Budget
What counter-drone protection costs: the structure of a project budget
The most common question is 'how much does counter-drone protection cost'. The correct answer is not a number but a structure: hardware, infrastructure, integration, training and cost of ownership. Without it, every quote looks cheaper than it will be.
Contents
CAPEX: what is included in the projectOPEX: what they forgetWhy the price of the “complex” is not equal to the projectCost of one impactHow to cut your budget without losing efficiencyWhat to ask for in a commercial proposalAdvertising often mentions the price of a “complex” - a radar, laser or detector. In a real project, supports, cables, power, integration, training and service are added to this. Sometimes the infrastructure costs more than the equipment itself.
CAPEX: what is included in the project
- Equipment: sensors, means of influence, computing node.
- Supports, masts, fastenings and lightning protection.
- Cable routes, power supply, backup sources.
- Network and integration with existing systems.
- Installation, commissioning and full-scale testing.
- Operator training and documentation.
OPEX: what they forget
- Scheduled maintenance and calibration of optics.
- Spare parts and repairs after impacts.
- Software and license updates.
- Training of new operators.
- Cost of one impact: electricity, consumable devices, laser resource.
- Insurance and legal support.
Why the price of the “complex” is not equal to the project
The same radar at different sites requires different supports, power and integration. At a site with ready-made infrastructure, the project will be cheaper; at a remote site - more expensive. Therefore, proposals need to be compared based on the scope of work and assumptions, and not on the price of one item.
Cost of one impact
The laser consumes electricity and source resources; interceptor - apparatus; RF jamming - electricity and transmitter resource. For low-cost targets, the economics of exchange may not converge, and then the last frontier is cheaper to cover with a laser. For long-range targets, the interceptor remains the only kinetic weapon.
How to cut your budget without losing efficiency
- Start with discovery and confirmation, add impact later.
- Use existing poles, power and network.
- Cover with passive means what does not require active influence.
- Deploy the pilot in one area and scale up after testing.
- Don't buy excess power where optics and regulations are sufficient.
What to ask for in a commercial proposal
- Specification with models and ranges.
- Assumptions: weather, background, target types.
- Scope of work: installation, integration, training.
- Warranty and terms of service.
- Cost of ownership over 3-5 years.
- Phased introduction plan.
