Drone security continues international market expansion

First there were drones sales — and then came the inevitable drone-security market.

Used by the military and security agencies for several years, the technology enabling mass distribution and consumption is now reliable enough for entry-level drones to retail for as a little as A$300. On the opposite side of the market, military-grade drones are also available for as much as A$10,000 — with a lot more perks, bells and whistles understandably thrown in.

Drones are definitely raising smiles at Christmas and serving as great birthday gifts for innocent civilians, but unfortunately there is a darker side. Criminals from all walks of crime are surreptitiously taking advantage of poor drone security and using drones to accelerate their criminal activities, given the remote control and anonymity features drones inherently provide.

Department 13 (ASX:D13) is a security company that is wholeheartedly focused on improving drone security, de-empowering criminals who use drones and providing peace of mind for anyone that is worried about drones invading their personal space or territorial boundaries.

D13 has signed several international distribution and partnership deals since listing on the ASX in 2012. In its latest move, D13 has appointed Phoenix Group as its Latin American Distributor for MESMER, its flagship counter UAV technology.

Remember D13 is still an early stage company. If you are considering investing in this stock, seek professional financial advice.

The Phoenix Group is a security company that provides world class security to transportation companies. This includes the prevention of piracy, stowaways, terrorism, narcotics smuggling and other unique services.

Given the current focus on mass illegal migration globally, D13 and Phoenix Group hope to improve detection methods, increase border coverage and ultimately reduce the impact of criminal activity on society.

“In our work ensuring ship and seaport security, as well of numerous supply chains in Latin America, we operate on the front lines of the flow of international commerce. Possible utilisation of drones, as a conveyance or surveillance platform, by these criminal or hostile groups to target ships, cargoes, or seaports, pose a very real threat to legitimate commerce and the many billions of dollars in assets of the transportation sector. We view MESMER as the only solution that can detect, identify and mitigate hostile drone threats and enhance the security of legitimate maritime commerce,” said Michael McNicholas, Managing Director of Phoenix Group.

Mr. McNicholas penned a book in 2007 titled, ‘Maritime Security’ and liases with NATO on various security issues in Latin America and the US.

Jonathan Hunter, CEO of Department 13 said that “the Latin American market is a natural landing point for MESMER. Not only are the threats in these markets significant, but the ability for threat actors to disrupt global trade through drones is daunting. Phoenix Group is a global authority in port security and risk management and is a welcomed addition to Department 13’s growing list of mission focused partners.”

More about Department 13 (ASX:D13)

Department 13’s flagship product MESMER provides a complete C-UAS solution that includes integrated detection, alerting and mitigation capability for perimeter security and force protection.

Department 13 is competing in the MITRE CUAS Challenge at Marine Corps Base Quantico in August and Blackdart the DoD’s premier Counter UAS Test Range at Eglin AFB, Florida this September.