The ADS Drone Platforms and Counter-Drone (DPAC) Special Interest Group helps shape policy, identify opportunities and build connections across this fast-evolving domain. It is led by Co-Chairs Aleks Kowalski, Business Director at Livelink Aerospace and Chris Daniels, Chief Commercial Officer at Flare Bright.

In this latest blog, we hear from Chris Daniels as he explains more about the group…

We all hear regularly about the drone industry – how it is transforming warfare; how it will forever change logistics and parcel delivery; and how there are a multitude of uses for drones in emergency services, protecting critical national infrastructure and a myriad of counter-drone technologies to secure everything from rogue operators.

Yet when I walk around the UK and look up in the sky, I rarely see a drone. And the MOD have bought relatively few drones for use by its own troops (a large number have been bought for the Ukrainian military). So what is hype and what is reality? And is the story being told going to pan out? Or are we at peak-drone and peak hype?

This is where ADS, the UK trade body for aerospace, defence, security and space comes in. I co-chair the Drone Platform and Counter-Drone (DPAC) Special Interest Group (soon to be renamed to align with the MOD’s Uncrewed Systems initiatives). We focus on understanding directly from the decision makers and key players in the industry what is going on.

I lived through the Global Financial Crisis in a front row seat on the Trading Floor of one of the key banks involved – and I remember being overwhelmed with information, news, gossip and rumours – all of which was critical to understand and assimilate quickly. The uncrewed and counter-uncrewed sector, as it stands currently, feels similar. There is so much information, news and initiatives going on, it is almost impossible for a single person to stay fully informed. And, like any booming sector, there is a large difference between hype and reality.

DPAC tries to help navigate through all this. We have access to 120 member organisations, which represent the cream of the uncrewed and counter-uncrewed industry from Primes to the smallest SME, and including academia and others to boot. We share insights, knowledge and opinions. We also have access and regular briefings from the drone experts and those leading projects and initiatives in the MOD, across other nation’s Departments of Defense, the Emergency Services, the Home Office, major industries and anyone else we feel has something helpful to add.

As an example, in a briefing by Brigadier Stu Nasse, NATO Drone Capability Coaliton UK lead this week, he used ADS to convene industry to share his thoughts on the MOD’s Uncrewed Systems Centre and to get immediate feedback from us on what we thought, and where we felt the priorities lie. This early market engagement and two-way communication is invaluable, particularly for the smaller businesses.

So if you’re interested in being part of the conversation, do reach out. Join the group via the members area or contact Allison Spyer for more information.

ADS Drone Platforms and Counter-Drone (DPAC UK)

Join over 120 member organisations to expand your impact in the UAS and counter-drone ecosystem.

This Special Interest Group of ADS convenes members to…

  • Interact with industry, government and other special interest groups
  • Explore procurement opportunities in public and private sectors
  • Engage in business and pre-procurement networking
  • Contribute to national and international policy, standards and legislative dialogue

Find out more about the group.

View capability listings of current members here.

Main photo credit: Military Systems & Technology