Fortem Technologies Snares NATO Counter-drone Agreement

Counter-drone firm Fortem Technologies has been selected by NATO to demonstrate its SkyDome Network defense platform.

The Utah-based company will introduce the platform with a program titled “Comparative Analysis of Lethal, Low Collateral Damage Effectors Against Low, Small and Slow UAV.”

The SkyDome package encompasses Fortem’s autonomous drone interceptor, DroneHunter, as well as drone detection, classification and analysis capabilities.

When deployed, the system can neutralize drone attack threats against military or law-enforcement assets.

“We’re excited to participate in NATO’s Defense Against Terrorism Programme. [We’re] making strides to implement technologies that can mitigate critical autonomous security shortfalls for Allied nations, such as the imminent risk of drones from rogue actors,” Fortem CEO Timothy Bean said.

“As [the program] works toward interoperability to prevent non-conventional attacks, Fortem will continue to develop integrated solutions like SkyDome Network that can accurately secure against lesser-known vulnerabilities to global infrastructures and populations, such as terrorist activities using drones.”

The SkyDome Network leverages TrueView radar, a system Fortem call “the world’s smallest, most accurate and cost-efficient radar of its kind.”

An adaptable AI platform fuses TrueView radar and other sensor outputs to autonomously monitor any environment.

By detecting and assessing airborne threats, SkyDome Network anticipates vulnerabilities and can alert personnel, cue defensive measures or launch DroneHunter to autonomously neutralize dangerous or malicious drones.

“SkyDome Network is the only networkable platform that achieves total airspace awareness, security and defense while seamlessly integrating with existing security systems,” a Fortem press release states.

With more than 3,500 kills, Fortem’s DroneHunter can deliver ordinance to a rogue, net, capture and deliver the drone to a safe location for analysis.

Bean added that many counter-drone systems fail because an increasing number of rogue drones are immune to jamming or hacking countermeasures.

The company’s NATO agreement cements Fortem’s place in the overall drone-industry environment.

In April, Fortem announced a partnership with UTM provider Unifly during AUVSI’s Xponential. The companies will work on a joint airspace safety and security solution to address the realities of a drone-centered world.