The importance of a layered, interoperable defense against drones

The importance of a layered, interoperable defense against drones

At the Counter-UAS Homeland Security Europe conference, one of the most consistently discussed themes was the importance of technology integration and layered defence systems in countering the growing threat of UAS.

The consensus across industry and government stakeholders has always been that effective counter-UAS strategies require a multi-layered, interoperable approach rather than reliance on any single solution. Insights shared at the conference made it clear that the need for technology that can integrate into a holistic air defense system is a priority for industry, military and government.

A multi-layered approach to detection and mitigation

Industry providers emphasised that no single technology can address the full spectrum of drone threats. Instead, resilience is built by combining complementary systems.

Radar provides wide-area surveillance, RF sensors detect control signals, EO/IR optics offer visual confirmation, cyber tools probe for vulnerabilities and acoustic sensors detect the unique sound signatures of drones. There are myriad tools and approaches for detection alone, and this is before even considering options for mitigation at various ranges and in different environments.

Each modality has limitations, but when integrated, they form a more complete and reliable operational picture.

One speaker summarised this approach:

“Silver bullet? No. It’s more about having systems that are complementary… working as a multi-layered approach… user-friendly, cheap enough and tunable to drone development.”

This sentiment was echoed throughout the conference, reinforcing the need for adaptable and scalable solutions that work alongside one another.

Interoperability and standardization

Beyond hardware, the challenge of interoperability was a recurring theme. NATO representatives outlined efforts to standardize communication protocols across allied systems.

The proposed SAPIENT AEDP 4869 protocol, intended for STANAG (Standardisation Agreement) status, aims to ensure that sensors and effectors from different nations can communicate seamlessly. This would allow data from radar, RF and other systems to be aggregated and passed through command chains, contributing to a unified operational picture.

NATO’s ongoing international exercises are cited as critical testing grounds for these integration efforts. These exercises not only validate technical capabilities but also expose gaps in coordination and doctrine, offering opportunities for continuous refinement.

Real-world testing and evaluation

Multiple agencies stressed the importance of real-world testing in operational environments. Interpol’s “Courageous 2” project is working to establish common standards for evaluating counter-UAS systems, ensuring that law enforcement agencies can make informed procurement decisions based on consistent performance metrics.

The JRC provided insights into its own testing protocols, where systems are evaluated under realistic conditions. One contributor described the process of emulating drone attacks and drafting operational procedures based on observed performance. This approach provides a framework for ongoing validation and iteration as threats evolve and systems must adapt accordingly.

What needs to happen next

The discussions at Counter-UAS Homeland Security Europe made it clear that defending against drone threats is not a matter of deploying a single piece of equipment. It requires a layered, interoperable system of technologies, supported by standardised protocols and real-world testing.

The integration of radar, RF, EO/IR, cyber, and acoustic sensors, combined with a varied suite of effectors and collaborative efforts across military, law enforcement and research institutions, forms the backbone of a resilient counter-UAS strategy.

As the threat landscape continues to shift, the work of integrating and refining these systems remains ongoing. The conference highlighted both the progress made and the challenges ahead, reinforcing the need for continued collaboration, innovation, and standardisation in the counter-UAS domain.