The Counter-Drone Drill
D-FEND SOLUTIONS BLOG
A live UK counter-drone demonstration showcased how cyber-based counter-UAS technology performs under realistic operational conditions. Across static, mobile, vehicle-based, and dismounted scenarios, EnforceAir PLUS and EnforceAir2 delivered controlled detection, takeover, and mitigation aligned with the safety, discretion, and operational requirements of UK defence and law enforcement teams.
The rapid proliferation of commercial and modified drones has transformed the threat landscape for critical infrastructure, public venues, and mobile security operations. In the United Kingdom, where dense urban environments, complex airspace, and strict regulatory frameworks intersect, counter‑UAS solutions must demonstrate not only technical capability, but also operational maturity, discretion, and safety.
D‑Fend Solutions hosted a two‑day series of live EnforceAir demonstrations, welcoming existing customers and prospective UK stakeholders from defence, law enforcement, and government sectors. These demonstrations provided an opportunity to validate real‑world performance of EnforceAir PLUS and EnforceAir2 systems across multiple configurations. The outcome was clear: cyber‑based counter‑drone technology delivers precise, effective, and responsible protection for sensitive environments.
Our SE UK venue offered an ideal setting to replicate the operational challenges faced by UK security teams. The demonstration environment included open terrain, elevated structures, and representative stand‑off distances, while maintaining full safety and compliance controls.
Customers were able to observe system hardware, user interfaces, and live detection and mitigation events in real time. Complementing the fixed installation, a second EnforceAir2 software‑defined radio (SDR) was installed in a vehicle to demonstrate covert mobile operations and on the move mitigation.
Prior to live activity, attendees received a comprehensive briefing on EnforceAir cyber‑takeover principles, radar integration, and operational workflows. This ensured that each demonstration sequence could be understood not as a scripted display, but as a realistic operational scenario.
Each day followed a structured series of demonstration serials designed to showcase the full spectrum of EnforceAir capabilities.
The demonstrations began with cyber‑based detection, tracking, and identification (DTI) for counter-UAS operations. These series of demonstrations illustrated EnforceAir’s ability to classify drones as friendly or suspect, a critical capability for environments where authorised and unauthorised drones may operate simultaneously.
Once classified, the system demonstrated controlled takeover of the suspect drone at operationally relevant distances. Rather than disrupting communications indiscriminately, EnforceAir safely assumed control of the drones, all of which then flew safely to a landing point as predefined by the system operator. For UK stakeholders, this emphasis on safety, evidence preservation, and regulatory compliance was particularly significant.
Radar detection and tracking were displayed live, highlighting the system’s ability to maintain situational awareness even if cyber detection is not immediately available.
The system demonstrated controlled mitigation, prompting the drone’s return‑to‑home behaviour without causing uncontrolled flight or collateral risk. This layered approach underscored the value of EnforceAir PLUS as a multi‑sensor, multi‑effector solution rather than a single‑point technology.
One of the most instructive demonstrations involved live fusion of radar and cyber data. By deliberately transitioning a drone between radar coverage zones, operators demonstrated how EnforceAir fuses detection sources into a single operational picture for counter-drone decision-making. This capability reduces false positives, enhances operator confidence, and supports faster, more informed decision‑making.
Modern counter‑UAS and security operations are rarely static. Recognizing this, the UK demonstrations placed significant emphasis on mobile and rapidly deployable configurations.
The covert vehicle counter-drone demonstration highlighted EnforceAir2’s ability to operate discreetly from within an unmarked vehicle. Positioned hundreds of meters from the drone launch point, the system successfully detected, tracked, and took control of a drone as both the vehicle and drone were in motion.
This capability is particularly relevant for VVIP protection, mobile patrols, and convoy security. The system’s discreet integration allows operators to maintain a low profile while retaining full counter‑drone effectiveness, a requirement increasingly voiced by UK law enforcement and protective security units.
To conclude the mobility segment, the system was configured into its backpack deployment kit in front of attendees. This rapid transition demonstrated how EnforceAir2 can support foot patrols, temporary security perimeters, and rapid response teams.
Participants were invited to examine and wear the backpack, reinforcing its ergonomic design and operational practicality. A live DTI & Mitigation demonstration further validated that dismounted operators can achieve the same level of control and precision as vehicle‑based or static teams.
Beyond individual demonstrations, the UK events provided an opportunity to contextualise EnforceAir PLUS as a comprehensive, layered counter‑UAS solution. EnforceAir PLUS integrates RF detection, cyber takeover, radar, and optional third‑party sensors into a unified command‑and‑control platform.
For Critical National Infrastructure sites such as airports, energy facilities, and public venues, this multi‑layer architecture ensures continuity of protection across diverse threat profiles. Operators can adapt responses based on drone type, intent, and operational constraints, rather than relying on a single mitigation method.
The EnforceAir PLUS Tactical Deployment Kit further enhances flexibility, allowing rapid setup in under 10 minutes at semi‑permanent or temporary locations. This is particularly relevant for major events, infrastructure maintenance periods, or elevated threat levels where fixed installations may not be feasible.
One of the most valuable aspects of the UK demonstrations was the level of engagement from attendees. Stakeholders from defence, policing, and custodial services actively enquired about system behaviour, user interface features, and deployment concepts.
Requests for additional demonstrations reflected both confidence in the system and curiosity about its evolving capabilities. The successful handling of a complex variety of drone platforms was widely regarded as a highlight, reinforcing EnforceAir’s adaptability as drone ecosystems continue to evolve.
Across both days, the response from attendees was unequivocal. The demonstrations validated that cyber‑based counter‑UAS is not only viable, but preferable in environments where safety, discretion, and legal compliance are paramount.
Comments from customers emphasising that D‑Fend Solutions represents a uniquely credible counter‑UAS option underscore the importance of operational proof. Live demonstrations, conducted transparently and under realistic conditions, remain one of the most effective ways to build confidence among professional operators.
From an industry perspective, this counter-drone demonstration reinforced a broader market shift toward controlled, intelligence-driven counter-UAS solutions that prioritise operational outcomes, safety, and accountability over indiscriminate disruption.
The UK demonstrations represented more than a successful event; they mark a continued maturation of counter‑drone capability. As drone threats diversify and operational requirements become more nuanced, solutions must evolve beyond brute‑force disruption.
EnforceAir PLUS and EnforceAir2, within a variety of configurations, offer a scalable, responsible, and operationally proven approach to counter‑UAS protection.
By prioritising control over chaos, and intelligence over interference, D‑Fend Solutions continues to set the benchmark for operationally proven, cyber-driven counter‑drone operations in sensitive environments.
As the threat landscape evolves, so too will our commitment to supporting partners with solutions that work where it matters most: in the real world.
The UK demonstration involved live operational scenarios using EnforceAir PLUS and EnforceAir2 systems. Attendees observed cyber-driven detection, tracking, identification, and controlled drone takeover across fixed, vehicle-based, and dismounted deployments in a realistic UK operational environment.
EnforceAir uses cyber-driven takeover rather than indiscriminate jamming. Once a suspect drone is identified, the system safely assumes control and directs it to a predefined landing point or return-to-home behavior, prioritizing safety and controlled outcomes.
The demonstration highlighted live radar detection alongside cyber detection, with both data sources fused into a single operational picture. This multi-sensor fusion reduced false positives and supported faster, more confident operator decision-making.
Yes. The demonstration included a covert vehicle-mounted EnforceAir2 deployment and a backpack configuration for dismounted operators, showing that the same detection and mitigation capabilities can be achieved in mobile, low-profile, and rapidly deployable scenarios.
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