and it’s the first time an ANG Squadron has received the award.

In 2021, the 178th Attack Squadron continued to solidify their position as the trail-blazing MQ-9 unit by leading in innovation, capabilities, and modernization. The “Happy Hooligans” have completed their unprecedented 15th straight year of 24/7/365 combat operations while supporting both U.S. Central Command and U.S. Africa Command. They have distinguished themselves in current combat operations while advocating for MQ-9A relevancy in strategic competition.

Additionally, the Hooligans have accelerated change across the Joint Force via innovative Live, Virtual, Constructive (LVC) and live-fly MQ-9 training. Twenty-one supported units from each of the four services, operating in three different Combatant Commands, have partnered with the 178th to advance readiness and improve RPA employment. Furthermore, the Happy Hooligans are the enterprise leader as the producers of the most Live-fly Continuation Training. They have powered MQ-9 training and readiness programs for 10 different Operations Groups in the Air National Guard, Air Combat Command, and Air Force Special Operations Command.

“The 178th ATKS has made a significant impact on multiple areas of responsibility over the last few years, and especially this year,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. “We’re proud of the 178th’s dedication and passion to improving MQ-9 operations and showcasing the MQ-9’s multi-role capabilities.”

The Happy Hooligan’s accomplishments, as they paved the way for future RPA capability, distinctly identify them as the U.S. Air Force’s most outstanding RPA squadron and demonstrate the great power of this nation with cutting-edge combat capabilities. The 178th Attack Squadron is a unit of the North Dakota ANG’s 119th Wing stationed at the Fargo, Hector IAP, N.D.

Posted in Air Force, Aviation, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on N.D. ANG’S 178TH ATKS Named RPA Squadron of the Year

Drone Defence: Austrian Armed Forces and Rheinmetall Successfully Test Anti-Small Drone System C-sUAS – Lease Contract Extended

Friday, December 16th, 2022

The Austrian Armed Forces and Rheinmetall have successfully tested the leased Counter-small Unmanned Aerial System (C-sUAS), which had been delivered in May 2022, as part of a realistic exercise. Rheinmetall’s deployable C-sUAS system is currently being evaluated by the Austrian Armed Forces alongside other systems as part of the Countering Emerging Air Threats (C-EAT) project. Following the successful tests, the Austrian Armed Forces have now extended the lease contract by seven months.

After the training on the system had been completed, the operational capability of the Rheinmetall C-sUAS system was now to be tested as intensively as possible under real conditions. For this purpose, a sophisticated test programme was developed, which included both test and realistic attack flights by small drones. The aim was to detect and clearly verify these drones as early as possible using a broadly based sensor mix. A possible fight against these enemy drones was demonstrated by means of jammers. A special highlight was the introduction of the target queuing device by tablet from the higher-level command and control system to the jammer operator.

The large number of drones used – from commercially available drones to models with jet propulsion to self-built drones controlled according to the LTE mobile radio standard – clearly showed that modern drone defence can only be efficiently managed in a network.

“A successful and intensive test week provided a multitude of important insights and experiences,” said Matthias Diem, Vice President Counter Drones and Aviation Markets. “From our point of view, the exercise was an instructive example of how innovation-oriented armed forces, together with industry, can gain the necessary insights to develop and adapt tomorrow’s technologies for possible new threats from the air at an early stage. A big thank you goes to the Air Force and Anti-Aircraft Defence School in Langenlebarn for the great organisation and execution of this forward-looking exercise.”

The Austrian armed forces had selected Rheinmetall’s C-sUAS system and loaned it out for a six-month period of testing and evaluation. In May 2022 Rheinmetall Air Defence AG shipped the latest version of its rapidly deployable counter-small unmanned aerial system (C-sUAS) to the Austrian military. This lease contract has now been extended.

The system comprises two shelter units, enabling rapid deployment on standard trailers and trucks. The sensor unit elevates automatically and can be equipped with various detection technologies, including X-band and S-band radar, passive emitter locator, ADS-B receiver and others if required. An integrated, stabilized 360° electro-optical PTZ sensor provides state-of-the-art verification and tracking capabilities.

Based on the tried-and-tested Oerlikon Skymaster command and control system, the separate C2 shelter is a fully fledged operator workstation. Skymaster delivers an outstanding level of sensor data fusion and multiple operational functions, including scalability to integrated target cueing devices and effectors for different countermeasures as well as links to higher echelons.

Posted in Advertiser, Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on Drone Defence: Austrian Armed Forces and Rheinmetall Successfully Test Anti-Small Drone System C-sUAS – Lease Contract Extended

DroneShield and XRG Partner for Extended Reality Training

Friday, December 2nd, 2022

DroneShield is pleased to advise it has teamed with xReality Group Ltd (ASX:XRG) (XRG) to provide eXtended Reality (XR) based counterdrone/C-UAS training solutions.

XR includes Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR) and Mixed Reality (MR). It combines physical and digital simulation across the enterprise, defence and consumer markets.

The XR category for military and law enforcement is growing rapidly with the market predicted to grow US$16bn in 2027

XRG’s subsidiary “Operator Tactical Solutions” develops immersive planning, rehearsal and training solutions for the military and law enforcement markets, across local and international markets. XRG is led by Wayne Jones, who prior to establishing XRG was a highly decorated Patrol Commander with the Special Air Service Regiment. Additional information about XRG can be found at xrgroup.com.au.

As part of the launch, XRG will be promoting the training solution at the I/ITSEC 2022 Exhibition in Orlando Florida, taking place November 28th – December 2nd. Additional information about the event can be found at www.iitsec.org.

A video showing some of the highlights of the XR-based counter-UAS solutions can be seen here:

DroneShield CEO, Oleg Vornik, commented: “As the counterdrone industry continues to rapidly grow and develop, evidenced by significant use of small drones by both side in the Ukraine war, there is an emergent need for counterdrone tactics and training packages for the system operators. As the global leader in the C-UAS sector, DroneShield is well placed to provide the training.

“We are excited to partner with XRG, who have deep experience in defence and law enforcement eXtended Reality training, and work in partnership with our customers to tailor design packages to meet their operational requirements.”

XRG CEO, Wayne Jones, added: “Today’s battlefield is evolving quickly making it difficult for front line defenders to be prepared for all situations. Operator’s solutions are enabling defence and law enforcement to rapidly train for these new situations in realistic, virtual environments. We are pleased to be able to add cutting-edge XR-based Counter Drone training programs to Operator’s product offering, in partnership with the C-UAS market leader, DroneShield.”

Posted in International, Press Release, Training, UAS | Comments Off on DroneShield and XRG Partner for Extended Reality Training

US Army Completes Fielding of Short Range Reconnaissance System

Friday, December 2nd, 2022

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. — The Soldier Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Product Office successfully completed fielding of the RQ-28A, Short Range Reconnaissance (SRR) system to the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment at Fort Benning, GA, in early November.

The Skydio RQ-28A is the Army’s first program of record quadcopter. It is a new and disruptive organic capability that is fielded to the platoon echelon in the form of a portable rucksack Vertical Take Off and Lift, small, unmanned aircraft. It provides Warfighters with enhanced situational awareness and a standoff capability in urban and complex terrain, enabling accurate reconnaissance and surveillance of targets of interest. It can be used to conduct surveillance during routine combat operations.

During the new equipment fielding and new equipment training, UAS project office leaders, along with crucial personnel from the SUAS offices, traveled to Fort Benning to participate in the final day of training with the Soldiers and engage critical stakeholders.

“It’s very intuitive with great obstacle avoidance, additionally the thermal is better than expected.” Said Staff Sgt. Adam McDevitt the UAS section platoon sergeant. “I can’t wait to use this on full mission profiles to see what it can really do.”

“The SRR RQ-28A capability will provide game-changing technology to Army platoons, enhancing both Soldier lethality and survivability” said Carson L. Wakefield, product lead for Soldier Unmanned Aircraft Systems. “It is a new capability for the Army, and I am so proud of my team for delivering an innovative solution in just under three years from prototype to delivery.”

The quadcopter system weighs less than five pounds, can be carried and stowed in a transport case and is rucksack portable. It has vertical take-off and landing, hover, perch and stare capabilities. The system is hand launched and capable of being recovered within confined areas.

The Soldier UAS Product Office is scheduled to field 480 systems across the Army in 2023 with a total of 1,083 delivered during low-rate initial production systems through the second quarter of F25.

The RQ-28A is the first tranche of the SRR program and delivers a much-needed capability to Soldiers. Tranche 2 will include a prototyping effort and will include threshold requirements and multiple performance objectives.

By David Hylton

Posted in Army, Guest Post, ISR, UAS | 1 Comment »