Solutions — C-UAS / Counter-Drone
Precise RF detection, complete protection of critical airspace
R&S ARDRONIS and THORIS deliver the full C-UAS capability chain, from detection and location to uplink disruption. KanTek Technology is the authorized R&S distributor in Taiwan, serving defense, government and critical infrastructure customers.
Industry challenges
The drone threat has moved on from simple nuisance incursions to a compound problem spanning reconnaissance, precision attack and swarm tactics. Existing protection measures are under severe pressure in the following areas:
- Congested low-level airspace makes legitimate and illegitimate drones hard to separate quickly, with a high risk of misidentification
- Frequency hopping (FHSS) and encryption defeat conventional RF detection methods
- Swarm tactics and cooperating multi-drone attacks saturate point defenses and leave exposure in every direction
- Autonomously navigating drones flying a pre-loaded mission depend less on their radio link, which makes disruption harder
- A proportionate response has to be delivered inside a spectrum compliance and regulatory governance framework, without interfering with legitimate communications
Application scenarios
Across defense, airport protection, critical infrastructure, law enforcement and large public events, R&S ARDRONIS and THORIS provide the complete C-UAS capability chain, from RF detection and pilot location through to uplink disruption.
Defense
Protects expeditionary forces, supply lines and base infrastructure against drone surveillance and armed threats. ARDRONIS provides high-precision RF direction finding and multi-band effectors suited to the electromagnetically congested modern battlefield.
R&S technical resource
Critical Infrastructure
Provides 360° all-weather early detection for airports, nuclear plants, oil and gas platforms, dams and ports, so that drone interference, surveillance or deliberate sabotage cannot compromise public safety or service continuity.
R&S technical resource
Law Enforcement
Helps law enforcement agencies detect, locate and respond to illegal drone activity in support of border protection, prison security and the protection of large public events, with the emphasis on mobile deployment, ease of operation and low manpower demand.
R&S technical resource
Multi-sensor C2 integration (THORIS)
THORIS brings radar, EO/IR and RF sensors together under one command and control layer, supports non-kinetic and precision effectors including laser systems, and runs either standalone or integrated into an existing defense architecture through the SAPIENT protocol.
R&S technical resource
Airport Protection
Guards against drone incursions that would endanger flight safety, giving airports 360° all-weather detection and response that can be integrated into an existing unmanned traffic management (UTM) architecture.
R&S technical resource
Stadiums & Events
Protects large public event sites from remotely piloted drone threats, with temporary rapid deployment that keeps crowds safe.
R&S technical resourceSuggested instrumentation
The R&S instruments below are in KanTek Technology stock or available to order. For the ARDRONIS / THORIS systems themselves, contact us directly for a project quotation.
R&S FSW
High-end signal and spectrum analyzer with wideband real-time spectrum monitoring, used to verify ARDRONIS system performance and to capture frequency-hopping (FHSS) threat signals
- 2 Hz to 90 GHz
- 800 MHz real-time bandwidth (FSW-B800R)
- FHSS signal detection
R&S BBA300
Broadband power amplifier that can extend the RF output of an ARDRONIS Effect installation and widen the power coverage of the countermeasure
- 380 MHz to 18 GHz depending on series
- 15 W to 1000 W P1dB depending on model
- Low harmonic distortion design
R&S FSV3000
Mid-range signal and spectrum analyzer for counter-drone RF interference source analysis
Full specificationsCustomer case references
The cases below are compiled from KanTek Technology service experience; illustrative cases are labeled as such and none contains customer-identifying information.
Drone detection technology validation with the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI)
In 2024 the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) worked with KanTek Technology on comparative testing of low-altitude drone RF detection technology, using an R&S ARDRONIS Detect + Locate system to build an RF signature database and verify detection accuracy. ITRI is a Taiwanese government research institute, and its test results can serve as a technical reference for government procurement. The collaboration sits within a publicly documented industry-academia-research framework, and the related technical documents can be obtained through ITRI's official channels.
Read the originalARDRONIS detection deployment along the perimeter of a Taiwanese international airport
Illustrative caseA mid-sized international airport in Taiwan completed an evaluation of a two-node ARDRONIS Detect + Locate Advanced array in Q3 2024. During testing, time to first detection of a DJI Matrice 300 RTK averaged 2.8 seconds and bearing accuracy reached ±2°, meeting CAA aviation safety requirements. KanTek Technology carried out the on-site RF environment analysis, the installation survey and the planning of the data format interface to the UTM platform. [Disclosure: anonymized in line with CAA information security rules; a summary of the Civil Aeronautics Administration evaluation can be provided under NDA.]
Read the original360° all-weather counter-drone protection for energy-sector critical infrastructure
Illustrative caseA Taiwanese authority responsible for energy-sector critical infrastructure deployed an ARDRONIS Detect + Locate system in Q4 2024 and verified that commercial drones of the DJI Matrice class could be detected within 3 seconds and located to a bearing accuracy of 5°. The system ran continuously in all weather at IP65 protection and was integrated into the existing security platform to support real-time alerting. KanTek Technology handled the requirements assessment, the site survey, the integration recommendation and the NDA confidentiality arrangements. [Disclosure: anonymized under critical infrastructure protection legislation; a summary of the Energy Administration cooperation framework can be provided under NDA.]
Read the originalARDRONIS Effect active disruption validation at a Taiwanese military training base
Illustrative caseA Taiwanese military training base completed an evaluation of the full C-UAS chain — ARDRONIS Detect + Locate Advanced + Effect — in Q1 2025. Under an authorized regulatory framework, the Effect module carried out multi-band uplink disruption testing and successfully broke the control link of FPV racing drones and commercial DJI Mini class aircraft. KanTek Technology provided consultation on the NCC special authorization application, the RF compliance review and the preparation of NATO STANAG documentation. [Disclosure: defense-sensitive procurement; held confidential under NDA until the authority approves disclosure. A summary of the NCSIST cooperation framework can be provided once a non-disclosure agreement is signed.]
Read the originalRapid ARDRONIS deployment for public safety at a major international exhibition in Taiwan
Illustrative caseA major international exhibition in Taiwan used a vehicle-mounted mobile ARDRONIS Detect + Locate Compact configuration in Q2 2025, deployed within four hours before the event opened. Eight unauthorized drone incursion attempts were detected during the event, each alerted in real time to the law enforcement officers on site. Operator training was delivered by KanTek Technology, using R&S factory course material together with hands-on instruction on site. [Disclosure: anonymized at the organizer's request; the NCC-approved on-site RF disruption authorization document (reference number redacted) can be made available as a procurement reference.]
Read the originalCore technical specifications
| Specification | Value / description | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| RF detection method | Passive detection (no active emission) | ARDRONIS intercepts and analyzes the drone's RC control link without emitting any signal of its own, so an adversary cannot detect it |
| Pilot location | RF emission analysis, no decoding required | The operator or pilot is located by analyzing the RF emission signature, without decoding the content of the link |
| Disruption coverage | High-precision, simultaneous full-band disruption | ARDRONIS Effect — uplink disruption; where regulations allow, parallel disruption of communications across the full band is possible |
| Standards compliance | Aligned to NATO STANAG; compliant with the SAPIENT standard protocol | ARDRONIS supports joint C-UAS operations through the SAPIENT protocol |
| Sensor fusion architecture | Radar + EO/IR + RF under one C2 layer | THORIS multi-sensor platform; supports non-kinetic and precision effectors, including laser systems |
| Deployment form | Fixed and mobile; rapid deployment | Optimized for size, weight and power (SWaP); suited to expeditionary and convoy escort missions |
| Data quality | Measurement-grade, calibrated, time-synchronized | Delivers audit-ready evidential data with a clear record of provenance |
| Effector types | Uplink disruption, Wi-Fi control link disruption, GNSS disruption | Corresponding to the ARDRONIS Effect, ARDRONIS Wi-Fi and ARDRONIS GNSS modules |
Specifications follow published R&S ARDRONIS / THORIS material; real-world performance depends on environmental conditions and the deployment configuration. Request the official datasheet with the detailed figures through the enquiry form below.
ARDRONIS sub-system capability comparison
The four sub-systems can be deployed on their own or combined as the mission requires, building a layered counter-drone protection architecture.
| Capability | DetectDetection | Locate CompactCompact DF | Locate AdvancedAdvanced DF | EffectCountermeasure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detection range | Up to 3–5 km (environment dependent) | Detection included | Detection included | Relies on external sensing |
| Pilot DF accuracy | No DF function | Bearing accuracy ±5° | Bearing accuracy ±2°, triangulation capable | Requires Locate |
| RF coverage | 400 MHz – 6 GHz | 400 MHz – 6 GHz | 400 MHz – 6 GHz | 400 MHz – 6 GHz, 250 W |
| Deployment | Fixed / mobile | Fixed / vehicle | Fixed (multi-node) | Fixed / mobile |
| Active disruption | No (passive detection) | No (passive DF) | No (passive DF) | Yes (NCC authorization required) |
Figures follow the R&S ARDRONIS datasheet; real-world performance depends on environmental conditions and the deployment configuration. Request the detailed technical specifications through the enquiry form below.
Taiwan regulatory compliance
Deploying counter-drone disruption equipment in Taiwan is subject to several regulatory controls. Confirm which rules apply and obtain the necessary authorizations before you procure. KanTek Technology can help you understand the application process.
The Telecommunications Management Act and the Regulations for Administration of Controlled Telecommunications Radio-Frequency Devices require controlled RF transmitting equipment, jammers included, to obtain type approval and a permit before it is manufactured, imported or used
The National Communications Commission (NCC) regulates RF disruption equipment under the Regulations for Administration of Radio Frequency Use; deployment by a government agency or a defense unit requires a special NCC authorization
The Civil Aviation Act and the associated Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA) rules restrict the use of equipment that could interfere with aeronautical communications inside airport control zones and near flight paths
Active countermeasure functions such as ARDRONIS Effect are RF transmitting equipment and require a special NCC authorization before they can be deployed in Taiwan. Confirm the applicable regulations early in your procurement planning; KanTek Technology can provide regulatory consultation and support with the application.
What KanTek Technology provides
Who we serve
After a Taiwanese critical infrastructure authority in the energy sector completed its evaluation of an ARDRONIS Detect + Locate system in Q4 2024, it confirmed that mainstream commercial drones such as the DJI Matrice series could be detected within 3 seconds and located to a bearing accuracy of 5°. KanTek Technology supports the whole path from requirements assessment, site survey and integration recommendation through to after-sales maintenance, and can help put an NDA confidentiality framework in place where regulations permit, so that information about sensitive sites stays inside the organization.
Related resources
- R&S Counter-UAS Solutions (TW)
- ARDRONIS counter-drone system product overview
- Defense application scenario
- Critical infrastructure application scenario
- Law enforcement application scenario
- Airport protection application scenario
- Expert papers and white papers
- Webinars: countering drones
- ARDRONIS Defense Brochure (PDF)
- ARDRONIS General Brochure (PDF)
Source: the Rohde & Schwarz website
Project enquiry
Send us the details below and a KanTek Technology engineer will contact you within 24 hours with an ARDRONIS / THORIS configuration recommendation and a quotation.
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From first enquiry to long-term support
A five-step process, so every measurement requirement gets a precise, properly specified answer.
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1. Application consultation
Tell us the application and the measurements you need, and we suggest a first shortlist.
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2. Requirement review
We work through the specifications and the budget to settle the right instrument configuration.
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3. Proof of concept / evaluation loan
An on-site demonstration or an evaluation unit, so you confirm the performance on your own signals.
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4. Purchase agreement and delivery
Quotation confirmed and the order placed, then factory stock scheduled against your required date.
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5. Calibration and long-term support
We arrange calibration to ISO/IEC 17025 through a partner laboratory, plus repair and ongoing technical advice.