Independent Validation for a Defense-Grade RPAV Systems

Independent wireless security assessment of an Unmanned Aerial System and its Ground Control Station for defense use

Customer Profile

An Indian drone manufacturer is developing a remotely piloted aerial vehicle (RPAV) and associated Ground Control Station (GCS) for deployment in Indian Army missions. The system requires highly secure wireless Command & Control (C2) communications due to the sensitive nature of defense operations.

Business & Technical Challenge

To qualify for Indian Army deployment, the manufacturer required independent, vendor-neutral wireless security validation to ensure that the C2 link between the drone and GCS was resistant to:

  • Eavesdropping or interception.
  • Command injection.
  • Data exposure over a noisy 5GHz RF spectrum.
  • Weak or misconfigured encryption schemes.

The Army mandated proof that the wireless link met stringent security expectations, using a third-party ISO 17025 accredited laboratory.

CNLABS Solution

CNLABS executed a Black-Box Wireless Security Assessment using passive RF sniffing and 802.11 protocol analysis to validate the true security posture of the device. The engagement focused on:

  • RF reconnaissance and channel isolation.
  • Deep packet capture and protocol analysis.
  • Encryption and payload obfuscation verification.

Approach / Execution

  1. RF Reconnaissance: Configured high-gain Wi-Fi adapters in Monitor Mode to scan 5GHz bands and map the RF environment.
  2. Target Identification & Isolation: Analyzed the RF footprint during GCS–RPAV pairing to identify the exact operating channel.
  3. Deep Packet Capture: Captured Beacon, Management, and Data frames during live C2 and telemetry operations.
  4. Protocol Verification: Inspected RSN (Robust Security Network) elements to verify encryption, authentication, and cipher configurations. Verified that all payload data was fully obfuscated with no readable cleartext.

Results & Impact

Technical Findings
  • Confirmed use of AES-256 encryption on the wireless C2 link.
  • ZERO cleartext commands or telemetry observed.
  • Verified robust RSN capabilities and correct security configurations.
Operational Impact
  • Demonstrated compliance with Indian Army wireless security requirements.
  • Provided independent assurance for defense deployment.
  • Strengthened the manufacturer's credibility for future defense procurement cycles.

Why CNLABS

CNLABS provided ISO 17025-accredited wireless security expertise, deep RF protocol analysis capability, and defense-grade validation without relying on vendor documentation. This enabled rapid, evidence-based assessment for deployment readiness.