Counter-Drone for Maritime: When Drones Cross the Line at Sea

Authorities at Denmark’s Køge Seaport were thrown into confusion as nearly 20 unidentified drones were reported hovering over a high-security maritime zone back in January. Four large drones were spotted before vanishing over the sea, their origin and intent still unknown.

This wasn’t an isolated event. In Norway, a ship’s officer was arrested for launching a personal drone over a commercial port. And during the Seattle Air Show, at least 16 rogue drone operators breached restricted maritime airspace, forcing the Coast Guard to intervene.

These incidents underscore a rising and urgent reality: unauthorized drones are infiltrating maritime environments at an alarming rate, and current countermeasures aren’t keeping up.

A New Maritime Threat Requires a New Response

As ports, commercial vessels, naval ships, and offshore platforms become increasingly vulnerable to unauthorized drone traffic, traditional counter-drone tactics are falling short. 

In relation to C-UAS, visual detection is unreliable in open water or foggy conditions.

For vessels in littoral waters such as bays, straits, and canals, reliance on jamming as a drone mitigation measure is problematic because, in these limited areas, precise navigation capabilities are needed, and jamming can be disruptive and interfere with navigation systems. The same applies to ports, where you don’t want jamming or other countermeasures to affect other ships. 

Obviously, the use of kinetic mitigation solutions is not relevant for ports or other sensitive environments because they are too risky in confined or sensitive maritime environments. 

To address these challenges, new counter-drone technologies are being adopted. For example, radio frequency (RF)-based cyber solutions detect, track, and neutralize unauthorized drones without causing signal interference or collateral damage. These systems, designed specifically for maritime environments, can safely take control of rogue drones, guiding them to secure landings or return points, which is particularly important in sensitive maritime settings.

Smooth Sailing with C-UAS for Maritime 

In maritime environments, C-UAS systems could be employing RF-cyber capabilities rather than relying on jamming or the destruction of drones as primary means of mitigation. RF-cyber systems can take control of drones in mid-air, neutralizing the threat by safely guiding the drone to a secure landing or return point. No interference, no collateral damage, but a precise, controlled mitigation.

Key Capabilities Recommended for Maritime Deployment:

• Ruggedized Build: Engineered to withstand salt, spray, humidity, and constant motion.
• 360° Azimuth Coverage: Enables complete threat detection from every angle, ideal for ships and seaports.
• Silent & Safe Mitigation: No jamming, no explosions. Just seamless drone takeover.
• Modular Deployment: Mountable on ships, ports, or vehicles; adaptable to both fixed and mobile missions.
• Multi-Drone Management: Handles simultaneous incursions, whether from hobbyists or hostile actors.
• Ease of Integration: Compatibility with existing systems, seamless operation with battle management systems, and a simple user interface.

Counter-Drone for Maritime Use Cases 

Such systems are relevant for various maritime sectors:

• Naval Defense: Protects vessels and bases from espionage and aerial surveillance.
• Commercial Shipping: Prevents smuggling and illicit reconnaissance in busy trade lanes.
• Port Authorities: Maintains safe, drone-free zones around container terminals and cargo docks.
• Offshore Infrastructure: Shields oil rigs and wind farms from potential sabotage or data collection.

EnforceAir2 Maritime 

Developed by D-Fend Solutions, EnforceAir Maritime exemplifies this new generation of counter-drone technology. It is specifically designed for maritime environments, offering RF-based detection and mitigation, ruggedized hardware, and flexible deployment options. Its approach is non-disruptive, supporting operational safety and continuity while addressing the unique demands of open-sea and near-shore operations. It integrates easily with battle management systems and operates with a simple user interface, which does not require complex training to master.

Through ongoing operations, EnforceAir Maritime is proven to enhance and augment other maritime detection and mitigation solutions without limitations or interference with other systems. 

Navigating to a Future of Non-Disruptive Maritime Drone Defense

With the increasing frequency and sophistication of drone incursions at sea, maritime stakeholders are seeking advanced, non-disruptive counter-drone solutions. RF-based cyber systems, such as EnforceAir2 Maritime, represent a significant step forward in addressing these challenges, offering comprehensive protection without compromising safety or operational effectiveness.