D-Fend forms partnership with U.S. Navy for C-UAS testing

D-Fend Solutions, a developer of radio frequency cyber-based, non-kinetic, non-jamming counter-drone technology, has announced a new partnership with the U.S. D-Fend has partnered with the U.S. Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC PCD) under its Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) programme.

The collaboration will focus on rigorous testing of D-Fend’s C-UAS technology across Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security test sites.

The testing is scheduled to take place at selected government airfields, commercial airports and various other facilities, with each site selected upon mutual agreement between D-Fend Solutions and NSWC PCD.

According to the agreement, D-Fend’s EnforceAir C-UAS detection, tracking and identification system will be deployed to gather continuous data on drones that breach airspace regulations, aiming to enhance drone mitigation and airport security capabilities.

“Partnering with the Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division under the CRADA programme provides a pivotal opportunity for us to continue to advance our counter-drone technology in complex and challenging military and civil aviation environments,” said Zohar Halachmi, Chairman and CEO of D-Fend Solutions.

“The expertise and rigorous standards of the NSWC PCD make them an exceptional partner, as we move to fulfil evolving airport security demands. Together, we will accelerate the evaluation and demonstration of our leading RF-Cyber C-UAS technology as we carry out the mission of protecting public safety and maintaining the continuity of essential operations.”

The new CRADA initiative is not the first time D-Fend has been involved in airport security programmes. In 2023, D-Fend Solutions contributed to the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport UAS Detection and Mitigation Section 383 Research Programme, with testing conducted at Atlantic City International Airport and Syracuse Hancock International Airport.

The partnership is part of a larger effort within defence and public safety to enhance the ability to detect and neutralise unauthorised drones near sensitive locations, ensuring public safety and uninterrupted airport operations.