Anti-drone technology deployed at the Ryder Cup to safeguard against rogue drones

From 25 September to 1 October 2023, the 17° Regiment COMACA with the Italian Army C-UAS Center of Excellence joined to deploy a Counter-Unmanned Aerial Anti-drone System Task Group at the 44th Ryder Cup being played at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Guidonia Montecelio, northeast of Rome (Italy). During the event, thanks to this technology, a drone unauthorized to fly over the area was intercepted.

Since 2017, The C-UAS solution of the Italian Army has been powered by the IDS “Black Knight” system.

The role of the C-UAS solution is to defend against any potential threat posed by so-called “mini and micro drones”, which are very small remotely piloted aircraft that can be deployed alone or in groups (making reaction by the air defense system more complex) by impeding these drones to fly at low altitude over sensitive or forbidden areas such as military installations or event venues. Small drones can be adapted to carry warheads and can be used to launch attacks on sensitive targets and individuals.

The role of the C-UAS Task Group at the Ryder Cup represents a significant step in demonstrating the growing importance of anti-drone technology in safeguarding high-profile events from potential threats posed by rogue drones.