OptiValue unveils AI-powered multi-layer drone shield

OptiValue Tek has entered the defence technology market with an indigenous counter-drone platform it says can detect, track, and neutralise modern unmanned aerial threats, including drones operating in radio silence.

The product, called the Integrated Counter-UAV Defence System (ICUDS), is positioned as a response to changing drone tactics that have reduced the effectiveness of traditional countermeasures focused mainly on radio frequency detection and jamming. Based in India, OptiValue Tek says the system aligns with local defence manufacturing rules and initiatives.

Counter-drone systems have become a priority for governments and operators of critical infrastructure as drones become cheaper, more autonomous, and more capable in groups. Security planners have also raised concerns about GPS-denied navigation, pre-programmed flight paths, and swarm tactics, which can complicate detection and response.

Multi-sensor design

ICUDS uses a layered sensor approach that combines radio frequency intelligence, acoustic detection, and electro-optical surveillance. It also relies on edge AI for local processing, keeping detection and engagement functions on site rather than in the cloud.

OptiValue Tek describes the platform as using a Bayesian multi-sensor fusion framework, combining inputs from different sensors into a single view of a potential aerial threat. In practice, counter-drone operators often run multiple systems in parallel, with separate consoles and alert streams. Sensor fusion aims to reduce operator workload and improve confidence in classification.

OptiValue Tek says the platform can identify and engage aerial threats within three seconds and track more than 30 targets in swarm scenarios. It also reports classification accuracy above 93 percent and a low false-alarm rate.

"Five Senses" approach

The system architecture follows what OptiValue Tek calls a "Five Senses Doctrine", integrating multiple sensing and response layers into an engagement workflow.

In the radio frequency layer, modules analyse drone communications signals using convolutional neural networks. For drones that emit little or no radio signal, acoustic arrays detect motor harmonic signatures. The electro-optical element provides continuous 360-degree visual and thermal monitoring, followed by precision optical tracking intended to generate fire-control-quality targeting for kinetic engagement.

Such multi-layered designs reflect a broader shift in counter-UAV programmes. Security teams increasingly treat RF detection as one component rather than a complete solution. Small drones can operate on pre-set routes, use intermittent links, or fly autonomously with limited emissions. Urban environments can also create more RF noise, making identification harder and increasing false alarms.

Neutralisation options

ICUDS includes both soft-kill and hard-kill responses. Soft-kill tools include protocol-level deception, GPS spoofing, and broadband jamming. Hard-kill elements include precision anti-drone interceptors, which the company describes as designed for high-speed aerial threats.

Rules of engagement and local regulation can shape which options are deployed and where. Airports and urban critical infrastructure sites often face tighter constraints around jamming and kinetic effects. Remote border and military zones may allow a wider range of responses, depending on command policy and safety measures.

OptiValue Tek says ICUDS is designed for deployment across armed forces installations, border security zones, airports, strategic airbases, power plants, telecom infrastructure, and other high-value assets.

Local content

OptiValue Tek says the system includes more than 60 percent indigenous content, aligned with India's Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020. The company frames this as a contribution to domestic manufacturing and supply-chain sovereignty.

Indian defence procurement policy has pushed for higher local content and domestic design across a range of categories, including electronics and systems integration. Counter-drone platforms often rely on components such as cameras, sensors, compute modules, and RF subsystems. These supply chains can include a mix of local and imported parts depending on performance requirements and certification needs.

Ashish Kumar, Founder and Managing Director of OptiValue Tek, said:

"The nature of aerial threats is evolving rapidly, and traditional countermeasures are no longer sufficient against autonomous and RF-silent drones. With ICUDS, we are introducing a sovereign, AI-powered defence platform that combines multi-modal sensing, edge AI, and precision engagement capabilities to help strengthen modern airspace security while supporting India's Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives."

OptiValue Tek says it is expanding beyond digital transformation work into mission-critical systems for national security and infrastructure protection, with ICUDS positioned as its first major product in this area.