The U.S. Department of Defense introduces a throw-in drone hunter

The U.S. Department of Defense said it has signed a contract with Fortem Technologies, a Utah-based company, to introduce drones equipped with AI that can track, arrest, and neutralize suspicious drones flying without permission.

DroneHunter, a drone for combating suspicious drones, can use radar to track suspicious drones. In addition, within a certain area, it can be captured by ejecting the throwing net when approaching the range.

When the drone hunter finds an operator instruction or a suspicious drone, it automatically starts tracking and ascends to a certain altitude. And it checks for suspected drones with radar and tracks them automatically. Fortem said the drone hunter could aim at targets from hundreds of meters away. Reportedly, the US Department of Defense is investing millions of dollars in AI drone systems.

The idea of capturing drones with nets isn’t unusual, but it’s safer than jamming or killing them. If you try to crash the drone with jamming, it will affect nearby mobile or wireless communications. If you try to shoot down with bullets or lasers, there is a risk of damaging private houses if you miss the grenade or target. However, if you catch the drone with a net, you may be able to get clues about the drone owner using forensic technology.

In addition to Portem, the US Department of Defense is also introducing a system called SkyDome Network. In addition to radar, Sky Dome automatically classifies the intention using image recognition AI when the autonomous surveillance system detects the surrounding situation along with a sensor equipped with a drone hunter and another sensor. In the event of a suspicious drone incident at Dubai International Airport in February 2019, or when a suspicious drone flew in, such as the London Heathrow Airport incident in the past, such a system can be expected to minimize confusion.

Of course, capture is not the only best option. Heathrow Airport has introduced a system that starts tracking and locates pilots as soon as a suspected drone flies in this year. In addition, even if it is not a throw-through drone, they also devise a throw-away bazooka and an anti-drone eagle. This method can be helpful when making choices that fit the environment or purpose, such as military facilities, airports, and stadiums. Related information can be found here .