Leonardo has delivered the first of four complete anti-drone systems to the Royal Air Force, in support of the next phase of the “Counter-Unmanned Aerial System” (C-UAS) research and development program. The ORCUS system is playing a key role in the intense test and evaluation campaign, which will improve the British Armed Force's understanding of how to best employ this type of technology in response to threats posed by hostile drones.
The RAF will also use ORCUS to modernize national capabilities, so as to be able to intervene quickly in every point of the country to support the emergency services in the event of accidents caused by remotely piloted systems.
The threat posed by hostile drones is considered very seriously by the Ministry of Defense, therefore the C-UAS study program, managed by the Defense Equipment & Support Future Capability Group, is considered of great importance for the security of the nation. Leonardo is working hard to ensure continuity to the program, despite the interruption caused by the pandemic.
The modular system provided by Leonardo for the study phase will allow the RAF to evaluate a wide range of capabilities, including advanced radar, electro-optical and radio frequency sensors, as well as an electronic attack countermeasure. At a later stage, further equipment will be integrated to be tested and evaluated. Everywhere, RAF operators will be able to determine the best way to locate, track, identify and neutralize hostile drones. The research program will allow the development of the requirements for the acquisition by the RAF of an anti-drone capability, aimed at protecting UK air bases.
Elements of Leonardo's C-UAS have already been operated by the RAF Force Protection Force in 2018 and 2019, after the sighting of drones over Gatwick and Heathrow, allowing the two airports to resume operations. Leonardo offers the scalable and modular C-UAS system to international, civil and military customers. The company has contracts for C-UAS equipment with the Italian Army and the Italian Air Force and is in discussion with other potential customers around the world.