The new radar can detect drone threats both individually and in a swarm. Based on radar signatures, it will be able to recognize the drone, and in addition use a camera to get more information. The technology has been developed by Kongsberg Gruppen in collaboration with the Norwegian Defense Research Institute (FFI). – Being able to handle the drone threat, which has become greater in recent years, is very important. And then we have to have our own and specially made sensors to do that. That’s what Daniel Gustad, researcher at the Department of Sensor and Monitoring Systems at FFI, says. – On the sensor side, radar is absolutely excellent for detecting and finding the drones – but also for distinguishing them from other objects. They can do that in all weather and light conditions, so it is very beneficial. Daniel Gusland is a researcher at the Norwegian Defense Research Institute. He has been involved in the development of the new radar since the project started between seven and eight years ago. Photo: FFI Can be connected to weapons The radar looks like a small TV screen, and is now on the roof of the Pirsenteret in Trondheim, where the company is based. It differs from other radars in that it has no moving parts. If it is a threat actor, it will be able to be connected directly to countermeasures such as weapon systems. The drone radar looks like a TV screen. Photo: Jøte Toftaker / news But it can be used for much more, according to Kongsberg Group CEO Geir Håøy. They see this in a larger context with the need to strengthen security and monitoring of critical infrastructure. Håøy highlights airports, wind farms and other infrastructure on land. – We see that there is a great focus on critical infrastructure, be it at sea or on land. And drones can pose a threat. It is important to be able to detect and find out what this is – with a cost-effective solution like this, says Håøy. He participated in the demonstration of the innovation on Wednesday. It consisted of boating in the Trondheimsfjord with drones flying overhead. The trip then went into the lab to see recordings and the drone radar itself in action. CEO of Kongsberg Gruppen, Geir Håøy. Photo: Jøte Toftaker / news More activity at sea Håøy points out that Norway has large coastal and sea areas, and that more and more is happening at sea. – For example, we are going to build up an offshore wind industry. And we need to monitor offshore wind farms – either on the seabed, in the sea oil, on the surface or in the air, he says. – How unique is this drone radar? – It is very unique. It is important to be able to follow an object at both slow and fast speeds, and it is important that you can get fast data transfer to identify the object and find out what it is about. The new radar that could recognize both drones both individually and in swarms. Photo: Jøte Toftaker / news The development of this specific radar started three years ago, but the parties have been working together on the problem for several years. It was therefore not linked to today’s tense situation in Europe. – But on a general basis, it is important that we are good at doing just that – to identify future threats and start developing countermeasures. – It is important for the defense in general. And the drone theme was the right thing to work on, he emphasizes. Furthermore, the technology will be further developed with a view to becoming better at recognizing different objects. – Whether it is, for example, a sea eagle, a crow or a drone. There remains some development on that, but this is a milestone for us, says Håøy. During the demonstration this week, those involved got to see the drone radar itself in action. Photo: Jøte Toftaker / news
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Must detect drone threats – news Trøndelag
