Combating the drone flood: why C-UAS systems are an absolute priority

This is  particularly evident in Ukraine, where low-cost drones are being used effectively against all types of targets such as infrastructure, mechanized units and individual soldiers – demonstrating not only the threat but also the need for effective, cost-efficient countermeasures. Despite significant progress, the question remains: how well are Europe’s armed forces prepared for the next generation of drone warfare?

Ground Based Air Defence systems (GBAD) consist of three central components: 

• sensors – the eyes of the operation; 
• a command-and-control centre (C2) – the brain; and 
• effectors – the muscles needed to ward off a threat. 

State-of-the-art sensors such as the world-leading Giraffe 1X radar system from Saab already enable the precise detection and classification of targets, even if they are as small as drones. Depending on the type of target, the distance and the envi-ronmental conditions, Giraffe 1X can detect targets with a radar cross section (RCS) of less than 0.01 square metres. However, sensitive sensors also mean that more and more data have to be analysed. Thanks to the processing power used in modern C2 systems, as well as artificial intelligence in the future, large numbers of such data points can be processed in a fraction of a second. The resulting high level of situational awareness enables rapid decision-making and supports the selection of the effector.

Soft kill vs. hard kill

In air defence, there are two fundamental approaches to threat neutralisation: soft kill and hard kill. This distinction is particularly relevant in the case of drone attacks, as drones can be used both as reconnaissance tools and as precision strike weapons. ‘When discussing C-UAS solutions, we must first find common ground and precisely define what we are talking about: the Counter–UAS that are used in peacetime to protect civilian infrastructure, or those that must protect troops on the front line from swarms of drones? Are we talking about military (MOTS) or commercial (COTS) products, and how do their acquisition costs differ?’ explains Per Järbur, air defence expert at Saab. The spectrum of defence weapons is fundamentally diverse, ranging from electronic warfare (EW) and cyber defence to kinetic weapons. However, the cost ratio often remains a challenge with drones, as the cost of deploying and using sophisticated defence systems is often disproportionate to the low cost of drone attacks. While a drone might cost only a few hundred-euro, defence with sophisticated weapons can cost several million euro – and have long production times. An answer to this challenge is currently being developed by Saab: ‘Nimbrix’ is a fire-and-forget missile that is being rapidly developed with the aim of delivering a system featuring a target seeker, a hard-kill warhead and a small footprint – all at a low cost. With a weight of less than 3 kg the range will be up to 5 km, with an active seeker to track its target. Its warhead can effectively engage and defeat UAS swarms using an air-burst mode and thereby counter the increasing threat from small drones on the battlefield. The first deliveries of Nimbrix are expected in 2026 – it can either be operated independently or as part of a larger air defence system.

Nimbrix is our answer to the unmanned aerial threats which have escalated in the last few years. It is cost-effective which is critical given the proliferation of UASs on the battlefield.

Innovation every minute

In Ukraine, the usage of offensive drones for strike, ISR etc. is changing dramatically every three to four months. Therefore the corresponding defence technologies must develop at least as quickly. A remarkable collaboration between the Swedish Air Force, the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) and Saab, together with their partners, shows just how fast this can happen: in just 84 days, the ‘Loke’ concept was successfully launched: a mobile, adaptable system for combat units. The modular concept covers the entire kill chain and includes the proven Giraffe 1X radar and a lightweight command and control solution based on the SHORAD concept. Effectors such as a small gun mounted on a Trackfire remote weapon station complete the solution. They can be installed either on land or on water, on naval vessels such as Saab’s Combat Boat 90. This innovative approach offers state-of-the-art technology that is both comprehensive and flexible, providing a decisive advantage over all air threats.

‘We always try to stay one step ahead. At Loke, we have therefore not followed a typical product development cycle lasting several years, but have chosen an innovative approach to meet the new challenges. By repurposing existing products and integrating new functions and technologies, we were able to implement the concept in record time’, says Per Järbur. ‘Loke’ is scalable, adaptable to new threats and can be further enhanced with additional sensors and weapon stations. The C-UAS system can even continue to operate during relocation, providing continuous protection even when on the move.

There is no such thing as the perfect system

Saab is already a pioneer in hard-kill effectors, which are used in particular for large, highly complex drones or air attacks by aircraft or helicopters: the RBS 70 NG air defence missile system has a range coverage of 9,000 metres with a maximum operating altitude of 5,000 metres. In addition, the guided missile is impossible to jam, meaning it cannot be disrupted by the enemy. Saab sees great potential in the area of soft-kill effectors – such as jamming or the use of nets – and “hunter” drones (i.e., drones that engage other drones) in the coming years. Together with start-ups and industry, the defence company is researching and developing new options in order to be prepared for the threats of today and tomorrow.

‘Even though we are constantly developing new products and already have a large number of highly sophisticated systems, we should not wait for “the golden solution”. There is no such thing as the perfect C-UAS system that can defend against all threats. Not today, and not in the future’, Per Järbur says and adds: ‘Armed forces and nations must analyse their specific threat situation and regional aspects as precisely as possible and rely on a combination of different systems. Only in this way can they meet the diverse challenges of modern drone warfare.’ The expert also believes that joint air defence, for example in the NATO context, is necessary – but the alliance has still a way to go to achieve this. The threats and challenges within their own borders are still the highest priority for armed forces within NATO. The increase in drone attacks due to rapid technological progress is further fuelling the situation.

Technically, much is possible – speed is the key

It is clear that the development and integration of C-UAS systems for air defence will be essential in the coming years. Close cooperation between NATO member states would be advantageous here. Interoperable systems will facilitate NATO joint operations. Today, technology is a smaller problem than finding the right balance for ‘cost per kill’. In addition to the standardisation of technologies, the training of our own troops and those within the alliance plays a particularly important role, as does the continuous development of tactics. There is no universal solution, but there are very effective systems and an urgent need to address the growing threat posed by drones.

Saab in Denmark

We collaborate with our Danish partners to develop innovative, customised technologies for multi-domain operations (MDO), jointly protecting society against the threats of an ever-changing world.

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