The University of Alabama has selected D-Fend Solutions to provide counter-drone capabilities for campus security, deploying the company’s EnforceAir system to monitor and manage low-altitude airspace.
The system is being used to support day-to-day operations as well as large-scale events, including college football games that draw more than 100,000 attendees at Bryant-Denny Stadium and tens of thousands more across campus.
University officials said the decision followed a competitive evaluation process, including live testing against other systems. The EnforceAir platform uses radio frequency-based technology to detect, track and, where authorized, take control of drones without relying on jamming or kinetic measures.
“D-Fend and EnforceAir have been game changers for us,” said Michael Kelley, Director of Security Technologies at the University of Alabama. “Our situational awareness has expanded dramatically. Not only do we know what is in the airspace around our campus, but we have the ability to mitigate if necessary.”
During one evaluation period, the system detected more than a thousand drones operating near the campus, highlighting the scale of unmanned aircraft activity in dense environments. The university has integrated the system into its Emergency Operations Center to support coordination with local, state and federal partners.
There is a real concern among universities about the risks posed by unauthorized drones, including potential collisions, disruptions to events and interference with research activities.
“Higher education institutions face unique challenges: open environments, major public events, critical research and evolving regulatory frameworks,” said Zohar Halachmi, CEO and Chairman of D-Fend Solutions. “EnforceAir enables proactive, non-disruptive control that aligns with both safety and operational continuity.”
Officials say the system is intended to support long-term planning as drone activity continues to increase around large public venues.
RELATED CONTENT: JIATF 401 commits over $600 million to accelerate C-UAS capabilities
Post Image Credit: University of Alabama
Follow C-UAS Hub on LinkedIn for regular counter-UAS content updates.
