Rohde & Schwarz launches Ardronis Wi-Fi to counter Wi-Fi-controlled UAVs

On 20 May 2025 Rohde & Schwarz announced the launch of Ardronis Wi-Fi, describing it as “a cutting-edge system for detecting, locating and mitigating Wi-Fi-controlled drones”.

The latest iteration of the company’s Ardronis counter-unmanned aerial vehicle (C-UAV) range, Ardronis Wi-Fi is designed to automatically detect and classify UAVs using wireless local area networks (LANs), providing an approximate direction of the detected signal. In some cases the system can also intercept the video signal being transmitted from the UAV to the operator and display it to the Ardronis operator. Furthermore, Ardronis Wi-Fi can identify UAVs by decoding their transmitted Remote ID (RID), which provides detailed information about the UAV, including its location, speed, altitude and more.

One of the key features of Ardronis Wi-Fi is its ability to interrupt the connection between a specific operator and the UAV he or she is operating, providing an effective countermeasure against potential threats, completely without interference with other UAVs or signals. This is achieved through the system’s smart disruption of Wi-Fi control links, which can be triggered in response to detected UAV activity. This offers early warning while the UAV is still on the ground, making it an essential tool for security and surveillance applications, according to Rohde & Schwarz.

The Ardronis Wi-Fi counter-UAV solution can be used as a standalone system or as an option for all Ardronis systems, providing flexibility and scalability for a wide range of applications. The system also offers different antenna options, including optional Wi-Fi sector antennas, which can be used to gain directional information and enhance detection range.

“Ardronis Wi-Fi is a game-changer in the field of drone detection and mitigation,” Anne Stephan, vice president for monitoring and analytics at Rohde & Schwarz, was quoted as saying in a company press release. “This system offers a robust and intuitive solution for the detection, localisation and neutralisation of Wi-Fi-controlled drones, thanks to its cutting-edge features and user-centric design, making it a vital asset for organisations focused on security and surveillance.”