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Imagine a scenario where the enemy drones suddenly turn against their operators like zombies. This is no longer science fiction.
Drones are a vital part of modern warfare, providing intelligence, fire support, and logistics. But like any technology, drones come with vulnerabilities.
An Israeli company, D-Fend Solutions, has developed a system called EnforceAir that exploits one such weakness in unmanned aerial vehicles. This system doesn’t shoot drones down or jam their signals—instead, it does something far more sophisticated: it can hack into enemy drones and take control of them.
At the core of EnforceAir is radio frequency (RF)-based cyber takeover technology. The system acts like an invisible border guard—operating autonomously or manually, it detects and tracks unauthorized drones entering protected airspace.
When an unauthorized aerial object is detected, the system can neutralize the threat by taking control of the drone and safely landing it in a designated zone.
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It offers much more than just shooting drones down, as it allows for inspection of the captured drone, recovery of valuable data, or even returning it to its owner if it turns out to be an innocent mistake, according to the Associated Press.
The system’s greatest advantage is its non-disruptive nature. Unlike traditional jammers, which can cause widespread radio interference and communication outages in normal settings, EnforceAir operates in a targeted manner and does not interfere with other devices.
This means that critical communications in the area remain unaffected.
One of EnforceAir’s most notable features is its flexibility. The system can be mounted on a tripod, installed on a vehicle, or carried in a backpack. It resembles a large router, as Interesting Engineering notes.
Its compact and portable design makes it ideal for a wide range of scenarios—from securing public events in urban environments to protecting strategic sites or safeguarding naval vessels at sea.
The latest version, EnforceAir2, offers even greater operational range—detection distances of up to 4.5 kilometers. This gives operators more time to react and neutralize threats. Additionally, a special maritime version, the EnforceAir2 Maritime, has been launched. Designed specifically for marine environments, it features rugged materials and an ultra-wideband antenna, delivering 360-degree coverage and resilience in harsh weather conditions, according to the company blog.
The device is also suitable for peacetime use by national security agencies. Border guards and special services can greatly benefit from the system in protecting strategic sites, major events, and national borders.
Law enforcement agencies, such as the police and private security firms, can use it to secure public events—including concerts, sporting events, or large gatherings—as well as for analyzing drones recovered during criminal investigations.
Critical infrastructure, such as power plants, airports, ports, and other essential facilities, can use EnforceAir to defend themselves against drone attacks and espionage.
While the system’s non-disruptive technology and ability to capture drones intact are key advantages, there are some drawbacks. The system requires trained personnel and comes with a high price tag. Even though it features an autonomous mode, it still needs a skilled operator to run effectively.
Additionally, it's unclear how many different types of “smart” and “dumb” drones the system is compatible with, how it handles drones that hop between communication frequencies, or whether it can stop drones connected via optical cable.
Of course, D-Fend Solutions' EnforceAir can also be deployed on the battlefield—to capture enemy drones intact and potentially repurpose them for one’s own use, effectively turning the enemy’s weapon against them.