Jammer resistant drone designs spark search for countermeasures
The Russia-Ukraine conflict has driven another stage of evolution for drones and the counter measures to defend against them.
JGW to develop UGV universal operator control unit
JGW International is to work on a project for the US Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate to develop a universal operator control unit (OCU) system for four separate robotic platforms used for explosive ordnance disposal (EOD).
The award is one of several issued by the S&T’s First Responders Group (FRG) as part of a solicitation issued in 2015 seeking rapid technology solutions to help solve critical capability gaps identified by first responders. The effort is part of FRG’s Response and Defeat Operations Support (REDOPS) programme, a joint effort with the FBI to develop countermeasures public safety bomb squads can use to safely and efficiently dispose of IEDs.
JGW will work with S&T and Reamda (the EOD research and development project partner) to develop a platform that will allow bomb technicians to operate multiple robotic platforms using a single, standardised control unit console.
The technology will result in lesser training requirements, greater interoperability and reduction in operating costs from maintaining and transporting multiple devices.
Current OCUs are typically compatible with only one robotic platform, even if the robots are manufactured by the same vendor. Bomb technicians can spend up to eight hours per month training on each system to maintain proficiency. A universal system capable of operating several platforms simultaneously would reduce this training time requirement.
Byung Hee Frantz, REDOPS program manager, said: ‘At the end of the day, having one system that can operate several unmanned ground vehicles will cut back on training hours so bomb techs can focus on field work. It can also enhance mutual aid efforts, allowing for one common operating protocol for up to four robotic devices across federal, state, and local agencies.’
You may also like
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
![Jammer resistant drone designs spark search for countermeasures]()
-
![L3Harris launches Amorphous software for control of uncrewed platforms]()
L3Harris launches Amorphous software for control of uncrewed platforms
The new Amorphous software is a universal controller that would allow a single operator to control a swarm of “thousands” of uncrewed systems, from drones to underwater platforms.
-
![ideaForge unveils new UAVs at Aero India 2025]()
ideaForge unveils new UAVs at Aero India 2025
India UAV supplier ideaForge has launched the Netra 5 and Switch V2 drones at Aero India 2025, boasting of enhanced endurance, AI-driven autonomy and improved operational capabilities.
-
![Shaping the future of defence: What 2025 holds for the global drone market]()
Shaping the future of defence: What 2025 holds for the global drone market
The UAV market is experiencing unprecedented growth, with innovations in technology and battlefield applications driving demand across military sectors. From the battlefields of Ukraine to NATO exercises and beyond, drones are transforming how wars are fought and supported.
-
![Maris-Tech confirms customers signing up for Jupiter Drones codec and AI-powered system]()
Maris-Tech confirms customers signing up for Jupiter Drones codec and AI-powered system
Launched at AUSA in October, the company’s multi-stream video codec is attempting to bring a new lease of life to drone technology through its AI accelerator.
-
![AUSA 2024: Quantum-Systems targets big 2025 with UAS developments]()
AUSA 2024: Quantum-Systems targets big 2025 with UAS developments
Quantum-Systems has been upgrading its UAS family, with new versions of the Vector, Reliant and Twister drones set for release throughout 2025.
