Drone Countermeasure Systems: The Core Force and Future Trends in Low-Altitude Security Protection

Schematic Diagram of Drone Countermeasure System

According to reports from Global Times and other media, during Ukraine’s “Operation Spider Web” on June 1, drones carried out large-scale infiltration operations against multiple Russian airports, causing up to $7 billion in military losses for Russia. This incident has once again sounded an alarm for global air defense security systems.

With the rapid development of drone technology, the security risks posed by drones are becoming increasingly prominent—from swarm breakthroughs in military conflicts to illegal intrusions and malicious attacks in civilian scenarios. Both defense units and security companies urgently require efficient and reliable counter-drone solutions. Against this backdrop, the global counter-drone system market continues to expand, and drone countermeasure systems are gradually becoming a critical component of modern air defense systems.

What Is a Drone Countermeasure System?

A drone countermeasure system (C-UAS, Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems) refers to a comprehensive technological system specifically designed to detect, identify, track, and neutralize malicious or unauthorized drones.

This system employs technical means such as radio frequency interference, navigation spoofing, and laser strikes to achieve the expulsion, capture, or physical destruction of drones. Counter-drone operations not only involve intercepting incoming aerial targets but also encompass full-domain counterattacks against enemy land, sea, and air-based drone combat units and their control platforms.

Currently, mainstream drone countermeasure systems often integrate multiple technologies, including radar detection, radio frequency signal analysis, acoustic recognition, optical tracking, and infrared imaging, to achieve comprehensive target perception and rapid response.

Demonstration of Drone Countermeasure Technology

Taking the XW/SR226 series drone countermeasure system independently developed by Wuhan Lakeda as an example, this system adopts advanced DBF technology and a multi-beam transmission mechanism, significantly enhancing its anti-interference capability. It achieves blind-spot-free monitoring through radar and video fusion, constructing an active three-dimensional defense system that can detect in real-time and continuously track and display target trajectories.

Compared to traditional methods, the XW/SR226 series can simultaneously detect hundreds of batches of targets, operates all-weather, and adapts to various harsh environments such as night, rain, snow, fog, haze, and sandstorms. It provides reliable drone detection, early warning, and target indication services for core areas such as borders, airports, and military bases.

Dealing with “Low, Slow, and Small” Targets: The Main Challenge in Drone Countermeasures

In counter-drone operations, “low, slow, and small” targets are currently the primary difficulty. Such drones are typically small in size, have weak radar reflection signals, fly at low altitudes, and move slowly, making them easily lost in environmental clutter.

Traditional air defense systems have significant shortcomings in detecting, identifying, tracking, and striking such targets, facing multiple challenges such as “difficulty in detection, identification, tracking, interference, disposal, and management.” Therefore, “low, slow, and small” targets have become a key focus for current drone countermeasure systems and radar technology.

Countermeasures for Low, Slow, and Small Drones

To address this challenge, Wuhan Lakeda has launched the two-dimensional phased array radar XW/SR226-5000SA and the two-dimensional four-faced array phased array radar XW/SR226-10200S.

The XW/SR226-5000SA employs electronic scanning in both horizontal and vertical directions, offering fast scanning speed and wide coverage. It supports parallel multi-task processing, can track hundreds of targets simultaneously, and has strong anti-saturation attack capabilities, making it particularly suitable for high-density, high-mobility target scenarios. With adaptive beamforming and sidelobe suppression technology, this radar is characterized by “speed, accuracy, intelligence, and stability,” making it a powerful tool for dealing with low, slow, and small targets.

The XW/SR226S6D is a revolutionary three-coordinate radar specifically designed for low-altitude drone detection. Based on S-band fully digital active phased array technology, it integrates AI intelligent processing and an ultra-low-cost modular architecture. Through four-faced array splicing, multi-dimensional target identification, and digital beam dynamic reconstruction, it achieves 360° full airspace coverage without blind spots. It can accurately capture low, slow, and small targets, serving as a new-generation intelligent sensing hub for border surveillance, airport protection, and key point defense.

Application Scenarios: Comprehensive Protection of Low-Altitude Security

1. Military Defense: Three-Dimensional Defense Lines for Battlefields and Bases

Drone countermeasure systems can provide reliable air defense cover for combat troops, effectively resisting reconnaissance and attacks from low, slow, and small targets such as drones, and ensuring the smooth execution of military operations. Around key facilities such as military bases and command centers, this system can effectively prevent enemy drone infiltration and sabotage, acting as a “loyal guardian” of military low-altitude airspace.

2. Civilian Security: A Technological Barrier for Public Safety

In border areas, drone countermeasure systems can monitor and intercept illegally crossing drones in real-time, safeguarding national border security. At large public events such as concerts and sports events, they can effectively prevent security risks caused by unauthorized drone flights. Additionally, around critical infrastructure such as nuclear power plants, power grids, and petrochemical facilities, this system can provide continuous and reliable drone monitoring and countermeasure capabilities, ensuring the safe and stable operation of national key facilities.

Further Reading