Drone Major has partnered with defence photonics company olee.space to bring a new laser-based counter-drone system to the UK market.
The technology uses high-power fibre lasers to intercept drones at a cost the companies say is less than £1 per interception. Drone Major, an independent drone advisory firm, has acquired exclusive rights to integrate and sell the system – developed by olee.space – across the UK, US and EU markets.
The system combines multiple lasers into a single focused beam capable of engaging targets at ranges of up to 6km, with a detection-to-neutralise time of under three seconds, according to the companies. It is designed to integrate with existing radar, electro-optical/infrared and multi-spectral tracking and detection systems.
The companies said the technology is intended to counter low-cost drones and drone swarms, which they said cannot be reliably addressed by conventional air defences using missiles costing upwards of £150,000 each.
As a non-kinetic system, it is presented as producing no collateral damage, making it suitable for use near populated areas, fuel storage and sensitive electronics.
The system has been field-tested by the Indian Armed Forces in desert, maritime, mountain and tropical environments, and has been trialled in mobile configurations, including integration with uncrewed ground vehicles, ships and helicopters.
Drone Major said the partnership is aimed at strengthening UK production capacity for systems intended to protect critical national infrastructure, including airports, the energy sector, and armed, air and naval forces, as well as border security agencies.
Robert Garbett, founder and chief executive of Drone Major, said: “This partnership will help to revolutionise British drone defence systems and fill a critical gap in combatting the threat posed by cheap drone swarms. olee.space’s cutting-edge counter-drone technology will ensure that the UK’s critical national infrastructure is safeguarded from drone intrusions, which have become increasingly common across the world.
“The UK is home to exceptional talent and a wealth of innovative technologies, and the new partnership will drive the development of a sophisticated British drone and counter-drone industry, able to independently manufacture high-tech systems within the country.”
James Soloman, co-founder of olee.space, said: “Access to this first-of-its-kind anti-drone system will place the UK at the forefront of the global drone industry, delivering a reliable and cost-effective solution to trespasses by low-cost drones.
“Our partnership with Drone Major will empower British SMEs and startups, allowing them to develop their own production capabilities and strengthen the UK’s supply chain resilience.”
Image credit: Courtesy of Drone Major
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