System for Enhanced Threat detection, Interception and soft-kill Neutralisation of Lethal drones
Overview
SENTINEL-EMP is a European defence research project developing a disruptive Very Short-Range Air Defence (VSHORAD) system against hostile drones, including swarms of micro, mini, and small Class I Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). Funded by the European Union under the European Defence Fund, the project pioneers the use of programmable medium-calibre shells capable of releasing Electromagnetic Pulses (EMP) to disable drones’ electronics without explosives, providing a soft-kill solution that minimises collateral damage and operates with a low acoustic signature.
By combining AI-enhanced 360° radar, optical sensors, and Radio Frequency (RF) direction finding, SENTINEL-EMP enables accurate detection, tracking, and interception of multiple airborne threats in real-time. The integration of advanced edge computing, trajectory prediction, and a Universal Automatic Ammunition Programming System ensures a decisive, reliable, and cost-effective defence solution. Designed for flexible deployment, SENTINEL-EMP can operate as a land-based, naval, or fixed installation, significantly enhancing Europe’s capacity to defend against emerging aerial threats.
Objectives
Define a new anti-drone VSHORAD system architecture for effectively neutralising threats from micro, mini and small Class I UAS through smart programmable medium calibre cannon-launched EMP projectiles.
Identify optimal electromagnetic frequencies and pulse shapes for effective neutralisation of Class 1 UAS.
Design a miniaturised smart programmable ElectroMagnetic Effector for use in medium calibre 40-57mm autocannons.
Design a universal automatic Ammunition Programming System.
Enhance the detection accuracy of micro, mini and small size Class I UAS even when flying in a swarm formation, by fusing and analysing data from radar, optical sensors and RF direction finder using AI/ML techniques.
Design AI/ML models and edge processing hardware for trajectory calculation and target lock for EMP projectiles.
Design the optimal shell packaging with miniaturised EMP capabilities.
Validate the capabilities and performance of the SENTINEL-EMP enabling technologies in the lab.
Maximise the impact of the SENTINEL-EMP project through wide means of dissemination, communication, exploitation, standardisation, and capacity building activities.
eBOS Role in the Project
As the coordinator of SENTINEL-EMP, eBOS Technologies will lead the overall strategic and administrative management of the project, ensuring seamless collaboration among partners and timely delivery of results. eBOS’ responsibilities include day-to-day coordination, financial and technical reporting to the European Commission, and quality assurance, risk, innovation, and intellectual property management.
eBOS will also play a key role in the system’s technological development, leading the design and implementation of the Universal Automatic Ammunition Programming System (UAAPS), a core innovation that enables real-time projectile programming and interoperability with existing military platforms. eBOS will contribute to the preliminary system architecture, component experimental development, interoperability testing, and robustness validation to ensure the solution meets the highest operational standards.
Finally, eBOS will drive the exploitation and sustainability strategy of SENTINEL-EMP, laying the groundwork for future commercialisation, standardisation, and long-term impact. Through this leadership role, eBOS will ensure the project delivers an innovative, scalable, and cost-effective solution for countering evolving drone swarm threats.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
