Defining the Core of a Modern C-UAS Ecosystem

During the discussion, Christian outlined the foundational layers of a Counter-UAS (C-UAS) ecosystem: Detection, Tracking, Identification, Mitigation, and Command & Control (C2) — forming an integrated “Detect–Decide–Defeat” workflow that underpins modern airspace defence.

However, Christian emphasized the need to move beyond purely reactive systems:

“The future of airspace defence isn’t only about detecting movement — it’s about understanding identity and intent. True security begins with knowing who belongs in the sky and who does not.”

Christian proposed introducing a new, pre-detection layer: Cooperative Identification.
Through standardized Remote ID, U-space integration, or network APIs, authorized drones could broadcast their identity in real time — creating a verified whitelist before any escalation occurs.

“This approach transforms C-UAS from reactive defence into cooperative airspace awareness — from detecting threats to verifying identity.”


The Future of C-UAS: From Defence to Airspace Transparency

In the second half of the discussion, which explored “Where is the future in the C-UAS domain?”, Christian described a vision of persistent airspace transparency — a shift from isolated systems to a networked, nationwide sensor architecture.

Most current setups, he noted, protect only specific facilities. To safeguard the entire low-altitude airspace, Europe must deploy multi-layered sensor coverage, both high and low, seamlessly connected, synchronized, and AI-enhanced.

“If we truly want to secure the lower airspace, we must see it as one living system — connected across sensors, borders, and data layers.”

Christian explained that the next generation of C-UAS systems will fuse Remote ID, U-space data, and multi-sensor inputs into one unified operational picture. Artificial intelligence will play a predictive role — identifying intent, swarm behavior, and anomalies before they escalate — while software-defined effectors operate under a unified command and control framework.


Open Architecture as the Foundation of European Airspace Sovereignty

Throughout the panel, Christian stressed that integration and standardization, not hardware, are the defining challenges of modern airspace defence.

“Every sensor should contribute to one shared truth — not to one vendor’s system.
Technology isn’t the challenge; governance and standardization are.”

He highlighted the importance of building an open, data-centric, and interoperable architecture, ensuring that Europe’s future airspace security systems remain sovereign, scalable, and collaborative — spanning defence, critical infrastructure, and civil aviation.