Less than 24 hours after its deployment in Ukraine, BSS Komodo detected two incoming Shahed-type drones.

Two weeks ago, BSS dispatched its first batch of Komodo units to Ukraine. However, within just 24 hours of the units’ deployment, the passive acoustic C-UAS systems successfully detected and recorded two incoming Shahed-type drones. This immediate operational success is a testament to BSS’ C-UAS innovation and underscores how passive acoustic detection can enhance layered defence architectures from day one.

Machine learning meets the battlefield

Following successful simulations and demonstrations, the Komodo is now being validated on the battlefield in Ukraine. However, the Komodo’s immediate efficiency has already confirmed its value in real-world combat scenarios.

The BSS Komodo embodies an array of eight high-sensitivity microphones capable of omnidirectional acoustic detection. These microphones are connected to embedded processors that combine signal amplification and convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to classify and identify acoustic signatures in real time. By comparing passively recorded sensor data with an integrated acoustic library, the system can autonomously detect and alert against unauthorised unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in under two seconds. Adding to this, the Komodo has a detection range of up to 5 km, can triangulate the position of unauthorised UAS and track their directional flightpath continuously.

This capacity to detect involves a broad spectrum of UAS including fixed-wing drones, single-rotor, multi-rotor, and hybrid drone types. Once detected, the Komodo also delivers precise GPS coordinates, enhancing the situational awareness and enabling quick responses. Furthermore, and as proven in Ukraine, the Komodo can be easily operated, integrated into layered air defence architectures, and fused with radar, optical, and radiofrequency (RF) detection platforms.

Two thousand drones per night

According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, Moscow’s military expenditure has increased by 3.4 percent compared to 2024 despite sustained sanctions and mounting economical pressure (The Associated Press, 2025). Following this trajectory, Ukrainian officials expect routinely Russian launches of 1000 drones per volley by fall this year (The New York Times, 2025). However, should the current pattern in nightly drone attacks continue, some German and Ukrainian officials project significantly larger long-range volleys of up to 2000 drones per night by November (The Institute for the Study of War, 2025).

Underscoring this development, the Russian Defence Ministry has recently detached its drone force, turned it into a separate military branch, and established a dedicated centre for drone tactics (The Associated Press, 2025).

Cost effective loitering munitions

Loitering munitions, also referred to as kamikaze drones or suicide drones, represent a new generation of UAS designed for precision strike operations. Equipped with sensors, autonomous guidance, and explosive warheads, loitering munitions can now identify, track, and engage targets with high accuracy. These systems' cost-effectiveness is a defining advantage.

To provide an example, a Shahed drone is estimated to cost approximately EUR 30.000 (Center for Strategic and International Studies, 2025). The cost efficiency of loitering munitions, such as the Shahed, enables them to impose disproportionate damage, making the munitions convenient for remote engagements, terror attacks, and strategies of attrition.

This highlights the importance of cost-effective, covert, and reliable C-UAS systems. And in this context, the Komodo exemplifies the exact countermeasure needed by providing efficient, cost-effective, and real-time intelligence without compromising operational security.

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