The advancement of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) presents both opportunities and challenges, especially in security and defense. Counter-drone operations necessitate compact and efficient antennas capable of detecting and neutralizing drones. . This study presents the development and evaluation of a microstrip patch antenna tailored for these applications. Key performance indicators including gain, directivity, and radiation pattern are assessed to confirm the antenna’s effectiveness in counter-drone scenarios A prototype model of 2. 4 Ghz band was developed and tested. Hyderabad, India prashantₘenghal@yahoo. co. in measurements of emission patterns, gain, and return loss. The experimental findings are analyzed alongside the simulation results to verify the design's precision and dependability. . II. FUNDAMENTALS OF COUNTER DRONE ANTENNA Counter-drone technologies rely on a diverse set of tools— including radar systems, radio frequency (RF) sensors, acoustic monitoring devices, optical tracking systems, signal jammers, and drone-based interceptors—to identify, monitor, and neutralize unauthorized unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Methods like RF jamming and spoofing of global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) are commonly used to disrupt a drone's communication and navigation, effectively impairing its operation. Within these systems, antennas serve as essential components, enabling both detection and interference by controlling and manipulating RF signals. Various antenna types are tailored to perform distinct roles within these defense setups. Directional antennas, for example, are designed to concentrate interference signals on specific drone targets, while omnidirectional antennas are used to scan wide areas for RF activity. Phased-array antennas, often integrated with radar platforms, provide highprecision tracking and engagement capabilities. The integration of these antenna types allows counter-drone systems to function effectively while limiting unintended impact on nearby electronic systems or communications. One commonly used antenna in these applications is the patch antenna. It typically features one or more narrow metal strips that are much thinner than the corresponding free-space wavelength (λ₀). These strips are placed on the surface of a dielectric (non-conductive) substrate, with a conductive ground layer—usually made from the same or similar metal—attached to the underside. Copper is the standard material for the radiating patch, often coated with metals like gold, tin, or nickel to prevent oxidation and wear. Standard geometries for patch antennas include rectangular and circular shapes, which are chosen based on performance requirements and space constraints. Typically fabricated from thin copper foil, the patch may be coated with protective metals such as gold, tin, or nickel to resist corrosion. Common patch shapes include rectangular and circular designs.
Prashant Menghal (2026) studied this question.