Smartshooter Unveils SMASH DOME: A Cutting-Edge Solution for Countering Drone Threats

The rapid rise of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in civilian and military spaces has turned drones into potent threats to critical infrastructure and public safety. Recognizing this growing challenge, SMARTSHOOTER, a global leader in advanced fire control systems, has introduced its groundbreaking counter-UAS (C-UAS) solution: SMASH DOME. This innovative, multi-layered defense system is designed to protect sensitive areas and forces from the growing menace of rogue drones.

The Growing Drone Threat

Drones have revolutionized surveillance, logistics, and warfare, but their accessibility and cost-effectiveness have also made them a tool for malicious purposes. From surveillance and smuggling to kinetic attacks, drones are increasingly used by adversaries in unconventional warfare. While traditional countermeasures like jamming and GNSS disruption were effective in the past, modern drones now come equipped with advanced anti-jamming capabilities, making older solutions insufficient.

SMARTSHOOTER’s SMASH DOME addresses these challenges head-on by combining advanced detection, classification, tracking, and kinetic interception into a single, versatile system.

A Comprehensive C-UAS Defense System

SMASH DOME is designed to offer tactical area defense through a combination of cutting-edge technologies:

1. Detection and Tracking
   The system incorporates both active RF radar and passive optical detection to identify and classify drone targets. With detection ranges of up to 1-2 kilometers, SMASH DOME continuously monitors the airspace to ensure early warning and tracking. Its sensors feed target data into a proprietary tracking system, enabling precise real-time interception.

2. Kinetic Interception with SMASH Hopper
   The heart of SMASH DOME’s kinetic response lies in the SMASH Hopper, a lightweight, remote-controlled weapon station equipped with an advanced Fire Control System (FCS). Armed with an assault rifle, SMASH Hopper ensures accurate, reliable hits on drones regardless of their communication systems or design. The FCS calculates ballistic solutions and allows automatic target tracking, ensuring the most efficient use of ammunition. It can integrate with a variety of weapon systems and platforms, making it adaptable for different operational requirements.

3. Seamless Integration with Command-and-Control Systems
   The SMASH Hopper can be integrated with widely used Command-and-Control (C2) systems, such as ATAK (Android Tactical Assault Kit). This integration enhances situational awareness, providing operators with real-time data for informed decision-making. By enabling person-in-the-loop precision, SMASH DOME minimizes risks of collateral damage in complex environments.

4. Flexible Deployment Options
   SMASH DOME is highly portable and versatile, making it suitable for both static and dynamic operations. It can be deployed on manned and unmanned vehicles, as well as ground platforms. It is particularly effective for border security, protecting critical infrastructure, and safeguarding high-risk urban areas.

A Leap in Drone Defense Technology

The SMASH DOME system stands out for its ability to combine advanced detection with precise kinetic interception in a cost-effective and portable solution. Traditional C-UAS systems often rely on either jamming or high-cost kinetic solutions. In contrast, SMASH DOME integrates both active and passive detection with an efficient, ballistically optimized interception mechanism, ensuring superior performance against a wide range of drones.

Michal Mor, CEO of SMARTSHOOTER, highlighted the system's strategic importance: “SMASH DOME provides a cost-effective and precise solution to evolving drone threats. Its ability to seamlessly integrate with existing systems and its person-in-the-loop design ensure both operational control and precision, safeguarding sensitive areas and critical assets with minimal collateral damage.”

Practical Implications for Defense Forces

The modular and scalable design of SMASH DOME makes it a valuable tool for military and security forces worldwide. It offers an effective solution for countering drones in densely populated urban environments, along borders, or at critical facilities. With the ability to handle both small commercial drones and larger, military-grade UASs, it ensures comprehensive aerial defense in a wide variety of scenarios.

By minimizing ammunition use and reducing operational risks, SMASH DOME delivers a pragmatic yet advanced approach to drone defense. Its introduction marks a significant leap forward in counter-drone technology, addressing the limitations of traditional systems while offering a practical and versatile tool for modern defense needs.

A Future-Ready Solution

As drones continue to evolve, so too must the methods for countering them. SMASH DOME represents a forward-looking solution that balances cost, precision, and adaptability. Whether deployed for covert missions or overt protection, its layered defense system is poised to play a critical role in securing the airspace against the next generation of drone threats.