ZE Government Solutions (ZEGS), a wholly owned subsidiary of AI-based gun detection pioneer - ZeroEyes, announced that its new ZeroEyes Awareness Kit (ZAK), a drone featuring advanced built-in video analytics capabilities, which allows for real-time threat detection and early warning, was used to enhance security at Joint Base Charleston (JB-CHS)’s August 16 Summer Fest Concert.
ZEGS rapidly deployed its computer vision software onboard an Easy Aerial tethered drone to augment security forces with overwatch capabilities, alerting the teams to any potential firearms or unauthorized personnel on the active flight line.
Deployment of ZAK for real-time security
Set-up took less than 30 minutes and provided JB-CHS and its defenders with an AI-enabled security platform
Joint Base Charleston is a U.S. military installation in South Carolina that serves as a hub for various military operations, including airlift and airdrop operations, naval nuclear training, and logistics support. Its annual Summer Fest concert is sponsored by Air Force Entertainment.
This announcement marks the first deployment of ZAK for real-time security in a real-world environment since its development as part of the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program.
Set-up took less than 30 minutes and provided JB-CHS and its defenders with an AI-enabled security platform to enhance operations for the on-base event.
Extra layer of aircrew security
ZAK provided overwatch for six continuous hours of flight time, protecting more than 1,000 base personnel and their families. While the operational test was for an in-garrison Morale, Welfare, and Recreational (MWR)-sponsored event, the capability is intended to provide roll-on/roll-off security for C-17 crews based out of JB-CHS.
The capability easily transfers to downrange operations providing an extra layer of aircrew security in emergency situations and austere environments and incorporates Tactical Awareness Kit (TAK) plug-in capability.
Drone threat detection system
“This significant achievement was made possible through our collaboration with the Palmetto Spark Cell at JB-CHS, which played a crucial role in enabling the real-time use of ZAK during this live event, when security was paramount,” said Dustin Kisling, Executive Vice President for ZeroEyes Government Solutions.
He adds, “Their support allowed us to tailor our tethered drone threat detection system to meet the most demanding security use cases for Air Mobility Command. By providing a platform for rigorous testing and iterative development, the Palmetto Spark Cell has been instrumental in advancing ZAK’s capabilities and ensuring its readiness for deployment in real-world scenarios.”
The future of the Air Force Drone Program and AI
July SECDEF memo specifically stated that 'small UAS are such critical force enablers that they must be prioritized'
The July SECDEF memo specifically stated that 'small UAS are such critical force enablers that they must be prioritized at the same level as major weapons systems.'
'No later than September 1, 2025, the U.S. Army, the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Air Force will establish deliberately screened, active-duty experimental formations purpose-built to enable rapid scaling of small UAS across the Joint Force by 2026.'
Use of small UAS platforms
This expedited timeline laid out by the current administration has raised the urgency levels of the force looking to pursue and sustain drone programs.
In anticipation of directives like this following the use of small UAS platforms in Ukraine, ZEGS recognized the need for enhanced operations using Artificial Intelligence to combat threats in combat zones and for use in home-station operations where safety of force is crucial.
With the help of the SBIR program and the Palmetto Spark, ZEGS was able to add this capability to its portfolio of public safety and DoD solutions.
Growing industry need for AI
While necessary, the SECDEF drone directive only addresses one component of the issue
While necessary, the SECDEF drone directive only addresses one component of the issue – the deployment of a large number of sensors does not necessarily correspond to an improvement in situational awareness, as it often results in a deluge of information being delivered to operators or analysts.
This information overload can place a significant cognitive burden, distracting them from the mission at hand. JB-CHS recognized this and has partnered with ZEGS to deliver a unique force multiplier for their drone program through the use of AI and computer vision.
ZEGS’ capabilities with drone operations
ZEGS enables a streamlined approach to surveillance of threats, whether downrange with adversaries or protecting citizens against insider threats in-garrison during public events.
The pre-emptive efforts to combine ZEGS’ capabilities with drone operations has put Joint Base Charleston, Air Mobility Command, and the US Air Force ahead of the curve and leading the pack for future operations.
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