At Digital X in Cologne, Telekom is publicly demonstrating its drone protection shield for the first time. The company has been active in this security sector since 2016. In Cologne Telekom is demonstrating live drone detection using radio frequency (RF). Most drones can be detected because a pilot controls them with a radio remote con-trol. RF sensors pinpoint their exact location in the airspace as well as the pilot’s lo-cation with precision. The sensors detect a remote control immediately when the pilot turns it on. They also electronically identify the drone and the remote control model. And they provide customers such as government agencies and organizations with security responsibilities (BOS) with important information – for law enforcement, for example regarding the model and radio control.
RF sensor partners include Vorpal from Israel and Senhive from Belgium. In internal comparative tests these manufacturers’ sensors performed the best. Depending on the terrain, requirements and the customer’s security needs Telekom also integrates video, audio, and remote ID sensors or drone radar. In the future, 5G and 6G mobile networks will be able to detect drones. Telekom is a research partner in this area with the Helmut Schmidt University of the German Armed Forces and the Federal Ministry of Research.
During the 2024 European Championship soccer matches as well as other sporting events and concerts, Telekom provided protection against drone flights. Customers also include airports, cities, companies and military facilities. For security reasons the company cannot provide specific details about customers or the scope of the contracts.
Ferri Abolhassan, Member of the Board of Management responsible for T-Systems and CEO of T-Systems, says: “The threat posed by drones is unfortunately real. That is why we must act now to protect citizens and critical infrastructure. The technolo-gies for detection and defense are available and have already been tested in real-world applications. The key is to quickly integrate them with strong partners into a secure, scalable, and effective overall system. Deutsche Telekom has the technolo-gy, the expertise, and the commitment to make a key contribution to Germany’s security.”
The RF sensors deployed by Telekom for its customers operate passively. They do not transmit an active search signal. This means they can also be installed on cell towers because they do not interfere with sensitive cellular technology. RF sensors mounted high up on telecommunications towers or tall buildings have proven effec-tive according to Telekom’s customer experience, particularly in densely built-up ur-ban areas. At the same time, the system is multi-tenant capable. Different customers with critical infrastructure (KRITIS) for example within an urban area can share the sensors. Each customer has its own access to the system.
The RF sensors can be flexibly integrated into almost any central Command & Con-trol (C2) software in a short amount of time. C2 software ensures the coordination of detection and defense measures. Thanks to standardized interfaces and open inte-gration concepts, Telekom can seamlessly integrate sensors into customers’ existing command and situational awareness systems. This enables rapid analysis of sensor data and situational decisions by security forces in the event of drone incidents.
Telekom collaborates with partners to defend against drones. The company has en-tered into a partnership with Rheinmetall. The group intends to incorporate additional providers and technologies in the field of defense. For detection and drone defense Telekom already cooperates with market-leading companies depending on the pro-tection scenario, technological requirements, and customer needs. Examples include Quantum Systems, HENSOLDT, Proximus, and German Air Navigation Services (DFS).
Precise detection is the foundation to detect the pilot and the drone. Sensors must transmit their data with the highest level of security and without delay, even in a cri-sis. Telekom can therefore connect sensors with priority via LAN, Microwave link or cellular networks. In cellular networks, this technical process is called Network Slic-ing. It reserves network capacity. Mission-critical data between sensors and servers is assigned its own dedicated channel within mobile network traffic. This technology is already available today as the BOS channel, part of the T-Mission offering for law enforcement and emergency services.
Critical infrastructures including energy utilities, water treatment plants, telecommu-nications facilities, hospitals, transportation hubs and industrial plants form the back-bone of a functioning society. Their failure or disruption can have significant impacts on public safety, the economy, and the supply of essential services to the population. Against this backdrop, national and European regulations require operators to take appropriate security measures to protect their facilities. The KRITIS umbrella law for example requires them to analyze all relevant threats. If drones pose a risk to the facility’s resilience operators must take appropriate measures.
The current geopolitical situation is bringing the protection of critical infrastructure into focus. As a result, Telekom and Rheinmetall are pooling their expertise. The partners’ goal is to develop capabilities and technologies to counter a wide range of potential attacks on KRITIS sites – a so-called multi-threat protection approach. It encompasses technologies for cybersecurity as well as the physical protection of,for example properties – also known as perimeter security. The companies plan to an-nounce details of the collaboration at a later date.
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