Metis Aerospace, a specialist in advanced radio frequency (RF) threat detection, has announced it has been awarded a contract to supply its Skyperion drone detection systems to a NATO member nation. This agreement will see the Skyperion systems integrated into the customer’s existing counter-uncrewed aerial system (C-UAS) capabilities, reinforcing defenses against unauthorized drone activity.
According to a company statement, this procurement marks the fourth NATO nation to acquire the Skyperion system, highlighting its increasing adoption within the alliance. Metis Aerospace indicated that over 80 Skyperion units are currently operational with NATO partners or deployed globally to support national security interests.
The Skyperion system, as described by Metis Aerospace, is designed to capture and analyze RF emissions across a broad spectrum. It filters out background interference and known signals, then rapidly processes the data to identify and pinpoint potential drone threats. A key feature mentioned by the company is its integration of an artificial intelligence-enhanced waveform analysis algorithm with a more conventional library database, enabling a self-learning and comprehensive RF detection capability.
The system is reportedly capable of detecting a drone’s signature up to 2.5 kilometers away and, depending on environmental factors and the specific target, can identify a rogue drone at distances of up to 10 kilometers. For this particular contract, the Skyperion systems will be deployed in a fixed-site capacity. However, Metis Aerospace also offers a ruggedized version for mobile operations, designed to withstand challenging conditions.
Tony Burnell, CEO of Metis Aerospace, expressed pride in the company’s unique RF detection capabilities. He remarked on the system’s proven ability to detect RF signatures beyond those of competitors, demonstrated consistently in operational scenarios and various trials. Burnell further conveyed the company’s satisfaction in being selected by a major prime contractor to deliver this crucial drone detection function, emphasizing their commitment to bolstering the security of a NATO partner. He also hinted at the broader utility of Metis’s diverse capabilities beyond drone detection, noting their open architecture approach positions them as a preferred provider for RF detection across global defense and government organizations.
