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06 Jun 25. Cuashub.com said today that the FAA investigates high-flying drone near international airport. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation after the crew of a commercial airliner reported spotting a drone flying in restricted airspace near Cleveland early Monday afternoon, according to a local news outlet. Southwest Airlines Flight 2506 had just departed Cleveland-Hopkins International Airport en route to Phoenix when the crew reported seeing a drone flying at approximately 4,000 feet. The incident occurred around 12:30 p.m., about six miles southwest of the airport, according to the FAA and publicly available flight data. The sighting raised immediate safety concerns given the drone’s proximity to a busy flight corridor. The FAA emphasized that such activity is not only dangerous but also illegal. The agency receives over 100 drone sighting reports near airports each month and has warned operators that unauthorized drone flights near aircraft or airports could result in criminal charges, including possible jail time and fines. Online speculation initially suggested the drone may have been operated by the Lorain County Sheriff’s Office, but that claim was quickly refuted.
“Our drones were never up in the air,” said Maj. A.J. Torres, a spokesman for the office.
He explained that confusion likely stemmed from two unrelated calls occurring at the same time: a missing juvenile case and a separate drone report near the Ohio Turnpike in North Ridgeville. Police responded to the drone call but were unable to locate the device. North Ridgeville police have not yet released an official report on the incident, though a request for records has been made by The Chronicle-Telegram. In an effort to mitigate future incidents, the FAA continues testing drone detection and counter-drone systems at U.S. airports. The agency says a final report on those efforts is currently under review.
FAA investigates high-flying drone near international airport
(Source: https://cuashub.com/)
06 Jun 25. Cuashub.com said today that Traffic stop uncovers drone smuggling operation at state prison. A routine traffic stop in Bennettsville led police to uncover a drone-based contraband scheme aimed at Evans Correctional Institution. The discovery was made on Friday, June 2, after Bennettsville police pulled over a vehicle and found a commercial-grade drone and packaging materials linked to recent drops at the nearby correctional facility. The challenges facing correctional facilities in the U.S. are well-known, with drones now considered one of the leading vectors through which contraband arrives in prisons across the country. Following the stop, authorities conducted a sweep of the prison grounds and recovered additional contraband, including marijuana and approximately 82 grams of methamphetamine. Police believe the drone was being used to fly illicit items over the prison’s perimeter, a tactic that is particularly difficult to counter without UAS detection and mitigation capabilities. Two individuals were taken into custody and face several charges, including trafficking methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute marijuana and operating an unmanned aircraft near a correctional facility, an offense under South Carolina law. While Federal Aviation Administration rules already prohibit drone flights over prisons, enforcement remains difficult. Operators can be hard to trace once the aircraft is airborne, and many drones lack built-in safeguards to prevent flights over restricted zones. Experts say the incident highlights a growing security concern. High-end consumer drones are now capable of flying more than five miles and carrying payloads over two pounds – enough for narcotics, cell phones and other contraband. Some correctional systems have begun deploying counter-drone tools like radio frequency jammers and net-based interception devices, but these remain the exception rather than the rule. The arrests in Bennettsville come amid broader calls for updated regulations and expanded use of drone-detection technology at sensitive sites.
Traffic stop uncovers drone smuggling operation at state prison
(Source: https://cuashub.com/)
06 Jun 25. Cuashub.com said today that. USAF selects airspace management tech under EWAAC. Vigilant Aerospace Systems has announced its selection as a vendor under the U.S. Air Force’s $46bn Enterprise-Wide Agile Acquisition Contract (EWAAC). Vigilant was one of 122 companies named by the Air Force in March 2025 as part of the fourth round of EWAAC awards. The announcement confirms the involvement of uncrewed traffic management (UTM) and detect-and-avoid technologies under the contract. The company’s FlightHorizon software integrates multiple sensors and leverages NASA-patented algorithms to provide real-time aircraft tracking and alerting for uncrewed systems. Originally developed to support beyond visual line-of-sight drone flights, the software is being positioned to help the Air Force manage increasingly autonomous operations across multiple domains. The EWAAC contract, which runs through 2031, is intended to speed up the development and fielding of advanced weapons systems and digital capabilities. Its broad remit includes prototyping, system modeling, digital engineering and the integration of open systems architecture. The EWAAC contract is increasingly viewed as a key vehicle for accelerating autonomy within the U.S. military. Vigilant’s inclusion highlights growing Air Force interest in maturing detect-and-avoid solutions that can support scalable drone operations, including for future logistics, surveillance or tactical missions. The announcement also signals that airspace management technologies, traditionally associated with civil or commercial UAS operations, are becoming increasingly relevant in defense contexts. https://cuashub.com/en/content/usaf-selects-airspace-management-tech-under-ewaac/ (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
06 Jun 25. Cuashub.com said today that US JCO tests homeland counter-drone response. In March 2025, the U.S. Department of Defense convened more than 100 participants from over two dozen federal agencies for a tabletop exercise aimed at improving defenses against small drone incursions at domestic military installations. Organized by the Joint Counter-Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Office (JCO) and supported by RAND, the event marked the sixth in a series of counter-UAS planning exercises and focused specifically on operations within the continental United States. The growing threat of small drones to military bases, first formally recognized by defense leaders in 2016 during operations against ISIS, has prompted a decade of research, technology development and policy scrutiny. While previous efforts have centered largely on overseas deployments, this exercise explored the challenges of coordinating counter-UAS operations at home, where airspace is shared with civilians and navigating legislative issues makes things more complex. Two military sites, Fort Bliss in Texas and Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii, served as the basis for the scenarios. Participants were asked to respond to simulated incursions involving multiple drones with varying flight paths, altitudes and levels of threat. The scenarios were designed to test coordination between federal, state and local authorities and to assess how U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) might synchronize operations to defend military assets on American soil.
The exercise produced three major findings:
- Operational Triggers for USNORTHCOM Involvement
Participants identified specific conditions under which USNORTHCOM should lead homeland counter-drone responses. These include drone swarms that overwhelm base defenses, simultaneous incursions at multiple high-priority installations and incidents that erode public confidence in military security. The exercise also validated the use of deployable “fly-away” kits – modular counter-UAS packages that can be dispatched to threatened bases.
- Integration of Civil Authorities
Emphasizing that local responders are often the first to detect or respond to drone activity, the exercise highlighted the need for a framework that incorporates state, local, tribal and territorial partners. One potential solution discussed was leveraging National Guard Civil Support Teams, which can respond within 90 minutes and already operate across the U.S. with 24/7 availability.
- Escalation and FAA Coordination
The scenarios helped clarify when technologies like GPS jamming or spoofing might be used domestically. While public sentiment generally supports counter-drone operations at military bases, participants noted that the FAA remains cautious about authorizing such measures except in extreme cases.
A layered defense strategy, ranging from non-lethal jamming to kinetic interception, was endorsed as a scalable approach. https://cuashub.com/en/content/us-jco-tests-homeland-counter-drone-response/ (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
01 Jun 25. Tiltan Software Engineering Ltd., a global leader in simulation, 3D engines and geo-mapping systems, is set to showcase its latest range of computer vision solutions to the upcoming conference in Tennessee. At the forefront of Tiltan’s portfolio is Majestic.ai, their flagship, multi-sensor simulation solution that delivers ultra-realistic “synthetic data” to accelerate and enhance AI/ML model training and validation. AI training and validation for visual operations across space, aerial, maritime and land domains is both complex and resource-intensive. Whether a drone is required to identify objects or an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) is required to navigate autonomously, these systems rely on robust AI/ML engines capable of perceiving, computing and operating within dynamic 3D environments. Training such systems demands massive amounts of data across different angles, backgrounds, resolutions, sensor types and environmental conditions. Yet real-world data is often scarce and missing critical edge cases like low visibility, cluttered environments, or camouflaged and fast-moving objects—that are hard to capture but essential for reliable performance; in many cases, privacy restrictions, confidentiality, or operational constraints mean that this data simply doesn’t exist. In addition, these processes require weeks of manual labor – data collection and manual annotation – so that AI models can effectively “learn.” It is no surprise then that this labor-intensive and time-consuming process significantly slows development and drives up costs for generative AI training and testing. Tiltan’s Majestic.ai, directly addresses these challenges by generating high-fidelity, sensor-realistic, ready-to-use “synthetic data” at scale. Offered as DaaS (Data-as-a-Service), it operates as a core technology and an AI development enabler. Based on its proven and precise physics-based 3D engine (“TOPS”), the technology simulates real-world, outdoor scenarios (entire scenes and environments) across all domains – land, maritime, aerial and space domains. Majestic.ai covers all sensor types and spectrum ranges – from visible light to thermal IR (Infrared), LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) and SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar – a high-resolution satellite imaging system). The photorealistic, physics-based video and imagery datasets it provides, validated and approved by leading defense companies and agencies, are arguably the most accurate in the market – the system’s ability to replicate IR imagery with an accuracy of 95%+ serves as an example of its true sensor realism. Another key benefit is its provision of widely diverse and balanced datasets with automatic annotation and metadata, detailed classification and segmentation, depth maps, materials and custom data.
By replacing scarce or costly real-world videos and images with carefully annotated, precision synthetic datasets, Majestic.ai enables data scientists, researchers and developers to focus on its core role of AI/ML engine development – even when real-world data is out of reach. The technology reduces training and validation costs, accelerating R&D and significantly shortening delivery time, all while ensuring improved model accuracy, with faster and more reliable AI performance for the end product. Majestic.ai supports generative AI developers, software companies, system integrators and end users – including defense and aerospace, technology, startups and research institutes focused on counter-UAS, electro-optics, computer vision, autonomy and sensor-based AI systems. The system is also implemented as part of Tiltan’s TOPS 3D simulation engine to provide a comprehensive solution for training and validating systems, including System-In-the-Loop and Hardware-in-the-Loop applications (SIL and HWIL). Another notable offering in Tiltan’s impressive product line is its Automatic Geo-Mapping (AGM) system, which delivers Near Real-Time (NRT), high-resolution and high-fidelity mapping, a GIS (Geographic Information System) and digital twin 3D reconstruction solution (pixel-level, highly accurate virtual representations of physical objects). The system is source-agnostic and multi-domain, utilizing data from single or multiple satellite, aerial or drone and across all types of sensors and spectral ranges (visual and thermal). AGM features detailed 3D vectorization and volumetric classification as well as DSM (Digital Surface Models) and DEM (Digital Elevation Models). The system is highly versatile, with an API, open architecture and customized workflows and, while having a GUI, can also come in the form of an SDK for enhanced customization. AGM is deployable on-site, as a cloud service or on edge computing. Rapidly converting raw spatial data for unlimited area sizes into reliable, actionable insights, AGM is well-suited for companies and entities that work with drones, aerial and satellite data, not to mention end users such as municipalities, states, intelligence agencies and tactical and strategic forces. When it comes to drone systems in particular, it enjoys a notable advantage, operating on Ground Control Stations (GCS), utilizing only CPU.
“With a growing need for our products and customer base across Europe, Asia and the U.S., we’re proud to present our latest solutions at CVPR 2025,” said Ehud Shafir, Tiltan’s acting CEO. “Backed by three decades of experience and deep domain expertise, we continue to push the boundaries of computer vision and computer graphics, delivering trusted, high-fidelity tools that accelerate AI development and boost operational performance across diverse, critical sectors.”
Tiltan will present Majestic.ai, AGM and its other products at the upcoming CVPR 2025, taking place at Music City Center, Nashville Tennessee, 11-15 June, 2025 (booth #1619). Visitors and delegates are encouraged to reach out in advance to schedule an in-person meeting.
About Tiltan Software Engineering Ltd.
Tiltan Software Engineering Ltd. is a leading solutions provider specializing in simulation, 3D engines, generative AI training, geo-mapping systems, 3D content, and operation center systems and tools. With over 30 years of experience, and powered by a proprietary 3D engine and generative AI, its simulation products provide a one-stop-shop solution for training, development and hardware-in-the-loop systems, while its geo-system products support space, aerial, manned and unmanned vehicles. Tiltanʼs in-house content production delivers high-fidelity, geo-specific visual databases, 3D models and mapping data for VIS (Visual Sensors), IR, LIDAR and SAR applications. The company is driven by a commitment to customer success, excellence and innovation, ensuring their solutions meet the highest standards of performance and reliability. The system is source-agnostic and multi-domain, utilizing data from single or multiple satellites, aerial platforms, or drones, across all sensor types and spectral ranges (visual and thermal).”
05 Jun 25. Eyeing risk of radar ‘delays,’ Lockheed proposes new F-35 fuselage design. A letter from Lockheed Martin’s CEO to the Air Force, obtained by Breaking Defense, warns of “risks” to radar delivery schedule, raising questions about future lots. The Pentagon has maintained that a new radar for the F-35 would be ready for the plane’s Lot 17 airframes, which began production this year. But the CEO of F-35 prime contractor Lockheed Martin has quietly warned the Air Force of “risks” in the radar’s delivery schedule, leading the defense giant to craft workarounds that currently center on Lot 20, according to a letter obtained by Breaking Defense. To mitigate potential delays, Lockheed is proposing redesigning the aircraft’s forward fuselage to be capable of accommodating either the aircraft’s incumbent radar, the APG-81, or the new radar dubbed the APG-85. The fresh fuselage design could enter service in the program’s Lot 20 production, Lockheed CEO Jim Taiclet wrote in the letter. The letter does not say the cause of the potential delays — stakeholders declined to tell Breaking Defense — nor does it say what the fate of the radars for Lot 17, 18 and 19 is expected to be. The future of the F-35. Watch our exclusive video series today. JJ Gertler, a senior analyst at the Teal Group consultancy, told Breaking Defense that it appeared unlikely the APG-85 would be ready for Lot 17, though it could be the case that the radar can be incorporated into jets before Lot 20, and that Lot 20 is simply the first lot where customers could have a choice between the two radars.
“If it’s not a design issue, but a supply issue, you know, they find a supplier that can do what they need and you can get the 85 sooner. It really depends” on the reason for a potential delay, he said.
Dated March 21, the letter addressed to Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin and marked “controlled unclassified information” says the APG-85 “risks delays,” and that the world’s largest defense contractor is “taking proactive steps to create viable options for Lot 20 aircraft if necessary.” (The APG-85, made by Northrop Grumman, is government furnished equipment that is outside of the scope of Lockheed’s F-35 contract with the Pentagon.) Designers began drawing up the new fuselage in January and should wrap up their work in August, the letter says, a schedule that “supports a decision point” in October “to determine which radar system to include in U.S. Lot 20 production aircraft deliveries” — a clear indication officials have not yet determined what radar will go on the jet for the future lot. A new fuselage would provide a “common long-lead structure” that can “optimize production and reduce potential delays,” the letter adds.
“If the radar is not ready, it’s not ready,” a senior congressional staffer told Breaking Defense. The staffer speculated that the program would have to devise mitigation measures, such as holding aircraft at the production line — similar to a recent delivery pause over a separate delay with an upgrade known as TR-3 — or deliver the jet and install the radar, known as an active electronically scanned array (AESA), at a later date.
“Highly advanced AESA technology is hard to develop, and especially when you need a small form fit function and install it inside of a tactical fighter that then has to integrate with all the other sensors and mission systems on board,” the staffer said, who requested anonymity to discuss sensitive programmatic details. “It’s going to be very challenging for the radar to be ready for installation into Lot 17 aircraft.”
‘A Lot On The Plate’
It’s not clear if the new radar could be joined with the stealth fighter any earlier than Lot 20. Lockheed Martin referred a request for comment to the F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO). Northrop, which also supplies the APG-81, referred a request for comment to the JPO and Air Force public affairs. Asked previously about the timeline for the radar’s integration, a spokesperson for the JPO told Breaking Defense that the APG-85 “is planned for initial fielding in Lot 17.” When asked about the letter, the spokesperson said, “Due to program security reasons, we are protecting any additional information with enhanced security measures.” An Air Force spokesperson told Breaking Defense that the radar “represents a critical advancement to address the growing sophistication of adversary capabilities,” and that “[a]s development and integration efforts develop, it’s important to note that the current APG-81 radar remains the world’s most capable system.” Citing “enhanced security measures,” the spokesperson said that no further details are available.
One source familiar with the situation noted that Northrop had raised concerns with the aggressive schedule for the APG-85 earlier in the development process, but were overruled by the JPO and Lockheed, which were “very keen” to develop and integrate the new radar “as fast as possible.”
Northrop “initially pushed back, indicating that this is a significant technological leap and would take time,” the source told Breaking Defense. But the JPO and Lockheed “leaned on Northrop to execute at a pace that was pretty aggressive, and it’s turning out that Northrop’s initial projections are probably more accurate.”
Taiclet’s letter provides a glimpse into the highly sensitive radar upgrade underway for the aircraft as well as other steps the world’s largest defense contractor is taking to apparently mitigate potential delays for the APG-85. According to the letter, Lockheed has “initiated the advance procurement of 69 APG-81 radars,” which adds that Northrop is contributing “25 percent of the investment.”
Gertler noted that the advanced procurement approach could be a “hedge” in case the APG-85 isn’t on time, enabling production to continue smoothly. And in the event the APG-85 is on time, a stock of APG-81s would still provide spare parts for jets that currently fly with the radar. Taiclet’s letter also suggests that the APG-85 has not yet been selected by all of the F-35’s international customers. For example, the missive says, “If a decision is made to extend this [fuselage] design to all Partners and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) countries, we would have a common structure for Partner and FMS aircraft with their APG-81 radars.” The correspondence adds that if a customer decided to integrate the radar in the future, the common fuselage “would minimize the retrofit impacts.”
Gertler told Breaking Defense that the redesign may actually offer international customers flexibility to choose between the APG-81 and the APG-85 that did not exist before. Assuming Lockheed’s proposal is able to be implemented efficiently, he described the new fuselage design idea as “a reasonable way to deal with an unforeseen circumstance.” In any event, the fuselage would likely have to be redesigned anyway to accommodate the larger APG-85, he said.
Still, Gertler raised questions about the scope of the work, such as whether Lockheed’s proposed change is limited to internal components or extends to the aircraft’s outer mold line — the latter of which would likely prompt the need for more extensive testing to verify the stealth fighter’s radar signature. While the overall impact to the program is yet to be seen, the fact that Taiclet personally penned a letter to Allvin about the radar issue suggests it could be a significant hiccup for a program defined by delays, where stealth fighters currently being delivered are reserved for training roles until full combat capability can be delivered with the TR-3 upgrade.
“There’s just a lot on the plate, and not a lot of time to do everything,” the congressional staffer said. (Source: Breaking Defense.com)
05 Jun 25. Surveillance Radars Deployed to U.S. Southern Border in Support of USCBP Program. SRC and Benchmark Electronics are enhancing U.S. border security by integrating advanced surveillance radar into mobile systems for the USCBP. With over 500 units delivered globally, the SR Hawk radar has earned a reputation for its reliability in enhancing situational awareness and operational effectiveness. Non-for-profit defense research and development company SRC, Inc. has partnered with Benchmark Electronics, Inc. to upgrade previously deployed Mobile Video Surveillance Systems (MVSS). These systems are used along the southwest border as part of U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (USCBP) Border Surveillance Systems program. Benchmark has already begun integrating SRC’s SR Hawk radar system onto MVSS units in high-risk border regions, aiming to enhance border security effectiveness and efficiency. The addition of SRC’s SR Hawk radar in the MVSS-R program –“R” indicating the inclusion of radar – introduces a powerful force multiplier. It extends surveillance capabilities to 7.5 miles, providing persistent, real-time, 360-degree wide-area situational awareness. The radar detects and tracks moving ground vehicles, individuals on foot, and littoral targets, even in the most extreme environments. By enabling remote data transmission from tactical devices, the SR Hawk radar improves border agents’ ability to detect and respond to threats more efficiently, while reducing the need for manual oversight. Once a threat is detected, the data is automatically sent to a command station for assessment. The integration of the SR Hawk radar with the MVSS systems aligns with USCBP’s evolving need for efficient solutions that address today’s border security challenges. The radar is designed for rapid deployment and ease of use, offering autonomous functions to simplify operation and strengthen agents’ capabilities in the field.
Kevin Hair, President and CEO of SRC, commented, “SRC is proud to partner with Benchmark, a leader in border surveillance technology, to improve their proven MVSS system. The SR Hawk is the most competitive radar in its class, offering superior performance with best-in-class value. The addition of the SR Hawk radar into MVSS deployments represents a significant step forward in enhancing the security of our southern border and we are proud to support this mission.”
SRC has nearly 70 years of experience developing radars for national security and defense. More than 500 SR Hawk radars are deployed worldwide, earning the system a reputation for its combination of performance and value in critical surveillance operations. Its versatility allows installation in various configurations, including vehicles, towers, expeditionary emplacements, and more. (Source: https://www.defenseadvancement.com/)
01 Jun 25. IEE Under Contract with L3Harris for Viper Shield™ Line Replaceable Unit (LRU) Displays. IEE, manufacturer of field-proven military displays, is moving into the production phase of a contract with L3Harris to deliver hundreds of 3ATI Electric Warfare (EW) Multi-Function Displays (MFDs) following the recent first-flight success of the Viper Shield digital electronic warfare system in the single-seat F-16 Block 70. As the cockpit display portion of a multi-LRU EW System (EWS), IEE’s 3ATI is a critical part of the Viper Shield system. The full-color 3ATI is a smart display that presents threat data as well as diagnostic functions for the EWS. It also functions as the aircrew controller of the EWS. Through six system control buttons, the unit provides controls to start built-in test, prioritize threats, change modes, and mute audio. It can also give selective menus to regulate and change mission characteristics of the EWS. It features a two-position brightness control button to regulate the screen brightness from NVIS through daylight readable luminance.
“IEE has been working with L3Harris on this game changing technology for several years, and we continue to support the development and production of this 3ATI for the all-digital electronic warfare suite,” said Steve Motter, VP of Business Development. “We congratulate the Viper Shield team for a successful first flight and are happy to have entered the production phase of this exciting project.”
IEE’s 3ATI is customizable to size, resolution, interface 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
- MIL-STD-1553B and 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
About IEE:
For over 75 years, IEE has been a trusted provider of enhanced displays for military and industrial applications. From rapid prototyping of custom designs to full-scale production runs, IEE’s factory in Sylmar, CA produces innovative displays with advanced features like low-latency video processing, high-bright and NVIS backlighting, and lightweight, ruggedized enclosures. IEE’s direct control of critical process steps reduces costs, decreases production lead times and improves lifecycle management. IEE display products are distributed worldwide. IEE is ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100D certified. For more information: visit ieeinc.com
06 Jun 25. Cuashub.com said today that Nigerian military asserts readiness to counter drone threats. The Nigerian military has affirmed its preparedness to respond to the threat of drone-enabled attacks by terrorist groups, citing ongoing efforts to integrate anti-drone technology and improve across conflict zones. Air Commodore Dooyum Laha, Air Component Commander of Operation Udo Ka, made the remarks during a media briefing held as part of the Joint Task Force South East’s biannual tour in Enugu.
Speaking through the operation’s officer, Squadron Leader Larry Azih, Laha outlined several challenges facing operations in the South East, including poor weather, difficult terrain and the limited availability of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) platforms.
He explained that ISR assets remain in high demand across all theaters of operation, particularly in the northern regions of the country, but emphasized that the Armed Forces were adapting through the use of modern technologies. These include imaging systems capable of detecting threats hidden beneath dense foliage and GPS-based signal tracking tools that help navigate complex terrain.
Laha acknowledged the growing global trend of terrorist groups acquiring and deploying drones and noted that it was only a matter of time before such tactics appear more prominently within Nigeria. He assured reporters that the Armed Forces have taken proactive measures to counter this threat, including the acquisition of anti-drone technologies designed to neutralize hostile UAS activity.
On behalf of Laha, Azih said:
“It is no longer news that drone technology has gotten into the hands of terrorists all over the world. They are actively making use of this technology, and it is only a matter of time before it gets here.”
According to the briefing, a mixed strategy combining advanced technology and terrain mastery is being used to stay ahead of evolving threats. The Air Force and wider Armed Forces are reportedly working to ensure that drone-based attacks can be detected and defeated before they reach Nigerian troops on the ground.
Wing Commander IA Okere, UAV Operator for the Nigerian Air Force will speak at the upcoming Counter UAS Middle East & Africa conference to offer insights into Nigeria’s efforts in the UAS domain.
https://cuashub.com/en/content/nigerian-military-asserts-readiness-to-counter-drone-threats/ (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
06 Jun 25. Cuashub.com said today that Belgium to upgrade air defense capabilities with 10 NASAMS batteries. Belgium is preparing to launch a €36bn defense investment fund aimed at transforming its armed forces and meeting NATO capability targets, with a renewed focus on air defense at the core of the effort. According to Belgian newspaper De Morgen, the plan outlines major acquisitions to rebuild air defense capacities that were largely dismantled in the 1990s. A central element is the procurement of 10 NASAMS (Norwegian Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System) batteries, each consisting of four launchers. The systems are expected to be interoperable with those used by the Netherlands, reinforcing bilateral cooperation and contributing to NATO’s integrated air defense posture. The NASAMS systems are expected to be acquired in partnership with the Netherlands, mirroring that country’s inventory and ensuring full interoperability within NATO’s integrated air and missile defense network. Air defense is considered a top priority in the upcoming rearmament, as Belgium seeks to assure its allies ahead of the NATO summit in The Hague later this month. There, member states are expected to adopt a new defense spending target of five percent of GDP. Belgium has yet to reach the previous benchmark of two percent, but the investment roadmap is intended to show concrete progress toward that goal. The investment plan also includes significant upgrades to Belgium’s combat aviation fleet. Approximately €5bn is earmarked for combat air power, supporting the purchase of 21 additional F-35 fighter jets. These aircraft will replace the aging F-16s and bring Belgium’s total F-35 fleet to 55. Additionally, the Belgian Air Component will be bolstered by the acquisition of two more MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones, enhancing both reconnaissance and precision strike capabilities. While the full investment plan stretches to 2035, only the 2025 defense budget has been formally approved. https://cuashub.com/en/content/belgium-to-upgrade-air-defense-capabilities-with-10-nasams-batteries/ (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
06 Jun 25. Cuashub.com said today that US Air Force equips Strike Eagles with counter-drone rockets. The U.S. Air Force has operationally deployed F-15E Strike Eagles to the Middle East equipped with a new high-capacity rocket configuration aimed at countering drones. CENTCOM recently released an image showing an F-15E loaded with six LAU-131A/A rocket pods, each containing seven AGR-20 APKWS II laser-guided rockets, for a total of 42 precision-guided munitions. Originally developed as a low-cost, air-to-ground weapon, the APKWS has been adapted for air-to-air use under the U.S. military’s growing need to neutralize low-cost aerial threats such as one-way attack drones and cruise missiles. This loadout offers a significant increase in engagement volume over traditional missile configurations. In addition to the 42 APKWS rockets, the photographed Strike Eagle also carried its full complement of eight air-to-air missiles – four AIM-9Xs and four AIM-120C/Ds – giving it up to 50 potential engagements in a single sortie, not including the aircraft’s internal cannon. Unlike F-16s previously used for APKWS air-to-air intercepts, which required two-aircraft teams to designate and strike targets, the two-person F-15E crew allows for independent engagement. The Weapons Systems Officer can laser-designate aerial targets using the Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod while the pilot handles the attack. This makes the Strike Eagle especially well-suited for prolonged, single-ship counter-drone missions. The APKWS II has undergone air-to-air enhancements under the Fixed Wing, Air Launched, Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Ordnance (FALCO) program. This includes software upgrades that boost its effectiveness against drones, and ongoing development has added a dual-mode seeker combining laser and infrared guidance for improved targeting flexibility. The new loadout is likely a response to operational shortfalls observed during high-volume drone attacks, such as the April 2024 Iranian UAV assault on Israel. By increasing magazine depth with low-cost precision rockets, the U.S. Air Force can maintain persistent counter-UAS coverage without over-relying on limited and expensive missile inventories. With this deployment, the F-15E joins a growing roster of U.S. platforms leveraging APKWS rockets in the counter-drone fight. https://cuashub.com/en/content/us-air-force-equips-strike-eagles-with-counter-drone-rockets/ (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
04 Jun 25. Blighter’s New Long-Range Border Surveillance Radar Detects a Person at 15km with just 4 Watts of Power.
- Extended range means much earlier interception of intruders and significant cost savings for border security forces as fewer radars are needed
- Blighter’s new export-friendly B422LR surveillance system, with its ‘person at 15km’ detection range, can monitor three times the area compared with a radar with a ‘person at 8km’ range
- Blighter’s B422LR integrates with the BlighterNexus AI-assisted Hub to ease integration of the remote radars with command and control (C2) systems to provide border authorities with a common operating picture (COP)
Blighter (www.blighter.com), a pioneering designer and manufacturer of electronic-scanning ground movement radars, has unveiled its longest-range smart border surveillance radar system which can detect a person 15km or 9.3 miles away with just 4 Watts of power – that’s the same as what is needed to power a mobile phone or a modern LED light bulb. According to Blighter, this extended range means earlier interception of intruders and significant cost savings for border security operators. With its ‘person at 15km’ detection range, the Blighter B422LR (long-range) border surveillance system can now monitor an area of 707km² compared with 201km² for a radar with a ‘person at 8km’ range. Blighter’s export-friendly B422LR border surveillance system provides up to 360-degrees of pure electronic scanning coverage with no mechanical rotation using static, low power, solid-state transmitters. This low power, low bandwidth system can be operated using solar panels and has no need for additional forced air cooling making it ideal for remote operation along national borders.
Mark Radford, co-founder and chief technology officer (CTO) at Blighter, says, “This new ultra-reliable long-range e-scan radar enhances our leadership position in the global border surveillance market. Our radar’s ability to detect a person 15km away, or a crawler 6.4km away, in all weathers and in complex terrains, and with just 4 Watts of transmission power, makes the case for adopting our solution even more compelling.
“As our recent record order book shows, governments and border forces are increasingly adopting our e-scan radars as the primary detection sensors for their long-range remote surveillance systems. With the extended range, customers will not only be able to detect and intercept targets earlier but with a larger area covered by each radar system, the number of radars, towers and the supporting infrastructure needed will be reduced.”
Blighter’s B422LR border surveillance radar system uses frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) transmission technology, combined with sensitive micro-Doppler target detection. This means the radar has a small communications bandwidth requirement and therefore needs only a fraction of the transmitter power used by traditional security radar systems and dramatically less than classic radar systems.
“Our radar’s low size, weight and power (SWaP) profile coupled with the extended range is a huge benefit to border authorities,” adds Mark Radford. “But it is also vital that the radars are easy to integrate with our customers’ command and control (C2) systems. We achieve this using our BlighterNexus AI-assisted Hub.”
Blighter’s B422LR works with BlighterNexus to ease integration of the remote radars with command and control (C2) systems to provide border authorities with a common operating picture (COP), a real-time, unified view of the border environment. BlighterNexus also optimises target detection capabilities while reducing training and operational costs as the AI-assisted software automates setup, configuration and adjustment of multiple radars to deliver optimum performance even in changing weather conditions.
Blighter’s radar products are export-friendly and not subject to U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) neither are they governed by the European Union’s dual-use export control regulations. Mark Radford says, “Our ITAR-free status and the licensing of our products for commercial and military applications give us a strategic advantage in the global border security market, making us easy to do business with while reducing considerably the licensing requirements for our customers when buying and deploying our technology.”
03 Jun 25. Cuashub.com said today that Estonian startup unveils affordable, AI-guided interceptor missile. Estonian defense startup Frankenburg Technologies has launched a new class of fast, solid-fueled interceptor missiles designed specifically to neutralize drones and loitering munitions. Unveiled as the Frankenburg Mark 1, the system represents a shift toward cost-effective and scalable solutions in the face of high-volume drone attacks, such as those seen in Ukraine. According to the company, the Mark 1 is a conventional, low-cost interceptor missile built for mass production and optimized for speed and agility. It is powered by solid rocket fuel and guided by AI, enabling rapid response to aerial threats without relying on expensive strategic air defense systems. Frankenburg emphasizes that its system is up to ten times more affordable than traditional air defense missiles, making it particularly attractive to smaller nations or those looking to bolster their tactical defenses against saturation drone attacks. The missile is aimed at intercepting drones like the Iranian-made Shahed series used extensively by Russian forces. Departing from the typical defense procurement model, Frankenburg prioritizes affordability, mobility, and battlefield practicality, calling legacy systems “heavy, slow and expensive.” The system is fully developed in Europe, reflecting a growing trend toward regional defense innovation and self-reliance. In addition to the missile itself, the company also introduced a turret-mounted launcher featuring two missile pods and an integrated guidance unit. The compact setup forms a mobile, self-contained counter-UAS solution suitable for frontline deployment. With the rise of low-cost drone warfare, Frankenburg’s Mark 1 aims to deliver a system that can be fielded quickly, scaled efficiently and sustained economically in contested environments. https://cuashub.com/en/content/estonian-startup-unveils-affordable-ai-guided-interceptor-missile/ (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
03 Jun 25. Cuashub.com said today that Chief of the Indian Army Staff oversees demonstration of UAS, Counter-UAS and Loitering Munition systems. On May 27, the Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI) of the Indian Army revealed that General Upendra Dwivdei, Chief of the Army Staff, visited the Babina Field Firing Ranges to witness UAS, Counter-UAS and Loitering Munition systems.
The ADGPI stated that: “These capabilities will significantly enhance operational efficiency, force protection and precision engagement across varied terrains.”
The demonstration highlights India’s push towards the indigenous development of cutting-edge military systems as it seeks to expand capabilities and ensure superiority over neighbouring Pakistan. A video released alongside the statement shows a number of systems in action during battlefield simulations. The UAS showcased feature significant ISR capability, along with in-built target acquisition designed for operational use. There was specific emphasis on loitering munitions which featured prominently in the recent conflict with Pakistan as part of Operation Sindoor. The Indian Army claims the systems were responsible for the destruction of nine hostile bases in Pakistan & Kashmir. The specific demonstration of C-UAS systems further demonstrates the Indian Army’s push to enhance capabilities in the field following last month’s Request for Information (RFI) for new solutions. While that RFI specifically sought C-UAS solutions able to be mounted on armoured vehicles, the Indian Army has not released details of the specific capabilities demonstrated during the recent exercise. It is clear that amidst growing geopolitical tensions and the prospect of further conflict with Pakistan has catalysed efforts to foster defence innovation in India. The systems prioritised clearly reflect lessons learned from the War in Ukraine. What remains to be seen is whether India will be able to develop and field these capabilities at the pace and scale required while simultaneously reducing reliance on Russian & Western arm imports to bolster their arsenal. The demo day suggests that regardless of future challenges, that is a challenge they are meeting head on.
(Source: https://cuashub.com/)
03 Jun 25. Cuashub.com said today that North Vector Dynamics emerges from stealth with advanced C-UAS solutions. North Vector Dynamics (NVD) has officially emerged from stealth mode, introducing advanced and cost-effective C-UAS solutions. The company, incubated by Think Solutions and supported by investor ONE9, aims to provide a sovereign Canadian capability to counter hostile drone threats. The launch addresses the growing need for effective drone defense systems amid increasing sophistication and decentralization of UAS. NVD’s platform features a modular and scalable design, incorporating AI-driven detection, advanced sensors, and versatile mitigation tools. It is designed for easy integration with existing security infrastructure and is intended for rapid deployment across various operational scenarios. According to Paul Ziadé, CEO and Co-Founder of NVD, the company’s mission is to develop solutions not only for Canadian security agencies but also to support allied nations. “The threat is real and it’s here today. We’re proud to offer a Canadian solution that empowers our national security end-users with the tools they need to protect against evolving aerial threats,” he stated in a press release. Investor ONE9, Canada’s only venture firm focused on global security technologies, has played a strategic role in NVD’s development from concept to market readiness. Glenn Cowan, Founder and Managing Director of ONE9, expressed pride in supporting the company’s progress.
“This is the kind of Canadian innovation our ecosystem needs: dual-use, defensible, and deployable. NVD demonstrates what’s possible when elite operators, technologists, and mission-aligned investors unite around a shared vision,” Cowan said.
The partnership underscores a broader commitment within Canada’s tech and defense sectors to strengthen sovereign capabilities. “For decades, we’ve treated defense as a dirty word in our industrial vocabulary,” Ziadé noted. “But there should be nothing controversial about building to defend Canada, Canadians, and our allies.” The development of C-UAS technologies has been an ongoing priority for the Canadian Department of National Defence. During the 2024 Counter-UAS Technology USA Conference, Colonel Chris Labbé, who leads the Canadian Joint C-UAS Office (JCO), unveiled the IDEaS NORAD Modernization S&T Contest. This grant program aims to provide up to $19 m to support the development of innovative solutions essential for the modernization of NORAD.
North Vector Dynamics emerges from stealth with advanced C-UAS solutions
(Source: https://cuashub.com/)
03 Jun 25. UK SDR 2025: MoD focusing on new Digital Targeting Web. The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) is in the process of developing a new digital battlefield system called Digital Targeting Web, based on lessons learned from Ukraine, Gaza, and other conflicts, a defence official told Janes on 2 June. The system aims to expand integration across all domains through a secure, cloud-based data system managed by artificial intelligence (AI) and supported by a common synthetic environment, according to the official. The principle behind this is to connect any sensor, whether it be in space, air, on the surface, or below the surface, to a full range of effectors. The UK’s Strategic Defence Review (SDR), published on 2 June, outlines the system as an integrated force between any “sensors, effectors, deciders, and the common data fabric”. Deciders analyse information including through human-machine teaming, and the common data fabric gathers and sends out information across sensors, deciders, and effectors, according to the SDR. An example of the battlespace system’s operation featured in the SDR describes how a sensor on a ship or in space could be used to identify a threat, then target and destroy it by using an aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicle or via a cyber operation. (Source: Janes)
27 May 25. Roshel and Leonardo to unveil jointly developed C-UAS. Roshel will introduce the Senator C-UAS counter-drone system, developed in collaboration with Leonardo, at the CANSEC defence and security technology exhibition in Ottawa this week (May 28-29). Built on Roshel’s Senator Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) platform, the Senator C-UAS integrates Leonardo’s Falcon Shield system for mobile and battlefield-ready protection against evolving aerial threats. The system offers detection, tracking, identification, geo-location and mitigation capabilities. Multiple Senator MRAPs have been deployed in Ukraine and Falcon Shield is used by customers including the UK Royal Air Force and Canadian Armed Forces. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
27 May 25. Eglin AFB to conduct C-UAS drone identification and response exercise. The US Air Force’s Eglin Base says “drone-like aircraft” will be flying in and around the flightline from May 29 until June 5 as part of a base training mission to improve awareness of uncrewed aerial system (UAS) threats. The exercise is designed to increase base population education on how to identify the threat of unauthorised UAS activity and respond appropriately.
“During this event, anyone who sees drone-like aircraft is encouraged to call 96th Security Force Squadron at (850) 882-2000 to report drone-like aircraft,” the Air Force’s Public Affairs Office said on May 27.
A dedicated counter-UAS working group was established at Eglin seven months ago. This team has been developing standardised reporting procedures and response protocols for unauthorised drone activity. Insights gained from the upcoming event will inform future improvements to the base’s drone defence posture and contribute to broader US Department of Defense initiatives. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
28 May 25. INTERPOL hosts drone countermeasures exercise in urban setting. In collaboration with Spanish National Police, INTERPOL held the Drone Countermeasure Exercise on 12-15 May 2025. The purpose was to compare different counter-uncrewed aircraft systems (C-UAS) against commercial off-the-shelf and custom-made UAS in complex urban environments. In a LinkedIn post, policy analyst at INTERPOL, Priscilla Cabuyao said the exercise featured tactical decision making in real-world scenarios, provided collaborative learning on strategies and facilitated expert analysis and feedback. A second event will be held in San Diego in the United States in September. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
29 May 25. Dedrone and Thales Australia collaborate on vehicle-mounted C-UAS. Dedrone by Axon has partnered with Thales Australia to collaborate on counter-uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS) technology, including a vehicle-mounted system designed to detect, track, identify, and mitigate (DTI-M) Group 1-3 UAS threats while On-The-Move (OTM). The partnership integrates DedroneOTM, a mobile C-UAS DTI-M system, with Thales Australia’s tactical protected mobility vehicles (PMV). Thales’ Bushmaster PMV will be integrated with Dedrone’s passive radio frequency (RF) detection sensors powered by DedroneTracker.AI, for airspace awareness and drone threat mitigation. Through testing conducted near Thales Australia’s Bendigo, Victoria facility, Dedrone and Thales have successfully demonstrated the ability to detect, track, identify and mitigate Group 1 and 2 UAS from various drone manufacturers while OTM in the Thales Bushmaster PMV. This new partnership adds an extra layer of protection for military personnel. The C-UAS solution can be easily retrofitted to any PMV already in service. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
02 Jun 25. Operation Spiderweb – why telecom networks are the new Trojan Horse. Was Operation Spiderweb, the June 1 drone strike into Russian territory by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), an important step in the evolution of military drone tactics, a watershed moment in the history of warfare or a spectacular one-off? How should military planners recalibrate their systems and tactics to deal with such attacks? Despite many claims to the contrary, Operation Spiderweb was a relatively low-tech operation –audacious and brilliantly planned but in technology terms relatively simple. There was no AI coordinated drone swarm attacks nor autonomous flight control. Ukraine has for two years been researching ways to nullify Russia’s long-range cruise-missile strike capabilities, which have done so much damage to Ukraine, especially when loosely coordinated within a wider surface-to-surface missile, loitering munitions and short-range drone strikes. The solution developed by its military planners was to exploit Russia’s mobile network as a key communications tool for Ukrainian drone strikes. SBU planners focused on the widespread use of the ESP32 cell-phone sim which allows controllers to manage drone flights over the LTE network, integrating both W-Fi and Bluetooth. The Ukrainian drones that attacked the airbases were controlled used Ardupilot over mobile network 4G/LTE comms, a methodology which has been used widely in the past in Ukraine and beyond. For example, a recent attack on an Indian airport by a grenade-carrying drone is understood to have used a similar technique. The use of this LTE technology, rather than some of the more esoteric artificial intelligence (AI) based techniques which have been claimed for the operation, is both good news and bad for the world’s military forces wondering how they are to protect their vital assets from similar kinds of future strikes. One of the lessons of the attack – beyond the obvious need to better defend critical infrastructure with layered air defence networks – will be that security agencies, aviation regulators and industry the world over will need to develop more robust ways of first identifying when un-licensed and/or hostile drone operators are using legacy telco networks for controlling drone flights – and then finding ways to mitigate this. But in the military sector this is only partially worthwhile because by the time policies are in place to allow for this, the drone world will have advanced to an era of autonomy where there will be no telco messages to identify and block. We are, for the moment, back in a world where the only real robust response against a new drone threat is to strengthen the last-ditch defences. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
29 May 25. New EDA project focuses on military drones in European airspace. The European Defence Agency (EDA) has launched the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Single European Sky Experimental Integration (USEXI) project, which is a new initiative designed to improve the way military drones operate in European airspace. The EDA project focuses on ensuring safe and autonomous navigation even when satellite signals are disrupted, jammed or denied. At its core is the AIRSENSE navigation system that EDA says “acts like a sixth sense”. Instead of using satellites, it utilises smart sensors and artificial intelligence to understand the environment, maintain positioning and keep the mission going, even in contested skies. Developed in close cooperation with aviation stakeholders, this EDA project addresses one of the key priorities identified in the European Commission’s White Paper on Defence Readiness for 2030: strengthening the role of drones in future operations. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
02 Jun 25. MoD plots £1.5bn radar upgrade as wind farms threaten to conceal attacks. Military chiefs fear interference will impede the RAF to detect enemy missiles and aircrafts. Military chiefs are planning a £1.5bn upgrade of Britain’s radar defences amid fears that the growing number of wind farms risks leaving the country blind to attacks. Under the Ministry of Defence’s “Njord” programme, named after the Norse god of sea and wind, seven air defence radar stations around the country will be replaced or improved to ensure they are not confused by interference from turbines. There are already 3,352 operational or under-construction wind turbines in UK waters, according to the Crown Estate, with another 1,000 at least set to be deployed by 2030 to meet the Government’s net zero targets. Without measures to tackle the problem, military chiefs fear the interference will impede the ability of the Royal Air Force to detect enemy missiles and aircraft. Each radar station upgrade will be worth up to £210m and the Ministry of Defence opened the bidding process earlier this year, with several unnamed defence companies in the running. An industry source said: “They are concerned that, without mitigation, you are going to see a deterioration of radar coverage if you build all the wind farms envisaged under the 2030 targets.
“That would potentially reduce the time you have to respond to threats, as well as the probability of detecting them, and so would leave the country more vulnerable to attacks.”
‘A unique and detrimental impact’ The interference problem occurs when turbine blades reflect the electromagnetic pulses pinged out by radar stations, generating unhelpful background noise for the system operators. Each blade on a turbine can generate a false return, creating the potential for massive disruption from some sites. The first two phases of Dogger Bank, the UK’s biggest wind farm, boast 190 turbines alone. But the Ministry of Defence has warned that every wind farm that is built “will have a unique, detrimental impact” on its ability to detect threats such as missiles or hostile aircraft, “as they reduce the volume of air space that the radars can effectively survey”. As a result, military officials have been studying options to fix the problem. This could include attempting to mask the turbines by putting radar-absorbing paint on them – similar to the kind used by stealth aircraft such as the F-35 – or through computer software fixes that scrub phoney signals out of readings automatically. Other companies have suggested turning the wind turbines themselves into assets, rather than liabilities, by fixing an array of sensors to them such as cameras, microphones and radio aerials that could detect the presence of enemy threats. Under the upgrade plans, work on the first four sites – Neatishead in Norfolk, Staxton Wold in North Yorkshire, Brizlee Wood in Northumberland and Buchan in Aberdeenshire – would begin in July 2026, according to transparency documents. Work is expected to start on the other three – Saxa Vord in the Shetlands, Benbecula in the Outer Hebrides and Portreath in Cornwall – in October 2027. The contracts are expected to last for 120 weeks. An MoD spokesman said: “As we build the next generation of large-scale offshore windfarms, we are looking at innovative ways to mitigate any impact on the UK’s air defence capability.” (Source: Daily Telegraph)
30 May 25. RAFAEL Makes History: World’s 1st Combat-Proven Laser Interceptions Revealed. Israel MOD, Israeli Air Force, and RAFAEL Reveal: Scores of Enemy Threats Intercepted by High Power Lasers for the First Time in War. During the Swords of Iron War, the Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD) Directorate of Defense Research & Development (DDR&D), the Israeli Air Force (IAF), and RAFAEL Advanced Defense Systems executed an accelerated development program to deploy revolutionary interception systems. As a result of this initiative, soldiers from the IAF Aerial Defense Array operated high-power laser system prototypes in the field, successfully intercepting scores of enemy threats. These systems are based on technological breakthroughs developed over decades at RAFAEL, in close cooperation with the R&D Division of the DDR&D. The deployed laser systems are part of RAFAEL’s portfolio of directed energy weapon systems, developed in collaboration with the IMOD, and complement the more powerful IRON BEAMTM system, currently under development, which is expected to be delivered to the IDF later this year. Throughout the current war, the IAF, including its Aerial Defense Array soldiers, studied and deployed the laser systems in the field, achieving outstanding interception rates that saved civilian lives and protected national assets.
Head of the DDR&D, Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Dr. Daniel Gold: “The State of Israel is the first in the world to demonstrate large-scale operational laser interception capabilities. For years, the Ministry’s DDR&D has been leading, together with defense industries and startups, the development of high-power laser technology. Our vision for deploying laser weapons was realized during the war with tremendous technological and operational success. IDF combat units displayed boldness in integrating and carrying out the first successful operational deployments of the systems, and the lessons learned will be applied as we deploy more operational laser systems. Laser interception systems will provide an additional layer within Israel’s multi-tiered air defense array, which has been meticulously developed through the tireless efforts of the defense industries and Israel’s exceptional human capital. We will continue to advance this technology and deliver world-leading systems and capabilities to the IDF, turning vision into security in air, sea, land, and across every dimension.”
Head of the DDR&D R&D Division, Brig. Gen. Yehuda Elmakayes: “During the war, we deployed several high-power laser system prototypes, resulting in significant achievements, culminating in the world’s first successful high-power laser interceptions on the battlefield. Throughout this period, we gained substantial experience in optimizing and operating laser technologies in the field. We are currently integrating these insights into the systems under development, while expanding the range of laser-based systems to protect Israeli civilians and IDF forces.”
RAFAEL Chairman, Dr. Yuval Steinitz: “Israel is the first country in the world to transform high-power laser technology into a fully operational system – and to execute actual combat interceptions. We are extremely proud of RAFAEL’s achievement in leading this operational and technological breakthrough. Based on its unique development of adaptive optics, RAFAEL’s IRON BEAM system will undoubtedly be a game-changer with an unprecedented impact on the modern battlefield.”
RAFAEL CEO, Yoav Tourgeman: “RAFAEL is leading the energy weapon revolution, with operational laser systems among the most advanced of their kind worldwide. The ingenuity and boldness of Rafael’s top scientists and the company’s massive investment in R&D have resulted in a monumental operational and technological accomplishment. Rafael’s defense and strike systems have proven their effectiveness on the battlefield, making a meaningful contribution to Israel’s national security, particularly during the current war. Later this year, we will deliver the first IRON BEAM system from RAFAEL’s production lines to the IMOD. This system will fundamentally change the defense equation by enabling fast, precise, cost-effective interceptions, unmatched by any existing system.”
Brig. Gen. G., Head of the IAF’s Aerial Defense Array: “The initial operational successes of our laser systems against numerous aerial threats and munitions during this conflict represent a significant achievement for Israel—showcasing both the innovative capabilities of our defense industries and the exceptional adaptability of our Air Force personnel, especially the Aerial Defense Array soldiers who have integrated and deployed these cutting-edge systems during combat. This breakthrough reflects the dedication of countless individuals—brilliant minds committed to protecting our homeland.” (Source: ASD Network)
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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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