Drones, or Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), are now an integral part of our airspace. They offer unprecedented opportunities for industry, logistics, and security, but also bring new risks. Incidents over airports and critical infrastructure demonstrate that existing safety measures are insufficient. Both civil and military applications require an integrated approach to the detection, identification, and neutralisation of unwanted drones.

The rapid evolution of drone technology calls for flexible and scalable solutions. In the civil context, the focus is on protecting citizens, events, and infrastructure. In the military context, drones have become strategic weapons, requiring layered defence and rapid response. An integrated approach, where technologies for detection, tracking, and neutralisation work together, is essential for a safe airspace.

Flanders has a strong and innovative C-UAS ecosystem. Companies, research institutions, and public authorities are collaborating on advanced detection technology, automated tracking, AI-assisted analysis, and flexible neutralisation methods such as interceptor drones and high-power microwaves. The rise of hunter-killer drones and distributed Command & Control systems highlights the potential of Flemish innovation.

The roadmap emphasises the importance of a triple-helix model: close collaboration between government, industry, and research institutions.

The future of Counter-UAS lies in sensor fusion, AI-driven threat analysis, multimodal identification, and scalable neutralisation technology. Flanders has all the assets needed to tackle these challenges and play a key role in the European innovation agenda.