The rapid development of unmanned aerial systems is driving exponential growth and poses an asymmetric threat situation as a potential means of attack against the context of inefficient defense capabilities. According to the Security Policy Annual Forecast 2022, the security risk for Austria is developing in the direction of progressive aggravation. Currently, hybrid and terrorist threats by individual perpetrators in the low-tech sector are more likely in the short to medium term, but systemic terrorist threats cannot be ruled out in the medium to longer term. These may involve massive attacks on Austria's critical infrastructure, either with conventional or more advanced means of combat, such as the use of drones or drone swarms.

The developments clearly show that the risks for Austria and the demands on its security and defense policy as a neutral country are increasing. Thus, it requires the development of capabilities in the defense against drones and drone swarms. Based on the existing capabilities of aerial reconnaissance and threat countermeasures, it is necessary to increase the robustness of artificial intelligence capabilities in order to effectively counter the threats.

The overall goal is to harden state-of-the-art artificial intelligence methods and procedures for mobile airspace reconnaissance and threat countermeasures for their integration and military use. In this context, military mobility and harsh environmental conditions pose a particular challenge.