Small and micro flying drones have become a decisive factor in the war in Ukraine. Both the Ukrainian armed forces and the invaders from Russia are using them to threaten and attack the enemy and its critical infrastructure.
It is clear that soldiers are repeatedly surprised by drones, not only in combat but also behind the lines. Members of the infantry as well as medics. In the event of such an attack, there is usually no time for targeted countermeasures. Close-range defense systems such as jammers or anti-aircraft guns are not always at hand. The hand weapon remains the last means of defense. With the laser-based defense training “Drone Defense of All Troops” (DAAT), this scenario can be practiced for emergencies.
Practicing for an emergency
A drone attack is simulated, with shots fired at actual targets. To this end, the Bundeswehr's Cyber Innovation Hub has further developed the FACT duel simulator together with the manufacturer. For this purpose, a ballast laser is attached to any weapon and a commercially available drone is equipped with a sensor, the Drone Defense Simulation System. The sensors are coupled to the Command Station (in the form of an I-pad.) The weapons are connected to the data and the instructor has the Command Station at hand for direct evaluation of the hit rate.
If the shooter hits the sensor with the laser, the sensor reports the hit to the command station and sends a visual signal. The system also recognizes the shot via acoustics and recoil. The advantage of this is that the system enables repeated practice without destroying or damaging the target drones. The innovation project can potentially be scaled up for a wide range of users.
Drone defense for all troops parts
The innovation project is currently being tested with the “Friesland” air force object protection regiment in Schortens. Sergeant Major K. from the regiment's tactical-technical test group says: “The basic idea is great. Here you really realize: I can hit the thing - or not - and that's exactly the training effect I want.”
The use of drone defense by all troops can not only close a capability gap in the training of all units, but the use of the system can also provide tactical insights. For example, how to react to a drone attack in different settings. Shooting instructors can use the data backend to create detailed analyses of combat behavior within seconds. And on the basis of this, give the soldiers tips on how they can improve their drone defense.
