Meduza X is a state-of-the-art, mobile drone defense system developed by the Israeli manufacturer ThirdEye Systems. In the realm of police and military operations as well as modern security technology, the system is increasingly gaining importance. Notably following incidents at airports in Leipzig, Munich, Berlin and other German and international hubs.
The system functions as a passive optical radar (Tactical Passive Optical Radar). It scans the airspace fully automatically using visual and MWIR sensors (infrared), cross-checks the data against a large drone database, and detects potential threats in real time.
Since the system itself does not emit radio signals or radar radiation (it operates passively), the deployment forces’ location remains hidden from the other side during covert operations.
Most recently, the system was tested at the Special Operations Training Center in Pfullendorf. Mounted on a Toyota pickup to test mobile, vehicle-based deployment. This was intended to demonstrate the protection of special forces or lightly equipped infantry units operating in a vehicle network. According to the manufacturer, the system has already been in use for years with the IDF (Israel Defense Forces).
Meduza X is a passive, portable 360-degree drone detection system for military and tactical operations. It is portable and can thus also be used by special forces and infantry units. But a stationary deployment is also possible. A 360° sweep takes about five seconds. According to the manufacturer, the sensor can also detect FPV drones and fiber-optic drones. Additionally, it can also detect ground targets such as persons or UGVs.
And it features AI and real-time analysis. It operates with edge computing and a deep neural network analysis trained on millions of patterns to distinguish drones from birds.
According to the provider, it was developed for mobile infantry units, protection of critical infrastructure, and operation in complex environments at short ranges (up to about 1.5 km).
Meduza X detects and tracks drones thanks to a combination of a thermal imaging device and an electro-optical system. The system was developed using intelligent and efficient algorithms for the detection and classification of drones of different shapes and sizes with the help of a single-image ATR (Automatic Target Recognition).
Meduza X detects a potential target, classifies it as a drone, and begins to track the aircraft. Using the company’s own assembled, huge drone database (currently over 4 million patterns), efficient and robust proprietary algorithms were developed. Several algorithms were networked together to enable accurate real-time detection while minimizing the false alarm rate.
The sensor weighs 5.2 kg, so it can be carried by a single soldier. It can be set up, configured, and put into operation in just 15 minutes. The system weight – including the tripod and accessories – is 12 kg. It can be easily carried as a backpack system.
In addition, the sensor is mounted on a tripod. It is a passive system that emits no emissions and therefore does not reveal its own position. According to the manufacturer, a 360° scan takes only five seconds. However, only sub-areas can be designated, which are scanned even faster.
According to the manufacturer, the system can also detect and track drone swarms, with an infinite number of UAVs. With ARGUS Shield, ThirdEye also offers a system for combat vehicles of all kinds—from Polaris to battle tanks—and the ability to operate while on the move.
In Germany the system is offered through the European trading partner Messer Waffenhandel und Sicherheitsgesellschaft mbH from Offenbach.
Author: André Forkert, Armed Forces Editor
The sensor is, among others, in use by the IDF. (Photo: ThirdEye)
Test over the roofs of Germany. (Photo: Messer)
Sensor deployed at the forest edge to monitor the area in front. (Photo: Messer)
