Counter-UAS evolution continues for the dismounted soldier

By Leo McCloskey, Vice President of Marketing at Echodyne

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The rapid evolution of drone technology has fundamentally transformed contemporary warfare, introducing unprecedented threats to dismounted soldiers on the battlefield. First-person view (FPV) drones and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) drones now extensively populate the operational environment, reshaping military doctrine, strategies and tactical methodologies. Agile, affordable and highly capable, these drones create a near-transparent battlespace, allowing ground force movements to be quickly identified, tracked and targeted with devastating precision. As a consequence, ensuring the safety and operational efficacy of dismounted soldiers has become profoundly challenging, necessitating robust and versatile Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) at every level of command.

Colonel Stuart Hay of the UK's 7th Air Defence Group underscored this emerging complexity at the recent Counter-UAS Conference (Jeffs, May 22, 2025). He highlighted the growing likelihood of operational paralysis among soldiers due to confusion over system integration and the sheer volume of drone threats. Consequently, counter-drone measures can no longer be confined solely to specialized units or top-tier assets. Comprehensive C-UAS training and capabilities must permeate down to the squad level, offering protection to the expeditionary force, and empowering every dismounted soldier with effective situational awareness and precision tracking tools designed for drone threats.

Addressing this critical need, significant advancements in wearable and portable C-UAS technologies are rapidly filling capability gaps. These innovations are characterized by their lightweight construction, intuitive interfaces and seamless integration into existing soldier information systems and network infrastructures. Equipping soldiers with personal, portable counter-drone solutions ensures enhanced resilience, autonomy and responsiveness against increasingly prevalent drone threats.

Solider-worn or Wearable systems, such as Denmark's MyDefence Soldier Kit and Australia's DroneShield products, exemplify these advancements:

MyDefence's Soldier Kit integrates the Wingman drone detector and Pitbull jammer into a compact, user-friendly system weighing only 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs). The Wingman continuously scans for drone signals, providing early warnings often before drones take flight, through audio, vibration or visual alerts. Complementing this, the Pitbull jammer disrupts hostile drones autonomously or manually within a 1,000-meter radius, neutralizing threats with minimal collateral interference. Rugged, intuitive and fully compatible with platforms like the Android Tactical Assault Kit (ATAK), MyDefence's solution requires minimal training for rapid operational adoption.

DroneShield's wearable technologies, specifically the RfPatrol Mk2 and DroneGun Mk4, emphasize stealth and ease of use. The RfPatrol Mk2 passively detects drone frequencies, alerting soldiers without emitting signals that could compromise their position. The DroneGun Mk4 disrupts drone communication and navigation, forcing threats to land or return to their operator. Both devices are optimized for rapid deployment and minimal training, substantially enhancing soldiers' operational responsiveness.

Portable C-UAS solutions also contribute significantly, such as Echodyne's EchoGuard radar, D-Fend Solutions' EnforceAir2 Backpack Kit, and Squarehead Technology's Discovair G2 acoustic sensor:

EchoGuard utilizes advanced Metamaterials Electronically Scanned Array (MESA®) radar technology, providing comprehensive drone detection in a lightweight, portable system. With a wide field of view (120-degree azimuth, 80-degree elevation) and the capacity to track multiple targets simultaneously, EchoGuard's Lightweight Deployment Kit (LDK), weighing under 20 kg, is ideal for tactical flexibility.

D-Fend's EnforceAir2 Backpack Kit is specifically designed for stealth operations, offering omnidirectional drone detection, identification and cyber-takeover capabilities. With concealed antennas, silent, fan-less operation and hot-swappable batteries for extended missions, this robust yet discreet system excels in covert environments.

Squarehead Technology's Discovair G2 acoustic sensor leverages an array of 128 microphones to detect drone threats by their unique acoustic signatures. Effective even where radar or RF systems may falter, each Discovair unit provides a 105-degree field of view, with multiple units forming full 360-degree coverage. Its lightweight, easily deployable design enhances airspace awareness significantly.

Further exemplifying integration of multiple sensors and systems is OpenWorks Engineering's Vision Guard system. Designed for tactical portability, rapid deployment and operational adaptability, Vision Guard is a multi-sensor detection-and-classification system that combines AI-driven drone detection, ultra-high resolution panoramic cameras and modular sensor suites, including optional radar, RF and acoustic modules. Compatible with interfaces such as SAPIENT, ATAK and COT, Vision Guard is versatile and light enough for varied operational environments, from urban scenarios to remote military missions with Size, Weight and Power (SWaP) credentials suited to covert surveillance.

The integration of these portable and wearable systems into broader military networks profoundly enhances tactical effectiveness. Dismounted soldiers armed with real-time drone location data directly integrated into their personal equipment can respond with unprecedented precision and speed. Aggregating detection data across multiple systems further empowers command elements with early warnings and informed decision-making capabilities.

Anticipating future trends, experts predict significant advancements within the next five years. Future soldier-level C-UAS kits are expected to become increasingly simplified, streamlined and user-friendly. Innovations will likely include lighter materials, improved battery technologies and advanced AI-driven detection algorithms. This development will enable even minimally trained personnel to effectively deploy sophisticated countermeasures against drone threats, substantially enhancing frontline responsiveness and operational flexibility.

Moreover, continued refinement of network integration will amplify these capabilities. Enhanced data sharing between individual soldier-worn units and central command will dramatically improve threat awareness and tactical decision-making. Soldiers equipped with real-time information can coordinate rapid, effective responses to evolving drone threats, reducing dependency on specialized support units and bolstering soldier autonomy and confidence.

In conclusion, the widespread adoption of wearable and portable C-UAS technologies empowers dismounted soldiers to autonomously detect, track and neutralize drone threats, boosting both survivability and operational effectiveness. As these technologies mature, the role of dismounted soldiers in drone warfare will evolve from vulnerable participants into critical, active nodes within a highly responsive and informed battlespace.

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