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2022-09-01

C-UAS Requires Rapid Response Detect-to-Defeat Timelines

Northrop Grumman’s Jerry Spruill outlines effective ways to tackle drone threats

When it comes to countering unmanned aerial system (UAS) threats that are proliferating across the modern battlefield, there is no ‘silver bullet’ solution.

Northrop Grumman, which provides an integrated, layered solution, from sensing to intercept, believes that a strong defence against such threats requires a comprehensive, end-to-end approach.

In an exclusive interview with Nation Shield, Senior Director, Counter-UAS — Northrop Grumman, Jerry Spruill, insists that his company’s System-of-Systems / Layered Defence mission solution approach is the best way to subvert UAS/drone threats.

By Sakha Pramod

What kind of solutions do you think are most effective when it comes to Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (C-UAS)?

The UAS or “drone” threat has been an increasing problem over the past few years. These UASs, typically the multi-copter, are relatively low-cost, hard to detect, and can be used in a variety of ways, including persistent surveillance, Electronic Warfare (EW), communications, targeting, or lethal effects.

Counter-UAS is a new, emerging mission within the Short-Range Air Defence (SHORAD) overall mission set, requiring quick response detect-to-defeat timelines to effectively counter. The lessons learned by air defenders over this same period point towards the strategy of layered defence to effectively counter the UAS threat. This is accomplished by integrating various counter-UAS effects on a network with a common command and control system (C2), which can be kinetic (missile, bullets), or non-kinetic (EW, capture, cyber).

Looking ahead — the UAS/drone will evolve to swarm-based operations, and will include emerging threats such as loitering munitions. This will require the Counter-UAS mission capabilities to evolve over time, which means the integrating system needs to be open architecture to allow ease of integration and cyber secure. Mission solutions for swarms can be achieved with high power microwaves. EW effectors, directed energy and advanced ammunition counter effects are maturing to deal with the swarm threat.

Considering the serious threats posed by rogue drones, countries keep looking for advanced C-UAS. Does Northrop plan to provide any solutions tailored to the UAE market?

Well, Northrop Grumman’s Forward Area Air Defence — Command and Control (FAAD-C2) is the U.S. Army’s SHORAD C2 programme of record and was designated by the U.S. Department of Defense as the C2 for the Counter-UAS mission across all the U.S. Armed services.

FAAD C2 is a battle-proven, fielded and trusted system, which is constantly evolving to stay threat relevant and meet the warfighter’s needs.

The programme integrates short-range air defence (SHORAD), counter-rocket, artillery, and mortar (C-RAM), and counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) systems to detect and intercept incoming threats, warn affected personnel and determine point of origin.

For the Counter-UAS mission, Northrop Grumman takes a System-of-Systems / Layered Defence mission solution approach. Our mission analysis indicates this is the best approach for the UAS/drone threat. It provides solutions with multiple effectors and networked sensors to achieve the maximum mission effectiveness to detect, identify, track, and defeat.

In addition to being part of Foreign Military Sales (FMS) requests, our FAAD-C2 is also available through Direct Commercial Sale (DCS).

For the UAE Counter-UAS mission, our FAAD-C2 has an open, vendor-agnostic, non-proprietary architecture that facilitates rapid and affordable integration with multiple, diverse sensors and effectors; integration with existing sensors and effectors, mobile or fixed-site, and even across organisations since the drone threat affects both civil and military agencies.

In addition, Northrop Grumman’s 30mm Bushmaster cannon with advanced ammo has proven highly effective in live demonstrations against UASs.

These capabilities could be considered in this market as various agencies consider how to defend against this growing threat.

The EDGE group recently unveiled swarming drones, its latest application for unmanned aerial systems, at UMEX 2022 exhibition? How significant is the achievement?

Swarming technology, as was demonstrated by the EDGE Group earlier this year is significant in two ways.

First, it is a testament to how the EDGE Group is continuing to define itself as a technology powerhouse for the UAE. We also are tracking with interest the 2023 Mohamed bin Zayed International Robotics Challenge for the maritime multi-drone mission, fully autonomous detect and identification. These types of initiatives will continue to push the boundaries of the imagination and technology.

Second, it is a reminder that swarming technology is an advancement in the missionisation of UASs that create an even more difficult position for air defenders.

Are there any specific programmes launched by your company to create awareness among youngsters about an Unmanned World?

Yes. Northrop Grumman has many programmes that focus on students. We are heavily engaged and support STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) programmes for young people globally.

One recent example, the Northrop Grumman Foundation screened a documentary film produced by filmmaker Nathaniel Kahn about NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope to nearly 2,000 Emirati students, teachers and space enthusiasts across the UAE at 11 venues. The film, called “Into the Unknown,” explains how the telescope will peer into the past to measure and capture images of stars and galaxies that began to form billions of years ago. Northrop Grumman, NASA and other relevant organisations’ employees answered questions after each screening.

We could not be prouder of the absolutely amazing images and discoveries already coming from the technological marvel that is our James Webb Space Telescope and look forward to years of learning more about our universe.

For the future, one that includes this “unmanned world” just as you mentioned, we know that continuous technology development is essential to be prepared.
Automation, data fusion / data fabrics, AI-ML, considerable reliance on data analytics, precision/accuracy for increasing complex and ever-changing threat environments are examples of STEM related technologies that the next generation will need to master.

Northrop Grumman has established partnerships with numerous organisations like the UAE Higher Colleges of Technology and Abu Dhabi Autonomous Systems Investments (ADASI). How effective do you think are these programmes?

In 2010, Northrop Grumman instituted the “UAE Innovation Challenge” programme with the UAE Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT). Hundreds of HCT students from every Emirate in the UAE had the chance to participate in this annual competition that promotes STEM as student teams design, build and operate unmanned air vehicles.

Other partners for this programme include Abu Dhabi Autonomous Systems Investments (ADASI), the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International Foundation (AUVSI) and the Defense Services Marketing Council.

Over the years, this programme has generated numerous groups of young students, both boys and girls, with an increased understanding and interest in unmanned systems technology.

Lastly, for counter-UAS specifically, we are also looking forward to forging new relationships with academia and EDGE companies as this technology and mission requirements evolve.

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