The US Army's Ballistic, Low-Altitude Drone Engagement (BLADE) system is one of the service's counter-unmanned aerial systems (counter-UASs).

As recent conflicts have included the proliferation of low-cost, off-the-shelf UAS technologies, the expanding need for rapid and flexible drone response options has become ever more apparent.

Protecting forces on the ground from swarming low-altitude aerial threats has become a critical function.

BLADE is a set of technologies integrated with an armament system to defeat smaller UASs at close ranges, including within a soldier's visual range.

The BLADE system works with the Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station (CROWS), and uses advanced fire control and precision targeting enablers to detect, track and defeat UASs.

The CROWS, which is mounted on tactical vehicles, contains a sensor suite and fire control software that allows users to remotely engage targets during the day or at night.

According to some estimates, the BLADE system has a detection range of up to 5km and an engagement range of 800 meters for static targets and 500 meters for moving targets.

While the CROWS typically has a grenade launcher or machine gun, BLADE can also conduct electronic attacks to bring down enemy drones.

An electronic attack jams the drones' navigation and communication systems, hindering their ability to evade fire and conduct strikes of their own.

These electronic warfare capabilities enable a "soft-kill" of UASs, blocking their communication or navigation capabilities.

This provides flexible response, enabling forces to either down and capture enemy drones or follow them back to their bases.

The US Army in September 2019 tested the BLADE system on a mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicle.

BLADE can be installed on almost all US Army combat vehicles, including M1 Abrams tanks, M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, Stryker wheeled armored fighting vehicles, Joint Light Tactical Vehicles and High Mobility Multi-purpose Wheeled Vehicles.