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18 Jun 25. Cuashub.com said today that Invariant demonstrates naval counter-drone intercept with STAKE. Invariant Corporation has completed a live-fire demonstration of its Surface-to-Air Kinetic Engagement (STAKE) system, successfully intercepting unmanned aerial targets from a moving naval vessel using the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS). The test is part of an ongoing effort to adapti kinetic counter-UAS capabilities to maritime operations, where dynamic conditions, alongside size, weight and power constraints, pose significant challenges to secure ships against drone threats. The demonstration involved full integration of STAKE onto a naval platform, with engagement taking place while the ship was in motion, an important factor in evaluating real-world operational viability. The system was able to identify and neutralize threat-representative targets, suggesting potential for broader applications in naval defense scenarios. While STAKE has previously been demonstrated on land-based platforms, this marks the first public demonstration of the system operating at sea with APKWS integration. APKWS, a precision-guided munition developed by BAE Systems, has seen increased interest in counter-drone roles due to its precision and relatively low cost compared to other missile systems. Invariant, based in Huntsville, Alabama, specializes in software engineering and defense system integration. Company representatives say the test validates STAKE’s readiness for maritime deployment, though details on procurement plans or end users were not disclosed. https://cuashub.com/en/content/invariant-demonstrates-naval-counter-drone-intercept-with-stake/ (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
18 Jun 25. Delair Unveils DT61 Very Long Distance Observation Drone at Paris Air Show 2025. Delair is accelerating its development and completing its range of aerial drones with the DT61, its new long-distance observation drone with fixed wing and vertical Takeoff equipped with a significantly increased payload capacity. A multi-mission drone designed for the inspection and surveillance of large land and sea areas in both civilian and military contexts. A multi-mission drone designed for the inspection and surveillance of large land and sea areas in both civilian and military contexts. The DT46 offers remarkable performance for its class, with an autonomy over 7 hours, a communication range over 100 km and vertical takeoff while maintaining an extremely small logistical footprint : transportable in a pic up truck, it can be deployed in less than 30 mn by two people. It carries payloads of 15 kg for a total mass of 100 kg. Designed with modularity in mind, it incorporates both very high-performance optronics systems (cooled MWIR type) as well as GMTI SAR radars and signals intelligence sensors, with the ability to simultaneously integrate multiple payloads on a single mission. The DT61 benefits from DELAIR’s 15 years of experience in drone system design and incorporates operational feedback from our customers around the world. It also benefits from the range’s proven subsystems and equipment. To develop this drone, Delair relied on the expertise of two recognized french suppliers : Aviation Design for the aerodynamic and mechanical design, and Shield Robotics (a subsidiary of Evotech Group) for development and flight testing. With the arrival of the DT61, Delair is positioning itself across the entire drone segment, from 1 to 100 kg. The range now includes four fixed-wing drones, Three multirotor drones and three loitering munitions, all operated with the DRAKO universal ground control station. Currently in the final qualification phase, the DT61 will carry out its first operations missions in the second half of the year and will be marketed by the end of the year.
“With a turnover doubling every year for the past 3 years (€30 m achived in 2024 ad €60 m forecast for 2025 and a workforce that that has just exceeded the threshold of 200 employees located on 4 sites in France (Toulouse, Marseille, Grenoble and Paris), Delair confirms its positioning as a major player in the European robotics/drone market both civil an military uses.” (Source: UAS VISION)
18 Jun 25. Skydweller and Thales are strengthening their collaboration by equipping Skydweller’s unmanned solar powered aircraft (MAPS) with a new solution consisting of the AirMaster S radar, equipped with Artificial Intelligence features allowing optimal and autonomous adaptation to the specific flight conditions.
- This innovative solution combines a solar-powered extreme endurance aerial platform with next-generation surveillance intelligence, to set a new standard in autonomous, ultra-persistent maritime surveillance.
- The Skydweller MAPS (medium-altitude pseudo-satellite), an autonomous aircraft with an unrivalled payload carrying capacity (up to 400kg unlike all other solar powered aircraft lacking real payload capability) is capable of flights from weeks to months, destroying the tyranny of distance with no carbon emissions. This capability allows for almost continuous maritime coverage, extending the scope of surveillance missions that require both persistence and operational performance.
Thales will equip the MAPS Skydweller with the AirMaster S radar system and its advanced SMART RADAR capabilities, whose intelligent functions have already been proven on board the ATL2 maritime patrol aircraft. Operating in X-band with AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array Antenna) technology, the AirMaster S radar offers significant operational advantages such as immediate and accurate assessment of land, air or sea situation. The radar also features auto-tuning capabilities based on flight and mission conditions, perfectly suited to the Skydweller drone’s persistence in flight. Its AI-based target classification feature can detect points of interest among a large volume of data and reduce the amount of information that needs to be transmitted to the ground. Thanks to its ability to fly uninterrupted for weeks to months, the MAPS Skydweller solar powered unmanned aircraft allows a permanent presence in sensitive areas. It complements the resources already available (satellites, other types of drones, aircraft, etc.) and makes it possible to redirect resources according to the missions.
“The combination of Thales’ AirMaster S Smart radar with the MAPS Skydweller will make it possible to change the paradigm for surveillance missions, by offering a unique solution to current sovereignty challenges. We welcome this alliance and think it will be greater to security to NATO, the EU, and allies of western democracies,” Sébastien Renouard, Chief Commercial Officer for Europe Middle East & Africa.
“We are delighted with this collaboration, which demonstrates the value of our Artificial Intelligence capabilities in the field of radars, which, combined with the innovative Skydweller MAPS, represent a real technological breakthrough for surveillance missions,” Philippe Duhamel, Executive Vice President, Defense Mission Systems, Thales
17 Jun 25. Thales and Turgis Gaillard teaming up to offer a fully French MALE (Medium Altitude, Long Endurance) drone solution for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.
- Thales will supply the AirMaster S radar, a multirole AESA1 radar with proven operational performance on the French Navy’s Atlantique 2 maritime patrol aircraft, and Turgis Gaillard will supply the AAROK MALE drone.
- Thales once again demonstrates its ability to equip drones with a latest-generation, combat-proven radar, entirely developed in France.
- This collaboration paves the way for the integration of other Thales sensors on the AAROK drone.
The AAROK drone designed by Turgis Gaillard, unveiled at the 2023 Paris Air Show, is the first MALE (Medium Altitude, Long Endurance) drone to be entirely developed in France. It is designed for ISR missions in high-intensity conflicts and to conduct maritime surveillance operations. To meet these specific mission requirements, Thales’s AirMaster S radar was selected for its exceptional operational capabilities, which have already been proven in combat conditions, both in export markets and in France, most notably on France’s ATL2 maritime patrol aircraft. The radar was also chosen for its compatibility for integration on MALE drones.
“Thales is delighted to be able to offer forces a 100% French solution based on the AAROK drone, designed for high-intensity operations and incorporating our AI-enhanced radar system,” said Philippe Duhamel, Executive Vice-President, Defence Mission Systems, Thales.
“This collaboration with Thales reflects our shared objective of providing a 100% French MALE drone solution to meet the exacting requirements of high-intensity conflicts. The choice of the AirMaster S radar expands the operational capabilities of the AAROK drone and marks a major step forward in the strategic autonomy of our industry.” Fanny Turgis and Patrick Gaillard, Chairwoman and Chief Executive Officer, Turgis Gaillard.
17 Jun 25. Raytheon and Kongsberg advance GhostEye radar development for NASAMS air defence system. Raytheon, part of RTX, has announced a new phase in its long-standing defence partnership with Norway and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, with Norway formally joining the development of the advanced GhostEye radar. The radar is intended for integration into the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) and will be developed in the United States, with key subassemblies co-developed in Norway by Kongsberg. GhostEye is a mobile, medium-range radar designed to enhance air and missile defence capabilities, offering 360-degree surveillance and fire control. “GhostEye can be mounted on various vehicles, making it suitable for any operational environment,” said Tom Laliberty, president of Land and Air Defense Systems at Raytheon. The project is funded under an existing collaborative agreement for NASAMS, signed in October 2023 by Raytheon, Kongsberg, and the Norwegian government. It marks the first formal initiative under that arrangement, with Kongsberg co-developing two critical components of the radar. (Source: DIE)
17 Jun 25. Safran and Trillium Announce International Partnership to Expand Electro-Optical Solutions Portfolio. On the first day of the Paris Air Show, Safran Electronics & Defense announced an international partnership with U.S.-based Trillium Engineering, a leader in compact, high-performance electro-optical systems (EOS). This collaboration will expand Safran’s Artis range of electro-optical solutions, including a variety of stabilized camera turrets from 2 to 25 inches in size. Trillium’s product line enhances Safran’s established focus on large gyrostabilized gimbals by introducing smaller options that are especially suited to drones, light aircraft, and helicopters. Both companies are recognized for their know-how in developing advanced solutions that are smaller, lighter, and more energy-efficient – qualities that are increasingly vital for modern aerial platforms. These advancements significantly enhance operational efficiency and mission versatility. Trillium Engineering is renowned for its lightweight, high-performance electro-optical and infrared gimbals specifically designed for unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and other airborne platforms. The company’s cutting-edge imaging technologies include high-definition EO and infrared sensors, laser designation, and precise geolocation capabilities. These advanced systems have been successfully integrated into various platforms, significantly enhancing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations.
“The increasing complexity and diversity of operational requirements create a need for a broader range of electro-optical solutions” said Alexandre Ziegler, Head of the Defense Global Business Unit at Safran Electronics & Defense. ” Partnering with Trillium Engineering enables us to extend our offering and effectively support a wide variety of platforms in this rapidly evolving context. Together, we are addressing the changing needs of armed forces as they face the new realities and complexities of the modern battlefield.”
Mark Mirelez, Chief Executive Officer of Trillium Engineering, said “Through our collaboration with Safran Electronics & Defense, Trillium Engineering’s compact gimbal solutions extend their global accessibility, providing users with more mission flexibility and a clear path to achieving their objectives. “
This partnership underscores both companies’ commitment to delivering state-of-the-art technologies that meet the evolving needs of defense and security forces worldwide. (Source: ASD Network)
17 Jun 25. Cuashub.com said today that US & UK troops test Counter-UAS tech as part of Project Flytrap. On June 12, the US Army released a video highlighting the testing of C-UAS technology by UK and US troops as part of Project Flytrap. The testing began on June 6 at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany. Project Flytrap is a joint initiative between the US and UK to conduct a series of C-UAS training scenarios to test the capabilities of emerging, cheaper and man-portable capabilities. The recent exercise saw US troops joined by soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, Royal Yorkshire Regiment of the British Army. In the video, US Army 1st Lieutenant Jake Licht, a platoon leader assigned to the 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment spoke on the need to determine the viability of a number of different C-UAS solutions from a variety of vendors:
“Each of these vendors, they come up with great ideas. They’re all super, super smart. And then when it comes to us, the warfighters, we have to incorporate a lot of different technology, a lot of different vendors all in one space. Usually for the first time.”
He continued, emphasising the importance of hands on testing:
“So anytime we get lots of new tech, it’s important to do operations like Fly trap and these sorts of projects to keep making sure that if they have conflicts with one another, if they interrupt one another, cancel one another out, that we’re going to see that out there and know how to mitigate it moving forward. And to compare it against our already existing programs of records to help conduct counter UAS and air defense.”
The testing continued throughout last week, with General Christopher Donahue, the Commanding General of U.S. Army Europe and Africa, visiting on June 11, demonstrating the importance of the testing operations for US Army leadership. This is in line with recent developments from the US, including the increased funding proposed for C-UAS tech by DoD and the recent executive order issued by President Trump aiming to rapidly enhance C-UAS capabilities. https://cuashub.com/en/content/us-uk-troops-test-counter-uas-tech-as-part-of-project-flytrap (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
16 Jun 25. Milkor and Hanwha Systems sign agreement for AESA radar integration on Milkor 380 UAV. South Korea’s Hanwha Systems has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to integrate its Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) on the Milkor 380 Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). Signed at the 2025 Paris Air Show this week, this partnership aims to deliver a fully integrated, export-ready surveillance and reconnaissance solution to both regional and international markets, Hanwha and Milkor said. The MoU was signed by Julian Coetzee, CEO of Milkor UAE, and Hyuck Park, Senior Vice President of Hanwha Systems’ Defence Electronics Business Division.
“This partnership brings together two highly capable organisations that complement one another,” said Coetzee. “We are looking forward to our continued collaborative efforts with Hanwha. By combining our resources and expertise, we believe we can create great opportunities, not just in the Middle East but across international markets.”
“This collaboration allows us to combine Hanwha’s advanced technology with Milkor’s innovative platforms to deliver next-generation defence capabilities to global customers,” Park said.
Hanwha Systems said it brings deep expertise in AESA radar technology, having developed advanced airborne radar solutions. The integration of its SAR payload will equip the Milkor 380 with high-resolution imaging, Ground and Maritime Moving Target Indication (GMTI/MMTI), and all-weather reconnaissance capability – significantly enhancing its effectiveness in intelligence-gathering and situational awareness. Hanwha is no stranger to working with South African companies, as it contracted Paramount Aerospace to help test the AESA radar being developed for South Korea’s indigenous KF-21 Boramae fighter jet. Test flights aboard a modified Boeing 737 took place from Pretoria’s Wonderboom National Airport. As a MALE UAV, the Milkor 380 boasts impressive specifications, having a wingspan of 18.6 meters and a maximum take-off weight of 1 500 kilograms, making it the largest such aircraft designed and built in Africa. It is built to carry out extended operations and boasts a maximum endurance of 30 hours (when flying at 60 knots and an altitude of 10 000 feet above mean sea level) and a range of over 4 000 kilometres, making it ideal for long-range missions such as border surveillance, maritime patrols, and combat operations. The UAV is equipped with dual redundant Line of Sight (LOS) communications systems that can maintain contact with its control unit for up to 250 km, with seamless transition between Line of Sight and Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) communications, such as SATCom. Milkor has partnered with leading companies, such as Germany’s Hensoldt, to integrate sophisticated sensor suites, including the ARGOS II HDT Airborne Observation System with laser designator capabilities. These sensors are designed for precision targeting in combat operations and enhance the UAV’s intelligence-gathering and electronic warfare capabilities. The Milkor 380 can carry up to 220 kg of payload, including munitions, communication pods and electronic warfare systems. The Milkor 380 is powered by a four-stroke, four-cylinder turbocharged Rotax 915iS engine developing 135 hp, which gives a maximum speed of 250 km/h and cruising speed of 110-150 km/h. Payload is 220 kg (excluding fuel), with each outer wing hardpoint able to accommodate 80 kg while each inner wing hardpoint can carry 150 kg. An underbelly station is designed to accommodate the largest payload and is rated to 400 kg. The aircraft’s nose is capable of housing several different electro optical/infrared and radar sensors.
The Milkor 380 can be armed, and has already been displayed with Al Tariq X-series precision guided munitions, Halcon Desert Sting DS-16 guided bombs, and FZ602 laser-guided rocket launchers. A mockup of a Milkor-developed missile has also been shown under the aircraft, as Milkor is exploring in-house missile development. Annual UAV production stands at eight per year, with plans to reach sixteen units a year by 2026. Last year Milkor had half a dozen Milkor 380s under construction at its Cape Town manufacturing facility. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
17 Jun 25. LYNRED, a global leader in infrared (IR) imaging technologies, announces the launch through its subsidiary New Imaging Technologies (NIT) of LiSaSWIR, its next-generation SWIR LineScan camera and sensor specifically designed for the inspection of silicon wafers, solar panels and waste management. Building on the success of NIT’s previous solutions, LiSaSWIR Camera delivers significantly enhanced performance, offering higher sensitivity, faster image acquisition, and improved cost-efficiency. Amid rising global demand for solar panels and silicon wafers, alongside the reshoring of manufacturing operations to Western countries, LiSaSWIR is engineered to meet the needs of production facilities in targeted sectors. It delivers high-resolution imaging at high speeds, ideal for critical applications such as silicon wafer and solar panel inspection, hot glass monitoring on industrial conveyor belts, and waste sorting operations.
Compared to its predecessor – LiSa Cam V1-, LiSaSWIR offers:
- Double the sensitivity
- 30% faster readout speed
- Integrated IWR (Integration While Read) function enabling over 100% increase in operational speed
The 2048×1 pixel structure (8µm pixel pitch) is optimized for compatibility with standard 1.1″ optical format lenses, widely used in industrial inspection while proposing a best-in-class sensitivity level. This unique configuration ensures a strategic market position by aligning with industry-standard optics.
18 months of R&D result in concrete technological advances
After 18 months of research and development, LiSaSWIR introduces significant technical and economic benefits, including:
- Lower cost-per-pixel for high-resolution imaging
- Best-in-class readout noise for ultra-short integration times
- Easy system integration via a compact design and GenICam-compliant interface
These improvements allow manufacturers to detect defects earlier in the production process, reducing scrap rates and non-quality costs. The increased speed and sensitivity of LiSaSWIR contribute directly to optimizing overall production efficiency.
“The NIT team is thrilled to bring to market the new LiSaSWIR camera”, says François Coursaget, General Manager of NIT and continues: “This industrial sensor and camera will provide a high-definition and high-performance inspection solution to our customers at a price point that will enable new breakthrough applications”.
17 Jun 25. Taiwan seals Ukraine combat-tested drone software deal to help deter China.
- Summary
- Taiwan taking lessons from Ukraine on how to use air, sea drones
- Taiwan’s armed forces are dwarfed by those of China’s
- Taiwan focusing on ‘asymmetric warfare’ to deter Beijing
Taiwan sealed a partnership deal on Tuesday with U.S. and German-based Auterion for drone software battle-tested in Ukraine to help strengthen the island’s defences against growing military threats from giant neighbour China. Auterion, whose software is used in Ukrainian drones operating combat missions against Russia, said the deal could eventually lead to the technology being used in millions of drones for Taiwan. (Source: Reuters)
16 Jun 25. Paris Air Show 2025: France provides 3D protection bubble. France’s Armée de l’Air et de l’Espace (Air and Space Force: AAE) announced on its website on 14 June that it was providing a 3D protection bubble to protect the Paris Air Show 2025 held at Le Bourget from 16 to 22 June. The bubble is operated from a base aérienne projetée (BAP)-deployed airbase with 600 military personnel specifically dedicated to providing an air security system and protection to reinforce the AAE’s permanent air security mission. It aims to provide continuous airspace surveillance and an immediate intervention capability as part of the inter-ministerial effort to secure the show, with the capability of detecting, identifying, and neutralising threats ranging from recreational unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to the most complex aerial intrusion. The systems that the AAE has committed to the mission include E-3F airborne warning and control aircraft, PC-21, Mirage 2000D, Rafale interceptors, Fennec helicopters, and Reaper UAVs, as well as SAMP/T Mamba and Crotale air-defence systems and Nerod RF counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UASs), supported by a network of visual lookouts. (Source: Janes)
12 Jun 25. APS wins Lithuania defence ministry C-UAS contract to protect energy plants. Poland’s Advanced Protection Systems SA (APS) has won a Lithuania’s Ministry of National Defence contract for “stationary systems for detecting and neutralising unmanned aerial vehicles”.
“These systems will be used to protect strategic energy facilities,” according to a ministry statement. “The procurement was carried out at the request of the Ministry of Energy and with the funds of energy companies.
“In the event of aggression against Lithuania, the Lithuanian Armed Forces will take over the management of anti-drone systems at energy facilities, integrating them into a common air defense system. This decision strengthens the country’s overall defense capability, especially considering the rapid development of drone technologies and the challenges they pose to the security of critical infrastructure,” says Minister of National Defense Dovilė Šakalienė.
“Anti-drone systems will operate using advanced detection technologies, including radars, radio frequency detectors, and optical and infrared sensors. Electronic warfare, kinetic solutions, and GPS jamming or spoofing methods will be used for neutralization. The systems will be integrated with other defense systems, air defense networks, and electronic intelligence systems.”
The procedures were carried out in accordance with applicable legal requirements and best practices to ensure efficient use of finances. Three suppliers participated in the purchase, and the equipment of the Polish manufacturer “Advanced Protection Systems SA” was selected, all components of which met the requirements set out in the technical specification. For more information https://kam.lt/lietuva-isigyja-antidronines-sistemas-strateginiu-energetikos-objektu-apsaugai/ (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
16 Jun 25. Base Operations wins AFWERX contract to protect air force bases with AI C-UAS systems. The US Air Force’s AFWERX unit, which connects fast-changing technologies to the requirements of the air force, has awarded a Direct-to-Phase II (D2P2) contract to Base Operations to build a new threat visualization tool “that helps protect missions and improve warfighter readiness. The tool will combine public and private data to map out real-time security threats—giving military leaders faster and smarter ways to make decisions,” said AFWERX in a Linkedin post.
“Air Mobility Command (AMC), which handles global airlift, refueling, and aeromedical evacuation, is the lead customer. The new platform will help AMC spot potential threats early, improve risk assessments, and boost situational awareness across its missions,” said the organisation.
“Our platform enhances force protection by anticipating and mitigating risks around critical installations, safeguarding personnel, and effectively countering adversarial foreign espionage,” said Cory Siskind, Founder & CEO at Base Operations, in a press release. “By equipping decision-makers with AI-driven insights, we help strengthen operational resilience and ensure mission success in complex and dynamic environments.”
The Air Force Research Laboratory and AFWERX have partnered to streamline the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) process by accelerating the small business experience through faster proposal to award timelines, changing the pool of potential applicants by expanding opportunities to small business and eliminating bureaucratic overhead by continually implementing process improvement changes in contract execution.
For more information
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/base-operations-selected-by-the-us-air-force-to-provide-ai-driven-security-intelligence-for-mission-resilience-and-force-protection-302464764.html
https://www.linkedin.com/company/afwerx-usaf/posts/?feedView=all (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
16 Jun 25. Saab announces a strategic cooperation with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems relating to the development of an Unmanned Airborne Early Warning (UAEW) solution. The solution will be based on General Atomics Aeronautical Systems’ unmanned aerial system MQ-9B. The collaboration combines Saab’s renowned expertise in AEW&C systems with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems’ leading unmanned aircraft systems technology. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems will integrate Saab’s AEW sensors with their unmanned MQ-9B-platform. The new capability will deliver persistent surveillance and situational awareness by providing continuous monitoring of designated areas.
“We are bringing our exceptional ability to detect and track challenging objects to customers looking to use MQ-9B to meet their specific needs. This unmanned medium-altitude AEW solution, leveraging core competencies of both companies, has excellent potential to complement our existing AEW&C portfolio and provide customers with yet another cutting-edge capability,” says Carl-Johan Bergholm, head of Saab’s business area Surveillance.
This unmanned medium-range AEW solution complements Saab’s existing portfolio of manned AEW&C systems including GlobalEye. It will provide customers with a wider range of options, such as AEW capability from naval warships, to meet mission needs. The solution can be used stand-alone or in manned-unmanned teaming, leveraging the strengths of each capability. Saab brings decades of experience in delivering AEW and AEW&C systems worldwide, including to NATO and trusted international partners.
16 Jun 25. Thales launches the best-in-class simultaneous civil and military secondary surveillance air traffic radar, the RSM NG / IFF.
- This new RSM NG / IFF (Identification “Friend or Foe”) radar will contribute to enhanced mission success in the shared airspace, thanks to its unique architecture that provides both civil and military data simultaneously to air traffic controllers, while maintaining the segregation and confidentiality of military data, with the latest cybersecurity.
- This innovative 3-in-1 secondary surveillance radar – the only one of its kind in the world – has the capacity to identify an aircraft using three standards from the defence and civilian worlds defined by NATO1, ICAO2 and ADS-B3. Civil and military airspace coordination is guaranteed, with no compromise on operational safety or detection performance.
- Combining the best of Thales’ RSM NG and IFF technologies, the radar will provide air forces with a situational air picture, with NATO Mode 5 ensuring that data is secured and encrypted. This enables safe air operations with a strong coordination with civil air traffic controllers.
Given the expected growth in air traffic over the next decades, airspace will become more crowded, and increasingly shared by civil and military aircraft. With increased traffic comes more data, and the need to identify aircraft (including uncooperative aircraft) quickly, precisely and in the most efficient, resilient, secure and manner. Air operation managers need to have a national air picture at their fingertips, instantaneously. The RSM NG/ IFF, which combines Mode S and ADS-B, as well as excellent IFF capabilities, enables optimised airspace use for efficient air operations, secures the separation data between civil and military airspace, and ensures faster and better coordinated management of this increasingly shared airspace. The combination of these technologies enables faster track initialisation, providing a higher-quality air picture, with the guarantee of international aviation certifications and the new addition of NATO Mode 5 interrogation. Thales has drawn on over 50 years of unrivalled expertise in air traffic control (ATC) radars – with more than 25,000 systems sold to date, worldwide – in the development of this new system. Cybersecured, and enhanced by artificial intelligence, the RSM NG/IFF also incorporates data segregation by design between Mode S and Mode 5, ensuring only authorised authorities access classified data.
“This new, unique secondary surveillance radar will bring the best of civil and military technologies, simultaneously offering NATO Mode 5, ICAO Mode S, and ADS-B. Thales’ RSM NG/IFF enables the establishment of a precise national air picture, optimised flight paths for aircraft operating in increasingly congested airspace, and improved coordination between civil and military air traffic controllers.” declared Lionel de Castellane, Vice President of Civil Radars segment, Thales
1 The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation has developed the Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) Mode 5 standard. It is a military communications system used by NATO and its allies to identify aircraft and warships, in order to distinguish friendly from enemy forces.
2 The International Civil Aviation Organisation has defined the Mode S standard for secondary radar, which allocates one code used by air traffic control to identify and track aircraft on radar.
3 ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast) is a co-operative surveillance system for real-time air traffic control.
16 Jun 25. In a first of its kind demonstration, Boeing [NYSE: BA] and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) have successfully conducted a mission against an airborne target using two in-flight MQ-28 Ghost Bat aircraft and a third digital aircraft, all controlled from an airborne E-7A Wedgetail. During the mission, a single operator onboard the E-7A took control of the uncrewed MQ-28s emulating the role they play in flying ahead of and protecting crewed assets.
“This trial demonstrates family-of-systems integration, the strength of our open systems architecture, and is a critical first step towards integrating mission partners’ software and communications systems natively into the E-7A Wedgetail,” said Glen Ferguson, director MQ-28 Global Programs.
“It not only validated a key element of the MQ-28 concept of operations, but also how collaborative combat aircraft can expand and enhance the role of the E-7A to meet future force requirements.
“It is another tangible proof point of the maturity of our program.”
Australian Minister for Defence Industry The Honourable Pat Conroy MP acknowledged the milestone saying, “The Ghost Bat has the potential to turn a single fighter jet into a fighting team, with advanced sensors that are like hundreds of eyes in the sky.” The software was jointly developed and implemented by Boeing Defence Australia, Defence Science and Technology Group and the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratories.
“It has been an exceptional collaborative effort across organisations from government, contractors, and global partners,” said Adam Tsacoumangos, director of Air Dominance Programs for Boeing’s Phantom Works.
This trial is part of a series of events with RAAF assets throughout this year, collectively known as Capability Demonstration 2025 (CD25). CD25 will demonstrate MQ-28 operational effectiveness and how collaborative combat aircraft will integrate and operate with RAAF crewed assets. Future events will involve teaming with other assets, including F/A-18F and F-35. A leading global aerospace company and top U.S. exporter, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. Our U.S. and global workforce and supplier base drive innovation, economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing is committed to fostering a culture based on our core values of safety, quality and integrity.
16 Jun 25. Quantum Systems and Airbus Defence and Space have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen their strategic cooperation. Both companies are working together on solutions to seamlessly integrate tactical aerial reconnaissance in particular into modern command and information systems. Strengthening Europe’s sovereignty: Airbus and Quantum Systems work on ecosystem for aerial reconnaissance The focus of these efforts is on quickly and effectively strengthening the capabilities of the armed forces while at the same time ensuring European technological sovereignty. In view of increasing geopolitical uncertainties and accelerated innovation cycles in the defence sector, resilient, interoperable and ready-to-use airborne surveillance and information systems are to be deployed in the short and medium term. In contrast to other providers with closed system architectures, Quantum Systems and Airbus are deliberately focussing on transparency and interface openness for their AI-supported reconnaissance and impact network. The European user should have full control over the technology, data and further development of the systems. In addition, existing initiatives relating to open interfaces, digital battlefields and forward-looking simulation environments are to be jointly developed further. The user-centred approach is a direct lesson from the developments on the battlefield in Ukraine. Quantum Systems has its own production facility and R&D hub there.
“This partnership is a strong signal for the European defence industry. Together with Airbus, we are creating a networked, autonomous and sovereign ecosystem for unmanned systems – operational, interoperable and open to partners. To this end, we will connect the Quantum Systems MOSAIC architecture underneath the Airbus CombatCloud. This will create a reconnaissance network from high altitudes down to the lowest level on the battlefield,” says Florian Seibel, CEO of Quantum Systems.
Mike Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space, said: “The partnership is in line with Airbus’ strategic vision of shaping a European ecosystem in military aviation. In concrete terms, this is about ensuring Europe’s sovereignty in AI-supported mission systems and crewed-uncrewed teaming. Together, we are consistently thinking ‘software first’. This will enable military missions to be carried out more efficiently and effectively in future, while at the same time ensuring the adaptability of the systems.”
Quantum Systems and Airbus form a dynamic and powerful alliance to advance European defence capabilities through their innovation, agility, international reach and deep AI expertise.
13 Jun 25. Cuashub.com said today that Germany and Japan experiment with anti-drone ‘cope cages.’ As the threat of small, low-cost drones continues to grow on modern battlefields, the German and Japanese militaries are experimenting with improvised mesh installations on armored vehicles, also known as ‘cope cages’ in an effort to enhance passive defenses against drone threats. Recent images published by the Die Bundeswehr in Bayern Facebook page show armored platforms from Germany’s 4th Logistics Regiment undergoing service in Volkach while outfitted with anti-drone mesh. Among them, a Marder infantry fighting vehicle has been fitted with chains and netting of various types. The mesh appears to be designed to obstruct FPV drones – small, agile and often explosive-laden platforms that have become a deadly hallmark of the conflict in Ukraine. A Leopard 2 main battle tank was also observed equipped with rooftop and side-mounted mesh structures, often referred to as “barbecue” or “grill” armor. Unlike metal cages or slat armor traditionally used against rocket-propelled grenades, these new configurations lack rigid framing. The thickness and stiffness of the materials, as seen in photos, suggest only a modest level of protection, likely intended to disrupt or detonate drones before they can contact the vehicle’s surface. The trials are reportedly part of an ongoing evaluation to assess whether such protection could serve as a viable, low-cost defense layer. These cope cages are currently being developed in an ad hoc manner, mostly by troops in the field, without major involvement from defense contractors or formal engineering teams. Germany is not alone in this exploration. On the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido, tank crews belonging to the 7th Armored Division have begun testing similar anti-drone grill structures on their vehicles. Images from a recent open day at the Higashi-Chitose garrison show both Type 10 and Type 90 main battle tanks fitted with metal-tubed frames covered in chain-link mesh. These upper structures are removable and have been locally assembled by military units, rather than procured from specialized manufacturers. The 71st Tank Regiment (Type 10) and 72nd Tank Regiment (Type 90) are leading these trials. Japanese crews have indicated that the designs remain in an early phase, with adjustments ongoing based on field feedback and operational needs. Like their German counterparts, they are focused on protecting vehicles from FPV drones that threaten even well-armored platforms by striking from above or targeting weak points like engine compartments and running gear. The use of cope cages against drones is becoming increasingly common in light of the lessons learned from the war in Ukraine, where FPV drone attacks have inflicted high attrition rates on tanks and armored vehicles. These measures, while rudimentary, offer a cost-effective response to a FPV drone threats. For now, both Germany and Japan’s experiments remain inform https://cuashub.com/en/content/germany-and-japan-experiment-with-anti-drone-cope-cages/ (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
13 Jun 25. Cuashub.com said today that Former FBI Agent weighs in on counter-drone executive orders. President Donald Trump’s recent executive orders targeting drones, counter-UAS operations and advanced air mobility have enforced a renewed focus on longstanding security concerns regarding UAS threats. This focus may finally bring long-stalled efforts to fruition. The directives aim to tighten airspace security around critical infrastructure, bolster training and operational frameworks for law enforcement and extend the use of detection and defeat technologies across federal and local agencies. Tom Adams, Director of Public Safety at DroneShield and a former FBI Agent, has weighed in on the executive orders and their implications for domestic drone defense in the U.S.
Among the most consequential elements is a renewed push to implement Section 2209 of the FAA Extension Act (2016), legislation that tasked the FAA with developing a mechanism to restrict drone operations over critical infrastructure.
“Although Congress mandated the FAA to develop a process to restrict airspace over critical infrastructure almost a decade ago, there has been limited success on this front,” Adams noted. “This new Executive Order directs the Administrator of the FAA to once more create a process to successfully restrict the airspace over utilities, airports and other critical infrastructure sites.”
Adams acknowledged that restricted airspace zones alone cannot stop unauthorized drone flights, but stressed the strategic value:
“It is an important step to increase homeland security and enable enhanced enforcement capabilities that weren’t available previously.”
National C-UAS Training Center
The executive order also calls for the creation of a National Training Center for Counter-UAS operations, a move Adams welcomed as a necessary investment in standardizing advanced drone defense tactics, particularly with major international events on the horizon, such as the 2028 Summer Olympics and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“With this Executive Order calling for the creation of a National Training Center for Counter-UAS, I urge stakeholders to look toward the FBI’s Hazardous Devices School for public safety bomb technicians as a north star in standardized training and readiness,” he said.
The World Cup and Olympics are expected to draw massive crowds and present significant security challenges.
“These open-air events are not only extremely susceptible to drone incursions, but they are also slated to bring in astronomical numbers of fans,” Adams said.
He emphasized that a centralized training facility modeled on the FBI’s bomb technician program could help the U.S. to prepare:
“A National Training Center rooted in the FBI’s approach for public safety bomb technicians will surely help us put our best foot forward in ensuring that federal, state and local law enforcement agencies designated to have these advanced C-UAS capabilities are consistently trained, while minimizing the risk to the public and critical infrastructure.”
Another provision directs the Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security to integrate counter-UAS operations into the existing Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) framework.
Adams called this a “long overdue response measure” and stressed that the threat from drones is no longer theoretical:
“The public [has been] long affected by senseless terrorism at large scale events spanning concerts, marathons, festivals and beyond,” he said.
According to Adams, a coordinated response through the JTTF model “is critical to ensure these venues are secured with advanced airspace awareness and protection capabilities before it’s too late.”
Expanding access to C-UAS technologies
The executive order also seeks to expand on the 124(n) authorities granted in 2018, which gave DOJ and DHS limited rights to detect and defeat drones over protected sites.
“In 2018, the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security were provided with ground-breaking legislative authorities… Unfortunately, we have not seen any significant legislation related to this since,” Adams noted.
The new order calls for broader use of these existing authorities and opens the door for state, local, tribal and territorial law enforcement agencies to apply for federal grant funding to acquire counter-drone technologies. It also mandates clear guidance for private critical infrastructure operators on how to deploy drone detection systems.
“With the recent flurry of attempted attacks and hobbyist incursions over utilities, this is a necessary step forward in securing the airspace over the nation’s critical infrastructure,” Adams said.
In recent years there has been an ever-increasing concern over the prevalence of drone threats and a fragmented policy landscape that has left many local agencies underprepared. By combining a renewed regulatory focus with practical steps, such as training, legal clarity and funding, U.S law enforcement agencies can finally begin to close the gap between the capabilities and authority afforded to them and the scale of drone threats they face. https://cuashub.com/en/content/former-fbi-agent-weighs-in-on-counter-drone-executive-orders/ (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
13 Jun 25. Cuashub.com said today that QinetiQ supports Royal Navy with counter-drone training. QinetiQ has contributed to the Royal Navy’s recent Med Strike exercise by delivering live and synthetic aerial threats intended to test the air defence capabilities of a multinational Carrier Strike Group operating in the Mediterranean. QinetiQ launched 16 uncrewed Banshee Whirlwind aerial targets from the support ship SD Northern River and, through its subsidiary Inzpire, added hundreds of simulated threats to the exercise’s command and control environment. The Med Strike training event was conducted in collaboration with the Royal Navy’s Joint Training and Exercise Planning Staff, part of the Fleet Operational Standards & Training team. The exercise aimed to replicate modern drone threats in order to assess how naval platforms detect, track and respond to them in a coordinated operational setting. Participating units included HMS Prince of Wales, HMS Dauntless, HMS Richmond and the Italian aircraft carrier Cavour. Naval and aerial assets from Denmark, France, Norway, Spain and the United States were also involved.
Simon Galt, Managing Director Air of QinetiQ’s UK Defence Sector, said the activity was intended to prepare crews for contemporary threats: “The successful execution of the Med Strike serials allowed the Strike Group to train against representative threats, putting its air defence capabilities to the test in an operational environment,” Galt said. “This important work builds on the support we provided to the Royal Navy at the Sharpshooter exercise in April, demonstrating our role as a trusted, long-term Test, Trials, Training and Evaluation partner for the UK and its allies.”
Captain Hugh Harris of the Royal Navy described the effort as a milestone: “The role of the Royal Navy’s Joint Training and Exercise Planning Staff is to deliver complex and realistic maritime warfare training to UK and Allied forces. This collaboration with QinetiQ and Inzpire has proved our ability to deploy contemporary live threat simulations outside of UK waters for the first time,” Harris explained. “This is a big step forward in terms of quality, relevant and flexible training delivery. It prepares our people and proves our equipment far more comprehensively than was previously possible.”
Med Strike ran concurrently with NATO’s Formidable Shield exercise off the coast of Scotland, during which QinetiQ was also involved in threat simulation and training support. https://cuashub.com/en/content/qinetiq-supports-royal-navy-with-counter-drone-training/ (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
13 Jun 25. Taking Aircraft Safety to the Next Level: Elbit Unveils New Airborne Missile Warning System. Elbit Systems launches the PAWS-2 (HR), a next-generation infrared missile warning system for fighter aircraft. Elbit Systems Ltd, a global leader in advanced self-protection and electronic warfare (EW) technologies, will showcase its new and cutting-edge PAWS-2 High Resolution (HR) Missile Warning System (MWS) at the Paris Air Show. Designed to enhance the survivability and operational effectiveness of modern fighter aircraft, the HR sensor will be presented for the first time at the company’s booth, located in Hall 3, Stand B16, within a dedicated EW room featuring some of Elbit’s most advanced electronic warfare solutions. The PAWS-2 (HR) is a field-proven infrared passive airborne warning system capable of detecting a wide range of threats, including surface-to-air missiles (SAMs), air-to-air missiles, and MANPADS—regardless of seeker type. It provides advanced protection for fighter jets, transport aircraft, and helicopters operating in complex and high-threat environments. At the core of the system is a new-generation cooled Mid-Wave IR (MWIR) Common-MWS sensor with over 5 megapixels resolution. This enables long-range detection, precise launch point geolocation, and early warning for timely countermeasure deployment. The system’s advanced image processing enables extremely low false alarm rates (FARs), even in cluttered environments.
Key Highlights:
- Extended Detection Range: High-resolution sensors enable earlier threat detection and faster response.
- Low False Alarm Rate: Advanced algorithms improve threat discrimination and reduce operational disruptions.
- Enhanced Threat Separation: High angular accuracy supports better classification and countermeasure timing.
- Expanded Launch Detection: Detects missile launches in the vicinity, distinguishing between direct threats and non-targeted launches.
The system operates at an exceptionally high sampling rate, providing Hostile Fire Indication – detection of small arms bursts, RPGs, and ATGMs – for helicopters.
With the PAWS-2 (HR), Elbit Systems continues to push the boundaries of airborne survivability, delivering cutting-edge solutions that meet the evolving needs of modern air forces.
Elbit Systems will showcase a comprehensive portfolio of advanced aerospace capabilities at the Paris Air Show 2025. Highlights include Autonomous Systems, Airborne and Electronic Warfare (EW) Self-Protection Suites, Airborne Munitions, Intelligence Gathering Systems, Aerial Networking and Mission Communication Solutions, and more. (Source: ASD Network)
17 Jun 25. Fortem Technologies today officially opened a new state-of-the-art headquarters and manufacturing facility designed to meet surging demand for its counter-drone systems. The new 51,000-square-foot building in Lindon more than doubles Fortem’s previous capacity and marks a major milestone in the company’s mission to secure airspace around the world.
From its expanded base in Utah, Fortem will produce its flagship DroneHunter® and DroneKiller™ interceptors and TrueView™ radar systems—battle-tested technologies deployed today by military and homeland security customers in Ukraine, the Middle East, and at critical infrastructure sites globally. The new facility enables Fortem to bring previously outsourced manufacturing in-house, cut production lead times, and scale up output dramatically in response to growing customer demand.
“Drones have upended the economics of air warfare. For a few thousand dollars, our adversaries can now threaten assets worth bns,” said Jon Gruen, CEO of Fortem Technologies. “This new facility is a direct response to that reality. It gives us the scale, speed, and integration needed to build the counter-drone systems America and its allies require—not in five years, but right now.”
Fortem’s previous headquarters was located on the sixth floor of an office building in Pleasant Grove, with limited manufacturing space and no on-site flight testing capability. The new facility—just a five-minute walk from the old one—features over 10,000 square feet of dedicated manufacturing space and on-site flight testing areas, allowing production teams to assemble, test, and rework systems without leaving the premises. The building also supports future expansion with pre-permitted plans for an additional 15,000 square feet of manufacturing space.
At full capacity, the Lindon facility can produce:
- 600 radar units per month
- 40 DroneHunter® interceptors per month
- 300+ ground-launched air-to-air munitions (GLAAMs) per month
- 20 drone hangars per month—a manufacturing capability Fortem previously outsourced
To date, Fortem has conducted over 70,000 test flights and 5,500 successful drone captures in Utah alone. Fortem’s systems have become critical to layered air defense strategies as military and civilian decision-makers confront the threat posed by small, fast, low-flying drones that can evade traditional radar. Its kinetic interceptors, guided by proprietary radar and AI-powered SkyDome® software, are the only drone-on-drone systems authorized for deployment in U.S. airspace.
“This facility is a game-changer for how we build and deploy advanced air-defense systems,” said Fortem Technologies Chief Operating Officer Jim Housinger. “We’ve eliminated the inefficiencies of off-site testing and fragmented production. Now our engineers and manufacturing teams are under one roof, with the ability to build, test, rework, and ship—all in the same day. That agility is critical when the threats are evolving by the hour.”
The Lindon facility is fully operational and currently shipping product. The company, which holds ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100D certifications, is expanding its in-house radar assembly and reducing reliance on foreign electronics suppliers. Fortem’s team in Utah has grown to over 100 employees, with room to double headcount as production ramps. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
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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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