The U.S. Joint Counter-small UAS Office (JCO) recently conducted a series of field trials at Yuma Proving Ground, reportedly testing the AARTOS Drone Detection and Defense System. The system, developed by Germany-based Aaronia AG and distributed in the U.S. by SYGN, was evaluated for its ability to detect, track and mitigate various types of sUAS, including radio-silent or “dark” drones.

According to AARONIA and SYGN, AARTOS demonstrated a full-spectrum kill chain capability – from initial signal detection to neutralization – across a variety of threat profiles under operationally realistic conditions. The evaluation included both rotary-wing and fixed-wing drones, launched from multiple distances and approach angles.

“AARTOS is the only RF-based system in the world offering real-time full-spectrum detection from 10 MHz to 8 GHz,” said Erick Crews, CEO of SYGN, LLC and retired U.S. Army Colonel. “Our success at Yuma proves AARTOS can dominate the spectrum against emerging threats, including swarm attacks and low-signature dark drones. It’s field-proven, modular and ready now.”

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Technical performance

During the tests, AARTOS relied on several key components:

  • X9 RF Detection System: Provided persistent, long-range signal detection across a wide frequency range (10 MHz to 8 GHz), with detection distances reported up to 80 km for military-grade UAS and 40 km for commercial off-the-shelf drones.

  • 4D UAV Radar and AI-Enhanced EO/MWIR Sensors: Enabled real-time tracking, even in the absence of RF emissions. The system reportedly detected drones while still grounded in some cases.

  • SJ800-8 Programmable Sector Jammer: Disrupted drone communications via directional jamming, with a reported coverage range up to 10 km. Although the system is said to be capable of jamming GNSS signals, such capabilities were not demonstrated due to test range limitations.

The Yuma test is part of ongoing JCO efforts to evaluate and integrate counter-UAS technologies that can address the evolving threat landscape, including autonomous drones and UAS operating in electronic warfare environments.

The AARTOS system is currently deployed at various governmental and commercial facilities worldwide and has reportedly been used at high-profile security events, including the NATO Summit and G20 meetings.

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Post Image – Industry representatives participate in the JCO’s 2024 counter-UAS demonstrations at the Yuma Proving Ground (Post Image Credit: U.S. Army)