Sponsored by Echodyne
www.echodyne.com
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27 Mar 14. Fractal Antenna Systems, Inc. (“FRACTAL”) has unveiled Acoustic Resonance Mitigation (ARM), a pioneering technology that disables drones using directed acoustic energy. ARM works by emitting sonic, ultrasonic, and/or subsonic waves at a drone, thereby inducing vibrations and /or Prandtl layer instability that will lead to flight failure. Propeller blades are especially vulnerable to ARM’s power, either by causing turbulence or transmitting vibrations to the IMU.
CEO Nathan Cohen and a colleague invented ARM technology, and it is backed by U.S. patents and pending patents licensed to FRACTAL. Cohen, an astrophysicist with 55 years of experience and 94 U.S. patents, was a professor in the Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering department at Boston University and is a subject matter expert in ultrasound and phased RF and acoustic arrays. Leveraging decades of multidisciplinary experience, Cohen foresaw the need, over a decade ago, for ARM, as quadcopter drones became both prevalent and a growing issue.
Cohen notes, “The propellor blades become a driven oscillator from ARM, and even isolating the MEMS at the IMU from these oscillations is impractical, especially in smaller drones. The result is flight disruption.”
FRACTAL has led in RF jamming and antenna systems well over two decades. However, RF jamming is heavily restricted in the U.S., creating a legal gap in defense from drones. Cohen explains, “You can’t legally shoot a drone or zap it with microwaves outside military settings. Lasers are costly and affected by humidity. ARM offers an effective alternative for government and enterprise security.”
With its antenna and array expertise, FRACTAL produced ARM’s acoustic arrays to target drones, especially at ultrasonic frequencies—inaudible to humans but highly disruptive to drones.
ARM technology’s effectiveness has been demonstrated by foreign groups. “ARM has a patent priority of a decade, but ignoring that, foreign groups have claimed its creation and taken the technology successfully into the ‘prove out’ phase. We are, here in the US, beyond that stage; no surprise since we invented it.” Cohen stresses that the U.S. patents pre-date these efforts and ARM patent licensing is unavailable to foreign firms for U.S. markets.
ARM can be a cost-effective countermeasure for drones ranging from microdrones to pizza box-sized devices. Costing pennies per use, it is portable with a viable range. Cohen adds: “ARM is designed to disable drones. And drones only. This is not a system for crowd or animal control and we are not using inefficient, parametric arrays to achieve our spectrum.”
In addition, in the battlefield, ARM can be attached to an attack drone or aerial support to help shut down adversarial drone swarms. Dubbed DRONE BLASTR™, the patent pending in situ approach, also licensed to FRACTAL, promises to be an important new method for drone-swarm kills.
ARM is anticipated to be an important tool in the battlefield for friendly forces. And with rising concerns over drone use in illegal surveillance and drug smuggling, Cohen sees ARM as a vital tool to keep drones out of restricted areas and borders. “ARM is a major facet of FRACTAL’s journey into drone defense and counter defense. It is a perfect complement to the fractal-based antenna and metamaterial products we are rolling out in these markets in the coming weeks. Government, public safety agencies, and related enterprises should explore partnering with FRACTAL as ARM moves towards product stages,” Cohen concluded.
ABOUT FRACTAL
Fractal Antenna Systems provides off-the-shelf and custom antenna and electromagnetic cutting edge solutions to a wide range of end markets and applications. FRACTAL deploys high performance antennas for aerospace, IoT, medical, public safety, telecom, and government/military applications, among others. For questions about FRACTAL’s capabilities, products, or custom solutions – visit FRACTAL’s website at www.fractenna.com or contact directly at . (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
25 Mar 25. C-UAS Solution for Critical Infrastructure Security & Mobile Convoy Protection. Defense Advancement showcases Alpine Eagle’s Sentinel Counter-UAS system with active radar and networked edge AI processing for mobile convoy protection and critical infrastructure security. Alpine Eagle is the developer of Sentinel, a groundbreaking counter-UAS (unmanned aerial system) solution that combines a swarm of networked European-made UAVs with 360-degree active radar.
As a supplier partner, Defense Advancement is showcasing innovative solutions and capabilities across Alpine Eagle’s DA supplier profile.
The profile highlights the company’s Sentinel C-UAS system, which provides comprehensive threat detection and neutralization capabilities by interfacing seamlessly with a range of command-and-control (C2) systems and kinetic or non-kinetic effectors. The Sentinel is an advanced counter-UAS (C-UAS) solution that combines a swarm of networked, European-made UAVs with active radar technology to deliver superior detection and interception capabilities. Unlike traditional ground-based systems, Sentinel provides an unobstructed line of sight, significantly enhancing situational awareness and threat engagement.
A single operator can rapidly deploy multiple mesh-networked UAVs, each equipped with active radar and optional EO/IR sensors. By leveraging a swarm architecture, Sentinel creates a 360-degree detection bubble, with each UAV covering its own sector while collectively ensuring full coverage. This approach provides early warning against airborne and ground-based threats, enabling interception at a stand-off distance. The system can seamlessly integrate with command and control (C2) networks, as well as kinetic and non-kinetic effectors, ensuring interoperability with existing defense systems.
Sentinel’s resilient architecture allows it to operate effectively in GNSS- and communications-denied environments, making it highly reliable in contested battlefields. Unlike traditional radar solutions, Sentinel’s active radar does not disclose the operator’s location, maintaining operational security.
Onboard edge AI processing enables real-time sensor correlation across the swarm, ensuring accurate target discrimination while minimizing bandwidth usage. Sentinel can effectively distinguish UAS and ground-based targets from background clutter such as birds, debris, and structures. It tracks multiple threats simultaneously, with target limits defined by spacing, radar cross-section, and kinematic distinguishability. Configurable thresholds prevent system saturation in high-density threat environments.
Additionally, Sentinel’s adaptive AI dynamically prioritizes high-confidence targets, reallocating sensor resources as needed to maintain operational integrity. Target trajectory analysis enables hostile intent prediction and effective intercept point calculation, significantly enhancing threat response.
Applications
* Mobile Convoy Protection: Deployable in just 20 minutes, Sentinel safeguards convoy routes in challenging environments such as urban and mountainous regions.
* Fixed-Site Defense: With endurance of up to 72 hours via battery swaps, Sentinel provides continuous overwatch for military bases, camps, and forward operating posts.
* Critical Infrastructure Security: Ideal for urban and complex environments, Sentinel protects vital assets such as power plants, airports, harbors, and utilities from potential threats.
* Border Patrol: With long-range and long-endurance capabilities, Sentinel monitors extensive borders to prevent smuggling and other security risks.
By leveraging advanced radar, AI-driven processing, and an adaptive swarm-based approach, Sentinel redefines counter-UAS operations, delivering an impressive defense solution against emerging aerial and ground-based threats.
To find out more about Alpine Eagle and their Sentinel C-UAS, please visit their profile page: https://www.defenseadvancement.com/company/alpine-eagle/
(Source: https://www.defenseadvancement.com/)
26 Mar 25. Sentera Joins Thermal by FLIR Program, Elevates 6X Thermal Sensor Series for Precision UAS Applications. Boson Thermal Camera Modules Add LWIR Radiometric Data to Best-in-Class Sentera Multispectral Payloads. Teledyne FLIR OEM, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (NYSE:TDY), announced today that Sentera Sensors and Drones, a leading provider of advanced sensors and data, has joined the Thermal by FLIR program. Integrating FLIR Boson® thermal camera modules into the Sentera 6X Thermal Series adds new high-precision thermal mapping capabilities to their integrated multispectral and RGB drone payload platform. Designed for seamless integration with leading UAS platforms, the Sentera 6X Thermal Series support agriculture, outdoor, and industrial applications ranging from evaporation analysis, water stress monitoring, and forest fire detection to industrial inspections and infrastructure analysis.
“Precision thermal mapping has long been a challenge due to alignment and stitching issues. By combining FLIR’s trusted thermal technology with Sentera’s automated multispectral-assisted processing, we’re making it easier for users to capture, process, and analyze high-quality thermal data with confidence,” said Eric Taipale, chief technology officer, Sentera.
The NDAA-compliant Sentera 6X Thermal Series, including the 6X Thermal and 6X Thermal Pro, feature either the radiometric FLIR Boson 640R or 320R imager alongside four synchronized 3.2MP monochrome imagers and a 20MP RGB sensor.
“Sentera’s innovative approach to combining thermal, multispectral, and visible imaging in a unified sensor package represents a market-changing innovation the Thermal by FLIR program was designed to support,” said Jared Faraudo, vice president of product management, Teledyne FLIR OEM. “By incorporating our compact, high-performance radiometric Boson modules within advanced multispectral technology, Sentera delivers unprecedented thermal mapping accuracy paired with pixel-level temperature measurement data for agriculture to public safety applications.”
Sentera 6X Thermal Series joins a growing ecosystem of innovative Thermal by FLIR products that solve critical problems across industries from agriculture to automotive to defense, including mobile devices, drones, augmented reality solutions, and wearables.
The Thermal by FLIR program is a cooperative product development and marketing initiative that supports original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and product innovators who use Teledyne FLIR OEM thermal camera modules within integrated products. The program helps integrators accelerate time to market, lower development risk and costs, and expand business growth.
27 Mar 25. Bombardier Defense to deliver 2 ISR aircraft for Australian ops. Bombardier Defense has announced that Principle Finance, a leading provider of customised operating leases for aircraft in Australia, has acquired two Bombardier Challenger 650 jets earmarked for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions. The deliveries of both aircraft are scheduled for 2026. The Challenger 650 is well regarded for its outstanding short-field performance and proven reliability in the mid-sized jet category. Configured for business jet use, the aircraft boasts an endurance of up to 11 hours, a dispatch reliability exceeding 99.9 per cent, and a range of 4,000 nautical miles (approximately 7,408 kilometres).
Jean-Christophe Gallagher, executive vice president of Aircraft Sales & Bombardier Defense, said the purchase marks a major milestone for Bombardier Defense. “This purchase represents a major milestone for Bombardier Defense, increasing our presence in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. Our aircraft are the platform of choice not only due to their reach, persistence and performance, but also due to the large accessibility of our services and support ecosystem in the country,” he said. “This represents an undeniable advantage and flexibility to operators.”
The platform’s attributes make it an ideal platform for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, as it can fly higher, faster and farther than legacy airborne platforms while offering comparable performance to large maritime patrol aircraft at a fraction of the cost.
Harrison Langrell, managing director of Principle Finance, expressed enthusiasm about integrating the Challenger 650 into the fleet. “We are excited to integrate the Bombardier Challenger 650 into our fleet, leveraging its exceptional performance and reliability, which will play a crucial role in our future operations. This platform allows us to enhance our surveillance reach and effectiveness, ensuring we stay ahead in the rapidly evolving defence landscape,” Langrell said.
Bombardier’s growing footprint in Australia further reinforces its commitment to the region. The company recently launched a new Line Maintenance Station (LMS) in Perth, adding to its global network of 10 LMS facilities.
This expansion follows the opening of the Melbourne Service Centre in 2022, which enhanced support for the existing fleet, and the establishment of Bombardier Defense’s first international office in Adelaide in May 2024, aimed at bolstering service for special mission customers in this key Asia-Pacific market. In addition to delivering high-performing aircraft, Bombardier Defense provides round-the-clock in-house engineering and support teams worldwide. These teams are equipped to implement modifications tailored to customer needs, with complete certification capabilities across civilian, military and hybrid operations. (Source: Defence Connect)
25 Mar 25. Armasuisse hands over fourth upgraded Florako radar system. The milestone was achieved as part of the “Radar” project under the 2016 armament programme. The Federal Office of Armaments(Armasuisse) has handed over the fourth and final modernised. Florako radar system to the Swiss armed forces. The milestone was achieved as part of the “Radar” project under the 2016 armament programme, and in 2017 Thales was contracted for a €74m ($80m) upgrade to the Master radars.
This technology upgrade will allow the Swiss Air Force to sustain operational effectiveness through 2030. The Armed Forces Cyber Command will operate the upgraded system, which has been returned for operational use. Switzerland operates four Florako radar stations, which are used for permanent air surveillance and central dispatching within the air force.
Florako detects and identifies both civil and military aircraft and managing air force operations.
The associated radar sensors, known as Flores, required an upgrade to maintain functionality for the coming years.
The modernisation was carried out in stages at each location to ensure the continuous operation of the air force.
The complexity of the system and the challenging conditions, sometimes at altitudes of up to 3,000 metres, demanded meticulous planning, notes the federal agency. With the radar upgrades now complete, the next phase will address sub-projects, including the replacement of control and display units, as well as resolving outstanding issues and warranty work.
The project is expected to conclude after all warranty periods end in November 2026. The Air2030 programme encompasses several projects aimed at enhancing Swiss air defence capabilities.
Alongside “New Fighter Aircraft” (NFA) and “Longer-range ground-based air defence system” (GBAD LR), it includes the “Radar” project and “RLE@NDP” (C2Air), which focus on the gradual replacement and modernisation of Florako components. These will be executed first and presented to Parliament in separate armament programmes. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
24 Mar 25. DroneShield Unveils Significant Upgrade and Expansion of Counter-Drone Capability. DroneShield (ASX:DRO), a global leader in counter-drone technology, proudly unveils at the Avalon Australian International Airshow 2025, a significant upgrade and expansion of its critically Australian counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) solutions, to safeguard government, critical infrastructure, and military sites worldwide. With drone incursions posing increasing threats to national security and public safety, DroneShield’s expanded DroneSentry solutions deliver multi-sensor detection and tracking capabilities, providing military and civilian customers an advanced yet accessible way to counter aerial threats. Underpinned by DroneShield’s DroneSentry-C2, an intuitive Command-and-Control platform, DroneSentry solutions are harnessed by multiple AI-enabled sensing and tracking products including DroneShield’s world-leading SensorFusionAI.Integrating cutting edge technologies from global radar and optical sensor leaders such as RADA, FLIR, Echodyne and Bosch, to high-powered microwave effectors like Epirus Leonidas, the expanded integrated solutions provide tailored protection based on operational needs. With options for close-range, mid-range, and advanced-range detection and coverage, DroneShield’s DroneSentry solutions delivers true situational awareness to critical infrastructure, public safety, and military-grade operators for counter-drone protection.
“As an Australian company, we are committed to strengthening our national defence posture whilst equipping our allies and partners with integrated, cutting-edge C-UAS technology,” said Oleg Vornik, DroneShield’s CEO.
“Avalon 2025 is the perfect platform to showcase how homegrown innovation is redefining security on a global scale.”
With Avalon 2025 serving as the premier event for defence and aerospace technology in the Southern Hemisphere, DroneShield is reinforcing Australia’s role as a leader in next-generation C-UAS solutions.
25 Mar 25. HSWERX, the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) innovation hub, selected MatrixSpace Radar to provide advanced air detection to support uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) operations. The technology has potential applications across a variety of mission environments, including the DHS Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency.
Due to the limitations of flying larger UAS in the National Airspace System (NAS), the project sought to identify small UAS (sUAS) with onboard sensors that meet Federal Aviation Administration guidelines for safe Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations. Enabling smaller UAS (Group III and below) to operate safely in the NAS with BVLOS capabilities significantly enhances their ability to conduct comprehensive monitoring of secure, often large and remote locations. Due to its compact size and powerful detection capabilities, MatrixSpace Radar was selected as the onboard sensor, supporting BVLOS Detect and Avoid (DAA) operations.
Quote from HSWERX Program Manager, Christina Heard, “The DHS Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency is tasked with securing a wide range of large, complex, often remote locations. To support this mission, CBP required a solution with powerful Detect and Avoid capabilities for flight operations. After a demonstration facilitated by HSWERX, CBP selected MatrixSpace Radar to advance BVLOS DAA technologies. After this initial integration phase, we are eager to move into sUAS payload packaging, flight testing, and data collection for the complete DAA system in support of CBP.”
Quote from Lori DeMatteis, Chief Revenue Officer at MatrixSpace
“This was a rigorous selection process with clear and demanding criteria. We are honored to have been chosen for this significant initiative and excited to demonstrate our capabilities to facilitate the challenging situations in which CBP and other agencies operate.”
MatrixSpace provides affordable, AI-enhanced sensor solutions for situational awareness, unlocking advanced, large-scale drone operations, and protecting infrastructure from security threats. Its solutions detect objects immediately with high degrees of accuracy, allowing for rapid response and countermeasures. Its products combine cutting-edge radar sensors with additional technologies and AI-edge processing to sense, detect, and classify objects in any outdoor situation while enabling comprehensive compliance reporting.
11 Mar 25. US military tests C-sUAS capabilities in jungle terrain. More than 30 Air Force Reserve Defenders recently tested their ability to detect, track, and neutralise small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) threats during Exercise NEXUS FORGE at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. The February 5 event saw Citizen Airmen train alongside the US Army’s 2nd Light Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, using electronic warfare tools such as the Dronebuster, DroneDefender, DroneShield, and DroneGun—navigation-frequency jamming systems designed to disrupt enemy drone control links. These tools force hostile drones to either land or return to their point of origin, preventing adversaries from gathering intelligence or launching attacks.
The training also incorporated the Titan C-UAS monitoring system, which provides real-time intelligence on drone activity by detecting sUAS quantity, distance, and speed. This layered defence approach integrates electronic countermeasures with kinetic responses and traditional base defence assets. The event provided an opportunity to test C-UAS readiness in difficult terrain. “We’ve been stuck in the desert for so long,” said Master Sgt. Christopher Whalen, 349th Security Forces Squadron NCO in charge of readiness and training. Now it’s time to transition a bit. We’re looking at this thick, vast jungle—how do we see our enemies? How do we detect them inbound when there’s so much cover and concealment? Here, we’re getting an opportunity to do that.” (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
25 Mar 25. SpearUAV secures major investment to expand global operations. SpearUAV, a developer of autonomous, AI-based encapsulated loitering combat systems, has successfully completed a significant funding round led by Deep Insight venture fund. The round also saw participation from both existing and new private investors, marking a key milestone in the company’s growth trajectory. This investment follows a period of rapid expansion, with SpearUAV securing major defense contracts and scaling its operations to meet increasing global demand. The newly raised capital will be used to establish a new production line in Israel, while also laying the foundation for future expansion in the United States, including plans for a dedicated production facility.
“SpearUAV has demonstrated an exceptional ability to address evolving operational needs with its cutting-edge technology,” said Dr. Eyal Kishon, Chairman of Deep Insight. We are excited to support SpearUAV’s continued innovation and global expansion and confident that our partnership will produce significant success in the defense sector.”
Growing demand for SpearUAV’s VIPER systems
SpearUAV has experienced rapid growth over the past year, driven by heightened demand for its VIPER family of loitering weapon systems. These systems are designed to support combat vehicles, infantry forces, submarines and naval vessels, providing an advanced, autonomous solution for modern battlefields.
“Since the company was founded by Gadi Kuperman, Spear has attracted interest from high-profile private and strategic investors. The current investment round, led by Deep Insight, reflects the confidence of our partners in our technology and vision,” said Yiftach Kleinman, CEO of SpearUAV
Expanding production capabilities in Israel is a critical step for SpearUAV to meet global demand. Additionally, the company is laying the groundwork for future operations in the U.S., further reinforcing its international presence and strategic partnerships.
“We are proud to be part of Deep Insight’s portfolio,” added Kleinman. “With this investment, we are well-positioned to accelerate our technological advancements and expand our market reach, ensuring that SpearUAV remains at the forefront of autonomous combat systems development.”
https://cuashub.com/en/content/spearuav-secures-major-investment-to-expand-global-operations/ (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
25 Mar 25. ELTA North America to evaluate M3S2 System for US Military. ELTA North America announced this week it has received a contract from the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to evaluate the capabilities of the M3S2 (Multi-Mission/Multi-Sensor Suite). The M3S2 is a multi-mission sensor system designed to provide simultaneous capabilities for Active Protection, C-UAS, and advanced ground surveillance. According to the company, the suite integrates radar and electro-optical sensors into a compact format that requires low Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP), aiming to improve situational awareness and defensive capabilities for tactical and wheeled vehicles and other essential assets. The company lists several key capabilities of the M3S2 that aim to increase protection and operational effectiveness in a variety of environments. Among these are its wide surveillance area, and the weapon fire detection technology – which can accurately identify fire from a range of weaponry.
The company also highlights the system’s effectiveness in urban environments and all-weather conditions, noting in particular the fast and precise response time when shooting at hostile targets.
“As modern threats evolve, it is important for our defensive solutions to adapt accordingly,” emphasized Joe Adams, CEO of ELTA North America. “The M3S2 is intended to deliver 360-degree protection for tactical vehicles, effectively combining advanced sensors to address various threats and reduce the need for multiple standalone systems.”
ELTA North America has not yet stated which specific vehicles will receive the new system. Still, the company emphasized that this contract highlights the DoD’s commitment to advancing technologies to enhance battlefield survivability and operational efficiency for its fighting vehicles.
Previously, the U.S. Army awarded ELTA North America a $7.5m contract to support the installation of the Trophy APS onto M1 Abrams tanks in October 2024. https://cuashub.com/en/content/elta-north-america-to-evaluate-m3s2-system-for-us-military/ (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
25 Mar 25. US Army deploys radars to detect cartel drones at the Mexico border. The US Army has deployed ground-based radars to detect and monitor drones as part of the ongoing expansion of military support along the US-Mexico border. Earlier this week, the Department of Defense (DoD) released images of soldiers from the Army’s 10th Mountain Division, training with the AN/TPQ-53 and AN/MPQ-64 Sentinel radars in Arizona. The 10th Mountain Division is among several US military units that have deployed personnel and equipment to bolster border security efforts, a mission that expanded following President Donald Trump’s inauguration in January.
The growing use of weaponised drones by Mexican drug cartels, as well as for smuggling and surveillance purposes, and has led to an increasing concern around the potential threat posed to US military bases and other critical infrastructure. Having become increasingly well-armed and equipped, Mexican drug cartels have embraced uncrewed aerial systems, expanding their scale and scope of use. Once primarily seen as a smuggling tool, drones are now routinely used for surveillance and attacks against rival cartels and government security forces.
The caption of one of the pictures released by the DoD stated that “HHB Divarty [Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, Division Artillery,] 10th Mountain Division raise their drone detection capabilities at the southern border”. It also noted that “US Northern Command is working together with the Department of Homeland Security to augment US Customs and Border Protection along the southern border.”
Raytheon’s AN/MPQ-64 is a versatile radar capable of detecting a range of aerial threats, including fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and drones, while also providing targeting data for air defence systems. Meanwhile, the AN/TPQ-53 radar system developed by Lockheed Martin can detect mortars, rockets, and artillery while accurately identifying their points of origin. Friendly forces can then utilise this data to target enemy units responsible for the attacks. This capability is one of the reasons the system is currently deployed in Army artillery units such as the 10th Mountain Division’s DIVARTY. Both the AN/TPQ-53 and AN/MPQ-64 are well-suited for detecting and tracking low-flying threats. Deploying these radars to the US-Mexico border enhances monitoring capabilities for cartel drone activity while also providing valuable additional situational awareness.
In recent years, multiple incidents have shown how cartel-related violence in Mexico can escalate to levels resembling a low-level civil conflict rather than just organised crime. As the US government and military have increased activity along the southern border in recent months, concerns have grown over the potential for this violence to spill over. Among these concerns are reports that cartels could launch cross-border drone attacks.
As of March 2025, approximately 9,000 US military personnel are deployed along the US-Mexico border to support Trump’s efforts to curb immigration and smuggling, according to the Department of Defense.
https://cuashub.com/en/content/us-army-deploys-radars-to-detect-cartel-drones-at-the-mexico-border/ (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
24 Mar 25. L3Harris expects first MC-55A delivery to RAAF this year. Australia contracted with L3Harris via the US Air Force’s foreign military sales process in 2019, with a program of record for four aircraft – but the project has been beset by delays. The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) will take possession of a unique, multi-mission intelligence aircraft dubbed the MC-55A Peregrine this year, as prime contractor L3Harris wraps up developmental work after years of delays. The company is now “position[ed]… to deliver this capability to the RAAF this calendar year,” Jason Lambert, L3Harris’s president of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), said in a virtual briefing with reporters on Monday. The MC-55A is a modified version of Gulfstream’s G550, one of many projects around the world to equip business jets with military mission systems. Australia contracted with L3Harris via the US Air Force’s foreign military sales process in 2019, with a program of record for four aircraft.
But the project has been beset by delays. L3Harris previously expected to deliver the first aircraft as early as 2023, according to media reports.
Lambert would not comment directly on the magnitude of the schedule slip, but said the company is “working within the schedule and within the costs” established as part of the contract, which has “evolved over time.” He attributed delays to “working through flight parameters and characteristics, along with the flight computer associated with the changing of the outer moldline shape” of the aircraft to accommodate military equipment.
After achieving requisite certification from the US Federal Aviation Administration in December, “now we’re on our path to delivery,” Lambert said.
The Australian Department of Defence did not respond to questions about the program’s schedule by press time. In a separate briefing, an Australian official reportedly said the aircraft will arrive within the next 12 months.
Lambert declined to comment directly on the capabilities of the aircraft, but said its tasks include “multi-mission strategic ISR,” which entails electronic warfare and command and control functions as well.
The RAAF will be “the first customer for this particular mission set,” Lambert said. “I can say this is the first aircraft of its kind with this volume of capability and this volume of sensor suite package on a business jet.”
L3Harris is eyeing other international sales for the MC-55A platform. According to Lambert, the company has another FMS customer who is buying the G550 baseline and similar mission systems, though he did not name who. (Source: Breaking Defense.com)
11 Mar 25. UAS Denmark Test Center hosts multi-sensor C-UAS test exercises. The UAS Denmark Test Center has shared progress from the second phase of the NextGen Robotics drone project. As part of the counter-uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS) project, red-blue team exercises have been conducted at the test centre at Hans Christian Andersen Airport, including the deployment of integrated sensors on a common platform. The exercises are a further step towards developing and testing an integrated multi-sensor C-UAS system. UAS Denmark Test Center is collaborating with Bionic System Solutions, Circle Scope, MyDefence, Quadsat, and Weibel Scientific, along with the University of Southern Denmark for the project. The Danish Business Promotion Agency is providing support.
“The red-blue team exercises have provided valuable insights and feedback, allowing us to refine our systems and enhance their effectiveness,” UAS Denmark Test Center said. “By simulating real-world scenarios, we ensure that our solutions are robust and ready to meet the challenges of modern airspace security.” (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
17 Mar 25. UK National Protective Security Agency opens new round of C-UAS testing programme. The UK National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) is inviting expressions of interest for its counter-uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS) testing programme. Established in 2019, the programme assesses a number of key performance indicators using a range of UAS and threat scenarios, against the NPSA technical standard. These indicators include launch detection quality, tracking accuracy, and ability to identify. Upon successful completion of testing, entries can be added to the NPSA Catalogue of Security Equipment, which is used by UK and international government partners, as well as security professionals in charge of protecting sensitive sites, critical infrastructure and crowded places. On completion of testing, NPSA can also provide feedback regarding the installation, performance, and usability of the technology to aid further development. NPSA has now opened Tranche 5 of the test cycle which will be limited to five companies for FY 25/26. More testing slots could potentially become available in Q4, but NPSA says this is not guaranteed. Suppliers of mature C-UAS systems should submit an Expression of Interest by 28th March for consideration for one of the test periods that will take place in financial year 25/26. If successful, companies will be allocated a test slot during one of the test windows (mid-July, mid-September or mid-October). The C-UAS systems must be at technology readiness level 8 or 9, be capable of operating offline, display detections, tracks, alarms and (optionally) identification information on a Human Machine Interface (HMI), and be capable of being used by an operator with a maximum of one day of training.
C-UAS Testing and Evaluation – Expressions of Interest Now Open
Last Updated 14 March 2025
NPSA is the UK Government’s National Technical Authority for Physical and Personnel Protective Security and provides protective security advice to organisations, both private and public, that deliver the UK’s essential services and facilities.
To mitigate against the misuse of Uncrewed Aerial Systems, NPSA established in 2019 a testing programme for Counter UAS (C-UAS) Detect, Track and Identify technologies. The testing programme assesses a number of key performance indicators using a range of UAS and threat scenarios, against the NPSA technical standard. These indicators include launch detection quality, tracking accuracy, and ability to identify.
Upon successful completion of testing, an entry will be added to the NPSA Catalogue of Security Equipment (CSE). This catalogue is used by UK and international government partners, as well as security professionals in charge of protecting sensitive sites, Critical National Infrastructure sites, and crowded places. On completion of testing, there will also be the opportunity to access feedback regarding the installation, performance, and usability of the technology to aid further development.
Expressions of Interest (EoI) are now invited for Tranche 5 of the test cycle which will be limited to 5 companies for FY 25/26. More testing slots might become available in Q4, but this is not guaranteed. Suppliers of mature C-UAS systems are now invited to submit an EoI for consideration for one of the test periods that will take place in financial year 25/26. If successful, companies will be allocated a test slot during one of the following test windows:
Test Start Date
Mid-July 2025
Mid-September 2025
Mid-October 2025
The deadline for expressions of interest is 28th March 2025.
Please complete the C-UAS Testing and Evaluation form.
In order to be considered for evaluation, your C-UAS product must meet the following criteria:
* Be at technology readiness level 8 or 9
* Be capable of operating offline (i.e. with no internet or other external connectivity)
* Display detections, tracks, alarms and (optionally) identification information on a Human Machine Interface (HMI)
* Be capable of being used by an operator with a maximum of one day of training
* Further information will be required during application process.
(Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
14 Mar 25. US Army to commence C-UAS training and systems assessment programme in Germany. The US Army will soon begin the next phase of Transforming in Contact (TiC) 2.0, the service’s initiative to revamp how units rapidly equip, test and acquire technology such as counter-drone systems in a changing battlefield
During a training rotation in Hohenfels, Germany over the next six to nine months, soldiers from the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT) will receive new, next generation equipment and be trained in counter-uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS), electromagnetic decoys and the integration of UAS. The training will serve as preparation for Combined Resolve 2026, a joint, multinational exercise.
In TiC, soldiers can directly impact the development of next generation weapons by providing feedback which the Army channels into capability documents. TiC participation will be organised into four phases. The 1st ABCT starts by changing “how it fights” with a greater focus on lethality and survivability while taking and integrating greater input from modern conflict data. Second, the soldiers will integrate the existing technology including UAS and C-UAS. Next, the new equipment will dictate how the unit organises its formations. Finally, the 1st ABCT will continually look for opportunities to integrate new technology when it becomes available. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
17 Mar 25. Bulgarian leaders call for C-UAS technology following drone incident at Sofia Airport. Bulgaria’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Communications Grozdan Karadzhov has said that all international airports in the country should be equipped with counter-uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS). He added that acquisition of such systems should be included in operators’ investment plans.
Karadzhov, whose call was supported by Bulgarian airports and the civil aviation authority, said various options will be explored in a “reasonable timeframe”. The Deputy Prime Minister has said that the necessary legislative changes will be quickly prepared.
The Deputy Prime Minister’s speech followed the detection of a drone in the airspace around Sofia International Airport in early February. The presence of the drone caused landing delays.
An investigation into the incident continues. There have been previous reports of drones flying in the restricted airspace around Sofia’s airport before but authorities believe this is the first time that there was clear malicious intent. Border Police Director Anton Zlatanov has told Bulgarian media that the drone was “manipulated” and that it was a “deliberate action”. Other national media reports have said that the drone was of “military type” and “used for surveillance”. The airport’s executive director has been quoted as saying that the drone was fast and appeared to have technology capable of jamming radio frequencies for the air traffic control tower. Following the Sofia International Airport incident, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) provided a drone monitoring system to the Bulgarian Ministry of Transport. Zlatanov has said that in addition to airports, other sites such as border checkpoints, nuclear power facilities and critical infrastructure should have C-UAS technology. He told national media that the Border Police is awaiting funding after completing a procurement process that identified a supplier of a C-UAS system for the Bulgarian/Turkish border, where criminals use drones to see where border patrol officers are before moving people or drugs across the border. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
19 Mar 25. Weibel and DefSecIntel form C-UAS alliance. Weibel Scientific of Denmark and Estonia’s DefSecIntel Solutions have formed a strategic collaboration in the fields of European air defence, counter-uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS) and surveillance technologies. By integrating Weibel’s radar systems with DefSecIntel’s C2, surveillance and C-UAS platforms, the partnership aims to address critical security needs and capability shortfalls across Ukraine, the European Union, and NATO-aligned initiatives such as Eastern Shield and Baltic Drone Wall. Specifically, Weibel’s X-band radars will be integrated into DefSecIntel’s C-UAS and ultra-short-range air defence (USHORAD) EIRSHIELD systems. The companies will also collaborate on manufacturing to speed and scale up availability as well as in the areas of research and development for new systems. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
19 Mar 25. Fortem prepares largest shipment after scaling up manufacturing. Fortem has announced that it has scaled manufacturing and is shipping counter-uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS) equipment at production volumes. The company increased production rates by approximately 50 percent in 2024 in order to meet growing demand. Fortem delivered more than 100 autonomous DroneHunter interceptors per month alongside additional detection, tracking, and command and control systems. This March, Fortem is preparing its largest shipment in company history: 300 drones and 40 ground control stations, including 80 Fortem TrueView R30i radars and the SkyDome Manager C2 system.(Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
19 Mar 25. India defence chief calls for holistic C-UAS systems. India’s Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS) hosted a high-level seminar on “UAS Warfare with Special Focus on Counter-UAS” on March 10 in New Delhi. General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), delivered the keynote address, emphasising the transformative impact of uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) in modern warfare.
Gen Chauhan highlighted the key trends, including robotics advancements and AI-driven intelligence, which are exploited by UAS, making them highly disruptive. Referencing present day conflicts, he underscored how drones are reshaping warfare economics with low-cost, high-impact solutions. He noted the importance of establishing a common vocabulary and grammar on UAS by the Indian Armed Forces. Stressing doctrinal clarity in UAS classification, he outlined four generations of UAS and the need for developing holistic C-UAS systems. He also called for synergy between users, designers, and manufacturers, ensuring India’s self-reliant defence future.
The seminar also highlighted India’s progress in drone warfare, with a focus on indigenous development and self-reliance under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative. The event facilitated high-level discussions on a national approach to countering drone threats, including legal frameworks, electronic warfare advancements, and multi-domain unmanned systems.
Industry presented C-UAS systems and defence experts provided in-depth analysis on India’s drone requirements, AI integration in drone warfare, and key lessons from ongoing global conflicts. Meanwhile, discussions focused on the increasing manifestation of drone threats along India’s northern and western borders, as well as in the Indian Ocean Region, highlighting the need for advanced detection and neutralisation systems. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
19 Mar 25. EU security agencies hold first COURAGEOUS² meeting on improving C-UAS capabilities. Counter-UAS experts from several European Union based organisations on Monday 17 March met for the kick-off meeting for the COURAGEOUS² project, “marking the beginning of an important initiative to support DG-HOME in strengthening Europe’s response to the challenges posed by non-cooperative drones,” according to a Linkedin post from Geert De Cubber, Team Leader of the Robotics & Autonomous Systems Research Unit, Project Coordinator of the EU-ISF COURAGEOUS Project.
The main objective of the COURAGEOUS² project is to assist the European Commission DG HOME in the implementation of the Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament on countering potential threats posed by drones. The COURAGEOUS² project will build on the results of the COURAGEOUS project that developed a standard test methodology for counter-drone systems in order to gain a better common understanding by EU Law Enforcement Agencies of the performance of counter-drone solutions.
According to Geert De Cubber: “COURAGEOUS² brings together a reinforced consortium of eight Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) from across Europe—alongside academic, RTO, and industry partners—to:
* Advance a harmonized testing methodology for counter-drone systems
* Conduct performance tests to assess C-UAS capabilities
* Map regulatory needs to guide future policies
* Engage with end-users, industry, and stakeholders through community-building activities
* Contribute to a digital platform for drone incident information
* Leverage and index existing counter-drone training modules
* Ensure responsible information sharing among EU LEA
For more information
https://www.linkedin.com/in/geertdecubber/
https://researchportal.rma.ac.be/en/projects/building-a-common-understanding-of-the-effectiveness-of-counter-u-3 (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
21 Mar 25. US Army simulates drone attacks to test jamming response. The US Army recently conducted a pair of back-to-back exercises at Fort Novosel to train for the emerging threat of armed drones.
The exercises started with a Full Scale Exercise (FSE) the week of March 3. Conducted by the Fort Novosel Garrison the FSE ran a scenario of responses to a drone attack. Following the FSE was the Quantum Eagle Exercise led by the US Army Aviation Center of Excellence. This exercise changed the scenario to include counter drone systems and teams deployed to stop incoming drone attacks.
“We wanted the scenario to reflect on a UAS incident without the counter and then require higher headquarters to provide (counter-drone) capabilities,” said Steven Rogers, the emergency manager with the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization, and Security.
The first full scale exercise ran a complex scenario involving an off-course hobby drone, as well as an attack by a set of small drones dropping explosives onto critical areas on post. This tested not only the response to the attack, which is like other full scale exercises run throughout the Army, but also the reporting and investigation of drones on the installation.
“We identified some vulnerabilities and ways we can improve and make ourselves better prepared for an incident,” Rogers said.
The second exercise took that same core concept, a drone attack on Fort Novosel, but this time had the installations equipped with drone detection and jamming equipment, representing a situation where a drone threat had been predicted, and defensive systems sent to the installation. This exercise was less about responding to an emergency caused by drones, and more about responding to the drones themselves. Fort Novosel security forces were equipped with the Forward Area Air Defense (FAAD), a complex radar, camera and jammer system. This system allowed the security teams to detect small flying objects and then use a variety of cameras and other sensors to determine what and where they were. If the flying object was determined to be a drone threat, then the FAAD system operators could turn on a jamming system.
“Anything within that (jamming) bubble is going to have the connection severed,” said Capt. Micah Moore, the operations officer with Fort Novosel Directorate of Public Safety.
For drones that are in specific areas, teams on the ground helped spot the drone locations and evaluate the threat they posed. If needed, they were also able to directly engage the drones using a portable jamming system.
The US Army says the jamming systems are safe to use in training scenarios like this as well as in a real-world situation, as a loss of signal will not cause a drone to fall from the sky. Instead the drone will typically either try and remain in place, or return to the point it was launched from and land.
An important part of the exercise was not just identifying and jamming the drones but practicing how to determine when a drone was on Army property and getting authorisation to engage the drone with the jamming systems. While a simple procedure on the face of things, the legal complexities of using electronic warfare systems against aircraft means knowing what the threat is doing and determining when to engage is a decision with possible legal consequences.
“We had great communications across the board, both coordinating through dispatch and going up the chain for authorisation to engage the drones,” said Moore.
Over the course of the exercise more than 30 drone threats were identified and engaged. Like the first exercise, the second gave the soldiers, civilians and law enforcement officers who are charged with protecting Fort Novosel a chance to practice new techniques and get proficient with new equipment.
“I knew nothing about how to engage drones until last week,” Moore said at the end of the second exercise. “My confidence has increased. I feel if our guys had to engage drones in an operational environment they’d do a fantastic job.” (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
24 Mar 25. Police and CAA receive reports of hunts taking down camera drones used by saboteurs. British police are investigating reports of hunting groups taking down drones used by hunt saboteurs to monitor and provide evidence of the hunts’ activities.
A spokesperson from the Hunt Saboteurs Association said there has been an escalation of violence against saboteur drones and their operators in many areas of the UK. “We’ve seen everything from stones being lobbed, to drones being shot out of the sky, to one hunt even launching its own attack drone.”
Saboteurs have been using drones for a few years and the footage captured has been used to report offences. It is illegal to hunt foxes with dogs in the UK but hunts have been found to do so under the guise of trail hunting, where the dogs follow a scent trail laid by humans. Drones can often reach places that the saboteurs cannot on foot.
Hunts are now attempting to stop the saboteurs from recording their activities. Evidence provided by Wiltshire Hunt Saboteurs and published by The Independent newspaper includes drone footage of the Beaufort Hunt. The hunt allegedly targeted the saboteurs’ drone with one of their own equipped with a wire and weight to entangle and disable the other drone, causing both drones to crash. Footage from this incident and others has been presented to police as evidence for both illegal drone use and illegal hunting. The drone incidents have also been reported to the UK Civil Aviation Authority. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
21 Mar 25. Laser weapon zaps Group 1 quadcopters at 110m in US military exercise. The Joint Interagency Field Experimentation (JIFX) team at the US Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) has concluded a week of prototyping and demonstrations to help accelerate potential dual-use applications. Conducted in partnership with Camp Roberts, the California Army National Guard post in southern Monterey County, and occurring quarterly, the latest JIFX assessment featured counter-uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS), directed energy, AI and autonomy, integrated sensing and other critical requirement areas. During the week, 23 industry partners conducted experiments with 24 unique technologies, which were evaluated by Department of Defence stakeholders from numerous commands and forces.
NPS says that during the event and despite typical winter conditions, the single-day record for sorties flown by UAS was broken. On the third day, 85 sorties were flown by 11 different drones at three different tactical locations—McMillan Airfield, the Combined Arms Collective Training Facility (CACTF), and the Forward Operating Base (FOB).
The hard rain and wind did not deter a laser weapon system (LWS) from zapping a steady stream of UAS. This was the first use of an LWS at JIFX over the course of its nearly two decade-long history. The LWS, fielded by Aurelius Systems, blasted Group 1 quadcopters at ranges of 50 and 110 metres, the longest distance that Aurelius had ever engaged a target. The LWS used near-infrared fibre lasers, and the targeted drones were initially affixed to static mounts then later towed along by a moving target gunnery line.
JIFX plays an important role in the steps of Aurelius’ LWS development and the company intends to bring the system to the next JIFX event in May, where it plans to use more powerful lasers and live fire at free-flying drones.
To reduce the detectability of the LWS’ presence and demonstrate improved portability, the three large generators powering Aurelius’ LWS were disconnected. Chariot Defense provided its high-voltage battery system, which powered successful shots of the LWS, with enough remaining juice to fire over 1,000 more blasts.
In other C-UAS developments, NPS participants in the Bold Machina (BOMA) exercise to be run by Allied Special Operations Forces Command (SOFCOM) later this year, visited JIFX to better understand the processes by which technologies can be rapidly evaluated and accelerated for adoption. The participants intend to develop a technological solution for countering drones that can potentially be fielded during the BOMA exercise, which will be run off the coast of the Netherlands this autumn. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
24 Mar 25. Dedrone C-UAS technology to be integrated with Thales’ Bushmaster vehicle. Dedrone by Axon will integrate its counter-uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS) technology into Thales Australia’s Bushmaster, boosting on-the-move protection against drones.
The C-UAS system detects, tracks and neutralises small, medium and large hostile drones, and can be retro-fitted onto protected mobility vehicles (PMVs). Thales Australia has manufactured more than 1300 Bushmaster PMVs, with most being utilised by the Australian Defence Force. The Bushmaster is also in service with the armed forces of eight allied nations including the UK, New Zealand, the Netherlands and Ukraine.
Successful testing has been completed near Thales Australia’s Bendigo facility in simulated battlefield conditions replicating those seen in the current European conflict, effectively repelling drone attacks while in motion. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
24 Mar 25. Teledyne FLIR Defense Captures $7.8m Contract to Provide Mobile Surveillance Systems for Key Military Entity in Saudi Arabia.
Agreement signed with Middle East Task Company (METCO) to deliver LVSS light truck-based surveillance systems, integrating advanced radar and
Teledyne FLIR Defense, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (NYSE:TDY), has won a contract valued at $7.8m with Middle East Task Company (METCO) to provide its next-generation LVSS (Lightweight Vehicle Surveillance System) to a high-profile military entity in Saudi Arabia. The agreement also includes mission support equipment and training. Quantities were not disclosed.
The FLIR Defense LVSS™ delivers some of the most advanced, integrated mobile surveillance technology available, all fitted within the bed of a light pickup truck. It features the company’s TacFLIR® 380HD long-range thermal imaging system and its Ranger® R20SS radar that can track up to 500 objects at once at ranges greater than 10 miles (16 km). A single operator can deploy and operate the system’s 16-foot mast from the cab of a pickup in less than 30 seconds.
LVSS is designed for missions that call for speed, mobility and flexibility, and ideally suited to protecting infrastructure, bases, and personnel from both air- and ground-based threats.
“We’re honored to work with METCO in supporting a key military entity in its critical mission of safeguarding the nation,” said Stan Crawford, senior director of business development for the Middle East at Teledyne FLIR Defense. “The LVSS platform combines technologies FLIR Defense has pioneered for decades. It has been deployed successfully worldwide, helping customers secure their borders, critical installations, and shorelines from threats day or night.”
METCO, in coordination with Teledyne FLIR Defense and the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI), have an approved localization plan for this effort. The LVSS systems are expected to be delivered by the end of 2025. (Source: ASD Network)
24 Mar 25. Is it a pigeon or a drone? The next big challenge for radar systems. As the skies get more crowded, a team from the University of Birmingham is using the super-accuracy of strontium clock to achieve a safety breakthrough
Somewhere in the skies above Birmingham, a drone is taking important blood to the hospital. Somewhere, criss-crossing the route, Amazon quadcopters are making slightly less important deliveries. And somewhere between the two are pigeons doing things that are important, if you’re a pigeon.
In this near-future scenario, how do you make sure none of the drones hit each other, while also making sure that you ignore the pigeons? The answer could come from a very, very accurate clock and a radar system, being tested on the roof of Birmingham University.
Drones are coming to our skies. The NHS is already trialling their use for supplying clinics and shuttling blood tests from hospitals. Online shopping companies are working on plans to use them to move from next-day delivery to next-hour delivery.
The challenge is, how do we ensure they do so safely while also keeping a watch out for those drones that might have more malevolent intent? That is what Simon Bennett, director of the UK National Quantum Technology Hub for Sensors Imaging and Timing, is working on.
“The number of drones is going up at an astonishingly high rate,” he said. Many are also unregulated and unregistered. “If you have a crowded airspace and you are trying to deliver a vital blood transfusion to the hospital, you don’t want it crashing into somebody delivering a pizza”.
The difficulty is, an urban environment is very bad for radar. The buildings produce a lot of “clutter” — spurious reflections — that make it hard to distinguish low flying objects, especially when those objects are small and slow. To solve this, Bennett and his colleagues have turned to strontium clocks, the next generation of atomic clock.
Today’s atomic clocks are accurate to a level the human brain cannot conceive. A standard atomic clock works by pointing a microwave beam at caesium atoms. If the microwave beam is at just the right frequency, it can excite the atoms. This fact is used to tune the beam to remain at that frequency and so derive a precise timing signal — accurate to within a second every 300 m years.
A strontium clock works in a similar way, but using visible light, and is thousands of times more accurate. Why is this useful? In daily life, a clock so accurate that, had it been running since the universe began, it would still have a barely detectable error, may not seem to have much purpose.
It does, though, for radar. Radar works by pinging out a burst of precisely separated radio waves. That signal is absorbed, deflected, bounced and reflected. When it comes back, it is exceedingly faint — the square root of the square root of the transmission power. All this also happens in a timescale humans cannot process.
“This is something moving at the speed of light, and you need to know it to precision, in the presence of many returns and echoes,” Darren Griffiths, from the University of Birmingham, said. So that initial timing signal matters. The less fuzziness in the outgoing burst of radar, the better the detail in what returns. To decrease the fuzziness, you need more accurate time.
The project is still at an early stage. From the roof of Birmingham University they use radar linked to a strontium oscillator to plot the surroundings. Then they try to interpret it. They can already tell they have sharper images. Now they are trying to make use of this.
Birds have several features that distinguish them from drones: feathers, a lack of propellers, a flight that bobs up and down, and in some species a propensity to suddenly swoop down and raid people’s chips. Through these and other subtle non-droney characteristics you can, they think, teach a computer to spot the difference.
Ultimately, Bennett said, they want to not only distinguish drones from birds but types of drones too, and what those drones are doing. “Drones are becoming useful for all kinds of practical civil applications, but discriminating one drone from another and trying to understand if the drone is being controlled benignly or not is actually quite an important part of civil security.” (Source: The Times)
24 Mar 25. A consortium funded by the European Union (EU) is developing advanced high-resolution image sensing technology that could be used in a variety of space missions, including Earth observation, planetary exploration, and scientific research. The three-year Technology for European iNdependence in Space Image Sensor (TENSIS) project will address the EU-based development of advanced CMOS imaging sensors. The project will aim to create a strategic, competitive advantage for European prime and equipment manufacturers and reduce the dependence on critical technologies and capabilities from outside the EU. The program was launched on 11 February 2025 at an inauguration event in consortium member Teledyne e2v facilities in Saint-Egrève, Grenoble Area, France. It aims to validate a scalable, large-area, high-resolution, radiation tolerant, customizable, and affordable 180nm CMOS detector, with the key technical characteristics of a 24K x 16K stitched CMOS matrix of 400MPixels. A smaller 4K x 4K stitched CMOS array will also be designed and manufactured. The project comprises several industrial partners, each of whom brings valuable expertise. Teledyne e2v Semiconductors SAS (France) and Teledyne Innovaciones Microelectronicas SL (Spain) will oversee the project, design the detectors, including the pixel, while imec (Belgium) will manage the development of the optical stack on top of the CMOS detector including filters and optical microlenses.
Meanwhile, Airbus Defence and Space SAS (France) will lead the development of the test equipment and assess the performance of the detector prototypes. Alter Technology Tüv Nord (Spain) will validate the smaller 4K x 4K detector for use in the space environment.
“TENSIS will result in the development of advanced image sensors for space that are high-resolution and durable against space conditions,” says Marc Iliozer, Project & Engineering Director at Teledyne e2v. “The project will help establish strategic capability in Europe and ensure independence in space technology for years to come.”
The project will run until 31 December 2027. The 24k x 16k stitched CMOS array is expected to reach Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6, with a prototype sensor tested in a relevant environment. The 4k x 4k CMOS detector will reach TRL7, taking it one step closer to final product development.
“The partners are excited to be collaborating on the TENSIS project,” adds Marc. “It is a venture that epitomizes the spirit of European innovation and cooperation.”
About Teledyne e2v Semiconductors & Teledyne AnaFocus
Teledyne e2v’s innovations lead developments in healthcare, life sciences, Space, transportation, defense and security and industrial markets. Teledyne e2v’s unique approach involves listening to the market and application challenges of customers and partnering with them to provide innovative standard, semi-custom or fully custom solutions, bringing increased value to their systems.
About Airbus Defence and Space
Airbus Defence and Space is a division of Airbus Group responsible for defence and aerospace products and services. The company is a leader in designing, developing, and manufacturing military aircraft, space systems, and connected intelligence systems and services.
24 Mar 25. UK and US armies launch C-UAS project VANAHEIM. The British and United States armies have launched an initiative designed to boost counter-uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS) operations. Project VANAHEIM focuses on detecting, tracking, identifying, and neutralising Class 1 UAS threats. A Preliminary Market Engagement Notice published by the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) on 21 March 2025 states that the project is being run between the British and United States Armies and is the first wave of a substantial programme of work in updating C-UAS capabilities against the rapid development of Small UAS in recent years. “Through VANAHEIM the British Army is aiming to identify promising C-UAS solutions and technology partners with who it can work to field the next generation of C-UAS capabilities.”
VANAHEIM will offer a field-based test environment where industry can test systems in a realistic operational environment and work with Army personnel to shape requirements and potential solutions. The event is planned to take place over multiple days in Germany through June 2025, with subsequent events to be confirmed in July and August. The US Army and Ukrainian Armies will also be participating, with the Australian Army observing.
The notice states that the C-UAS must be usable by generalist soldiers, able to be carried on the soldier or by a light vehicle, and focused on countering class 1 UAS (including first-person view drones).
Solutions must also be?Generic Vehicle Architecture/Generic Systems Architecture and ideally SAPIENT compliant, and able to integrate with Battlespace Management Applications.
Industry is invited to submit their capabilities via email by April 2.
(Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
21 Mar 25. VANAHEIM RFI
Ministry of Defence
UK2: Preliminary market engagement notice – Procurement Act 2023 – view information about notice types
Notice identifier: 2025/S 000-010649
Procurement identifier (OCID): ocds-h6vhtk-04f74d
ScopeScope
Description
Join Project VANAHEIM and shape the future of military Counter-Uncrewed Air Systems (C-UAS) operations. VANAHEIM is focused on this operational problem:
How a tactical unit be organised and equipped to persistently detect, track, identify and defeat Class 1 Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) threats?
Project VANAHEIM is joint project being run between the British and United States Armies. It is the first wave of a substantial programme of work updating the Army’s C-UAS capabilities against the rapid development of Small UAS in recent years. Through VANAHEIM the British Army is aiming to identify promising C-UAS solutions and technology partners with who it can work to field the next generation of C-UAS capabilities.
VANAHEIM is an opportunity to collaborate directly with the British Army and UK Defence within a field test event. This isn’t just another industry event – it is a dynamic, field-based test environment where your solutions will take centre stage and you can work with Army personnel to shape Army requirements and potential solutions. The event is planned to take place over multiple days in Germany through June 2025, with subsequent events to be confirmed in July and August. The US Army and Ukrainian Armies will also be participating, with the Australian Army observing.
This RFI is to determine a community of interest for further engagement.
Target Capability:
Capability must be usable by generalist soldiers, able to be carried on the soldier or by a light vehicle, and focused on countering class 1 b/c UAS (including first-person view drones).
Solutions must also be?Generic Vehicle Architecture/Generic Systems Architecture and ideally SAPIENT compliant, and able to integrate with Battlespace Management Applications.
VANAHEIM is the gateway to the teams delivering C-UAS capability to the warfighter. You will have direct access to the experts and their current operational challenges. You should expect:
Hands-on testing: deploy your TRL6-TRL9 product(s)in a realistic operational environment. See how they perform under pressure and gain valuable data to refine your technology.
Direct feedback: collaborate with military personnel in the field, receiving immediate feedback and tactical insights that will shape the future of your product development.
Influence the future: your contributions to VANAHEIM will directly influence future British Army’s effort to address its most urgent C-UAS challenges and will shape how the British Army approaches rapid capability development going forward.
We are looking for innovative approaches and forward-thinking companies ready to push the boundaries of C-UAS technology, across all Defence lines of development.? VANAHEIM is your opportunity to accelerate your technology, build strategic relationships, and contribute to a critical mission.?
There will be an opportunity to meet and discuss with the VANAHEIM team during the Joint Counter-UAS Office’s engagement day, in RAF High Wycombe on 31 March. Project VANAHEIM is run by the British Army’s RAPSTONE Task Force, based in Andover.
Commercial tool
Establishes a framework
Total value (estimated)
* £0 excluding VAT
* £0 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
* 30 April 2025 to 30 April 2027
* 2 years, 1 day
Main procurement category
Goods
CPV classifications
* 35613000 – Unmanned aerial vehicles
Engagement
Engagement deadline
2 April 2025
Engagement process description
Please submit detail of your capability, including technical specification where applicable, by 23:59 on Wednesday 2 Apr 25 via email to stating email subject title – VANAHEIM RFI Response.
Participation
Particular suitability
* Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
* Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Contracting authority
Ministry of Defence
* Public Procurement Organisation Number: PHVX-4316-ZVGZ
Monxton Road
Andover
SP118HJ
United Kingdom
Contact name: Sarah Hammond
Email:
Website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-defence
Region: UKJ36 – Central Hampshire
Organisation type: Public authority – central government
(Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
21 Mar 14. Fractal Antenna Systems, Inc. (“FRACTAL”) today revealed a miniaturized drone antenna that allows new opportunities to thwart adversaries. Dubbed the FeathR™ antenna, the patented and patent-pending antenna combines small size, wide bandedness, lower weight and low radar visibility, making it a game changer in drone warfare. A common scenario to stop drone swarms is attack by high powered microwaves. While effective, this jamming method requires a vehicle or vessel support and a clear shot at an incoming drone swarm, projected from a distance of hundreds of yards or more. This restriction severely limits the opportunities to neutralize most drone swarms, which are designed to fly low in obscuring terrain or in a ground effect sea layer, thus aggravating the opportunity for such clear shots.
The new FeathR™ antenna takes a different approach. Its small size but wideband response allows modest powered drone-born jamming transmitters to fly into the adversarial drone swarm, on a moment’s notice, jamming them from inside the swarm, irrespective of what frequencies the drone swarm employs.
As inventor Nathan Cohen states: “The FeathR™ antenna puts the wolf in the middle of the hen house.”
The first drone project from FRACTAL’s Owl Works, the FeathR™ antenna demonstrates FRACTAL’s unique ability to devise solutions in weeks, not years. Cohen adds: “With thirty years of enterprise experience, the right team, and some AI assistance, it’s a whole new ballgame in near real-time solutions, a unique feature of FRACTAL that is not surpassed by the large primes. Cost-effective and fast are now the new rules in electromagnetics.”
Built with consideration of stealthy attributes and wideband specifications, the FeathR™ antenna can take almost all waveforms and deliver the goods on jamming drone swarms. An added option is the ability to do up and downlink from ground based, spaced based, or air based control platforms. In other words, the FeathR™ antenna can jam without jamming itself.
The new antenna will be limited to defense use and sold as a developer’s kit to select users.
ABOUT FRACTAL
Fractal Antenna Systems provides off-the-shelf and custom antenna and electromagnetic cutting edge solutions to a wide range of end markets and applications. FRACTAL has deployed tens of thousands of high-performance antennas for public safety, telecom, aviation, IoT, medical, and government/military applications, among others. For questions about FRACTAL’s capabilities, products, or custom solutions – visit FRACTAL’s website at www.fractenna.com or contact directly at .
(Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
23 Mar 25. Sweden Confirms Delivery of ASC 890 Aircraft to Ukraine to Strengthen Early Warning and Air Defense Network. According to information published on March 21, 2025, by the Delfi news website, the transfer of the Swedish ASC 890 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft to Ukraine is progressing as planned. This critical military assistance, first announced by the Swedish Ministry of Defense on May 29, 2024, marks a significant enhancement in Ukraine’s ability to monitor and control its airspace amid ongoing Russian invasion. The ASC 890 is an airborne early warning and control system developed by the Swedish Company Saab, built on the Saab 340 twin-engine turboprop aircraft platform. It is equipped with the Erieye radar, a powerful active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar mounted on top of the fuselage. This radar can detect and track both aerial and maritime targets simultaneously at ranges of up to 400 kilometers, even in challenging conditions such as jamming environments or mountainous terrain. Its advanced sensors allow it to maintain constant surveillance across vast areas, offering commanders real-time situational awareness. The primary mission of the ASC 890 is to serve as a command-and-control hub in the sky. It provides early warning of incoming threats such as aircraft, cruise missiles, or drones, and coordinates air defense responses by relaying information to fighter aircraft, ground-based air defense systems, and operational command centers. Additionally, it plays a critical role in airspace management, directing friendly aircraft during offensive and defensive operations, deconflicting movements, and supporting joint and combined arms coordination. In maritime settings, it can support naval task forces by tracking surface contacts and enhancing maritime domain awareness. Sweden’s decision to donate the ASC 890 aircraft demonstrates a deepening commitment to Ukraine’s defense. The aircraft is expected to significantly enhance Ukraine’s integrated air defense network by enabling better coordination between ground-based air defense systems, fighter aircraft, and command structures. As of March 2025, Ukrainian air force personnel are undergoing comprehensive training in Sweden to ensure operational readiness upon the aircraft’s arrival. (Source: Google/armyrecognition.com)
21 Mar 25. Cuashub.com said today that Taiwan shifts defense strategy with a focus on counter-UAS. Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense has released its latest Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR), outlining a strategic shift toward “multi-domain access denial” and emphasizing the development of indigenous defense capabilities. The review comes as Taiwan faces increasing military pressure from China’s grey-zone activities and highlights new investments in space, electromagnetic warfare and anti-drone technologies.
Tron Future Tech, a Taiwanese company involved in both anti-drone and space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) technologies, has been active in developing capabilities relevant to the priorities outlined in the QDR.
Tron Future Tech recently showcased its latest advancements at a seminar in Taiwan’s parliament, organized by legislator Kuan-Ting Chen. The event, titled “Transparent Deterrence: Defense Applications of LEO Satellites and Drone Technology,” brought together lawmakers and representatives from both the Taiwanese and U.S. defense industries.
During the seminar, Tron Future Tech’s founder and CEO, Yu-Jiu Wang, introduced the company’s anti-drone Command and Control (C2) software, T. Meta, along with its Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite payload. T. Meta is designed to enhance tracking, threat analytics and automated threat engagement while incorporating a whitelisting feature to safeguard authorized drones. The company is also advancing AI-based image analysis for SAR and Electro-Optical/Infrared satellite imagery, aiming to strengthen Taiwan’s situational awareness.
Misha Lu, Senior Specialist for Strategic Development at Tron Future, emphasized the growing complexity of drone warfare, particularly the coordination between different drone types, manned-unmanned teaming and integration with unmanned ground vehicles. Lu stressed the need for an advanced C2 platform capable of providing a common operational picture across multiple domains, a capability increasingly critical in Taiwan’s defense strategy.
The QDR signals Taiwan’s commitment to technological advancements as a means of countering evolving threats. As the island nation continues to develop its defense industry, companies like Tron Future Tech are continue to play a key role in enhancing Taiwan’s security and deterrence capabilities. https://cuashub.com/en/content/taiwan-shifts-defense-strategy-with-a-focus-on-counter-uas/ (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
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Echodyne is a U.S. designer and manufacturer of advanced commercial radar solutions for defense and national security applications. The company’s proprietary metamaterials electronically scanned array (MESA®) architecture, a rare breakthrough in advanced radar engineering, leverages a physics-design approach to adapt conventional materials and deliver unexpected and beneficial behavior. The result is a solid-state, low-SWaP unit coupled with advanced software capabilities that delivers superior radar performance and unparalleled data integrity, radically improving system performance and enhancing safety for people and machines. With leading positions in counter-UAS, force protection, base security, and portable ISR, Defense Agencies and Suppliers rely on Echodyne radar for extraordinary accuracy and consistent, reliable operation.
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