News

The United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) Tests Counter-UAS Systems: In October 2024, the United States Northern Command conducted its first-ever system test for detecting, tracking, and defeating small unmanned aerial systems (UAS).

"Falcon Apex" Program: The Department of Defense held the "Falcon Apex" program from October 19th to October 30th in Fort Carson, Colorado, emphasizing the importance of countering drone threats.

Unidentified Drone Incursions: Unidentified drone incursions near military facilities in Virginia are still under investigation, and these incidents are being incorporated into the United States' evolving layered defense system.

The Role of the United States Northern Command: NORAD and USNORTHCOM Commander General Gregory M. Guillot stated that the Northern Command should coordinate military and government responses to potential threats.

Teledyne Cerberus XL System: One of the systems used in the test is the Teledyne Cerberus XL, developed by Teledyne FLIR and used in combat in Ukraine. The system combines long-range 3D radar, thermal sensors, and visual sensors, and can locate and neutralize drone threats within a range of 3 kilometers.

System Capability: The Teledyne Cerberus XL system is capable of detecting up to 500 targets simultaneously, which is crucial for defending against complex drone swarm attacks.

Public-Private Partnership: The "Falcon Apex" exercise demonstrates a public-private partnership that combines cutting-edge technology with military expertise.

Impact on Future Strategy: The results of the experiment will provide insights for future strategies and help understand how to protect U.S. military bases from drone-related threats.

The Persistent Threat of Drones: The evolving threat of drone incursions or attacks is likely to be a feature of warfare in the foreseeable future, making future testing a top priority for the Department of Defense.