As Drone Strikes Rise, Multi-Layered Approach is Crucial to Countering New and Emerging Threats

Rhea-AI Summary

Teledyne FLIR Defense has released a new whitepaper, highlighting the urgent need for modular and cost-effective counter-drone solutions against threats from state and non-state actors. The report emphasizes that current and future systems must be flexible, interoperable, and capable of operating in contested environments. It notes recent drone attacks, including incidents in Yemen and the UAE. The whitepaper discusses how governments are increasingly investing in tailored counter-drone technologies to address these risks, underscoring the importance of comprehensive strategies in defense readiness.

Positive

• The whitepaper addresses the growing need for effective counter-drone solutions, indicating market opportunities.
• Recent drone attacks underscore the urgency for governments to invest in innovative counter-drone technologies.

Negative

• Increasing reliance on sUAS by state and non-state actors poses ongoing security threats.
• The complexity of integrating multiple counter-drone solutions may present challenges for governments.

New Whitepaper from Teledyne FLIR Defense Finds Counter-Drone Solutions Must be Modular, Interoperable and Cost-Effective to Combat Growing Risks Posed by State and Non-State Actors

ELKRIDGE, Md. & RIYADH, Saudi Arabia--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- In a new whitepaper, Teledyne FLIR Defense, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (NYSE:TDY), finds that a multi-layered approach, incorporating common architectures and information sharing, among other imperatives, is needed to address the threat to life and property posed by weaponized use of small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS).

A new whitepaper from Teledyne FLIR Defense, ‘The Big Problem with Small Drones (and How to Address It),’ examines how governments worldwide face a growing need for flexible, tailorable, and affordable counter-drone solutions. It looks at current C-UAS strategy, identifies key challenges, and outlines the critical capabilities and factors decision-makers should consider. (Graphic: Business Wire)

In January, non-state actors from Yemen utilized small unmanned aerial systems to launch deadly attacks in the United Arab Emirates that destroyed three refueling vehicles and damaged Abu Dhabi’s international airport. Other drone incidents in the Persian Gulf region include a 2019 strike on the world’s largest oil processing facility in Saudi Arabia.

The whitepaper, ‘The Big Problem with Small Drones (and How to Address It),’ examines how governments worldwide face a growing need for flexible, tailorable, and affordable Counter-sUAS (C-sUAS) solutions. It looks at current C-sUAS strategy, identifies key challenges, and outlines the critical capabilities governments should consider.

“There’s no ‘silver bullet’ when it comes to countering the huge risks presented by weaponized drones in the hands of bad actors,” said Dr. David Cullin, vice president and general manager of Unmanned and Integrated Solutions at Teledyne FLIR Defense. “What we’ve learned is that governments must address a host of challenges in concert to optimize their defense readiness in the face of UAS attacks.

“Nations around the globe are spending millions of dollars on commercially-built counter-drone solutions to address the immediate risks posed by these threats. But they need to approach the problem smartly, both from a technology and cost perspective. Our new whitepaper offers a number of insights from our team of experts,” Cullin adds.

Key findings include:

• State and non-state actors are increasingly employing military- and consumer-grade drones to attack personnel, facilities and critical infrastructure
• Counter-drone solutions must be cost effective, leveraging existing technologies through common electronic architectures and standard interfaces to ensure rapid integration of hardware and software upgrades
• Solutions must be modular, interoperable and multi-domain; easily transportable; and capable of detecting drone swarms
• Modern C-sUAS must be able to operate in contested environments where the ability to find, track, target, engage and assess threats can be disrupted by peer adversaries’ electronic warfare capabilities
• Current and future C-sUAS systems must be flexible in employing both hard kill (kinetic) and soft kill (non-kinetic) countermeasures, allowing them to operate anywhere in the world in accordance with local restrictions and rules of engagement.

As the paper sums up, ‘The threat of small drones in the wrong hands promises to remain significant for government and military decision-makers as they seek to defend forward-deployed units, airports, power grids, and other critical infrastructure. Only the deployment of mature, flexible, and cost effective C-sUAS solutions will provide the required levels in protection as this threat continues to evolve at pace.”

About Teledyne FLIR

Teledyne FLIR, a Teledyne Technologies company, is a world leader in intelligent sensing, unmanned systems, and integrated solutions for defense and industrial markets, with roughly 4,000 employees worldwide. Founded in 1978, the company develops a wide range of advanced technologies to help professionals make better, faster decisions that save lives and livelihoods. To learn more, visit teledyneflir.com or follow @flir. #AnyThreatAnywhere

About Teledyne Technologies

Teledyne Technologies is a leading provider of sophisticated digital imaging products and software, instrumentation, aerospace and defense electronics, and engineered systems. Teledyne's operations are primarily located in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Western and Northern Europe. For more information, visit Teledyne's website at www.teledyne.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220308005265/en/

Joe Ailinger, Jr.

Teledyne FLIR Defense

+1 781-801-6161

Joe.Ailinger@teledyneflir.com

Ryan Williams

Targeted Victory

+1 617-697-9072

Ryan.Williams@targetedvictory.com

For Persian Gulf Media Inquiries:

Adam DeAngelis

Teledyne FLIR Defense

+1 503-830-3826

Adam.DeAngelis@teledyneflir.com

Source: Teledyne FLIR

FAQ

What key findings are presented in the Teledyne FLIR whitepaper on counter-drone solutions?

The whitepaper outlines the need for flexible, cost-effective, and modular counter-drone technologies to neutralize threats from sUAS.

Which recent incidents highlight the importance of counter-drone measures according to the Teledyne FLIR whitepaper?

Incidents include drone attacks in Yemen and the UAE, emphasizing the risks posed by weaponized drones.

How does Teledyne FLIR suggest governments approach counter-drone solutions?

Governments should employ a multi-layered strategy, leveraging existing technologies and ensuring rapid integration.

What is the focus of Teledyne FLIR's new whitepaper regarding small drones?

The focus is on the urgent need for adaptable counter-drone strategies to protect critical infrastructure.

How is the market for counter-drone solutions expected to evolve according to Teledyne FLIR?

The market is expected to grow as governments invest in tailored solutions due to rising threats from drones.