Rafael Advanced Defense Systems is enhancing its acclaimed Drone Dome system by incorporating advanced cyber technology from Sentrycs, according to a recent company announcement. The integration adds Sentrycs’ “Cyber-over-RF” capabilities to the Drone Dome, creating a more robust, multi-layered defense against the growing threat of unauthorized drones.

The press release mentioned that this collaboration introduces a critical intelligence layer to the Drone Dome’s architecture. Sentrycs’ technology operates on a protocol level, allowing the system to detect, track, and identify drones by analyzing their communication signals. This provides a significant advantage over traditional methods, enabling the system to distinguish between authorized and unauthorized aircraft, which in turn reduces the potential for false alarms.

A key benefit highlighted in the announcement is the ability to counter even RF-encrypted commercial drones. Once an unauthorized drone is detected, the newly integrated technology can take control of it. The statement detailed that this “takeover” capability allows operators to guide the rogue drone to a safe, predetermined landing zone without resorting to jamming or kinetic force, thereby preventing collateral damage and disruption to nearby communications. Furthermore, the system can pinpoint the drone’s location and, crucially, the real-time position of its operator.

Meir Avidan, Vice President of Business Development and Strategic Partnerships at Sentrycs, stated that the company is honored to cooperate with Rafael. “This collaboration offers unmatched precision, safety, and operational effectiveness against evolving drone threats,” Avidan noted in the release. He added that Sentrycs is continuing its mission to facilitate smarter and more secure airspace management.

Rafael’s Drone Dome is described as a combat-proven counter-drone platform already in operational use worldwide, featuring a suite of sensors like radar and electro-optics. A high-ranking representative from Rafael, identified as Col. (Res.) Yossi Margalit, Vice President and Director of C-UAS systems, mentioned that the system’s open architecture is designed for this type of enhancement. “Partnering with companies like Sentrycs enhances Drone Dome’s synergistic value and resilience in a highly competitive market,” he commented, welcoming the new collaboration.