US Soldier Develops Wearable Drone Detector for Under $120

[Clearance Jobs, Aug 6] Drones have become a key transformative factor on the modern battlefield. These low-cost weapons can launch surprise attacks against high-value targets and forward positions. Although various countermeasures exist — including individual electronic warfare devices and physical interception nets — ground troops often have too little time to react effectively when they detect incoming autonomous drones. To address this gap, the "Design Innovation Research and Testing" (DIRT) lab of the U.S. Army's 7th Army Training Command in Germany recently demonstrated a wearable drone detector. The device was designed by Sergeant Ryan Minton of the 2nd Cavalry Regiment Support Squadron, with the goal of detecting drone communication link signals to provide early warning for ground troops.

The detector's core function is to scan radio signals associated with drones. Once a target is detected, it alerts the wearer via a buzzer or vibration. The device is inexpensive — parts cost less than $120 — and easy to assemble in just one hour. It comes in multiple sizes: a small version that fits in a pocket and runs on a micro battery, and a larger version shaped like a portable radio that fits in a carry bag. This multi-form portable design allows soldiers to sense aerial threats without relying on bulky equipment, buying valuable reaction time.

The project was completed on the U.S. military's DIRT lab platform. As a collaborative body linking soldiers, engineers, and researchers, DIRT aims to translate frontline problems into concrete solutions, providing 3D printing, advanced manufacturing, and robotics support to help soldiers rapidly prototype and test systems.