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25 Sep 25. NATO Tests Unmanned Airship as Maritime Surveillance Platform. An unmanned hydrogen-powered autonomous surveillance airship the size of a small bus has been floating over Portuguese waters, collecting imagery of ships and other objects. The goal of these test flights is to see if this airship can provide NATO with situational awareness of the maritime domain. The flights are part of the alliance’s annual demonstration seeking new robotic technology to boost its defenses. The airship is one of several systems that NATO is evaluating during this exercise, which is called Robotic Experimentation and Prototyping using Maritime Unmanned Systems (REPMUS) 25 and Dynamic Messenger (DYMS) 25. NATO is also trialing unmanned surface and underwater vehicles, as well as other aerial ones, as part of the exercise. The airship being tested is made by the Finnish Kelluu company, which also operates the aircraft. It is one of about 10 that are providing imagery and other sensing capabilities for commercial and scientific purposes. With NATO already conducting maritime security missions, the company sees a potential military role for its airships to provide persistent, low-level surveillance. The Kelluu LTA is relatively small as far as airships go, clocking-in at about 12 meters long. It can fly for up to about 12 hours at low level, the company states. They are designed to carry an assortment of sensors, including electro-optical/infrared cameras and passive systems that can detect electromagnetic emissions. Able to launch from austere locations with no runways, these airships operate “very quietly and without emissions, providing real-time connectivity without being limited by radio-link ranges (BRLOS),” company CEO Janne Hietala told us on Wednesday. NATO officials did not want to elaborate on any particular system taking part in REPMUS25. However, they did discuss the overall goals for this demonstration.
“All of these systems require experimentation and integration into the operational environment,” Cmdr. Arlo Abrahamson, spokesperson for NATO’s Allied Maritime Command, told TWZ on Wednesday. “We want to place these systems in the hands of our operators and ensure those systems meet the operational requirements of Allied forces.”
Dynamic Messenger/REPMUS is working to bring new unmanned systems into the operational environment by gaining user feedback to spur development, Abrahamson told us. With the tests still being conducted, it is too early to say if or how an airship would be useful for NATO operations, Abrahamson noted. (Source: UAS VISION/The War Zone)
25 Sep 25. C-UAS System Accidentally Available in Rose-Gold. Engineers at a defense start-up accidentally ordered parts in a colour popular for cell phones and smart watches, but less so for drone-killing machine gun systems. The Austin, Texas-based start-up behind the machine — an automated tracking system designed to shoot down drones, and known as the Bullfrog — delivers the device in traditional military field colors — green, tan or black. But thanks to an ordering snafu, a recent shipment of cladding arrived in the pinkish-metallic hue known as rose gold. Which is how the company ended up with an in-house model they call “Rosie.” The Bullfrog is made by Allen Control Systems, which markets the device as a low-cost remote weapon system to combat the existential drone problem that 21st-century militaries will face. The Bullfrog uses artificial intelligence to track, detect and shoot down unmanned aerial systems, or UAS, that fly within small arms range of bases or vehicles. It’s compatible with weapons commonly used by infantry, like M240 medium machine guns. The system can work autonomously or be controlled by an operator, according to the company. Company lore is mixed on how exactly it happened. CEO Mike Wior suspects someone intended to order a tan color but picked the gold hue instead.
President Steve Simoni says he thinks his team was following his orders to “make it look beautiful.”
“When you’re destroying drones, you want to look good,” said Simoni, who also referred to it as “the iPhone of turrets.”
Company officials shared pictures of the fashionably clad mounts with reporters, including Task & Purpose.
“It’s for the girls,” said one female defense reporter.
The company has shopped the drone-killer equipment to all military services but is still in conversations over formal contracts. They are primarily targeting work with the Army and Special Operations Command, which is known for being an early adopter of new defense tech.
“Look, if SOCOM wants it in rose gold, it’s certainly available,” Wior said. “I think the Saudis and the Emirates might buy the rose gold.”
AI-Powered Drone Kills
The Bullfrog uses electro-optical systems for scanning the skies — instead of radar like other detectors — so the weapon doesn’t emit an electromagnetic signature, which is key for the modern battlefield where detection can be deadly. The Bullfrog is classified as a remote-controlled weapon system, which Simoni said means it would normally be controlled by a human using a joystick to aim and fire.
“In our remote weapon station, now, that can be done autonomously, which allows you to hit much faster, smaller, moving targets like drones,” Simoni said. “With a joystick control, they can’t hit drones because the drone moves out of the screen too quickly.”
The company says the system is capable of taking out drones up to 800 meters away that are classified as Groups 1, 2 and 3 UAS, which range from lightweight, handheld sizes to others that weigh over 1,000 pounds. For the modern battlefield, the Bullfrog was built to do point defense against short-range threats, Simoni said. This applies to “any asset that you want to defend in a one-mile, one-kilometer radius around it,” he said. “Any sort of vehicle that’s driving, like a logistics convoy, tanks, things like that, all need a point defense right now. They have no point defense against drones, which is why you see in Ukraine that there’s not a lot of tanks running around right now.” The company also hired video game engineers to feed its algorithm with synthetic data from “realistic models,” Wior said. These engineers design thousands of images of a wide variety of drones in different environments and at different times of day, images that are then used to train the system’s AI.
“Imagine a new drone is on the battlefield wreaking havoc. You wanna be able to recognize that drone specifically and the model as quickly as possible,” Wior said. “If it just hits the battlefield, it could take months, years, [to compile] enough data to feed a computer vision system for it to be able to reliably detect and identify that specific drone.”
Newcomer to Defense Tech
Allen Control Systems was founded by Wior, Simoni and Luke Allen, the chief technology officer. Simoni and Allen are both former Navy nuclear engineers.
Wior said the fact that they’re part of conversations, even with technology that has not been battle-tested, shows the direction that the military is going. While the Pentagon used to invest in technology “that was just on paper,” now they’re getting more experimental, which is the core focus of the Army’s Transforming in Contact initiative.
“Working with companies like ours, what it means is I’m gonna start paying for getting this integrated onto a vehicle platform so that when this is ready to be put in soldiers’ hands, I already have a plan to install it on a tank, on a Bradley, on a Paladin, on any of the ground combat vehicles, [unmanned surface vehicles],” he said. “That’s the type of conversations that we’re having with the military.” (Source: UAS VISION/Task & Purpose)
25 Sep 25. BIRD Aerosystems, a global provider of innovative airborne defense solutions, today announced that it has achieved a significant milestone with the certification of a new Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) by the Israeli Civil Aviation Authority (CAAI) for the KING AIR 350C platform. This STC enables comprehensive enhancements tailored to Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) and special mission operations, dramatically increasing the aircraft’s versatility and mission readiness. Key provisions of the certified configuration include center fuselage hard points capable of supporting payloads of up to 390kg (860lbs), as well as front fuselage hard points supporting up to 100kg (220lbs). The certification also incorporates advanced mission provisions such as four separate GNSS antennas, an AIS/LOS data link antenna, and dedicated cabin wiring for intercom and crossover panels, enabling seamless power and data integration between onboard sensors and operator workstations. These features allow for the integration of a broad range of ISR payloads such as EO/IR sensors, multi-mode radars, and NATO-standard 30” pylons, transforming the KING AIR 350C into a highly adaptable, multi-role platform.
Tal Haloutz, VP Solutions at BIRD Aerosystems, stated: “The KING AIR 350C STC is another important step in expanding our ASIO portfolio. By providing our customers with a flexible, multi-role platform that can be rapidly adapted for ISR and special missions, we are reinforcing our commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions for every mission and every challenge.”
BIRD’s ASIO (Airborne Surveillance, Intelligence and Observation) solution is a field-proven, end-to-end ISR system designed for maritime and ground surveillance, search and rescue, patrol, and border protection missions. Leveraging BIRD’s proprietary MSIS (Mission Management System), ASIO integrates data from a wide range of sensors and communication systems to deliver real-time, accurate intelligence to decision-makers and field operators. Highly customizable and rapidly deployable, ASIO enables even small crews to cover vast geographic areas with enhanced situational awareness and operational efficiency. This latest certification adds to BIRD Aerosystems’ growing portfolio of certified airborne platforms and reflects the company’s ability to deliver mission-ready solutions across a wide range of aircraft- light planes, turboprops, and jet- for defense and homeland security agencies worldwide.
23 Sep 25. Raytheon, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, has unveiled the latest iteration of its combat-proven APG-82 radar, the APG-82(V)X. The new radar variant incorporates cutting-edge gallium nitride (GaN) technology to enhance the radar’s effectiveness, delivering increased range, advanced air-to-air, air-to-ground and electronic warfare capabilities. APG-82(V)X enables faster target detection, tracking and engagement with multi-function fire control and electronic warfare capabilities. As an advanced active electronically scanned array radar, it uses thousands of transmit and receive modules, which enable the radar to rapidly switch between transmitting and receiving signals, providing greater reliability and more precise targeting against aerial threats like cruise missiles, drones and modern fighter aircraft.
“The enhanced capability of this next-generation radar enables aircrew to detect and engage threats at longer ranges than ever before, providing a crucial first-look, first-shoot advantage,” said Dan Theisen, president of Advanced Products and Solutions at Raytheon. “As the threat environment evolves, this new radar will ensure faster decision making and superior situational awareness in contested environments.”
The APG-82(V)X radar incorporates GaN technology, which provides greater range without needing additional power. It’s scalable and built with open architecture standards, with next generation technology and improved processor speed, providing significantly increased capability to current and future generation aircraft. Development of the radars has begun in El Segundo, California and production of the radars will leverage mature production lines in Forest, Mississippi. (Source: PR Newswire)
22 Sep 25. Cuashub.com said today that DroneShield to expand AI R&D in Virginia for DoD alignment. DroneShield has announced it will significantly expand its research and development operations in the United States, more than doubling its U.S. workforce and adding a second location to its headquarters in Virginia. The Australian-listed company said over 30 percent of the new positions will focus on software development, particularly in artificial intelligence. The expansion is intended to accelerate product development cycles and improve support for U.S. customers, according to company officials. DroneShield’s move in Virginia follows recent steps to expand production capacity in Australia and open a new office in the European Union. The company framed these efforts as part of a broader strategy to increase its presence in key markets and respond to what it described as rapidly growing global demand for counter-UAS technology. Executives said the U.S. expansion will also allow the company to align more closely with the Department of Defense’s push for faster acquisition of counter-drone capabilities.
“This investment enables us to be more responsive to the growing needs of our U.S. customers across the various sectors we serve,” said Tom Branstetter, Vice President of Sales and Business Development at DroneShield LLC.
DroneShield, which develops systems for detecting, tracking and defeating drones, has in recent years positioned itself as a supplier to military, government and critical infrastructure operators facing the growing challenge of small uncrewed aerial systems. https://cuashub.com/en/content/droneshield-to-expand-ai-rd-in-virginia-for-dod-alignment/ (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
23 Sep 25. Cuashub.com said today that Ukrainian forces down $7m Russian drone. Ukrainian troops have destroyed a Russian Forpost UAS, a system used for reconnaissance and precision strikes, according to the 95th Separate Air Assault Brigade. The brigade said its paratroopers intercepted the UAS on September 22 during a combat mission.
“That Forpost still had a slim chance to escape, since its speed exceeded 160 km/h. But it did not help. We destroyed it… and went to look for a new target,” the unit stated in a post on social media.
The Forpost, estimated to cost about $7 m, is considered one of the more expensive drones in Russia’s arsenal. The system is capable of carrying guided munitions such as KAB-20 bombs in addition to its reconnaissance equipment. Specifications include a maximum altitude of up to 7 kilometers, a control range of 250 kilometers, and a payload designed for both surveillance and strike missions. The platform was originally developed using Israeli technology and has been in Russian service for several years. It is frequently deployed for frontline surveillance and precision targeting. Ukrainian officials have stressed that destroying such systems reduces Russia’s capacity to conduct long-range reconnaissance and strike operations. This is the latest effort by Ukrainian forces in an ongoing campaign to degrade high-value Russian aerial assets. In April, the 414th Separate UAV Brigade reported the downing of another Forpost drone during a high-altitude mission, reportedly struck by a first-person-view drone at 4,000 meters. https://cuashub.com/en/content/ukrainian-forces-down-7-m-russian-drone/ (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
23 Sep 25. Cuashub.com said today that EU ramps up talks on “Drone Wall” to protect its eastern border. European Union officials and frontline member states are accelerating discussions on creating a so-called “drone wall” to protect the eastern border following a string of Russian airspace violations involving both aircraft and drones. On Friday, representatives from Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Finland, Poland, Romania and Bulgaria are set to meet with Ukraine and European Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius to discuss the proposal, according to the European Commission. The meeting will focus on assessing needs, capabilities and possible EU support measures. The renewed urgency follows a September 19 incident when three Russian jets violated Estonian airspace for 12 minutes before being intercepted by Italian F-35s and earlier Russian drone incursions into Poland that Polish and NATO forces responded to.
“Recent attacks and incursions have already occurred in Romania and Poland,” Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier said, noting the project is a direct follow-up to President Ursula von der Leyen’s State of the Union pledge to back an EU-funded drone wall.
Kubilius told Reuters he will also convene a separate video conference with Eastern European defence ministers and a Ukrainian representative to advance the idea.
“We want really to move ahead with very, very intensive and effective preparations to start to fill this gap, which is really very dangerous for us… as quickly as we can do it,” he said.
The commissioner, a former Lithuanian prime minister, described the envisioned system as a mix of sensors, jamming equipment and weapons to detect and neutralise drones.
He added that Ukraine could contribute lessons learned from its extensive counter-UAS operations since Russia’s 2022 invasion. Ukrainian Defence Minister Denys Shmyhal has already announced plans for joint training between Ukrainian and Polish forces on counter-drone measures. Discussions are still at an early stage, with cost and timelines not yet clear. Analysts have suggested such a network could be established within a year, though a previous €12m joint funding request from Estonia and Lithuania was rejected by the Commission earlier this summer. EU leaders are expected to revisit financing options at an October 1 meeting in Copenhagen. https://cuashub.com/en/content/eu-ramps-up-talks-on-drone-wall-to-protect-its-eastern-border/ (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
24 Sep 25. Kongsberg Discovery and Aker Solutions are joining forces to showcase a drone (UAV) detection system in Stavanger, using Kongsberg’s Drone Detection Radar. This marks the beginning of a broader rollout of infrastructure products in the North Sea to enhance situational awareness around offshore assets and transit lanes. Kongsberg Discovery develops subsurface, acoustic, navigation, and marine robotics systems, including AUVs and USVs. The company’s technologies are used in navigation and infrastructure protection, offering products such as Drone Detection Radar, Mobile Broadband Radio, integrated camera systems, and acoustic solutions for subsea monitoring and surveillance. Aker Solutions brings integrated energy solutions, enabling low-carbon oil & gas and advancing renewables like offshore wind, CCS, and hydrogen. Kongsberg Discovery and Aker Solutions plan to implement the drone detection system in phases, starting with a demonstrator at Aker Solutions at the Stavanger site to showcase to potential customers. The system will then be deployed offshore and gradually expanded with camera clusters and underwater sensors to enhance situational awareness. According to Joachim Hovland, Head of Drones and Robotics in Aker Solutions, this cooperation sets a new standard
“This collaboration marks the beginning of a scalable solution to enhance situational awareness at critical infrastructure, offshore and onshore. By combining Kongsberg Discovery’s technology expertise with Aker Solutions’ integration and domain knowledge, we are setting a new standard for safety and security at sea.”
Later phases include installation on supply vessels, integration with onshore control centres, broader rollout across rigs and vessels, and eventual expansion to other countries. Aker Solutions will act as system integrator, with Kongsberg Discovery as sub-supplier, and the demonstrator will be available for joint customer presentations.
According to Cato Giil Eliassen, VP Infrastructure in Kongsberg Discovery, recent incidents again show the need for establishing a drone detection system in connection with critical infrastructure:
“There have been many observations of drones close to critical infrastructure in the last couple of years. Few are properly documented. This cooperation between Aker Solutions and Kongsberg Discovery will provide the end customer with proper tools to monitor, record and document illegal, as well as legal, UAV activity around installations.” For further information please see https://www.kongsberg.com/discovery
22 Sep 25. Cuashub.com said today that. Tron Future Tech and Huneed Technologies sign MOU at TADTE 2025. Tron Future Tech announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with South Korea’s Huneed Technologies during the Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Exhibition (TADTE). The agreement sets the framework for joint research, development and market expansion in areas including maritime drone defense and military wireless communications. The signing ceremony was attended by Tron Future Tech CEO Dr. Yu-Jiu Wang and Huneed Technologies Head of Industrial Cooperation Russell Kim. Under the agreement, the companies plan to combine Tron Future’s radar and counter-drone expertise with Huneed’s capabilities in communication networks and maritime platforms. Both executives highlighted the context of rising defense budgets in Taiwan and South Korea, pointing to shared security challenges in the region. They framed the partnership as a step toward strengthening cooperation in defense technology while also positioning the companies to pursue opportunities beyond their domestic markets. The collaboration will focus on advancing multi-domain defense solutions, with an emphasis on artificial intelligence, advanced sensing and integrated communications. Company representatives said the partnership is intended to support not only market growth in Taiwan and South Korea but also wider engagement in international defense programs. The agreement marks one of the higher-profile announcements at this year’s TADTE, reflecting growing interest in regional defense cooperation amid heightened geopolitical tensions in East Asia. https://cuashub.com/en/content/tron-future-tech-and-huneed-technologies-sign-mou-at-tadte-2025/ (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
22 Sep 25. Cuashub.com said today that Sentrycs wins Army Technology Innovation Award for counter-drone system. Counter-drone technology provider Sentrycs has been named a winner in the 2025 Army Technology Excellence Awards, receiving recognition in the Innovation category for its work in the counter-UAS field. The annual awards, organized by GlobalData, highlight companies identified through analysis of large-scale datasets on innovation, R&D, product launches and business growth across the defense sector. Sentrycs’ award focused on its Cyber over RF (CoRF) system, which uses protocol-level analysis of radio frequencies to detect, identify and mitigate drones. The company says the system can provide security operators with data including drone serial numbers, flight characteristics and the location of operators, supporting more rapid responses to unauthorized drone activity. The CoRF approach is designed for use in both fixed-site and mobile deployments, with a single sensor able to monitor a 10-kilometer diameter. Sentrycs also promotes compatibility with other established counter-drone platforms, such as Rafael’s Drone Dome and Leonardo’s Falcon Shield. The company has positioned its technology for use by military forces, homeland security agencies, border protection units and operators of critical infrastructure. Its Horizon engine, which applies AI to the RF environment, is intended to track both commercially available drones and custom-built systems operating on non-standard frequencies. GlobalData described this year’s winners as setting benchmarks in defense innovation across more than 200 countries. https://cuashub.com/en/content/sentrycs-wins-army-technology-innovation-award-for-counter-drone-system/ (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
22 Sep 25. Cuashub.com said today that NORTHCOM to field rapid-response counter-drone teams for US bases. The U.S. military is preparing to stand up quick-reaction teams capable of responding within 24 hours to drone incursions at domestic installations, according to Gen. Gregory Guillot, head of U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM). The announcement came during Falcon Peak 25.2, a counter-drone evaluation held at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, where NORTHCOM demonstrated one of the new “fly-away kits” designed for the mission. The move follows a sharp rise in drone activity reported near U.S. bases. According to NORTHCOM, there were about 230 reported incursions between September 2023 and September 2024, a figure that grew to roughly 420 over the following year. Previously, NORTHCOM’s role was limited to advising installation commanders and facilitating the loan of equipment. The new response teams will be able to deploy with detection and defeat systems, including low-collateral kinetic interceptors, to directly support base commanders facing incursions they cannot manage with local assets.
“This is the first quick reaction force for drone response that we’ve had in the homeland,” said Jason Mayes, NORTHCOM’s deputy test director.
The initial team will be based at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado, with C-130 Hercules aircraft from the co-located 302nd Airlift Wing available to transport the kits nationwide. The plan is to expand to three teams covering the East Coast, West Coast, and Alaska.
The first kit, developed by Anduril, integrates multiple sensors and effectors, including the Anvil interceptor drone, which was demonstrated at Eglin by destroying an aggressor drone in flight. Guillot stressed, however, that the command does not plan to rely on a single vendor and will evaluate additional systems for future kits. The response teams are not intended to counter surprise one-off attacks but to provide layered defense in the event of sustained or complex incursions. Guillot acknowledged that demand for such capabilities will likely grow.
“We’re at a million drones flying in the U.S. annually. I think we’re going to go over 2 m very, very quickly,” he said. “I’d expect to see more and more of these engagements.”
https://cuashub.com/en/content/northcom-to-field-rapid-response-counter-drone-teams-for-us-bases/ (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
22 Sep 25. DroneShield (ASX:DRO), a global leader in counter-uncrewed systems (CUxS) technology, today announces it is significantly expanding its research and development (R&D) operations in the United States. This move emphasizes DroneShield’s commitment to expand its R&D and testing capabilities and will result in more than doubling its workforce in the U.S. Over 30% of the new roles will be dedicated to software development and further strengthening its artificial intelligence (AI) team and capabilities. As part of this strategic investment, DroneShield will be adding a second location to its U.S. headquarters in Virginia, reinforcing its dedication to breakthrough technology and better positioning the team to meet rapidly growing global demand for advanced CUxS solutions. This U.S. expansion follows the company’s recent announcement of its expansion of production facilities in Australia and new office established in the European Union. DroneShield’s global strategic investments are part of a concerted effort to broaden its international footprint and establish a stronger physical presence near customers in key markets.
“As we continue to scale our operations globally, this expansion in the U.S. plays a crucial role in enhancing our ability to innovate and deliver advanced solutions for the evolving defense industrial base right here in the U.S.,” said Matt McCrann, CEO of DroneShield LLC. “We’re investing in the future of defense, and our growing footprint and impact in the U.S. market directly supports that effort.”
The expanded U.S. facility will enable DroneShield to accelerate its product development cycles and better service its growing customer base. The addition of key personnel to the R&D team will help drive forward-thinking technological advancements and ensure the company remains responsive to the needs of its customers.
“We’re not just expanding our operations, we’re doubling down on our commitment to providing best-in-class counter-drone solutions,” said Tom Branstetter, Vice President of Sales and Business Development, DroneShield LLC. “This investment enables us to be more responsive to the growing needs of our U.S. customers across the various sectors we serve.”
Combined with expanded R&D and planned U.S. production initiatives, the robust growth positions DroneShield to support U.S. Department of Defense’s push for fast, risk-embracing acquisition of cutting-edge counter-drone solutions.
“Expanding our U.S. technology team strengthens our ability to support critical programs and deliver advanced solutions with greater speed and precision. This investment ensures end users benefit from responsive, real-time support and the depth of expertise required for mission success,” said DroneShield’s Chief Product and Technology Officer, Angus Bean.
This expansion supports DroneShield’s bold strategy for global growth. With a commitment to innovation and leadership in counter-UxS technology, DroneShield is positioning itself to meet the increasing global demand for advancing security solutions. These strategic moves ensure that the company remains at the forefront of the industry, ready to address the evolving challenges of an interconnected and rapidly changing world.
22 Sep 25. Northrop Grumman Teams with Industry Partners to Deliver Advanced Radar to Taiwan. Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has formed a team of in-country partners to deliver advanced radar capabilities to Taiwan. Ramatek Company, Champion Auto, and Vivian and Vincent International Trading Company Ltd. have signed memoranda of understanding with the company to bring the AN/TPS/78 Advanced Capabilities Radar to Taiwan.
Greg Teitelbaum, vice president, land and maritime sensors, Northrop Grumman: “The AN/TPS-78 ADCAP radar is a proven, long-range and highly mobile system that will significantly enhance Taiwan’s air surveillance capabilities. We are dedicated to partnering with Taiwanese industry to strengthen Taiwan’s self-defense capacity.”
Built on more than 60 years of company experience in high-performance radars, the long-range AN/TPS-78 ADCAP is fielded worldwide. Operating in the S-band frequency to reduce bandwidth interference, the system delivers superior performance in highly cluttered environments. The stacked beam architecture allows it to detect high- and low-altitude targets in all weather conditions. Its compact system size is designed for reliability and mobility, providing an easily transportable solution with low-cost logistics. (Source: ASD Network)
18 Sep 25. UK Ministry of Defence reveals civil C-UAS deployments.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has released new details on Military Aid to the Civil Authorities (MACA) tasks carried out by 2 Counter-Uncrewed Air Systems (C-UAS) Wing since 2022.
The UK Defence Journal reports that in response to a written question from Ben Obese-Jecty MP on 16 September, Defence Minister Al Carns confirmed that the Wing has been deployed on 13 MACA requests between 2022 and September 2025.
The response noted several deployments in support of UK police forces:
- 24 July – 10 August 2022: Birmingham – West Midlands Police
- 9 – 14 September 2022: Edinburgh – Police Scotland
- 13 – 20 September 2022: London – Thames Valley Police
- 3 – 8 May 2023: RAF Northolt – Metropolitan Police and Thames Valley Police
- 8 – 14 May 2023: Liverpool – Merseyside Police
- 15 – 17 June 2023: London – Metropolitan Police
- 20 – 23 June 2023: London – Metropolitan Police
- 3 – 6 June 2024: Portsmouth – Hampshire Police
- 15 – 29 July 2024: Blenheim Palace – Thames Valley Police
(Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
24 Sep 25. Dutch radar firm Robin turns bird-spotting skills into drone defense. Robin Radar got into drone detection in the early 2010s, when the company needed predictable targets to validate its bird-spotting radars, founder and CEO Siete Hamminga recalls. The Dutch startup considered partnering with a pigeon club to release homing pigeons, the executive told Defense News in an interview at the DSEI UK defense show in London earlier this month. In the end, the company turned to drones, their controlled flight allowing to validate detection – a practical move that would prove to be fortuitous. Today, drone detection accounts for a majority of Robin Radar’s revenue, with defense applications dominant, Hamminga said. As small drones and swarms becoming a staple of modern war, “you need to be able to detect a large number of targets simultaneously,” Hamming said. “Since we came from the bird-radar world, in which there are always huge amount of birds in the air, that was no challenge for us.” Robin Radar was Europe’s second-fastest growing company in aerospace and defense behind Finland’s ICEYE, according a Financial Times ranking published in March, with revenue jumping to €43m ($51m) in 2023 from €5.5m in 2020. Hamminga expects to scale up production capacity to at least six radars per week by the end of 2025, after the company increased the pace to four radars per week last year. Robin was producing around 20 radars annually about five years ago, the CEO said. The Dutch Ministry of Defence in 2023 bought 51 of the company’s IRIS drone-detection radars to donate to Ukraine, then the biggest contract in Robin Radar history. The ministry ordered the same number of systems for Ukraine in 2024, with the newer radars equipped to be used on the move, and doubled that this year, according to Hamminga. Roughly the size of a fat beer keg, the IRIS radar weighs 29 kilograms and can be mounted on a vehicle or a tripod. The radar costs less than $1 m per unit, Hamminga said. The CEO says more than 200 of the company’s radars are now deployed in Ukraine to help detect Russian drones. He said Robin reached out to the Dutch MoD after seeing what drones were doing in the embattled country.
“Like other countries, the Netherlands asked Ukraine, `how can we help?’ and a lot of answers were in the direction of air defense, counter-drone systems,” Hamminga said.
As for many Western defense firms, the war in Ukraine has been a test bed for Robin. Feedback from the frontline prompted the development of a mobile version of IRIS, and the company this month rolled out a software update to extend the radar’s detection range to 12 kilometers from 5 kilometers, based on direct input from Ukrainian operators. The company says the latest upgrade makes IRIS one of the first off-the-shelf radars proven to detect and classify Shahed loitering munitions and other fixed-wing drones at long distances, with every kilometer of extra detection providing defenders with “more precious seconds” to react. The money from defense orders has allowed Robin Radar to scale up its business and hire talent, including “fantastic engineers” who wouldn’t have joined the company 10 years ago, according to the CEO. He expects to end the year with around 225 employees, from around 25 in 2020. Within defense, the company is now seeing a shift from Ukraine to NATO countries investing in their own capabilities, as Western military leaders consider how to deal with a mass drone threat similar to the one on the Ukrainian battlefield.
Hamminga said Robin doesn’t compete with defense primes but fills a gap for short-range, cost-efficient drone radars, having distribution agreements with Thales, Saab and other radar suppliers. It’s a niche also being pursued by the likes of Echodyne in the United States and Blighter in the United Kingdom, though neither shares Robin Radar’s background in bird science.
Robin Radar was among the first to commercialize a technology called micro-Doppler for drone detection, looking into the details of a radar echo to measure the Doppler effect caused by moving parts such as rotors.
A plan to identify bird species on radar through a database of wing beats didn’t work out in part due to the “ridiculously large” number of species, but was the key to distinguishing birds from drones, the executive said. Robin Radar is now combining micro-Doppler signatures with machine learning to grow the classification database for drones. Work on the underlying technology started at Dutch research institute TNO in 1980 as a project to prevent bird strikes for the Royal Netherlands Air Force, called Radar Observation of Bird Intensity. Hamminga, a tech entrepreneur working with TNO, spun out the company from the institute in June 2010.
The CEO said Robin couldn’t build something like the Thales Smart-L long-range radar, and “we don’t have that ambition,” but the French company used Robin Radar systems to help protect the Olympic Games in Paris.
As the defense business grows, Robin Radar remains committed to civilian markets, the CEO said, calling the radar maker typical of a new breed of company not focused solely on defense. He said both airports and wind farms are growth markets for bird radar.
“I think you will see in the next five years that the most successful companies and successful scale-ups will have that characteristic, dual use, civil and military,” Hamminga said.
The company’s 2030 plan envisages Robin Radar entering the market for unmanned traffic management as drones integrate in commercial airspace, with the radar maker “moving from protecting against drones to also facilitating commercial drone cases,” Hamminga said.
Robin Radar won its first major order in 2012 from Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport, its launch customer, and the civil business these days is roughly split between bird-detection radars for aviation and wind farms, according to Hamminga.
The company in 2014 received a Dutch government grant to pursue a feasibility study into solutions for detecting and eliminating drones. Dutch investment firm Parcom became a majority owner in 2024, as Hamminga sought a new shareholder able to “bring Robin Radar to the next level.”
“This is a private equity who will fund almost any good idea if it makes sense, so it gives me flexibility to grow,” the CEO said. “Of course, I feel the pressure – I can be very satisfied about the growth we had, but for them that’s point zero, and now we need to go times three.” (Source: Defense News)
23 Sep 25. Drone Busting: Smart Devices Work Together to Knock Out UAS Threats. What’s harder to shoot down than a small drone in the sky? Students at the War Department’s only joint training center for countering aerial threats will likely say it’s what they practice on — balloons attached to those small drones. Drones can fly at racecar speeds, making them difficult targets to hit by an individual on the ground. At the Joint Counter-Small Unmanned Aircraft System University, located at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, students use handheld smart devices to help them increase their probability of scoring a hit. Known as the Dronebuster and Smart Shooter, these two handheld systems work in tandem as a layered defense that uses electronic and kinetic warfare to do the hard work for the shooter. Students who attend JCU learn about various drones and the intricate service-specific systems used to engage with them. The Dronebuster and Smart Shooter, however, are two of the few used by service members on the ground, such as patrol members or personnel guarding installation towers.
So, how do these tandem devices work?
When service members are warned of a drone presence, the Dronebuster can be held up like a weapon to scan the area. Once it identifies a hostile target, the service member simply presses a button on the device to disrupt the target using electronic warfare.
“It’ll start jamming the command and controls, severing that connection between the drone and the operator,” explained JCU operator’s course instructor Paul Bliefernich.
The drone remains frozen in the air. That’s when a second operator picks up the Smart Shooter, an optic system that attaches to a weapon to control how it fires.
“Typically, when you pull the trigger, you’re used to a gun going ‘bang.’ doesn’t do that,” explained JCU operator’s course supervisor Fred Hill. “It calculates, and then it shoots when it’s ready to shoot.”
“When get to the target they want, they’ll hit the ‘lock’ button … and start squeezing the trigger,” Bliefernich explained. However, the weapon doesn’t immediately fire. Instead, its computer takes over and displays a set of crosshairs in the scope that the operator aligns with the target. When the computer decides there’s a good probability of a hit, it sends a command to the pistol grip, allowing the operator to complete the trigger pull and fire the weapon.
Bliefernich said it can take from a few seconds up to two minutes. “It’s doing calculations and taking a lot into consideration,” he added.
Since shooting down several drones per class isn’t cost-effective, JCU students mostly shoot balloons attached to drones. It’s a more challenging target, but with practice, it can make them a better shot.
“The balloons are harder to shoot than the drone,” Hill said. “Once the shooter gets toward the end of the training, we’ll put up the aircraft and let them shoot at the aircraft.”
“It takes a lot of time and practice,” Bliefernich said.
The students are also able to train on the Smart Shooter in the virtual reality lab beforehand, which instructors said is both cost-effective and safer.
“It’s getting the soldiers, airmen and sailors familiar with the equipment before they ever come and start shooting on the ground,” said Army Sgt. 1st Class Alan Buhl, JCU instructor.
The school teaches soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines much more than just how to operate handheld drone equipment. Students also learn how to use various fixed-site counter-small UAS systems, as well as how to plan strategies, train others and better prepare their installations for future threats. Joint Counter-Small Unmanned Aircraft System University became operational in 2023. Fort Sill is home to the Army Field Artillery School, the Army Air Defense Artillery School, the 75th Fires Brigade and the 31st Air Defense Artillery Brigade, all of which have nurtured counter-small UAS strategies since the threat first emerged. (Source: U.S. DoD)
16 Sep 25. US House hearing to discuss rise of malicious drone use. The United States House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Federal Government Surveillance will hold a hearing today (September 16) at 2:00 p.m. ET on the emerging threats from drones. The hearing, “Unmanned and Unchecked: Confronting the Rising Threat of Malicious Drone Use in America,” will focus on the growing threat posed by unauthorised and criminal use of uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) in both domestic and international airspace. The subcommittee notes a surge in UAS incursions near US airports as well as the exploitation of drones by criminal organisations and cartels for smuggling, surveillance and attacks. The hearing will examine how these emerging threats endanger public safety and law enforcement operations. Speakers are scheduled to include Sgt Robert Dooley, Statewide UAS / C‑UAS Coordinator within the Office of Emergency Operations, Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles; Brett Feddersen, Vice President of Strategy & Government Affairs, US, at D-Fend Solutions; and Dr. Ryan Wallace, Professor of Aeronautical Science, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
16 Sep 25. Dedrone by Axon, MCS develop C-UAS trailer for Australian, Pacific markets. Dedrone by Axon reports it has collaborated with Mobile Camera Security (MCS) to develop and manufacture a locally-produced DedroneRapidResponse counter-drone trailer specifically for the Australian, New Zealand and Indo-Pacific markets.
“The joint effort has been unveiled at the Australia New Zealand Intelligence Forum (ANZIF), where the new Australian-built trailer will be demonstrated outside the main exhibit hall,” said the company in a press release. “Together, the two companies are seeking to strengthen sovereign counter-drone capability and showcase Australian innovation.
“DedroneRapidResponse is a mobile, trailer-based airspace security solution that offers unparalleled counter-drone capabilities, deployable in under 20 minutes with multi-sensor drone detection including passive radio frequency (RF) sensors, radar and Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) cameras. As Australian pioneers in diesel and solar-powered mobile surveillance, MCS brings extensive experience in extreme-environment operations and autonomous systems to the solution, ensuring reliable performance for the vast distances and challenging terrain across the Indo-Pacific region.
This Australian manufactured DedroneRapidResponse trailer will be available for live demonstration at ANZIF, where attendees can experience the integrated counter-drone system in operation, said the company.
“The partnership with Queensland-based MCS comes as Dedrone by Axon celebrates its selection for Phase 1 of the Australian Defence Force’s LAND 156 Counter-Uncrewed Aircraft Systems programme, where a number of Dedrone solutions are being evaluated as part of the procurement process. The LAND 156 programme represents Australia’s commitment to rapidly acquiring and deploying layered counter-drone capabilities to protect military and civilian environments.”
For more information: https://www.axon.com/newsroom/announcements/dedrone-by-axon-partnering-with-mcs-to-deliver-australian-built-counter-drone-trailer-for-anz-and-indo-pacific(Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
19 Sep 25. FN Herstal and HENSOLDT team up for Belgian C-UAS tender. FN Herstal and HENSOLDT have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on an upcoming tender for the creation of a long-term counter-uncrewed aerial system (C-UAS) partnership for the Belgian defence department. One of the partnership’s objectives is to enhance the protection of military air bases. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
19 Sep 25. Laser Photonics and Fonon Technologies C-UAS reaches final in US critical tech challenge. The Laser Shield Anti-Drone (LSAD) system from Laser Photonics Corporation and partner Fonon Technologies (FTI) has been selected as a finalist in the counter-uncrewed aerial systems area of interest under the United States’ Autonomy, AI and Cyber Critical Technology Challenge. FTI will present the development stage technology during the Defense TechConect Innovation Summit and Expo from November 19-21, 2025.
The LSAD system offers precision laser targeting capabilities designed to protect military bases, critical infrastructure facilities, and frontline personnel and equipment. Building on earlier proof-of-concept success, the LSAD has now successfully neutralised an active drone during short-range field tests. Extended range trials at a certified counter-drone testing facility are planned for the next step. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
22 Sep 25. Tron Future Tech announces Canadian AI partnership and Sweden contract. Tron Future Tech of Taiwan and Canadian startup AiNOS AI have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on drone management, AI defence and smart city innovation. Under the agreement, Tron Future Tech will contribute its drone detection radars and integrated interception technologies, while AiNOS AI will bring its AI software capabilities from teams in Canada, the United States and South Korea. The companies will build an AI operating system, uncrewed traffic management platform and drone ecosystems. Initial experimental testing will take place in Jeju Island, South Korea, with plans to extend the technology through Tron Future’s Japan office to support Iwate Prefecture’s smart city initiatives. The two companies will deepen collaboration in artificial intelligence through AiNOS AI’s Research & Innovation Lab at the University of Toronto’s SRIC campus and the firms’ global academic network. In other news from Tron Future Tech, the company and Skygaard have signed a purchase order to deploy Tron Future’s drone detection systems in Sweden, with potential for expansion across the Nordic region. Skygaard, headquartered in Stockholm, detects, tracks and counters unauthorised drone flights. Its service includes locating drone operators, neutralising or repelling unapproved drones, and offering 24/7 monitoring, tracking and mitigation. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
22 Sep 25. Wescom Defence Launches New IR Eflare at DSEI.
Wescom Defence, in partnership with Eflare, unveiled the new IR Eflare (IR700) at this year’s DSEI exhibition in London. Purpose built for today’s complex operational environments, the IR700 delivers a rugged, high performance infrared beacon designed for covert military use. Emitting an 850 nm near infrared (NIR) light with full 360° coverage, the IR700 enables discreet signalling, identification, and marking without compromising visibility to the naked eye. Optimised Fresnel optics ensure uniform IR distribution for maximum detection by night vision systems, while the non-reflective housing reduces the risk of unwanted visual detection. With extended battery life, over 100 hours flashing and 50 hours steady on operation, and a discreet LED low battery indicator, the Eflare IR700 provides dependable, long duration performance in demanding field conditions.
The Eflare IR700 is designed for a wide range of military scenarios, including:
- Marking helicopter landing zones (LZ) and CASEVAC points at night
- Covert personnel or vehicle identification for air and ground forces
- Route and perimeter marking during night manoeuvres
- Search and rescue / personnel recovery operations
- Special operations insertion and extraction
Speaking at the launch, Wescom Defence highlighted that the new IR Eflare represents a step forward in soldier survivability and mission effectiveness, complementing the company’s broader portfolio of detection, signalling, and screening solutions. The unveiling at DSEI underscores Wescom Defence’s commitment to delivering Survival Solutions You Can Trust, reinforcing its position as a complete capability partner to military and security organisations worldwide.
22 Sep 25. AIDC unveils new directed energy weapon for air-defence networks.
Taiwan’s Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC) has unveiled a new ‘high-energy’ directed energy weapon (DEW) that the company said can be used to destroy unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) at ranges of more than 1,000 m.
Speaking to Janes during the Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Exhibition (TADTE) 2025, held in Taiwan from 18 to 20 September, Ru-Woei Hsia, AIDC’s energy business director of Program Technology Implementation, said the laser weapon, which currently has an energy output of 8 kW, has a range of between 1 and 2 km.
However, according to Ru-Woei, efforts to assess the effective range of the weapon have encountered a special problem – limited space to conduct longer-range tests.
“So far, we have tested the system up to 150 m. Because Taiwan is a small island and testing the laser is dangerous, we have to find a closed-off place to conduct additional long-range tests. So, our efforts to extend the test range up to 1 km and 2 km [are] ongoing,” he said.
Systems integrator
Ru-Woei described AIDC’s role in the weapon programme as being that of a systems integrator. “This is because the high-energy directed weapon uses systems from multiple companies in both Taiwan and overseas,” he said.
The system’s electro-optic/infrared (EO/IR) camera is proprietary AIDC technology and is used for the real-time detection of UAVs, according to Ru-Woei. However, the system’s fire-control radar (FCR) is an active radar unit from US company Echodyne. The radar unit shown alongside the DEW at TADTE 2025 appeared to be Echodyne’s EchoShield system. (Source: Janes)
19 Sep 25. Cuashub.com said today that Think tank warns US is unprepared for mass drone threats. The United States military is unprepared to counter the growing threat of low-cost drones and must urgently expand its defenses, a Washington-based think tank has warned. In a new report, the Center for a New American Security (CNAS) said American forces face mounting risks from drones used as mass precision weapons, both in current operations in the Middle East and in potential future conflict with China over Taiwan. The report, authored by CNAS Defense Program director Stacie Pettyjohn and research assistant Molly Campbell, argues that drones have already undermined U.S. air dominance. Since 2004, Iran has equipped proxy groups with unmanned aircraft that are more accurate than rockets or missiles but far cheaper to produce. U.S. troops have at times used interceptors costing ms of dollars to destroy drones valued at roughly $50,000, a cost imbalance the report described as unsustainable. The study also highlighted the scale of China’s drone development, calling Beijing Washington’s “foremost strategic threat.” The People’s Liberation Army, it said, is rapidly advancing autonomous systems and fielding them in large numbers. As part of the analysis, CNAS conducted a tabletop exercise simulating Chinese drone operations in a prolonged conflict over Taiwan. In that scenario, U.S. forces deployed on a Japanese outlying island and in the Philippines struggled to withstand sustained drone strikes across the Indo-Pacific’s wide geography. The report concluded that massed Chinese drones could suppress U.S. operations and overwhelm defenses such as jammers, missile interceptors and directed-energy systems. CNAS recommended building large stockpiles of counter-drone weapons and investing in mobile defenses that can be repositioned quickly to protect dispersed forces.
“Without deep magazines of substantially enhanced counter-drone capabilities, the United States risks having its distributed warfighting strategies overwhelmed by massed Chinese drone attacks, and could lose a war over Taiwan,” the report said. https://cuashub.com/en/content/think-tank-warns-us-is-unprepared-for-mass-drone-threats/ (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
19 Sep 25. Three Polish Partners Join to Build Unmanned Counter-Drone Aircraft. Three Polish organizations have formed a strategic consortium to build what they claim is Europe’s first unmanned fighter aircraft designed to combat the growing threat of drones, drone swarms and loitering munitions on the modern battlefield. The industry partners — trade company MBF Group S.A., consulting firm Squadron Sp. z o.o. and the technology-focused nonprofit Polish Industrial Lobby — launched the IRYDA Plus project on Sept. 15 to craft a pilotless platform able to neutralize any drone in a cost-effective manner. The wars of the last decade, especially the war in Ukraine and conflicts in various parts of the world, have shown that drones have become an essential tool of the modern battlefield. Swarm attacks, low-budget designs and the ability to carry armaments, and resistance to interference are making classic air defense systems inadequate. The answer to these challenges is the IRYDA+ project, a Polish concept for an unmanned fighter aircraft designed to effectively combat drones, their swarms and circulating munitions, which is a component of the anti-drone system.
Theory and Assumptions
The essence of IRYDY+ is to create an unmanned platform capable of neutralizing any drone – from mini to tactical drones and cruise munitions. The technical assumptions include:
- top/chase speed: 250-280 km/h,
- cruising/patrol speed: 180-200 km/h,
- minimum speed: 50-60 km/h,
- flight duration: 8-10 hours,
- payload capacity: 15-20 kg,
- Armament: carbine cal. 7.62 mm, in a 360° rotating gondola,
- TAS (Target-Aim-Shot) system supported by artificial intelligence.
This combination of the traditional way of air combat with modern automation makes it possible to create a system that is cost-effective, yet extremely efficient.
Contemporary Theaters of Action
The conflict in Ukraine has shown that effective air defense requires flexible and mobile solutions. IRYDA PLUS will find use in border protection, securing critical infrastructure, protecting command posts and communications nodes, as well as in UN peacekeeping missions. The project meets the needs not only of the army, but also of security services and international organizations.
New Economics of Air Combat
One of the most important strengths of the IRYDA+ project is its economy. Today, missiles costing more than $1 m per unit are often used to shoot down a low-cost drone worth a few thousand dollars. Sometimes combat aircraft such as F-16s and F-35s are pitted against imitation drones, generating huge operational and logistical costs and accident risks for pilots. IRYDA PLUS changes this logic – instead of straining budgets and consuming strategic resources, it offers a solution that is fast, efficient and, above all, many times cheaper to operate. This is an argument that makes the project attractive not only to the military, but also to taxpayers and policymakers.
First steps – Conceptual Model
The project was first presented at MSPO in Kielce in 2023. The trade show mock-up generated a lot of interest and confirmed the potential of the concept. In 2024, it was presented at MSPO to Ukrainian delegates and confirmed its need for existence. Since then, development has accelerated – from tactical studies, simulations, preliminary design, to the final selection of weapons and creation of a conceptual design.
Project Milestones
The development of IRYDY PLUS provides for several stages of implementation (Work Packages):
- WP1: design and construction of a shooting device with a mockup of a carbine,
- WP2: integration of gondola with control station and computer simulation (3 combat scenarios),
- WP3: design and construction of a mock-up airframe with the nacelle installed,
- WP4: design and construction of a transportation container.
Each stage culminates in a milestone – from the finished nacelle, to simulations, to a full model of the airframe.
Squadron Agreement
In September 2025. An agreement was signed between MBF Group SA and the company Squadron Sp. z o.o. (ASE Group). The document deals with the development and deployment of unmanned systems, including combat and anti-drone systems. They also agreed on all terms of non-denial, confidentiality and terms of cooperation for future planned projects.
Strategic Consortium
The IRYDA PLUS project is not an endeavor of a single institution, but a joint effort of three complementary entities that combine knowledge, experience and resources in a formally established consortium. They are formed by MBF Group SA, Squadron Sp. z o.o. (ASE Group) and Polish Industrial Lobby im. Eugeniusz Kwiatkowski (PLP).
- MBF Group SA serves as leader of the consortium. The company, which has been listed on the NewConnect market for more than a decade, has been consistently developing its business in the area of advanced technology and military systems, in addition to its experience in the raw materials and logistics sectors. MBF is responsible for the business side of the project – raising capital, investors and strategic coordination. Thanks to its presence on the public market, it ensures transparency of operations and full compliance with regulations for listed companies, which increases the credibility of the venture in the eyes of international partners and counterparties.
- Squadron Sp. z o.o., part of the ASE Group, brings key technical and operational competencies in unmanned aircraft and their integration systems to the consortium. It is a company of engineers and specialists drawn from the Polish Armed Forces, with an extensive track record in the design and testing of UAV platforms, communications systems and anti-drone technologies. Squadron is responsible for the technological side of the project, including the construction of demonstrators, systems integration and development of kinetic drone combat technology.
- Polish Industrial Lobby im. Eugeniusz Kwiatkowski (PLP). serves as an expert-scientific and opinion-making facility. The organization has been integrating the industrial, academic and defense communities in Poland for years, conducting numerous conferences and analytical work on strategic industries. PLP is strengthening the project through access to a pool of scientists, experts and lobbyists, as well as through promotion among policy and economic decision makers. It is headed by Prof. Paweł Soroka, Ph.D., who has been shaping the discourse around the Polish defense industry and the concept of national industry development for many years, among others. As part of the Central Industrial District 2 (COP2) idea.
The synergy of these three entities makes the IRYDA PLUS consortium holistic – combining practical military experience, technical and engineering background, scientific competence and market credibility. This ensures that the project not only has a solid conceptual foundation, but also a viable ability to be implemented, scaled and commercialized in domestic and international markets.
Schedule of Activities
- Year 1: construction of a demonstrator and ground testing of the shooting system,
- Year 2-3: integration with the aerial platform and flight tests,
- Milestone: first unit capable of viable operations in 2-3 years.
Summary
RYDA PLUS is Poland’s answer to global drone challenges. The project combines innovation, military experience and business logic. With MBF Group, Squadron and PLP working together, it has a real chance of implementation and commercialization. It is a solution that can change the rules of the game on the modern battlefield and become an important element in the security of Poland, Europe and the world. (Source: UAS VISION/MBF Group; National Defense)
19 Sep 25. Big Radar Power for Small Aircraft. Raytheon’s new PhantomStrike radar brings powerful sensing to more of the fleet. Ten minutes into the test flight, it was time to see what the new radar could do. A member of the mission crew pressed the button, and pilot Rob Swaringen glanced at the display. While he’s not allowed to describe in detail what he saw on the screen, he made one thing clear: This little, lightweight radar was doing some seriously heavy lifting. The engineers and program representatives on board couldn’t help but sneak into the cockpit for a peek.
“It’s the first time this thing is flying, and it worked like a champ,” said Swaringen, a former F-16 pilot who went by the call sign Houdini.
The test, conducted aboard a modified commercial jet Raytheon uses as a flying test bed, marked an important milestone for the business’ new PhantomStrike® radar. The radar puts the power of active electronically scanned array in a package compact and light enough for just about any aircraft – even small UAVs – and, in doing so, opens up a world of capabilities to a rapidly changing fleet.
An onboard air picture
The PhantomStrike radar is cooled entirely with air pulled straight from the platform. This means fewer lines to run and systems to connect, so installation took only a matter of hours, Swaringen said.
Swaringen, Raytheon’s chief test bed pilot, knows firsthand the importance of superior situational awareness in every mission scenario – whether it’s in combat with hostile aircraft buzzing from every angle or in a high-stakes test flight. He said technology like PhantomStrike would have come in handy when he was logging hours on the F-16.
“It [shows] 10 times what I could see with previous capabilities,” he said. “Just having that excellent air picture in your own cockpit – regardless of what’s coming across the radio, what’s on the link display – to have that in your own ship is a real game changer.”
Proving the point
The radar-scanned images captured during that first flight test showed the California terrain clearly and in detail: stretches of dry land next to dense forest, mountains, lakes, islands off the coast. To Larry Martin, what mattered most was that PhantomStrike had worked as he had expected. Martin is a senior technology fellow at Raytheon, an RTX business, and the technical lead for the PhantomStrike radar. Years ago, he and his team had set out to develop a system like nothing else on the market. Now it was airborne.
“It was the cherry on top to see it work,” Martin said.
Program teams, working on an accelerated schedule, had done the legwork to install the radar on Raytheon’s Multi-Program Testbed aircraft, a Boeing 727 modified to carry, integrate and test sensors and electro-optical/infrared systems.
“Once we were integrated on the plane, it was a big relief,” he said. “A lot of questions were answered on our initial flights.”
The result, he said, is a radar that is truly the first of its kind.
How small is it?
The PhantomStrike radar can scale down to about the size of a gaming computer, and it weighs less than 130 pounds. That makes it suitable for integration into platforms such as light-attack aircraft, rotary-wing aircraft and uncrewed aerial vehicles.
Dave Kupfer, a senior systems engineer and former PhantomStrike program manager, said that scalability benefit comes from the front end of the radar’s sub-panel.
“It’s basically a large, printed wiring board, so we can cut it to any kind of shape to meet the demands of the tiny aircraft or the SWaP-C-constrained aircraft,” he said.
For military aviation, a strong but small radar has big implications. When a group of several expendable UAVs can see farther, over greater distances, they allow crewed platforms to stay farther from the fray.
The AESA advantage
The radar follows a pattern that’s common in consumer technology: making things smaller but more capable – think about the progression from bulky, basic cellular phones to small but versatile smartwatches. In this case, the PhantomStrike radar gives many more platforms the advantages of AESA technology. Those advantages include digital beam forming and steering, the ability to function in multiple modes and simultaneously track and engage both airborne and ground-based targets. To the aircrews in the adrenaline-fueled heat of the fight, Swaringen said the AESA radar can help them see everything and decide what to focus on first.
“Not only can I see where [the targets] are and what they’re doing, but now I can use that information to manage what missiles I have and then to identify what is friendly, what is foe,” he said.
An early adopter of the PhantomStrike radar is Korea Aerospace Industries, which has contracted Raytheon to outfit more than 50 FA-50 Light Combat Aircraft with the system. Other companies have shown serious interest, said Richard Sandifer, director for strategic pursuits for Advanced Products & Solutions at Raytheon.
“We want to get these things moving out the door,” he said. “We are aggressively working with the U.S. government to expand this around the world.” (Source: ASD Network)
22 Sep 25. Honeywell (NASDAQ: HON) today announced it has successfully showcased its Stationary and Mobile UAS Reveal and Intercept system (SAMURAI) and its ability to counter swarm drones in two recent demonstrations to local military operators in the United States. The system was utilized in a format in which it can be operated directly from a ground vehicle. Key elements were also demonstrated from an aerostat at more than 1,000 feet above the ground.
“Swarm drones pose increasing risks to high-value assets – as a result, the ability to detect, track and counter them is a crucial part of modern military operations,” said Matt Milas, president, Defense and Space, Honeywell Aerospace Technologies. “Our recent successful demonstrations not only provided strong examples of how Honeywell’s SAMURAI system can provide critical capabilities on the battlefield, but they also proved the technology is highly reliable, scalable and ready to integrate into existing defensive systems.”
Using Model Based System Engineering (MBSE), the SAMURAI system provides a turnkey solution that integrates customer-selected detectors and effectors and meets Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) compliance standards for customer modeling, visibility and sustainment. It is designed to be easily operated by security forces or tower personnel. Honeywell also demonstrated the ability for rapid integration for new detectors and effectors to support operator requirements. With the Honeywell system, military operators can save time and money by optimizing prior investments into key components and integrating them into the overall solution. The system’s reliability is also key – Honeywell provides a single point of contact for updating all components as threat systems evolve. The system has been developed by integrating components from defense manufacturers such as Blue Halo, Leonardo DRS, Pierce Aerospace, Silent Sentinel, Walaris, Rocky Research and Versatol. These components include radio frequency detection with sensor technology that uses light to detect, track and identify objects as well as offensive drones to counter swarms. Additional demonstrations are available to both local and international operators seeking a commercial Counter-UAS offering.
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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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