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Defense Against Hostile Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

John Kontos

Emeritus Professor of Artificial Intelligence, University of Athens, ikontos2017@gmail.com

1. Introduction

The view has often been expressed in print and electronic media, as well as on social networks, that the Greek Security and Defense Authorities do not have satisfactory defense weapons systems against hostile Unmanned Aerial Vehicles or UAVs that violate our borders and usually originate from Turkey.

The reason for such accusations has been the episodes of invasion by the Greek Navy in Evros and our maritime territory, which seem not to have been intercepted, for unknown reasons, but were allowed to operate undisturbed by the Greek authorities.

Systematic preparation for effectively dealing with invasions and attacks by hostile UAVs requires extensive technological knowledge and experience, relatively small amounts of money, effective coordination, but above all political will and vigilance.

The writer has been involved in various efforts to inform the Authorities on related technology issues and the risks of hostile use of UAVs since 2020. Many others have done the same for years. 

In addition to popular texts such as this article, the author is also involved in writing research articles on the subject and publishing them in the English-speaking scientific press. An example is his recent work, after more than 100 of his own that have intervened, published in 2021 with the title:

“Human-system interface with explanation of actions for autonomous anti-uav systems” in the journal “International Journal of Artificial Intelligence & Applications” and is part of the XAI (Explainable Artificial Intelligence) in combination with Machine Consciousness.

The topic of this thesis concerns the application of AI and Machine Consciousness to the technology of autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles known as “uavs” or “drones”.

A quite possible and nightmarish scenario foresees a night attack by an armed enemy swarm of MNAs, possibly more than one wave, against our island. This attack, if not effectively countered, could cause serious damage to our island's defense installations, thus facilitating the subsequent enemy landing attempt on it before we have time to replace the losses.

This article summarizes the issue of defense against hostile UAVs with the aim of informing public opinion in order to exert pressure to intensify and support in every way any relevant activities that are currently underway.

It is noted that domestic development programs for systems related to MENA can be completed with funding of a few million euros, in contrast to the procurement programs for large weapons platforms that require expenditures of billions of euros.  

1. Detection

The detection of an approaching aircraft can be achieved using many types of systems such as:

-Optical detection system

-System with a special radar that detects small aircraft

-Sound detection system

-Thermal detection system

-Scanning system using antennas for any radio frequencies that an aircraft sends data to a distant destination.

-Passive radar system that detects reflections of random emissions.

 When a signal is received from any sensor system, the operator of an anti-UAV system receives an audible and visual alert from an alarm system. However, the incoming aircraft must then be identified and determined to be hostile.

1. Recognition

Safe identification of an upcoming dangerous MNE requires the combination of all available types of signals through the process of information fusion. Fusion requires the use of advanced algorithms and sometimes Artificial Intelligence algorithms including Machine Learning.

Safe identification is essential to avoid catastrophic response to harmless aircraft and any loss of human life and material in peaceful applications of UAVs such as precision agriculture or marine pollution surveillance.   

1. Tackle

Classic air defense systems are very expensive and are intended to counter threats from invading large manned aircraft. The goal is to minimize the cost of response each time, depending on the size of the incoming enemy aircraft. Response can consist of either neutralizing or destroying the identified enemy UAV.

4.1 Neutralization of the MNEs

Systems have been constructed to neutralize MRE using methods such as:

-Electronic warfare technology

-Isolation of the signal emitted by the MiEA control center

-Capture of the MiEA with a net

-Emission of a microwave pulse from the ground

-Emission of a microwave pulse by friendly UAVs that have infiltrated a swarm of enemy UAVs. This pulse destroys the electronic components of many members of the swarm.

The latter method has several advantages. This is mainly due to the reduced distance from the targets, which requires much less energy to neutralize the electronic components of many enemy UAVs simultaneously. However, it requires microwave pulse generation technology with solid-state devices. 

4.2 Destruction of the MNEs

The complete destruction of enemy UAVs can be achieved by at least the following methods, among others:

-Attack with a firearm from the ground

-Attack with a firearm from the air using a UAV carrier

-High-energy laser attack from the ground

1. Greek Construction Systems

There are already some practical results from Greek efforts to domestically build defense systems against enemy UAVs, such as those demonstrated at DEFEA exhibitions or announced by public bodies, such as the announcement by the Hellenic Defense Agency regarding a radar specifically for detecting UAVs. Obviously, any individual efforts require coordination. Coordination is particularly necessary for the operation of signal fusion of different forms. An example of the need for such coordination is the case of the radar announced by the Hellenic Defense Agency, which must be combined with signals of other types, such as thermal signals received from systems developed by other bodies.

1. Rules of Engagement

In addition to the need for a coordinated domestic construction effort, it is also necessary to study and establish rules of engagement regarding violations of National Space and invasions or attacks by hostile NSA. The purpose of the standard National Rules of Engagement (NRE) is to establish specific instructions, which determine the degree and correct manner of reaction of the NSA to hostile intentions or actions, in order to maintain the crisis at the desired level.

The EKE provide instructions and guidance to Unit Commanders, Warship Commanders, Ship Group Commanders, Aircraft and Helicopter Formation Leaders. In the case of incidents with UAVs, new types of rules are required which concern novel technological means and competent operators with novel tasks. Incidents with UAVs have significant differences from traditional incidents and operations that are dealt with on the basis of classic EKEs.

1. Proposal for the Formation of a Technological Army

In conclusion, I repeat the proposal that I have formulated from time to time for the Formation of a Technological Panstratia on the subject of the maximum possible development of domestic New Defense Technology. The localization of this technology is essential given the great dependence of new weapons systems on the software of on-board computers. This software can easily be trapped and possibly put into incorrect operation by its foreign manufacturers in the event that the interests of their country deviate from ours. The panstratia, which I propose, will involve competent State bodies and private enterprises of Greek interests. The general coordination of the panstratia for the benefit of National Defense and Security must be exercised by a central body under the Prime Minister, staffed by Greek specialists of high qualifications and selected on merit.