C-UAS
Drones that are cheap to produce in large quantities can still have a devastating effect on the battlefield.
developing and utilising advanced algorithms. Another area is improving the decision systems to assist the human operating in selecting the appropriate weapon of choice to adjudicate targets. We maintain humans in the loop but understand AI assistance can improve decision cycles.” Certainly, by upgrading traditional anti-aircraft systems with AI-enhanced C-UAS capabilities, militaries can significantly improve their ability to defend against the growing threat of drones, while equally maintaining the flexibility and robustness of existing platforms. “A key step in implementing advanced algorithms is opening the data,” is how Anderson puts it. “This aligns with CDAO’s approach with OpenDAGIR by ensuring each contract we enter into has the appropriate language to expose the right data for government/ mission use.”
Not that any of this is straightforward. After all, the benefits of integrating AI into traditional platforms are clouded by the increased cybersecurity risks inherent in the technology. Troops also need to ensure that new AI platforms can communicate effectively with legacy systems. In practice, that means training personnel to operate novel systems ultimately, informing autonomous or semi-autonomous decision-making.
Continuing research and development Beyond these technical challenges, there are ethical questions to be answered here too. As AI-integrated C-UAS systems become more widely used, after all, regulations will need to be updated to ensure their safety and ethical use. Military lawyers and technicians are also under pressure to define the boundaries of AI autonomy in threat detection and engagement – unsurprisingly an especially important concern in civilian areas. In practice, legislation will be needed to govern the deployment of C-UAS and ensure accountability in decision-making processes, particularly with the use of autonomous
systems. Furthermore, establishing international standards can help to manage the cross-border implications of AI-driven C-UAS and prevent misuse – while also promoting collaboration across shared or contested airspaces. As Shank notes, that’s shadowed by continued innovation in the technical space. “Research, development, testing and experimentation (RDT&E) continues in an effort to maintain pace with adversaries, though there are numerous C-UAS capabilities which already exist at a technology readiness level (TRL) of 9,” says Shank, referring to the maturity level of technology, whereby level 9 means the system has been proved through successful mission operations. “Continuity of system integration with joint forces will be key to disseminating this technology and information across multi-domain operations.”
“Beyond RDT&E are unit field training and major exercises at the ‘tier 1’ level among individual services and joint and combined forces,” the expert adds, referencing the highest level of operations or units that are involved in the most critical, complex and demanding missions. “These opportunities will help introduce emerging drone and counter-drone technologies, demonstrating increased efforts in support of combined operations and providing service members hands-on training.”
These efforts are surely worthwhile. For if the killing fields of Ukraine have already shown the impact of drones, and indeed C-UAS, AI may yet prove pivotal in future aerial defences. If, after all, China finally tries to take Taiwan, drones could play crucial roles in surveillance and electronic warfare – and help overwhelm Taipei’s air defences. The same could plausibly be said of the Middle East, where any future conflict between Israel and Iran will undoubtedly be shaped by UASs and the technology to counter them. Given these geopolitical tensions, at any rate, the investments of the DoD and others surely make sense. ●
Defence & Security Systems International /
www.defence-and-security.com 33
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