Counter Drone Technology for Multi-Drone Threats | AirSight

Drones are no longer operating solo. Across the U.S., federal agencies have documented incidents involving coordinated multi-drone operations - where one drone acts as a decoy while another carries out surveillance or intrusion unnoticed.

According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), multi-UAS incidents targeting critical infrastructure - from airports to energy facilities - are rising. (DHS Counter-UAS Program)

The tactic is simple:

• The decoy drone hovers over a visible area, drawing security teams’ attention.
• The threat drone slips into restricted airspace, gathering data or delivering contraband.

This coordinated distraction exposes the limitations of outdated radar and single-sensor systems - and proves why advanced counter drone technology is now essential.

The Science Behind Diversion

A traditional detection system may track a single moving object. But when multiple drones appear at different altitudes and speeds, their signals often overlap, confusing basic radar or RF receivers.

Sophisticated adversaries exploit this by:

• Flying low-profile, low-altitude drones to evade radar.
• Deploying multiple signal sources to overwhelm spectrum sensors.
• Using carbon-fiber or stealth-coated frames that reduce radar visibility.

Only modern counter drone technology - integrating radio frequency, radar, and optical intelligence - can reliably distinguish between a distraction and a genuine breach.

How Counter Drone Technology Neutralizes Multi-Drone Attacks

Today’s advanced counter-UAS solutions use sensor fusion and AI behavior models to track several targets at once. Systems like AirSight’s AirGuard analyze:

• RF patterns - identifying unique control signals and separating decoys from rogue flights.
• Radar reflections - filtering out false echoes and terrain interference.
• Optical confirmation - verifying real-time visuals through AI-based image recognition.
• Trajectory prediction - forecasting a drone’s next movement based on past behavior.

By combining these layers, counter drone technology turns a chaotic aerial event into a coordinated defense response.

Real U.S. Examples of Coordinated Intrusions

• 2023 Colorado Energy Facility Incident – A DHS advisory reported multiple drones circling a substation, with at least one behaving erratically to divert attention.
• Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (2024) – FAA data logged simultaneous unauthorized drone detections, briefly grounding operations.
• Border Surveillance Disruptions – DHS noted incidents where cartel operators used dual-drone tactics: one as a lookout, one for delivery.

Each case demonstrates a pattern: multi-drone incursions are deliberate, not random. Without adaptive detection, even the most advanced facilities can be blindsided.

Why AirSight Leads the Counter Drone Revolution

AirSight’s AI-powered counter drone technology is purpose-built to handle these evolving threats.

Key capabilities:

• Simultaneous multi-drone tracking with real-time classification.
• AI-driven intent prediction, distinguishing harmless hobbyists from tactical incursions.
• Geofencing and layered alert zones, allowing operators to prioritize high-risk areas.
• Sensor interoperability, integrating radar, RF, and optical sources into one unified dashboard.
• Scalable architecture, adaptable from private facilities to national events.

This enables AirSight’s clients to detect, analyze, and respond faster than adversaries can adapt.

Elevating Operational Readiness

Relying on single-layer detection is no longer an option. The growing use of coordinated drone tactics demands intelligent counter drone technology capable of multi-vector awareness.

Whether you’re securing an airport, data center, logistics hub, or VIP event, AirSight ensures your defense systems aren’t tricked by distractions - but informed by real-time intelligence.

Discover how AirSight’s counter drone technology redefines airspace defense. Request a consultation today.