Borders

The rapid advancement of drone technology has fundamentally reshaped airspace dynamics, with UAVs finding applications across a myriad of sectors. This proliferation, however, brings with it a multifaceted and evolving  threat to national security, particularly at sensitive sites along U.S. borders, military installations, and critical domestic infrastructure. 

These agile and versatile devices have become tools for nefarious activities, bypassing traditional security measures with ease – an issue that doesn’t seem to be slowing down. In fact, In fact, there are over 1,000 drone incursions into U.S. airspace that occur from the southern border every month. 

Such developments starkly accentuate the urgent need to address this security vulnerability and deploy effective counter-UAS solutions.

The challenge lies in implementing these countermeasures in a manner that is both safe and secure. The crux of the solution rests within the development and deployment of counter-UAS technologies designed to address and mitigate the risks posed by unauthorized drones with careful consideration to minimize collateral impacts on surrounding environments and populations.

This article delves into the intricacies of this pressing issue, exploring the balance between effective countermeasures and the imperative to minimize collateral impacts.

Drone Threats to National Security

The U.S. border has witnessed a surge in illegal drone incursions facilitating the smuggling of people, drugs, and weapons into the country.  The agility of drones, traversing rugged terrain and evading detection, exposes vulnerabilities in border security. Drones also pose a threat to national security by enabling espionage on law enforcement and military operations, potentially compromising personnel and infrastructure via reconnaissance used for planning precision strikes.

The threat extends beyond military and border security to vital national infrastructure. Critical sectors such as power generation, water treatment, communications, and transportation are increasingly vulnerable to drone attacks. Drone strikes targeting these infrastructures could potentially lead to widespread service outages that could cripple essential services and have devastating repercussions on the economy, public safety, and overall national security.

Challenges in Current Counter-UAS Solutions

Given the complex nature of these threats, there is a pressing need to implement robust countermeasures. A range of counter-UAS solutions are available for authorized personnel to address the drone threat effectively. However, their suitability varies across different environments, influenced by the potential for collateral damage associated with their use.

Kinetic or physical shooting options represent a very wide range of methods, including, for example, net guns and intelligent shooters. These may risk harming bystanders and damaging property in densely populated areas. Similarly, jamming, spoofing, and other electronic warfare-based technologies might unintentionally disrupt essential systems, creating a cascade of safety concerns that affect not only hostile drones but also authorized operations in the vicinity.

The Case for Low or No Collateral Counter-UAS Solutions

In contrast to the traditional counter-UAS solutions mentioned above, low or no collateral options offer a targeted, proportionate, and cost-effective approach to mitigating drone threats. These systems equip authorized security personnel with the ability to mitigate hostile drones quickly and effectively with lower risks to bystanders, infrastructure, and the environment.

Unlike kinetic or jamming methods, EnforceAir2‘s cyber-takeover technology avoids collateral damage and disruption to surrounding communications and electronic systems. Its versatility makes it suitable for a broad range of environments, including urban areas and critical infrastructure, effectively safeguarding these areas without impacting non-targeted electronics or causing unintended consequences.

The First Step Forward: Recognition of the Threat

The recognition of the urgent need for low or no-collateral effect counter-UAS Solutions is widespread among defense, homeland security, and law enforcement operators. These sectors are acutely aware of the sophisticated array of drone threats and the critical gaps in defensive capabilities. In response, significant investment has been made in the research and development (R&D) of counter UAS technologies. This R&D phase is crucial for advancing the technological capabilities needed to address the evolving drone threats effectively and with minimal damage.

In addition to the research and development updating policy implementation initiatives is imperative – especially regarding low collateral counter-UAS solutions. The swift adoption of these systems into operational use is essential to bridge the ever-growing gap between drone capabilities and appropriate defense solutions while empowering authorized security personnel to effectively counter the evolving threat posed by dangerous drones.

Securing the Future

As the threat landscape evolves, so too must our approach to national security. The deployment of low or no collateral counter-UAS Solutions represents a pivotal advancement in the ongoing battle for creating safe airspace. 

The future of airspace security hinges on developing and deploying counter-UAS solutions that are not only effective but also sustainable and low collateral. 

For a deeper understanding and evaluation of counter-UAS solutions, check out these Detection Technologies and Mitigation Technologies white papers.

In a display of solidarity and support, I had the opportunity to participate in the Border Patrol Protection Foundation’s Honoring the Green 2023 charity golf event. This event, dedicated to raising funds for the BPF, showcased not only a day of friendly golf but also a deep commitment to honoring and assisting the families of Border Patrol employees who made the ultimate sacrifice. Over the years, the Foundation has provided immediate financial assistance to the families of fallen agents and extended support to the injured or ill.

On September 22, 2023, Honoring the Green took place, where we had the opportunity to join and contribute to their impressive fundraising efforts. The event not only provided a fun day of golf but also served as a platform to connect with others.

It was an excellent experience for me and my teammates. Even though I don’t play golf very often, it’s always a fun time when I do. To me, the golf game was not just about winning but about the joy of playing and the camaraderie shared with colleagues, friends, and family. The emphasis was on enjoying the game and contributing to a noble cause, irrespective of whether I win or lose. It’s the fellowship and collaboration with one another that makes the game enjoyable.

The event itself was impressive, as it was not just a golf outing but a means of supporting a charitable cause. The funds raised over the years underscored the growing success of the event in making a significant impact on the lives of Border Patrol families. I had the opportunity to meet some wonderful people who help protect our country and those who have helped bring migrants at the border. I met many active and retired border patrol personnel, who work long hours, to guarantee a safer and more positive environment here in the US. Their stories of what they have seen over the years, and how they helped so many people, were a further inspiration. At the end of the day, it’s all about fostering safety, security, and continuity in our everyday lives.

Did I win the game? Does it matter?

No, it really doesn’t. My team and I had the opportunity to have a D-Fend Solutions tent at the very end of the golf course, where we offered our colleagues a great Bloody Mary. We were happy to contribute to the BPF, as they raised a significant sum from sponsors like us.

It was a wonderful experience, and I am looking forward to participating again next year.

Drone tracking methods and the associated technology are constantly evolving, but there is an important capability that many security teams are currently overlooking…

Drone detection apps have popped up in recent years. Most of these are simple user interfaces that integrate with radars, radio frequency systems, or Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS–B).

One notable exception is AirMap, an aeronautical data & services provider that enables app users to “view publicly-shared flights happening around the world.” This can be helpful, but what about rogue drones that are not reported/publicly shared?

Radars have been a traditional favorite of security teams, but a DroneDJ article correctly notes that many radar systems possess limitations, making it difficult for organizations to effectively monitor urban or sensitive environments:

“Radar is best used in open areas as trees and other ground objects can show up on the radar, creating false readings. Many radar systems today have a vertical detection range of about 10 to 30 degrees, which is not enough when trying to detect drones flying at all sorts of heights.”

D-Fend Solutions’ white note, “Drone Detection Technologies: Traditional vs. RF Cyber,” highlights the advantages and limitations of other traditional drone tracking technologies, such as electro-optical, directional finders and acoustic.

Must-Have Drone Tracking Feature

Radio frequency (RF)-based, cyber-takeover solutions track the communication signals used by commercial drones, without false positives or the need for line of sight. It is then possible to determine the type of drone and its position with GPS accuracy. This includes the take-off position near the pilot in real-time.

This often-overlooked feature, which is NOT available via many of the traditional drone tracking solutions, is a must-have.

For instance, for military forces engaged in constant asymmetrical warfare with terror groups, merely detecting rogue drones, and even mitigating them, is not enough. Terrorists can easily order another cheap commercial drone to replace the one that was lost. Stopping this potentially deadly cycle requires quickly discovering the location of the terror cell(s) launching the drones.

Border guards and prison personnel face unending smuggling attempts via drone. Tracking and then mitigating these drones is crucial for preventing dangerous contraband from entering, but if the pilots are not located, attempts will continue.

Security personnel evaluating C-sUAS systems should carefully consider the pros and cons of the different types of drone tracking systems and ensure that their eventual pick offers geolocation of the drone pilot.

Read more:

– RF drone detection

– EnforceAir, a counter-drone system

Effectively keeping borders safe from rogue drones has long been a challenging mission.

Rogue or unauthorized drones are increasingly used to smuggle contraband, such as weapons or drugs, from one country into another. Some illegal trafficking organizations also use small, unmanned aerial systems (sUASs) to scout for weaknesses in the fence, wall or perimeter protection, so they can smuggle or traffic people across the border.

Overcoming these challenges is difficult for border security agencies, in part because borders are usually long and can be delineated by mountains, shorelines, or densely populated urban areas.

Never Boring on the Borders

The drone threat has become more difficult and potentially deadly for border agencies in certain regions and smugglers in other countries are certainly paying attention. Drug cartels in southern Mexico are now strapping drones with explosives and grenades, in an effort to harm their enemies and law enforcement personnel, according to an article this month in Business Insider:

Tweaked commercial drones are now part of Mexican drug cartels’ arsenal for attacking enemies and smuggling drugs into the US, according to recent reports and cartel operatives interviewed by Insider.
…
Families in Aguililla have been reporting bomb-strapped drones flying over their homes since early this year, in a new tactic used by cartels to fight for their turf.

The latest attack occurred in Tepalcatepec, a municipality in southwestern Michoacán state, on May 4, when a large group of armed men — reportedly members of the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG) — used drones loaded with C4 explosives and shrapnel to attack a group of enemies.

A similar attack occurred a month earlier, in which two local police officers were injured by a drone in Aguililla. Mexican Defense Secretary Luis Crescencio Sandoval González confirmed the attack and said weaponized drones have also been found in Guanajuato and Jalisco, two states with a strong CJNG presence.

Controlling the Border Drone Threat

Border agencies realize that controlling and capturing drones is critical: it has been necessary for obtaining intelligence,seizing illegal drugs and stopping surveillance of the fence and border personnel. With explosive devices entering the picture, it is even more important to control drones and land them safely away from the fence or wall, border towers, vehicles, civilians, etc.

Agencies seek a C-sUAS anti-drone solution that will autonomously fend-off rogue drones, or land them safely in a designated area. The ideal system should effectively prevent the type of collateral damage caused by kinetic or jamming solutions. It must empower border security agencies to retrieve drone payloads being carried by rogue drones, especially explosives, plus identify and track the location of the drones’ take-off positions and remote-control operators.

Full operational flexibility is required for the various border counter-drone scenarios, so systems that can be deployed in both static and mobile, on-the-move configurations are in demand. Command and Control (C2) capabilities that fuse sensor data from multiple C-sUAS into one user interface extend the counter-drone range, without compromising usability.

As the drone border threat continues to evolve, border agencies will continue evaluating next-generation counter-drone technology.