Maritime

Enhancing Modern Naval Defense Against the Ever-Present Drone Threat:

The proliferation of commercially available drones, or Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), has significantly changed warfare. These readily available systems pose a serious and present threat to even the most advanced warships, ranging from persistent surveillance to potentially devastating kamikaze attacks. Disruptions caused by drone attacks have a significant impact on global trade routes, causing delays, inflating costs, and impacting insurance rates – ultimately affecting our way of life. This is why robust, multi-layered anti-drone defense systems are essential for modern navies.

Critical Layers of Modern Naval Defense

Modern naval defense requires a multi-layered approach that integrates several key capabilities:

• C-UAS (Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems): This layer specifically tackles the threat of commercial-grade and DIY drones, employing detection, tracking, and neutralization technologies to eliminate drone incursions. 
• Traditional Defense Systems: These include radar, gunfire, and surface-to-air missiles that remain essential for deterring and eliminating conventional aerial threats and military-grade drones.

Naval Vulnerability: Protecting Mission Essential Units, Escorts, Submarines on the Surface, and Vulnerable Platforms 

The drone threat extends across the entire spectrum of naval vessels, making effective anti-drone defense vital for various scenarios: 

• Littoral Operations: Operating near shore exposes disadvantaged or vulnerable platforms to land-launched drones, making early detection and mitigation essential.
• Chokepoint Transits: Tight waterways like the Suez Canal heighten vulnerability, demanding a comprehensive 360-degree defense umbrella.
• Harbor Entry and Exit: During these critical phases, escorts and other ships are especially susceptible to drone attacks.

Naval vessels navigating in littoral zones, chokepoints, or during transit operations face an increased vulnerability to drone attacks due to being restricted in their ability to Maneuver (“RAM”). This restriction stems from adhering to the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972 (COLREGS), a critical set of rules designed to prevent accidents between vessels in busy maritime traffic areas.

RAM significantly limits a ship’s ability to take evasive actions or quickly adjust its course to engage a detected drone threat. In open waters, a ship might maneuver sharply to throw off a targeting system or position itself for a clear shot with its defensive weaponry. However, COLREGS dictate stricter movement patterns in confined areas or during traffic congestion, hindering these traditional countermeasures. This restricted mobility essentially creates a sitting duck scenario for drone attacks, making effective C-UAS (Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems) technology even more critical during these vulnerable operations.

EnforceAir: Anti-Drone Defense for Navies

EnforceAir delivers a comprehensive RF Cyber C-UAS solution that supports naval environments. Its core strengths lie in:

• Unmatched Detection & Mitigation: EnforceAir boasts a 360-degree detection and mitigation capability, delivering complete drone visibility. The system can handle multiple threats simultaneously, keeping ships safe.
• Advanced Threat Library: The extensive library stays up-to-date with the latest drone threats, including range, payload capacity, and ease of acquisition. Regular software updates keep ships prepared for the latest drone threats.
• Discreet yet Powerful: EnforceAir boasts a low-footprint installation, seamlessly integrating into existing shipboard systems.

Seamless Operation & Integration

EnforceAir prioritizes user-friendliness:

• Robust API: Effortless integration with ship platform Command and Control systems for centralized control.
• Intuitive Interface: Operate the system through a dedicated tablet with a clear and user-friendly interface.
• Autonomous Operation: For maximum efficiency, EnforceAir offers an autonomous mode, eliminating the need for constant human intervention, and freeing up personnel.

Built for the Navy, By Design

EnforceAir adheres to stringent military standards (MIL-STD) for effective performance in harsh naval environments. Additionally, CE radio certification enables interoperability with other onboard systems, fostering a unified defense network.

Proven Performance: Trusted by Navies Worldwide

EnforceAir is a mature solution already deployed on various naval platforms actively safeguarding multiple navies around the world. By integrating the EnforceAir RF Cyber system, alongside traditional systems, navies can establish a comprehensive, multi-layered approach against modern threats. 

Request a Demo today and see how EnforceAir can safeguard fleets.

Port operations are crucial for global trade, with ports serving as gateways for billions of dollars’ worth of cargo. However, the increase in unauthorized drone activities poses significant security threats, raising concerns about the safety of vessels, crews, and critical infrastructure. To address these challenges, a recent maritime capability demonstration took place at the Lower Mississippi River Complex in Louisiana, showcasing the power of multi-layered defense against rogue drones. This blog post highlights the significance of this demonstration and the benefits of deploying a comprehensive counter-drone solution.

Securing Busy Port Complexes:

Ensuring maritime safety and security is paramount, especially in busy ports such as the Lower Mississippi River Complex in Louisiana. With approximately 700 million dollars’ worth of cargo passing through this region daily, protecting one of the country’s major supply arteries is crucial. Recently there has been an increase in reports of unmanned aerial systems (UASs) used in restricted airspace, near critical infrastructure such as oil & gas pipelines and even unreported ship to shore deliveries. To address this issue, and practice and simulate scenarios for the mitigation of potential risks associated with rogue UASs, a multi-layered maritime domain awareness and critical infrastructure port security capability demonstration was conducted in March 2023.

Collaborative Efforts:

Federal, state and local authorities, in collaboration with industry leaders and law enforcement agencies, have been actively monitoring UAS activity at major ports, and developing strategies to detect and prevent illegal activities. A recent ship-based demonstration showcased the integration of advanced solutions to enhance maritime domain awareness and provide protection for ports and critical infrastructure.

The demonstration brought together several key stakeholder service and solution providers, including D-Fend Solutions, Liteye Systems, Numerica Corporation and Romeo Papa Boats. The goal of the demonstration was to show the effectiveness of deploying an integrated multi-layer ship-based C-UAS system to patrol and protect our nation’s vital supply routes and ports.

The Hazards of UASs & Critical Infrastructure:

The increase in drones has brought forth a complex security concerns in virtually every domain. We have even seen how unmanned surface vessels (USV) are utilized in Ukraine to attack Russian ships at port or close to shore. Drones can and do pose a significant risk to ports, ships departing and arriving from coastal waters and coastal infrastructure. Additionally, foreign commercial vessels operating in US territorial waters could deploy a UAS to conduct smuggling and espionage or surveillance operations.

Mission and Technologies:

The mission of the maritime capability demonstration was to showcase anti-drone maritime capabilities and the integration of advanced multi-layered solutions for complete maritime domain awareness to enhance security for ports and key infrastructure. The technologies deployed included:

D-Fend Solutions EnforceAir: EnforceAir integrates smoothly as a key component of a Multilayered Maritime Domain Awareness Concept. Designed to deploy in virtually any environment, EnforceAir offers automatic and passive RF based UAS detection. EnforceAir can neutralize threats through RF cyber-takeover technology, without jamming or causing collateral damage, making it highly effective for counter-drone control in sensitive environments.

Liteye Systems SX800 Camera: Integrated with the system, this camera provides real-time visual identification of drones and their operators, enhancing situational awareness.

Numerica Corporation’s Spyglass Radar: The radar system aids in detecting and locating drones in the airspace, complementing EnforceAir’s capabilities.

All these sensors were installed on top of a Mid-Sized Multi-Purpose Vessel that was provided by Romeo Papa Boats, operators of a diverse, multi-purpose fleet of crewed and uncrewed vessels.

default

Successful Results and Benefits:

During the weeklong use case, EnforceAir showcased its effectiveness by detecting over a dozen real-world UASs, including drones spotted flying near security vessels and installations in New Orleans. With seamless integration of Liteye’s camera, Numerica’s radar, and EnforceAir’s technology, the system demonstrated the ability to identify threats and obtain real-time visuals on the drone and pilot, ensuring effective Maritime Domain Awareness.

The benefits of employing this multi-layered counter-drone defense for maritime challenges are manifold. The integrated systems, which are suitable for deployment on both small and large platforms, protect crew, passengers, vessels, cargo, ports, harbors, routes and key infrastructure. EnforceAir’s non-jamming and non-kinetic approach maintains critical safety and operational capabilities without causing communication interference or collateral damage. Its 360-degree coverage, ruggedized design, and proven track record make it an ideal choice for integrating within a multi-layered system.

Conclusion:

Maritime security is a pressing concern in bustling port complexes worldwide. As drones proliferate, embracing multi-layered Counter-UAS solutions supports the mitigation of emerging threats and the safeguarding of trade routes and economic interests.

America’s stalled supply chain has become a problem and U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg offered a partial solution.

This investment strengthens U.S. maritime ports which play a vital role in domestic and international supply chains. The improvements will support American jobs, efficient operations, and faster delivery of goods to hard-working Americans.

— Secretary Pete Buttigieg (@SecretaryPete) December 23, 2021

The Associated Press notes that next year the amount of money for port improvements will nearly double to $450 million in grants annually for five years under President Joe Biden’s new infrastructure law.

This is a major step in the right direction, but there should also be crucial consideration regarding an event that could create a big setback for the global supply chain – a rogue drone attack on a large port.

Drones pose a significant threat to the safety and security measures of ports and harbors worldwide and could easily disrupt the global supply chain. These entry and exit points function as arteries for cities and even countries, and may also house hazardous and potentially explosive chemicals and substances (as we saw in the aftermath of the horrific explosion at the port in Beirut).

A drone assault on a port would not be unprecedented – last spring, a drone was utilized in an attack on a petroleum tank farm at Ras Tanura port, located in eastern Saudi Arabia. Ras Tanura is a major oil operations center.

In September, the Iran-backed Houthi rebels used six bomb-carrying drones and three ballistic missiles to damage the Mokha port in Yemen. Only two of the drones were intercepted and destroyed.

Maritime port leaders should consider investing in counter-drone, cyber-takeover programs to protect critical facilities from hostile drone incursions. It is important that security personnel can receive proactive notifications, providing relevant units with real-time information regarding at-risk sites. This early heads-up enables emergency personnel, whether at ports and harbors, or other critical facilities, to respond appropriately.

Counter-drone protection at ports is complicated by the fact that many ports are reliant on authorized drones. “Security and surveillance are among top uses, but ports are deploying unmanned aerial systems for a raft of applications ranging from surveying construction sites to filming videos to boost community relations,” according to AAPA Seaports Media.

Port drones are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Percepto, an autonomous inspection and monitoring solution provider, claims to offer autonomous port drones that conduct 24/7 security patrols of coastal and sea lines, routine inspection of the terminal’s vicinity and continuous monitoring of container lots.

Keeping the U.S. and global supply chains running smoothly will require port security teams that are able to control and take over rogue drones, while simultaneously enabling authorized drones to complete their critical functions.

Protecting ports from unauthorized drones is a formidable challenge, but one that is crucial for the supply chain. Grants and funding should be procured specifically for this purpose.