GUARDION

As the threats of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) continue to evolve, the necessity for robust countermeasures becomes more critical.

The rise of small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS), particularly those weighing up to 25 kg, has led to growing concerns over their use in both civilian and military contexts. From enemy reconnaissance missions to drone-borne explosives, these devices pose significant risks to national security, infrastructure, and public safety.

In response to this growing threat, GUARDION, a collaboration between three leading German defense companies—Diehl Defence GmbH & Co. KG, ESG Elektroniksystem- und Logistik-GmbH (today part of HENSOLDT), and Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG—offers a highly effective, modular, and scalable solution for comprehensive drone defense.

Since its inception, GUARDION has positioned itself at the forefront of counter-UAS (C-UAS) technology. The collaboration’s origins date back to the 2015 G7 Summit in Elmau, where its fully integrated system was deployed to secure the event from unauthorized drones.

“We have intensified our activities, providing C-UAS services to a broad range of clients, including the German armed forces, police forces, and various international military users,” says Markus Croner, Head of Sales & Marketing Protection Systems, Diehl Defence GmbH & Co KG. “The track record of operational success demonstrates our ability to adapt and evolve alongside emerging drone threats.”

A Collaborative Powerhouse in Drone Defense

GUARDION combines the specialized expertise of its partner companies. Diehl Defence brings cutting-edge High-Power Electromagnetic (HPEM) technology, ESG supplies its command and control (C2) software and its systems integration competencies, and Rohde & Schwarz delivers unmatched radio-frequency (RF) detection and jamming capabilities. Together, these entities form a unified system that addresses every facet of drone defense, from detection to neutralization.

GUARDION detects, classifies, verifies, and counters drone threats using a sophisticated mix of sensors, effectors, and C2 capabilities. The system offers a complete functional chain that covers 360-degree detection, real-time situational awareness, and multi-layered countermeasures.

“The integration enables operators to assess threats quickly and respond effectively, ensuring the highest levels of protection in both peacetime and wartime environments,” says Christian Jaeger, Head of Reconnaissance & Protection, ESG Elektroniksystem- und Logistik-GmbH.

Modular, Scalable, and Future-Ready

One of the key strengths of GUARDION is its modularity. Whether for a small-scale deployment or large-scale, multi-location operations, the system can be tailored to meet specific needs. GUARDION can be integrated into vehicles, deployed from containers, or installed as a permanent fixture in critical infrastructure. The ability to scale and adapt makes it a future-proof solution, capable of evolving alongside new technological developments and threats.

The GUARDION system’s versatility extends to its wide range of countermeasures. Using active and passive sensors, electro-optical tools for threat verification, and escalating countermeasures ensures that operators can neutralize drone threats with precision and efficiency. Whether through non-lethal jamming or more advanced High-Power Electromagnetic (HPEM) pulses, the system provides a comprehensive solution for any scenario.

Leading with HPEM Technology

Diehl Defence plays a crucial role in the GUARDIAN system through its development of the SkyWolf effector, an HPEM device that is combined with jamming technologies. The HPEM itself disrupts drone operations by interfering with the drone’s electronics leading to the mission abort of the drone attack, while the uniquely included jamming is capable of interfering with a wide range of radio frequencies.

Therefore, SkyWolf causes drones to malfunction and crash without damaging surrounding infrastructure or endangering civilian lives. This non-lethal approach is particularly valuable in peacetime operations, where the safety of bystanders is paramount.

Moreover, the SkyWolf effector’s ability to combat not only individual drones but also swarms of autonomous UAS marks a significant leap forward in drone defense technology. This capability ensures that GUARDION remains at the cutting edge of C-UAS solutions, prepared to face the most sophisticated future threats.

Advanced Detection and Geolocation

Rohde & Schwarz enhances the GUARDION system with its ARDRONIS platform, an advanced drone detection and identification solution. ARDRONIS excels at detecting and geolocating both drones and their operators, even when they are beyond the line of sight. By leveraging its direction-finding capabilities and extensive library of drone communication profiles, ARDRONIS provides reliable early warning of potential threats.

What sets ARDRONIS apart is its ability to detect frequency-hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) signals, as well as analog and digital video signals. This allows for a quick and effective response, giving operators a strategic advantage in preventing drone-based incursions. The system’s weatherproof design and minimal maintenance requirements also ensure reliable performance in a variety of operational environments.

Command and Control Excellence with ELYSION C4I

ESG provides the backbone of GUARDION’s command and control capabilities through its ELYSION C4I software. The intuitive, user-friendly interface integrates a range of sensors and effectors, allowing operators to manage complex drone defense operations with minimal training. The system’s powerful data fusion capabilities enhance situational awareness by combining information from multiple sensors to create a clear, cohesive operational picture.

One of the standout features of the ELYSION C4I system is its ability to prioritize multiple threats in real-time, automatically aligning appropriate countermeasures to the most pressing dangers. This high level of automation reduces operator workload, enabling more efficient threat management. The software’s plug-and-play compatibility ensures seamless integration with new sensors and effectors, making it a future-proof solution that can evolve alongside the changing landscape of drone threats.

Comprehensive Service and Support

The commitment to excellence of the three companies extends beyond their technological solutions. The GUARDION collaboration provides full lifecycle support to its customers, from initial consultation and system integration to ongoing maintenance and after-sales service. As a result, clients can rely on GUARDION for cutting-edge technology and continuous support and training throughout the system’s operational life.

For military and civilian users alike, the level of service translates into peace of mind. The companies’ dedication to scenario assessment, system configuration, and logistical support ensures that clients are fully prepared to address the challenges posed by drone threats, both today and in the future.

GUARDION’s success in the field is evidenced by its use in high-profile deployments, such as the German military’s ASUL C-sUAS system. Designed to operate around the clock in all weather conditions, the container-based system has been crucial in detecting and neutralizing drone threats in overseas deployments. The ASUL system demonstrates the effectiveness of GUARDION’s approach to C-UAS through its modular design, quick deployment time, and advanced sensor integration.

The recent completion of the GUARDION for Ground-Based Air Defence (GBAD) system further highlights GUARDION’s versatility. The system, which includes military trucks equipped with HPEM SkyWolf effectors, radar, and C2 capabilities, is designed to protect high-value military targets in the field, particularly in the context of ground-based air defense operations.