The deployment of the Cervus anti-drone system of the RAAA 71 of the Spanish Army in Slovakia

Drones are revolutionizing the world of military operations today, and defending against them is a major challenge.

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To meet this challenge, a Spanish company, the TRC Group, developed Cervus, a 100% Spanish system that can be used to detect aerial drones as well as land vehicles. The most recent version of this system, the Cervus III, integrates a 3D radar and electro-optical and radio-frequency sensors, in addition to the use of artificial intelligence to identify potential threats.

Initially, this system was operated by the 31st Electronic Warfare Regiment (REW 31), based in El Pardo (Madrid), a unit that contributed to the development process of the Cervus program. Currently, this system is operated by the 71st Anti-Aircraft Artillery Regiment (RAAA 71), based in the Fuencarral "Capitan Guiloche" Artillery Barracks, also in Madrid. This Regiment has been designated by the Army's Land Force Headquarters (FUTER) as the C-UAS (counter-unmanned aerial systems) reference and preparation unit.

The Cervus I system has already been deployed by the Spanish Army in Mali, while the Cervus II was deployed two years ago in Latvia. Last Saturday, NATO's Battle Group in Slovakia showed photos of the deployment of the Cervus system in that country, noting that "is designed to neutralize drone threats and protect our skies. With advanced technology and precision, we ensure a safe and secure environment. Always vigilant, always ready."

According to the TRC Group, the RAAA 71 incorporated the Cervus III system at the beginning of this year. The Spanish company highlights the following: "The Cervus III uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to improve precision in the detection and neutralization of enemy drones. Thanks to these technologies, the system can operate with minimal human intervention, optimizing speed and effectiveness in decision-making. In addition, it incorporates processing capabilities integrated into Escribano's Oteos cameras, allowing a rapid and efficient response to aerial threats."

In this image we can see the two VAMTAC vehicles carrying this anti-drone system, during their deployment in Slovakia with the RAAA 71.

First we see the 3D radar mounted on a VAMTAC S3, a radar developed by the Spanish company ART and which has a detection range of up to 10 kilometers.

Here we see the command and control vehicle, a VAMTAC ST5 BN3 equipped with more detection systems. Specifically, at the rear of the vehicle we see two masts. The mast on the left carries the Oteos electro-optical system, with a range of up to 20 kilometres and developed by the Spanish company Escribano Mechanical & Engineering. The one on the right carries the signal inhibitors, which serve to disable the drones. These inhibitors have been developed by the Spanish company ATL Europa. The masts have been developed by the Spanish company Hispamast.

Finally, here we see the entire Cervus system covered with camouflage nets, to make it difficult for enemy drones to detect it. Below these lines you can see a TRC video showing what this anti-drone system looks like:

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Photos: TRC / NATO Multinational Battlegroup in Slovakia.