Drone detection: MyDefence adds first wideband antenna for 350 to 1,300 MHz to Wingman

MyDefence has recently launched a new technology for drone detection. The company, known for its small portable drone detector Wingman, aims to uncover drone threats with it. The compact next-generation wideband antenna was developed specifically for integration with Wingman and the Android Tactical Assault Kit (ATAK). It advances spectrum detection by also covering critical low-frequency ranges – those used by today's hardest-to-locate drones.

Drone warfare is changing rapidly. In high-threat environments such as Ukraine, adversaries increasingly switch to low-frequency bands, above all 350–1,300 MHz, and thus evade conventional counter-drone systems. The consequences are devastating.

“Our mission is to save lives by staying one step ahead of the evolving drone threat.”
MyDefence CEO Dan Hermansen

According to the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, short-range drones now cause more casualties on the battlefield than any other weapon system. Tools that detect threats in the lower frequency range are therefore urgently needed.

Drone detection in the lower frequency range

The new wideband antenna detects signals between 350 and 1,300 MHz. It thus closes gaps that first-person view (FPV) drones and other low-frequency emitters have exploited so far. The 2.4 GHz band (2,400–2,500 MHz) remains supported, and the 5 GHz range (5,000–6,000 MHz) is fully covered. Spectrum detection is therefore possible where it matters most today.

Dan Hermansen, CEO of MyDefence, explained: “The deadliest threats are often the hardest to detect and today operate in parts of the spectrum that most systems do not cover. Our new compact wideband antenna closes this gap, with a clear focus on the entire 350 to 1,300 MHz range in which real attacks are taking place today.”

Situational picture directly in ATAK

The antenna provides next-generation detection, while ATAK handles the display of the spectrum. Whatever spectrum activity the antenna picks up is streamed directly into ATAK. Hostile signals can thus be located on the map, monitored and responded to in real time.

The integration aims to improve situational awareness for soldiers and security teams. Portable detection, coverage of both low and high frequencies, and visual analytics are to come together in the tactical platform preferred by the military.

Upgrade for Wingman users at the front

More than 2,000 Wingman units are currently deployed in Ukraine, supporting front-line troops where drone activity is especially high. For these users, the new wideband antenna is a decisive upgrade: signal activity that previously remained invisible, above all in the low-frequency range, now becomes detectable.

Compact, with a broad spectral range and plug-and-play compatibility, the antenna is also suited to other tasks: conflict zones and border operations, law enforcement and public safety, as well as VIP protection and homeland security. With a new facility that went into operation last year, MyDefence has increased its production capacity tenfold.

Hermansen sums up: “Our mission is to save lives by staying one step ahead of the evolving drone threat. This new antenna strengthens the integration between MyDefence solutions and tactical platforms.”

MyDefence will be exhibiting at the “DroneVation & Defence” drone symposium in Vienna on 23 September.