Safeguarding the Skies with AI-Powered Anti-Drone Technology

In an era where the proliferation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) presents both unprecedented opportunities and complex security challenges, Advanced Protection Systems (APS) has emerged as a vanguard in the field of counter-drone technology. Based in Gdynia, Poland, APS is a rapidly growing company dedicated to designing, manufacturing, and deploying state-of-the-art perimeter security systems that integrate cutting-edge science, military-grade quality, and artificial intelligence to protect critical infrastructure, military assets, and human lives.

From Garage to Global Leader

Founded in 2015 by scientists Dr. Maciej Klemm and Dr. Radosław Piesiewicz, APS began its journey with an ambitious vision to protect airspace. What started “in a garage at the very beginning,” as the company’s career page highlights, has evolved into a sophisticated enterprise with its own production department, delivering solutions that have proven their superiority in head-to-head competitions against other systems. This rapid ascent underscores the founders’ deep expertise and the team’s commitment to continuous development. The company’s “About Us” section emphasizes its global reach, with offices in Poland, the United States, and the United Kingdom, and a continually expanding network of distribution partners, ensuring their products are accessible worldwide.

APS is driven by a clear mission: “to protect, not attack.” They firmly position themselves within the defense industry, acknowledging the ubiquitous nature of drones and the dual-use challenge they pose. While drones offer practical applications, in the wrong hands, they can endanger property and lives. APS’s strategy is to adapt and mitigate these risks by providing robust anti-drone solutions. Their team, comprising scientists, engineers, ex-servicemen, and support professionals, is passionate about creating high-end electronic products that stem from extensive knowledge, experience, and continuous research and development.

Core Technologies: SKYctrl and FIELDctrl

At the heart of APS’s product portfolio are two primary lines of advanced electronic products: the SKYctrl modular anti-drone system and the FIELDctrl family of 3D MIMO radars. These solutions form the backbone of their comprehensive counter-UAS capabilities.

The SKYctrl system is a top-class comprehensive solution for the detection, tracking, and neutralization of small aerial vehicles. It is designed to be highly modular and fully configurable, making it adaptable to diverse operational environments. Key features of SKYctrl, as detailed on APS’s website, include:

• Precise Detection: Utilizing 3D MIMO radars (like those in the FIELDctrl family), visual sensors, and Wi-Fi sensors, the system ensures accurate and real-time detection.
• Accurate Tracking: It can simultaneously track multiple targets, effectively differentiate between birds and drones, and report the exact 3D position of an object in real-time.
• Instant Classification: Employing advanced artificial intelligence, machine learning, and deep learning algorithms, SKYctrl can classify all flying objects, providing a clear airspace picture even when a flock of birds mixes with a swarm of drones.
• Effective Neutralization: The system integrates proprietary jammers capable of reactive, barrage, sweep, and hybrid jamming across 20 frequency bands, including ISM, VHF, UHF, GSM, UMTS, LTE, GNSS, and WiFi. It also allows for the integration of hard-kill solutions where appropriate.
• Versatility: Available in stationary, portable, and mobile versions, SKYctrl can be deployed to protect a wide range of assets, from critical infrastructure and military installations to public events, airports, and prisons.

The FIELDctrl 3D MIMO radars are a core component of the SKYctrl system. These radars provide high-resolution, multi-target detection and tracking capabilities, even for micro-UAVs with small radar cross-sections. They are essential for providing the precise spatial awareness needed for effective counter-drone operations. APS independently designs, manufactures, and implements all components of its systems, including antennas, electronics, mechatronics, and software, ensuring a tightly integrated and optimized solution.

Battle-Proven Effectiveness: The Ukrainian Experience

A testament to the efficacy of APS’s systems is their proven performance in real-world combat scenarios. The company’s anti-drone systems, particularly SKYctrl, have been extensively tested and implemented by the Polish and Ukrainian Armed Forces. According to Militarnyi, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have consistently confirmed the system’s effectiveness, with one commander stating, “So far, this is the best system I and other units have seen and experienced… Its range corresponds to the specification and is even greater, depending on the flight altitude of the UAV. It even sees birds, but does not neutralize them because it automatically distinguishes them from the drones.” This battlefield validation underscores the reliability and advanced capabilities of APS’s technology in demanding environments.

Strategic Partnerships and Global Reach

APS has actively forged strategic partnerships and expanded its global footprint. They have deployments in numerous NATO countries, including Poland, the UK, Norway, the Czech Republic, Finland, and Estonia, as well as in other key nations like Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Malaysia, and South Korea. Their collaborations extend to protecting major civilian assets and events, such as the Saudi Telecom Company, Avinor Stavanger Airport in Norway, and high-profile events like LOTOS Gdynia Aerobaltic and the BNP Paribas Poland Open.

In a recent significant development, Lithuania selected APS to provide anti-drone systems for the protection of its strategic energy objects. The Lithuanian Ministry of National Defence noted that the F-PACE system (a variant of the SKYctrl capabilities as mentioned in the news) from APS was chosen after a comprehensive evaluation of proposals from multiple suppliers. This €14 million contract further solidifies APS’s position as a trusted provider of critical defense technology within Europe.

APS also engages in partnerships to further innovate. For instance, they have integrated Ukrainian acoustic sensors into their anti-drone systems, as reported by Militarnyi, demonstrating a collaborative approach to enhancing their technological stack and leveraging specialized expertise from other developers. The company is actively seeking various types of partners, including business implementers, radar/software solution providers, and those with expertise in military procurement or civilian market access, to further deploy their solutions globally.

Innovation Trajectory: The Drone Interceptor Project

Looking to the future, APS is not resting on its laurels. The company is actively engaged in developing next-generation solutions, including a Drone Interceptor Project. This new initiative focuses on creating a physical interception drone designed to counter various airborne threats. Such interceptor drones, controlled by FIELDctrl radars in combination with advanced video tracking technology, can operate in groups, exchanging data to distribute targets and neutralize swarms of hostile drones. This capability represents a significant leap towards more dynamic and comprehensive anti-drone defense, offering a cost-effective addition to the existing neutralization tools within the SKYctrl system, as described by Militarnyi.

APS’s growth has been fueled by a combination of in-house R&D, a dedicated team of over 170 experts, and strategic funding. Tracxn notes that APS has raised funding from investors like Enterprise Investors and Leonarto. This financial backing enables their continuous innovation and allows them to maintain a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving market.

Advanced Protection Systems stands as a testament to the power of specialized technological expertise applied to critical defense needs. By focusing on robust, AI-powered anti-drone solutions, validated by real-world operational success, APS is not only safeguarding airspace but also contributing significantly to the resilience and security of nations and their vital infrastructure in a drone-filled world.