RADAR, EO/IR, C-UAS, NIGHT VISION AND SURVEILLANCE UPDATE

Sponsored by Echodyne

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08 May 25. Industrial Electronic Engineers, IEE, a manufacturer of military avionics displays, is exhibiting at the Army Aviation Mission Solutions Summit (Quad-A) in Nashville, TN, May 14th-16th. Avionics Display replacements such as IEE’s 3ATI and 5ATI displays are available with legacy form and fit, while aligning with MOSA to support modularity and the use of open standards for communication and video. This modular approach allows for added function to the display as new sensors and systems are added to the aircraft. The modular approach also enables prolonged life-cycle support that spans from supply, through sustainment, and into technology insertion and refresh.

“Advancing the technologies we use in our products, such as support for the avionics digital backbone, enables real-time data feed from flight management systems, mission computers or navigation systems,” said Steve Motter, VP of Business Development at IEE. “It facilitates video and sensor data flow, as well as system control and configuration.”

3ATI Display

This full color smart display features a System on Module (SOM) with a microprocessor, Digital Signal Processor, and Graphics Accelerator, that together offer high levels of computing and advanced video performance. Many I/O configurations are available, including Ethernet, S-Video, RS-232/422, 1553, ARINC 429 and ARINC 818. The display luminance is controlled by a front panel rotary encoder under firmware control.

IEE’s 3ATI has customizable system interfaces and bezel design.

Product Features and Specifications

Active display area: 2.38″ x 2.38″
24-bit color
480 x 480 pixel resolution RGB vertical stripe arrangement
Choice of bezel buttons or control knob
Backlit LED
Adjustable brightness control, day/night mode
RS-422 Tx/Rx (x2) serial interface; other interfaces available
Processor: DM370 System on Module (SOM) with:

o ARM® Cortex® -A8 at 800 MHz, 256/512 or 512/512 MB DRAM/Flash

o TMS320C64x+™ DSP core at 800 MHz

o POWER SGX™ graphics accelerator

3ATI and 5ATI Form Factors are available for cockpit Multi-Function Displays (MFD).

IEE is exhibiting in booth #2603 at the Quad-A Summit, May 14th- 16th. Stop by or make an appointment with Steve Motter by calling 1-800-422-0867, ext. 327, or email: . (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

08 May 25. Cyberlux Corporation (OTC: CYBL), a leading provider of advanced defense technologies, announced a strategic partnership with OKSI (Optical Knowledge Systems, Inc.) to enhance unmanned aerial system (UAS) operations in GPS- and radio frequency (RF)-denied environments. This collaboration integrates OKSI’s cutting-edge OMNISCIENCE™ autonomy suite into Cyberlux’s latest UAS platforms, delivering robust navigation and target acquisition capabilities without reliance on traditional GPS or RF communications. Key features include:

OMNInav: A GPS-denied navigation module providing precise, drift-free positioning through multi-modal sensor fusion.
OMNIseek: Advanced automatic target detection and recognition, enabling rapid identification of targets in complex environments.
OMNIlocate: Provides Category I/II target coordinates in denied environments, facilitating accurate targeting.
OMNItarget: Offers terminal guidance capabilities for precision engagement.

These integrated systems are designed to support sustained operations in contested areas where GPS and RF signals are compromised, ensuring mission success through autonomous decision-making and adaptability.

“This partnership with OKSI represents a critical advancement in our mission to deliver next-generation autonomous capabilities to the warfighter,” said Mark Schmidt, CEO of Cyberlux Corporation. “By integrating OKSI’s OMNISCIENCE™ suite into our UAS platforms, we are enabling reliable operations in the most challenging, signal-denied environments and redefining the tactical edge of unmanned systems.”

Cyberlux and OKSI anticipate initial product demonstrations in Q3 2025, showcasing the enhanced UAS capabilities to potential defense and commercial clients. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

08 May 25. HENSOLDT has completed a second measurement campaign as part of the European research and development project STORE (Shared Database for Optronics image Recognition and Evaluation). The aim of the measurement campaign was to collect data for the development of image evaluation algorithms, in particular in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), together with partners from the STORE consortium. During the first measurement campaign, which took place last year in Fontevraud, France, the foundation was laid for a common European database for testing and training AI algorithms as part of the STORE project. Eight partners from the STORE consortium took part in the second measurement campaign in Kongsberg, Norway. The signature of land and air vehicles could be recorded in various operational scenarios in a snow-covered landscape. HENSOLDT was on site with a technology demonstrator vehicle equipped with several sensor systems, including the SETAS 360° vision system and other camera systems for observation and reconnaissance at longer distances. In the next step, the recorded data will be analysed and used to build the database.

“The insights gained in the study pave the way for the development of modern algorithms for the analysis of sensor data, which support soldiers in complex operational environments in making decisions based on a broad range of information,” emphasised Christina Canitz, Head of Division Optronics at HENSOLDT. “Sensor solutions that enable the perception of the environment from the safety of the interior are an essential component of land vehicles today. With the help of modern algorithms, objects in image data, for example, can be automatically detected and classified.”

STORE is a joint project of 21 partners from eight EU nations and Norway. The aim of the study is to develop new image evaluation technologies, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence. This includes the development of a joint test and training database and the investigation of different learning methods. The STORE project is receiving 23 m euros in funding from the European Defence Fund.

07 May 25. Raytheon Completes 1st Flight Test for Phantomstrike Radar. Next-generation radar provides superior threat detection. Raytheon, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, has successfully completed the first flight test of its PhantomStrike radar on its Multi-Program Testbed aircraft in Ontario, California. PhantomStrike successfully tracked several airborne targets and accurately mapped the terrain. PhantomStrike is a first-of-its-kind fully air-cooled, fire-control radar that’s designed to provide long-range threat detection, tracking and targeting. At nearly half the cost of a typical fire control radar, it delivers superior radar capability due to its faster, more agile digital beam, advanced target detection and resistance to jamming.

“The threat environment is evolving, and this test demonstrates how PhantomStrike can make enhanced situational awareness available to a broader set of our partners and allies – offering unparalleled performance and potential U.S. weapons integration – at an affordable price,” said Bryan Rosselli, president of Advanced Products and Solutions at Raytheon. “This next-generation radar dramatically changes how we identify and respond to threats.”

PhantomStrike is a gallium nitride (GaN) powered radar that enables aircrew to see farther. It’s designed for a range of platforms, including uncrewed and light-attack aircraft, fighter jets, helicopters and ground-based towers. It harnesses the fire control power of a fighter in its lightest form factor ever – weighing nearly half of a modern active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar. Production of the radars takes place in Forest, Mississippi; Tucson, Arizona; and Scotland, with support from Raytheon UK. (Source: ASD Network)

07 May 25. VITEC, a prominent leader in the Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) technology sector, is set to debut its advanced streaming technologies at DSEI Japan 2025, from 21-23 May 2025. This event marks VITEC’s first defense trade show appearance in the region, underscoring its expanding global footprint and commitment to delivering high-performance ISR video solutions worldwide. Located at booth H5-452, VITEC will feature its ruggedized TOUGH encoder family, designed for video acquisition in challenging environments, as well as its MGW Diamond-H, a 4K and Dual-Channel SD/HD HDMI Encoder. Additionally, EZ TV ISR, VITEC’s video content management solution engineered for rapid deployment in the field, will also be demonstrated.

“We’ve been carefully monitoring the progress of DSEI Japan as well as the Indo-Pacific market overall, and it’s an exciting time to exhibit our latest technologies in the region at this growing show,” states Jamie Hind, APAC Regional Director at VITEC. “VITEC is dedicated to providing dependable, secure, high-performance ISR video streaming solutions designed for the most demanding military settings. We look forward to meeting partners and attendees at the event to showcase how our rugged encoders withstand challenging conditions and deliver superior video quality at low bitrates.”

At DSEI Japan, VITEC will showcase the MGW Diamond-H, available for streaming Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) video feeds over RF or satellite links enabling real-time situational awareness and allowing tactical decision-making. MGW Diamond-H also offers screen sharing capabilities to facilitate seamless collaboration and coordination within teams, resulting in mission-critical information being shared instantly. Stream protection technologies like Zixi™, SRT, RIST, and Pro-MPEG ensure secure and reliable data transmission, preserving operational integrity. Furthermore, Power over Ethernet (PoE) services streamlines deployment by giving both power and data over a single Ethernet cable, resulting in a reduction of the need for additional power sources and making it ideal for rapid, adaptable installation in dynamic field environments.

Additionally, the VITEC booth will feature the MGW Pico+ TOUGH, a compact and energy-efficient video encoder for use in both unmanned and manned vehicles across land, sea, or air. It includes a compact, airborne and marine certified enclosure, designed to operate in all environmental conditions. Weighing less than 400 grams, the encoder maintains superior video quality at low bitrates, provides overlay capabilities for timestamping and camera identification, and can adjust its bitrate according to available bandwidth.

The MGW Diamond TOUGH, part of the TOUGH family, is a quad-channel encoder for HEVC and H.264 HD/SD. It delivers multi-channel low latency streaming with High Dynamic Range (HDR), ensuring exceptional video contrast and brightness. The HEVC (H.265) compression decreases network bandwidth usage by up to 50% compared to H.264 standards. It is ideal for ground vehicle missions dedicated to ISR as it allows IP streaming within the vehicle as well as streaming to command & control thanks to HEVC. Completing VITEC’s portfolio is the EZ TV ISR, a fully integrated tactical IPTV system. Users can process, archive, index, manage, and share tactical video and metadata. Its secure and dependable architecture satisfies information assurance and cybersecurity requirements, facilitating the swift exploitation and processing of both live and recorded video assets. EZ TV ISR can be rapidly deployed in various locations to function as the main interface for managing live and tactical video feeds. Visit VITEC at booth H5-452 at DSEI Japan 2025 to learn more. VITEC’s full line of products is available at www.vitec.com

07 May 25. AeroVironment, Inc. (“AV”) (NASDAQ: AVAV) today announced Titan 4, the next generation of its battle-proven, warfighter-trusted Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) technology. Titan 4 is a smaller, lighter, more powerful, highly extensible Radio Frequency (RF)-based solution to detect and defeat Group 1 and 2 drone threats. Titan 4 is portable and mission-adaptable—supporting mobile, dismounted, or fixed-site use—and can deploy in under five minutes to identify and neutralize threats, creating a protective dome around personnel and infrastructure. Titan 4 is 17% lighter and 73% smaller than its dual-chassis predecessor, now integrated into a single compact chassis as compared to its dual-chassis predecessor. It offers nearly 250% more transmit power with 540W of total output over six RF bands to address both current and emerging threats. For enhanced airspace awareness, AV has integrated its Titan-SV system within Titan 4 to provide operators with AI/ML-backed passive, long-range precision threat detection.

“With over a thousand units in the field and hundreds of thousands of operational hours, our team has taken lessons learned from active deployments in rapidly evolving threat landscapes to develop the next era of RF C-UAS superiority,” said Trace Stevenson, President of AV’s Autonomous Systems Segment. “Smaller, lighter and more powerful, Titan 4 is poised to better respond to both individual threats and drone swarms in the harshest environments–using adaptive, autonomous, escalating countermeasures to protect our warfighters, allies, and infrastructure and ensure successful military operations.”

Titan 4 is the flagship solution in AV’s Titan C-UAS™ suite of autonomous RF counter-drone systems. In addition to Titan 4 and Titan-SV, AV is expanding this suite of solutions with technologies spanning from larger, fixed-site configurations to small, interoperable plug-and-play sensors:

Titan-MS is an AI-powered, multi-sensor technology that detects, identifies, tracks, defeats, and reports on unmanned system threats. As the largest, most powerful solution in the Titan family, Titan-MS (Multi-Sensor) is a multi-mission, multi-threat capability suitable for fixed-site installations in air, sea, and land domains. Fusing RF, radar, and optics with AI and ML algorithms from industry-leading sensors, Titan-MS detects, classifies, and defeats RF-controlled and autonomous drone threats, while also tracking human and vehicle movement. It provides operators with recorded video and detailed analytics for after-action review to continuously improve security operations.

Titan-EO/IR is a portable, multi-sensor platform to detect, identify, track, and defeat UAS threats. Leveraging the repeatable performance of Titan’s RF capabilities along with agile Middle Wavelength Infrared (MWIR) sensors, Titan-EO/IR integrates advanced sensor arrays into a unified interface, delivering full-spectrum airspace awareness.

Titan-SV LOB is a fixed-site or vehicle-mounted small-UAS (sUAS) detection and tracking solution that provides operators with the same long-range, 360° coverage of Titan-SV along with precise azimuth and elevation for all sUAS threats. For standard protocol sUAS, Titan-SV LOB (Line of Bearing) provides enhanced threat awareness with full 3D tracking. With proven commercial and government multi-sensor interoperability, plug-and-play compatibility with BlueSky 2” Mast systems, and a secure API supporting a wide array of integrations, Titan SV-LOB is a versatile, multi-domain C-UAS solution.

Titan-SV MOSA/SOSA is the next generation of Titan-SV in development, putting the passive threat detection power of Titan-SV on an open-architecture sensor card for maximum interoperability on a wide variety of multi-mission systems and open standard chassis. Using Sensor Open Systems Architecture (SOSA) and Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) frameworks, Titan-SV SOSA/MOSA promotes interoperability, scalability, and rapid modernization across defense platforms.

“From our fixed-site capabilities to our plug-in integrations, the Titan family of RF C-UAS solutions is a force multiplier for our warfighters,” said Jimmy Jenkins, Executive Vice President of AV’s Precision Strike and Defense Systems Group. “With a proven track record across Titan and Titan-SV deployments, we’re proud to roll out Titan 4 and a full family of Titan solutions to meet the critical multi-mission needs of our customers. We’re moving these innovations from prototype to full-scale production to quickly deliver our U.S.-made and manufactured units into the hands of warfighters who are protecting us at home and abroad.”

Titan was selected as a C-UAS Program of Record (POR) capability for an undisclosed Department of Defense customer in 2022. Since that time, the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Special Operations Forces have deployed more than 1,000 units globally to protect U.S., allied, and coalition forces and critical infrastructure. Domestically, Federal departments have deployed Titan systems for crowd protection at large gatherings and major sporting events. Internationally, countries across the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Latin America, and other allied partners are trusting Titan to enhance their air defense capabilities against drone threats. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

07 May 25. BigBear.ai (NYSE: BBAI), a leading provider of AI-powered decision intelligence solutions for defense and national security, today announced a collaboration with Hardy Dynamics, a provider of advanced AI capabilities for defense applications, to support a U.S. Army initiative under Project Linchpin. The work will be performed under a Direct-to-Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract awarded to Hardy Dynamics, with BigBear.ai supporting as a sub-contractor. Project Linchpin is a U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) effort focused on integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) into future warfighting capabilities. This collaboration will develop next-generation AI technologies to enable secure, resilient communication and coordination among unmanned aerial system (UAS) swarms in extended ranges.

“In supporting the U.S. Army’s Project Linchpin, BigBear.ai is advancing the frontiers of AI-powered operations across the defense ecosystem,” said Kevin McAleenan, CEO of BigBear.ai. “We are excited to work with Hardy Dynamics to deliver mission-focused, scalable solutions to meet the evolving needs of our warfighters, where they operate. Most importantly, this collaboration is directly aligned to the U.S. Secretary of the Army and Chief of Staff of the Army’s joint Letter to the Force: Army Transformation Initiative, which prioritizes the delivery of warfighting capabilities including ‘close the C-sUAS capability gap’ and ‘Command and control nodes will integrate Artificial Intelligence to accelerate decision-making and preserve the initiative.’ We are at the forefront of this transformation and will deliver.”

As part of this effort, Hardy Dynamics will leverage BigBear.ai’s AI, data, and sensor orchestration platform, ConductorOS, to facilitate interoperability between various autonomous systems. The focus includes developing adaptive ML algorithms allowing these systems to learn from and respond to dynamic environments, increasing operational agility and mission effectiveness.

“We are proud to be working with BigBear.ai on this critical national defense initiative,” said Kyle Hardy, CEO of Hardy Dynamics and Partner of Clipper Defense Inc. “Our team is committed to delivering innovative AI solutions that meet the U.S. Army’s needs and support their efforts in developing next-generation autonomous systems. This is inarguably the future of warfare, and we are honored to be chosen to support the U.S. Army in this critical modernization effort.”

The Linchpin initiative seeks to revolutionize the use of autonomous systems by enabling distributed, AI-driven decision-making at the edge to allow for more coordinated actions across platforms in support of multi-domain operations. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

07 May 25. Vision Products, LLC (www.visionproducts.llc) , a leading innovator in head-mounted display systems, has successfully demonstrated a next-generation soldier-borne imaging/display system that outperforms traditional analog night vision goggles, even under extreme low-light conditions such as overcast starlight. This groundbreaking system integrates an advanced sensor suite and a state-of-the-art, high-resolution display to deliver unmatched situational awareness for Soldiers. At the heart of the system is a cutting-edge 2K x 2K, wide field-of-view display that offers zero see through distortion, exceptional contrast, and none of the distracting visual artifacts typically seen in waveguide displays, such as color separation, reduced clarity and rainbow effects.

“The demonstration clearly shows that digital night vision is not just a viable alternative, but a superior option to increase situational awareness,” said Dr. Michael Browne, President of Vision Products. “With our system, soldiers can operate with confidence in the darkest conditions, while benefiting from additional enhancements that analog night vision simply cannot provide, such as recording, sharing of imagery, and image enhancement/processing. We know of no other system that comes anywhere close to the night vision performance we can provide over all illumination conditions.”

The system also features a novel Gaussian-Laplacian fusion engine, which intelligently combines inputs from low-light and thermal sensors. This compact and efficient fusion technique enhances target visibility and scene understanding without increasing system size or weight. Importantly, the Vision Products system includes light security features that limit visual signature even at close range, providing tactical advantages against adversaries equipped with night vision devices.

“This is not just evolution—it’s a revolution in Soldier vision systems that meet the needs of the Army’s Soldier Borne Mission Command (SBMC) program,” added Browne. “We’re giving Soldiers the tools they need to dominate complex, contested environments.”

Vision Products continues to establish the state-of-the-art in wearable vision systems, delivering high-performance, mission-critical solutions to military and government customers. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

06 May 25. Cuashub.com said today that DIU director on Counter UAS: “We need to be doing much, much more.” At a hearing on May 1, Doug Beck, Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) Director, briefed members of Congress on the importance of C-UAS and ongoing DIU efforts to enhance warfighter capabilities in the field. It was also made abundantly clear that more needs to be done, and quickly, to ensure that work reaches the scale required.

Current Partnerships and the Threat

Highlighting the extent to which this is now a whole department effort Mr Beck began by outlining areas of ongoing collaboration across the DoD, with the DIU currently collaborating with the organizations below.

Combatant Commands
Service Branches
The Joint Staff
Office of the Secretary of Defense
Joint Counter-Small Unmanned Aerial Systems Office (JCO)
OUSD Acquisition & Sustainment

Mr Beck then outlined the nature and scale of the challenge, stating that the DIU is laser focused on leveraging commercial derived technology to:

“Defeat sUAS with the speed and efficacy necessary to defend against the most demanding threats, across the full range of conditions – from combat environments overseas to population centers here at home.”

Key Priorities

In order to achieve this goal, Mr Beck highlighted three specific areas of effort that if implemented effectively would significantly increase DoD’s C-sUAS capabilities:

Adopting lower cost sensing capabilities to augment existing exquisite point defense systems and leverage the vast quantities of data available via public and commercial sources.
Reducing operator burden and enabling mass data exploitation via the introduction of AI-driven decision support systems
Ensuring warfighters are equipped with environment and mission suited defeat capabilities derived from both traditional and non-traditional defence companies

Recent Successes

Mr Beck then highlighted recent successes, including the $642 m IDIQ contract awarded to Anduril by the United States Marine Corps & ongoing partnership with United States Central Command to assist the rapid assessment and delivery of a close-in defeat intercept capability.

Takeaways

DIU priorities seem to align directly with those of the Trump administration & Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth who have made clear recently that traditional approaches to acquisition are not compatible with the threats currently facing the US homeland and forward deployed operators.

It is to be hoped that the DIU’s ongoing efforts in this field and growing Congressional support will enable US DoD to match these threats at the pace and scale required to maintain/ recapture assured operational superiority.

https://cuashub.com/en/content/diu-director-on-counter-uas-we-need-to-be-doing-much-much-more/ (Source: https://cuashub.com/)

06 May 25. Cuashub.com said today that Hegseth highlights closing C-UAS capability gap as part of Army transformation. In an April 30 memo to the Secretary of the Army, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth ordered the implementation of a comprehensive transformation strategy aimed at building a leaner and more lethal force that prioritizes defending the homeland and deterring China in the Indo-Pacific. Secretary Hegseth outlined the aims of this new strategy, notably to “streamline force structure, eliminate wasteful spending, reform the acquisition process, modernize inefficient defense contracts, and overcome parochial interests to rebuild our Army, restore the warrior ethos, and reestablish deterrence.” Under this initiative, Secretary Hegseth has directed the Secretary of the Army to “accelerate delivery of war winning capabilities” to transform the current Army for future warfare. Amongst other priorities, the Secretary of the Army is directed to achieve electro-magnetic and air-littoral dominance by 2027. There is a specific focus on improving C-UAS mobility and affordability, with the end goal of integrating these capabilities into maneuver platoons by 2026 and maneuver companies by 2027.

Subsequently, Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll and General Randy A. George, Chief of Staff of the Army, sent a Letter to the Force dated May 1 titled “Army Transformation Initiative”. The new initiative comprises three lines of effort:

Delivering critical warfighting capabilities.
Optimizing force structure.
Eliminating waste and obsolete programs.

Notably, effort line one highlights the need to “close the C-sUAS capability gap”.

Whilst there is currently little information on how this will be achieved, clearly increasing C-UAS capabilities is a core component of Hegseth’s vision for the future US Army.

https://cuashub.com/en/content/hegseth-highlights-closing-c-uas-capability-gap-as-part-of-army-transformation/ (Source: https://cuashub.com/)

06 May 25. DIU, NORTHCOM, JCO Announce Solicitation for Joint Low-Collateral Defeat Capabilities. The Defense Innovation Unit and the Joint Counter-small UAS Office, announced a new solicitation for low-collateral defeat (LCD) options in support of Replicator 2 that can scale across the joint force and integrate into existing Counter Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-sUAS) programs of record. As part of the Replicator initiative, the call for novel capabilities builds on multiple efforts to deliver strategic capability and to build new innovative muscle for the Department of Defense. As drones rapidly evolve from slow, easily identifiable commercial systems operating on known frequencies-to faster, custom-built systems, the call for LCD capabilities is a key effort geared toward supporting warfighters with the most effective defeat options. These systems help to minimize risk to friendly forces, civilians, and infrastructure in the homeland and abroad.

“DIU continues to work with partners across DoD to accelerate efforts to address UAS threats in both combat environments and highly populated areas,” said DIU Director, Doug Beck. “In addition to providing a critical capability to our forces around the world and helping protect the nation here at home; we are focused on working with industry’s most agile commercial companies to meet the evolving challenges in countering UAS and on scaling those solutions to the level required by the evolving threat.”

By leveraging DIU’s commercial solutions opening (CSO), a process that emphasizes speed, flexibility, scalability, and execution, this effort aims to add urgency to defense innovation and clear systemic roadblocks related to LCD acquisitions.

“North America faces a variety of non-traditional threats, and key among these is the use of small uncrewed aircraft systems operating near installations and critical infrastructure – addressing these threats is a top priority and essential task,” said Commander, U.S. Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command, Gen. Gregory M. Guillot. “Partnering with DIU to employ low-collateral defeat capabilities is one example of how we are developing the forward-looking capabilities and policies necessary to ensure a seamless and well-coordinated defensive enterprise.”

The solicitation is open for industry submissions until May 16, 2025. Solution providers should expect to participate in shared testing events with other vendors, operators and government developers from each service and be prepared to rapidly scale and integrate into service Program of Record C-sUAS systems. This solicitation aligns with E.O. 14269 – Modernizing Defense Acquisitions and Spurring Innovation in the Industrial Base, which focuses on streamlining acquisitions to accelerate defense procurement, ensures the Armed Forces have decisive advantages now and into the future. As part of the Replicator initiative, this call for novel capabilities also builds on multiple efforts underway elsewhere in the Department of Defense, to include the Military Services, U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM), the Office of the Under Secretary of Acquisition and Sustainment (OUSD A&S), and collaborative work with the United Kingdom.

“This project is a key step in our joint solutions approach to address the growing threats and challenges of all-domain drone warfare,” said Joint Counter-small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Office Director, Maj. Gen. David Stewart. “We are focused on accelerating capability development, while introducing novel operating concepts.” (Source: UAS VISION)

02 May 25. China’s counter-UAV efforts reveal more than technological advancement. They also show the PLA’s dedication to learning from conflict and tech trends and its determination to dominate the electromagnetic battlespace. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are reshaping modern warfare—from the battlefields of Ukraine to the contested skies over the South China Sea—and spurring Beijing to upgrade its counter-drone capabilities aggressively. Recent demonstrations featuring high-power microwave systems and AI-assisted autonomous interceptors reveal an evolving PLA strategy designed to neutralize mass drone swarms and first-person-view (FPV) attack drones. China now appears to be adopting a multi-layered defense approach that integrates electronic warfare, directed-energy weapons, and AI-driven interception systems, combining both kinetic and non-kinetic solutions. The successful and varied use of drones in locales ranging from Azerbaijan and Sudan to Ukraine and Israel has exposed clear gaps in traditional air defense systems. Conventional systems, built to target large, fast-moving aircraft have struggled with agile, low-flying, and often massed drones that operate in coordinated swarms. Traditional defenses are also extremely expensive compared to the cost of drones. One U.S. ally shot down a $200 drone with a Patriot missile that costs just over $3m. Watching these trends, the PLA has come to the same realization. During its training exercises last summer, countermeasures managed to neutralize only around 40 percent of incoming UAVs. These underwhelming results prompted Chinese military planners to rethink their approach. China’s commitment to counter-drone technology is underscored by a rapid increase in domestic investment, as previously noted in Defense One. The market now features more than 3,000 manufacturers producing anti-drone equipment in some form, highlighting the strategic importance placed on this domain, while recent procurement data reveal a dramatic rise in the acquisition of counter-UAV systems. In 2024 alone, government authorities issued 205 procurement notices related to counter-drone technology—a significant leap from 122 in 2023 and 87 in 2022. This surge reflects Beijing’s heightened concern over low-altitude security and the need for robust drone mitigation. Chinese military commentators have advocated for a layered defense that combines robust detection networks with a mix of kinetic and non-kinetic countermeasures. This approach blends radars, electro-optical sensors, electronic warfare, and artificial intelligence for real-time threat analysis, enabling rapid engagement against swarming drones. The goal remains clear: disrupt and disable hostile UAVs before they can inflict damage on critical assets. China’s counter-drone strategy thus emphasizes integrating an array of detection and engagement tools. Advanced anti-UAV radars seek to detect drones by analyzing their unique electromagnetic signatures. For this, the PLA operates a mix of active and passive radars, such as the YLC-48 “UAV Terminator,” a portable phased-array radar with 360-degree coverage designed specifically for drone detection. A particular attribute of passive radar systems, such as the DWL002, is to provide low-observable UAV detection without emitting signals, which makes them both more resilient to electronic warfare threats and less likely to be found and counter-targeted with kinetic strikes. These radars work in tandem with AI-driven sensor fusion networks to improve tracking accuracy and response coordination. The PLA’s integration of multiple radar types into its air defense ecosystem reflects a broader trend of enhancing detection range, minimizing blind spots, and improving survivability against adversarial electronic warfare countermeasures.

Such radars are then blended with electro-optical sensors and electronic warfare systems to form an interconnected network. A prime example is the “ Tianqiong” (Sky Dome) system, developed by the state-owned military electronics giant CETC. This system combines radar, jamming, and directed-energy countermeasures into an automated network capable of real-time threat analysis. An effective counter-drone operation also demands seamless command-and-control (C2) integration. To achieve this, researchers from the PLA Naval Research Institute have highlighted the necessity of integrating AI-driven decision-making, multi-sensor fusion, and networked defensive assets to counter UAV swarms effectively. Firms such as Quansheng Technology and Chengdu Kongyu Technology claim to integrate AI with advanced radio-frequency detection and jamming systems to enable fully autonomous drone neutralization. These innovations not only improve detection accuracy but also reduce response times, crucial factors when facing fast-moving drone swarms. China is investing in C2 networks that unify disparate defense assets into a single, cohesive system. CETC’s “Yuanmo“ integrated command and control system remains central to these efforts by combining with the Tianqiong system to synchronize radar data, electro-optical inputs, and electronic warfare capabilities to automate threat assessments and coordinate rapid countermeasures. China’s civil-military fusion strategy further bolsters these initiatives. Chinese defense companies such as Lianchuang Optoelectronics are pursuing AI-driven imaging and targeting technologies. These innovations enhance the precision of drone tracking and interception, making the overall defense system more responsive. Collaborations between state enterprises and private tech firms—such as the joint venture between Sichuan 6912 Communication Technology Company and the China Academy of Engineering Physics focused on high-power microwave technology—drive innovation and expedite the transition of commercial advancements into military applications.

Once found, a UAV must be shot down, which involves other new approaches than traditional missile interceptors. One of China’s most significant C-UAV advancements is the NORINCO-produced Hurricane-3000, a high-power microwave weapon recently showed at the Zhuhai Airshow. Described as the equivalent of “launching thousands of microwave ovens into the sky,” the system delivers rapid, area-wide electromagnetic pulses capable of frying drone electronics within a 3,000-meter radius. This would allow it to engage multiple targets simultaneously, offering an effective solution against coordinated drone attacks. To complement the Hurricane-3000, NORINCO also produces the Hurricane-2000, a smaller, mobile variant mounted on armored vehicles. Although both systems face challenges like energy dissipation and high power consumption, Chinese engineers are employing gallium nitride (GaN)-based amplifiers to improve efficiency and minimize interference. These improvements promise to boost operational range and adaptability on various terrains. China has also invested heavily in laser-based counter-UAV systems. The Silent Hunter laser defense system, developed by China Poly Technologies, exemplifies this effort. This 30-kilowatt fiber-optic laser targets and destroys low-flying drones at ranges up to 4 kilometers. Its effectiveness has been demonstrated in domestic security operations, and has begun to be used internationally. Saudi Arabia, for instance, has incorporated Silent Hunter into its defense systems after it countered a Houthi attack drone. Other major players, including state-owned defense conglomerates AVIC and CASIC, are advancing their own laser platforms. Systems like AVIC’s Light Arrow and Sky Shield series and CASIC’s LW-30 and LW-60 offer rapid, vehicle-mounted drone interception. They integrate AI-driven automation and multi-waveband targeting, broadening the operational envelope to counter diverse UAV threats. These laser systems not only reduce reliance on expensive missile interceptors, but also promise lower operational costs due to their ability to deliver continuous fire without the need for ammunition. Smaller and non-traditional firms are also playing an increasing role in developing high-power laser systems for counter-drone missions. According to a Minsheng Securities Report, Raycus Laser’s fiber laser delivers precision targeting that claims to be able to burn through UAV components at long distances. Advances in beam focusing and heat dissipation technology are likely to further enrich the PLA’s growing arsenal of laser-based countermeasures against UAV threats. China’s counter-UAV advances reveal three important developments: a dedication to learning from and mastering the latest trends in conflict and technology; a determined effort to secure its airspace; as well as a larger goal to dominate the electromagnetic battlespace in future conflicts. (Source: Defense One)

28 Apr 25. Indian Army looking to equip BMP-2 vehicles with C-UAS for border defence. The Indian Army has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for counter-uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS) technology for the BMP-2/2K infantry fighting vehicle. The Army intends to acquire 100 units per year to address the increasing threat from drones along India’s borders with Pakistan and China. The systems, which the Indian Army notes in the RFI would ideally be in line with the national “Made in India” manufacturing and supply initiative, or at least 50% locally produced, should be capable of real-time detecting, classification and tracking of drones. Radar, EO/IR sensors and RF detectors would be beneficial when operating at high altitude and in difficult environments. The Army is interested in both kinetic and non-kinetic methods with minimal collateral damage. The C-UAS systems must integrate with the BMP-2/2K vehicle’s fire control systems, including BMP-2M upgrades (night-fighting and automatic target tracking). (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

28 Apr 25. Ondas secures European order for Iron Drone Raider. Ondas has secured a USD3.4m order for its Iron Drone Raider counter-uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS) technology from a European defence contractor for its governmental end client. This order will mark the initial deployment of the Iron Drone Raider in Europe. The system will be embedded into operational security frameworks and serve as a core component in the country’s C-UAS architecture. Raider is designed to autonomously detect, intercept, and neutralise hostile UAS – including those operating without GPS, RF signals, or remote control. Suitable for use in dense urban and contested environments, the Raider’s drone-on-drone, net-based capture system offers a low-collateral, reusable approach. Each interceptor drone autonomously engages targets using AI-driven onboard processing and returns to base for immediate redeployment. Ondas said it is actively scaling production, integration, and field support capabilities to address growing global demand for C-UAS. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

29 Apr 25. Final call for C-UAS tech for INTERPOL’s law enforcement exercise. INTERPOL has issued the final call for counter-uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS) technology providers for its drone countermeasures exercise. The event takes place in two locations, Sevilla in Spain in May and San Diego in the United States in September. Interested parties may participate in either or both.

The exercise will involve red/blue teaming and is designed specifically for law enforcement C-UAS operators and decision makers. The red team of skilled drone operators will simulate various threats, from surveillance and smuggling to more complex challenges like swarm attacks and electronic warfare tactics. The blue team will deploy drone detection, identification, and neutralisation technologies to protect critical infrastructure, public safety, and law enforcement operations.

The event will offer a hands-on opportunity to test and refine capabilities in real urban settings that will continue their day to day operation throughout. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

02 May 25. L3Harris Technologies (NYSE:LHX) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Thales UK to develop an integrated short-range air defence (SHORAD) command and control capability. The joint solution integrates L3Harris’ proven Target Orientated Tracking System into Thales’ Agile C4I at the Edge (ACE) system to provide enhanced command and control.

“L3Harris is proud to provide advanced technology in support of the UK’s defence priorities,” said Ed Zoiss, President, Space and Airborne Systems, L3Harris. “Rapid, reliable delivery of intelligence from various sensors across the battlespace will provide UK forces with a better common operating picture and will enable more informed decision-making.”

L3Harris and Thales offer a combined 80 years of experience delivering command, control, communications, computers, intelligence and ground-based air defence (GBAD) capabilities to the UK. Both L3Harris and Thales’ multi-domain situational awareness capabilities are in service today, providing protection to mission-critical infrastructure within the UK.

29 Apr 25. C-UAS included in US lawmakers’ proposal to increase defence spending. The United States House and Senate Armed Services Committees have unveiled legislation to invest USD150bn in defence to modernise the military and strengthen national security. Counter-drone and other air defence measures feature strongly in the proposal. These include USD350m for the development, production and integration of non-kinetic C-UAS programmes as well as USD 250m for land-based C-UAS and USD200m for ship-based C-UAS. Further investment is proposed for a hypersonic test bed programme, directed energy development and space-based capabilities as well as for the ‘golden dome’ missile defence system.

The bill will next be sent to the House Budget Committee to help form the full reconciliation bill. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

29 Apr 25. US Marines and Philippine Airmen test MADIS in joint exercise. US Marines with 3d Littoral Anti-Air Battalion, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, alongside Philippine Airmen with 960th Air and Missile Defense Group, have concluded one of six Combined Joint All-Domain Operations (CJADO) events during Exercise Balikatan 25. The Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) was held at Naval Station Leovigildo Gantioqui from April 25 – 27 and included live- and dry-fire demonstrations from the US. Marine Corps, US Army, and Philippine Air Force’s counter-uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS) weapon systems.

US Marines with the 3d LAAB’s GBAD Battery demonstrated the Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS), mounted on a Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV), which integrates multiple weapons into a single, highly mobile platform designed for low-altitude air defence. The MADIS system is equipped with machine guns, chain guns, and air-to-air launchers, allowing gunners to detect, track, identify, and engage a variety of UAS using different missiles. The system is designed to rapidly displace after completing a C-UAS mission, enabling it to remain mobile and flexible for operations in dynamic, contested environments.

Other primary weapon systems employed during the IAMD were the AN/TPS-80 Ground/Air Task-Oriented Radar (G/ATOR), the US Army’s AN/TWQ-1 Avenger, and the Philippine Air Force’s Surface-to-Air Python and Derby – Medium Range (SPYDER-MR) missile system. The wider Balikatan 25 exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the US military continues until May 9 across the Philippine archipelago. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

29 Apr 25. Zing scoops Pendleton C-UAS Challenge prize. Zing Drone Solutions has announced in a LinkedIn post that it has been awarded the USD 100,000 grand prize at the Proven in Pendleton Counter-UAS Challenge, part of the Oregon UAS Accelerator.

Zing’s Z-SCAN, was selected from among 30 competing companies after live field testing and evaluation by national security and defence experts. It is a passive RF-based drone detection and pilot geolocation system, designed to protect prisons, airports and critical infrastructure. Z-SCAN uses high-gain directional antennas and proprietary machine learning models to detect, classify, and localise both drones and their operators in real time, without reliance on radar or jamming, even in adverse weather conditions. The company also announced it will be launching its commercial rollout in the Pacific Northwest, before expanding nationwide. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

30 Apr 25. US Marine Corps takes delivery of Epirus counter-drone swarm system. Epirus announced on April 29 that it has provided an Expeditionary Directed Energy Counter-Swarm (ExDECS) system to Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren to support the US Marine Corps. ExDECS, a derivative of the company’s Leonidas Expeditionary technology, is an energy-based, high-power microwave (HPM) counter-drone system.

The mobile, solid-state HPM system was developed as part of a contract awarded by the US Navy’s Office of Naval Research (ONR). ONR awarded Epirus an additional follow-on contract in September 2024 to support further testing and evaluation of the system as part of the Preliminary Evaluation of Ground-based Anti-Swarm UAS System (PEGASUS) programme.

Upon signing of the Department of Defense Form DD250, which documents Factory Acceptance Testing, the ExDECS prototype was shipped to Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division earlier this year where it completed Government Acceptance Testing. The system will now support the US Marine Corps’ experimentation objectives to evaluate the benefits of HPM to the Low Altitude Air Defense (LAAD) mission and enhance Ground Based Air Defense (GBAD) capabilities. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

30 Apr 25. US defence leaders warn of “coordinated attempts to use unauthorised drones.” US House Subcommittee on Military and Foreign Affairs Chairman William Timmons yesterday warned of coordinated attempts to use unauthorised drones to collect US military intelligence.

Timmons said full accountability, expedited technological upgrades, and enhanced oversight are needed to counter the threat.

“These incursions are not from hobbyists being blown off course,” Timmons said at the subcommittee hearing. “The multitude of drones reported flying over bases in the past several years revealed a coordinated effort by our adversaries to collect valuable intelligence and surveillance of some of our most sensitive military equipment.

“Right now, the Department of Defense (DoD), Federal Aviation Administration, Intelligence Community, Department of Justice, and Department of Homeland Security are all involved in some aspects of the counter UAS efforts. As a result, there is no agency with primary authority on countering drone incursions, leading to confusion, and more importantly, gaps on how to identify and mitigate this threat.”

In a joint statement, Mark Roosevelt Ditlevson, Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense and Hemispheric Affairs and Rear Admiral Paul Spedero Jr, Vice Director for Operations, Joint Staff, told the hearing about the DoD’s response to these threats.

“DoD is implementing process changes and improving training to make full use of our authorities and capabilities. This effort is being formalised and the first updated guidance will come out of coordination in the coming weeks.” In addition, they said DoD is working to acquire hardware to give commanders better tools to understand the operating environment and the ability to effectively conduct non-kinetic and kinetic mitigations.

“The technology to counter unmanned systems has not kept pace with their rapid development and employment. Therefore, the Department is also working to acquire not only capabilities that address the threat posed by the UAS we see today, but also capabilities that anticipate how the threat will evolve over time. To do this effectively, the Department needs to balance defence of critical facilities with the need to ensure the safety of the communities and commercial airspace that surround them.

“The systems that have proven effective at countering UAS in the Middle East are not appropriate for the homeland given the intelligence collection required to enable these mitigation operations and the potential for collateral damage (e.g., radio frequency jamming can interfere with emergency responder radios and weather radar). DoD’s understanding of the threat and the unique mitigation dynamics in the homeland have greatly improved. Once selected and fielded, this hardware and software will give commanders better tools to characterise their environment, coupled with the ability to effectively mitigate these threats – with low-risk of collateral effects. This effort is in its relatively early stages, but it’s a critical part of our approach to address this threat.”

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(Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

01 May 25. Diehl demonstrates GUARDION in live-fire test. Diehl Defence demonstrated its counter-uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS) and loitering munitions capabilities at an event in Pocek, Slovenia on April 23 and 24. Representatives from industry as well as delegations from Slovenia, Croatia, Poland, Denmark, Lithuania, Switzerland, Austria and Germany took part in the demonstration.

Diehl Defence presented GUARDION and Sky Sphere C-UAS as well as the Libelle loitering munition. GUARDION was part of a live-fire demonstration, successfully taking down drones using its High Power Electromagnetics (HPEM) effectors. Jointly developed with industrial partners ESG and Rohde & Schwarz, GUARDION is designed to counter small drones, either individually or as a swarm. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

03 May 25. NATO issues challenge call for systems to detect, track and neutralise FPV drones. NATO has issued a Request for Innovative Participation (RFIP) notice for industry and academia to propose innovative concepts, systems, or integrated architectures that can detect, prioritise, track, and neutralise fibre-optic-controlled FPV drones, and potentially other similar low-cost uncrewed threats. Responses are due by May 30.

A committee will select up to 10 solutions amongst the responses submitted to participate in the Innovation Challenge (IC) 25 Pitch Day projected to be June 20, 2025. Participation in the Pitch Day will be either on-site, in Tallin, Estonia or online. An Advisory Panel will then assess the systems.

“Since late 2024, the Russian Federation has introduced a new generation of fiber-optic-controlled First Person View (FPV) drones on the battlefield,” the RFIP states. “These drones are resistant to electronic warfare and jamming due to the use of fibre-optic tethered communication links. This advancement, first recorded in the Kursk region and later expanded across Donetsk and Zaporizhia, has escalated the threat level, presenting new challenges for NATO and its partners. EW counter-UAS systems are ineffective against this type of drone. The combination of high maneuverability, jamming immunity, and low visual and radar signature makes these drones particularly dangerous to frontline troops and forward elements.”

The RFIP is intended for discovery purposes only, not to solicit any type of contracts. However, relevant solutions could potentially support development of future requirements and the RFIP notes that solutions submitted should “be deployable within 6-12 months” and have “strong potential for mass production in Ukraine”.

NATO is interested in both kinetic and non-kinetic systems, which should be able to detect and track drones as small as 300x300x100 mm in adverse weather and at night. Systems should be lightweight (ideally under 100 kg), able to be mounted on a vehicle and have the ability to detect and target at up to 40-50 km/hour. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

02 May 25. US JCO hosts latest round of C-sUAS demonstrations as part of procurement process. The United States Joint C-sUAS Office (JCO) hosted industry demonstrations of the latest counter-small uncrewed aerial systems (C-sUAS) technology at US Army Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) over three weeks in April, focusing on close-range threats in a contested electromagnetic environment (EME).

“We needed to take a closer look at short range defeat capabilities,” said Maj. Matthew Mellor, JCO Technology Demonstrations Branch Chief. “That really guided the weapon system types we were interested in seeing to get away from what we did previously. That was informed by activities in current contingency operations overseas.”

The EME is the ‘background noise’ present in a location and includes everything in the electromagnetic spectrum, from radio and television signals to radiation emitted from microwave ovens. YPG has more than 500 permanent radio frequencies and uses several thousand temporary ones in the typical month, and EME subject matter experts are available on post.

“We were able to obtain information from intelligence surveys to understand what the spectrum looks like in active contingencies and ported that over to the environment at YPG to have a realistic threat environment for these systems to go up against,” said Mellor. “YPG has special hardware emitters that are able to replicate that type of environment, which is critical for us to get after our objectives.”

The April demonstration looked at a wider spectrum of C-sUAS technology than previous iterations. The Department of Defense separates UAS into five groups based on their size, operating altitude, and speed, with larger numbers signifying larger and more capable crafts. Group 1 UAS, for example, are handheld devices that weigh no more than 20 pounds, while Group 3 UAS weigh as much as 1,320 pounds.

“In this demo, the two focus areas are systems that can defeat larger Group 3 targets and dismounted systems that a soldier can wear or carry that can defeat smaller Group 1 and 2 targets,” said Hi-Sing Silen, test integration manager for the JCO. “Even though the ranges we are looking to have effects at are the same for both, the threat and how you approach them are different.”

The methods to detect, track and identify threats differed by vendor, as did defeat mechanisms. Some vendors provided kinetic interceptor defeats that shoot a target out of the sky, while others brought electronic warfare systems or combined aspects of other mechanisms.

“From a dismounted perspective, we were interested in anything and everything they could bring,” said Silen. “Most of the systems that were ready for the demonstration were electronic systems for detection, tracking, and defeat. For the larger Group 3 targets we were looking for kinetic effectors.”

The testers watched for any anomalies and took notes on each system being demonstrated. Though the ranges under investigation were shorter than in some of the previous demonstrations, the testers still made use of YPG’s ample range space to make the demonstration a success.

“The range we are engaging the effects at is shorter, but we still need to have the airspace to launch and recover the threats,” said Silen. “There is also the range we need to allow the systems under demonstration to detect, identify, and track the threat systems prior to engaging. We are trying to inject some operational flavor into developmental testing profiles to make it relevant.”

The demonstrations facilitate a ‘buy-try-decide’ process that rapidly fields anti-drone technology to soldiers. “Once we are finished with the demonstration, we identify the systems that we feel performed in a superior manner and solicit a request for prototype proposal to those vendors and eventually move into facilitating a contract to buy a few of the systems that performed well,” said Mellor. “Once we have the data from both the demonstration and subsequent operational assessments, we have the opportunity to decide whether we want to continue to invest in these systems or procure them at scale.” (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

02 May 25. AirPlate secures funding to test drone detection system at airports and sea ports. AirPlate has been awarded a grant from Energi Fyn’s Development Fund to support the further development and testing of its drone detection system. The 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. The funding will enable AirPlate to conduct user tests at airports and seaports across Denmark. The company is currently testing a drone surveillance system at the Port of Hirtshals in Denmark, which has already detected several drone flights in the airspace above the port. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

07 May 25. Roke has launched EM-Vis Deceive, a new portable electronic warfare system that brings electromagnetic attack (EA) capabilities directly to troops on the ground. The lightweight system, something a soldier can carry like a backpack, helps military forces detect, track, and disrupt enemy communications, drones, or other electronic signals.

EM-Vis Deceive is the first fully integrated person-borne system of its kind to be designed and built to modular open standards – providing a flexible, upgradable and tailorable solution for different missions. EM-Vis Deceive is also STICS aligned. STICS is a suite of open standards and specifications enabling modularity and interoperability in C5ISR and Electronic Warfare (EW) systems.

The system can disrupt a wide range of enemy targets – from drones, to missiles and communication systems – and can be operated by skilled light, medium or heavy EW specialists or by general troops with minimal training.

It marks a major step as electronic warfare moves closer to the frontline, responding to the growing need for faster, more flexible responses to threats on the modern battlefield.

Roke, a UK company that stands at the forefront of defence and security, delivering cutting-edge intelligence and engineering solutions that protect nations, troops, borders, and businesses, launched EM-Vis Deceive today at AOC Europe 2025 in Rome.

Paul MacGregor, Roke Managing Director, said: “EM-Vis Deceive marks a major turning point in electronic warfare. For decades, most EA systems on the battlefield were custom-built, one-offs, made to counter specific threats. These were expensive, slow to upgrade and hard to integrate with other technology. And with weaponry, and the battlefield in general, evolving so quickly, these clunky systems were leaving troops at a severe disadvantage.

“Let’s take drones as an example, Ukraine has had to defend itself from 18,000 drone attacks in the last year alone according to UK intelligence. An army squad could be using an electronic warfare system to jam enemy drones – but what happens if a new enemy drone model appears that uses different frequencies? A new custom build would have to be designed, tested and deployed – it could take months or even years. EM-Vis Deceive changes all of that, it can be quickly upgraded, software updates can be pushed faster and it can easily communicate with other systems.”

Experts in electromagnetic warfare

Roke has been at the forefront of Cyber and Electromagnetic Activity (CEMA) technology for more than 40 years. This experience has been integrated with technology gained from small form factor radio system development to produce a highly agile system in a modest package, with a range of integrated support functionality. Key attributes of EM-Vis Deceive include:

Modular by design – easily configured to meet the full spectrum of EW missions through swap in/swap out Software Defined Radios (SDR).

Open standards driven – uses OpenCPI generated Applications and open APIs to develop new techniques or port existing IP onto the system

Scalable and multifunctional – initial release will be person-borne based on demand for increased survivability in peer threat environment, but scalable and stackable to support high mobility and platform mounted deployment

At AOC Europe 2025, themed “EMO in Transition – Learning from the Ukrainian/Russian War”, Roke will:

Launch and demonstrate its new targeted attack EW capability, giving attendees a first-hand look at this game-changing technology.

Exhibit a suite of EW and EMSO solutions, reinforcing its position as a trusted partner in electronic warfare innovation.

Engage with partners and defence leaders, sharing insights on collaborative approaches to developing resilient and agile EMO strategies.

Visit Roke at Stand B06 to meet the team, explore the new EW product’s capabilities, and learn how Roke is helping reshape the electromagnetic battlespace.

05 May 25. Denmark ignites Arctic strategy with P-8A Poseidon consideration. In the icy waters of the North Atlantic, where the strategic GIUK Gap serves as a critical chokepoint for global maritime traffic, Denmark is considering a significant step to enhance its military capabilities.

According to reports from Danish public television DR, the Danish Ministry of Defense is exploring the acquisition of U.S.-built P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, a move that could reshape the kingdom’s role in Arctic security.

This potential purchase, discussed in collaboration with Norway, which already operates five of these advanced aircraft, comes as Copenhagen grapples with mounting geopolitical pressures, including Russian submarine activity and the strategic importance of Greenland. The decision, still under review, signals Denmark’s intent to strengthen its contribution to NATO and secure its northern frontiers.

The announcement, reported on May 5, 2025, by DR, highlights remarks from Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen, who expressed enthusiasm for deepening ties with Norway in maritime surveillance.

While Poulsen stopped short of confirming the purchase, he emphasized the potential for Scandinavian cooperation to address evolving security challenges. Norway’s experience with the P-8A, coupled with Denmark’s need to modernize its aging fleet of Challenger 604 patrol aircraft, makes the Poseidon a compelling candidate.

The aircraft’s ability to monitor vast oceanic expanses and detect submarines aligns with Denmark’s strategic priorities, particularly in safeguarding the GIUK Gap—stretching from Greenland to Iceland and the United Kingdom—and protecting Greenland’s territorial waters.

The P-8A Poseidon, developed by Boeing, is a cornerstone of modern maritime patrol aviation, designed to dominate the complex domain of undersea and surface warfare. Built on the reliable airframe of the Boeing 737-800, the Poseidon combines commercial aviation’s efficiency with military-grade systems, offering an operational range of approximately 2,000 nautical miles and endurance for 10-hour missions.

Its suite of sensors includes the AN/APY-10 multi-mode radar, capable of tracking surface vessels over wide areas, and an advanced electro-optical/infrared turret for visual identification. For anti-submarine warfare, the aircraft deploys sonobuoys—small acoustic sensors dropped into the ocean—to detect submerged threats, feeding data to an onboard acoustic analysis system.

The Poseidon’s electronic support measures can intercept and geolocate enemy communications, adding a layer of intelligence-gathering capability.

Beyond surveillance, the P-8A is a formidable weapons platform. It features 11 hardpoints—five internal and six external—capable of carrying a mix of Mark 54 lightweight torpedoes, Harpoon anti-ship missiles, and naval mines. (Source: News Now/https://bulgarianmilitary.com/)

05 May 25. Emerson and ELT Group Deutschland, the German arm of European defence electronics house ELT Group, have announced a strategic partnership to provide the Finnish Defence Forces with advanced test and evaluation solutions for radar and electronic support measures (ESM) systems. This collaboration underscores ELT Group Deutschland’s commitment to working with Emerson as a trusted partner in delivering advanced electromagnetic spectrum operations (EMSO) solutions.

Under the contract, ELT Group Deutschland will provide an advanced test and evaluation system for radar and ESM applications, leveraging Emerson’s expertise in high-performance test and measurement solutions. ELT Group Deutschland brings extensive experience in military systems, modeling of the electromagnetic spectrum, and simulations of EMSO sensors in realistic operating scenarios. Emerson’s test and measurement business contributes a broad portfolio of specialized technologies, including its NI™ Vector Signal Transceivers (VST) and real-time signal processing capabilities, to enhance the system’s adaptability and performance.

Dr. Marcello Mariucci, CEO of ELT Group Deutschland, stated, “The award of the electronic protective measures training system is a testament to the flexible platform approach, great partnership, and extensive experience that ELT Group and Emerson share. By supporting exercises of NATO partners, we ensure the operational readiness of various sophisticated platforms, including fighter aircraft, tactical vehicles, and naval vessels.”

“Our collaboration with ELT Group demonstrates the power of strategic partnerships in delivering innovative and cost-effective test and evaluation solutions,” said Allan Solomon, vice president of sales, Europe, Middle East and Africa, for Emerson’s test and measurement business. “By combining ELT Group’s deep defense expertise with Emerson’s advanced test and measurement technologies, we are helping to ensure that the Finnish Defence Forces are equipped with the most reliable and effective EMSO capabilities for future multi-domain operations.”

02 May 25. Cuashub.com said today that R2 Wireless team up with SEMPRE to enhance C-UAS in contested environments. U.S.-based SEMPRE and Israeli defense technology firm R2 Wireless have announced a new partnership aimed at delivering real-time drone detection and counter-UAS capabilities over a standalone 5G network.

The collaboration integrates R2’s signal intelligence and geolocation technology with SEMPRE’s hardened 5G communications infrastructure, creating a system designed to detect, classify and track airborne threats across a wide range of frequencies and protocols. According to the companies, the combined solution is intended to improve force protection and electronic warfare resilience in contested environments.

The system leverages R2’s ODIN platform, which uses passive, software-defined radio sensors to monitor the electromagnetic spectrum, paired with SEMPRE’s mobile 5G nodes, which can function independently of civilian networks. Together, the companies claim the solution can operate in GPS or network-denied areas, offering what they describe as “tactical-level spectrum visibility” for military units.

SEMPRE CEO Rob Spalding, a retired U.S. Air Force brigadier general, said the partnership reflects a broader push to develop layered defense capabilities that can operate in high-threat environments. R2 Wireless CEO Onn Fenig emphasized the system’s ability to detect drones regardless of their communication protocols or frequency bands.

“This partnership reflects our unwavering commitment to protect critical operations with technology that doesn’t break under pressure. We rigorously vet every partner to ensure their solutions meet our high standards for security, reliability and interoperability. With R2, we’re delivering a layered C-UAS capability powered by the most resilient 5G infrastructure on the planet,” he said.

The announcement follows a series of demonstrations and evaluations conducted with the U.S. Department of Defense and comes amid rising interest in integrated air and electronic defense solutions, particularly as governments look to enhance protection against low-cost drone swarms and electronic warfare threats.

https://cuashub.com/en/content/r2-wireless-team-up-with-sempre-to-enhance-c-uas-in-contested-environments/ (Source: https://cuashub.com/)

02 May 25. Cuashub.com said today that Major General calls for NATO-wide overhaul of drone defense. Speaking at Counter UAS Technology Europe in London, Major General Adrian Ciolponea delivered a critical assessment of NATO’s vulnerabilities in the face of rapidly evolving drone warfare. As NATO’s representative on the Allied Command Transformation (ACT) program, Ciolponea emphasized that member states are dangerously underprepared for the scale and speed of drone threats being seen on the battlefield in Ukraine.

“Drones per se are not a game-changer. But drones at scale, yes, they become problematic for any kind of force.”

Maj. Gen. Adrian Ciolponea – NATO’s ACT

Maj. Gen. Ciolponea, who helps bridge operational requirements between ACT and NATO’s innovation and delivery programs, stressed that drone technology is just one part of a wider shift in military operations. The concept of multi-domain operations is central to NATO’s transformation agenda, with force structures being redesigned around five key attributes: cognitive superiority, cross-domain situational awareness, resilience (including in cyberspace), lethality and interoperability.

Many of these themes intersect with drone warfare, he explained, particularly in terms of detection, communications resilience and the increasing role of AI.

alliance’s evolving approach to drone threats

Operational lessons from Ukraine

Drawing heavily on operational lessons from Ukraine, Maj. Gen. Ciolponea painted a picture of a battlefield where “no environment is safe.” Communications are persistently jammed, frequencies are denied and space-based capabilities, often overlooked in peacetime doctrine, play a critical role in both offensive and defensive planning.

“Any conflict today starts from space,” he warned.

With traditional command and control systems under pressure, Ukraine has demonstrated a condensed decision-making cycle that NATO must learn from, Maj. Gen. Ciolponea argued. He cited examples of targeting chains reduced to as little as five minutes, enabled by direct sensor-to-effector links and AI-enhanced analysis. By contrast, NATO forces still operate on slower, more linear timelines.

“This is not very common in allied procedures,” he said.

NATO’s vision for a layered defense

Beyond kinetic defenses, Maj. Gen. Ciolponea made a strong case for passive counter-UAS measures as a first line of defense. NATO, he said, has failed to reduce its thermal and electromagnetic signatures, a problem that leaves its forces “very visible from the sky, from space.” He pointed to technologies on display at the Counter UAS Technology Europe conference, capable of reducing a vehicle’s thermal signature by up to 92 percent, warning that these should be seen not just as commercial products but as essential enablers of survivability. He also outlined a vision for multi-layered drone defense around critical infrastructure. In Maj. Gen. Ciolponea’s model, a 60-kilometer “detection layer” would rely on acoustic, RF, electromagnetic, thermal and optical sensors feeding into AI-driven situational awareness systems. A second, 30-kilometer “hunter drone layer” would deploy FPV drones, mobile teams or loitering munitions to intercept threats. The final protective ring – immediately around high-value targets – would include kinetic interceptors, jamming systems and cyber effects. These concepts are already being put into practice. Maj. Gen. Ciolponea highlighted NATO’s Baltic Sentry project, which is testing persistent maritime domain awareness using unmanned surface vessels, with future phases set to incorporate aerial and underwater drones. Another initiative, the NATO Innovation Challenge, recently selected a French company deploying Ukraine-developed AI software for drone detection and recognition, beating out over 40 competitors offering hardware-centric solutions. https://cuashub.com/en/content/major-general-calls-for-nato-wide-overhaul-of-drone-defense/ (Source: https://cuashub.com/)

02 May 25. Cuashub.com said today that MSI to enhance EAGLS system with OVES’ AI technology. Romanian software developer OVES Enterprise has signed a strategic agreement with U.S.-based MSI Defense Solutions to integrate artificial intelligence technology into MSI’s Electronic Advanced Ground Launcher System (EAGLS), the companies announced on April 22. The collaboration aims to address the growing demand for more responsive and autonomous counter-drone and missile systems. It will see OVES’s Nemesis AI platform embedded into EAGLS for automated threat detection, classification and interception. The partnership seeks to meet the challenge of low-cost, fast-moving drones that traditional air defense systems often struggle to detect and neutralize. MSI, a longtime partner of the U.S. Department of Defense, specializes in stabilized weapon systems and counter-UAS platforms. Its EAGLS solution combines radar, laser-guided munitions and remote weapons stations in a mobile format. The planned AI integration is intended to enhance these capabilities with real-time sensor fusion and autonomous decision-making. According to the companies, Nemesis AI will process data from multiple sensor types, including visual, thermal, and neuromorphic cameras, to identify and classify threats without relying on radar or GPS. The AI will then relay target information to a battle management system and recommend interception methods based on available weapons. MSI says the system will also support advanced turret control to improve response times and targeting precision.

MSI CEO Nguyen Trinh said the integration would reduce operator workload and help shorten kill chains, offering what he described as an affordable and mobile defense solution suitable for tactical environments. OVES CEO Mihai Filip said the partnership reflects a real-world demand for systems that go beyond visual recognition and can take autonomous action in fast-paced combat scenarios.

The companies claim the AI-driven system will operate at lower costs than comparable platforms on the market, due in part to dedicated processing hardware developed by OVES.

While no deployment timeline has been announced, the two firms say the system could eventually be incorporated into Romanian defense infrastructure and serve as a model for international applications.

https://cuashub.com/en/content/msi-to-enhance-eagls-system-with-oves-ai-technology/ (Source: https://cuashub.com/)

02 May 25. Cuashub.com said today that U.S. defense officials warn that “the homeland is no longer a sanctuary.” Defense officials are warning that the Pentagon remains ill-prepared to defend its military installations against the growing threat of drone incursions, citing a surge in unauthorized flights over sensitive U.S. sites last year, including a mass swarm over Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Virginia.

Rear Adm. Paul Spedero, Vice Director for Operations for the Joint Staff, told lawmakers Tuesday during a House oversight subcommittee hearing:

“Mass drone incursions over Langley in December 2023 reminded us that the homeland is no longer a sanctuary. Should our adversary choose to employ drones for surveillance or even attack, we would not be prepared to adequately defend our homeland and only marginally capable to defend our military installations.”

In 2023 alone, the Pentagon recorded 350 drone sightings over 100 different bases, including Plant 42 in California and Picatinny Arsenal and Naval Weapons Station Earle in New Jersey. The incidents have exposed confusion over which authorities are allowed to act, and when.

While U.S. officials have not confirmed who is behind the incursions, Rep. William Timmons called them “a coordinated effort by our adversaries to collect valuable intelligence,” pointing to potential state actors like China and Russia. Defense leaders also acknowledged that adversaries have already used drone flights for surveillance and espionage. To address the gap, U.S. Northern Command recently issued a new standard operating procedure, offering a playbook for base commanders to request assistance during drone incidents. Officials are also pushing for a legislative fix – an expansion of Section 130i – to grant drone defense authority to all military installations, not just a limited few.

“This will enhance our ability to defend all installations and facilitate better coordination with interagency partners,” said Mark Ditlevson, Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense and Hemispheric Affairs.

Still, officials acknowledged that until broader authorities and coordination mechanisms are in place, the Pentagon’s ability to respond remains limited. https://cuashub.com/en/content/u-s-defense-officials-warn-that-the-homeland-is-no-longer-a-sanctuary/ (Source: https://cuashub.com/)

02 May 25. Hanwha Systems to develop radar for South Korea’s LAMD system. Hanwha Systems has secured a contract worth KRW131.5bn (USD94.3m) from South Korea’s Agency for Defense Development (ADD) to develop a multifunction radar (MFR) that can detect incoming artillery. This MFR, developed in partnership with ADD, will support the operations of the Republic of Korea (RoK) Armed Forces’ future Low Altitude Missile Defense (LAMD) system, Hanwha Systems announced on 30 April. Hanwha Systems intends to complete the development of the MFR by November 2028. The MFR will function as the “eye” of the LAMD system with the capability to detect, identify, and track “hundreds” of incoming artillery targets, the company said. Hanwha Systems added that the MFR will enhance the LAMD’s capability to intercept more targets than the baseline variant of Israel’s Iron Dome air-defence system. According to Israel’s Ministry of Defense (MoD), Iron Dome uses the Multi-Mission Radar (MMR) developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) subsidiary Elta Systems. Janes data shows that Iron Dome uses the ELTA-2084 MMR. According to IAI, the ELTA-2084 MMR is an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar with a range of 475 km in rotating mode and a range of 650 km in sector mode. South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) announced the official start of the LAMD programme worth KRW479.8 bn in January. The LAMD system is expected to be developed by 2028 in partnership with local firms including Hanwha Systems, LIG Nex1, and Hanwha Aerospace, DAPA said. (Source: Janes)

02 May 25. Pentagon seeks drone-killing technology that’s safe for civilians. The Pentagon’s Defense Innovation Unit plans to issue a solicitation for low-collateral counter-drone technology next week, part of the second iteration of its Replicator rapid-fielding effort that’s focused on helping the Pentagon protect its installations from small-drone attacks. DIU Director Doug Beck told House lawmakers Thursday his organization is particularly interested in technologies that can take out drone threats in highly populated areas without major impacts on the environment and, critically, civilians.

“It’s really about those low-collateral interceptors and getting after those solutions — whether it’s through electronic means, kinetic or ballistic means or other forms of bringing those drones down,” Beck told the House Armed Services Tactical Air and Land Forces subcommittee in a hearing.

Replicator’s goal is to create a new pathway for the Pentagon to buy and scale high-need capabilities on faster timelines. Replicator 1, which is ongoing, set out to deliver thousands of low-cost drones by August of this year. Last September, then-Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced that the next phase of the effort, dubbed Replicator 2, would center on the small UAS challenge.

DIU is leading Replicator 2 and is partnered closely with the Army-led Joint Counter-Uncrewed Aerial Systems Office, JCO, and the Counter Uncrewed Systems Warfighter Senior Integration Group.

Speaking last week at the Apex Conference, DIU’s chief of Policy Sunmin Kim said that along with its emphasis on low-collateral defeat systems, Replicator 2 is also focused on identifying more affordable systems that are available either commercially or from traditional defense contractors with mature technology.

“We’re interested in low-cost sensing options, so things like passive [radio frequency] radars versus actually using active sensors that we typically do for aircraft,” she said.

Defending against adversarial drones is a significant challenge for the U.S. military and its allies — from attacks in the Red Sea to reports of drone swarms flying over domestic bases.

The Pentagon has launched a number of efforts and organizations over the last few years to address these threats, including the JCO and the Counter Uncrewed Systems Warfighter Senior Integration Group. Last year, the department designated the commanders of U.S. Northern Command and Indo-Pacific Command as “lead synchronizers” for counter-UAS operations. And in December, DOD completed a classified counter-UAS strategy meant to provide a “singular” focus on the most urgent challenges.

Military leaders said Thursday that while the Defense Department is making progress identifying technical solutions and working through complex policies and authorizations, it’s not moving fast enough.

“We’re happy, but we’re not satisfied,” Lt. Gen. Eric Austin, deputy commandant of the Marine Corps for capabilities, development and integration, said during the hearing. “We’re fielding equipment that has the ability and the built-in open architecture to adapt and improve from a software and a hardware perspective, but we’ve got a ways to go to keep up with the threat and exceed that threat.”

Austin highlighted the Marine Air Defense System, or MADIS, which can integrate with the service’s command and control systems and detect and take down small uncrewed aircraft. The Marine Corps also plans to field a prototype this fiscal year of a counter-UAS capability specifically designed to protect dismounted Marines.

“This initiative will put man-portable solutions into Marines’ hands at the tactical edge,” Austin said. “We are feverishly working in belief this will be a model for fielding and iterative improvement.”

Maj. Gen. David Stewart, director of the JCO, and Beck both noted that while DOD has made strides toward identifying and developing counter-UAS technologies, it isn’t buying and fielding those systems in sufficient quantities.

“I believe and assess the capability is there,” Stewart said. “We have a bit of a capacity problem across each of the services.”

Beck noted that for the services to fill those capacity gaps, they need more resources, authorities and funding flexibility from Congress.

“We need to be doing much, much more,” he said. “We must put capability in place now. We must dramatically improve our capacity and speed to update unmanned and counter-unmanned technologies. We must build the muscle to do so at greater and greater scale.” (Source: 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. For more information, please visit: Echodyne.com.

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