drone-tec – Intelligent Drone Detection for Critical Infrastructure
Early drone detection. Direction and distance indication. Open interfaces.
drone-tec is the Gigahertz Security product line for passive drone detection and RF-based airspace monitoring. The system detects unmanned aircraft systems (UAS/UAVs) early via their radio-frequency emissions, provides direction, distance/proximity indicators and activity context, and delivers these insights in real time to control rooms and security ecosystems.
drone-tec builds on the proven HFA7 hardware platform, enhanced with high-performance RF signal processing and Edge AI–supported pattern recognition—purpose-built for drone control links, telemetry and video transmissions.
Why Drone Detection Has Become Essential
Drones are no longer just hobby devices. For critical sites they represent a real, operational threat:
- Surveillance and reconnaissance
- Sabotage and manipulation
- Illegal deliveries (e.g., to correctional facilities)
- Risk to people, operations and infrastructure
- Industrial and economic espionage
Typical high-risk environments include:
- Critical infrastructure (KRITIS): energy, water, telecom
- Solar parks and industrial sites
- Prisons, courts and government facilities
- Airports and transport infrastructure
- Large private properties and sensitive areas
Optical-only systems (camera-based monitoring) and even radar can be late, weather-dependent or limited by line of sight.
drone-tec detects drones when they transmit—often before visual confirmation, sometimes even before takeoff or at long range.
Technology Approach: Passive RF Detection
drone-Tec operates purely passively—it does not transmit signals.
What Drone-Tec Detects
- Remote control (RC) links
- Telemetry transmissions
- Video links (FPV and HD downlinks)
- Autonomous drone communications
- Frequency-agile and encrypted systems (detected via RF behavior and signatures, not content)
Typical Frequency Ranges:
- 400 MHz – 1 GHz (sub-GHz / specialized links)
- 2.4 GHz (common control links, Wi-Fi-based systems)
- 5.8 GHz (FPV video, long-range links)
- 8–12 GHz (professional video links, specialized drones)
Coverage concept: 200 MHz – 12 GHz, band-selective and high-dynamic, depending on configuration.
Drone-Tec combines a set of operational capabilities that turn drone-related RF activity into clear situational awareness. It enables early detection by identifying drone signals before visual contact, which is especially effective in low-background environments such as solar parks and industrial sites. Once activity is detected, Drone-Tec provides direction indication (azimuth) to show where the RF source is coming from—supporting PTZ camera cueing and auto-follow, helping focus radar or optical systems, and triggering predefined response workflows. In addition, Drone-Tec delivers distance/proximity estimation by evaluating signal strength, dynamics and behavior, classifying events into practical distance and threat-level categories rather than claiming unrealistic “exact meters.”
At the core of the system is Edge AI pattern recognition. Instead of relying only on raw signal level, Drone-Tec analyzes pulse structure and timing, frequency behavior and switching patterns, as well as temporal context to distinguish drone-relevant signatures from Wi-Fi, cellular traffic, industrial noise and other common interferers. When a relevant event is confirmed, Drone-Tec supports real-time alerting—acoustic, visual or tactile depending on the device and installation—and can forward events to control rooms/SOC, SCADA or operational platforms where applicable, and security software or incident workflows.
Drone-Tec is available in both mobile and stationary configurations. The handheld version is a portable tool for rapid situational awareness, ideal for security teams and patrols, temporary operations, and deployments at construction sites or events, providing an immediate overview of current drone RF activity. The stationary version is designed for 24/7 airspace monitoring at fixed sites such as watchtowers and perimeter zones, industrial facilities and solar parks, and KRITIS locations with sensitive perimeters. Multiple sensors can be networked to extend coverage and enrich situational data across larger areas.
Open Interfaces and System Integration
Drone-Tec is not a closed box. It is built as an open platform for real security operations.
Interfaces (planned / optional, project dependent)
- REST API
- MQTT
- TCP/IP
- Cloud connectivity
- On-prem processing and integration
Integration with Existing Security Systems
- Counter-UAS response systems (e.g., radar, takeover solutions, authorized mitigation systems)
- Camera systems (PTZ, thermal imaging)
- Control rooms and security software
- AI analytics platforms
drone-tec provides RF intelligence—other systems deliver the response.
RF Detection Expertise Made in Germany
23 Years of Innovation. Trusted Worldwide.
For more than 23 years, Gigahertz Security and its parent company have been developing and manufacturing high-precision RF detection systems in Germany. With numerous patents, full in-house production and strict quality control, we deliver robust, field-proven technology that exceeds industry standards.
Thousands of professionals across Europe and beyond rely on our analysers, network isolators and RF detection systems — from correctional facilities and military organisations to security integrators, building biologists and citizen initiatives.
Our AI-driven solutions are engineered to reveal even the most covert wireless threats, including drones, contraband devices and RF jammers, before they can cause harm. In a world where attacks unfold in seconds, early RF detection is essential.
We do not simply ship hardware — we build long-term partnerships. Our team supports you with consulting, training and service throughout the entire lifecycle of your RF security deployment.
Contact
Let’s Secure Your Infrastructure - Together
Every site has its own RF threat profile. Whether you operate a prison, safeguard national infrastructure, manage a renewable energy project or protect a fleet of high-value vehicles — we design RF detection solutions that match your risk, scale and budget.
From handheld RF analysers to fully integrated multi-sensor networks, Gigahertz Security is your trusted partner for securing the invisible spectrum.