The Swedish Defence Research Agency, FOI, has conducted field trials at the Norrland Dragoon Regiment K4 in Arvidsjaur focusing on protection against unmanned aerial systems. The aim was to investigate how threats from drones can be managed in the field, in collaboration with FMV and the Swedish Armed Forces, FOI states in a press release.
Over three days at the end of August, the ability to detect, combat, and avoid detection by drones was tested. Each day had its own theme, from sensor-based detection to signature adaptation.
– This is fundamental for us to be able to protect ourselves. It is about being able to detect threats, combat threats, and being able to hide. For if we cannot accomplish these tasks, then we cannot operate with the artillery systems and tanks we already have, as they would be knocked out, says Lars Forssell, researcher at FOI and project manager for Demo UCAV, in a press release from FOI.
Forssell points to specific Swedish conditions, such as large geographical areas and challenging terrain in the north, which place high demands on both military and civil defence.
The field trials focused on what individual soldiers or groups can do to protect themselves against UAVs. An important question is what type of equipment should be placed at which level in the organisation.
– There is knowledge that is difficult to acquire in a lab, and then we have to go out into the forest for field trials, says Lars Forssell.
He also notes that the area is still under development and that no established methodology exists yet.
– It is not an industry that is technically mature, he says.
According to FOI, the experiences from the trials will contribute to the development of new countermeasures within the framework of the Demo UCAV project.