Inside the Anti‑Drone Shield Stopping UAVs Cold: How Dedrone’s AI, RF Sensors & Smart Jammers Secure Skies—from Stadiums to Battlefields”

• Who/what: Dedrone—now Dedrone by Axon—is a counter‑UAS (C‑UAS) platform combining AI/ML command‑and‑control software (DedroneTracker.AI) with RF sensors and optional mitigation (e.g., DedroneDefender smart jammers). Axon agreed to acquire Dedrone in May 2024 and closed the deal in October 2024. Axon IR
• Core tech: Multi‑sensor fusion (RF, radar, video, acoustics), dedroneDNA signature library (>200 drone types) and Remote ID ingestion to detect, track, identify & localize drones and often their pilots. dedrone.com
• Flagship RF sensor (RF‑360) top specs: typical range ~2 km (LoS) / up to 5 km ideal; AoA direction finding; IP65; 24 W typical power; integrated LTE/GPS; cloud or on‑prem updates. l.dedrone.com
• Handheld mitigation: DedroneDefender (~7.5 lb, 22 in), narrow‑band “comb” jamming; DedroneDefender 2 adds AI‑guided, 20° precision cone, >300 m beyond‑visual‑range targeting, broader RF & GNSS jamming. (Use only where lawful.) dedrone.com
• Rapid/mobile kits: DedronePortable (set up in 2–5 min; 3.3 m or 9.14 m mast; offline/Starlink capable); DedroneRapidResponse (trailer, <20‑min setup, self‑powered); DedroneOnTheMove (vehicle‑mounted, 2.5° targeting accuracy, MIL‑STD power & ruggedization). dedrone.com
• Trust & approvals: DHS SAFETY Act Designation through April 2029; UK CPNI/NPSA‑rated product history. safetyact.gov
• Where used: Airports (FAA trials), prisons, critical infrastructure, public safety, military; 950+ sites claimed; deployments now under Axon umbrella. dedrone.com,
• Legal note: Jamming/spoofing are generally illegal for non‑federal users in the U.S.; allowable authorities are limited (e.g., DHS/DOJ/DOD/DOE). Federal Communications Commission

1) What Dedrone is—and what changed under Axon

Dedrone is an AI/ML‑driven airspace security stack: a software brain (DedroneTracker.AI) fusing RF, radar, video and acoustic feeds, and a hardware layer of proprietary RF sensors and optional effectors, to deliver detection, tracking, identification and (where authorized) mitigation. In 2024 Axon announced, then completed, its acquisition of Dedrone—folding the platform into Axon’s public‑safety ecosystem. As Axon CEO Rick Smith put it, “By combining Axon’s 30‑year legacy of innovation with Dedrone’s cutting‑edge airspace security solutions, we aim to revolutionize public safety once again.” dedrone.com

2) How the technology works (software‑first)

DedroneTracker.AI is the C2 “single pane of glass.” It ingests multi‑sensor inputs, correlates them with dedroneDNA (Dedrone’s drone‑protocol/model library), and outputs a fused track for both drone and pilot locations. It performs risk scoring, autonomous background interrogation, and operates in cloud or on‑prem deployments—supporting Remote ID standards (US/EU/JP). It also exposes integrations to 30+ third‑party sensors/effectors (radars, PTZ cameras, jammers, kinetic). dedrone.com

Signature & ML: Dedrone’s dedroneDNA library is updated at least quarterly (faster when needed) and can add a new drone in roughly two weeks. Recent materials cite coverage of 200+ drone types including FPV and DIY models; the engine fuses library‑based and non‑library detection to keep up with modifications. dedrone.com

Remote ID: Tracker ingests Remote ID broadcasts—serial/session IDs, aircraft and pilot position—so authorized operators can correlate compliant flights and focus on non‑compliant/hostile tracks. dedrone.com

Expert view: Security Journal Americas noted that DedroneSensors, backed by the DedroneDNA library, “can detect the largest variety of drones… and the library is continuously updated.” Security Journal Americas

3) The RF sensors (detection & geolocation)

Dedrone’s current flagship RF node, RF‑360, provides passive omnidirectional RF detection with Angle‑of‑Arrival (AoA) direction finding; two or more nodes network to geolocate both the aircraft and often its remote control. Specs at a glance are below; notable are the IP65 enclosure, integrated LTE/GPS (cloud‑ready), and 24 W typical draw. l.dedrone.com

Earlier sensors like RF‑160/RF‑300 remain documented and help illustrate performance tiers and evolution of the platform. Website Files

4) Mitigation options (where lawful)

Dedrone offers precision RF jamming through its DedroneDefender family, integrated to the C2 layer so targets are prioritized and hand‑off is guided. The original DedroneDefender weighed ~7.5 lb with a 22 in form factor and narrow‑band “comb” jamming to minimize collateral interference; a Pan‑Tilt‑Jammer automation mode was announced for pairing with Tracker. DedroneDefender 2 adds AI‑guided autonomous jamming, a 20° targeting cone and broad‑spectrum + GNSS jamming for multi‑drone incidents—extending effective targeting beyond 300 m (even if the operator cannot see the drone). dedrone.com

CEO quote: “DedroneDefender… is a vital tool in a layered defense approach.” —Aaditya Devarakonda. dedrone.com

Legal reality: In the U.S., jammers are illegal for the public and local agencies; technical mitigation (RF/GNSS jamming, spoofing, kinetic) is typically limited to specific federal authorities. Always check your jurisdiction. Federal Communications Commission

5) Fieldable kits & mobility

• DedronePortable – All‑in‑one kit in rugged cases; 2–5 min (1–2 persons) to deploy the basic configuration; mast options 3.3 m or 9.14 m; offline or Starlink connectivity; Li‑ion NMC with ~7.5 h charge time; operating temp −10 to 40 °C. Weight varies by configuration (datasheet lists ~31.5–40.5 kg per major case). Sandstorm Defence Solutions
• DedroneRapidResponse – Mobile trailer with <20 min setup, self‑contained generator, and multi‑sensor stack (RF/radar/optical) networkable across multiple trailers for events. dedrone.com
• DedroneOnTheMove (OTM) – Vehicle‑mounted C‑UAS for DTI‑M on the move; 2.5° targeting accuracy cited; MIL‑STD‑1275 power compatibility and MIL‑STD‑810H ruggedization; integrates DedroneDefender as optional effector. dedrone.com

Public‑safety quote: “The CUAS technology was a force multiplier [at Super Bowl LIX]…” —Louisiana State Police (as quoted by Dedrone). dedrone.com

6) Parameters & technical data (publicly released)

DedroneTracker.AI (software/C2)

• Inputs: RF, radar, video, acoustics; sensor‑fusion with autonomous interrogation & risk‑prioritization; operates cloud or on‑prem. dedrone.com
• Integrations: 30+ third‑party sensors/effectors (radars, cameras, jammers, takeover, kinetic). dedrone.com
• Remote ID: US/EU/JP support; merges Remote ID with non‑Remote ID detections. dedrone.com
• Signature library: dedroneDNA (>200 drone types; quarterly+ updates). Security Journal Americas

RF‑360 (DedroneSensor) — datasheet highlights

• Range (LoS): ~2.0 km typical for most drones; up to 5.0 km ideal (specific drones).
• Localization: AoA (Angle‑of‑Arrival) direction finding; multi‑sensor geolocation of drone and remote.
• Enclosure: IP65; 12″ × 12″ × 15.96″ (300 × 300 × 405 mm); 7.0 kg.
• Power: 24 W typical; PoE (802.3bt 60 W) or AC 100–240 V; integrated LTE & GPS.
• Ops: Cloud‑ready; updates (firmware & dedroneDNA) via Tracker instance. l.dedrone.com

RF‑160 (DedroneSensor) — datasheet highlights

• Range (LoS): ~1.6 km typical; up to 5.0 km ideal.
• Function: Passive RF detection/classification (omnidirectional).
• Enclosure/size/weight: IP65; 300 × 300 × 405 mm; 6.8 kg. Website Files

DedroneDefender (handheld mitigation)

• Form factor: ~7.5 lb, 22 in; narrow‑band precision “comb” jamming; MIL‑STD‑810H.
• Automation: Pan‑Tilt‑Jammer option via Tracker (announced).
• Fielded units: 700+ precision jammers (DroneDefender) noted in 2022 release. dedrone.com

DedroneDefender 2 (smart jammer)

• Targeting: AI‑guided; 20° cone; effective even >300 m when the drone is barely or not visible.
• Effects: Broad‑spectrum + GNSS jamming; increased power output; multi‑band custom antenna. dedrone.com

DedronePortable (rapid field kit)

• Deployment: 2–5 min quick‑setup; also 15–18 min configuration in some kits.
• Masts: 3.3 m or 9.14 m.
• Connectivity: Offline or Starlink capable; supports RF‑only or RF+camera+radar.
• Batteries: Li‑ion NMC; ~7.5 h charge; operating −10 to 40 °C.
• Weights: Major case weights ~31.5–40.5 kg depending on configuration. Sandstorm Defence Solutions

DedroneRapidResponse (mobile trailer)

• Setup: <20 min; self‑contained generator; multi‑sensor; scalable via networked trailers. dedrone.com

DedroneOnTheMove (vehicle‑mounted)

• Accuracy: 2.5° targeting; 360° awareness; MIL‑STD‑1275 power; MIL‑STD‑810H ruggedization. dedrone.com

Approvals & certifications

• DHS SAFETY Act (Designation): Approved April 16, 2024; expires April 30, 2029 (covers Tracker.AI and DedroneSensor RF). safetyact.gov
• UK CPNI/NPSA: Dedrone platform achieved CPNI approval (2019; renewed in 2021). dedrone.com

Regulatory caution (U.S.): “Technical methods, such as RF or GPS jamming… are likely not legal for any entity other than DHS, DOJ, DOD or DOE to conduct.” (DHS C‑UAS Tech Guide) U.S. Department of Homeland Security

7) Typical applications & deployment patterns

• Airports: Dedrone has participated in FAA airport counter‑UAS trials (multi‑airport test program) to evaluate detection/mitigation impacts within controlled airspace. Patterns: fixed RF‑360 network, low‑SWaP radars for non‑emitting targets, PTZ for visual confirmation, plus SOP‑driven alerting into the Airport Certification Manual’s UAS response plan. dedrone.com
• Corrections (prisons): RF detection and pilot localization combat contraband drops. Dedrone cites multi‑site DOC deployments and case studies (e.g., JVA Halle, Germany). NIJ emphasizes multilayer sensor fusion in corrections contexts. dedrone.com
• Critical infrastructure & utilities: Networked RF‑360s with radar/PTZ overlays deliver early warning and forensics for sites facing espionage/flight disruptions. (Dedrone customer stats show hundreds of critical‑infrastructure installs.) dedrone.com
• Large events & public safety: RapidResponse trailers or Portable kits provide fast, generator‑backed coverage; integration with Axon’s ecosystem supports broader incident response. dedrone.com
• Military & expeditionary: Tactical kits and OnTheMove deliver DTI‑M in austere environments—vehicle‑mounted sensors, rugged power, and Defender for authorized mitigation. dedrone.com
• City‑wide awareness: DedroneCity offers zero‑install airspace awareness as a service; Dedrone’s public Drone Violations Database leverages a broad detection network to visualize trends. dedrone.com
• BVLOS / DFR (Drone‑as‑First‑Responder): DedroneBeyond supports ground‑based detect‑and‑avoid and has been used to secure 24/7 DFR waivers (e.g., Campbell Police) and tested toward ASTM‑aligned validation. dedrone.com

8) Integration ecosystem

Tracker.AI is hardware‑agnostic. Dedrone highlights 30+ integrations across radar (e.g., Echodyne, Robin Radar), optics (PTZ/thermal), acoustic arrays, and effectors (jammer, takeover, kinetic). This lets operators tailor layered defenses and maintain a standard UI/forensic workflow. dedrone.com

9) Expert & customer perspectives (selected)

• Rick Smith (Axon): “By combining Axon’s 30‑year legacy… we aim to revolutionize public safety once again.” Axon IR
• Aaditya Devarakonda (Dedrone): “DedroneDefender… is a vital tool in a layered defense approach.” dedrone.com
• Security Journal Americas: DedroneSensors, informed by dedroneDNA, detect the largest variety of drones and identify 200+ types. Security Journal Americas
• Louisiana State Police (event security): Dedrone CUAS was a “force multiplier” at Super Bowl LIX. dedrone.com

Procurement & compliance notes

• In the U.S., most mitigation actions (jamming, spoofing, kinetic defeat) are restricted to federal authorities or specific delegated programs. Civilian entities generally deploy detection/alerting; any mitigation must be coordinated with appropriate federal partners. Refer to FCC enforcement and DHS C‑UAS Tech Guide. Federal Communications Commission
• Dedrone’s platform has DHS SAFETY Act Designation (liability protections; credibility through federal evaluation) and a UK CPNI/NPSA history—often a prerequisite for critical sites. safetyact.gov

Source‑backed specification tables

A) Dedrone RF‑360 sensor (current flagship)

B) Dedrone RF‑160 sensor (earlier model)

Data source: RF‑160 datasheet.

C) Handheld mitigation

D) Rapid / mobile kits

Real‑world deployments & momentum

• FAA research: Dedrone participated in multi‑airport trials on detection/mitigation impacts and operational safety. dedrone.com
• Corrections: Case studies and independent reporting show contraband‑drone incidents surging; DOCs deploy RF networks to deter and prosecute. dedrone.com
• Large events: Networked trailers and portable kits protect VIP events and mass gatherings, with public‑safety agencies citing force‑multiplier effects. dedrone.com
• City‑scale data: Dedrone’s Drone Violations Database aggregates detections across a broad network to surface trends for public‑safety planning. Police1

Why it matters

Civilian drones are evolving fast—FPV, DIY and modified links can elude single‑sensor systems. Dedrone’s approach—AI‑fused detection + a frequently updated signature library + lawful mitigation options—delivers the layered defense experts recommend for airports, prisons, critical sites, events and military users. Security Journal Americas

Disclosures & limits

• Specifications above reflect publicly released datasheets and product pages; some performance parameters vary by region, frequency approvals and configuration. Always consult the manufacturer for the exact bill‑of‑materials and compliance requirements for your jurisdiction. l.dedrone.com
• Mitigation (jamming/spoofing/kinetic) remains tightly regulated. Plan deployments with counsel and relevant federal authorities. Federal Communications Commission+1

References / Further reading

• DedroneTracker.AI product overview and integrations. dedrone.com
• RF‑360 official datasheet (specs). l.dedrone.com
• RF‑160 official datasheet (specs). Website Files
• DedroneDefender (2022) press release (weight, jamming mode, MIL‑STD). dedrone.com
• DedroneDefender 2 solution page (20° cone, >300 m, GNSS jamming). dedrone.com
• DedronePortable datasheet (setup times, masts, temps, connectivity). Sandstorm Defence Solutions
• RapidResponse and OnTheMove solution pages (setup times, MIL‑STDs, accuracy). dedrone.com
• Dedrone acquisition by Axon (announcement & completion). Axon IR
• DHS SAFETY Act Designation listing (April 2024–April 2029). safetyact.gov
• UK CPNI/NPSA approvals (2019; 2021). dedrone.com
• FAA airport C‑UAS trials and guidance. dedrone.com
• Legal constraints on jamming (FCC; DHS tech guide). Federal Communications Commission