Drone defence: Rheinmetall and Telekom join forces

The geopolitical situation calls for enhanced measures to protect critical infrastructure. Rheinmetall and Deutsche Telekom are pooling their expertise to develop a comprehensive defence system against drones and sabotage. The aim is a multi-threat protection approach that combines cyber security with physical protection. The two companies agreed on this  in the run-up to the AFCEA trade exhibition in Bonn. 

The increasing threat posed by drone flights and acts of sabotage presents a growing challenge to the security of critical infrastructure. The cooperation between Rheinmetall and Deutsche Telekom underscores the growing importance of integrated drone defence systems. 

These sectors benefit from drone defence

For the drone industry, this means increased demand for technologies that enable both the detection and defence against unmanned systems. The partnership addresses the complex challenges arising from the increasing use of drones for civilian and potentially hostile purposes. The development of a multi-threat protection approach that combines cyber security and physical protection highlights the need for holistic solutions. This opens up new business opportunities for companies offering innovative technologies in the fields of sensor technology, effectors and secure communication networks.

Telekom, a system partner for drone security since 2017, relies on a mix of various sensors, including video, audio, radio frequency (RF) and Remote ID sensors, as well as drone radar. Passive RF detection in particular, which makes over 90 per cent of drones in lower airspace visible, has proven its worth in customer projects. Rheinmetall brings its expertise in air defence systems and autonomous systems to the table. The partnership aims to integrate and further develop these capabilities in order to respond to a wide range of potential threats.

How 5G-controlled drones can be detected

Drones controlled via mobile networks present a new challenge. Together with Helmut Schmidt University/University of the Federal Armed Forces in Hamburg, Deutsche Telekom is researching how mobile networks themselves can act as sensors to detect such drones. This is achieved by detecting changes in data traffic that indicate the control or communication of drones.

The cooperation between Rheinmetall and Deutsche Telekom underscores the growing importance of integrated drone defence systems. For the drone industry, this means increased demand for technologies that enable both the detection and defence against unmanned systems. The partnership addresses the complex challenges arising from the increasing use of drones for civilian and potentially hostile purposes. The development of a multi-threat protection approach that combines cyber security and physical protection highlights the need for holistic solutions. This opens up new business opportunities for companies offering innovative technologies in the fields of sensor technology, effectors and secure communication networks.