Anti Drone Technology
Australia has become an important player in the counter-drone field through the work of DroneShield, a defence technology firm based in Sydney. Its handheld anti-drone systems are designed with military and security environments in mind, where hostile or unauthorised drones can pose serious risks to troops, bases, vehicles, and critical operations.
Modern military drones are no longer just simple surveillance tools. They are increasingly used for reconnaissance, targeting, electronic warfare, and direct attack. This has driven demand for systems that can stop or neutralise them without relying solely on missiles or gunfire. DroneShield’s handheld “DroneGun” systems are part of this non-kinetic approach, aiming to counter drones through electronic means rather than physical destruction.
These systems are designed to affect the electronic links that military drones depend on to operate. At a high level, the concept is to deny the drone reliable control or navigation, making it unable to continue its mission. When this happens, the drone may lose effectiveness, be forced out of the area, or trigger internal safety or contingency behaviours, depending on how it has been built and configured. In military settings, even temporarily disrupting a drone at the right moment can be enough to protect forces or sensitive equipment.
The appeal of this approach for armed forces lies in its flexibility. A handheld system allows soldiers or security teams to respond quickly to a drone threat without calling in heavier weapons. It can be used in environments where firing missiles or guns would be impractical or dangerous, such as near friendly forces, vehicles, or infrastructure. It also avoids the risk of debris falling from the sky, which can be a serious concern during operations close to populated areas or allied units.
DroneShield’s military-focused designs emphasise rugged construction, portability, and ease of deployment. They are intended to be used as part of a broader counter-drone strategy that may include detection sensors, radar, cameras, and command systems. In this context, the handheld device is one layer in a larger defensive shield rather than a single solution.
