Methodological Approach for the Development of Standard C-UAS Scenarios

Abstract

The integration of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly referred to as drones, into various sectors including agriculture, healthcare, and military operations has transformed industries and services. While drones offer numerous benefits, they have also been exploited by terrorists and criminals for illicit activities, such as smuggling and surveillance. Incidents involving drones flying over restricted airspaces or sensitive locations have highlighted the vulnerabilities of critical infrastructure and limitations of current law enforcement capabilities. To address these challenges, there is a growing need for effective counter-UAS (C-UAS) systems including detection, tracking, and identification technologies. However, evaluating the capabilities of these systems poses a significant challenge, leading to the demand for standardized test methodologies. The COURAGEOUS project seeks to fill this gap by developing standardized scenarios covering various use cases, such as airport security, critical infrastructure protection, and border security. These scenarios are informed by a systematic approach involving a literature review, analysis of previous incidents, assessment of current C-UAS frameworks, and gathering feedback from end users. The resulting standardized test methodology aims to enhance the understanding of C-UAS system capabilities, improve preparedness against evolving threats, and facilitate the global dissemination of project results. Through validation trials and feedback from law enforcement agencies, the COURAGEOUS project strives to contribute to a broader network of counter-UAS initiatives, ultimately enhancing the lower airspace security.