Netting mischievous drones is not a new idea. In 2014 the Dutch Ministry of Security and Justice issued a challenge for small businesses and entrepreneurs to develop protection systems against 'unmanned mobile systems', in particular low-cost drones of up to 20 kg. Two companies submitted prototypes of net-wielding drones to neutralize opponents. The TSG Group, a Dutch technology company, showcased the InterceptDrone which uses a net to down its opponent rather than whisk it away.

Delft Dynamics submitted a prototype with a name very similar to the one of Rastgaar: DroneCatcher. This system, when fully developed [Dutch], will also sport a cable to transport the captured drone. If the enemy drone is too heavy for the DroneCatcher to carry, a parachute provides a soft landing.

The Ministry's challenge with a total budget of €1.75 million, consisted of 2 phases. The 13 contestants whose ideas were accepted in the first round received prize money ranging between €20,000 and €40,000. In the summer of 2015 the Ministry announced [Dutch] the 4 companies which were admitted to the second phase. They received prize money ranging between €50,000 and €400,000 to develop their prototypes. The Delft Dynamics' DroneCatcher beat the InterceptDrone in making it to the second round.

Two other teams who entered phase 2 are developing systems to detect and identify drones rather then neutralize them. The fourth winner, COBBS Industries, secured a phase 2 position with a pitch to disable the electronic systems of drones with Ultra High Frequency technology.