ZE Government Solutions Enhances Security for Joint Base Charleston's Summer Fest Concert with New Drone Technology
Advanced Security with Drone Technology at JB-CHS
On August 16, 2025, Joint Base Charleston (JB-CHS) hosted its annual Summer Fest Concert, a significant event organized by Air Force Entertainment aimed at bringing together military personnel and their families. To enhance safety at the event, ZE Government Solutions (ZEGS), a subsidiary of the renowned gun detection firm ZeroEyes, deployed its cutting-edge ZeroEyes Awareness Kit (ZAK). This innovative technology integrates an unmanned aerial system equipped with advanced video analytics capabilities, enabling real-time threat detection and proactive security measures.
A Quick Yet Robust Deployment
The deployment occurred swiftly, taking less than 30 minutes to set up the ZAK on an Easy Aerial tethered drone. This setup was crucial for the protection of over 1,000 personnel and their family members present at the festivities. For six continuous hours, the drone provided essential surveillance, monitoring the area for potential firearms and unauthorized personnel. This intelligence was vital, especially given the context of the event and the need for enhanced security measures in such crowded settings.
The ZAK is not only geared towards improving safety at base events but is also designed for roll-on/roll-off security applications for various military operations, including those involving C-17 aircraft. Its capabilities extend to emergency situations in austere environments, greatly benefiting aircrew safety. Furthermore, the ZAK includes a Tactical Awareness Kit (TAK) plug-in, further amplifying its operational flexibility.
Collaboration with Local Forces
Dustin Kisling, Executive Vice President for ZeroEyes Government Solutions, emphasized the importance of collaboration with the Palmetto Spark Cell at JB-CHS. Their contributions were instrumental in adapting the ZAK for real-time use during the live event, showcasing an impressive synergy between military needs and technological advancements. The partnership facilitated rigorous testing of the drone system, ensuring that it met the demanding security requirements necessary for operations under Air Mobility Command.
The Bigger Picture: AI and Drone Technology in Modern Warfare
The implementation of new drone capabilities marks a significant advancement in the U.S. Air Force's operational planning. Notably, a recent directive from the Secretary of Defense underscored the urgency of prioritizing small unmanned aerial systems (UAS) as critical components of military operations. By September 1, 2025, all branches of the military are set to establish active-duty experimental formations that will foster rapid integration of small UAS into broader military strategies by 2026.
ZEGS recognized the need for these enhancements, particularly following the lessons learned from military engagements like those in Ukraine, highlighting the critical role that AI plays in ensuring safety and operational effectiveness in both combat and home station settings.
However, merely increasing the number of sensors and drones does not automatically enhance situational awareness. ZEGS has addressed these concerns by leveraging AI technology to streamline threat surveillance processes, minimizing information overload, and focusing resources on the most pressing mission needs. This proactive move places JB-CHS and the Air Mobility Command on the cutting edge of future military operations, showcasing how drone technology can be a game-changer in securing both personnel and facilities.
About ZE Government Solutions and ZeroEyes
ZE Government Solutions (ZEGS) specializes in delivering innovative AI-driven solutions tailored for national security operations. Their parent company, ZeroEyes, is recognized for its advanced gun detection software that aims to mitigate violence through rapid response capabilities. Combining expertise from both organizations ensures that they remain at the forefront of public safety initiatives, catering specifically to the needs of federal and military clients.
In conclusion, the successful integration of the ZeroEyes Awareness Kit during the Summer Fest Concert at Joint Base Charleston exemplifies a significant step forward in security measures, marrying advanced technology with proactive defense strategies to protect service members and their families.