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16 Apr 25. Cuashub.com said today that India successfully tests advanced laser weapon system MK-II(A). India has reported it has successfully conducted its first trial of a high-powered laser weapon, designated MK-II(A), designed to neutralize aerial targets using directed energy. The test, conducted by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), involved the system tracking the drone mid-flight, locking onto the target, and deploying a high-energy laser beam to destroy it. This trial of the new Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) was carried out at the National Open Air Range in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, and showcases India’s commitment to developing indigenous defense solutions. The MK-II(A) was created by DRDO’s Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS) in Hyderabad, with collaborative input from various DRDO laboratories, including LRDE, IRDE, DLRL, and contributions from Indian academic institutions and private industry partners. In a statement on X, the DRDO celebrated the milestone, noting, “CHESS DRDO conducted a successful field demonstration of the Land version of Vehicle-mounted Laser Directed Weapon (DEW) MK-II(A) at Kurnool today. It effectively engaged a fixed-wing UAV and swarm drones, resulting in structural damage and disabling their surveillance sensors. With this successful trial, the country joins an exclusive group of global powers equipped with high-power Laser DEW systems.” Speaking to news agency ANI, DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat highlighted the importance of this achievement, stating that only a select few nations – including the United States, Russia, and China – currently possess such capabilities. He mentioned that Israel is also pursuing similar technologies, positioning India as the fourth or fifth country in the world to demonstrate this advanced system. Kamat emphasized that this accomplishment is merely the beginning of a broader initiative, as DRDO continues to develop a range of high-energy weapon systems.
“This is just the beginning of the journey… We are also working on other high-energy systems like high-energy microwaves and electromagnetic pulse technologies. What you saw today is one component of the ‘Star Wars’ capabilities we aim to achieve,” he stated. https://cuashub.com/en/content/india-successfully-tests-advanced-laser-weapon-system-mk-iia/ (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
16 Apr 25. Cuashub.com said today that CENTCOM Colonel discusses the challenge of adapting to the drone threat. The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) faces a uniquely complex set of challenges in the drone age. As the operational command responsible for the Middle East and parts of Central Asia, CENTCOM is at the forefront of the Pentagon’s efforts to counter the rapidly evolving threat posed by UAS. In a recent presentation at the Counter UAS Technology Europe conference, Colonel Nathaniel Huston, Director, Innovation & Capability Integration, CENTCOM, outlined the command’s evolving approach to this problem. His remarks offered insight into how CENTCOM is adapting in real time, leveraging partnerships, testing solutions in theater and working around institutional constraints to support warfighters on the ground.
CENTCOM’s role as an operational testbed
“Leveraging new capabilities in response to new enemy capabilities and TTPs is not necessarily something that’s easy for us to do rapidly,” Colonel Huston said.
Despite this, CENTCOM views its area of responsibility as a critical proving ground.
“We think that, because we have ownership of those operational challenges ourselves, we get to decide what we do, where we do it and when we do it.” Colonel Nathaniel Huston, CENTCOM
While much of the U.S. military machine focuses on long-term acquisition cycles, CENTCOM’s CTO office was set up just two years ago with a different mandate: to be agile, experimental and responsive to current battlefield needs.
“We’re very focused on the here and now,” he emphasized. “In terms of long term, even two to five year, let alone 10 to 20, and long term approaches to counter UAS, that’s not in our wheelhouse. That’s more on the service side.”
Working without acquisition authority
This unique position comes with both challenges and opportunities. CENTCOM lacks its own acquisition or RDT&E (research, development, test and evaluation) authority. Instead, the command leans into operational testing and real-world exercises as its “secret sauce.”
“What we seek to do is get some of those [capabilities] on the ground, hand them to the operators, and then, A, allow those capabilities to be employed, and then, B, hand that information off to the services to help de-risk some of those decisions,” Colonel Huston explained.
“Sometimes these things don’t work very well. Sometimes they work fantastically. When they work fantastically, all of a sudden, the services get very interested.” Colonel Nathaniel Huston, CENTCOM.
https://cuashub.com/en/content/centcom-colonel-discusses-the-challenge-of-adapting-to-the-drone-threat/ (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
16 Apr 25. Cuashub.com said today that Senior US lawmakers allege improper C-UAS usage risked American lives. On Monday, Representatives Rick Larsen (D, WA-02) & Bennie Thompson (D, MS) wrote a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy alleging the misuse of C-UAS equipment by the United States Secret Service (USSS). In the letter, Larsen and Thompson state that USSS personnel used C-UAS systems within the vicinity of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) in violation of operating parameters and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) notification requirements. This, the lawmakers allege, led to erroneous notifications on the Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) which led to 10 resolution advisories and three aircraft go-arounds. These alerts impacted both commercial and U.S. Coast Guard aircraft, causing confusion and potentially jeopardizing the safety of hundreds of passengers. FAA spectrum analysis found that the USSS C-UAS system had interfered with the TCAS system’s detection software, causing the false advisories. This, the lawmakers allege, was caused by the USSS’ use of C-UAS equipment outside of the initially agreed frequency parameters which resulted in interference in adjacent spectrum bands. Larsen and Thompson go on to state that the USSS also violated DHS Concept of Operations by failing to notify the FAA at all that the C-UAS equipment was being activated at all, exacerbating the confusion. Although inherently serious, the impact of this incident is further magnified by the recent tragedy at DCA whereby an airborne collision between an Army helicopter and commercial liner cost the lives of 67 crew and passengers. Fortunately, on this occasion no damage was done it is not hard to imagine a scenario where the TCAS malfunctions and erroneous alerts could have had serious consequences. As state and local officials lobby for the easing of restrictions on C-UAS tech to protect citizens from the emerging drone threat, this incident brings to the fore the debate on how to effectively mitigate that threat without causing additional unintentional harm. Larsen and Thompson have demanded answers to 7 written questions by no later than next Monday and we will be sure to monitor this story closely. https://cuashub.com/en/content/senior-us-lawmakers-allege-improper-c-uas-usage-risked-american-lives/ (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
16 Apr 25. US Army kicks off expanded NBC sensor upgrades beyond Stryker. As the US Army is planning upgrades to its initial sensor suite, service officials are looking towards the future and how the package can be added to other vehicles, according to a request for information (RFI) published on 9 April. A new Teledyne FLIR USD78m contract supports the development of “an expanded sensor suite upgrade design” called Capability Set 2.2, according to the company’s announcement on 9 April. At the same time, the government is doing market research on what it calls the Vehicle Integrated Point Enhanced RADIAC (VIPER) for integration on multiple land and air platforms, according to a Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (JPEO-CBRND) press release. The new contract requires a delivery of six Capability Set 2.2 prototypes and will provide “added support for government testing”, according to Teledyne FLIR’s press release. Upgrades to the technology include “advanced sensing”, autonomous flight control for the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) SkyRaider, and hazard prediction software upgrades. The VIPER system would replace AN/VDR-2 and AN/UDR-13. Developed by Canberra Industries in the last century, both systems are no longer in production. They also do not have the ability to determine prompt dose, according to the RFI. The first VIPER has already been fielded through the Stryker Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Reconnaissance Vehicle (NBCRV) Sensor Suite Upgrade (SSU) as the proof of concept, according to JPEO-CBRND’s press release from January 2025. (Source: Janes)
16 Apr 25. ELT Group launches its new product KARMA (Kinetic Anti-drone Mobile Asset), a rapidly deployable (AI based) Counter UAS system – both in mobile and fixed configuration – capable of detecting, recognising and identifying class 1 and 2 UAS, through Artificial Intelligence algorithms that increase the effectiveness of on-board sensors and effectors and thus system performance. The system is designed to ensure protection against possible threats to both military assets and critical infrastructure. KARMA is an evolution of the first product in the ELT Group’s C-UAS family, Adrian (Anti drone interception acquisition neutralisation), already on the market since 2015.
The main features of the system are:
- A radarless approach that makes the system electromagnetically silent, thus the company responded to the paradigm shift required by the new geopolitical and military environment.
- A Track While Scan functionality that provides continuous 360° surveillance thanks to the IR camera system and its integration with AI processing algorithms implemented in Command and Control.
- A Command and Control with a simple and intuitive Human Machine Interface (HMI) to supervise all sensors and provide a complete picture whose novelty is its implementation of complex Artificial Intelligence algorithms to optimise detection, recognition and identification and provide the counter UAS operator with the most complete and reliable Local Air Picture (LAP) possible. Threat designation data can also be sent to the federated Fire Control System (of the platform), whose operator is entrusted with the ultimate choice of a possible hard kill counter action.
KARMA provides an RF (Radio Frequency) sensor capable of detecting and identifying the RF communication protocols of drones in order to extrapolate from them the information essential for countering them. The system is equipped with a jammer module, capable of transmitting RF jamming signals towards intercepted drones, and is designed for an operational scenario characterised by the attack of several opposing drones. KARMA is a modular, scalable solution that can be integrated into a more complex air defence network and adapted to the specific needs of various end users. The system allows continuous real-time monitoring of airspace to counter threats from drones in both military and civil environments. The system can be deployed on both military (legacy or new) and civil vehicles, for the protection of large areas of territory (border control) or critical infrastructure and can operate with a wide range of sensors and effectors.
16 Apr 25. Saab GlobalEye for Denmark? In its new Vårändringsbudget för 2025 Sweden outlined a proposed agreement to sell the S106 GlobalEye AEW aircraft to NATO ally Denmark. In its Vårändringsbudget för 2025 (the Spring amending budget for 2025) Bill, published on 15 April, the Swedish Ministry of Finance proposed a number of changes relating to central government expenditure for the 2025 budget year. These included a Government proposal to sell up to four Saab S106 GlobalEye airborne early warning and control aircraft to Denmark. Sweden has enjoyed a long-term defence co-operation with Denmark, which has a requirement to expand its capabilities in airborne radar surveillance. In order to satisfy Denmark’s demand for a government-to-government deal, it is proposed that the Riksdag should authorize the Government to enter into an agreement with Denmark for the sale of up to four S106 GlobalEye aircraft and associated support equipment. This would mean that the Swedish state would undertake to order and deliver the S106 GlobalEye aircraft and other support equipment, with the revenue from the sale covering the state’s costs. Like a US DSCA notification to Congress, this does not mean that a sale has been agreed, it merely ‘pre-authorises’ and lays the groundwork for an eventual contract. The sale of four GlobalEyes to Denmark would represent a major boost to the programme, with just five aircraft delivered to the UAE, and three on order for Sweden. In 2024 Finland revealed that it was considering seconding staff to the Swedish GlobalEye unit with a view to a future purchase if and when funding becomes available, and in January 2025 Pål Jonson the Swedish Minister for Defence said that discussions were underway for a potential joint purchase of the GlobalEye for both Denmark and Finland. With growing concern as to the reliability of the US as a strategic partner and arms supplier (especially among European NATO nations), a window of opportunity may be opening for the GlobalEye among nations that might once have seemed likely to buy the Boeing E-7A Wedgetail. (Source: Google/https://aerospaceglobalnews.com/)
16 Apr 25. DroneShield Releases 2Q25 Firmware Update Enhancing Global Counter-UxS Capabilities. DroneShield (ASX:DRO), a global leader in counter-drone (C-UxS) technology, has released its 2Q25 firmware update for its suite of AI-powered Radio Frequency (RF) detection and defeat devices, including the RfPatrol Mk2 and DroneSentry-X Mk2. This update is available to all global customers enrolled in DroneShield’s software update plans. The latest proprietary firmware enhances detection of newly emerged drone communication protocols, including those used by improvised and non-commercial Unmanned Systems (UxS). The update delivers significant improvements to accuracy, stability, and responsiveness across DroneShield’s RF-based devices—resulting in more reliable drone detection and disruption in mission-critical environments.
Key Update Highlights
- Simplified Software Updates: Streamlined process enables rapid deployment across multiple devices, reducing operator burden and ensuring entire fleets remain mission ready.
- Enhanced Detection Performance: Faster scans, reduced false positives, and an increased probability of detection for a wider array of signals.
- Advanced Disruption Capabilities: Improved disruption accuracy against multiple drone protocols, with expanded troubleshooting tools for system resilience.
- New Drone Signatures: Expanded AI detection engine now recognises signals from custom-built and aftermarket drone platforms.
- Expanded Application Programming Interface (API) Integration: Modern gRPC Remote Procedure Call APIs deliver richer payload data, including detailed navigation and telemetry metadata.
- UX/UI Enhancements: Both the RFDeviceManager web interface and RfPatrol’s on-device Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED) display benefit from User Experience and Interface (UX/UI) improvements.
Customers will also benefit from additional features via the Access Portal, which includes secure firmware downloads, the 3D Planning Tool, and the UAS Incident Platform, for advanced situational analysis and operational planning.
“As recent global conflicts continue to highlight the use of improvised and low-cost drones in contested environments, counter-UxS systems must evolve rapidly,” said Angus Bean, CTO of DroneShield. “This update enhances our Radio Frequency Artificial Intelligence (RFAI) Detection Engine’s ability to identify and counter emerging threats, ensuring our users maintain the edge across both military and critical infrastructure domains.”
16 Apr 25. IWI – Israel Weapon Industries, a member of the SK Group founded by Mr. Samy Katsav, and a global leader in combat-proven small arms production for military, police, law enforcement agencies, and governmental entities worldwide, has launched an assembly plant in Peru in collaboration with FAME, a key Peruvian defense industry company affiliated with the Peruvian Ministry of Defense. This strategic partnership enhances Peru’s defense capabilities while fostering local industrial growth. The facility is already supplying ARAD rifles to the Peruvian Armed Forces and National Police, starting with an initial order of 10,000 rifles and plans to significantly expand production in the coming years. Additionally, the plant has provided thousands of Meprolight M21 reflex sights, with further deliveries planned to support Peru’s security forces as they continue upgrading their capabilities. This collaboration reinforces Peru’s commitment to equipping its forces with cutting-edge, combat-proven technology. The Peruvian requirements for local production approach ensures rapid deployment of advanced weaponry, enhances operational flexibility, and improves readiness for defense challenges by providing faster response times and reducing logistical dependencies. Through this partnership with FAME, the Peruvian forces have upgraded their small arms innovatory inventory to meet the demands of contemporary combat scenarios, including urban warfare and day-night operations. The selection of the ARAD 7 as the primary rifle for the Peruvian Armed Forces, along with upgrading current equipment, marks a significant step in equipping the military with advanced capabilities meeting modern battlefield challenges. The ARAD rifle was developed in close collaboration with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Israel Police Forces. It was introduced to the market only after the completion of its development process and after successfully meeting the most stringent testing protocols, including extensive field trials and fully complies with military standards (MIL-STD) and operational requirements. The Arad rifle is a versatile and reliable weapon for infantry and special units, featuring a short-stroke gas piston system, a two-position gas regulator, and a fully ambidextrous design. Its modular structure allows for easy maintenance and quick barrel replacement, reducing costs and enhancing operational efficiency. The ARAD operates in multiple calibers, including 7.62x51mm, 5.56x45mm and 300 BLK, making it adaptable for urban warfare and long-range engagements. Its ergonomic design and quick-detachable barrel ensure it remains a preferred choice for military and law enforcement units, aligning with the needs of rapid response and border protection forces. The M21 sight is a dual-illuminated reflex sight that offers constant, battery-free aiming. It harnesses a fiber-optic light-collection system for daylight illumination and a miniature self-powered Tritium capsule for nighttime visibility. The transition between these two lighting systems is seamless and automatic, ensuring optimal performance in varying lighting conditions. The sight’s lens and highly visible reticle facilitate instinctive close-range shooting in urban and close quarters combat situations, as well as accurate shooting over longer distances in open terrain. Designed to the highest military standards, the M21 guarantees years of reliable operation even under harsh environmental conditions.
“We are deeply pleased to strengthen our collaboration with FAME and expand our presence in Peru. This step reflects IWI’s strong commitment to the region by providing advanced defense technology tailored to local needs and realities. This project not only contributes to strengthening the country’s defense capabilities but also promotes job creation and fosters local economic growth. Looking ahead, we anticipate the continued expansion of this partnership. At IWI, our work goes beyond weapon manufacturing; we work closely with the forces on the ground, developing solutions that arise directly from the real challenges of the battlefield. Each of our products is designed with the goal of being more precise, reliable, and effective. Our experience is not only based on decades of high-quality engineering but also on the successful operations where our systems have been decisive in turning complex missions into accomplished objectives,” stated Tom Polak, Director of Marketing and Sales at the SK Group.
16 Apr 25. USAF eyes ‘Advanced E-7’ Wedgetail with upgrades including new radar. A request for information released by the service raises the possibility of integrating new upgrades on a platform “equivalent” to the E-7, though it’s not clear what that could be. The US Air Force may not have its first E-7A Wedgetail yet, but the service is already exploring upgrades for its future fleet, including the potential for a new radar, according to a notice. An April 15 request for information (RFI) released to industry says that the Air Force, in moving to quickly field two rapid prototype surveillance planes, “intentionally” left out certain “emerging capabilities” for those early jets. Accordingly, the service is seeking to develop new technologies as part of an engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) phase planned to launch in fiscal 2027, which could feature anything from a new radar — replacing Northrop Grumman’s distinctive “top hat” sensor — to better protection against electronic warfare and an enhanced communication suite for future aircraft. A new approach for what the service in the RFI calls an “Advanced E-7” could point to an evolving acquisition strategy. Previously, the service stated that officials planned to make a production decision, known as milestone C, in FY26, but an EMD phase — typically signified by a milestone B decision — is now expected to kick off in FY27. The April 15 RFI also raises questions about what the future Wedgetail fleet could look like if an “Advanced E-7” is pursued. Following the EMD phase, which the document says will require the delivery of two “advanced” planes within seven years, the Air Force will then consider whether to retrofit existing aircraft, build fresh jets with the new capabilities included, or pursue some mix of the two. New capabilities could also be integrated on a platform “equivalent” to the Wedgetail, the RFI says, pointing to a future possibility that the service fields a different aircraft for the E-7’s missions entirely.
“The Department of the Air Force (DAF) routinely requests information from industry to better understand what current technologies exist and to assist in building future requirements to ensure the DAF maintains technological advantage over current and future adversaries. The DAF has not yet made a decision to fund advanced capabilities for the E-7 as detailed in the RFI,” an Air Force spokesperson said in a statement to Breaking Defense when asked about the document.
“The DAF is focused on delivering the E-7A Rapid Prototyping aircraft and is preparing to procure a fleet of E-7A aircraft to meet warfighter airborne Battle Management Command and Control and Air Moving Target Indicator requirements,” the spokesperson added. Additional information on the program’s acquisition strategy and other topics raised in the RFI was not immediately available.
The Wedgetail, already flown by US allies like Australia, is the slated successor to the aging E-3 Sentry. A militarized version of Boeing’s 737 Next Generation commercial airliner, the jet will be the Air Force’s new eye in the sky, with primary tasks being the tracking of airborne targets and performing battlefield command and control functions. A price dispute between officials and prime contractor Boeing for the E-7A dragged out negotiations, which concluded in a $2.6 bn deal for the two rapid prototype planes last year. Officials said at the time that the two planes, known as “operationally representative” prototypes, would be delivered in FY28, which would form part of a program of record expected to consist of 26 Wedgetails. Any “baseline documentation” for the Wedgetail will not be available until the third quarter of FY28, “or potentially later,” the April 15 notice says. Only industry partners with highly sensitive special access program/special access required clearances and “appropriate network connectivity” will be positioned to meet an FY27 target to launch the EMD phase, the RFI adds, which asks for initial responses by April 22.
16 Apr 25. British soldiers take down drone swarm in groundbreaking use of radio wave weapon. British soldiers have successfully tracked, targeted and defeated swarms of drones in the latest trial of a new directed energy weapon developed in the UK.
Radiofrequency Directed Energy Weapon demonstrator
- UK-made, invisible radio wave weapon knocks out drone swarms for the first time.
- Weapon has potential to help protect against drone threats as nature of warfare changes.
- The project supports more than 135 highly skilled jobs across the UK.
The trial was completed at a weapons range in West Wales and was the largest counter-drone swarm exercise the British Army have conducted to date.
The weapon system demonstrator is a type of Radiofrequency Directed Energy Weapon (RF DEW) and has proven capable of neutralising multiple targets simultaneously with near-instant effect.
The UK Government has invested more than £40 m in RF DEW research and development to date, supporting 135 highly skilled jobs in Northern Ireland and the South-East of England.
It uses high frequency radio waves to disrupt or damage critical electronic components inside drones, causing them to crash or malfunction.
At an estimated cost of 10p per shot fired, if developed into operational service it could provide a cost-effective complement to traditional missile-based air defence systems.
RF DEW systems can defeat airborne targets at ranges of up to 1km and are effective against threats which cannot be jammed using electronic warfare.
The successful trial comes as drone swarms are increasingly seen in use in frontline combat in Ukraine. UK Defence Intelligence estimates that last year Ukraine had to defend against attacks from more than 18,000 drones. With national security a foundation for the Plan for Change, the government is significantly increasing the proportion of MOD’s equipment procurement spend on novel technologies, spending at least 10% from 2025-26. It follows the announcement of the biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War, as the UK will spend 2.5% of GDP on defence by April 2027.
Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Rt Hon Maria Eagle MP, said: “This significant experiment exemplifies the strength of British innovation – driven by our home-grown industry, technology firms and scientific talent. We continue to strengthen our defence sector, adding more cutting-edge capabilities to keep the UK secure at home and strong abroad, while making defence an engine for growth across our towns and cities.”
The project has been delivered by Team Hersa – a collaboration between Defence Equipment & Support and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory. The RF DEW demonstrator has been developed by an industry consortium led by Thales UK.
Successful experiments included the Army taking down two swarms of drones in a single engagement, and the project saw more than 100 drones being tracked, engaged and defeated using the weapon across all trials.
Sgt Mayers, a Senior Remotely-Piloted Air Systems Operator from 106 Regiment Royal Artillery, had the honour of being the first British soldier to bring down drones using a radiofrequency weapon.
Sgt Mayers said: “RF DEW is an exciting concept. We found the demonstrator quick to learn and easy to use. With improvements on range and power, which could come with further development, this would be a great asset to Layered Air Defence.”
Protecting national security is the foundation of the Government’s Plan for Change and the development of RF DEW systems could help to protect the UK from unidentified drones at security sensitive areas such as defence bases, and could play a role in preventing disruption at airports. The RF DEW development supports the Defence Industrial Strategy – to support the UK defence industry in mobilising to help face down global threats and ensuring the sector is an engine for growth in every region and nation of the UK. The MOD is working with a range of industry partners to deliver powerful future RF DEW capabilities for UK forces.
Thales, which led the development of the RF DEW demonstrator, employ around 100 highly skilled engineering and manufacturing staff in Northern Ireland on the project, and there are a further 30-35 highly skilled supply chain jobs in Chelmsford, Essex, that directly contribute to the development of the weapon demonstrator.
Nigel MacVean, MD of Thales Integrated Airspace-protection Systems, said: “Thales continues to be at the forefront of this pioneering technology, and we are proud to continue the research and development in this sector alongside our partners in Government.” (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
17 Apr 25. Ophir® FoldIR Lens Enhances Long-Range Imaging for Defense & Security Operations. The new Ophir® FoldIR 25-275mm MWIR zoom lens delivers compact, long-range imaging with low-SWaP performance for drones and small gimbal platforms MKS-Ophir has introduced a compact, long-range MWIR continuous zoom lens at SPIE Defense + Commercial Sensing 2025, designed to meet the demands of drone-based imaging systems. The Ophir® FoldIR 25-275mm is the latest addition to the FoldIR family of lightweight, compact, continuous zoom lenses, developed specifically for drones and optimized for smaller 15µm pitch VGA focal plane array (FPA) detectors. Engineered to meet the requirements of newly released low-SWaP cooled VGA detectors, the lens combines compactness with performance, addressing the demanding needs of the security and defense markets. The new FoldIR 25-275mm f/5.5 MWIR continuous zoom lens features a folded optics design that significantly reduces the length of the lens and the overall size and weight of the optical system. The lens has dimensions of 107mm x 101.5mm x 96mm (including the IR detector) and a net weight of 302gr (360 gr including detector). It provides a long-range detection capability of over 14.5km and delivers high image quality across the full field of view with continuous zoom capabilities. The folded optics design of the FoldIR 25-275mm f/5.5 lens enables a longer optical path within a compact footprint and reduces sensitivity to manufacturing tolerances by using fewer optical elements. The lens maintains sharp focus throughout the entire zoom range and incorporates both mechanical and electrical interfaces for seamless integration into camera systems. Its advanced design achieves near diffraction-limit performance, even in harsh environments, while addressing challenges such as line-of-sight (LOS) stabilization and athermalization.
Dr. Kobi Lasri, General Manager of the Ophir Optics product line at MKS Instruments, commented, “Infrared imaging applications continue to rapidly evolve, presenting increasing demands for reduced Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP). The FoldIR 25-275mm f/5.5 folded zoom lens delivers unparalleled functionality and standoff range relative to its SWaP attributes. With its disruptive combination of low-SWaP capabilities, detection range of over 14.5km, and cost-effective pricing, this new zoom lens is an enabler for small gimbal thermal imaging applications on drones and small UAVs.” (Source: https://www.defenseadvancement.com/)
15 Apr 25. X-Vision Optics announced the launch of the updated Shadow 100 Mini Night Vision Viewer, now featuring an extended night vision range of 400 yards and an upgraded high-resolution IPS (In-Plane Switching) display. These enhancements provide users with superior visibility and image quality, reinforcing X-Vision Optics’ commitment to innovation in night vision technology. Designed for outdoor enthusiasts, security professionals, and tactical users, the Shadow 100 Mini delivers powerful performance in a compact and lightweight design. The extended 400-yard infrared range offers improved long-range visibility in total darkness, making it ideal for wildlife observation, surveillance, and nighttime navigation. Additionally, transitioning from a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) to an IPS display provides sharper images, enhanced contrast, and wider viewing angles, ensuring a significantly improved user experience.
Key Upgrades of the Shadow 100 Mini:
- Extended Night Vision Distance – Now reaching 400 yards.
- Upgraded IPS Display – Provides higher resolution, better contrast, and improved color accuracy compared to the previous TFT screen.
- Compact & Lightweight – Maintains its ultra-portable design, ensuring ease of use in any environment.
“At X-Vision Optics, we are committed to advancing night vision technology to meet the needs of our customers. The upgraded Shadow 100 Mini offers users greater range and a vastly improved display, all in a compact and accessible package,” said Mari Bodensteiner, Director of Marketing at X-Vision Optics.
The Shadow 100 Mini Night Vision Viewer is now available for purchase at your local dealer. For more information, visit www.xvisionoptics.com.
13 Apr 25. Oman to get more Lanza early warning radars. The Lanza 3D LRR radar site in Toledo province, Spain. The Omani Ministry of Defense (MoD) signed a contract with Spanish company Indra covering additional Lanza 3D radars on 10 April. The MoD said a contract covering unspecified military systems and technical equipment was signed with Indra when a delegation led by its secretary general, Mohammed bin Nasser al-Zaabi, visited Spain. Indra released a statement the following day to announce the contract. Noting that it had delivered Lanza 3D long-range early warning radars to the Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO) in 2020, it said the new contract covers the design, supply, and installation of additional Lanza 3D radars, as well as voice-over radio communications, integration with the command-and-control system, and increasing the RAFO’s ability to perform third-level maintenance on its radars. Indra announced in September 2014 that it had signed a contract with the Omani MoD to supply the RAFO with an integrated surveillance and air-defence system that would include its most advanced radars. It added that the project would include support services and the transfer of extensive technical and operational training to the RAFO. In a May 2019 update, the Spanish company said it had completed a “state of the art” air-defence system that integrates data from various sources to enable the RAFO to plan and execute missions, as well as monitor the sultanate’s airspace. (Source: Janes)
07 Apr 25. US airmen face drone threat in Exercise Wolverine Strike. US Airmen from the Air National Guard’s 175th Wing security forces squadron addressed a drone threat as part of Exercise Wolverine Strike which took place at Martin State Air National Guard Base, Middle River, Maryland, United States on April 5, 2025. The drone, belonging to the 175th civil engineer squadron, was hovering over the headquarters building where wing command staff operate. The squadron was charged with assessing the threat and taking appropriate action. The exercise was designed to test readiness across multiple capabilities against ‘near-peer adversaries’ and to identify needs for additional training or improved test procedures for future exercises. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
07 Apr 25. European Commission ‘declines to fund drone wall concept.’ Lithuanian, Estonian and Ukrainian national news sources report that the European Commission will not fund the drone wall proposed by some EU members. Lithuania, Estonia, Ukraine, Latvia, Poland, Finland and Norway proposed that uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) could constantly monitor their borders with Russia and Belarus. The countries also proposed a network of counter-UAS defences. The countries are to look for other sources of funding for the initiative. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
09 Apr 25. Motorola Solutions to integrate DFR and C-UAS technologies. Motorola Solutions has invested in BRINC and SkySafe, forming strategic alliances to integrate Drone as First Responder (DFR) and drone detection technologies into its 911 command centre system, CommandCentral. More than 60 percent of North America’s public safety answering points (PSAP) use Motorola Solutions’ 911 command centre software and the new alliance enables public safety agencies to introduce drones to help protect the public’s safety and security. BRINC allows 911 call handlers to immediately dispatch drones in response to emergency calls or with the push of a button from a Motorola Solutions APX NEXT smart radio. According to the company, some 911 calls can be cleared solely with drones, which Motorola Solutions expects to augment with “Assist for 911,” its AI application that can automate incident analysis and help determine when a DFR-based response is appropriate. The SkySafe alliance also brings drone detection to the screens of 911 and command centre operators. SkySafe can track and identify a drone, its operator’s location and real-time flight path and historical data. With SkySafe’s cloud-based SaaS platform, customers do not need to make a hardware or infrastructure investment. The company predicts the number of consumer drones in the US could rise into the millions, highlighting the scale of risk that unauthorised drones potentially pose. The new streams of drone intelligence enabled through these integrations can be streamed live into the command centre and shared with officers in the field on in-vehicle computers or mobile devices. It can further be stored in agencies’ evidence management systems as part of Motorola Solutions’ ecosystem of safety and security technologies. Agencies can combine other incident data for comprehensive analysis and evidence, including AI-based redaction to protect privacy. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
09 Apr 25. Brazilian Navy and EDGE Group to jointly develop C-UAS technologies. EDGE Group has signed a strategic letter of intent with the Brazilian Navy, through the Navy’s Weapons Systems Directorate, detailing the joint development of counter-uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS) technologies. The two parties will establish a joint working group of technical experts to develop and deploy C-UAS tailored to naval defence needs. These systems will incorporate sensors such as radars and electro-optical technologies, combined with signal jamming capabilities to neutralise threats from autonomous air and surface vehicles. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
09 Apr 25. RAND: “US Army C-UAS training is too narrow.” A new report from the RAND Corporation says the US Army’s counter-uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS) training is too narrow and should not focus just on jammers and interceptors.
“Brigades and battalions need to increase integration of air defence assets into field exercises,” the report – which also examines Army small UAS training capabilities – says, adding that “small units need to practice react to air contact and C-UAS battle drills against a realistic opposing force (OPFOR), much as they did during the Cold War”.
RAND says that if installation OPFOR SUAS platforms are not available, the Army should “explore other options” to enable C-UAS training. The report makes several recommendations to improve the Army’s training tactics, techniques and procedures (TTP) and says that senior commanders should encourage tactical leaders to submit new or updated TTP and reward them for doing so. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
11 Apr 25. China develops barrage weapon system to counter drone swarms. China has unveiled a new type of counter-drone swarm barrage weapon system, reports the Global Times. The system, which was unveiled in full in Modern Weaponry magazine, works by shooting a wall of projectiles to cover incoming positions of targets. It features 16 tightly designed gun barrels and has been designed to have a fast reload speed. The magazine and Global Times state that the barrage weapon system has conducted multiple demonstrations against drone swarms, and the results showed that it can shoot down all small-sized drones with a single barrage. The system can be installed on trucks, tracked or wheeled armoured vehicles, as well as warships. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
11 Apr 25. Pierce and Skylark team up to detect drones at the US-Mexico border. Pierce Aerospace has integrated with Skylark Labs to provide new drone detection capabilities to the US-Mexico border and beyond. Pierce says the new system integration can be used in a variety of security applications such as securing airspace at military bases, airports, prisons, and critical infrastructure sites. Skylark Labs deployed a Scout Mk II Tower to the US-Mexico border with a Pierce Aerospace YR1 Remote ID Sensor, visual sensors, and Skylark Labs onboard Supertintelligence AI. Skylark’s Superintelligence AI analyses data from the YR1 Remote ID Sensor and other sensors, such as cameras and radars, to detect, track, and identify drones as well as other intrusion activity along the border. The system is designed to identify and learn new threats on-board without training or datasets. This process focuses on real-world data and the AI evolves based on that real-world data rather than relying on training from pre-existing or synthetic libraries. The visual sensors are combined with Pierce Aerospace’s Remote ID detection, tracking, and identification capabilities.
“The YR1 Remote ID sensor was performing long range detection, tracking, and identification of ‘wild drones’ along the US-Mexico border almost immediately after the Scout Mk II Tower was erected,” said Aaron Pierce, CEO of Pierce Aerospace. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
14 Apr 25. SHIELD-U Act resurfaces as drone threats increase. US Senator Mike Lee has re-introduced the Stopping Harmful Incidents to Enforce Lawful Drone Use (SHIELD-U) Act to the 119th Congress, intended to support local and state law enforcement in protecting citizens and communities from drone threats. Senator Lee said the federal government restricts state and local law enforcement’s ability to respond to active drone threats, and that waiting on the federal government for responses to these incidents is problematic as it “often lacks the resources and capital to respond to threats effectively”. US Congress has granted authority to detect and takedown a drone only to the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice, and Department of Energy. Lee cited a report commissioned by the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) and Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA) which notes the federal government’s lack of human resources or capital to invest in and operate counter drone technology at airports. When considered beyond an airport environment, Lee said the challenge becomes even greater, because federal law does not permit state or local law enforcement to mitigate a drone threat. If passed, the SHIELD-U Act aims to provide tools for state and local law enforcement to address the growing drone threat. Lee said the legislation would ensure that communities and airports have the resources needed to safeguard their citizens and infrastructure from potential harm. In addition to supporting local and state law enforcement to carry out counter-drone operations for commercial airports, the SHIELD-U act would also enable them to research, test, provide training on, and evaluate counter-uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS) equipment. Both activities would require the consent of the airport operator. The testing of non-kinetic equipment would be done in consultation with the Federal Communications Commission and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. The federal government would, if the bill is passed, provide a list of eligible vendors to carry out C-UAS activities as well as a list of recommended C-UAS equipment. SHIELD-U would require the airport director of each commercial service airport to convene a task force that would establish or modify an emergency action preparedness plan for their airport, which would include a tactical response plan for the detection, identification, and mitigation of threats posed by UAS. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
14 Apr 25. FAA to conduct drone detection tests. The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will conduct drone detection testing in Cape May, New Jersey, between April 14-25. The FAA’s Center of Excellence for UAS Research (ASSURE) will conduct the testing. The Delaware River Bay Authority Police and other local first responders will also participate. The FAA will operate several large drones and more than 100 commercial off-the-shelf drones during the tests, which will take place over the water and near the Cape May Ferry Terminal during the daytime on weekdays only. The FAA says that the public should not fly recreational drones near this area during the test period. The agency has been testing drone detection technologies at airports over the last few years and is expanding testing to off-airport locations. These tests will help determine the effectiveness of these technologies and whether they might interfere with FAA or aircraft navigation systems. The FAA conducted the first of these off-airport tests in Alaska and will conduct additional testing in New Mexico, North Dakota and Mississippi later this year. The FAA receives more than 100 drone-sighting reports near airports each month. In March 2023, the agency chartered the UAS Detection and Mitigation Systems Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) to advise the agency on safely integrating drone detection and mitigation systems. The ARC made 46 recommendations on ensuring systems do not interfere with the safe and efficient operation of the national airspace system. The FAA has incorporated many of the recommendations. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
14 Apr 25. Lockheed Martin Skunk Works® (NYSE: LMT), the global technology company’s advanced aerospace development division, in collaboration with Arquimea demonstrated an anomaly detection capability for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms as they scan a mission area. This cutting-edge capability reduces the number of scans by a sensor to identify unusual patterns or deviations from expected behavior in data, systems, or processes – specifically in the electro optical and infrared spectra – and dramatically improves the detection of changes in physical features. These approaches have proven valuable for predicting image characteristics that may not be visible from a single viewpoint. Anomaly detection in electro-optical (EO) and infrared (IR) spectra enhances security, disaster response, environmental monitoring, and safety. It also helps detect hidden threats, wildfires, pollution, and equipment failures. This technology improves awareness, enables early warnings, and supports better decision-making.
“As a global technology leader, Lockheed Martin is collaborating with Spanish industry to drive innovation and transformation, strengthen deterrence, and foster a dynamic ecosystem for dual-use technologies,” said Emanuele Serafini, Lockheed Martin’s West Europe vice president. “Our work with Arquimea is on a pivotal research and development initiative, driving advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning, which supports Spain’s involvement in the development of these cutting-edge technologies.”
In a series of demonstrations, the Skunk Works® and Arquimea team simulated a small uncrewed air system (UAS) flying through a jungle environment, identifying changes to physical features based on episodic memories trained into neural networks. The system created unique views of the environment, even when the UAS had not previously observed the scene from a given angle. Stored memories are compared to new observations, and changes are analysed using machine learning to detect important irregularities. This approach allows ISR platforms to do more than just compare images and helps AI systems handle situations they’ve never encountered before, supporting trustworthy AI. It also applies to autonomous flight and search algorithms. Building on this progress, in 2025 Skunk Works® and Arquimea will explore how these techniques can improve other sensors and decision-making for autonomous systems.
“Skunk Works is dedicated to enabling crewed-uncrewed teaming to optimize operational flexibility, abbreviate data-to-decision timelines and improve pilot safety,” said OJ Sanchez, vice president and general manager, Skunk Works. “We continue to invest in collaborative enablers to keep our customers ahead of emerging threats.”
14 Apr 25. Turkey’s ANKA III Stealth Drone Test Launches Radar-Deceiving Decoy. Turkish Aerospace Industries has tested its ANKA III stealth combat drone by launching a Super Şimşek jet-powered decoy, designed to mimic fighter jets and deceive enemy radar, marking progress in Turkey’s effort to pair unmanned systems with piloted aircraft during combat missions, the company announced on X . The test occurred at an altitude of 3,060 meters (10,130 feet) and a speed of 150 knots as part of Turkey’s development of the “loyal wingman” concept, a globally emerging approach designed to protect manned aircraft during high-risk operations. The test demonstrated integration between ANKA III and Super Şimşek as part of Turkey’s Autonomous Wingman Concept, which aims to strengthen manned-unmanned teaming operations. ANKA III, a low-observable flying-wing unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) unveiled in 2023, completed its maiden flight in December of that year. It can reach speeds up to Mach 0.7, operate at altitudes up to 40,000 feet and carry payloads of 1,200 kilograms with endurance of up to 10 hours. The aircraft is designed for both air-to-ground and air-to-air missions with stealth characteristics and multiple weapon stations. Its stealth features include a tailless flying-wing design and radar-reducing geometry that minimize radar signature, allowing it to operate in contested airspace with reduced detection risk. Super Şimşek, originally developed as a target drone, weighs 200 kilograms and can reach speeds of Mach 0.9 with an operational range of up to 700 kilometers. Its payload options include radar and infrared signature enhancers that can mimic larger aircraft on enemy detection systems, explosive warheads, jamming systems and various sensors. Super Şimşek can mimic various aircraft on enemy radar, creating opportunities for coordinated drone attacks on air defense systems.
Haluk Görgün, secretary of Turkey’s Defense Industry Agency (SSB) called the test an achievement that “clearly demonstrates the advanced stage of our strike UCAV concept.”
“High-altitude and high-speed systems like these showcase the engineering level our defense industry has achieved in unmanned systems,” Görgün said on X.
USAŞ General Manager Mehmet Demiroğlu said at the IDEX 2025 defense exhibition in Abu Dhabi that the Super Şimşek drone can deceive enemy radar systems by mimicking aircraft including F-16s, F-35s or KAAN fighter jets. KAAN is Turkey’s first domestically developed stealth fighter jet, which made its maiden flight in 2023 as part of the country’s efforts to strengthen its indigenous defense capabilities. Demiroğlu said this capability enables the drone to trigger enemy air defense systems, making them vulnerable to coordinated attacks by other drones. The strategy aims to neutralize air defenses and create safe corridors for additional aircraft. The test conducted by ANKA III with Super Şimşek represents a step in Turkey’s development of advanced aerial combat systems combining stealth technology with multi-layered mission capabilities. (Source: UAS VISION/Turkish Minute)
11 Apr 25. US Army selects Duality for anti-drone system development. The AiTDR system is being designed and developed to protect personnel on board a vehicle by detecting and recognising drone threats. The US Army’s XM30 Program Office has contracted Duality AI for the development of a counter-drone AI Target Detection and Recognition (AiTDR) system. Duality AI is the developer of Falcon, a platform specialising in digital twin simulations. The AiTDR system is being designed and developed to protect personnel on board a vehicle by detecting and recognising drone threats. To facilitate this, the Army’s Project Linchpin, focused on AI and Machine Learning, will collaborate with the Army Research Lab (ARL) to use synthetic data from Falcon’s virtual sensors. The partnership with Duality AI adopts a digital-first strategy to accelerate the AiTDR system’s development before its physical implementation. By using Falcon for digital twin simulation from the outset, the XM30 team aims to overcome significant development hurdles more efficiently, reducing both time and cost for deployment in the field. The platform will be instrumental in producing diverse sets of quality training data, optimising sensor placement, and evaluating model efficacy within simulated environments. This contract underscores a continued commitment to a digital-first methodology initiated at the programme’s inception and reinforces a shift towards engaging non-traditional combat vehicle contractors in defence projects.
Duality CEO and co-founder Apurva Shah said: “We are thrilled to work with the Project Linchpin and ARL teams to push the possibilities of AI defence systems for the US Army. The XM30 digital-first approach to AI model deployment is farsighted and precisely the type of system development approach for which Falcon’s digital twin workflows have been designed. The XM30 programme is transforming how tomorrow’s military technology is developed and we’re honoured that Falcon is contributing to that future.”
The ARL team will use Falcon to create and simulate a wide range of scenarios, incorporating various drones, environments, and visual conditions. They can generate the necessary data using the platform’s assortment of virtual sensors. Initially, the team will develop an AI model that operates in conjunction with the Falcon simulator. Subsequent efforts will focus on enhancing the algorithm’s first iteration by optimising both the model itself and the simulation methodology through a collaborative effort with Duality’s AI engineers. As the project progresses, there will be an evaluation of how digital twin simulation within Falcon can be applied more broadly to meet their growing requirements for AI/ML training data.
Duality AI co-founder and chief product officer Michael Taylor said: “Accomplishing these critical early steps with digital twins is vital for a viable future of field-deployable AI systems.
“Falcon’s complete control over simulation environments gives the Army ability to train and test the AiTDR model in complex conditions, explore varied drone detection scenarios, and validate potential solutions in simulation before the physical hardware is even ready for field testing.” (Source: army-technology.com)
11 Apr 25. Cuashub.com said today that RAND warns U.S. Army counter-drone training falls short of operational needs. A recent report by the RAND Corporation has found that the U.S. Army’s approach to counter-UAS training is underdeveloped and fails to prepare units for the demands of modern drone-saturated battlefields. The study, conducted for the XVIII Airborne Corps and published under RAND’s Arroyo Center, concludes that current training programs are too narrow in focus and are not adequately integrated across units and command levels.
“Counter-UAS training needs to be integrated across echelon collective training, which includes creating opposing force (OPFOR) uncrewed aircraft systems capabilities,” the authors state.
According to the report, most U.S. units do not routinely encounter realistic drone threats until their Combat Training Center (CTC) rotations, leaving them unprepared for the kinds of drone tactics being used by adversaries. The report emphasizes that the first time a Brigade Combat Team (BCT) often experiences a drone threat is during these rotations, noting:
“They have no OPFOR at home station to help them train for the C-UAS tasks.”
The document also highlights that adversaries such as Russia and Ukraine have rapidly scaled up their drone training programs, often producing operators with more advanced skills than their U.S. counterparts.
“Failure to train U.S. Army units on sUAS to their full capabilities (and for the C-UAS mission, the enemy’s full capabilities) puts mission success and soldier lives at risk,” the report warns.
RAND researchers found that obstacles such as restrictive airspace policies, spectrum management, property accountability concerns and limited access to trained personnel are impeding effective home-station training. These challenges, they argue, are largely beyond the control of brigade, or battalion, level commanders and require institutional changes.
The report recommends the Army move beyond basic operator proficiency and begin training leaders and staffs on how to employ and counter drones within broader combined arms operations. It also calls for the development of shared tactics, techniques, and procedures, as well as more realistic training scenarios involving adversary drones.
“Most BCTs are inadequately trained or not trained at all on almost all collective unit sUAS and C-UAS tasks,” the authors conclude, adding that the Army must treat C-UAS as a core mission and not a niche capability.
https://cuashub.com/en/content/rand-warns-u-s-army-counter-drone-training-falls-short-of-operational-needs/ (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
11 Apr 25. Drones, body-worn cameras and other tech to help secure SA’s borders. Quadcopter unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or drones, as well as body-worn cameras and other new technologies have been introduced by the Border Management Authority (BMA) to secure South Africa’s borders and points of entry. Speaking at a media briefing on Thursday, Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber said the launch of the new technology marks a big step forward for enhancing border security and management. Four quadcopter UAVs and 40 body-worn cameras will be deployed for the first time at the country’s ports of entry over the coming Easter long weekend. The drones are equipped with night vision cameras incorporating thermal detection technology. Powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI), the devices are able to recognise and lock onto heat sources, moving people, or vehicles. They can also travel at speeds up to 43 kilometres per hour and are capable of operating in remote rural areas without access to GPS and even underground, the Department of Home Affairs said.
Nonhlanhla Mthembu, Instructor at Ntsu Drone Academy, said the drones can fly up to 7 000 metres, and have two cameras: a zoom camera that can see up to 20 km, and a thermal imaging camera for night operations. The cameras use artificial intelligence to identify and classify objects, and can automatically track objects. A laser rangefinder is used to calculate a target’s distance, and give coordinates.
“Data shows that when we first trialled the use of drones over the festive season, the number of attempted illegal crossings that were successfully prevented, increased by 215%,” said Schreiber.
He added that the Border Management Authority will now permanently deploy this cutting-edge technology on a fulltime basis.
The BMA is undertaking training to equip eight officers to become expert drone pilots. They will operate the devices on a shift basis and will move around different ports in the country.
Sujo Mulamattathil, Managing Director of Sparcx, provided a demonstration of body-worn cameras. They can record up to 16 hours of voice and video, as well as camera coordinates. The cameras can be linked with the drones so that if a panic button on the body-worn camera is pressed, the drone can fly to that location. Data from body-worn cameras will be stored in a secure facility for later review if needed.
“Our message to would-be illegal immigrants and smugglers is clear. We are now watching the borderline during the day, we are watching at night, we can see your body heat wherever you try to hide, and we will catch you. As we roll out more and more cutting-edge technology, there are fewer and fewer places to hide for criminals who undermine our national security,” Schreiber said.
He explained that the cameras will be given to officials working in the port of entry environment to detect and punish acts of corruption, while also monitoring the efficiency of officials.
“Importantly, the cameras are linked to a dedicated Digital Evidence Management System which ensures that all footage is admissible in court to ensure successful convictions.”
BMA Commissioner Dr Micheal Masiapato said the funding for the cameras, drones, and other equipment was supplied by the Criminal Assets Recovery Account (CARA). The BMA originally requested R500m in CARA funds to acquire tools of trade to get the BMA off the ground, but was allocated R150m. In addition to the cameras and drones, the BMA has acquired prison carrier vans to transport illegal immigrants, port health vehicles, and speedboats for harbour patrol, Masiapato said. Procurements were done via Armscor. Apart from the BMA, the South African Police Service aims to pilot 100 body-worn cameras in the coming year at a cost of R15m.
PPP for six ports of entry
Schreiber gave an update on the planned upgrade of six ports of entry, which will be overhauled under a public-private partnership. “There should be within the next few weeks an announcement of the redevelopment of the six biggest land ports of entry in South Africa and they will be done through a public private partnership. So that process is well advanced and that too is going to be an enormous step forward for us. It will entail the physical reconstruction of those six busiest land ports and we intend to then integrate that with the one stop border post concept,” he said. The one stop border post bill is in Parliament and when passed, will help greatly speed up border movements. “That process is well advanced and there should be some announcements in the next couple of weeks,” Schreiber said. (Source: https://www.sofx.com/)
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