Utilizing Israeli Drone Technology to Unravel US Mystery Sightings and Enhance Airspace Security

The increase in reports of unidentified flying objects along the East Coast — including over nuclear facilities and the U.S. Capitol — has alarmed residents, exasperated local authorities, and raised significant national security issues.

Although these aerial entities may turn out to be innocuous, their enigmatic origins and unexplained nighttime appearances highlight the escalating risk posed by unmanned aerial systems (UAS).

As drone technology progresses faster than countermeasures, the United States must enhance its capabilities in detection, tracking, and mitigation, particularly around vital infrastructures and sensitive locations.

Surprisingly, some of the best solutions for this growing issue may stem from Israel, which has developed advanced technologies during its ongoing conflict.

Israel has consistently been a leader in counter-drone technology due to its specific security demands.

However, even the most advanced nations today face vulnerabilities that require continuous innovation.

On October 7, 2023, Hamas initiated its attack on southern Israel by utilizing inexpensive commercial drones to drop explosives on surveillance and communication infrastructure along the Gaza boundary.

Since that event, Israel has encountered a series of hostile drone infiltrations.

In July, Houthi operators in Yemen flew an Iranian-manufactured UAV over 1,200 miles, impacting a residential building near the U.S. embassy’s branch in Tel Aviv and resulting in the death of an Israeli civilian.

Shortly thereafter, Hezbollah released video footage captured by its surveillance drones of Ramat David Airbase, from which the group launched missiles in September and October.

Most recently, Hezbollah deployed a kamikaze drone targeting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s private residence.

In preparation for unmanned enemy threats, Israeli startups have developed systems aimed at detecting and neutralizing drones in real time.

These technologies have evolved over the past 14 months of defending Israeli airspace against UAS incursions from various regions including Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Yemen, Iraq, Syria, and Iran.

Uncontrolled drones frequently bypass conventional detection technologies.

Radar and camera systems function effectively in clear conditions and rural areas but experience significant performance issues in urban settings, non-line-of-sight situations, and adverse weather.

Additionally, these systems often produce a high false-alarm rate, mistakenly identifying birds and other objects as small drones.

Although radar can detect drones that transmit no electronic signals, its equipment is often cumbersome and costly, hindering widespread use.

R2 Wireless, a resilient Israeli startup spearheaded by electrical engineers, has developed advanced systems capable of passively detecting drone communication signals.

This scalable software solution allows operators to accurately locate drones in any environment under all conditions — and also identify their make, model, and operators.

R2 Wireless technology has been utilized in Israel to detect drone threats near borders, within cities, and above critical infrastructure, providing New York and New Jersey officials with a powerful tool to help solve their aerial enigma.

In the long term, R2’s technology offers a compelling strategic solution to be incorporated into America’s air defense systems, complementing existing radar, cameras, and other detection methods.

In fact, NATO recently invited R2 to join a multi-layered counter-UAS exercise alongside leading global defense companies. 

Among Israel’s more dramatic counter-drone innovations is Robotican’s Goshawk system, an aerial interceptor designed to seek out and neutralize enemy drones. 

The Goshawk utilizes an autonomous drone equipped with nets to capture drones midair, thus reducing collateral damage while allowing for the intercepted drone to be analyzed for intelligence purposes.

One concerning takeaway from the recent U.S. drone sightings is their apparent ability to fly without being tracked or controlled throughout our skies.

As the use of drones proliferates, the necessity for unmanned traffic management systems will become crucial.

Airwayz has engineered a platform capable of coordinating over 1,000 drones simultaneously within a complex environment.

This technology has been vital in managing Israel’s increasingly congested airspace amidst the conflict.

Not only does this platform organize drone traffic, but it can also anticipate flight paths and behaviors, providing early warnings of suspicious drone activities. 

Consequently, Israel’s ongoing conflict has become a testing ground for modern defense innovations, specifically in addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by drone warfare.

The unexplained drone sightings indicate a growing vulnerability.

The U.S. would be prudent to leverage Israel’s proven drone defense strategies to modernize the protection of American airspace and secure our communities. 

Aaron Kaplowitz serves as president of the United States–Israel Business Alliance, which connects Israeli technology solutions to challenges faced in the U.S.