Teledyne FLIR OEM Launches Prism Counter-UAS Software to Extend Drone Threat Detection Range and Speed Response

Patented image processing and advanced AI extend detection range and give operators more time to respond to drone threats

GOLETA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Teledyne FLIR OEM today announced the release of Prism^® C‑UAS, a high‑performance counter‑unmanned aircraft system (C‑UAS) detection and tracking software stack. Designed to address the escalating global threat of unauthorized drone activity, Prism C‑UAS extends detection and tracking range for small, hard‑to‑detect drones. By combining patented thermal infrared (IR) image signal processing with artificial intelligence (AI)‑driven perception, the software enables small‑drone detection with fewer than four pixels on target, maximizing time to respond with counter‑drone measures.

The Critical Role of Software in C-UAS

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reports more than 100 drone incursions per month near U.S. airports, while the U.S. Department of Homeland Security testified that more than 60,000 drone flights were detected near the U.S.–Mexico border in the final six months of 2024. Cheap, expendable, and increasingly autonomous drones have shifted unauthorized drone activity from a regulatory challenge into a significant security threat affecting military theaters, national borders, civilian airports, critical infrastructure, and special events like the World Cup and Olympics. To meet this growing global threat, the defense and security industries are rapidly expanding C‑UAS capabilities.

“Software has become a defining performance differentiator in today’s C‑UAS environment,” said Jared Faraudo, Vice President of Product Management, Teledyne FLIR OEM. “Prism C‑UAS enables sub 2x2‑pixel drone detection and tracking, providing a significant increase in drone detection range over conventional systems. It reflects our vertical integration and domain expertise, transforming raw thermal data into actionable intelligence for modern, multi‑layered defense architectures.”

Unmatched Prism Software Performance

Leveraging patented denoise, local contrast enhancement, and upsampling algorithms to enhance target signal‑to‑noise ratio (SNR), Prism C‑UAS increases moving target indicator (MTI) detection range. Once detected, targets are processed by an AI-based object detector and tracked by an efficient multi‑object tracker software to reduce false positives and maintain persistent tracks. The system is optimized specifically for small, fast, and maneuvering drone targets.

Designed for streamlined integration, Prism C‑UAS natively supports data from Teledyne FLIR OEM’s market‑leading Boson^®+ and Neutrino^® IR camera families, as well as select commercial off‑the‑shelf visible cameras to enable multispectral sensor configurations. Prism C‑UAS lowers integration risk through Teledyne FLIR OEM’s proven technology, robust developer tools, and expert technical support, enabling scalable deployment across a wide range of global C‑UAS architectures.

To see the new Prism C-UAS software and other exciting products, visit the Teledyne FLIR OEM demonstration suite at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, Monument Suite #5221 at SPIE DCS 2026, April 28 to April 30, 2026. For more information on Prism C-UAS and the full suite of Teledyne FLIR OEM solutions, visit www.oem.flir.com.

About Teledyne FLIR OEM

Teledyne FLIR OEM, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (NYSE:TDY), is the world's largest volume manufacturer of ITAR-free and NDAA-compliant infrared (IR) sensor and camera modules. As a vertically integrated supplier, Teledyne FLIR OEM delivers thousands of thermal imaging modules and related software tools daily for defense, automotive, uncrewed, professional, and artificial intelligence applications designed to improve decision support and situational awareness. Teledyne FLIR OEM enables life-changing thermal sensing so the world can do and see more. For more information, please visit https://oem.flir.com/ or follow @flir.