Detect and defeat: that’s the new DroneShield (ASX: DRO) rally cry as it launches the DroneSentry-X Mk2, or the DroneSentry-X. The Australian counter-drone company headquartered in the US specialises in artificial intelligence, machine learning, radio frequency sensing and more.  

DroneSentry-X is a multi-mission Counter-UAS system engineered for mobile and expeditionary fixed-site applications. It excels in passive detection, identification, and tracking of various unmanned systems across multiple domains. With regard to defeat, the device does not resort to cyber tactics just yet. Instead, it offers non-kinetic disruption (i.e. instead of deploying a bullet, it would deploy radiation or resort to electronic warfare) for controlled management of response to threats,

The heart of this system lies in the fusion of DroneShield’s advanced multi-mission artificial intelligence/machine learning technology (AI/ML) with its electronic countermeasure (ECM) technology, RFAI-ATK (RFAI “Attack”). This integration equips operators with the capability to detect, identify, track, and defeat (DITD) Unmanned Systems (UxS), all through an intuitive and self-contained interface.

The Company reports that DroneSentry-X Mk2 is the first platform in the Counter-UAS industry to offer RFAI-ATK. The development of the DroneSentry-X Mk2 has been driven by extensive research and development, incorporating end-user feedback. Factors such as feature sets, performance requirements, user interface enhancements, and interoperability have been carefully considered.

With interoperability as a critical focus, the DroneSentry-X integrates an embedded RFAI user interface, facilitating local and tactical situational awareness. It also adheres to the Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) best practices, ensuring seamless integration with existing systems and third-party sensors, effectors, and command and control (C2) platforms.

Designed to be deployed in harsh environments—VIP events, crowd protection, border protection—the DroneSentry-X Mk2 offers versatile deployment options. It can be mounted on standard vehicle roof racks, military vehicles, surface vessels, and unmanned mobile platforms. It also supports permanent or fixed-site installations on standard tripod masts or towers, accommodating local and remote operations. 

Operators can access real-time analytics via a web-based User Interface (UI), with map overlays and user-defined options for automatic or manual disruption. Regular updates to DroneShield’s proprietary AI/ML detection engine ensure the DroneSentry-X Mk2 remains effective and adaptable to evolving threats.

DroneShield’s products use proprietary Artificial Intelligence-based software and hardware to detect drones,  incorporating radio frequency (RF), radar, optical, and thermal camera-based systems to deliver real-time alerts. These technologies facilitate swift responses and, where legally permissible, the interdiction of drones using intelligent RF defeat mechanisms.

The Company’s tech capabilities have caught the global eye, with a Five Eyes customer (U.S., UK, Canada, Australia and NZ) ordering target area-specific Satellite Denial Systems in August. In July 2023, a Five Eyes Department of Defence customer awarded DroneShield a record $9.9 million contract.

The Company’s financial performance has reflected its growth, with H1 2023 revenue totalling $11.3 million, up from H1 2022’s $3.6 million. During the same period, DroneShield recorded $15.2 million in customer cash receipts, marking a 192% growth over H1 2022 customer cash receipts of $5.2 million.

DroneSentry-X will debut this week at the Association of the United States Army Annual Meeting and Exposition (AUSA 2023) in Washington, DC. Initial deliveries under received orders will commence this month.