Countering Uncrewed Aircraft Systems

To understand the full spectrum of countering Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS), it is important to note that exclusively focussing on the ‘drone’ does not provide the complete picture. UAS are grouped into several categories and consist of numerous components, depending on their size and application. Countering UAS requires a comprehensive approach by all the military and non-military disciplines that can project lethal and non-lethal effects on any of the components of an uncrewed system.

C-UAS Fundamentals Training Course

In support of NATO’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) capabilities, the Joint Air Power Competence Centre has developed a C-UAS Fundamentals Training Course tailored for the NATO C-UAS Community of Interest (COI). Starting in August 2025, the C-UAS Fundamentals Training Course is offered monthly to members across all ranks of the NATO C-UAS COI, including relevant law enforcement agencies and critical infrastructure stakeholders.

Featured Publications

Adapting Air and Missile Defence Training and Doctrine for Hypersonics and Drones

Many Changes Are Needed to Defend NATO Against Emerging Threats

By Lt Col

Kim

Vogt

The rapidly evolving landscape of contemporary warfare has introduced new challenges to Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) and fundamentally altered the dynamics of defence and deterrence within NATO. Emerging threats, such as Unmanned Aircraft [...]

The Evolving Context for Deterrence

Technology and Policy Challenges

By Prof.

Stephen J.

Cimbala

By Dr.

Adam

Lowther

The member-states of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) face an unprecedented challenge in Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and their threats to employ nuclear weapons against NATO. There is also the potential risk of Chinese aggression [...]

Drone Drills

How to Prepare for a Drone Incident

By Lt Col

Andre

Haider

Well-established emergency procedures are vital for swift and efficient crisis management across military, civil, and public sectors. These protocols encompass first aid, fire, and bomb threat calls, aiming to save lives, prevent harm, and minimize [...]

A Comprehensive Approach to Countering Unmanned Aircraft Systems

This technical manual covers all aspects of having to counter the full spectrum of unmanned aircraft and their respective system components. It should serve to bring together both civilian and military experts by initiating thought [...]

A Comprehensive Approach to Countering Unmanned Aircraft Systems

And Why Current Initiatives Fall Short

By Lt Col

Andre

Haider

Over the last decades, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) have been fielded in every military service, ranging from handheld micro-UAS to medium-sized tactical systems to fully grown and Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA). At the same time, [...]

The Rise of Consumer Drones Threat

By Dr

Claudio

Palestini

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), more commonly referred to as drones, have been one of the most rapidly advancing technologies developed in the last decade. While remotely-piloted aircraft have been traditionally used by the military and, [...]

The Implications for Force Protection Practitioners of Having to Counter Unmanned Systems

A Think-Piece

By Wg Cdr

Jez

Parkinson

The subject of Counter-Unmanned Air Systems (C-UAS) has become what can best be described as a ‘hot-topic’, not just for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) but, globally. The primary question that this think-piece seeks [...]

Detecting and Neutralizing Mini-Drones

Sensors and Effectors against an Asymmetric Threat

By Ms

Daniela

Pistoia

Small (15–150 kg), mini (<15 kg), micro (<66 J energy state) Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) will drastically proliferate in the near future with rapidly advancing performance and functionalities. Progress in power storage, avionics miniaturization, materials [...]

NATO Air Policing Against Unmanned Aircraft

Considerations for a New Approach

By Col

Yildirim

Acikel

By Maj Gen

Ruben C.

Garcia Servert

By Lt Cdr

Scott C.

Menzies

By Lt Col

Yasar G.

Ozen

‘When we least expect it, life sets us a challenge to test our courage and willingness to change; at such a moment, there is no point in pretending that nothing has happened or in saying [...]

Small Drones

From Cheap Toys to Terrorist Tools – Detection and Disruption Challenges

By Mr

Knut Torbjørn

Moe

In recent years, military personnel have become increasingly familiar with the use of drones for anything from practice targets to air strikes. Military drones show huge promise and will certainly play an important role in [...]

Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems in Contested Environments

A Vulnerability Analysis

By Lt Col

Andre

Haider

Over the past two decades, Remotely Piloted Aircraft System(s) (RPAS) have been fielded in increasing numbers across many nations and military services. RPAS provide distinctive capabilities for the Joint Force Commander (JFC) with reduced risk [...]

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Countering Uncrewed Aircraft Systems

C-UAS Fundamentals Training Course

Featured Publications

Adapting Air and Missile Defence Training and Doctrine for Hypersonics and Drones

The Evolving Context for Deterrence

Drone Drills

A Comprehensive Approach to Countering Unmanned Aircraft Systems

A Comprehensive Approach to Countering Unmanned Aircraft Systems

The Rise of Consumer Drones Threat

The Implications for Force Protection Practitioners of Having to Counter Unmanned Systems

Detecting and Neutralizing Mini-Drones

NATO Air Policing Against Unmanned Aircraft

Small Drones

Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems in Contested Environments

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