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2020-10-14

U.S. and Israel Collaborate to Deploy Advanced Drone System

An operational pilot programme has been launched for employing SKYLORD drones in the defence of U.S. Armed Forces. This was done following a joint R&D programme led by the Directorate of Defense Research and Development (DDR&D), in the Israel Ministry of Defense, with a leading drone developer, XTEND, and the Combating Terrorism Technical Support Office (CTTSO), of the U.S. Department of Defense.

The programme has produced a drone system with a remote immersive interface that protects troops from various inbound aerial threats – particularly drones. The system is based on XTEND’s SKYLORD counter-UAV system.

As a result of the close cooperation between the institutions involved, the system has been developed in accordance with concrete operational requirements. Following a year of R&D and various tests, the CTTSO decided to launch an operational pilot programme, testing and validating the system's capabilities in the field. As part of the programme, several dozen SKYLORD systems will be employed by U.S. troops.

Immersive Experience

Using an Augmented Reality (AR) device and single-handed controller, a military operator may employ the SKYLORD system to control the drone and perform complex tasks remotely, with ease and precision. Its interface enables the operator to immerse themselves or "step into" a remote reality and engage targets effectively yet safely.

With minimal training and no expertise required, troops can experience a full sensory situation assessment and may utilise C-UAV net payloads in the battlefield. The system's capabilities have been demonstrated in Israel, with confirmed interceptions of incendiary devices flown over the Gaza border by terrorist organisations.

This operational pilot programme is the first step towards the widespread deployment of smart systems to U.S. Armed Forces, enabling them to perform complex tasks in the modern battlefield, while minimising risk. It is also one of the most successful areas of cooperation between the DDR&D and its American partners.

“This joint activity implements novel technological capabilities taken from the field of AR,” said Head of the UAV Branch in the DDR&D of the Ministry of Defense, Lt. Col. Menachem Landau. “It enables the troops of both nations to employ intuitive, battle-proven and precise systems follow a minimal training period, and to engage hostile flying objects such as drones. We look forward to expanding our collaboration with our partners in the CTTSO in developing advanced technology to protect troops and enhance operational capabilities."

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