C-UAS in the Protection of Critical Infrastructures

Democratic societies base their socioeconomic activities on a series of so-called critical infrastructuresCritical infrastructure, which in the event of a catastrophic failure can make it unviable to live in cities. These infrastructures are often located in remote places and without any specific protection, turning them vulnerable to attacks. Currently, drones, although showing great applicability in civilian operations, also present a technological option not only for armed forces but also for terrorism and smuggling. Low-cost drones can load several kilograms of explosives and act as a loitering munitionLoitering munition against critical infrastructureCritical infrastructure, making it relatively easy for a terrorist organization to carry out this type of action. This danger makes it necessary to develop defense systems such as the so-called Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS)C-UAS, which can detect and identify an aerial threat, and then decide the type of interception (soft or hard kill). This work develops a review of the different C-UASC-UAS technologies on the market, their strengths, weaknesses, and main operational capacities. It is also intended to serve as a promoter of the technological opportunity that is opening up for companies developing this type of technology.