Think Defence
@thinkdefence.bsky.social
UK defence and security blog at www.thinkdefence.co.uk
Whilst everyone focuses on more active countermeasures, some pricier than others, I would like to put in a good word for cheap as chips and available now
January 11, 2026 at 8:03 PM
Whilst everyone focuses on more active countermeasures, some pricier than others, I would like to put in a good word for cheap as chips and available now
We might even use a heavy lift drone to place a weighted connection point, numerous options
January 11, 2026 at 8:03 PM
We might even use a heavy lift drone to place a weighted connection point, numerous options
And can be used with extension poles for higher ceilings or other fixing point
January 11, 2026 at 8:03 PM
And can be used with extension poles for higher ceilings or other fixing point
Powder actuated fixing kits are cheap
January 11, 2026 at 8:03 PM
Powder actuated fixing kits are cheap
Some form of power actuated fixing could be used
January 11, 2026 at 8:02 PM
Some form of power actuated fixing could be used
Or even between buildings
January 11, 2026 at 8:02 PM
Or even between buildings
One area that might benefit from more expensive equipment is when moving through an urban environment. Gaps to protect could be small, a window or door, for example
January 11, 2026 at 8:02 PM
One area that might benefit from more expensive equipment is when moving through an urban environment. Gaps to protect could be small, a window or door, for example
Fixings and poles can be a bit more varied, and probably where the ease of use and speed can be maximised. Simple knots, clips, connectors, and tensioners are, as above, cheap as chips and readily available, as are telescopic poles.
January 11, 2026 at 8:02 PM
Fixings and poles can be a bit more varied, and probably where the ease of use and speed can be maximised. Simple knots, clips, connectors, and tensioners are, as above, cheap as chips and readily available, as are telescopic poles.
Cordage, take your pick from the many readily available, or some pre stretched Dyneema braid, as with nets and meshes, there is a vast array of options, none of them expensive
January 11, 2026 at 8:02 PM
Cordage, take your pick from the many readily available, or some pre stretched Dyneema braid, as with nets and meshes, there is a vast array of options, none of them expensive
The same with bird netting, non woven windbreak mesh, and even pond netting, there is a massive choice of non-metal nets and meshes available from numerous industries
January 11, 2026 at 8:01 PM
The same with bird netting, non woven windbreak mesh, and even pond netting, there is a massive choice of non-metal nets and meshes available from numerous industries
But if not, there are industries that might provide some alternatives. Geotextiles like grass protection mesh, triaxial geogrids, and even nursery shade mesh could be tested, the latter readily available in large rolls.
January 11, 2026 at 8:01 PM
But if not, there are industries that might provide some alternatives. Geotextiles like grass protection mesh, triaxial geogrids, and even nursery shade mesh could be tested, the latter readily available in large rolls.
The mesh or net itself should be lightweight, cheap, available in different roll sizes and colours, robust enough, and did I mention, cheap. Cam nets immediately spring to mind, they are in service, ubiquitous even. The more sophisticated ones have thermal defeat measures as well
January 11, 2026 at 8:01 PM
The mesh or net itself should be lightweight, cheap, available in different roll sizes and colours, robust enough, and did I mention, cheap. Cam nets immediately spring to mind, they are in service, ubiquitous even. The more sophisticated ones have thermal defeat measures as well
What might be useful to trial and bring into service is a 'kit' of parts, just issue them to units with some examples of use, and let them get on with it. The components could be lightweight poles, low stretch cordage or braid, the nets themselves, and fixings/connectors of various types.
January 11, 2026 at 8:01 PM
What might be useful to trial and bring into service is a 'kit' of parts, just issue them to units with some examples of use, and let them get on with it. The components could be lightweight poles, low stretch cordage or braid, the nets themselves, and fixings/connectors of various types.
For hasty positions, and in urban areas, rapidly emplaced counter drone mesh might present a different set of challenges
January 11, 2026 at 8:01 PM
For hasty positions, and in urban areas, rapidly emplaced counter drone mesh might present a different set of challenges
But I think it would be remiss to not go cheap, and invest in meshes, nets, and means to affix and suspend them. For fixed positions, they can be improved over time
January 11, 2026 at 8:01 PM
But I think it would be remiss to not go cheap, and invest in meshes, nets, and means to affix and suspend them. For fixed positions, they can be improved over time
For NATO forces, we might argue the lesson from Ukraine is not to fight in the same way, but even the most sceptical observer will acknowledge that drones are here to stay, and have to be dealt with. RF-DEW, ECM, lasers, missiles and automatic weapons, all have their place
January 11, 2026 at 8:01 PM
For NATO forces, we might argue the lesson from Ukraine is not to fight in the same way, but even the most sceptical observer will acknowledge that drones are here to stay, and have to be dealt with. RF-DEW, ECM, lasers, missiles and automatic weapons, all have their place
Both Russia and Ukraine have evolved these concepts, clearly, they seem them as an effective and economical means of providing one layer of protection
January 11, 2026 at 8:01 PM
Both Russia and Ukraine have evolved these concepts, clearly, they seem them as an effective and economical means of providing one layer of protection
For done dropped munitions, the defeat mechanism is a little more complicated, as a dropped mortar bomb might be more effective if your mesh creates an airburst effect.
January 11, 2026 at 8:01 PM
For done dropped munitions, the defeat mechanism is a little more complicated, as a dropped mortar bomb might be more effective if your mesh creates an airburst effect.
The defeat mechanism for FPV type drones is to either ensnare their rotors if they are exposed, or provide a physical impediment to their progress for those with rotors shrouds or guards. This provides stand-off distance, and stops them entering enclosed spaces
January 11, 2026 at 8:01 PM
The defeat mechanism for FPV type drones is to either ensnare their rotors if they are exposed, or provide a physical impediment to their progress for those with rotors shrouds or guards. This provides stand-off distance, and stops them entering enclosed spaces
Accepting that a mesh net of some sort is only one part of a solution, perhaps the best way to visualise the full range is to use the survivability onion. Everything from ECM to hunting down and killing the operators has a role, and so do passive measures like nets or meshes
January 11, 2026 at 8:01 PM
Accepting that a mesh net of some sort is only one part of a solution, perhaps the best way to visualise the full range is to use the survivability onion. Everything from ECM to hunting down and killing the operators has a role, and so do passive measures like nets or meshes
We have all seen the images of vehicle counter UAS dropped munitions and FVP cages, and to some extent, the same evolution has happened for fixed field defences. Simple cam nets have been augmented with stronger mesh
January 11, 2026 at 8:01 PM
We have all seen the images of vehicle counter UAS dropped munitions and FVP cages, and to some extent, the same evolution has happened for fixed field defences. Simple cam nets have been augmented with stronger mesh