On 24 September, the Danish Defence Drone Centre brought together key stakeholders from the Danish Defence and the Counter-UAS sector at HCA Airport in Odense. Companies and research institutions showcased solutions developed and tested during the FDC CORE hackathon in August, aimed at helping the Danish Defence detect, identify and counter unauthorised drones around critical infrastructure such as airports, ports and energy facilities.
FDC CORE began with a hackathon on 26–27 August, bringing together around 80 participants from the Danish Defence, companies, startups and research institutions to develop components for a modular Counter-UAS system designed to protect critical infrastructure against commercial and autonomous drones.
Using HCA Airport as a real-world case, participants worked on challenges including detecting drones using different types of sensors, identifying them and creating a comprehensive overview of the situation.
The aim was to explore how different technologies can be combined to give authorities and operators a stronger basis for responding quickly to potential threats.
“When the Danish Defence, companies and research institutions come together at HCA Airport, it once again highlights the unique drone and robotics ecosystem we have here on Funen, with capabilities that can make a difference to security far beyond our own municipality. At the same time, this is an industry with significant growth potential, and close collaboration between the Danish Defence, research institutions and companies is crucial to driving business development. This creates substantial value for both Odense and Denmark,” says Peter Rahbæk Juel, Mayor of Odense.
From Defence Needs to Concrete Solutions
On 24 September, the results were presented to key stakeholders from the Danish Defence and the Counter-UAS sector. The event also provided an opportunity to assess how the FDC CORE format has contributed to collaboration between the Danish Defence, industry and academia.
“It is crucial that the Danish Defence and industry understand each other and work closely together. As a country of Denmark’s size, we cannot necessarily do what larger countries do and simply purchase all the capabilities we need. We therefore depend on strong collaboration between the Danish Defence, industry and research institutions. Formats such as FDC CORE help bring us closer together, enabling us to better understand each other’s needs, opportunities and language,” says Eric Wanscher from the Danish Defence Drone Centre.
Several Odense Robotics member companies have participated in the programme, contributing their technologies and expertise.
“FDC CORE demonstrates the value of bringing companies and the Danish Defence closer together. When companies gain insight into concrete challenges faced by end users, they can develop solutions that address real needs. This enables faster innovation and stronger solutions. At the same time, Danish companies have the opportunity to demonstrate how their technologies can help strengthen the security of critical infrastructure,” says Søren Elmer Kristensen, CEO of Odense Robotics.
FDC CORE was developed as a challenge-based format that directly connects the Danish Defence’s operational needs with technological expertise from companies and research institutions. The experience and solutions developed through the programme will now provide a foundation for further work on technologies that can protect critical infrastructure against unauthorised drones.
Facts about FDC CORE
• FDC CORE is the Danish Defence Drone Centre’s framework for rapid development, testing and evaluation of new drone and Counter-UAS capabilities at UAS Denmark Test Center.
• The hackathon on 26–27 August brought together around 80 participants from the Danish Defence, companies, startups and research institutions.
• The focus was on components for a modular Counter-UAS system designed to protect critical infrastructure.
• The technologies can detect, identify and counter drones around critical infrastructure.
• HCA Airport served as a real-world case and testing environment.
• FDC CORE is the first of several hackathons planned to take place in Denmark and internationally.
Images: Jamie Simonsen