Small Aircraft, Sizeable Threats- Preparing Army to Counter Small Uncrewed Aircraft Systems is an Australian Army Research Centre paper by Dr. Carl Rhodes.
Over the past decade, small uncrewed aerial systems (sUAS) ‘s rising military capabilities have become evident in international and domestic conflicts. These systems present an increasing threat due to their versatility in conducting surveillance, reconnaissance, and kinetic attacks. Countering sUAS has become essential for military forces at all levels, yet challenges persist because of their small size, widespread commercial availability, and low cost.
This paper explores the escalating threat posed by sUAS and their usage by both state and non-state actors in selected conflicts over the last ten years. It reviews the technologies used for detecting and neutralizing sUAS as part of counter-UAS (CUAS) operations, assessing their strengths, weaknesses, and potential countermeasures. Additionally, it analyzes the current state of counter-sUAS methods within the Australian Army.
To enhance its capabilities against this growing threat, the paper recommends that the Australian Army and government agencies adopt a layered approach to sUAS detection and neutralization. Key suggestions include providing comprehensive training on counter-sUAS techniques to all Army personnel, establishing a counter-sUAS center of excellence, and clarifying roles and responsibilities for countering sUAS within Australia. By implementing these strategies, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and other government agencies will be better equipped to address the rapidly evolving challenges posed by sUAS.
Publication Date– 2024
Small Aircraft, Sizeable Threats- Preparing Army to Counter Small Uncrewed Aircraft Systems contains the following major sections:
- Introduction
- The Growing Threat from Small Uncrewed Aircraft Systems
- UAS in Recent Combat Operations
- Methods and Technologies to Counter Uncrewed Aircraft Systems
- Integrating CUAS Thinking and Operations into the Australian Army
- Observations and Recommendation
- Conclusion
- About the Author
Post Image Credit- Adobe Stock by cunaplus
