The Ministry of Defense of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), in collaboration with one of its partner countries, has procured an anti-drone protection system, which serves multiple purposes, both civilian and military.
The protection of critical infrastructure, whether civilian or military, has significantly evolved with the advent of new technologies. Defending and safeguarding critical infrastructure, be it movable assets or immovable property, requires round-the-clock vigilance and readiness.
As a measure to enhance vigilance and readiness to defend critical infrastructure, an anti-drone system has been procured under the auspices of the Ministry of Defense of BiH. According to Defense Minister Zukan Helez, this was accomplished with the support of one of the partner countries.
Beyond the basic details, the public in BiH remains uninformed about this procurement, as is often the case with this type of technology in other countries. However, it is essential to understand the broader civilian uses and potential abuses of drones and unmanned aerial vehicles, as well as how anti-drone systems “neutralize drones.”
Anti-drone defense
For every security or military measure, countermeasures are quickly developed. Over the past decade, a range of technologies for anti-drone combat and defense has been introduced. The key aspect of anti-drone system development lies in the method or type of drone control, resulting in a series of devices and systems tailored to counter each drone type.
The basic method of controlling commercial drones involves radio frequencies (RF), through which operators guide the drones in the airspace. The majority of anti-drone systems have been developed for RF-controlled drones, whereas military drones are more resistant to various interference types, depending on their level of technological advancement.
In this context, RF-jamming anti-drone systems represent the most common type of anti-drone combat system. They function by using antenna systems to detect drone presence, while advanced systems also classify the drones.
After detecting the drone’s position, antenna systems emit strong frequencies that “attack the control signal” between the drone and its operator, causing the operator to lose control over the aircraft. Depending on the drone’s programming and software, once the jamming disrupts the control signal, the drone can either perform a controlled landing, return to its starting point, or remain in place.
RF jamming offers numerous advantages, with its simplicity being the foremost, as this method can easily protect both civilian and military objects within a limited range.
On the other hand, limited range is a significant drawback, and RF-jamming anti-drone systems can often interfere with other devices. Additionally, RF jamming is most effective against civilian drones, which somewhat limits its scope of application.
Drones controlled via GPS can be disrupted by GPS jammers, which share similar characteristics with RF-jamming anti-drone systems. Unlike RF or GPS-jamming systems, the most advanced option involves anti-drone systems with so-called “spoofing” technology.
Using the spoofing method, anti-drone system devices encrypt or penetrate the control channel used to guide the drone, fully seizing control of the drone for the anti-drone combat team. Furthermore, the spoofing method enables quick localization of the origin of drone control, significantly aiding investigations into misuse or unauthorized recording of critical infrastructure.
Experimental models of anti-drone combat are being developed, with high hopes for future laser systems for anti-drone defense. However, although these systems have been successfully tested, they face numerous atmospheric and operational limitations.
Priority infrastructure?
Anti-drone combat systems generally have open infrastructure, depending on their construction and range. In this context, mobile and fixed systems with numerous iterations and subdivisions are distinguished.
The development trend for these systems focuses on miniaturization for civilian needs, as seen in Israeli companies’ development of anti-drone systems in the form of school backpacks operating on active protection principles.
In addition to military use and the protection of military objects such as airports, command centers, and military industry facilities, it is crucial to develop anti-drone defense systems for civilian critical infrastructure.
In this regard, there is a system of security assessments for drafting anti-drone combat plans, given that some objects only require periodic activation of these systems. High-risk sports events are an excellent example, prompting countries worldwide and in the region to equip their police forces with anti-drone rifles or small-range mobile systems.
Additionally, police agency facilities and objects like parliaments or presidential residences are often priority infrastructure for protection with anti-drone systems.
Experience and significance for BiH
Recent experiences of the Ministry of Defense of BiH with the overflight of unidentified drones have prompted the procurement of an anti-drone system. The process of anti-drone protection should not be limited to military infrastructure.
Local media reported an incident on June 20th, 2024, that could have ended tragically when a helicopter of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Republika Srpska (RS) collided with a civilian drone during a sporting event. It is also noteworthy that the first institution in BiH to procure anti-drone systems was the Ministry of Internal Affairs of RS, which acquired the Russian-made Harpy 120V anti-drone rifle.
Although the damage to the helicopter was not significant, this example highlighted the need for prioritizing the procurement of mobile anti-drone systems to protect sports events, concerts, or gatherings where drone misuse could have broader implications.
Overflights of commercial drones will increasingly become a security challenge and threat in the future, requiring a unified response through the regulation of drone ownership and registration, as well as the development of active and passive defense systems for military and civilian objects.
The security challenges of the 21st century will not wait for national security systems to prepare inadequately or too slowly. Therefore, considering past experiences, other institutions in BiH should follow the example of the Ministry of Defense of BiH, Klix.ba writes.
Photo: Dronografija
