US military explores more anti-drone technology

The U.S. military has considered training with DroneDefender, a point-and-shoot, electromagnetic, rifle-shaped weapon that disrupts communications of a remote-controlled drone and its operator.

The system provides a safer and more accurate alternative than other methods, such as shooting drones with a rifle. "Pull the trigger and it falls out of the sky," said Capt. Michael Torre, an electronic warfare officer for the 29th Infantry Division.

"It reminds me of playing Duck Hunt. It's like using a video game controller with a real-world application," he added.

DroneDefender can target a drones' control signal. The drone controller can be a hand-held device operated by a person or a command module attached to the drone itself.

Staff Sgt. Richard Recupero, a cyberspace electromagnetic activities noncommissioned officer with the 29th Infantry Division, shared his expertise in disrupting drone operations when discussing enemy devices currently in the Middle East.

"Yes, it can affect drones used by ISIS," Recupero said.

Drones are classified by weight and range from light commercial-off-the-shelf to heavier, military grade varieties.

Counter-drone technologies can have a variety of effects besides dropping them from the sky.

Also read: This company can 'hack' enemy drones for the US military

"You know it's working because the system is no longer responding appropriately to the operator and doing something the operator doesn't expect it to do," Torre said, describing multiple visual disruption indicators.

"From the time I pulled the trigger, it was almost instantaneous," Torre added.

Operation Spartan Shield subordinate units such as the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, have also gone through the training as part of an effort to provide commanders with increased force protection options.