This paper aims to introduce a standardized test methodology for drone detection, tracking, and identification systems. It is the aim that this standardized test methodology for assessing the performance of counter-drone systems will lead to a much better understanding of the capabilities of these solutions. This is urgently needed, as there is an increase in drone threats and there are no cohesive policies to evaluate the performance of these systems and hence mitigate and manage the threat. The presented methodology has been developed within the framework of the project COURAGEOUS funded by European Union’s Internal Security Fund Police. This standardized test methodology is based upon a series of standard user-defined scenarios representing a wide set of use cases. At this moment, these standard scenarios are geared toward civil security end users. However, the proposed standard methodology provides an open architecture where the standard scenarios can be modularly extended, providing standard users the possibility to easily add new scenarios. For each of these scenarios, operational needs and functional performance requirements are provided. Using this information, an integral test methodology is presented that allows for a fair qualitative and quantitative comparison between different counter-drone systems. The standard test methodology concentrates on the qualitative and quantitative evaluation of counter-drone systems. This test methodology was validated during three user-scripted validation trials.

Given the growing threat posed by the widespread availability of unmanned aircraft systems (UASs), which can be utilised for various unlawful activities, the need for a standardised method to evaluate the effectiveness of systems capable of detecting, tracking, and identifying (DTI) these devices has become increasingly urgent. This article draws upon research conducted under the European project COURAGEOUS, where 260 existing drone detection systems were analysed, and a methodology was developed for assessing the suitability of C-UASs in relation to specific threat scenarios. The article provides an overview of the most commonly employed technologies in C-UASs, such as radars, visible light cameras, thermal imaging cameras, laser range finders (lidars), and acoustic sensors. It explores the advantages and limitations of each technology, highlighting their reliance on different physical principles, and also briefly touches upon the legal implications associated with their deployment. The article presents the research framework and provides a structural description, alongside the functional and performance requirements, as well as the defined metrics. Furthermore, the methodology for testing the usability and effectiveness of individual C-UAS technologies in addressing specific threat scenarios is elaborated. Lastly, the article offers a concise list of prospective research directions concerning the analysis and evaluation of these technologies.

This paper aims to introduce a standardized test methodology for drone detection, tracking and identification systems. It is the aim that this standardized test methodology for assessing the performance of counter-drone systems will lead to a much better understanding of the capabilities of these solutions. This is urgently needed, as there is an increase in drone threats and there are no cohesive policies to evaluate the performance of these systems and hence mitigate and manage the threat. The presented methodology has been developed within the framework of the project COURAGEOUS funded by European Union’s Internal Security Fund Police. This standardized test methodology is based upon a series of standard user-defined scenarios representing a wide set of use cases. At this moment, these standard scenarios are geared towards civil security end users. However, the proposed standard methodology provides an open architecture where the standard scenarios can modularly be extended, providing the standard users the possibility to easily add new scenarios. For each of these scenarios, operational needs and functional performance requirements are provided. Using this information, an integral test methodology is presented that allows for a fair qualitative and quantitative comparison between different counter-drone systems. The standard test methodology concentrates on the qualitative and quantitative evaluation of counter-drone systems. This test methodology was validated during three user-scripted validation trials.

The integration of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly referred to as drones, into various sectors including agriculture, healthcare, and military operations has transformed industries and services. While drones offer numerous benefits, they have also been exploited by terrorists and criminals for illicit activities, such as smuggling and surveillance. Incidents involving drones flying over restricted airspaces or sensitive locations have highlighted the vulnerabilities of critical infrastructure and limitations of current law enforcement capabilities. To address these challenges, there is a growing need for effective counter-UAS (C-UAS) systems including detection, tracking, and identification technologies. However, evaluating the capabilities of these systems poses a significant challenge, leading to the demand for standardized test methodologies. The COURAGEOUS project seeks to fill this gap by developing standardized scenarios covering various use cases, such as airport security, critical infrastructure protection, and border security. These scenarios are informed by a systematic approach involving a literature review, analysis of previous incidents, assessment of current C-UAS frameworks, and gathering feedback from end users. The resulting standardized test methodology aims to enhance the understanding of C-UAS system capabilities, improve preparedness against evolving threats, and facilitate the global dissemination of project results. Through validation trials and feedback from law enforcement agencies, the COURAGEOUS project strives to contribute to a broader network of counter-UAS initiatives, ultimately enhancing the lower airspace security.