Infrared Linked Unlawful Drone Detection System

ETRI developed EO/IR-linked radar know-how to strengthen the general public security and nationwide safety in opposition to unlawful drone threats.

The electronics and telecommunications analysis institute (ETRI), South Korea has introduced the event of a brand new know-how for detecting and monitoring unlawful drones. Designed to fight unauthorised drone exercise—together with privateness invasion, terrorism, and unlicensed flights—this modern system is anticipated to considerably improve public security and bolster nationwide safety. Focused customers for this know-how embrace authorities safety businesses, regulation enforcement, occasion organisers, and public facility managers who face potential threats from unauthorised drone actions.

ETRI’s answer employs a complicated EO/IR (electro-optics/infrared) linked radar system, able to figuring out and monitoring drones inside vary. This dual-subsystem setup contains a radar part, co-developed with Hanwha Methods Co., Ltd., which might detect small drones as much as 5km away utilizing the Ku-band, a much less congested frequency than the army’s X-band. Complementing this, the EO/IR subsystem utilises cameras to seize video footage and analyse incoming drones, successfully monitoring targets as much as 3km away and confirming drone exercise inside 2km. The know-how is designed to reply rapidly to drones, enhancing real-time detection and neutralisation capabilities.

This know-how, transferred by ETRI to Samjung Resolution Co., Ltd. in 2022, was then refined for business use by a mission funded by the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Korean nationwide police company. By July 2024, Samjung Resolution registered a ‘vehicle-type built-in answer system’ with the general public procurement service’s Nara market, solidifying its potential for broad utility in nationwide defence and public security.

In August 2024, ETRI efficiently demonstrated this know-how in a drone response train throughout the Ulchi coaching occasion, the place they detected, tracked, and in the end neutralised an unauthorised drone trying to breach ETRI headquarters. By jamming the drone’s alerts, researchers validated the know-how’s effectiveness in real-world situations.

“This EO/IR-linked radar system is a pivotal growth in countering unlawful drone actions,” acknowledged Cha Ji-Hun, director of ETRI’s autonomous UAV analysis part. “Our know-how is poised to raise nationwide safety and public security. ETRI stays dedicated to advancing options that safeguard society.”

With its versatile purposes, EO/IR radar know-how holds promise for sectors resembling occasion safety, shoreline and border surveillance, VIP safety, and drone visitors management, positioning ETRI’s innovation as a key contributor to a safer, safer society.