The ongoing Ukrainian-Russian conflict has seen the metamorphosis of Amateur drone professionals into professional and seasoned fighters.
Available Commercial Of The Shelf (COTS) technologies have been converted into effective weapon platforms.
These developments have significant security implications and thus are keenly being observed globally.
A variety of systems are seen to be deployed. While some are being used for surveillance and target selection purposes, others have been modified to carry up to 10Kg of payload over a distance of 10 Kms in attack mode.
The Launch system shows the ease of operation and use of 3D Printed Parts. Do notice the multiple COM antennae.
Source: Telegram
The DJI Adaptation
3D Printers are being used to print the required parts. Some of the digital files required for the effort would be made available by those intending to support the Ukrainian War Effort & this is a cause for concern in the global context.
3D Printing of a Tail Stabiliser for a 30MM Shell
Ready for Launch
Years ago during the US led Anti-Terror Operations in Middle-East, the US had faced a similar threat matrix.
Source: LinkedIn/Patrick Egan
The associated risks of operating these types of drones are dependent mainly upon the range of the datalinks. As per one source, they are operating at night and launching within 10 Km of the target.
The World has no choice but to start a focused campaign for collective security. This emergent threat with inherent deniability factor and lack of attributability can become a weapon of choice for state and non-state actors.
This is perhaps why there is an urgent need to develop and establish another “NGO” for Counter Drone Systems.
The oncoming security threats and conflicts are likely to witness a range of Drone technologies ranging from the capability of operating in GPS-denied environments as part of a “Swarm” to the use of AI/ML to provide an enhanced operational efficiency using the concept of edge computing.
“The Ingenuity” RUAV (Rotary Un-crewed Aerial Vehicle) on Mars Has already Displayed such a capability.
The Only way forward is to invest in a data driven collective global security infrastructure as well as an enhanced “NGO” supported one to be called upon in times of a conflict situation.
