Small unmanned aerial systems have become increasingly accessible to adversaries, who can modify and weaponize them to exploit gaps in air-defense architectures originally designed to counter larger aircraft and missiles. This evolving threat has driven innovation in counter-UAS technologies, with one notable approach focusing on physically capturing hostile drones rather than destroying them outright.
The DroneHunter system exemplifies this strategy. Designed to intercept airborne targets using a net, it can bring down drones intact, enabling operators to recover and analyze the captured hardware. This capability not only neutralizes the immediate threat but also provides valuable intelligence on the adversary’s technology, tactics, and potential vulnerabilities.
At the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) 2023 exposition, a diverse array of counter-UAS solutions was on display, reflecting the breadth of industry efforts to address the drone challenge. Boeing showcased its Compact Laser Weapon System (CLWS) mounted on a Polaris MRZR vehicle, offering a directed-energy option for rapid engagement. L3Harris presented a squat, ground-based robotic system configured for counter-UAS roles, while Leonardo DRS demonstrated a Stryker vehicle equipped with its own integrated system.
Flyer Defense brought “The Beast” Multi-Purpose Mobile Fire Support System, underscoring the trend toward multi-role platforms capable of addressing both aerial and ground threats. Northrop Grumman’s exhibit included several chain guns, a reminder that kinetic solutions remain a core part of the defense toolkit. Recluse highlighted its hybrid electric cargo UAV, showing that unmanned systems themselves are evolving in endurance and payload capacity.
AeroVironment’s Switchblade launcher was on display, representing the loitering munition category, while its Jump 20 VTOL fixed-wing drone hovered above attendees, illustrating the blending of vertical takeoff and fixed-wing efficiency. General Dynamics unveiled the 10-ton TRX-Shorad tracked robotic weapon, a heavy-duty platform designed for short-range air defense. HDT Global’s Wolf robotic system appeared configured with substantial firepower, and SARISA’s SRS-1A quadcopter carried a rocket launcher, demonstrating the increasing lethality of small aerial platforms.
Qinetiq’s RCV-L, Roshel’s MRAP vehicle, and Textron Systems’ M3 Ripsaw Remote Combat Vehicle each brought distinct approaches to mobility and survivability in contested environments. Sig Sauer displayed a compact but heavily armed robot, while Rohde & Schwarz presented a COMINT system tailored for radio monitoring and location, a critical capability for detecting and tracking drone control signals.
International participation was strong. Hanwha from South Korea exhibited large-caliber systems, Israel Aerospace Industries displayed its Rex robotic ground vehicle, and Rheinmetall showed the SSW40 automatic shoulder-fired grenade launcher with munitions. Greek firm SAS contributed a loitering munition at the Hellenic Pavilion, highlighting the global scope of innovation in unmanned and counter-unmanned technologies.
The net-capture approach, as embodied by DroneHunter, stands out in this crowded field for its emphasis on preservation of the target. By avoiding destruction, operators gain the opportunity to reverse-engineer adversary systems, potentially uncovering vulnerabilities in communication links, navigation algorithms, or payload configurations. This aligns with broader military and security interests in intelligence gathering, where material exploitation can inform future defensive measures.
Counter-UAS development is not limited to kinetic and directed-energy weapons. Signal intelligence systems, autonomous ground vehicles, and hybrid propulsion UAVs all contribute to a layered defense strategy. The integration of these technologies into mobile, adaptable platforms ensures that forces can respond to threats across varied operational contexts.
AUSA 2023 offered a concentrated view of how industry is responding to the proliferation of small drones. From net-based interceptors to high-energy lasers, from robotic gun platforms to sophisticated COMINT arrays, the solutions reflect a convergence of aerospace engineering, robotics, materials science, and electronic warfare. Each system represents a piece of the puzzle in securing airspace against increasingly agile and capable unmanned threats.