As per the official data of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), there were 326 incidents of unidentified drones getting closer to aeroplanes, that too within the first four months. You can easily understand that the coming of unidentified drones to aeroplanes means putting hundreds of lives at risk. To protect civilian lives, it has become necessary to use a drone defense system.
But what do you need to thwart a potential accident or terror attack due to an unidentified drone? In this article, we will introduce the technology used in drone defense systems.
Let’s start with knowing about the anti-drone system first.
A Brief About the Anti-drone System
It is a state-of-the-art technology to detect, follow and take down unidentified drones. You can use sophisticated technology to protect any sensitive areas. The technology uses drone jamming and spoofing techniques to protect areas from unwanted drones.
The Importance of Drone Jamming Technology
In the military, the technology is used to prevent potential terrorist attacks on civilian facilities. Security forces also use the technology to protect celebrities from drone attacks. Airport authorities also install the system to detect unwanted drones and take necessary measures.
If terrorists plan on attacking any particular airport, drone defense systems can prevent such attacks using drone jamming technology. Hundreds of aeroplanes and lives can be saved using the technology.
What is Drone Jamming and Spoofing?
Both technologies are used in defending against drone attacks. We will first learn about drone jamming and then about spoofing.
Drone Jamming
It involves using signals that block the data transmission between the drone and its controller. Strong signals overpower the existing controlling signal of the drone. If you manage to jam the signals of the drone, you can prevent it from making any further movements. You can force it to land on the ground.
Another thing might happen; drones that have been jammed may get back to their home location. This happens due to their GNSS-based navigation. They have been given the command to fly back to their homing location if the ongoing connection is disrupted.
But in some cases, drone jamming might cause the drone to lose navigation capabilities. In such cases, the unidentified drone may lose its sense of direction and land somewhere else.
Drone Spoofing
It is slightly different from the jamming technology. In drone spoofing, the drone defense system sends a false and strong GNSS signal, making the drone believe it’s receiving the authentic signal. The GNSS receiver in the drone follows the new signal and goes where it is directed.
The drone spoofing technique is most effective in overpowering civilian drones because the navigation technology used in civilian drones lacks encryption and other security. It is easier to overpower their technology and give a duplicate homing location.
While drone spoofing and jamming are effective in battling unidentified drone attacks, both of these technologies often get used in a drone defense system. It helps to protect sensitive sites in our society.
Now, let’s see what are devices and tools used in drone spoofing and drone jamming.
Devices and Technologies for Drone Jamming and Spoofing
When it comes to monitoring and detecting drones, there are four types of technologies and equipment –
Equipment to analyse Radio Frequency and acoustic sensors like Microphones, Cameras and radar.
- Radar technology uses radio frequency to detect any flying objectives. It transmits radio frequency and receives its reflection when the signals bounce off some objects. The technology is good for identifying aircraft but sometimes it mistakes birds for small drones.
However modern technologies can identify small drones from birds.
- Radiofrequency also help in detecting any radio communication between the drone and its control centre. Based on the radio chatter, the position of a drone can be detected.
- Infrared cameras are also used in detecting drones. The visual sensor is most effective in a drone defense system with other equipment.
- Finally, a microphone or an array of microphones is also used in detecting the sound of drones. It helps to detect the direction by identifying the sound produced by drones.
Can Any Civilian Use Drone Jamming Technology?
Federal laws do not allow the operation, marketing or sale of any radio frequency jamming equipment that might interfere with authorized radio frequency. So, if you are a civilian reading the blog, now is not the time to look for drone spoofing equipment.
Conclusion
With the increase of civilian drones in society, the threat of drone attacks has increased. Modern technologies are now being put in place to identify and track drones. With drone spoofing technology possible drone attacks can be prevented. Besides, the drone defense system uses an array of different technologies to successfully detect drones and avert possible threat factors.