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03 Apr 25. New Imaging Solution Released for Precision ISR Operations. Featuring advanced onboard tracking and real-time geolocation accurate to within 6 meters, the new HD40-LVV by Trillium Engineering, is a SWAP-C optimized imaging solution for medium- and long-range reconnaissance and launched effects. Trillium Engineering, a leader in advanced gimbal imaging systems, has unveiled the HD40-LVV, a high-performance, lightweight imaging solution designed for medium-range reconnaissance (MRR), long-range reconnaissance (LRR), and launched effects. Engineered for superior object identification and optimized SWaP-C, the HD40-LVV delivers exceptional EO/IR imaging in a compact 750-gram (1.65 lb) package with nFOV down to 0.3°. With 360° continuous pan, advanced onboard tracking, and real-time geolocation accurate to within 6 meters, the HD40-LVV optimizes ISR operations with exceptional precision and efficiency. Boasting upgraded processing power and supporting open architecture, the HD40-LVV enables customer-directed AI and Machine Learning for enhanced autonomous capabilities and data analysis.
“The HD40-LVV was built to provide best-in-class object identification while maintaining a lightweight, low-power design. Its combination of EO/IR imaging, AI-driven tracking, and geolocation makes it an ideal solution for next-generation ISR applications,” Matt Carreon, Vice President of Business Development. Available now for key customers, the HD40-LVV will ensure continued operational advantages. Designed and manufactured in the USA, it meets the highest standards for quality, reliability, and performance in mission-critical ISR operations. (Source: https://www.defenseadvancement.com/)
02 Apr 25. Cuashub.com said today that Gibraltar holds C-UAS workshop for military and civil agencies. A two-day counter-UAS workshop was held last week at Bleak House, aiming to enhance Gibraltar’s preparedness against drone-related threats. The training, organized by the Office of Civil Contingencies and led by C-UAS specialist Mike Henman, focused on the evolving risks posed by drones and the latest strategies to mitigate them. The workshop provided participants with insights into the latest UAS technologies, potential security vulnerabilities and effective countermeasures. Discussions also covered best practices for detecting and neutralizing drone threats, with a strong emphasis on inter-agency cooperation.
Henman highlighted the importance of collective action, stating: “It was great to work with such a wide range of stakeholders on the latest C-UAS security best practice. With UAS constantly evolving, it is more vital than ever that we work together across agencies to address risks and embrace opportunities offered by the technology.”
Minister for Civil Contingencies, Leslie Bruzon, emphasized the necessity of proactive measures against drone threats, saying: “As we have widely seen over the last few years, drones have rapidly evolved into a significant security threat. It is therefore essential that we remain proactive in addressing these challenges. This workshop has provided our agencies with the latest knowledge and tools to develop strategies to detect, mitigate, and respond to UAS threats.”
The training was based on the UK’s National Protective Security Authority’s latest counter-UAS doctrine and brought together representatives from multiple agencies, including the Royal Gibraltar Police, Gibraltar Fire and Rescue Service, Airport Fire and Rescue Service, Gibraltar Port Authority, HM Customs, Borders and Coastguard Agency, Gibraltar International Airport, Environmental Agency, Directorate of Civil Aviation, Gibraltar Regulatory Authority, Headquarters British Forces Gibraltar, Royal Navy Gibraltar Squadron, Royal Gibraltar Regiment, RAF Gibraltar, Gibraltar Defence Police and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. With drone technology advancing rapidly, workshops like this play a crucial role in ensuring Gibraltar’s security forces remain equipped to handle emerging threats in the aerial domain. https://cuashub.com/en/content/gibraltar-holds-c-uas-workshop-for-military-and-civil-agencies/(Source: https://cuashub.com/)
02 Apr 25. Cuashub.com said today that Hoverfly and BlueHalo partner to enhance counter capabilities with tethered UAS. Hoverfly Technologies has announced a new integration partnership with BlueHalo, incorporating BlueHalo’s Titan-SV passive RF sensing solution into Hoverfly’s Spectre tethered unmanned aerial system (TeUAS). The integration aims to enhance counter-UAS operations by providing continuous signal detection and threat monitoring. As the use of UAS continues to expand, security concerns over drone threats have increased. Hoverfly’s Chief Strategy Officer, Bruce Tuftie, emphasized the growing need for advanced counter-UAS solutions, stating that the widespread availability of low-cost drones presents new challenges on the modern battlefield. BlueHalo’s Titan-SV provides 360-degree passive RF surveillance, enabling the detection and tracking of potentially hostile drones without emitting a detectable signal. When integrated with Hoverfly’s Spectre TeUAS, the system gains the advantage of operating from a stable, elevated position up to 200 feet above ground, improving range and reducing interference from terrain or obstacles. This capability enhances situational awareness for military and security personnel while maintaining a low electronic signature.
Field testing and future development
A recent assessment with the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering demonstrated the potential of this integrated system. The Spectre TeUAS operated in challenging weather conditions, including heavy rain and 25 mph winds, while successfully detecting Group 1-3 UAS at extended distances. While these tests validated the concept, further refinement and testing are needed before full deployment.
“This partnership marks a significant advancement in the capability set of our Spectre TeUAS,” said Hoverfly Technologies CEO Steve Walters. “By elevating BlueHalo’s Titan-SV technology, we can provide warfighters with a persistent counter-UAS solution that enhances electronic warfare capabilities while maintaining a low RF signature.”
As drone threats continue to evolve, defense agencies are seeking more effective and resilient countermeasures. The integration of Spectre and Titan-SV is part of a broader effort to develop persistent, passive surveillance tools that can be rapidly deployed for defense and homeland security missions. https://cuashub.com/en/content/hoverfly-and-bluehalo-partner-to-enhance-counter-capabilities-with-tethered-uas/ (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
02 Apr 25. Shield AI’s V-BAT successfully participated in Project Convergence Capstone 5 (PC-C5), a Combined, Joint, and multinational experiment held at Fort Irwin, California, in March 2025. V-BAT operated as part of the 82nd Airborne Division’s missions in “The Box,” Fort Irwin’s famously demanding training area in the Mojave Desert. V-BAT excelled against active jammers, successfully defeating electronic warfare threats and reinforcing its role as a force multiplier for Army units. Its performance demonstrated the ability to operate in contested conditions and provide critical Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Targeting (ISR-T) support where traditional systems might be degraded or denied.
“V-BAT is designed to operate at every echelon within an Army division, executing the full spectrum of UAS missions,” said Brandon Tseng, Shield AI’s President, Co-founder, and former Navy SEAL. “Whether supporting small units at the tactical edge or providing division-wide ISR-T, V-BAT delivers a critical advantage in contested and complex environments.”
During PC-C5, the 82nd Airborne Division experimented with employing V-BAT in long-range air assaults — testing ways to use today’s technology on tomorrow’s battlefield. Providing ISR-T at the tactical edge is a critical requirement for the Army, but legacy unmanned aircraft can’t fit inside a UH-60 and would take up valuable space in a CH-47. V-BAT’s unique size, endurance, and operational flexibility make it a highly capable solution for this mission set. The V-BAT is the only single-engine ducted fan vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) unmanned aircraft system (UAS) operationally deployed in multiple regions globally. With its unique ducted-fan design and the ability to launch and recover in confined spaces, it is ideally suited for shipborne and austere environments, ensuring flexibility and resilience in complex missions. V-BAT has earned its reputation for reliability, operating with impunity in GPS- and comms-denied environments. Its proven performance in contested regions like Ukraine, the Black Sea, and the Indo-Pacific demonstrates its ability to withstand advanced electronic warfare threats that have grounded many traditional drones. The PC-C5 experiment brought together commanders and Soldiers to test and refine future warfighting concepts. V-BAT’s performance showcased its multi-echelon adaptability, proving its effectiveness across all levels of Army division operations—from reconnaissance and surveillance to target acquisition and logistics support. (Source: ASD Network)
02 Apr 25. Streamlight® Inc., a leading provider of high-performance lighting and weapon light/laser sighting devices, introduced the ProTac® Rail Mount HP-X Pro long gun light, with 800 lumens and 105,000 candela for a far-reaching beam of 648 metres. The new light also has a Jack-Cap® tail cap switch that offers both push-button or remote pressure switch operation, and battery versatility, allowing users to choose between two different battery types. The lightweight, low-profile ProTac Rail Mount HP-X Pro features a rugged, integrated rail clamp designed to rapidly and securely attach to rifles, carbines and sub-machine guns with a MIL-STD 1913 (Picatinny) rail or, by using an optional included M-LOK® mount to M-LOK or M-LOK compatible rail systems. It is powered by either two 3-volt CR123A lithium batteries or one Streamlight SL-B26® protected lithium-ion rechargeable battery pack. This multi-fuel option allows for use of primary disposable batteries if the rechargeable cell is out of power.
“This is Streamlight’s furthest reaching weapon-mounted light,” said Streamlight President and Chief Executive Officer Ray Sharrah. “It’s designed for law enforcement professionals, military personnel, and outdoor users when illuminating targets at a distance, conducting search operations, or performing other maneuvers under low-light conditions. Moreover, it lets users choose between using a push-button or remote pressure switch, and either rechargeable or disposable batteries.”
The new light mounts to a broad range of weapons safely and securely by means of a one-handed, snap-on and tighten interface that permits users to keep their hands away from the gun muzzle. The light’s multi-function, push-button tail switch offers momentary and latching constant-on operation; the optional remote switch is available in momentary only and momentary/latching versions. Both allow for one-handed operation of the light’s momentary, constant-on, or strobe modes. The light is also TEN-TAP® programmable to allow for selection of three different programs: high/strobe (factory default), high only, or low/high. The ProTac Rail Mount HP-X Pro uses the latest in LED technology for extreme brightness, delivering 800 lumens, 105,000 candela, and a 648-metre beam distance on High. On Low, it provides 55 lumens, 7,600 candela, and a beam distance of 174 metres.. The new light runs for up to two hours on High and 26 hours on Low when using an SL-B26 battery pack. With two CR123As inserted, the light’s run time is up to 1.5 hours on High and 18 hours on Low. The run time for the strobe feature is up to 3.5 hours depending on the type of battery used. The ProTac Rail Mount HP-X Pro is fabricated from 6000 series machined aircraft aluminum. It measures 14.3cm in length and weighs 181.4 grams with two CR123A batteries and 198.4 grams with an SL-B26 rechargeable battery. When using the standard push-button switch, it is IPX7-rated for waterproof operation to one meter for 30 minutes and is IPX4-rated for water-resistant operation with the remote pressure switch installed. The ProTac Rail Mount HL-X Pro is available as a Light Only or as a System, which includes a momentary remote pressure switch, retaining clips, double-sided tape, zip ties, and an M-LOK® mount.
02 Apr 25. Streamlight® Inc., a leading provider of high-performance lighting and weapon light/laser devices, introduced the TLR® RM 1 HL-X tactical weapon light for long guns, featuring up to 1,000 lumens and 22,000 candela for extreme brightness over long distances. The light gives users the choice of using either a cost-saving SL-B9® USB-C rechargeable battery pack for high-lumen operation or a CR123A lithium battery, and offers both push-button and remote switch operation. It securely attaches to any long gun with MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rails.
“The TLR RM 1 HL-X provides long gun users with a super-bright, far-reaching beam using just a single rechargeable battery,” said Streamlight President and Chief Executive Officer Ray Sharrah. “Law enforcement, military personnel, shooting enthusiasts, and other users will appreciate its concentrated beam when clearing a room, searching an alley, or otherwise lighting their way when a long-distance beam is needed. It also provides both battery and switch options to suit user preferences.”
The TLR RM 1 HL-X uses a high-power LED to deliver 1,000 lumens and 22,000 candela over a 297-metre beam distance when using a Streamlight SL-B9® Li-Ion 850mAh USB-C rechargeable battery pack, and 500 lumens and 11,000 candela over 210 metres with one 3-volt CR123A lithium battery inserted. Run times range from 30 minutes using the SL-B9 battery pack to 90 minutes using a disposable battery. Packaged as a System, the light features independently operating push-button and remote pressure switches that provide momentary or constant on operation; the kit provides everything users need to mount to long guns. The light is also available in a Light Only model. Fabricated from 6000 series machined aluminum with a black anodized finish, the TLR RM 1 HL-X has a switch housing made from impact- and chemical-resistant engineered polymer. It weighs 88.4 grams using an SL-B9 battery, 85.6 grams with a CR123A battery, and measures 9.2cm long. It features an IPX7-rated design, making it waterproof to 1 metre for 30 minutes.
02 Apr 25. Streamlight®, Inc., a leading provider of high-performance lighting, launched the MegaStream® USB, a compact USB-C rechargeable flashlight that delivers amazing brightness for a light its size. Designed for professionals and consumers alike, it combines an impressive 1,800 lumens, 26,000 candela, and a two-hour run time on high.
“The MegaStream USB is built for those who demand high-performance lighting in a compact, everyday carry package,” said Michael F. Dineen, Streamlight Chief Revenue Officer. “It provides intense brightness with long distance reach, extraordinary run time, as well as convenient USB-C charging. It’s an ideal light for first responders, outdoor enthusiasts, professional users, and others who need a durable, extremely bright pocket light.”
Measuring just 13.4cm long and weighing only 153 grams, the MegaStream USB features three output modes: High (1,800 lumens, 26,000 candela, 322-metre beam distance), Medium (500 lumens, 7,200 candela, 170-metre beam distance), and Low (150 lumens, 2,100 candela, 92-metre beam distance). Run times range from 13 hours on the Low setting to two hours on High. The new light is powered by a 3,500mAh Streamlight SL-B34® lithium-ion battery pack, which can be charged inside or outside of the flashlight. A push-button tail cap switch allows for momentary or constant operation, and a sliding head cover protects the USB-C charging port. Constructed from machined aluminum alloy with a Type II MIL-Spec anodized finish, the MegaStream USB is built to withstand tough conditions. It features an unbreakable polycarbonate lens, is IPX7-rated waterproof to one metre for 30 minutes, and is 2-meter impact resistance tested.
02 Apr 25. Streamlight® Inc., a leading provider of high-performance lighting and weapon light/laser sighting devices, launched the ProTac® 2.0 Rail Mount HP (high performance) light which delivers up to 2,000 lumens of blinding white light and 85,000 candela for illuminating targets at a distance, nearly five times the candela output of the original ProTac® 2.0 Rail Mount. The new weapon light is powered by a Streamlight SL-B50® battery pack that charges via an integrated USB-C port. The light uses a rugged, integrated rail clamp that easily and securely attaches to weapons with a MIL-STD-1913 (Picatinny) rail, M-LOK®, or M-LOK compatible rail systems. It has a multi-function push-button tail switch for momentary or constant on operation and three selectable user programs. An optional remote switch is available in momentary only and momentary/ latching versions. Both the push-button tactical and remote pressure switches allow for one-handed operation of the momentary, variable intensity, or strobe modes.
“The new ProTac 2.0 Rail Mount HP is an exceptional light, because it is not only high-lumen, but also features a high-candela beam for long-range lighting needs,” said Streamlight President and Chief Executive Officer Ray Sharrah. “Whether lighting up the end of a dark alley or outdoor path, or using it to conduct search and rescue operations or other maneuvers under low-light conditions, it’s a powerful tactical tool for law enforcement professionals, military personnel, and outdoor users alike.” Featuring the latest in LED technology, the ProTac 2.0 Rail Mount HP offers three settings – high, low, and strobe. On High, it provides 2,000 lumens, 85,000 candela and a beam distance of 583 metres. On Low, it delivers 250 lumens, 11,500 candela and a 214-metre beam distance. Run times range from 2.5 hours on high to 11 hours on low; in strobe mode, it runs for 4.5 hours. The light also features a TEN-TAP® programmable switch that allows for user selection of the light’s three different operating programs: high/strobe (factory default), high only, or low/high. The ProTac 2.0 Rail Mount HP uses an SL-B50 Streamlight protected Li-Ion USB rechargeable battery pack, accessed by the light’s sliding sleeve. The battery is keyed to ensure proper alignment of the charging port, and features LED status lights to indicate charge status, including red for charging and green for fully charged. An integrated safety circuit protects the battery from accidental overcharge or discharge. Fabricated from 6000 series machined aluminum with a Type II MIL-Spec black anodized finish, the light features a glass lens with anti-reflective coating that is gasket sealed. It measures 16cm in length and weighs 256.8 grams with an included Streamlight SL-B50 rechargeable battery. The new light is IP67-rated for dust-tight and waterproof operation to 1 metre for 30 minutes. It features an impact-resistant construction and is also 2-metre impact resistance tested.
02 Apr 25. Norway and Denmark join military-optronics cooperation. In addition to Finland and Sweden, Norway and Denmark have now joined the framework agreement on military optronics. Finland and Sweden have already signed framework agreement with Senop in November 2024 under a previous military-optronics executive document. Norway and Denmark joining the military-optronics procurement cooperation enables the countries to acquire a fast and cost-effective way to acquire performance that maintains and improves the combat capabilities of soldiers. The military optronics framework agreement covers several products in the Senop optronics product range, such as night vision goggles, target acquisition and observation devices and intelligent fire control systems. According to Aki Korhonen, President of Senop, the accession of Norway and Denmark to the military optronics framework agreement will further deepen Nordic defence cooperation. This will strengthen the countries’ defence forces’ interoperability and security of supply. The framework agreement also enables cost-effective joint procurement by the countries.
“We are very proud to be able to contribute to the night combat capability of the Nordic countries,” continues Korhonen.
The ability to operate in all visibility conditions is one of the key factors on the battlefield. Markus Laakkonen, Head of Sales and Marketing at Senop, emphasizes that the equipment used must be durable, high-performance and lightweight. In addition, the ergonomics and ease of use of night vision devices must be top notch.
“For example, the Senop EVA M night vision goggle has utilized the latest aspherical lenses and composite technology, which offers an excellent opportunity to develop lighter product structures, says Laakkonen.
01 Apr 25. BrainChip Holdings Ltd (ASX: BRN, OTCQX: BRCHF, ADR: BCHPY), the world’s first commercial producer of ultra-low power, fully digital, event-based, neuromorphic AI, today announced that it is partnering with Raytheon Company, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, to service a contract for $1.8m from the Air Force Research Laboratory on neuromorphic radar signaling processing. Raytheon Company will deliver services and support as a partner with BrainChip for the completion of the contract award. The Air Force Research Labs contract, under the topic number AF242-D015, is titled “Mapping Complex Sensor Signal Processing Algorithms onto Neuromorphic Chips.” The project focuses on a specific type of radar processing known as micro-Doppler signature analysis, which offers unprecedented activity discrimination capabilities. Neuromorphic hardware represents a low-power solution for edge devices, consuming significantly less energy than traditional computing hardware for signal processing and artificial intelligence tasks. If successful, this project could embed sophisticated radar processing solutions in power-constrained and thermally constrained weapon systems, such as missiles, drones and drone defense systems. BrainChip’s Akida™ processor is a revolutionary computing architecture that is designed to process neural networks and machine learning algorithms at ultra-low power consumption, making it ideal for edge computing applications. The company’s neuromorphic technology improves the cognitive communication capabilities on size, weight and power & cost (SWaP-C)-constrained platforms such as military, spacecraft and robotics for commercial and government markets.
“Radar signaling processing will be implemented on ever-smaller mobile platforms, so minimizing system SWaP-C is critical,” said Sean Hehir, CEO of BrainChip. “This improved radar signaling performance per watt for the Air Force Research Laboratory showcases how neuromorphic computing can achieve significant benefits in the most mission-critical use cases.”
About BrainChip Holdings Ltd (ASX: BRN, OTCQX: BRCHF, ADR: BCHPY)
BrainChip is the worldwide leader in Edge AI on-chip processing and learning. The company’s first-to-market, fully digital, event-based AI processor, AkidaTM, uses neuromorphic principles to mimic the human brain, analyzing only essential sensor inputs at the point of acquisition, processing data with unparalleled efficiency, precision, and economy of energy. Akida uniquely enables Edge learning local to the chip, independent of the cloud, dramatically reducing latency while improving privacy and data security. Akida Neural processor IP, which can be integrated into SoCs on any process technology, has shown substantial benefits on today’s workloads and networks, and offers a platform for developers to create, tune and run their models using standard AI workflows like TensorFlow/Keras. In enabling effective Edge compute to be universally deployable across real world applications such as connected cars, consumer electronics, and industrial IoT, BrainChip is proving that on-chip AI, close to the sensor, is the future, for its customers’ products, as well as the planet. Explore the benefits of Essential AI at www.brainchip.com. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
01 Apr 25. The Portuguese Air Force (PRT AF) officially announced its intention to join Embraer (NYSE: ERJ / B3: EMBR3), a global aerospace leader, and the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) in collaborative studies to identify potential adaptations to the current KC-390 Millennium multi-mission tactical airlift to perform Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions. The announcement took place today at a ceremony during LAAD Defense & Security exhibition with the presence of General João Cartaxo Alves, Commander of the Portuguese Air Force; Lieutenant-Brigadier Marcelo Kanitz Damasceno, Commander of the Brazilian Air Force; Francisco Gomes Neto, president and CEO of Embraer; and Bosco da Costa Junior, President & CEO of Embraer Defense & Security. During the ceremony, a concept image of the modular ISR roll-on/roll-off mission system currently under development was presented. This solution will allow the KC-390 to perform ISR missions while maintaining all its multi-mission capabilities.
“The collaborative work with Embraer is evolving efficiently and in a structured manner, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of the KC-390 Millennium for the current and future needs of the Brazilian Air Force. We see a great potential of the aircraft for ISR and maritime patrol missions. The Brazilian Air Force welcomes the Portuguese Air Force in joining this study, bringing their knowledge and experience to enhance the potential solution,” said Lieutenant Brigadier Marcelo Kanitz Damasceno, Brazilian Air Force Commander.”
“We are delighted with the Portuguese Air Force decision to join the studies for this new application for the KC-390 Millennium. Since the beginning of the program, our Brazilian and Portuguese partners have been crucial in making the KC-390 program an undeniable operational and technical success,” said Bosco da Costa da Junior, President & CEO of Embraer Defense & Security.
Supported by characteristics already present in the KC-390 Millennium, such as its flexibility, robustness, state-of-the-art communication and self-protection systems, the studies have pointed to several possibilities and solutions for the integration of new mission systems, sensors, workstations, and weapons, in addition to meeting the operational expectations of the Portuguese and Brazilian Air Forces. Since entering service with the Brazilian Air Force in 2019, with the Portuguese Air Force in 2023 and, most recently, with the Hungarian Air Force in 2024, the KC-390 Millennium has proven its capability, reliability and performance. The current fleet of the aircraft in operation accumulates a mission completion rate of more than 99%, demonstrating exceptional productivity in its category. This revolutionary aircraft was selected by 10 air forces around the world, including many NATO members. Most recently, Sweden and Slovakia chose the KC-390 Millennium as their new tactical transport aircraft. So far, the KC-390 has been chosen by Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, South Korea, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic and an undisclosed customer.
02 Apr 25. Royal Navy warship shoots down swarms of drones in live-fire exercise.
- HMS Dauntless, shoots down swarms of drones in final test before she deploys as part of the UK’s carrier strike group deployment to the Indo-Pacific this year.
- Exercise Sharpshooter gives ships’ crew most realistic simulation of combat, in a similar scenario to when HMS Diamond shot down Houthi drones and missiles last year.
- More than 350 people involved in five-day training exercise, delivered by Royal Navy specialists and British defence and security company QinetiQ, demonstrating how the Navy is adapting to counter modern threats.
One of the Royal Navy’s most advanced warships shot down swarms of drones in a live-fire exercise off the Welsh coast. Taking on the kind of threats currently seen in the Red Sea and other regions, the Type 45 destroyer showcased her cutting-edge weaponry, radars and sensors. Exercise Sharpshooter was HMS Dauntless’ final test before she departs for the UK’s upcoming Carrier Strike Group deployment to the Indo-Pacific region. The destroyer is the first ship of her class to fend off hundreds of Banshee, Hammerhead and virtual drone attacks as part of a scenario customised to mimic real-world threats. The exercise was observed first hand by Minister for the Armed Forces, Luke Pollard MP, who said: “The speed and skill shown by the crew of HMS Dauntless in defending the ship against a complex and sustained series of drone attacks was incredibly impressive.
“This test shows how the Royal Navy is adapting to face evolving threats, including from drone attacks in the Red Sea, as well as how we are working closely with industry to harness the latest technology to keep the UK secure at home and strong abroad.
“The government remains focussed on delivering National Security for Britain under our Plan for Change, and this is yet another example of that.”
QinetiQ’s Banshee Whirlwind target is an aerial drone capable of flying at over 200mph, while the Hammerhead is an uncrewed surface vehicle which is used to imitate real-world threats. Being ready at a moment’s notice, Dauntless shot down drones using her Phalanx Automated Gun, 4.5inch and 30mm Guns as well as an embarked Wildcat using Martlet missiles which are able to take out targets up to 6km away. The training exercise, designed by instructors from the Royal Navy’s Fleet Operational Standards and Training (FOST) and QinetiQ, saw the ship targeted with persistent real life and virtual threats during the day and overnight. It gave Dauntless and her ship’s company an insight into what her sister ship, HMS Diamond, faced when she operated in the Red Sea last year and protected commercial shipping routes using cutting-edge technology – including the Royal Navy’s first shooting down of a ballistic missile using its Sea Viper missile.
Commanding Officer of HMS Dauntless, Commander Ben Dorrington, said: “The realism of the exercise and training delivered provided a unique opportunity for the ship’s company to demonstrate they are ready to defend, ready to fight and ready to win. As we reach the pinnacle of our comprehensive training package with the conclusion of Exercise Sharpshooter, we look forward to some well-deserved Easter leave before deploying as part of the Carrier Strike Group in the Spring.”
Keeping the country safe is the Government’s first priority and foundation of its Plan for Change. The work of the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force is critical to the security and stability of the UK, supporting the delivery of the Government’s five missions. This exercise follows the Prime Minister’s historic commitment to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP, recognising the critical importance of military readiness in an era of heightened global uncertainty. To increase the complexity of the scenario, a number of static targets were also positioned at sea to replicate different threats. These are equipped with technical equipment which gathers data and enables QinetiQ to understand the effectiveness of the weapons systems being used. With more than 350 people involved in the exercise, the Royal Navy and industry partners QinetiQ used innovative technology to create bespoke training. QinetiQ is one of the MOD’s biggest industry partners, with existing contracts supporting more than 1,200 highly skilled jobs at 16 sites across the UK and a supply chain of more than 825 companies in the UK, 590 of which are SMEs.
Will Blamey, Chief Executive, UK Defence, QinetiQ said: “QinetiQ is proud to deliver realistic threat scenarios that support the UK military’s operational readiness ahead of the Carrier Strike Group deployment.”
The Indo-Pacific is critical to the UK economy due to the high quantity of trade with partners and allies in the region. The multinational deployment, known as the Carrier Strike Group, will demonstrate the UK’s continued commitment to stability and security in the region.
01 Apr 25. MatrixSpace, an intelligent sensor innovator, announced that the Palm Springs Police Department (PSPD) has expanded its Drone as First Responder (DFR) program, establishing the largest first responder agency coverage area (37 square miles) monitored by radar sensors instead of humans in the United States. The PSPD’s program expansion was made possible with multiple remote drone launch points across Palm Springs utilizing MatrixSpace’s low airspace awareness technology. This innovation has also supported the city’s application for a FAA No Visual Observer flight operations waiver to ensure the safe separation and avoidance of both general aviation and commercial aircraft.
Quote from Lieutenant William Hutchinson, operations lead at Palm Springs PD, “Taking this next step with MatrixSpace is a game-changer in terms of the speed, accuracy and efficiency it allows us to protect the Palm Springs public. Removing the need for a visual observer speeds up response time, dispatching drones in immediate response to incoming calls from multiple potential locations. Once we have our FAA waiver we can fly Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) with just a single operator, with the ability to fly at night and in inclement weather.”
DFR programs like PSPD’s can de-escalate incidents, improve search and rescue, assist with the location and apprehension of criminal suspects, and act as a force multiplier for law enforcement agencies. This use of drones demands reliable monitoring to prevent any possible interference with other air traffic, including flights from Palm Springs International Airport, medical flights, air tours of the local area, other general aviation aircraft and more. Air traffic detection alerts from the MatrixSpace system will allow PSPD pilots to fly safely clear of potential aircraft. Palm Springs spans 95 square miles (246 square kilometers) with a population of approximately 46,000 and shares a boundary and cooperative jurisdiction with the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. Located in the greater Coachella Valley, which consists of nine separate jurisdictions with a combined population of approximately 470,000, Palm Springs is also a major tourist destination hosting nearly seven m visitors annually. Large scale, low airspace radar sensor networks can also support the operation of future air services in communities like Palm Springs.
Continues Lt. Hutchinson, “This project is first and foremost a strategic investment in the safety of our citizens. But I’m excited to explore possibilities for its use in other applications that could benefit the greater Coachella Valley. Intelligent infrastructure such as this is foundational for potential coordinated regional public safety operations, as well as emerging concepts like air taxis and drone delivery.”
Quote from Lori DeMatteis, Chief Revenue Officer, MatrixSpace, “Palm Springs PD is at the forefront of fully utilizing DFR technologies to continually improve its capabilities. They also have a vision for scaling this beyond what other agencies have implemented, preparing for other operations which improve regional safety, and promote economic development. We’re excited to provide this kind of scalable technology that unlocks new possibilities both here in the US and beyond.”
Leveraging an industry-first connected network of MatrixSpace 360 Radars, a single PSPD pilot can remotely operate drones from any of three launch locations. To further extend operational capabilities, a network of ten MatrixSpace 360 Radar nodes was installed across the city in preparation for two additional PSPD drone launch sites, and future cooperation with neighboring public safety agencies. MatrixSpace Radar is a small, high-performance sensor that offers robust situational awareness of both airborne and ground-based objects, including in low light and adverse weather conditions. The company’s sensors and artificial intelligence platform facilitate BVLOS flight operations for first responders and the commercial industry, and greater general aviation safety. The system also provides counter Unmanned Aircraft System (CUAS) detection and tracking capabilities.
Learn more about Palm Spring PD’s DFR program:
https://www.palmspringsca.gov/government/departments/police/operations-division/pspd-drone-program
01 Apr 25. Cuashub.com said today that USS Gerald R. Ford Strike Group to deploy with advanced counter-drone interceptors. The U.S. Navy’s USS Gerald R. Ford strike group is set to deploy later this year with enhanced counter-drone capabilities, integrating Raytheon’s Coyote and Anduril’s Roadrunner-M loitering interceptors aboard Arleigh Burke-class destroyers. The decision to outfit Arleigh Burke-class destroyers with advanced interceptors stems in part from recent operations against Iranian-backed Houthi militants in the Red Sea. Since October 2023, Houthis have launched kamikaze drones and missiles at military and commercial targets, prompting the U.S. Navy to seek more cost-effective and versatile defensive solutions.
Adm. Daryl Caudle, head of U.S. Fleet Forces Command, confirmed the addition of the two missile systems: “We’re going to be deploying the Ford Strike Group with two additional missile systems on our destroyers – the Roadrunner system and the Coyote system – both specifically designed to go after UAVs,” he told reporters last week.
The Coyote Block 2 and Roadrunner-M interceptors are both jet-powered, featuring loitering capabilities to track and engage aerial threats. Roadrunner-M offers the additional advantage of returning to its launch point if unused. These systems rely on a combination of sensors and onboard seekers to lock onto their targets, improving efficiency in detecting and neutralizing enemy drones. The Coyote Block 2 is currently fielded by the U.S. Army as part of its Low, Slow, Unmanned Aircraft Integrated Defeat System (LIDS), which has been deployed in the Middle East, Africa and Europe. Roadrunner-M has been used by U.S. special operations forces in a land-based capacity, though details remain classified. How the Navy will integrate these systems onto Arleigh Burke-class destroyers remains unclear. It is unknown whether they will be tied into the ships’ Aegis Combat System, which currently manages the deployment of existing missile defense assets. When contacted for comment, Raytheon directed inquiries to Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), which has yet to provide further details. The Arleigh Burke-class destroyers form the backbone of the U.S. Navy’s surface fleet, with 74 vessels currently in service. They are equipped with Mk 41 Vertical Launch Systems (VLS), capable of firing various missile types, including Standard Missile-2 (SM-2), Standard Missile-6 (SM-6), Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles (ESSM), and Tomahawk cruise missiles. Some variants also feature RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missiles (RAM) and Phalanx Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWS) for short-range defense. In recent months, the Navy has expended significant missile resources in countering Houthi drone and missile attacks. Reports indicate that U.S. warships operating in the Red Sea have fired at least 120 SM-2s, 80 SM-6s, 20 ESSMs and 160 rounds from their 5-inch deck guns against aerial threats. The high cost of these missiles – ranging from $1 m for a RAM to nearly $29 m for an advanced SM-3 – has prompted a search for more cost-effective alternatives. Coyote and Roadrunner-M provide a lower-cost option while preserving effectiveness.
Capt. Mark Lawrence, commander of Destroyer Squadron Two (DESRON 2), emphasized the strategic benefits of these new interceptors: “Coyote and Roadrunner are part of that attempt to get after the cost curve, give our commanding officers more options to engage the threat, and ultimately be more effective in defending the high-value unit,” he said.
As the USS Gerald R. Ford strike group prepares for deployment, the integration of Coyote and Roadrunner-M could provide a crucial additional layer of defense against evolving aerial threats. https://cuashub.com/en/content/uss-gerald-r-ford-strike-group-to-deploy-with-advanced-counter-drone-interceptors/ (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
01 Apr 25. Italy: Suspicious drone activity likely underscores risk of Russian grey zone operations. On 31 March, prosecutors launched an investigation into suspected military and/or political espionage, possibly for terrorist purposes, following the detection of suspicious drone activity over the European Commission (EC)’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) in Ispra (Varese province). JRC monitoring systems reportedly detected frequencies that could be associated with a Russian-made device as the source; the drone flew five times over the JRC within six days in March. The JRC is one of the largest EU research facilities; it deals with issues such as nuclear security and space. It is also located in close proximity to a site belonging to Italy’s main defence contractor, Leonardo, as well as a NATO operational command HQ. There has been a sharp uptick in suspicious drones operating near military and industrial sites in Europe since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. While investigations into most of the incidents are ongoing, we assess that Russia is highly likely conducting reconnaissance flights for imagery intelligence (IMINT) purposes, possibly through the recruitment of locals. We also assess that the risk of Russian grey zone operations in Italy will persist in the coming weeks and months. (Source: Sibylline)
01 Apr 25. Swedish Startup Develops Low-Cost Drone Interceptor. A Swedish defense technology startup is aiming to disrupt the counter-drone landscape with a low-cost, high-speed interceptor designed to meet the growing threat of small unmanned aerial systems. In an interview with NextGen Defense, Karl Rosander, CEO of Nordic Air Defence (NAD), detailed the company’s development of the Kreuger100 — a compact interceptor designed to neutralize drones before they reach their targets. According to Rosander, the system is being tailored for use by military forces, law enforcement agencies, and critical infrastructure operators. The Kreuger100 prioritizes affordability and agility by integrating software-driven flight control and pulsed propulsion in place of expensive onboard sensors or guidance systems. Rosander said the platform relies on “controlled aerodynamics” to steer toward its target and can reach speeds of 270 kilometers per hour (168 mph) for civil applications, with higher speeds planned for military variants.
“We test this every day indoors but we are also doing flight tests outside,” Rosander said, noting that initial outdoor trials were conducted in secrecy due to operational security concerns.
The startup envisions a broad range of operational scenarios, from shooting down high-flying reconnaissance drones like the Russian Orlan-10 to intercepting Iranian-designed Shahed drones at mid-altitude before they reach critical infrastructure.
“Shaheds come in at mid-altitude, around 2,000 meters. We can take them down before they reach their targets,” Rosander said.
The company is also exploring portable configurations of the system, potentially allowing troops to carry drone interceptors in backpacks for immediate, on-the-move protection.
“The most dangerous drones on the battlefield aren’t the first-person drones dropping bombs; they’re the ones that transmit GPS coordinates for artillery strikes,” Rosander said. “We need fast, affordable ways to neutralize them.”
As militaries continue to face an evolving spectrum of drone threats — from loitering munitions to ISR platforms — Nordic Air Defence is positioning its modular, scalable interceptor as a flexible and cost-effective response for the modern battlefield. (Source: UAS VISION/Defence Blog)
01 Mar 25. Centauri’s TriAD: A hard-kill counter-UAV system for next-gen drone threats. The rapid evolution of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) — including jam-resistant, fibre-optic cable-controlled variants — has underscored the critical need for reliable, hard-kill countermeasures. Centauri’s TriAD system is engineered to meet this next-generation threat head-on. Key features of TriAD – designed for vehicle, base, and critical asset protection – include multi-layered detection and tracking sensors; AI-powered computer vision and fire control; and a dual-effector weapon system (30 mm + 40 mm airburst capable). While jammers have for some time been the counter-drone solution of choice due to their ease of use and low cost, they are in danger of becoming ineffective in the face of rapid technological advances. In the Ukraine theatre, both Russian and Ukrainian forces are now regularly using fibre optic cable-controlled UAVs, including for attack missions. Cable lengths of up to 40 km have been reported. As these UAVs cannot be jammed, the only way to eliminate them is by shooting them down. Enter Centauri’s TriAD multi-layered counter-UAV hard kill solution, designed to detect, track, identify and neutralise enemy drones and unmanned systems.
“Layered sensor fusing combined with AI-powered computer vision, enables accurate measurement, target tracking and ballistic calculations. A high probability of hitting the target is possible with our dual effector system,” Centauri states.
The TriAD system employs layered sensing architecture:
- Long-range detection starts with RF (radio frequency) analysers (up to 10 km) for early UAV signature acquisition.
- Mid-range radar (3.5 km) provides precision tracking.
- Close-range acoustic sensors (400 m) and AI-enabled 360° optical sensors detect low-signature threats.
- These sensors cue the electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) module, which confirms targets and supports visual identification and engagement decisions.
With the target detected and tracked, the remote weapon station (RWS) is engaged. This comprises a two-tier armament platform: engagement of targets for medium and long-range (out to 1 000 m) is done with the 30×113 mm CRx-30 whilst close range targets (out to 500 m) are engaged with the 40×51 mm CRx-40. Both weapons can fire programable fragmentation (airburst) ammunition, thereby drastically increasing the probability of target elimination. Centauri said its multi-layered drone protection system provides a comprehensive solution to the evolving threat of unmanned attack drones and vehicles, and is well suited to applications such as vehicle convoy, base perimeter, oil infrastructure, power station, and critical asset protection, amongst others. “Centauri’s products are engineered to deliver unparalleled precision, reliability, and firepower. Its integrated systems are not only designed for lethality but also for seamless integration into existing defence frameworks, ensuring a superior strategic advantage,” the company said. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
31 Mar 25. NATO launches future aeronautical navigation technologies study. NATO’s Industrial Advisory Group (NIAG) is launching a study on future technologies for aeronautical navigation. The study aims to explore future technologies that can provide precise, resilient, secure, and safe aeronautical navigation capabilities. These technologies will support aircraft, munitions, and other aerial systems across various operational scenarios, including peacetime, crisis situations, and potentially wartime. As legacy ground-based navigation aids are phased out and GNSS-based systems can be vulnerable to spoofing and jamming, ensuring reliable and resilient aeronautical navigation is critical. The NIAG study will assess innovative solutions to maintain navigation capabilities, particularly in degraded visibility conditions, where disruptions could severely impact military security and civil aviation operations. An inaugural meeting will be held on April 10-11 at the Devero Hotel near Milan, hosted by Thales Italy. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
27 Mar 25. Talleyrand-Group collaborates with CERBAIR to offer C-UAS capabilities. Talleyrand-Group has formed a strategic collaboration with French counter-drone specialist CERBAIR. The partnership enables Talleyrand-Group to expand its capabilities in logistics support, security of sensitive sites and close protection services, by integrating CERBAIR detection solutions into its catalogue, founder and CEO Brayan Cavanna said on LinkedIn. The security services company is now able to provide customers with passive RF sensing systems and mobile or fixed systems for complex environments. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
26 Mar 25. US Representatives call for agencies to take action on border drones. US Congressmen Rep. Juan Ciscomani and Rep. John McGuire and colleagues have sent a letter to Department of Defense (DOD) Secretary Pete Hegseth, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem, and Federal Aviation Administration Acting Administrator Chris Rocheleau about countering uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) at the southern border. UAS are being increasingly utilised by Mexican drug cartels for their illicit operations and pose security risks to federal law enforcement officers and deployed military personnel in the southern border. The letter requests answers from the respective agencies about their jurisdiction and responsibility monitoring and countering UAS.
The letter states that Congress granted authorities to the Department of Defense and Homeland Security to conduct counter-UAS efforts within the Continental United States. “However, as shown in recent cases, such as in Virginia and New Jersey, federal, state, and local law enforcement and the military have been reluctant to utilise these authorities or lack the equipment to respond. During our time at the border, we heard firsthand from commanders and supervisors on the ground regarding their concern to be able to conduct C-UAS operations should the cartels attempt a drone attack on US service members or federal law enforcement.”
The letter asks for answers to the following questions within 30 days:
- Which agency is primarily responsible for responding to UAS threats at the southern border?
- What steps are being taken to determine if a drone poses an immediate threat?
- What is the current definition of a threat towards the southern border mission? Would this include drones that are suspected of gathering intelligence?
- How quickly can a determination be made to take down a hostile drone if necessary?
- What C-UAS equipment is currently in place at the border??
For more information
Full text of the border C-UAS letter: chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://mcguire.house.gov/sites/evo-subsites/mcguire.house.gov/files/evo-media-document/2025.03.18-border-c-uas-letter.pdf (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
25 Mar 25. Emitel completes network to monitor BVLOS drone flights at Polish airports. Emitel SA has completed a project to build a network for monitoring beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone flights at eight Polish airports. The Drone Labs project run by Emitel focuses on testing various scenarios for the safe commercial use of drones. Emitel engineers designed and built a network consisting of two hardware elements: transponders mounted directly to drones, which send a wireless signal during flight, and ground antenna receivers, which receive and process the signal transmitted by the transponders. Additionally, the network runs special software that synchronises the operation of transmitters and receivers. Such a constructed network allows for monitoring the position of drones in the air in real time, as well as collecting and later analysing technical data from the flight.
“After more than a year of work on the Emitel Drone Labs project – thanks to tests and cooperation with many partners – we have developed a clear vision of solutions ensuring effective and safe performance of drone missions,” said Jaroslaw Niechcielski, Director of the Office of Regulation and Development of External Relations, supervising the Emitel Drone Labs project. In September 2024, Emitel completed the first two stages of BVLOS mission tests. The flights took place in a special network built by the company. During some of the flights, the drone with a load of almost 30 kilograms covered a route in five minutes that traditional ground transport would cover in good weather conditions in over an hour.
Emitel will next be organising fully autonomous test flights, in which the drone carries out the mission along a previously set route without the active participation of the pilot. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
24 Mar 25. Danish port deploys drone surveillance system. A new pilot project has been launched at the Port of Hirtshals in Denmark. From February to May, the port is testing a drone surveillance system from AirPlate to proactively strengthen security measures concerning the airspace above the port’s facilities. In a March 24 press release, the port says that the pilot project has been running for just over a month and the system has already detected several drone flights.
“Port security requirements are constantly evolving, and we must evolve with them. Port facility security has traditionally focused on land and water areas, but there are also increasing requirements for areas such as cybersecurity. Therefore, it may not be unrealistic to expect that the authorities will soon introduce stricter regulations for securing airspace as well,” said Michael R. Langballe, Head of Transport & Logistics and Port Security Officer at Port of Hirtshals. He notes that both Denmark and Norway have experienced incidents where drones have unlawfully entered secured areas.
AirPlate’s drone detection system identifies the position, route, and pilot information about drones in real time, enabling users of the system to respond effectively to potential security threats.
31 Mar 25. Thales unveils its PANORAMIC quad-tube night vision goggle.
- Presented for the first time at SOFINS1, PANORAMIC is a lightweight, compact night vision goggle equipped with four light intensification tubes to provide an extra-wide field-of-view. It is particularly well-suited to the needs of special operations forces and specialised units conducting sensitive missions such as counter-terrorism and hostage rescue operations.
- Fully funded by France’s defence innovation agency (AID), the development of the PANORAMIC goggle was completed in just over two years by Thales’s centre of excellence for soldier optronics.
- The PANORAMIC binocular is currently being evaluated by the French Army’s Technical Section (STAT) and Special Forces.
The PANORAMIC night vision goggle provides a field-of-view approaching the capabilities of the human eye to enhance situational awareness in low-light conditions. With four tubes instead of two, soldiers can quickly perceive their entire operational surroundings without moving their heads, enabling them to react more quickly to potential threats in their peripheral field of vision. PANORAMIC’s patented architecture offers the best combination of performance, ergonomic design and volume currently available on the international market. It weighs just 740 g and is no wider than the soldier’s helmet. As well as the conventional helmet flip-up feature, each of the outer tubes can be raised independently, powering off automatically to guarantee discretion. Designed for optimum energy efficiency, this revolutionary new product is battery operated, with an available external battery pack for longer periods of operation. The PANORAMIC night observation device is fully compatible with night sights such as the XTRAIM weapon sight. It is a compact, robust unit designed to accommodate future technologies and functionalities, and includes an optimised maintenance plan to maximise operational availability. PANORAMIC unveiled for the first time at the 2025 edition of SOFINS, offering a further illustration of Thales’s 30-year track record of innovation in the design and development of night observation solutions to meet the full range of requirements of land forces personnel. Specifically designed for special operations forces and specialised units in France and internationally, the PANORAMIC goggle is 100% made in France and ITAR-free.
“SOFINS is the ideal opportunity for us to present PANORAMIC, our new extra-wide field-of-view night observation device. Thales’s team technical expertise allowed the development of a ground-breaking night vision solution offering the robust design and outstanding performance needed to support the success of night-time missions and protect our soldiers at their most vulnerable moments.” Alexis Morel, Vice President, Optronics, Missile Electronics and Unmanned Air Systems, Thales
31 Mar 25. RAFAEL Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. has successfully conducted a field test of its TYPHOON 30 Remote Weapon Station (RWS) in Israel. The test, held in February, demonstrated the system’s advanced ability to neutralize drones at various ranges, showcasing its effectiveness in counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) operations. During the test, RAFAEL also highlighted the TYPHOON 30mm’s adaptability by mounting it on a 20-foot modular surface. This demonstration aligns with RAFAEL’s commitment to delivering and installing its systems in modular configurations, ensuring flexibility and rapid deployment in diverse operational environments. The TYPHOON 30 RWS is a combat-proven system that continues to undergo enhancements to address evolving battlefield challenges and the increasing threat of hostile drone attacks. Designed to protect strategic ground and naval assets, the TYPHOON 30 integrates advanced technologies to provide superior defense capabilities. The system is equipped with advanced electro-optical targeting systems and automatic fire correction solutions for accurate engagement of aerial threats. It is compatible with various platforms, including naval vessels, ground vehicles, and fixed installations, and can be configured for different mission requirements. The modular design facilitates easy installation and integration on different surfaces and vehicles, with quick-connect interfaces for rapid deployment. Enhanced situational awareness is provided by state-of-the-art sensors, including thermal imaging, day/night cameras, and radar systems for comprehensive threat detection and tracking. The system’s detection and tracking capabilities were enabled and enhanced by RADA’s MHR RPS-42 radar and CONTROP’s iSea-25 electro-optical payload. The TYPHOON 30 has been deployed and is operational in multiple countries worldwide, including the U.S., Canada, and Australia, with a track record of successful engagements in diverse operational scenarios. RAFAEL’s TYPHOON 30 RWS is part of a broader suite of defense solutions designed to meet the needs of modern military forces. With its robust performance and continuous upgrades, the TYPHOON 30 remains at the forefront of C-UAS technology, providing reliable protection against emerging threats. (Source: News Now/EDR)
31 Mar 25. Upgraded industry-funded Directed Energy M-SHORAD to appear in US Army training exercise. A US Army Stryker outfitted with a BlueHalo Locust laser performed a demonstration for the service taking down unmanned aircraft systems. (Leonardo DRS) An industry-funded version of the Directed Energy Maneuver-Short Range Air Defense (DE M-SHORAD) platform is headed to the US Army’s Fires Center of Excellence later this year with upgrades, lead integrator Leonardo DRS told Janes on 21 March. This directed energy weapon, supplied by BlueHalo, is strapped to the back of a Stryker fighting vehicle, which has recently been provided by General Dynamics Land Systems – a new addition to the team, said Ed House, senior director of business development for land systems at Leonardo DRS. Additional upgrades to the system include protections to fire multiple effectors “simultaneously” and shooting off rockets from the directed energy vehicle for the first time at an event at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, in June, said House. During the training event in June, Sergeant Stout – the army’s M-SHORAD programme of record – will be paired up with Leonardo DRS and BlueHalo’s solution, which is sponsored by Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO). The DE M-SHORAD programme of record will also shoot down targets during the event, House told Janes . The Mission Equipment Package has access to 55 kW of power, 26 kW of which goes to the BlueHalo Locust laser system. Effectors include Arnold Defense launcher for BAE Systems’ 2.75 inch Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) rockets, an XM914 30 mm cannon from Northrop Grumman, and a 7.62 M240 Bravo machine gun connected with the EOS Defense Systems USA R400 30 mm remote weapon station. A DRS RADA RPS-92 nMHR radar is on board the platform for detection. (Source: Janes)
31 Mar 25. BIRD Aerosystems, a global leader in defense and airborne protection technology, announces that it has successfully obtained Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval for the installation of its Airborne Missile Protection System (AMPS) incorporating the SPREOS DIRCM on Head-of-State aircraft. This certification enables Airbus A319 aircraft, already equipped with BIRD’s system, to operate worldwide with full regulatory compliance. The Israeli Civil Aviation Authority (CAAI) oversaw and validated the entire installation process, including system integration, flight testing, and a successful demonstration proving the system’s safety. BIRD Aerosystems demonstrated exceptional expertise in manufacturing, system design, and installation, meeting all regulatory requirements and passing rigorous evaluations with success. With this certification, Airbus A319 aircraft equipped with BIRD’s advanced SPREOS DIRCM system are now authorized for unrestricted operation worldwide. This milestone reinforces BIRD Aerosystems’ position as a trusted provider of airborne self-protection solutions for both military and narrow & wide-body commercial aircraft.
Ronen Factor, Co-Chief Executive Officer of BIRD Aerosystems, stated: “This STC is a significant achievement for BIRD Aerosystems, further validating the safety and effectiveness of our advanced airborne missile protection solutions. The successful integration and approval process highlights our technical expertise and commitment to delivering innovative defense technologies that protect aircraft in high-threat environments. With this certification, our AMPS system, including SPREOS DIRCM, is now available for civil aviation, ensuring maximum security for VVIP and high-value commercial aircraft worldwide.”
28 Mar 25. Italy looks to fighter friend Japan for a new maritime-patrol plane. Italy is considering buying the Japanese Kawasaki P-1 maritime patrol aircraft to tackle hostile submarines in the Mediterranean, a move which would break an Italian tradition of U.S. aircraft purchases and strengthen ties with Tokyo.
“The P-1 is is one of the possible options available,” Italian Air Force chief Luca Goretti told reporters on Friday when asked how Italy aimed to fill gaps in its maritime patrol capability.
“We have a great relationship with Japan,” he added.
A four engine platform designed from scratch as a maritime patrol aircraft, the P-1 has been in service in Japan since 2013. While export efforts to date have not been successful, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force now operates 33 aircraft. As Italy retired the last of its long serving Atlantique maritime patrol planes in 2017 it acquired ATR 72?s jointly built by Airbus and local firm Leonardo to fill the role, operated by mixed Air Force and Navy crews. But while offering electronically scanned radar, the aircraft lacked anti-submarine warfare capabilities and were only considered a gap filler. A new purchase to fill that gap would coincide with renewed naval activity in the Mediterranean by friendly and hostile powers. Acquiring the P-1 instead of the US P-8 aircraft would follow years in which Italy has looked to the U.S. for imported aircraft including B767 tankers, C-130s, Gulfstream sensor aircraft, F-35s and Reaper drones. Italy has recently boosted ties with Japan as the two countries team with the U.K. on the GCAP sixth-generation fighter program. In 2023, Leonardo also pitched its M-346 jet trainer to Japan to replace Tokyo’s Kawasaki T-4 trainers after Japanese pilots were dispatched to train on the M-346 in Italy. In an address to the Italian parliament about the GCAP program on March 13, Air Force chief Goretti said working with Japan on the sixth-generation jet was prompting discussion about other possible team-ups.
“Right now there is an Italian delegation in Japan because there are other chances for growth with (Japan) including the development of a trainer for them as well as a joint patrol aircraft,” he said. “Our collaboration has opened other horizons which were unthinkable until very recently,” he added.
Goretti’s suggestion of an Italian jet trainer deal with Japan and a Japanese patrol aircraft deal with Italy hinted at a possible trade-off which recalls how Italy sold the M-346 to Israel in 2012 in return for buying Israeli sensor-laden Gulfstreams and an Israeli surveillance satellite. (Source: Defense News)
28 Mar 25. Sweden’s new Kreuger 100 interceptor removes traditional guidance systems to make drone interception affordable. As reported by Jordan Linn on March 27, 2025, Nordic Air Defence, a Swedish startup, has developed the Kreuger 100, a lightweight, battery-powered drone interceptor intended for both military and civilian applications, contributing to scalable air defense capabilities within Europe. The system uses pulsed propulsion and controlled aerodynamics, replacing conventional onboard hardware with software to reduce production costs and enable large-scale deployment. Supported by a €1.2m investment led by private investors, the company aims to address aerial threats such as the Russian Orlan-10 and Iranian-designed Shahed drones. Designed to replace traditional interceptors that rely heavily on expensive onboard sensors, cameras, and propulsion systems, the Kreuger 100 instead uses pulsed propulsion and software-based flight control to track and intercept targets. (Picture source: Nordic Air Defence) In November 2024, Nordic Air Defence announced that it had secured a €1.2m investment to accelerate research, development, and airborne testing of its Kreuger 100 drone interceptor platform. The round was led by Norway-based SNÖ Ventures and marked their first foray into defense technology. Additional investors included Jörgen Bladh, co-founder of Northzone; Jan Gurander, former Deputy CEO and CFO of Volvo Group; and Noam Perski, who joined the company as a strategic advisor. The investment followed the company’s emergence from stealth mode in September 2024 and is considered the second close of a larger strategic round ahead of a planned seed funding phase. Several board members, including Chairman Johan Ahlberg and co-founder Gustav Wiberg, also participated in the funding round. The Kreuger 100 is the result of a rapid development process initiated by Nordic Air Defence in response to evolving aerial threats and the lack of scalable, affordable counter-drone solutions in Europe. The company was founded by Karl Rosander, previously co-founder of Acast, alongside colleagues Rudolf Nordström, Oskar Heiwe, and Gustav Wiberg. The concept emerged from discussions with physicists at Sweden’s FOI (Defence Research Agency), who helped validate the technical feasibility of replacing expensive drone defense hardware with advanced control software and intelligent aerodynamics. After months of simulation and design, the company quickly moved forward with testing. NAD registered the company, began indoor flight tests, and, due to security concerns, initially conducted outdoor tests in secrecy. The project is protected by three pending patents. The Kreuger 100 is a lightweight, dual-use (civil and military) drone interceptor platform that prioritizes cost efficiency and operational scalability. Designed to replace traditional interceptors that rely heavily on expensive onboard sensors, cameras, and propulsion systems, the Kreuger 100 instead uses pulsed propulsion and software-based flight control to track and intercept targets. It reaches speeds of up to 270 kilometers per hour in civil configurations, with significantly higher speeds possible in military variants. The interceptor is battery-powered and designed for manual launch, including from hand-held or portable launchers, enabling use in both static and mobile defense scenarios. (Source: Google/armyrecognition.com)
28 Mar 25. US Army to make new missile-defense radars after year of troubleshooting. The U.S. Army is just weeks away from making a production decision for its new missile defense radar, following an extra year of ironing out any kinks, according to Maj. Gen. Frank Lozano, the service’s program executive officer for missiles & space. The Lower-Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor, or LTAMDS, “is a huge, significant capability,” Lozano said in an exclusive interview with Defense News at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. “We anecdotally say it doubles legacy Patriot radar capability and not only does it double it, it provides you 360-degree capability.” The radar is a major modernization element for the Army’s Integrated Air and Missile Defense system along with a fully modernized command-and-control capability called the Integrated Battle Command System, which is already fielded. Building the radar rapidly – the Army awarded a contract to Raytheon in 2019 to deliver prototypes over five years – “was always going to be incredibly technically challenging,” Lozano said. So, Lozano said he asked former Army acquisition chief Doug Bush for another year to mature the system. “I said, ‘Sir, we’re really close, but we’re just not there yet. I’m not exhibiting the level of performance that I would feel comfortable coming in for a Milestone C production decision,’” he said. Bush, who had the authority to grant such a request, did so, according to Lozano. The office continued to keep Army and Pentagon leadership apprised of the effort and now, following several successful flight tests, including one that combined other major air and missile defense elements over last fall and early this year, the system is deemed ready for low-rate initial production, Lozano said. While an Inspector General report recently criticized the program for lacking proper due diligence, Lozano disagreed with the characterization. “We did provide the requisite oversight and so much so that we, as leaders, knew we needed a little bit more time for the system to mature. We got the time. We did the maturation.” The program office provided Army decision makers with a brief advocating to approve LTAMDS’ for production at the end of February. “It’s our intent to have that signed in the next week or two,” he said. The Army’s low-rate production lot will be roughly 10 radars. The service plans to build 94 radars total over the course of the program. Raytheon will also be building Poland’s 10 LTAMDS radars on order simultaneously. Poland is the first foreign customer for the system. Currently the time to build an LTAMDS is about 40 months on the production line, Lozano said. But the Army is working with Raytheon and has hired the Boston Consulting Group to help work on supply chain management in order to make that 36 months, which is the formal program objective.
“From a cost perspective, I think there’s a huge win here,” Lozano said. The program’s estimated cost is now $13 bn across its life. “It’s a huge program, and it’s likely going to be within the Army inventory for multiple decades. Because it’s a digital radar that is software driven, it’s going to mature and keep pace with the evolving threat,” he said.
Lozano also noted that with the cost of microelectronics coming down and the efforts to miniaturize components, the level of efficiency will increase, capabilities will increase and costs will continue to come down for the system.
“We build the legacy Patriot radar for $110-$115m a copy,” he noted. “Right now the initial cost of the LTAMDS radar is about $125-$130 m a copy. That cost will continue to come down. We’re building the newest, most advanced radar at almost the same exact price that we’re building the legacy radar.”
The Army low-rate production period will last roughly two-and-a-half years. The service is planning for the LTAMDS initial operational test and evaluation to take place in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026. After that assessment, the service will send one of the sensors to Guam, which will join two other LTAMDS that are about to be delivered to the island in the coming months. The systems will be a part of a larger air and missile defense architecture there. The Army plans to reach full-rate production in 2028, Lozano said. (Source: Defense News Early Bird/Defense News)
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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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