How to protect a yacht from drones?

Kirill Shabalov, founder of the Advanced Security Technologies company that has developed UAV detection and suppression systems, speaks about the challenges of the new era

I’ve been in the yachting business for over 15 years and have learnt to anticipate our clients' needs. When the idea of creating marine dome systems to protect commercial vessels, private yachts, oil platforms and any type of coastal property from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) emerged about a year ago, I realised it was a promising direction.

There were several reasons for that. Firstly, technology has advanced significantly recently, and what was once used for fun and making beautiful videos and photos can now pose a serious threat. Secondly, Russian manufacturers of electronic warfare equipment have undoubtedly accumulated vast experience and have become leaders in this field on the global market. 

When you're at sea, you're vulnerable and defenseless against drones, whose operators may either want to collect information about you or attack your vessel. This is a pressing issue, and lots of owners around the world want a reliable and effective solution to help protect their privacy and property.

Having analysed the market and products available, I decided to take it a step further and collaborate with a specialized research and development organization to develop a UAV detection and suppression system that would operate in a coordinated manner in maritime environments. That is how "Advanced Security Technologies" (AST) was founded. We focused on ensuring personal safety, protecting the privacy of boat owners and crew, protecting vessels and other kinds of property, both private and commercial. 

We have developed and introduced the Shadow line of maritime electronic warfare dome systems, which is the only one on the market. Externally, the system resembles the satellite equipment one can find on yachts, and its primary purpose is to limit the use of unmanned aerial vehicles by blocking signals within a radius of up to 300 meters. It jams control, navigation and video feeds, making communication with the operator and further control of the drone impossible.

Along with the Shadow system, we have also developed the Signal M detection station, which is necessary for identifying UAVs within a range of up to 1,000 meters. The station constantly scans for UAV signals and, upon detection, activates the Shadow dome system, which jams them. The dome system's fixed control panel is mounted at the helm station or any other convenient and accessible location and alerts when an UAV appears within a 1,000-meter radius. 

At present, there are six models. The main differences are the dome system's size, power, jamming range and operating frequency range. All of our dome systems are reliable, safe and have been tested in the harshest maritime conditions. 

For now, we offer systems designed for vessels over 20 meters long, but we plan to produce equipment for smaller vessels, too, including pleasure boats over 8 meters long, as we have already got requests for this type of equipment. 

Installing our security systems is fast and simple: our technicians inspect your vessel and provide an installation plan tailored to your vessel in the shortest time possible. 

Participation in exhibitions both in Russia and abroad, as well as our portfolio of orders, confirm the relevance and high demand for out products. Privacy and protection from unauthorized intrusion, espionage or collection of information are highly valued today, not to mention ensuring the safety of the property, as well as the security of the owner, guests and crew.