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New CWA for monitoring the misuse of drones

11.11.2024
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As drones, or Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), grow across industries, the potential for misuse and threats is also increasing, particularly in sensitive areas such as airports, prisons, and critical infrastructure.

To address these risks, the new CWA 18150:2024 presents a standardised test methodology that enables a unified approach to detecting, tracking, and identifying (DTI) drones, providing essential guidelines for law enforcement agencies and industries tasked with protecting lower airspace.

The growing need for standardisation

With the increasing accessibility of drone technology, both intentional and unintentional misuse of UAS has escalated globally. From criminal smuggling operations in prisons to unauthorised flights over airports, drones are becoming a significant concern. Despite the growing threat, the response from authorities and industries remains fragmented, with inconsistent incident reporting and varying approaches to countering UAS.

CWA 18150:2024 aims to bridge this gap by establishing a standardised testing and evaluation process for C-UAS systems. Developed under the European Union’s Internal Security Fund Police, this document provides an integral methodology to assess the performance of detection, tracking, and identification solutions, fostering better preparedness and response to UAS threats.

Key features of CWA 18150:2024

CWA 18150 outlines a series of scenarios, each representing common real-world use cases, such as:

  • Airport and border security: where UAS incursions can disrupt operations or pose a direct threat.
  • Critical infrastructure protection: including nuclear power plants and government buildings.
  • Public event security: where large crowds make drone threats particularly hazardous.

The document defines operational needs and functional performance requirements for each scenario that a C-UAS system must meet. By incorporating these scenarios, the methodology ensures that end-users, such as law enforcement and security personnel, can select systems that meet their specific needs, enhancing safety and operational efficiency.

A comprehensive testing framework

CWA 18150:2024 introduces a comprehensive testing framework that covers various environmental conditions, drone types, and performance metrics. It emphasises the detection, tracking, and identification of drones rather than focusing on neutralising or disabling the UAS. Using standard field test scenarios, C-UAS systems can be evaluated based on their ability to perform in realistic environments, allowing for qualitative and quantitative comparisons between different systems.

Testing takes into account key factors, such as:

  • Detection range: The distance at which a drone can be detected by the system.
  • Tracking accuracy: The ability of the system to continuously monitor the drone’s position.
  • Identification capability: The system’s ability to determine the drone's make, model, and payload.
Towards a safer airspace

As drones continue to become more prevalent in both civilian and criminal contexts, a standardised approach to C-UAS systems is critical for ensuring public safety.

CWA 18150:2024 provides an essential framework for assessing the effectiveness of C-UAS solutions, fostering a more coordinated response to drone threats across Europe.