ML-HADS

Multi-Layer Hybrid Anti-Drone System

The HADES Multi-Layered Hybrid Anti-Drone System is a modular and scalable Counter-UAS platform developed for the detection, classification, tracking and neutralisation of unmanned aerial threats within complex operational environments.

ML-HADS combines radar, RF, EO/IR, soft-kill, and hard-kill capabilities within a single integrated operational architecture, forming a fully layered Counter-UAS system for the protection of critical infrastructure, military installations, border areas, ports, airports, and other high-value assets.

The architecture is built around the HADES C4ISR Platform, in which all sensors, effectors, and operational layers are federated in real-time into a single integrated Common Operational Picture (COP).

Each sensor and effector module has embedded local C2 capabilities and can operate autonomously as a standalone operational node, while simultaneously supporting distributed sensor fusion, AI-assisted threat analysis, and multi-layer engagement orchestration.

1. Early Warning Zone

The Early Warning Zone forms the first operational defence layer of ML-HADS and is designed for the early detection, tracking and classification of aerial threats.

This layer combines:

AESA radars
Passive RF sensors
EO/IR systems
External operational data sources
Third-party sensors

Through real-time sensor fusion within the HADES C4ISR Platform, a single integrated air picture is created in which radar tracks, RF detections, and optical observations are automatically correlated.

AI-assisted analysis supports operators in threat classification, behavioural analysis, target prioritisation, trajectory prediction, and engagement assessment. This allows the system to distinguish between autonomous drones, actively controlled UAVs, GNSS-dependent platforms, emission-controlled threats, and potential swarm attacks.

2. Soft-Kill Zone

When a threat is found to be dependent on RF or GNSS connections, ML-HADS activates the Soft-Kill Zone.

This layer supports:

RF jamming
GNSS denial
Mobile band disruption
Protocol-oriented disruption
Directional or sector-specific electronic effectors

Based on real-time sensor information, the system automatically selects the most suitable electronic countermeasures, while operators remain fully Human-in-the-Loop within the engagement process.

Within the HADES C4ISR Platform, effectiveness, proportionality, threat behaviour, and interaction between the different operational layers are continuously monitored and evaluated.

3. Hard-Kill Zone

For autonomous drones, non-jammable threats, or fast-approaching targets, ML-HADS supports integrated hard-kill capabilities as a final operational layer of defence.

Within this architecture, the RP-24 interceptor platform functions as a kinetic effector, fully integrated with radar tracking, RF detection, EO/IR confirmation, real-time engagement data, and C4ISR sensor fusion.

Target data is processed in real-time to perform accurate interception calculations, after which programmable interceptors execute controlled neutralisation within the predicted target volume. This results in a fully integrated and explainable Counter-UAS kill chain in which all operational layers collaborate within a single, unified architecture.

1. Early Warning Zone

The Early Warning Zone forms the first detection layer and uses a combination of radar systems, passive RF sensors for spectrum detection and EO/IR cameras for visual identification.
The data from these sensors are brought together in a central C2 system that presents a reliable and up-to-date aerial image via sensor fusion. This layer determines whether a threat can be classified, tracked or influenced and thus forms the basis of further decision-making.

2. Soft-Kill Zone

The Soft-Kill Zone targets electronic neutralisation of UAVs that rely on command links or navigation signals.
This layer includes GNSS jamming, Mobile Band jamming and RF jamming technologies that can disrupt or break the connection between drone and operator.
The system works scenario-dependently and supports a Human-in-the-Loop approach, where operators receive proportional deployment advice based on sensor data.

3. Hard-Kill Zone

For UAVs that operate autonomously, cannot be jammed or pose a direct threat, the Hard-Kill Zone provides kinetic neutralisation.
This layer uses systems such as the RP-24 MLRS interceptor launcher, which is fully integrated with radar, RF and optical data.
The weapons platform receives real-time target information from the C2 system and performs controlled and proportional interception.

Distributed Architecture and Operational Scalability

ML-HADS supports both standalone deployments and fully distributed Counter-UAS architectures. Depending on operational requirements, the system can be deployed as:

Local force protection solution
Mobile Counter-UAS configuration
Critical infrastructure protection
Airport or port defence
Border control architecture
Telecom-based detection network
National or regional Counter-UAS environment

All operational components remain fully modular and scalable. Sensors, jammers, effectors and command nodes can be flexibly expanded, relocated or federated without altering the underlying architecture.

Integration & interfaces

ML-HADS supports open and modular integration via standard protocols and API-based interfaces, including ASTERIX, SAPIENT, REST API, MQTT, and third-party C2 environments.

The federated architecture enables sovereign deployment without vendor lock-in or mandatory reliance on centralised infrastructure.

The ML-HADS shown serves as a sample configuration within our C-UAS solutions. Each implementation is fully mission-specific put together by HADES based on the operational requirements and security level of the deployment location.