CRASH TEST
FPV DETECTION SYSTEMS
Acoustic
Radar
Optical
Fiber-optic FPV drone systems are now a major challenge on the battlefield. The Ukrainian military is seeking new solutions to detect them. Manufacturers are invited to test their technologies in real-world conditions.
May 2026 in Ukraine
THE CHALLENGE
Wired control significantly reduces the effectiveness of traditional electronic intelligence and electronic warfare tools. This shift is forcing a transition toward alternative detection approaches – including acoustic and tactical-level radar systems – capable of operating in environments where conventional methods no longer work
THE TEST
Snake Island Institute and the Third Army Corps, in collaboration with BRAVE1, are launching a crash test of FPV drone detection systems.
Field trials will be conducted in a crash-test format with Ukrainian military units to evaluate the effectiveness of acoustic systems, radar, and optical solutions.
The objective is to evaluate solutions for detecting low-altitude, small-sized aerial targets, with a focus on fiber-optic FPV drones, in conditions close to real combat.
THE AGENDA
Day 1
Acoustic detection systems
Day 2
Tactical-level radar
& optical systems
Following the crash test, participants will be able to demonstrate their technology in a realistic operational environment, receive direct feedback from frontline military units, establish connections with industry peers, and join the development of a comprehensive counter-UAV solution with Snake Island Institute.
Eligibility
- Participation is open to solutions with a readiness level of TRL 5 or higher.
- Priority will be given to accessible, portable solutions with detection ranges from 300 meters up to several kilometers.
- The crash test is particularly focused on R&D projects, startups, and emerging approaches that aim to develop affordable, portable radar systems.
Opportunities
- Demonstrate the progress of detection solutions in conditions close to real combat scenarios
- Benchmark performance against other systems in a competitive environment
- Establish direct connections with frontline military brigades
- Network with experts and industry specialists
WHAT IS A CRASH TEST?
Snake Island Institute is holding a series of events to test new defense technologies in collaboration with units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and partners.
During each Crash Test, manufacturers receive direct feedback from Ukrainian military personnel, who observe how systems perform in real-world conditions. This helps the military identify effective technologies and allows manufacturers to improve their products to address the evolving challenges of modern warfare.
Ready to test your tech?