D-Fend Solutions - Experts & Thought Leaders

The Security Industry Association (SIA) has appointed Brett Feddersen – vice president of strategy and government affairs at D-Fend Solutions – as chair of the SIA Counter-UAS Working Group. Many facilities are limited in their ability to establish counter-uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) given the myriad of regulatory nuances and lack of a clear national framework for addressing the topic. UAS National Action Plan SIA Counter-UAS Working Group was created in 2023 to support the work needed to accomplish actively The SIA Counter-UAS Working Group was created in 2023 to actively support the work needed to accomplish the recommendations of the Domestic Counter-UAS National Action Plan put forth by the Biden administration and further educate and give authorities options to mitigate UAS attacks.  This group collaborates with external organisations and recruits industry experts aligned with this goal; tracks and monitors supportive legislation; and identifies, educates and engages with legislators. Innovative counter-UAS technologies “I am honoured to continue the hard work my predecessor, Bill Edwards, led in the Counter-UAS working group. Together with my security industry colleagues, we will advance the critical efforts of air domain awareness and safe drone threat mitigation and advocate for the broad acceptance of innovative counter-UAS technologies.” In his role with D-Fend Solutions, Feddersen is responsible for pioneering the company’s strategy, public policy and government relations efforts and engagements with various branches of the U.S. government, policymakers and regulators. He also plays a key role in supporting business development for D-Fend’s airports and aviation practice by supporting the company’s counter-UAS activities at U.S. airports. Roles of Feddersen Feddersen joined the team with vast senior leadership venture in major governmental agents Feddersen joined the team with extensive senior leadership experience in major governmental agencies, including the Federal Aviation Administration, the White House’s National Security Council, the Pentagon’s Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Defense Intelligence Agency.  He spoke at SIA GovSummit 2024 on the topic of safeguarding sensitive environments in the era of the hostile drone threat. Feddersen is a U.S. Army combat veteran and a retired Pennsylvania state trooper. New chair of SIA’s Counter “SIA is honoured to welcome Brett Feddersen as the new chair of SIA’s Counter-UAS Working Group,” said SIA CEO Don Erickson. “While uncrewed systems offer tremendous benefits, they also pose security risks across various sectors, and there is a critical need for technologies to address these challenges and safeguard our drone-powered society." "Brett’s deep experience and expertise in navigating the complexities of countering threats will bring great value to the working group’s efforts to inform and educate our members about key topics related to drones and counter-drone technologies and advocate for measures that cater to key requirements while ensuring operational flexibility and continuity."  Brett’s leadership SIA Counter-UAS Working Group’s efforts and acts have had to provide input on drone-related content Erickson added: "Through Brett’s leadership and the active involvement of working group members, SIA will continue to actively pursue the renewal of counter-UAS authorities and the long-overdue expansion of these policies to help mitigate threats posed by drones.” The SIA Counter-UAS Working Group’s key efforts and accomplishments have included providing input on counter-drone-related content and pioneering compelling presentations at top SIA and industry events, producing informative articles on important drone and counter-UAS topics, advocating on behalf of the security industry and engaging with legislators on drone-related concerns. Volunteer opportunities Employees of SIA member companies can make the most out of their memberships by getting more involved with the association.  Volunteer opportunities include joining SIA committees or groups, lending expertise to SIA’s education and training programs, participating in SIA’s advocacy efforts, contributing to SIA’s publications and thought leadership and getting involved in SIA events.

D-Fend Solutions, the pioneer in field-proven radio frequency (RF), cyber-based, non-kinetic, non-jamming, counter-drone takeover technology, announced the release of EnforceAir2 version 24.04.2, which includes all upgrades to the system released since the launch of the product last year. This new software version comprises major upgrades to its award-winning capabilities and builds upon its proven C-UAS power, performance, portability, and range. Version 24.04.2 of EnforceAir2 includes a range of refined improvements that have been rolled out so far this year, including new user interface (UI) features, expanded detection and mitigation coverage, and enhanced capabilities for deployment on naval vessels. UI Enhancements: EnforceAir2's user interface now offers: An AI-based mitigation engine that recommends appropriate drone mitigation options for each individual drone to simplify mission-critical decisions by the operator in real time. Direct UI integration linking drone tickets with map representation of drone location to enhance situational awareness when dealing with drone swarms. New graphic representation of the threat level and the possible intentions of the pilot. Improved quick, single-click access to detailed drone information to enable operators to dive into specific characteristics to assess a drone's threat level. Upgraded API: Application Programming Interface (API) upgrades include: Strengthened support for the exchange of information with external command and control (C2) systems in real time. Additional feeds into EnforceAir2 SDR to facilitate tagging of large numbers of authorised drones for the control airspaces that may contain thousands of drones operating as a baseline. Enhanced Naval Vessel Deployment Capabilities: Updates for EnforceAir2 naval deployments include: Support for multiple sensors deployed on a moving platform utilising D-Fend's MSC2 technology. Enhanced mobile C-UAS plans. Dynamic updating of warship operational area map. Disrupted GNSS Mode: The system now provides: Operational support in zones with disrupted GNSS environments through advanced logic that optimises the system in such scenarios. In addition to these software enhancements, D-Fend Solutions has significantly expanded EnforceAir2's detection and mitigation drone coverage with the inclusion of many additional drone models. Advanced counter UAS capabilities "Given the rapid advances in drone and UAS technology we see across the globe, it's important that EnforceAir2 equips our customers with the most advanced counter UAS capabilities possible while maintaining the simplicity of operation," said Yaniv Benbenisti, President and Chief Product Officer at D-Fend Solutions. "Breakthrough innovations, such as the AI-based mitigation engine and disrupted GNSS environment mode, bring significant advantages to safely protect against the threats posed by maliciously or irresponsibly piloted commercially available drones and custom-built drones."

D-Fend Solutions, the pioneer in radio frequency (RF), cyber-based, non-kinetic, non-jamming, counter-drone takeover technology, announced the expansion of its U.S. team. In response to the rapid growth in demand for the organisation’s solutions, these additions to the company will support the continued advancement of its U.S. presence and operations from its Mclean, Virginia office. The company has appointed Gordon Kesting as Vice President, U.S. Sales and Business Development, and Glenn McArthur as Business Development Manager. With their expertise and experience, D-Fend Solutions is poised to continue developing and leading in multiple C-UAS market sectors through its U.S. operations, sales, partnerships, and implementations. Part of D-Fend Solutions "Gordon and Glenn have tremendous and highly relevant experience and industry presence, and we’re fortunate to have them as part of the D-Fend Solutions team," said Zohar Halachmi, Chairman & CEO of D-Fend Solutions.  "The extensive leadership and proven on-the-ground experience of our new hires will be invaluable as we continue to grow and expand our presence in the U.S. market and focus on providing our partners with the most trustworthy technology for their counter-drone challenges," said Danny Rajan, U.S. General Manager, D-Fend Solutions. Prior roles of Kesting  Kesting has previously held positions at pioneering defence companies including prime contractors Gordon Kesting joins the team as Vice President, U.S. Sales and Business Development, and he is responsible for the region’s sales, capture management, customer engagement, and business development.  Kesting has previously held positions at pioneering defence companies including prime contractors and mid-tier firms such as Hughes Aircraft Company/Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, BAE Systems, and DRS Technologies. In his most recent role at Elbit Systems of America, Gordon led the company's growth into the homeland security and international foreign military markets. Prior roles of McArthur Glenn McArthur joins the team as Business Development Manager, responsible for driving business growth and strategic partnerships in homeland security and other public safety sectors. Prior to joining D-Fend Solutions, Glenn had an extensive career with the U.S. Border Patrol, spanning twenty-five years. During this time, McArthur held multiple leadership positions, most recently focused on C-UAS intelligence and operations within the agency.