A “dark drone” is an uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) that operates without detectable radio frequency (RF) emissions. The drone may be using RF emissions for remote operator control but the RF sensor may be unable to detect it for a number of reasons:
The RF signal is not in the library-based RF sensor being used
The RF signal is actively obscured or shielded
The RF signal may hop across frequencies
The RF signal is using a frequency outside the sensor’s detection range
The RF signal uses licensed spectrum, such as a mobile SIM, which cannot be lawfully detected
The RF signal uses an alternative communication medium, such as satellite or ad hoc 5G, that is outside the sensor’s range
The drone uses no RF signal, instead relying on GPS or Optical guidance
If the drone can be described in any of the categories above, it will be undetectable by RF sensors. These drones, also referred to as “silent drones,” are named for their ability to evade radio frequency sensor technologies that "listen" for signal emissions. Instead of relying on a piloted controller signal, dark drones navigate using onboard GPS waypoints or through navigation conducted over 4G or 5G cellular networks, bypassing monitored RF bands.
While the concept of dark drones is not new, advancements in drone technology have significantly increased their prevalence and the associated threats. Additionally, YouTube has become a vital “how-to” resource for criminals who intend to remove detectable RF emission. These drones pose a growing threat to various sectors, including critical infrastructure, aviation, law enforcement, correctional facilities, and national security.
Why Dark Drones?
Criminals are most likely to employ dark drones to avoid detection while carrying out illicit activities or gathering intelligence. Three notable examples of activities where dark drones are commonly used include: contraband smuggling into prisons, disruption of critical services such as utilities, and espionage.
The ease with which individuals can modify commercial drones to function as dark drones—simply by disabling their RF signals—compounds the challenge. Detecting such drones in low-visibility conditions is nearly impossible without high-performance radar.
How to Detect Dark Drones
Most critical infrastructure sites, law enforcement agencies, and public institutions are ill-equipped to detect dark drones, let alone defend against them. Conventional perimeter intrusion detection systems rely on an RF sensor for drone detection. Unfortunately, this type of legacy solution is not equipped to sense dark drones. For comprehensive airspace coverage that accounts for drones and dark drones, a perimeter intrusion detection system must include radar.
Advanced radar systems, such as EchoGuard® or EchoShield®, are essential for detecting dark drones. These radar systems can identify moving objects on the ground or in the air, regardless of whether they emit RF signals. They function effectively in all weather conditions and lighting environments, providing early warning of approaching drones.
Radar technology is particularly effective when integrated with other sensors, such as cameras. Radar data can guide the deployment of cameras to visually track dark drones as they approach, providing means for “eyes-on-object” confirmation and enhancing overall situational awareness.
