INTERVIEW: "We urgently need drone defense"

There is nothing good unless one does it. But sometimes everything is new... "DRONE DEFENSE" is a hot topic because we see the massive use of drones as weapons in Ukraine. "DRONE DEFENSE" is the first manual for combating the "small" threat from the air, edited by Kristóf Nagy and Markus Reisner - with the collaboration of Gustav Freimann and Christian Väth.

SPARTANAT: Kristóf, why is drone defense such a burning issue?

Kristóf Nagy: The media presence of drones is overwhelming, which should not come as a surprise. Drones enable real-time reconnaissance, from the lowest tactical level to strategic depth. This also applies to their use as effectors. Whether as cost-effective and long-range alternatives to guided missiles, or as weapons for attacking strategic targets deep in the enemy's hinterland. In addition, there is the evolving concept of drones as carriers of warheads, through which unmanned aerial vehicles take over multiple segments of the kill chain and combine multiple functions within themselves. Finally, the potential for integration with other unmanned systems such as UGVs is evident. Drones will also determine the battlefield of the future, making their defense an imperative. This topic is not only military but also highly relevant for law enforcement.

"Drones will also determine the battlefield of the future, making their defense imperative."

SPARTANAT: Can you briefly summarize the best defense measures?

Kristóf Nagy: The Ukraine war has shown the brutal dynamics and rapidly shortening technology cycles, not only in this area. Therefore, what works today may be obsolete tomorrow. However, the most important lesson is that a holistic approach should be favored. This point is also highlighted in our book. A purely kinetic solution or relying solely on a currently potent jammer solution is not sufficient given the wide range of unmanned aerial vehicles and their specific characteristics. Only a holistic approach consisting of different effectors will yield results. The battle must be fought with both kinetic effectors and electronic warfare means, cyber measures, as well as targeting the infrastructure and logistics required for operating enemy drones.

"Our book aims to be a source of ideas, understandable for both laypeople and, hopefully, provide food for thought for experts."

SPARTANAT: What does your new SPARTANAT Black Book "Drone Defense" offer to the reader?

Kristóf Nagy: As already mentioned, the topic is very current. Yet, literature on this topic is still quite scarce. We aim to start filling this gap. I believe I speak for the other co-authors as well when I say that the book should be a loyal companion to the reader. A source of ideas, understandable for both laypeople and, hopefully, provide food for thought for experts. Comprehensive drone defense is still in its infancy. This book aims to contribute to the discussion and help assess current developments and provide background for understanding events and processes.

KRISTÓF NAGY is a former infantryman of the Bundeswehr. In addition to his work in the defense industry, he has been working as a freelance specialist author for over a decade. His interests include various kinetic effectors and military history topics. Since 2012, he has also been dealing with unmanned aerial vehicles and ground systems as well as their defense.

"DRONE DEFENSE" by Kristóf Nagy and Markus Reisner, SPARTANAT Black Book 10, pocket-sized paperback, 140 pages, 15.90 euros