Drone that detects chemical, nuclear threats in 40 mins developed in Austria

In a landmark achievement to strengthen European security, Austrian communication and information systems developer Frequentis has announced the completion of its drone-based chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) Reconnaissance and Surveillance System (RSS).

Frequentis has developed this advanced CBRN reconnaissance system for the European Defence Agency as a part of its European Defence Industrial Development Programme.

According to a press release by Frequentis on July 16, sensor and uncrewed systems utilized in the CBRN-RSS will speed up analysis, revolutionizing CBRN defense and cutting response times.

Frequentis said the European Union co-funded the project to develop a drone-based CBRN-RSS.

Data fusion cell

The adoption of state-of-the-art technologies, including drones equipped with CBRN-detecting sensors and uncrewed robotic vehicles, heralds a new era for detecting CBRN elements.

Previously, CBRN elements were detected using handheld or vehicle-mounted sensors, which meant the crew could be exposed to hazardous materials.

However, this new uncrewed CBRN-detecting drone by Frequentis can mitigate such risks.

In response to evolving CBRN threats, Frequentis has developed an innovative data fusion cell (DFC) that serves as a centralized hub for integrating information from various sources, including sensors and drones.

This information enables comprehensive analysis of hazardous substance detection and rapid decision-making.

Reduced detection time

The pairing of sensors and drones swiftly detect and assess CBRN substances, mitigating risks to human personnel.

By leveraging data fusion and real-time analysis, commanders can gain critical insights to make informed decisions and ensure the safety of both military personnel and civilians.

“Normally, it would take us two hours to achieve this result. With the use of these modern technologies, we can reduce this time to 40 to 45 minutes, and we don’t have to bring soldiers directly to the source of danger, as this is taken over by robots and drones,” Colonel Schlechter, Commander of the CBRN Defence Center/Austria (ÖBH), said .

The DFC has transformed CBRN defense in Europe, empowering military personnel with real-time intelligence to respond swiftly and effectively to emerging threats, Peter Skiczuk, Frequentis Vice President, said.

According to Frequentis, the future phases of the CBRN RSS will focus on readiness for its full military deployment, ensuring continued security for European nations.

An important technology

There is an ever-increasing threat of CBRN warfare by state adversaries as well as non-state actors.

To counter such hazards, the governments and military institutions around the world are working on integrating unmanned assets with sensors to limit first responder’s exposure to toxic and harmful agents.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said in early 2024 that unmanned systems integrated with a sensor payload can provide a remote CBRN detection capability in hard-to-reach or potentially hazardous environments.

Integrating CBRN sensors and drones can provide the ability to remotely detect, identify, monitor, and provide important information on hazardous substances found in emergency scenarios.

They can be used to survey areas for radiation levels, enter burning buildings releasing hazardous gases, monitor toxic chemicals, and search for and locate a threat.

Integrated CBRN payloads on unmanned systems can transmit real-time information or collect air samples via probes for laboratory analysis.

The technology can be used in missions to discover a hazard before it becomes dangerous or to measure and monitor hazards after a dangerous event.