UAV/CUAV Policy Briefing Event

The APG for Defense Technology briefing event covered the evolution and challenges of UAV and counter-UAV systems. Matt Wright from Delian highlighted their focus on drone detection, interception, and jamming, emphasising the need for cost-effective solutions. Simon Muderack from Windracers discussed their autonomous drone platform's capabilities in humanitarian aid and defense, including operations in Ukraine. Karl Eze from Point Zenith detailed the regulatory hurdles and the importance of training and innovation in drone technology. The following discussion also touched on the difficulties of exporting drone technology and the need for better regulatory support and financing for UK and Ukrainian companies in the defence technology eco-system.

Meeting Minutes: UAV and Counter-UAV Technology Briefing

Date: Monday 28^th April
Location: Committee Room N, Portcullis House

Participants:

Neil Shastri-Hurst MP

Karl Eze (Point Zenith)

Matthew Wright (Delian)

Simon Muderack (Windracers)

James Clark (APPG Secretariat)

Christine Wallace (Office of Neil Shastri-Hurst MP)

James Cartlidge MP

David Reed MP

David Taylor MP

Charlie Dewhurst MP

Gagan Mohindra MP

Neil Shastri-Hurst MP

Anna Gelderd MP

Lord Mountevans

Lord de Mauley

Baronness Foster

Thomas Dowse (Babcock)

Peter Williamson (SecureCloud+)

Charles Barker (MoD)

Colin Hill (MoD)

Jonathan Bray (Sheffield AMC)

Simon Corall (Ultra Electronics)

David Crowe (Agileexe)

Rob Datson (Windracers)

Andrew Munday (Babcock)

Oliver Tillard (CMS Strategic)

Mark Melhorn (Overwatch)

Drew Michael (Overwatch)

Jez Holmes (Raven Innovations)

Andrew Good (Ired)

Hamish Mundell (RUSI)

Key Discussion Points:
1. Drone Technology Landscape
- Explored current challenges in UAV and counter-UAV technologies
- Discussed the evolving nature of conflict driven by drone technologies
- Examined regulatory, operational, and strategic considerations

Presentations:

Matt Wright (Delian)
- Focused on drone detection and interception technologies
- Highlighted cost asymmetries in modern conflict (e.g., expensive exquisite systems being shot down by $300 drones)
- Delian have developed autonomous systems with:
* Mosaic of sensors (towers with cameras, radar, optical, thermal sensors)
* AI-powered edge computing for data fusion
* Electronic countermeasures and jamming capabilities
- Key innovation: Software-driven solutions that can rapidly adapt to changing drone threats
- Challenges in the ecosystem: Difficulty in banking, accessing end-users, and testing in the UK

Simon Muderack (Windracers)
- Introduced a 300kg, 10-meter wingspan autonomous drone platform
- Original purpose: Humanitarian aid delivery
- Civilian use cases:
* Mail delivery in Scotland
* Medical supply services
* Scientific operations in Antarctica
* Wildfire detection using swarm technology
- Defense applications:
* Troop resupply
* Night-time operations
* Payload delivery in challenging environments
- Demonstrated ability to operate multiple drones simultaneously with minimal human intervention

Karl Eze (Point Zenith):
- Focused on drone regulation, compliance, and operator training
- Developed J Hub Drone Academy to train drone operators
- Key training insights:
* Aptitude testing of 1000 service personnel
* Top 10% are exceptional operators
* Top 25% can be highly competent
* Gamers and technically curious individuals show best potential
- Established British Army Drone Sports Association to:
* Develop drone operation skills
* Create competitive training environments
* Prepare for future autonomous drone technologies

Key Challenges Identified:
- Regulatory barriers
- Financing difficulties
- Testing limitations
- Skill development for drone operators

Recommendations:
- Improve access to testing ranges
- Simplify regulatory processes
- Develop more flexible financing mechanisms
- Continue investing in drone operator training

Look forward to:
- Cyber warfare event scheduled for 12^th May  

-Continued dialogue between industry, regulators, and policymakers