KENTAVROS is a fully integrated Electronic Warfare (EW) system designed for the detection and neutralization of Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) targets. Target detection is achieved through radio direction-finding (RDF) techniques, while neutralization (soft-kill) is achieved by jamming the full range of communication and navigation links used by NATO Class II and Class III UAVs.
Detection and target-recognition capabilities can be further enhanced through the integration of electro-optical (EO) sensors and/or radar. The system is designed for installation on a variety of ground vehicle types and surface vessels and can be deployed as a vehicle-mounted system, in a fixed installation, or aboard naval combatants (naval variant).
Principal Subsystems
The KENTAVROS counter-UAS (C-UAS) system comprises the following principal subsystems:
All ESM/ELINT/SIGINT and ECM/Jamming subsystem functions are operated remotely from dedicated operator workstations located within the C2 facility.
Command and Control (C2) Subsystem
Detection, Interception, Analysis, and Direction-Finding Subsystem (ESM / ELINT / SIGINT)
Signal Jamming Subsystem (ECM / Jamming)
Autonomous Local Operation Management Software
Command and Control (C2) System
► Receives processed sensor data from the full suite of system sensors.
► Correlates and fuses information collected across sensors, including emission detection, target recognition and identification, and direction-finding.
► Records and stores operator-selected target data with adjustable recording duration.
► Enables full system control –in both detection and jamming modes– by a single operator.
► Applies jamming techniques drawn from a pre-loaded technique library.
► Allows the operator to activate manual or semi-automatic ECM/Jamming modes for target engagement.
► Displays fused target track data on a geographic backdrop via the C2, enabling automated compilation of the local Electronic Order of Battle (EOB), with 2D visualization of geographic data and the jamming coverage sector.
► Supports compression and export of all or selected data to external storage media, with the required decompression software provided.
ESM / ELINT / SIGINT System – Emitter Detection Receiver
Performs search, monitoring and spectrum analysis of communication signal emissions, covering both analog and digital transmissions across multiple modulation types (AM, FM, SSB, FSK, BPSK).
Performs radio direction-finding (RDF) across the full operational frequency range.
Detects UAS emissions at ranges exceeding 150 km, including fixed-frequency and wideband frequency-hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) signals, subject to line-of-sight (LOS) with the target.
Detects continuous-wave (CW) spectral signals, both analog and digitally modulated, transmitted using spread-spectrum techniques, data links and pulsed radar emissions (Pulse, Pulse-Doppler, CW).
Provides interception and detection coverage of 0°-360° in azimuth and 0°-90° in elevation, together with direction-finding of emissions across a full 360° azimuth.
Performs detection, interception and direction-finding of emissions referenced to true (geographic) north - Line of Bearing (LOB).
Performs detection, interception and direction-finding of emissions referenced to true north (LOB), for both fixed-frequency signals and those employing modern digital modulation, frequency-hopping (FHSS) and spread-spectrum techniques.
Supports networked cooperation between two or more systems for the geolocation of operator-selected electromagnetic spectrum emissions, with real-time display of target positions on a digital map via the C2.
Provides scanning and direction-finding of emissions within operator-preselected frequency sub-bands, across the entire operational frequency range.
Recognizes and processes both narrowband and wideband emissions.
Logs and archives the parameters of all emissions –identified and unidentified– as selected by the operator, storing detection data in the system database for subsequent analysis and use.
Simultaneously detects pulsed (Pulse/Pulse-Doppler) and continuous-wave (CW) signals and detects changes in transmitter operating mode.
MODULAR & OPEN ARCHITECTURE
With its modular design and open architecture, the system supports the integration of additional sensors –such as electro-optical systems and radar– with appropriate data fusion, as well as kinetic (hard-kill) interception assets. In addition, the KENTAVROS C-UAS system can be offered in an integrated configuration with the IPERION C-UAS system, which covers shorter engagement ranges. In this combined configuration, the two systems form a complete, scalable, multi-layered solution for countering UAS threats, capable of addressing the full spectrum of contemporary threats – from tactical unmanned systems to mass drone-swarm attacks.
Jamming / ECM System
► Jams communication signal emissions across a broad frequency range. The jamming technique is selected by the operator or drawn from the system’s pre-loaded technique libraries; slewing of the jammer toward the threat bearing is performed automatically.
► Jams the uplink (Up-Link) command channel between the ground control station and individual or swarming drones. Jams the downlink (Down-Link) telemetry and/or video channel from the UAS to the ground control station, subject to line-of-sight (LOS) between the jammer and the ground station. Jams GNSS satellite navigation signals (GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo) at the UAS receiver.
► Effective jamming range is a function of the relative distances between the jammer, the UAS, and the ground control station, as well as terrain, transmitted power, and other mission-specific parameters, and varies significantly by UAS type, operational scenario, and deployment configuration.
► Engages one or more targets within the jammer’s operational sector and frequency band, applying operator-selected or pre-loaded jamming techniques, either individually or in combination.
► Allows the operator to automatically slew toward the detected bearing of the target(s), or to any other bearing entered manually via keyboard.
► Provides high frequency set-on accuracy.
Using the selected jamming mode and appropriate waveform, the system is capable of Jamming:
a. Fixed-frequency signals, frequency-hopping (FH/FHSS) signals, Low Probability of Intercept (LPI) signals, or any combination thereof.
b. Specific targets regardless of emission status – including non-emitting targets (non-responsive jamming).
c. A specific target or targets during active transmission (responsive jamming).
► Implements specialized jamming techniques against GNSS systems, including GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, and Galileo.
► Supports logging and archiving of all executed jamming actions, storing them in the system database in a format suitable for post-mission analysis.
► Beyond standalone operation, supports networking of multiple KENTAVROS systems via wired or wireless links under a unified Command and Control (C2) center, for centralized data collection, correlation and analysis. In this configuration, the system supports automated triangulation-based target position estimation, complementing its direction-finding capabilities.
THE ONLY C-UAS SYSTEM IN THE EU WITH PROVEN OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE (BATTLE-PROVEN)
KENTAVROS was installed aboard a Hellenic Navy frigate that took part in the European Union’s Operation ASPIDES, tasked with protecting merchant vessels transiting the Red Sea against Houthi attacks. On 7 July 2024, the system neutralized, using soft-kill methods, two Houthi attack UAVs armed with warheads; a third was neutralized on 14 July 2024. In the first engagement, the UAVs were detected at a range of 18 kilometers and neutralized at 5 kilometers; in the second, detection occurred at 110 kilometers and neutralization at 18 kilometers. In addition, the system deterred four further Houthi UAVs from attacking allied vessels, forcing them to abort their mission and return to base.