EU Launches COURAGEOUS²: A Bold Step in Counter-Drone Technology
The European Union has officially launched the COURAGEOUS² project, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing the growing challenges posed by unmanned aerial systems (UAS), commonly known as drones. Building on the success of its predecessor, the COURAGEOUS project, this new phase seeks to enhance the safety and security of European airspace through innovative counter-drone solutions
Tackling Emerging Threats
With the increasing accessibility of drones, law enforcement agencies face mounting challenges in monitoring and regulating lower airspace. Drones, while beneficial for commercial and recreational purposes, can also be exploited for illicit activities such as smuggling, unauthorized surveillance, and even potential terrorist operations. COURAGEOUS² aims to mitigate these risks by developing standardized methodologies for detecting, tracking, and neutralizing rogue drones.
A Collaborative Effort
The COURAGEOUS² project brings together a robust consortium of nine law enforcement agencies from across Europe, including the Netherlands, Spain, Romania, Belgium, and Sweden, among others. These agencies are joined by academic institutions, research organizations, and private sector partners, creating a multidisciplinary team with expertise in counter-UAS operations.
Key Objectives
The project focuses on several critical activities:
Community Building: Engaging stakeholders through workshops to foster collaboration between law enforcement, the counter-drone industry, and policymakers.
Digital Platform Development: Creating a centralized repository for drone incident data to enhance information sharing.
Harmonized Testing: Implementing standardized testing protocols for counter-drone systems to ensure reliability and effectiveness.
Regulatory Insights: Conducting studies to identify regulatory gaps and inform future policies.
Training Modules: Leveraging existing counter-drone training programs to equip law enforcement with the necessary skills.
A Vision for Safer Skies
COURAGEOUS² represents a significant step forward in the EU's commitment to safeguarding its airspace. By fostering innovation and collaboration, the project aims to set new benchmarks in counter-drone technology, ensuring that law enforcement agencies are well-equipped to address current and future challenges.
As the project unfolds, it is expected to not only enhance security but also contribute to the development of a thriving counter-UAS industry, positioning Europe as a global leader in this critical domain. With COURAGEOUS², the EU is taking a proactive stance in shaping the future of drone regulation and safety.
Project COURAGEOUS² is a consortium of 7 Law Enforcement Agencies, 5 Universities and 4 Private Entities. This project is funded by the European Union.
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Internal Security Fund Police under Grant Agreement 101034655 (COURAGEOUS2)