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09 22 2023

NATO tests counter drone technology during interoperability exercise


From 12 to 22 September 2023, over 300 participants from 15 Allied and three partner nations, the European Union and the private sector gathered in the Netherlands to increase their ability to counter potential threats posed by the malign use of small drones.


NATO's Counter Unmanned Aircraft System Technical Interoperability Exercise (C-UAS TIE23) brought together military, scientific and industry specialists to test high-tech commercial solutions used to detect, identify, and neutralize drones. Some 70 systems and technologies such as sensors, effectors, jammers and live threat drones were tested live. The aim was to ensure that these high-tech solutions can connect instantly and operate together seamlessly.

The exercise was organized by the NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCI Agency) and hosted by the C-UAS Joint Nucleus within the Dutch Ministry of Defence.

NATO tests counter drone technology during interoperability exercise

The results of these tests will help NATO identify optimal C-UAS architectures, common requirements, and technical interoperability standards to adopt going forward in support to the air security of Allied and Partner Nations.

Throughout the exercise, NCI Agency experts also deployed two in-house-developed prototypes: ARTEMIS* and DroIDs (Drone Identification System). These prototypes are essential tools that help NATO procure counter-drone capabilities, understand the technology being used in the market and support NATO's evolving airspace defence requirements.

The misuse of small and widely available drones has grown exponentially, representing a significant and growing risk to NATO's operations and defence activities. By constantly improving the interoperability of the counter-drone systems in use, Allies enhance their air defence and support the collective deterrence and defence of the Alliance.