Main Article Content
Abstract
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), or commonly known as drones, have been utilized in numerous applications, including civilian and military environments, due to their low cost and high level of usability. These devices have triggered significant security and protection issues, demanding the development of reliable detection and classification systems. However, UAVs have been used to achieve illegal operations, resulting in emerging threats to personal and public security. The traditional detection method suffers from small targets, uncertain situations, and stealthy cases. Consequently, due to their accuracy and efficacy in detecting drones in a diverse range of scenarios, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a significant solution for drone detection and classification. In this paper, an audio-based mechanism has been developed using a convolutional recurrent neural network (CRNN) algorithm to exploit the exclusive audio fingerprint of drones for detecting and identifying them. The model achieved 94.85% accuracy with a 94.41% F1-score from different types of drone sound files collected from the DADS site. It operates with a three-seed and thresholds to guarantee the stability and dependability of the model. This paper aims to validate the use of this algorithm for drone detection in an actual environment and train the model with different seeds to measure the model's stability against random variation.
Keywords
Article Details
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References
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- Choi, K., Fazekas, G., Sandler, M., & Cho, K. (2016). Convolutional Recurrent Neural Networks for Music Classification. http://arxiv.org/abs/1609.04243
- Coluccia, A., Parisi, G., & Fascista, A. (2020). Detection and classification of multirotor drones in radar sensor networks: A review. In Sensors (Switzerland) (Vol. 20, Number 15, pp. 1–22). MDPI AG. https://doi.org/10.3390/s20154172
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- Mapara, T. M., Sesham, S., & Sesham, P. K. (2025). Lightweight Machine Learning Models for Drone Detection Using Acoustic and Optical Features. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-6688717/v1
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- Narayanan, R. M., Tsang, B., & Bharadwaj, R. (2023). Classification and Discrimination of Birds and Small Drones Using Radar Micro-Doppler Spectrogram Images †. Signals, 4(2), 337–358. https://doi.org/10.3390/signals4020018
- Nemer, I., Sheltami, T., Ahmad, I., Yasar, A. U. H., & Abdeen, M. A. R. (2021). Rf-based UAV detection and identification using hierarchical learning approach. Sensors, 21(6), 1–23. https://doi.org/10.3390/s21061947
- Ohlenbusch, M., Ahrens, A., Rollwage, C., & Bitzer, J. (2021). Robust drone detection for acoustic monitoring applications. European Signal Processing Conference, 2021-January, 6–10. https://doi.org/10.23919/EUSIPCO47968.2020.9287433
- Opromolla, R., Fasano, G., & Accardo, D. (2018). A vision-based approach to uav detection and tracking in cooperative applications. Sensors (Switzerland), 18(10). https://doi.org/10.3390/s18103391
- Park, S., Kim, H. T., Lee, S., Joo, H., & Kim, H. (2021). Survey on Anti-Drone Systems: Components, Designs, and Challenges. IEEE Access, 9, 42635–42659. https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2021.3065926
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- Samuell Aiad Saleip, G. N. A., Maurer, P., Hassan, A., Frangenberg, M., & Granig, W. (2021). A Deep learning approach for multi-copter detection using mm-wave radar sensors. ACM International Conference Proceeding Series, 106–111. https://doi.org/10.1145/3505688.3505706
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- Singha, S., & Aydin, B. (2021). Automated drone detection using YOLOv4. Drones, 5(3). https://doi.org/10.3390/drones5030095
- Svanstrom, F., Englund, C., & Alonso-Fernandez, F. (2020). Real-Time Drone Detection and Tracking With Visible, Thermal and Acoustic Sensors. http://arxiv.org/abs/2007.07396
- Taha, B., & Shoufan, A. (2019). Machine Learning-Based Drone Detection and Classification: State-of-the-Art in Research. IEEE Access, 7, 138669–138682. https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2019.2942944
- Tejera-Berengue, D., Zhu-Zhou, F., Utrilla-Manso, M., Gil-Pita, R., & Rosa-Zurera, M. (2023). Acoustic-Based Detection of UAVs Using Machine Learning: Analysis of Distance and Environmental Effects. 2023 IEEE Sensors Applications Symposium, SAS 2023 - Proceedings. https://doi.org/10.1109/SAS58821.2023.10254127
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- Zamri, F. N. M., Gunawan, T. S., Kartiwi, M., Pratondo, A., Yusoff, S. H., & Mustafah, Y. M. (2024). Deep Learning Techniques for Advanced Drone Detection Systems: A Comprehensive Review of Techniques, Challenges and Future Directions. Indonesian Journal of Electrical Engineering and Informatics, 12(4), 818–857. https://doi.org/10.52549/ijeei.v12i4.6028
References
Al-Emadi, S., Al-Ali, Abdulla, Mohammad, A., & Al-Ali, Abdulaziz. (2019). Audio based drone detection and identification using deep learning. 2019 15th International Wireless Communications and Mobile Computing Conference, IWCMC 2019, 459–464. https://doi.org/10.1109/IWCMC.2019.8766732
Almasri, M. (2021). Deep learning for RF-based drone detection and identification using welch’s method. Proceedings of the 10th International Conference on Data Science, Technology and Applications, DATA 2021, 208–214. https://doi.org/10.5220/0010530302080214
Aouladhadj, D., Kpre, E., Deniau, V., Kharchouf, A., Gransart, C., & Gaquière, C. (2023). Drone Detection and Tracking Using RF Identification Signals. Sensors, 23(17). https://doi.org/10.3390/s23177650
Busset, J., Perrodin, F., Wellig, P., Ott, B., Heutschi, K., Rühl, T., & Nussbaumer, T. (2015). Detection and tracking of drones using advanced acoustic cameras. Unmanned/Unattended Sensors and Sensor Networks XI; and Advanced Free-Space Optical Communication Techniques and Applications, 9647, 96470F. https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2194309
Çakır, E., Parascandolo, G., Heittola, T., Huttunen, H., & Virtanen, T. (2017). Convolutional Recurrent Neural Networks for Polyphonic Sound Event Detection. https://doi.org/10.1109/TASLP.2017.2690575
Casabianca, P., & Zhang, Y. (2021). Acoustic-based UAV detection using late fusion of deep neural networks. Drones, 5(3). https://doi.org/10.3390/drones5030054
Chang, X., Yang, C., Wu, J., Shi, X., & Shi, Z. (2018). A Surveillance System for Drone Localization and Tracking Using Acoustic Arrays. Proceedings of the IEEE Sensor Array and Multichannel Signal Processing Workshop, 2018-July, 573–577. https://doi.org/10.1109/SAM.2018.8448409
Chiper, F. L., Martian, A., Vladeanu, C., Marghescu, I., Craciunescu, R., & Fratu, O. (2022). Drone Detection and Defense Systems: Survey and a Software‐Defined Radio‐Based Solution. In Sensors (Vol. 22, Number 4). MDPI. https://doi.org/10.3390/s22041453
Choi, K., Fazekas, G., Sandler, M., & Cho, K. (2016). Convolutional Recurrent Neural Networks for Music Classification. http://arxiv.org/abs/1609.04243
Coluccia, A., Parisi, G., & Fascista, A. (2020). Detection and classification of multirotor drones in radar sensor networks: A review. In Sensors (Switzerland) (Vol. 20, Number 15, pp. 1–22). MDPI AG. https://doi.org/10.3390/s20154172
Dalianis, H. (2018). Evaluation Metrics and Evaluation. In Clinical Text Mining (pp. 45–53). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-78503-5_6
De Quevedo, Á. D., Urzaiz, F. I., Menoyo, J. G., & López, A. A. (2018). Drone Detection and RCS Measurements with Ubiquitous Radar. 2018 International Conference on Radar, RADAR 2018. https://doi.org/10.1109/RADAR.2018.8557320
Digulescu, A., Despina-Stoian, C., Stănescu, D., Popescu, F., Enache, F., Ioana, C., Rădoi, E., Rîncu, I., & Șerbănescu, A. (2020). New approach of uav movement detection and characterization using advanced signal processing methods based on uwb sensing. Sensors (Switzerland), 20(20), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.3390/s20205904
Famili, A., Stavrou, A., Wang, H., Park, J. M., & Gerdes, R. (2024). Securing Your Airspace: Detection of Drones Trespassing Protected Areas. In Sensors (Vol. 24, Number 7). Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI). https://doi.org/10.3390/s24072028
Frid, A., Ben-Shimol, Y., Manor, E., & Greenberg, S. (2024). Drones Detection Using a Fusion of RF and Acoustic Features and Deep Neural Networks. Sensors, 24(8). https://doi.org/10.3390/s24082427
GeronimoBasso. (n.d.). Drone audio detection samples (DADS). Hugging Face. Retrieved https://huggingface.co/datasets/geronimobasso/drone-audio-detection-samples
Guvenc, I., Koohifar, F., Singh, S., Sichitiu, M. L., & Matolak, D. (2018). Detection, Tracking, and Interdiction for Amateur Drones. IEEE Communications Magazine, 56(4), 75–81. https://doi.org/10.1109/MCOM.2018.1700455
Jasim, S. W., & Hreshee, S. S. (2025). Real Time Drone Detection Based on Acoustics Using Hybrid Deep Learning Models. Journal of Internet Services and Information Security, 15(2), 673–693. https://doi.org/10.58346/JISIS.2025.I2.046
Khan, M. A., Menouar, H., Eldeeb, A., Abu-Dayya, A., & Salim, F. D. (2022). On the Detection of Unauthorized Drones - Techniques and Future Perspectives: A Review. IEEE Sensors Journal, 22(12), 11439–11455. https://doi.org/10.1109/JSEN.2022.3171293
Mapara, T. M., Sesham, S., & Sesham, P. K. (2025). Lightweight Machine Learning Models for Drone Detection Using Acoustic and Optical Features. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-6688717/v1
Matić, V., Kosjer, V., Lebl, A., Pavić, B., & Radivojević, J. (2020). Methods for Drone Detection and Jamming.
Medaiyese, O. O., Ezuma, M., Lauf, A. P., & Guvenc, I. (2022). Wavelet Transform Analytics for RF-Based UAV Detection and Identification System Using Machine Learning ⋆. https://www.elsevier.com/open-access/userlicense/1.0/
Narayanan, R. M., Tsang, B., & Bharadwaj, R. (2023). Classification and Discrimination of Birds and Small Drones Using Radar Micro-Doppler Spectrogram Images †. Signals, 4(2), 337–358. https://doi.org/10.3390/signals4020018
Nemer, I., Sheltami, T., Ahmad, I., Yasar, A. U. H., & Abdeen, M. A. R. (2021). Rf-based UAV detection and identification using hierarchical learning approach. Sensors, 21(6), 1–23. https://doi.org/10.3390/s21061947
Ohlenbusch, M., Ahrens, A., Rollwage, C., & Bitzer, J. (2021). Robust drone detection for acoustic monitoring applications. European Signal Processing Conference, 2021-January, 6–10. https://doi.org/10.23919/EUSIPCO47968.2020.9287433
Opromolla, R., Fasano, G., & Accardo, D. (2018). A vision-based approach to uav detection and tracking in cooperative applications. Sensors (Switzerland), 18(10). https://doi.org/10.3390/s18103391
Park, S., Kim, H. T., Lee, S., Joo, H., & Kim, H. (2021). Survey on Anti-Drone Systems: Components, Designs, and Challenges. IEEE Access, 9, 42635–42659. https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2021.3065926
Rahman, M. H., Sejan, M. A. S., Aziz, M. A., Tabassum, R., Baik, J. I., & Song, H. K. (2024). A Comprehensive Survey of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Detection and Classification Using Machine Learning Approach: Challenges, Solutions, and Future Directions. In Remote Sensing (Vol. 16, Number 5). Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI). https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16050879
Ren, J., Wang, Z., Zhao, J., & Liu, X. (2025). A Drone Sound Recognition Approach Using Adaptive Feature Fusion and Cross-Attention Feature Enhancement. Electronics (Switzerland), 14(8). https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics14081491
Samuell Aiad Saleip, G. N. A., Maurer, P., Hassan, A., Frangenberg, M., & Granig, W. (2021). A Deep learning approach for multi-copter detection using mm-wave radar sensors. ACM International Conference Proceeding Series, 106–111. https://doi.org/10.1145/3505688.3505706
Sayed, A. N., Ramahi, O. M., & Shaker, G. (2024). Frequency-Modulated Continuous-Wave Radar Perspectives on Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Detection and Classification: A Primer for Researchers with Comprehensive Machine Learning Review and Emphasis on Full-Wave Electromagnetic Computer-Aided Design Tools. In Drones (Vol. 8, Number 8). Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI). https://doi.org/10.3390/drones8080370
Seidaliyeva, U., Ilipbayeva, L., Taissariyeva, K., Smailov, N., & Matson, E. T. (2024). Advances and Challenges in Drone Detection and Classification Techniques: A State-of-the-Art Review. In Sensors (Vol. 24, Number 1). Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI). https://doi.org/10.3390/s24010125
Seo, Y., Jang, B., & Im, S. (2018). Drone Detection Using Convolutional Neural Networks with Acoustic STFT Features. Proceedings of AVSS 2018 - 2018 15th IEEE International Conference on Advanced Video and Signal-Based Surveillance. https://doi.org/10.1109/AVSS.2018.8639425
Singha, S., & Aydin, B. (2021). Automated drone detection using YOLOv4. Drones, 5(3). https://doi.org/10.3390/drones5030095
Svanstrom, F., Englund, C., & Alonso-Fernandez, F. (2020). Real-Time Drone Detection and Tracking With Visible, Thermal and Acoustic Sensors. http://arxiv.org/abs/2007.07396
Taha, B., & Shoufan, A. (2019). Machine Learning-Based Drone Detection and Classification: State-of-the-Art in Research. IEEE Access, 7, 138669–138682. https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2019.2942944
Tejera-Berengue, D., Zhu-Zhou, F., Utrilla-Manso, M., Gil-Pita, R., & Rosa-Zurera, M. (2023). Acoustic-Based Detection of UAVs Using Machine Learning: Analysis of Distance and Environmental Effects. 2023 IEEE Sensors Applications Symposium, SAS 2023 - Proceedings. https://doi.org/10.1109/SAS58821.2023.10254127
Vasant Ahirrao, Y., Yadav, R. P., & Kumar, S. (2024). RF-Based UAV Detection and Identification Enhanced by Machine Learning Approach. IEEE Access, 12, 177735–177745. https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2024.3502754
Zamri, F. N. M., Gunawan, T. S., Kartiwi, M., Pratondo, A., Yusoff, S. H., & Mustafah, Y. M. (2024). Deep Learning Techniques for Advanced Drone Detection Systems: A Comprehensive Review of Techniques, Challenges and Future Directions. Indonesian Journal of Electrical Engineering and Informatics, 12(4), 818–857. https://doi.org/10.52549/ijeei.v12i4.6028
