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24 Oct 25. DroneShield (ASX:DRO), a global leader in counter-drone technology, today announced the release of its latest White Paper: Best Practices for Counter-Drone Deployment at Civil Airports, alongside a strategic collaboration with SRI Group, an independent aviation security and technology advisory company led by former U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Deputy Administrator John Halinski. The White Paper: Best Practices for Counter-Drone Deployment at Civil Airports, was developed to help airports and regulators worldwide understand the scale of the drone threat, the technology available now, and the best practice frameworks available to address it. DroneShield authored the paper to advance global dialogue and policy on protecting airspace, due to civil aviation being increasingly at risk. But the Company’s role does not end with thought leadership. To ensure that airports can take meaningful next steps, DroneShield is partnering with SRI Group to provide independent, vendor-neutral Counter-UAS Threat & Risk Assessments.
From Best Practices to Real Action
SRI Group, led by John Halinski, brings unmatched credibility to this initiative. As former Deputy Administrator of the U.S. TSA and a 25-year U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Halinski has overseen aviation security operations worldwide, reformed risk-based security strategies, and worked directly with international aviation stakeholders. Under his leadership, SRI Group developed the Counter-UAS Threat & Risk Assessment platform that delivers the strategic intelligence airport leadership requires to identify critical vulnerabilities, prioritise mitigation investments, and build compelling business cases for counter-drone programs that protect passengers, preserve operational integrity, and address evolving airspace threats.
The Threat
Airports have long prioritised safety above all else, yet the proliferation of drones is creating new and complex challenges in maintaining secure skies. Recently in September 2025, Copenhagen Airport, Scandinavia’s busiest aviation hub, was forced to shut down for nearly four hours after unidentified drones infiltrated its airspace. The closure resulted in 77 flight cancellations and 217 delays, causing significant financial losses for airlines through flight diversions, passenger accommodations, and operational disruptions.
“DroneShield is doing more than publishing a paper—they are creating a pathway for airports to act,” said John Halinski, Principal at SRI Group. “By offering airport leadership access to independent Counter-UAS Threat & Risk Assessments, DroneShield is ensuring that decisions are based on objective data and operational realities. It shows a real commitment to the safety of airports and the passengers they serve.”
At the upcoming Airports Council World Annual Assembly, Conference and Exhibition in Canada, DroneShield will host SRI Group at its stand, where airport executives can initiate the drone threat assessment process. Qualified leaders will then receive a tailored assessment and recommendation report from SRI Group, providing actionable insights to move counter-drone programs forward.
“This is about more than technology, it’s about leadership,” said Oleg Vornik, Chief Executive Officer of DroneShield. “With the release of Best Practices for Counter-Drone Deployment at Civil Airports and our collaboration with SRI Group, we’re not only driving awareness but delivering the tools and insights airports need to protect themselves from aerial threats.”
Download the White Paper: Best Practices for Counter-Drone Deployment at Civil Airports.
Access the Counter-UAS Threat Assessments: https://droneshield.vesselscale.com/intake-form
20 Oct 25. MKS Unveils High-Resolution MWIR Zoom Lens for Next-Gen ISR. The new Ophir SupIR-X 15-300mm f/4 lens is purpose-built for 10 µm SXGA detectors, providing extended range & clarity for intelligence, surveillance & reconnaissance missions MKS Inc. has released the Ophir SupIR-X 15-300mm f/4 Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR) Continuous Zoom Lens at ADEX Seoul. The next-generation optical solution is specifically engineered for 10 µm SXGA (1280 x 1024 pixels) detectors, aiming to improve clarity, precision, and operational reach for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions across air, land, and sea. MKS, a global provider of enabling technologies, states that the SupIR-X 15-300mm f/4 lens is built on a proven legacy but designed to meet modern ISR needs by fully unlocking the thermal imaging performance of 10 µm SXGA detectors. The lens provides high-performance MWIR imagery, featuring low distortion, Line-of-Sight (LOS) stability, and boresight retention. It is fully compatible with the existing Ophir extender ecosystem, allowing the focal length to scale up to 1200mm. This capability is cited to extend vehicle detection ranges beyond 26km while maintaining a constant f/4 aperture. An integrated mechanical shutter is also included to ensure consistent image quality in dynamic environments.
Dr. Kobi Lasri, General Manager of Ophir Optics, said, “Optical precision and reach have long been a challenge for ISR missions. The SupIR-X 15-300mm f/4 lens represents a generational leap in MWIR zoom technology. Designed specifically for SXGA 10 µm detectors and integrated with the Ophir long-range extender suite, it empowers ISR electro-optics systems with the clarity, resolution, and range required for today’s evolving missions.”
The SupIR-X 15–300mm f/4 lens is optimized for 10 µm SXGA MWIR detectors in the 3.6-4.2 µm and 3.6-4.9 µm spectral bands. It delivers a horizontal Field of View (FOV) from 45° down to 2.4° with high spatial resolution and low distortion across the full image. Key specifications include a high transmission of 92% (high durability), high-speed motorized focus in less than one second, and fast zooming in eight seconds or less. The integrated shutter supports mechanical Non-Uniformity Correction (NUC), and an extended Back Focal Length (BFL) simplifies system integration. Compatibility extends to 19.4mm and 20.5 mm cold shield height detectors, supporting a wide range of leading MWIR sensors. The lens is described as rugged yet compact, measuring 93.4 x 132mm, weighing approximately 1kg, and able to withstand operating conditions from -32°C to +80°C with IP67 front element sealing. Configurations utilizing the Ophir optical extender ecosystem allow focal lengths to scale from 30mm up to 1200 mm, with options including 30-600mm, 35-690mm, 45-900mm, and 60-1200mm. These configurations enable vehicle detection ranges of more than 26km under standard operational conditions. Available in high durability and hard carbon coating configurations, the SupIR-X lens is engineered for harsh environments. With motorized focus and zoom, rapid response, and ruggedized mechanics, it is intended for use in border and homeland security, long-range ISR, Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS) operations, critical infrastructure protection, coastal and maritime surveillance, law enforcement, and civil defense. The SupIR-X 15–300mm f/4 MWIR zoom lens is currently available. (Source: https://www.defenseadvancement.com/)
23 Oct 25. DroneShield (ASX:DRO), a global leader in counter-drone technology, today announced the integration of Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B) into its ecosystem. The integration fuses traditional aviation surveillance data with counter-drone detection, allowing operators to intuitively differentiate legitimate aircraft from potential drone threats. ADS-B is a widely adopted air traffic monitoring technology, used globally to broadcast the identity, position, altitude, and velocity of crewed aircraft. By receiving and fusing ADS-B data into DroneSentry-C2, DroneShield’s SaaS-enabled command-and-control platform can now provide operators with a clearer picture of both crewed and uncrewed activity in shared airspace. This reduces the risk of misidentification and enhances operator confidence when making time-critical decisions. The update comes as DroneShield has unveiled its DroneSentry-C2 Enterprise and several updates to its C2 software earlier this month, as part of its regular quarterly software update cycle. The need for integrated airspace awareness has been underscored in recent years, including high-profile incidents in the United States where unclassified aerial objects near sensitive sites triggered widespread concern. In environments where distinguishing between drones, conventional aircraft, and other aerial phenomena is becoming increasingly critical, DroneShield’s integration of ADS-B with multi-sensor counter-drone detection provides additional clarity and control for users. For public safety agencies, emergency services, and critical infrastructure operators, the integration supports further awareness in mixed airspace missions such as disaster response, emergency medical transport, and major event security. For defence and government customers, it reinforces airspace awareness while expanding the operational relevance of counter-drone solutions. DroneSentry-C2, DroneShield’s rapidly scaling command-and-control platform, is built on DroneShield’s proprietary artificial intelligence, the SensorFusionAI (SFAI) engine, DroneSentry-C2 ingests and cross-references data from radio frequency, radar, optical, and now ADS-B sources, creating a single operational picture that reduces false alarms and increases the range of effective response options available to end users, highlighting DroneSentry-C2’s role as more than a display tool.
“Integrating ADS-B data reflects our vision for a future of comprehensive airspace awareness,” said Angus Bean, Chief Product Officer at DroneShield. “By expanding DroneSentry-C2’s capabilities to include both crewed and uncrewed aviation ADS-B data, we are adding to our customers situational awareness that they need to make faster, safer, and more confident decisions in complex environments.”
22 Oct 25. VisionWave Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: VWAV) (“VisionWave” or the “Company”) today announced that its Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS) technologies were featured and installed on a Tier-1 U.S. defense contractor’s platform during the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting and Exposition held October 13–15, 2025, in Washington, D.C. one of North America’s largest and most influential defense exhibitions.
The joint display positioned VisionWave’s C-UAS system as a centerpiece integration, reflecting the strong partnership, technological confidence, and potential advantages that VisionWave brings to its defense partners. It is the goal for the collaboration between the companies to continue to grow stronger, with multiple new projects, integration efforts, and combined design initiatives now underway – illustrating the depth of the expanding relationship and potential opportunities ahead.
“We believe being showcased on a major defense partner’s platform at AUSA highlights the strength of our collaboration and the confidence placed in our technology,” said Noam Kenig, Chief Executive Officer of VisionWave. “This partnership is becoming even closer with the goal of introducing more programs and integration projects and establishing joint design efforts. It’s an exciting step forward for both companies.”
The installation demonstrated seamless interoperability with modern command-and-control frameworks and emphasized real-time multi-domain readiness for operational environments.
Key highlights:
- Prime-level exposure: VisionWave’s C-UAS systems presented publicly for the first time as part of a Tier-1 contractor’s operational platform.
- Deepening collaboration: Builds on ongoing joint engineering and integration work across unmanned, sensing, and protection systems.
- Technological validation: Reinforces VisionWave’s potential advantage in AI-driven sensing and autonomous defense technologies.
About VisionWave Holdings, Inc.
VisionWave (Nasdaq: VWAV) is a defense technology company specializing in AI-powered sensing, on-edge autonomy, and threat-response systems. The Company’s portfolio includes super-resolution radar, multispectral/RF imaging, and the Evolved Intelligence™ (EI) engine for real-time perception, prediction, and control across air, land, and sea domains. (Source: PR Newswire)
23 Oct 25. Hanwha Systems is partnering with Diehl Defence to accelerate the global expansion of its radar business. On October 21, Hanwha Systems (CEO Son Jae-il) announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with German defence company Diehl Defence to establish a strategic partnership for mutual cooperation in the future and to cooperate on the supply of Multi-Function Radars (MFR) for the ground-based air defence (GBAD) air defence system. The agreement was signed during the Seoul International Aerospace & Defence Exhibition (ADEX) 2025, held in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province. Diehl Defence is a leading system house for state-of-the-art air defence systems as well as high-tech guided missiles, innovative ammunition solutions and special reconnaissance and protection systems. Its modern system solutions for ground-based air defence set new international standards. In Diehl Defence’s GBAD portfolio, IRIS-T SLM is the medium-range state-of-the-art, surface-to-air guided weapon system capable of intercepting not only missiles and fighter jets, but also UAVs and drones. The system gained worldwide recognition after being deployed in the Ukraine war in late 2022, achieving a success rate of almost 100 per cent. IRIS-T SLM serves as a core air defence asset within the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI)—a NATO-led project spearheaded by Germany with participation from over 20 European nations. ESSI aims to establish a multi-layered air defence network capable of intercepting enemy missiles, drones, and even hypersonic weapons at high, medium, and low altitudes.
* European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI): Established after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, this NATO cooperation framework aims to enhance the Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) system across Europe, with participating nations including Germany, the UK, Belgium, Switzerland, and Austria. Completion is targeted by 2030.
Under the MOU, the two companies will pursue technical cooperation to integrate Hanwha Systems’ MFR with Diehl Defence’s systems. They plan to jointly analyze potential export markets and conduct system integration and verification using actual radar equipment.
Hanwha Systems, recognized as Korea’s premier provider of multi-layered air defence solutions, has developed and supplied MFRs for major programs such as: LAMD, Korea’s “final shield” against long-range artillery, M-SAM-II (Cheongung-II), Korea’ mid-range SAM system, and L-SAM and L-SAM-II, Korea’s long-range and high-altitude interceptor systems, often referred to as “Korean THAAD.”
Hanwha Systems’ Multi-Function Radar (MFR), a flagship product representing Korea’s defence exports, continues to attract attention from the Middle East. The company exported Cheongung-II MFRs to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2022 and Saudi Arabia in 2024. Through its partnership with Diehl Defence, which maintains a robust European defence supply network, Hanwha Systems aims to diversify its export markets and further increase global radar system export.
Meanwhile, at ADEX 2025, Hanwha Systems also signed an MOU on October 22 with major European defense company. The two companies agreed to further strengthen their collavoration on combat aircraft AESA radar systems, which began in 2022, and to expand their partnership into electro-optics and avionics systems. Last year, Hanwha systems exported the antenna – the core component accounting for more that 50% of the total cost – of the GRIFO-EK AESA radar for light combat aircraft to Leonardo.
23 Oct 25. HENSOLDT supported the live firing of a German frigate with its non-rotating TRS-4D radar. Diehl Defence’s IRIS-T SLM air defense system was tested in combination with the marine radar. Like the ground-based TRML-4D air defense radar, the naval variant comes from the same “medium-range radar” product family. The TRML-4D radar has been integrated into the IRIS-T SLM for several years and is performing exceptionally well in reconnaissance missions in Ukraine. The family concept enables continuous product improvements and offers advantages in terms of spare parts supply and training. HENSOLDT has decades of experience with radar systems in the naval sector and is actively driving forward the further development of key technologies in this area. Various versions of the TRS-4D product family radars are already in use on board German Navy ships, including the F125 frigate and the K130 corvette.
“We can use software to expand the functionality of our products so that they can be used in different scenarios,” says Markus Rothmaier, Head of Naval & Ground Radars at HENSOLDT. “With our capabilities in motion, we are predestined for maritime applications. Therefore, the use of the TRS-4D radar at sea in combination with the IRIS-T air defense system is another logical step on our path to equipping maritime units for today’s requirements.”
22 Oct 25. German laser maker Trumpf, defense firm Rohde & Schwarz to build drone-zapping system. German laser maker Trumpf and defense tech firm Rohde & Schwarz said on Wednesday they are developing a system to detect, track, and shoot down drones with lasers. Trumpf, best known as a supplier to computer chip equipment maker ASML builds some of the most powerful lasers in the world. Rohde & Schwarz makes radar systems to detect, track and jam drones. “Investing in European defense, and specifically counter-drone technology, is of utmost importance,” Alexander Orellano of Rohde & Schwarz said in a statement. Financial terms of the partnership were not disclosed. (Source: Reuters)
21 Oct 25. Aselsan fly MURAD 100-A fire control radar on another UCAV. The radar flew on the single-engine, low observable, and aircraft carrier capable Bayraktar KIZILELMA fighter platform for the first time. Aleading Turkish defence company Aselsan has integrated its MURAD 100-A fire control radar onto another uncrewed aerial combat vehicle (UCAV). According to a release from 21 October, the radar flew on the single-engine, low observable, and aircraft carrier capable Bayraktar KIZILELMA fighter platform for the first time. MURAD 100-A already features on several crewed platforms, including the Turkish Air Force’s upgraded F-16s and the Hürjet light attack aircraft and several UCAVs such as the Bayraktar AKINCI and ANKA-III. The fire control radar component of any combat platform provides targeting data. In this case, MURAD utilises active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar technology which performs multifunctional tasks from tracking a number of targets while scanning for new threats simultaneously The system can also perform air-to-air and air-to-ground engagement capabilities at the same time. Due to the speed and efficiency of the AESA architecture as a standard for many radars systems across land, sea and air. The UK Royal Air Force, for example, are transitioning their Eurofighter fleet toward using the ECRS Mark II, another powerful AESA radar that will expand its electronic warfare capabilities. The successful first flight, Aselsan stated, confirms MURAD’s adaptability to different aerial platforms and readiness for operational deployment. Aselsan’s chief executive also told this reporter in a recent interview that MURAD 100-A also has defensive applications in Türkiye’s wider Steel Dome layered air defence ecosystem. In this case, MURAD would support the remote weapon stations, cannons, and other effects that are being integrated on various military vehicles, such as Aselsan’s KORKUT 100/25, equipped with artificial intelligence powered target detection and engagement capabilities, it reacts faster and more accurately against close-range threats. All of these systems are indigenously manufactured which serves Türkiye’s foreign policy objectives to increase its defence industry competitiveness on the world stage. Both suppliers, Aselsan and Baykar, are two of Türkiye’s leading defence companies. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
22 Oct 25. Systematic supports Hensoldt radar integration. Integration of radar system into SitaWare Headquarters bolsters maritime domain awareness. Systematic engineers have recently completed the successful integration of the Hensoldt SharpEye Mk 11 radar system into SitaWare Headquarters, in support of the Irish Naval Services’ (INS’) Samuel Beckett-class offshore patrol vessels. Through the integration, absolute positions of vessels are identified by the radar, with tracks then added into the recognised maritime picture (RMP) in SitaWare Headquarters using an OTH-Gold data gateway.
“This integration gives the INS the ability to maximise the data gathered from its shipborne radar systems and distribute it across users in the maritime domain. By integrating it into SitaWare Headquarters, the ability to support the generation of a RMP that is updated and synchronised in near real-time brings major benefits to maritime operations,” says Systematic Lead Solution Architect Chris Harris.
Hensoldt’s SharpEye Mk 11 radar features the Kelvin Hughes solid-state SharpEye transceiver, with a solid-state pulse Doppler coherent radar system. The radar is designed to be used in poor weather, lighting, and visibility, and is used for marine navigation, collision avoidance, target surveillance, and situational awareness. The system provides advanced small target detection capability, as well as 2D surface surveillance capability. Defence Forces Ireland (DFI) employs SitaWare Headquarters on a range of levels – from SitaWare Headquarters on its ships and maritime patrol aircraft, to joint operations centres ashore that help to co-ordinate operations in the country’s expansive exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Operations conducted in support of national security, such as narcotics interdiction and fisheries protection, have all benefited from the use of the SitaWare suite. In addition to SitaWare Headquarters, the INS employs SitaWare Frontline and SitaWare Edge on rigid-hull inflatable boats (RHIBs) and with boarding teams. Featuring an open-architecture design, the SitaWare suite can be extended to support the integration of sensors and subsystems to ensure that the intelligence they create can be delivered around the battlespace. Leveraging over 20 different interoperability standards, the SitaWare suite is able to transfer and deliver data into a common operational picture in support of enhanced situational awareness. The synchronisation of operational data around the area of operations gives commanders the ability to have an overview of the disposition of their own units, contacts of interest, and more.
21 Oct 25. Cuashub.com said today that Ukraine begins production of 200 mph interceptor. A Ukrainian manufacturer, General Chereshnya, has begun serial production of the Bullet, a drone that the company says is designed to intercept Iranian-style strike drones. The firm announced the move after completing testing and said the system is ready for delivery to Ukraine’s armed forces. General Chereshnya said the Bullet was developed in close cooperation with military bodies that provided technical requirements and frontline feedback. Company engineers adapted the airframe and software for combat conditions, the firm added, accelerating the programme from concept to production in a short timeframe. The manufacturer provided several technical details about the Bullet. The vehicle can reportedly reach speeds of 309 km/h (192 mp/h), a characteristic the company says gives it high maneuverability and rapid response capability against incoming strike UAS. The design is optimised for high-speed flight and stability in adverse weather, and the flight software is described as capable of rapid reaction to changes in a target’s trajectory. Three variants of the platform will be produced providing a daytime version, a night-time version and a model fitted with terminal guidance. General Chereshnya framed the Bullet’s mission set as interception and neutralisation of hostile strike drones, citing Shahed-type UAS as an example of the threats the system is intended to counter. The company also said it is preparing to scale up production to meet anticipated demand from defence units. In parallel with manufacturing, General Chereshnya is launching the General Chereshnya Academy, a training programme for operators and technical personnel intended to support fielding by covering operation, maintenance and tactics to improve combat effectiveness. The announcement arrives as Ukraine continues to prioritise domestic development of counter-UAS capabilities in response to regular drone and missile attacks. Developers and military outlets have increasingly focused on fielding low-cost, fast interceptors and dedicated counter-drone assets that can operate in contested airspace. General Chereshnya said the Bullet has completed testing and is ready for delivery, although further information on deployment timelines was not provided. https://cuashub.com/en/content/ukraine-begins-production-of-200-mph-interceptor/ (Source: https://cuashub.com/
21 Oct 25. Cuashub.com said today that Drone smuggling surge exposes security challenges at UK prisons. Drone activity over prisons in England and Wales has surged to record levels, with more than 1,700 incidents reported over the past year, a 43 percent increase, raising concerns about the growing sophistication of criminal networks smuggling contraband behind bars. At facilities such as HMP Wandsworth in south London, observers have described frequent drone flights at night, often dropping drugs, mobile phones and other prohibited items directly to inmates’ windows. In some cases, packages are disguised as turf or debris and dropped into exercise yards. Despite visible warning signs and restricted airspace zones, the illicit drone trade continues to flourish. Authorities say that organised crime groups are driving the activity, taking advantage of both demand inside prisons and gaps in physical security measures such as damaged netting, broken windows and non-functioning surveillance cameras.
Charlie Taylor, the Chief Inspector of Prisons, said the issue reflects broader security weaknesses. “We saw CCTV cameras in high-security jails not functioning properly,” he noted, adding that effective prevention requires both better technology and well-trained staff.
Drone drops have become increasingly brazen. In one recent operation, police recovered a drone valued at £6,000 capable of carrying four payloads and flying for up to 40 minutes. The Ministry of Justice has said that such incidents are being met with tougher enforcement, including joint counter-drone operations with police forces. In July, a nationwide crackdown led to nine arrests at HMPs Wandsworth and Manchester. Yet, reports from residents near prison sites suggest that drone activity remains frequent, with some describing “daily” flights over facilities. The risks extend beyond smuggling drugs and phones. In one case, a taser disguised as a pen was dropped into HMP Wormwood Scrubs, marking what officials believe was the first attempt to deliver a weapon of that kind by drone. At HMP Long Lartin, a high-security prison housing terrorist offenders, an inmate allegedly stabbed a guard using a knife believed to have been delivered via drone. The Ministry of Justice says it is investing £40m in new counter-drone security measures, including reinforced windows, additional netting and partnerships with law enforcement to target the criminal groups behind the smuggling operations.
“The threat from drones is serious and evolving,” a ministry spokesperson said. “We are taking decisive action to strengthen prison security and disrupt the organised networks exploiting this technology.”
Officials and experts warn, however, that as drone technology advances, smugglers are adapting just as quickly, leaving prisons locked in a constant race to keep their airspace secure. https://cuashub.com/en/content/drone-smuggling-surge-exposes-security-challenges-at-uk-prisons/ (Source: https://cuashub.com/
21 Oct 25. Cuashub.com said today that EU and India conduct joint counterterrorism training to enhance drone defense. In a landmark initiative, the European Union and India held a joint counterterrorism training exercise from October 13 to 15, aimed at protecting critical infrastructure and soft targets from emerging threats posed by UAS. The increasing availability and misuse of drones by both state and non-state actors have introduced serious security challenges. With commercial drones becoming more advanced and accessible, violent extremists have leveraged them for surveillance and attacks. The three-day training brought together senior officers, instructors, and technical experts from India’s National Security Guard (NSG) and the EU’s High Risk Security Network (HRSN). The program focused on advanced UAS and Counter-UAS capabilities, combining tactical and technological instruction. It culminated in a joint exercise designed to enhance interoperability and lay the groundwork for future collaboration. Participants also strengthened their mitigation skills and explored deployment models for major events. Discussions included the evolving nature of drone threats – such as swarm and autonomous systems – and the need for cutting-edge detection and neutralization technologies like artificial intelligence, sensor fusion, directed energy, and kinetic countermeasures. The EU HRSN, a specialized European platform comprising 28 units from 21 EU Member States, deployed a team of UAS and C-UAS instructors and technical experts to Manesar, Gurugram. India’s elite NSG, operating under the Ministry of Home Affairs, led the training with its extensive experience in detecting, tracking, and neutralizing hostile drones. Special forces engaged in urban counterterrorism tactics using UAS, followed by a joint tactical simulation exercise. This allowed NSG and HRSN units to test and refine real-world response capabilities. Outcomes from the training will inform the development of standard operating procedures for integrated drone and counter-drone operations, as well as an Engagement Decision Matrix tailored to safeguard mass gatherings and critical infrastructure.
“This joint training shows how the EU and India are turning commitment into action, working side by side to keep our citizens safe. Like India EU and its Member States have been directly exposed to direct and deliberate drone-related threats,” H.E. Hervé Delphin, Ambassador of the European Union to India, said.
“Such threats evolve rapidly, as part of hybrid tactics. Only swift and coordinated responses will keep us ahead. Hence the importance of such a joint training seminar.”
The event marked a shift from dialogue to action in counterterrorism cooperation and was organized by the EU Delegation to India in collaboration with the NSG. It was facilitated by the EU project ESIWA+ (Enhancing Security Cooperation In and With Asia and the Indo-Pacific). This initiative builds on the College of Commissioners’ visit to India in February 2025 and the recently announced Joint Communication on a New Strategic EU–India Agenda, which prioritizes deeper counterterrorism collaboration. It also follows the India-EU Track 1.5 Roundtable on Countering Terrorist Exploitation of UAS held in February 2024. The training aligns with the EU’s Indo-Pacific Strategy and reinforces the ongoing EU-India Counterterrorism Dialogue.
EU and India conduct joint counterterrorism training to enhance drone defense
(Source: https://cuashub.com/
21 Oct 25. Cuashub.com said today that British troops may be awarded powers to shoot down drones near bases. British soldiers will soon be able to shoot down drones threatening UK military sites under new powers announced by Defence Secretary John Healey on Monday. The move marks a shift in the UK’s approach to countering the growing drone threat following a series of incursions at RAF bases used by U.S. forces and an increase in drone-related disruptions across Europe. The new “kinetic option,” first reported by The Daily Telegraph, will authorize troops and Ministry of Defence (MoD) police to destroy drones that pose an imminent risk to military installations. Existing protocols only permit the use of electronic countermeasures, such as GPS disruption or signal jamming, to divert drones, and kinetic action has until now been restricted to extreme cases. Officials say the expanded powers are intended to give on-site security forces greater flexibility and faster response options amid heightened concerns over aerial intrusions. While the powers will initially apply only to military locations, the government has suggested they could later be extended to civilian sites such as airports. Four UK bases used by U.S. forces reported drone incursions in November 2024. Around 60 RAF personnel were deployed to assist the U.S. Air Force in investigating the incidents. Neither UK nor U.S. officials have identified those responsible, but the affected bases hold significant strategic value, including hosting American F-22A fighter jets. The announcement comes amid growing European alarm over drone incursions attributed to Russia or unidentified actors. In September, 20 Russian drones reportedly crossed into Polish airspace, and Russian MiG-31 jets entered Estonian territory later that month. EU leaders met in Copenhagen earlier this month to discuss a proposed “drone wall,” a multilayered network of sensors and weapons designed to detect and neutralize hostile drones along the bloc’s eastern borders. Recent months have also seen multiple European airports shut down temporarily due to suspected drone activity, including incidents in Munich, Copenhagen and Oslo. Danish authorities said there was no direct evidence linking the activity to Moscow, though many European officials have described the incidents as elements of hybrid warfare. https://cuashub.com/en/content/british-troops-may-be-awarded-powers-to-shoot-down-drones-near-bases/ (Source: https://cuashub.com/
21 Oct 25. Cuashub.com said today that US Army to hold recurring competitions to field counter-drone tech. Rapid changes in drone warfare have prompted the U.S. Army to commit to a regular competition cycle so it can move cutting-edge counter-UAS systems into the field faster, service officials said Monday at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) conference.
“We need to ensure that we continuously outpace the threat,” Col. Guy Yelverton, project lead for the Army’s counter-drone product office, said during a panel discussion. He told attendees the service will run competitions “at least at an every two-year cycle” to assess industry capabilities and accelerate procurement of systems for soldiers and units.
Yelverton outlined five lines of effort the Army is pursuing to counter small drones. Two efforts targeted by the competitions are soldier-carried kit, portable systems individual troops can carry, and unit common equipment such as sensing arrays mountable on vehicles like the Humvee. Separate efforts address protection for fixed sites and larger counter-UAS air-defense batteries, officials said. The Army’s work concentrates on smaller unmanned aerial systems, larger Group 4 and 5 platforms remain the purview of traditional air-defense assets such as fighter aircraft and missile batteries. The service is already wrapping up contests for a new fire-control system and is evaluating candidate equipment for soldier-borne counter-drone kits, Yelverton said. He noted about a dozen vendors are participating in an ongoing soldier-common-equipment competition and that the Army is willing to select multiple suppliers if they meet requirements:
“And if they’re all good, we’ll select all 12, because we need a lot of capability in the counter UAS environment,” he said.
Maj. Gen. David Stewart, director of long-range fires and integrated air and missile defense, described Group-3 drones as occupying a “vexing middle ground” because of their combination of speed, range and maneuverability. He warned that swarms of small Group-1 and Group-2 drones can produce effects comparable to single Group-3 attacks.
Col. Marc Pelini, military deputy for the Army’s fires future capability directorate, said high-power microwave (HPM) weapons may be the most economical and effective approach to countering swarm attacks, provided those systems can reach targets “at least a kilometer or two” away. The Army is also testing kinetic and semi-kinetic solutions, including missile interceptors such as the Coyote, which can be employed against drone swarms.
Officials emphasized the need for layered defenses:
“I don’t think there’s a silver bullet that can address the full range of the threats,” Pelini said, arguing for a “Swiss Army Knife of effectors” to protect forces across the spectrum of drone threats.
The competitions scheduled for fiscal 2026 will solicit industry for unit common equipment, sensors and electronic warfare capabilities, according to the Army presentation. https://cuashub.com/en/content/us-army-to-hold-recurring-competitions-to-fielding-counter-drone-tech/ (Source: https://cuashub.com/
21 Oct 25. Raytheon Delivers 1st PhantomStrike Radar for KAI FA-50 Fleet. Next-generation radar provides superior battlespace situational awareness. Raytheon, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, has delivered the first PhantomStrike® radar to Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) for their FA-50 Light Combat Aircraft fleet. PhantomStrike is a first-of-its-kind, fully air-cooled, high efficiency Gallium Nitride, fire-control radar that is designed to provide long-range threat detection, tracking and targeting. At nearly half the cost of a typical fire control radar, it delivers superior radar capability due to its faster, more agile digital beam, advanced target detection and resistance to jamming.
“In an increasingly complex and contested battlespace, aircrew need to make informed, split-second decisions to ensure mission success,” said Dan Theisen , president of Advanced Products and Solutions at Raytheon. “Delivering the first PhantomStrike system to KAI marks a pivotal step in equipping our customers with the advanced technology needed to maintain a decisive advantage in combat.=PhantomStrike is designed for size, weight, and power constrained platforms that include uncrewed and light-attack aircraft, fighter jets and helicopters. It harnesses the fire control power of a fighter in its lightest form factor ever – weighing nearly half of a modern active electronically scanned array radar.
PhantomStrike is approved to be exported as a Direct Commercial Sale product. This year, Raytheon completed a series of flight tests on its Multi-Program Testbed aircraft, demonstrating air-to-air and air-to-ground performance, and delivered a lab unit for aircraft integration testing in August. Production of PhantomStrike takes place in Forest, Miss. ; Tucson, Ariz. ; and Scotland , with support from Raytheon UK. Raytheon, an RTX business, is a leading provider of defense solutions to help the U.S. government, our allies and partners defend their national sovereignty and ensure their security. For more than 100 years, Raytheon has developed new technologies and enhanced existing capabilities in integrated air and missile defense, smart weapons, missiles, advanced sensors and radars, interceptors, space-based systems, hypersonics and missile defense across land, air, sea and space. (Source: ASD Network)
20 Oct 25. UK aligns drone defence and interoperability with NATO. The Ministry of Defence has outlined how the UK is working to ensure its uncrewed and counter-drone systems are fully interoperable with NATO frameworks, standards and data-sharing protocols, according to recent parliamentary responses. Responding to written questions from Edward Morello, Liberal Democrat MP for West Dorset, Defence Minister Al Carns said that “the Defence Uncrewed Design Authority (DUxDA) has delegated authority to fulfil the UK Head of Delegation role at NATO Joint Capability Groups for Uncrewed Systems.” This role, he explained, provides the UK with influence within the NATO Standardisation Agreement (STANAG) process, shaping how future NATO standards for uncrewed systems are developed and implemented. Carns added that the DUxDA “has also mapped out all the UK and NATO standards that are applicable to Uncrewed Systems and are developing recommendations that will identify and enforce specific standards applied to all Uncrewed Systems development moving forward.” Alongside the work of the DUxDA, the UK has also contributed to the establishment of the NATO Joint Capability Group for Counter-Small Uncrewed Aerial Systems (C-sUAS), a forum intended to harmonise Allied approaches to drone defence. The group is focusing on establishing NATO-wide training programmes, ensuring common equipment standards and creating a shared lexicon for interoperability. Carns confirmed that the UK has taken a leading role in supporting the technical foundations of these initiatives through the SAPIENT architecture, a modular open standard developed by the Ministry of Defence to link autonomous sensors and effectors.
“To support the integration of equipment across NATO nations, the UK has funded and developed SAPIENT, a common architecture standard that enables interoperability between autonomous sensors and effectors,” he stated, noting that it had already been used operationally, including during the NATO Summit in The Hague. (Source: ukdefencejournal.org.uk/)
15 Oct 25. Dedrone by Axon and TYTAN partner to extend detection, mitigation capabilities. Dedrone by Axon has entered into several new strategic partnerships to advance technology for use in strengthening NATO airspace defence. The first of these is with TYTAN, a Munich-based defence technology company developing interceptor systems for Group 3 drones. Both companies share German roots and a commitment to advancing responsible innovation in defence, The collaboration combines Dedrone by Axon’s AI-powered sensor fusion and technology with TYTAN’s kinetic interceptors, creating a complete detect, track, identify, and mitigate (DTI-M) capability. This end-to-end solution expands Dedrone by Axon’s coverage from Group 1 through Group 3 threats, delivering the unified airspace picture NATO allies need to act faster and defend smarter, said the company in a press release.
“This alliance allows us to offer our customers a seamless CUAS platform that spans Group 1 through Group 3 threats,” said Aaditya Devarakonda, CEO, Dedrone by Axon. “Together, Dedrone and TYTAN are helping NATO and its partners build the connected network that will define the future of air defence.”
“Together, Dedrone and TYTAN aren’t just responding to emerging threats; we’re helping NATO and its partners build the connected network that will define the future of air defence,” said Balazs Nagy, Co-Founder and CEO of TYTAN. “Our partnership with Axon shows what true pan-NATO innovation looks like, built through collaboration across the US and Europe, proven in combat, and integrated with global allies to protect NATO airspace. This is Europe and NATO’s moment to lead, and TYTAN’s mission is to make that intent real — to turn collective vision into action.”
Through BRAVE1 and collaborations with companies both within Ukraine and in partner nations supporting its defence, Axon has also begun identifying and empowering startups developing the tools needed to protect dairspace, said the company. These innovation hubs and early-stage companies are becoming key partners in Axon’s broader effort to scale battlefield-proven technologies across NATO’s defence ecosystem.
“NATO is at an inflection point. The threats are already here — what’s missing is the speed and scale to counter them,” said Batuhan Yumurtaci, Co-Founder and CTO of TYTAN. “It’s no longer enough to announce new frameworks or strategies for our air defence; we have to build them.” (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
14 Oct 25. GrandSkY Air Force Base to become C-UAS system testing, development centre. GrandSKY today announced the deployment of a foundational counter-uncrewed aircraft system (C-UAS) architecture at Grand Forks Air Force Base. “This initiative marks a significant step toward establishing GrandSKY as a premier center for C-UAS testing, development, and operations,” said the organization in a press release. “The initial phase, now underway, includes the integration of AeroVironment’s AV_Halo COMMAND Mission software and radio frequency (RF)-based Titan-SV counter-UAS capability. This deployment provides the critical first layer of a comprehensive, layered defense system, focusing on the detection, identification, and tracking (DIT) of unmanned aerial threats. This seamless network of passive sensors and radars provides airspace situational awareness and serves as the beginning of a system that could become a cornerstone for protecting critical infrastructure.”
“We are building the future of air defence right here in North Dakota,” GrandSKY President Thomas Swoyer Jr. said. “This deployment reflects the strategic evolution of GrandSKY as it endeavors to create a national counter-UAS centrr of excellence. By integrating these advanced DIT capabilities, we are establishing the foundational sensor network necessary to understand and counter evolving drone threats. This deployment directly supports our collaboration with Grand Forks Air Force Base and positions us to be a leader in the development of robust, adaptable defense solutions for the nation.”
This partnership builds on the March 2025 memorandum of understanding (MOU) between GrandSKY and AV in support of Project ULTRA, a USD100 m public-private initiative to establish Grand Forks as the nation’s proving ground for advanced counter-UAS defense.
“Grand Forks continues to play a vital role in strengthening both North Dakota’s economy and America’s national security,” Senator John Hoeven (R-ND) said. “By leveraging these proven technologies at GrandSKY, we are ensuring our state remains at the forefront of innovation while providing the layered protection our nation needs against rapidly evolving threats.”
“Establishing the framework for limited area defense at Grand Forks marks an important step toward building a layered defense system for the nation against constantly evolving drone threats,” AV Chairman, President and CEO Wahid Nawabi said. “By combining our surveillance and edge-intelligence technologies with the vision of GrandSKY and the support of leaders, like Senator Hoeven, we are accelerating solutions that will protect critical U.S. military installations and the service members who operate within them.” (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
17 Oct 25. EU and India carry out joint C-UAS training to protect infrastructure from drone threats. The European Union (EU) and India organized a first of its kind counterterrorism training from 13 to 15 Oct 2025 to protect critical infrastructure and soft targets against emerging threats from unmanned aerial systems (UAS) or drones as they are commonly known, according to an EU press release. The three-day exercise brought together senior officers, instructors and technical experts from India’s National Security Guard (NSG) and the EU’s High Risk Security Network (HRSN), and focused on the use of advanced UAS and Counter-UAS (C-UAS) capabilities. “The peer-to-peer activity blended tactical and technological training, culminating in a joint exercise designed to strengthen interoperability and set the foundation for future collaboration,” said the press release. “It also strengthened mitigation skills and familiarised participants with deployment models for major events. Participants also deliberated on the future trajectory of drone threats, including swarm and autonomous systems and the need for advanced detection and neutralisation technologies such as artificial intelligence, sensor fusion, directed energy and kinetic countermeasures. The EU HRSN – a specialised European platform of 28 units from 21 European Union Member States – brought a team of UAS and C-UAS instructors and technical experts to Manesar, Gurugram. India’s elite counterterrorism force NSG, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, led the training with its extensive operational experience in detecting, tracking and neutralising hostile drones.
“Special forces training on UAS counter-terrorism tactics in urban environments, combined with a joint tactical simulation exercise, allowed NSG and HRSN units to test and strengthen real-world response capabilities,” continued the text.”The activity will result in the drafting of standard operating procedures for integrated drone and counter-drone operations in various settings, and an Engagement Decision Matrix tailored to protect mass gatherings and critical infrastructure.
The event was organised by the EU Delegation to India in cooperation with the NSG and facilitated by EU project ESIWA+ (Enhancing Security Cooperation In and With Asia and the Indo-Pacific). The initiative builds on the College of Commissioners’ visit to India in February 2025 and the recently announced Joint Communication on a New Strategic EU–India Agenda, which prioritises deeper collaboration on counter-terrorism. This training is a follow-up to the India-EU Track 1.5 Roundtable on Countering Terrorist Exploitation of UAS held in February 2024. The activity aligns with the EU’s Indo-Pacific Strategy and builds upon the ongoing EU-India Counterterrorism Dialogue (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
20 Oct 25. Anduril delivers C-UAS kits to USNORTHCOM. Anduril has delivered a rapidly deployable kit of counter-drone systems to USNORTHCOM. The system was recently demonstrated at Falcon Peak 25.2 at Eglin Air Force Base, validating that it meets NORTHCOM’s operational requirements. In 2024 alone, NORTHCOM reported over 350 unauthorised drone incursions across 100 installations. Each Anduril kit delivers detect, track, identify and defeat capabilities. They include Mobile Sentry for autonomous detection and tracking, Wisp in a SkyFence configuration for wide-area passive IR coverage, Pulsar for RF detection and effects, and Anvil for low-collateral kinetic defeat. Power, compute and networking are also included. The system runs on the Lattice software platform and is designed for rapid deployment by military members. The kits are built for use inside US airspace, developed to operate within the constraints of Federal Aviation Administration regulations and other civilian considerations. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
16 Oct 25. Laser-based C-UAS technology programmes – where the money is going. Over the last three years the US has committed over USD2.6 bn in funding research, development and acquisition of military laser weapon systems, according to Unmanned Airspace research. Currently there are around 20 countries in the world developing and deploying over 50 laser-based counter-UAS systems, in broadly, four areas: airborne, tactical, naval and infrastructure protection, with system capabilities ranging from 2kW to over 500 kW. The figures, taken from Unmanned Airspace 2025 Global Counter-UAS Systems Directory, show that US military C-UAS laser weapon investment has focused on two key areas: protection of soldiers and vehicles on the battlefield from lone drone attacks and infrastructure protection against swarms. The research has been aimed specifically at ruggedising 20kW class laser systems for vehicle protection and integrating 100kW laser weapons with AI-based targeting and fire control systems. Israel’s government recently invested around USD500 m to extend its Iron Beam defence system and the UK has invested probably a similar amount in four programmes – RF Dew, Laser Directed Energy Weapon Land Demonstrator, DragonFire and DSTL’s Weapons Sector Research Framework. Despite this considerable investment there is little public evidence that any of the systems have reached a level of maturity to protect the cities of Ukraine. But in the drone war above Ukraine there is an evolutionary cycle with a predicable end-state: on the one side, AI enabled drone swarms exploiting machine learning and quantum technologies for navigation, targeting and communications while on the other, AI-enabled C-UAS direct energy weapon systems which can affordably shoot drone swarms out of the sky in seconds. While many manufacturers have demonstrated in trials that lasers can defeat small drones, the number of successful battlefield engagements against real enemies is still relatively small. In February 2025, Ukrainian officials announced the successful use of their domestic Tryzub laser weapon system against a drone while in May 2025 Rafael announced that its high-power laser systems have been used “to intercept aerial threats in combat during Israel’s conflict with Hamas in Gaza.”
Laser systems are complex and expensive, especially if they are being designed to take on swarms. Designers must integrate long-range detection with close-in identification and targeting sensors, linked to target prioritisation and sequencing software which allows for a three/four second engagement rate per target (in a 100kW laser for example) before moving to the next one, all within an AI-enable command and control system which can operate far faster than any human. They need a constant power source and a seriously effective cooling system. Problems with laser weapons include their susceptibility to atmospheric conditions like fog, dust, and rain, which scatter or absorb the beam. Smoke and reflective surfaces can also reduce their effectiveness. Despite these issues, we are on the verge of widespread implementation of both tactical (mobile) and infrastructure protection (fixed) systems, with one commercial supplier EOS having recently sold an operational fixed system to a European NATO nation. But in terms of affordability (once the initial purchase price has been taken care of – a100kW system can cost as much as USD50 m) and effectiveness they offer the best protection against current future drone threats, with manufacturers quoting USD0.15 to USD1.00 per engagement. Unmanned Airspace research shows that the last two years have seen countries such as Azerbaijan and India invested heavily in laser weapons, with India’s DRDO developing a 100 kW system following the successful testing earlier this year of its 30 kW Mk-II(A) system – though Indian officials say these larger systems are unlikely to enter service this decade. In September 2024, Azerbaijan’s 30kW Fireforce system was demonstrated at the ADEX-2024 exhibition in Baku. The following table, a very edited version of the “Directed energy” section from Unmanned Airspace 2025 Global Counter-UAS Systems Directory, lists some of the key programmes under way around the world. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
20 Oct 25. Military to get new powers to destroy drones threatening military bases. British personnel will be handed new powers to shoot down drones, the Defence Secretary will unveil in a speech, meaning troops can take decisive action. The new powers to defend military bases will be included in the Armed Forces Bill, with John Healey pledging to “do what’s needed to keep the British people safe”. It comes after several British air bases utilised by US forces, including RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall, and RAF Feltwell, reported drone sightings in November last year, and drones violated European airspace numerous times in the last few months. Mr Healey will reference the incursion by Russian drones into Polish airspace, which led to Polish F-16 fighter jets shooting down uncrewed aerial vehicles, in his speech.
“Last month, we saw 19 drones cross the Polish border,” Mr Healey will say at the Lord Mayor of London Defence and Security Lecture on Monday evening.
“Days later, Russian jets violated Estonia’s airspace, while at the same time, Russia mounted a concerted campaign to subvert Moldova’s election.”
The new powers will only apply to military sites; however, the rules could be expanded to civilian locations such as airports, according to the BBC. The current guidance for personnel is that unknown drones must have their GPS signal disrupted or be moved away from the area. An unspecified drone can only be obliterated in extreme circumstances. These threats can threaten the UK, the Rawmarsh and Conisbrough MP will say.
“Here at home, we continue to defend ourselves daily from threats from the seabed to cyberspace,” Mr Healey will declare.
“We will always do what’s needed to keep the British people safe, and as we speak, we are developing new powers – to be put through our Armed Forces Bill – to shoot down unidentified drones over UK military sites.”
The UK deployed counter-drone experts to Denmark in September, equipped with advanced kit to detect, track, identify, and if needed, destroy hostile drones, following suspicious activity. Around 60 Royal Air Force personnel were involved in the investigation to find out what happened on the UK bases. Washington and London have not confirmed who flew the uncrewed aerial vehicles over the British bases. European leaders have backed plans to put up a drone ‘wall’ – a defensive system to protect the region. Russia has sent more than 3,000 one-way attack drones to Ukraine in October so far, following 5,500 last month. Moscow has denied any involvement in drones flying into airspace over Denmark, Poland, Estonia and Romania. (Source: https://www.forcesnews.com/)
20 Oct 25. Anduril Demos and Delivers Counter-UAS Capabilities to USNORTHCOM at Falcon Peak 25.2. To respond to the growing threat of unauthorized drones in the homeland, Anduril has delivered a rapidly deployable kit of our field-proven counter-UAS systems to USNORTHCOM. The system was recently demonstrated at Falcon Peak 25.2 at Eglin Air Force Base, validating that our counter-UAS solution meets NORTHCOM’s operational requirements in full. In 2024 alone, NORTHCOM reported over 350 unauthorized drone incursions across 100 installations. We’ve developed our kit for rapid deployability in support of short-duration counter-UAS operations to defend U.S. military infrastructure with complete kill-chain coverage. Each kit includes Mobile Sentry for autonomous detection and tracking, Wisp in a SkyFence configuration for wide-area passive IR coverage, Pulsar for RF detection and effects, and Anvil for low-collateral kinetic defeat. Power, compute, and networking are included. The system runs on the Lattice software platform and is designed for rapid deployment by military members. It delivers full-spectrum capability — detect, track, identify, defeat — in a single, field-ready package. At Anduril’s founding, we saw the gap between emerging threats and available capability. Our solution to USNORTHCOM is Anduril’s answer to the challenge of defending the homeland from small drone threats — designed not just for how the military operates, but where. Unlike battlefield systems, these kits are built for use inside U.S. airspace, optimized to operate within the constraints of FAA regulations and other civilian considerations. The delivery to NORTHCOM at Falcon Peak marks a decisive step forward in operationalizing mobile counter-UAS defense across the United States. (Source: ASD Network)
16 Oct 25. US Army picks Anduril for counter-drone fire control system. Anduril’s win paves the way for the defense tech firm to replace Northrop Grumman’s FAAD C2 system, which provides a common picture for operators to detect and defeat air-based threats. Anduril has prevailed in an Army and Defense Innovation Unit competition to provide a new system for managing defenses against drone threats, the Army announced Wednesday. In a press release disclosing Anduril’s win, the Army said the company will furnish the service with a modernized fire control system for counter-drone operations, also known as c-UAS. A fire control system fuses together sensor data to ensure an operator can effectively strike a target.
“The Army will continue working closely with Anduril to refine and integrate this cutting-edge technology into its C-UAS architecture, ensuring the highest level of protection for our warfighters,” the service said in the announcement, without disclosing the contract value. Anduril did not respond to a request for comment by press time.
The company’s selection comes amid an Army plan to hold “recurring” competitions for counter-drone technologies, ranging from equipment that could be carried by the common soldier to electronic warfare systems. Officials have reportedly said they want the new fire control system to handle a wide variety of short-range air defenses, but are focusing initially on the counter-drone mission.
“We need to ensure that we continuously outpace the threat,” Col. Guy Yelverton, the project lead for the Army’s counter-drone product office, said during a Monday panel discussion at the annual AUSA conference in Washington. “So we will have these competitions at least at an every two-year cycle, to make sure that we know and understand the capabilities out there from our industry partners, and that we continue to provide our warfighters the best capability so that we outpace that threat that’s evolving.”
In an apparent preview of the Anduril win, Yelverton said the winning fire control solution would replace the FAAD C2 (Forward Area Air Defense Command and Control) system currently provided by Northrop Grumman. The Northrop system combines sensor data to provide a comprehensive picture of the air space that can then direct a range of defenses to knock down an inbound threat.
Northrop previously revealed it was competing to replace its FAAD C2 system with a new offering dubbed AiON, though it’s not clear what other firms bid in the competition.
“We are incredibly proud of the groundbreaking innovation and dedication demonstrated by our talented team in developing and successfully testing AiON, our next-generation counter-drone system. In just a few months, we delivered a cutting-edge capability that enhances warfighter protection in dynamic and evolving threat environments,” Kenn Todorov, vice president and general manager of command and control and weapons integration at Northrop, said in a statement to Breaking Defense.
“We see significant future opportunities to partner with other customers and allies who recognize the critical need for innovative solutions like AiON,” Todorov added. (Source: Breaking Defense.com)
17 Oct 25. Cuashub.com said today that World Cup sparks counter-drone urgency in the US. The Trump administration is moving to harden U.S. airspace against potential drone threats ahead of next summer’s FIFA World Cup, launching a $500 m national program to help state and local governments deploy counter-drone defenses at major events. The new initiative, announced by Andrew Giuliani, director of the White House’s FIFA World Cup 2026 Task Force, will fund anti-drone tools and training in all 50 states, with a focus on the 104 matches being played across U.S. stadiums. The effort comes amid growing concern over the proliferation of drones that could threaten public gatherings, with many fearing that the U.S. is not prepared to counter such threats.
“Everybody from governors to police commissioners to stadium security chiefs say this is something they need in order to protect the sites,” Giuliani said.
He noted that the initiative reflects an urgent push to strengthen security for not only the World Cup, but also the U.S. 250th anniversary and 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
Under the plan, urban police departments and local agencies would be equipped with handheld systems capable of detecting, tracking and, when authorized, disabling rogue aircraft through jamming or command override. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will oversee grant disbursement, using funds drawn from the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill,’ enacted in July.
The mitigation issue
The program will also test the boundaries of drone mitigation authority, an issue that remains unresolved in Congress. Currently, only federal agencies, such as DHS and the Department of Justice, are legally authorized to intercept or disable drones. With a House bill extending those powers to local police stalled, the administration is considering temporary DOJ waivers that would allow states and cities to take down hostile drones during high-risk events.
“Drones are a disruptive technology. They have an amazing potential for both good and ill,” said Sebastian Gorka, senior director for counterterrorism at the National Security Council. “We will increase the enforcement of current laws to deter two types of individuals: evildoers and idiots, the clueless and the careless.”
World Cup host cities already receive security support through a $625 m DHS grant program, and additional guidance will soon be issued to help states apply for the new counter-drone funds.
Protection at the state level
Local authorities have been tasked with preparing to secure the public against drone threats for those matches that take place in their states. Lieutenant Mike Ward and Sergeant Brett McCormick of the New Jersey State Police will speak alongside Rob Robertson of the Arlington Aviation Authority at the Counter UAS Homeland Security USA conference in February, where the trio will offer some insight into the preparation taking place at the state level to secure World Cup matches against drone threats. The White House is also coordinating with Canada and Mexico, which co-host the 2026 World Cup, on joint airspace protection. The three nations held their first trilateral counter-drone meeting in Mexico City earlier this year. Beyond the tournament, administration officials say the initiative will advance U.S. leadership in drone defense technology, an area where they believe foreign competitors, particularly China, have gained ground.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem described the effort as part of a broader “weapons-technology revolution,” warning that drones “are being used to smuggle deadly drugs, target our infrastructure and spy on U.S. defenses.”
With just nine months until kickoff, officials say the timing leaves no room for delay:
“Let’s use the World Cup as the urgency,” Giuliani said. “There’s no pushing that back. So let’s get the equipment we need to make sure it’s as safe as possible.”
https://cuashub.com/en/content/world-cup-sparks-counter-drone-urgency-in-the-us/ (Source: https://cuashub.com/
17 Oct 25. Unseen and Unmatched: L3Harris Marks a 1st in Infrared Tracking Technology. New L3Harris sensor system gives warfighters the superpower to see clearly, completely undetected.
The Limits of Radar on the Battlefield
For decades, radar has been the bedrock for tracking and monitoring aircraft for both military and civilian applications. While useful for the FAA to monitor the friendly skies, the technology presents significant limitations for warfighters on the battlefield. Since radar actively emit radio waves, they can alert the enemy, putting lives and critical assets at risk.
“Radar systems are like shining a flashlight in a dark room,” explains George Reaves, Director of Engineering, L3Harris. “You can see everything. But now everyone can see you, too.”
The Rise of Passive Sensing Technology
This inherent vulnerability has spurred the development of electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) technologies, which offer alternative ways to see the same picture. Unlike traditional radar, EO/IR systems do not emit signals, making them practically invisible to the adversary. This type of passive remote sensing is essential for survival in the modern era of electronic warfare.
A First in Infrared Tracking
The Infrared Search and Track (IRST) system by L3Harris detects and tracks targets anonymously by combining sensors that collect radiation, light and heat signatures, then uses a powerful processing system to convert that data into crisp, real-time imagery. This technology gives warfighters detailed situational awareness without compromising their position.
“With IRST, now you can see clearly and operate freely in the dark,” Reaves said. “Breakthroughs in passive remote sensing like IRST serve as a great example of how L3Harris keeps our customers safe and undetected in combat operations.”
Advanced Sensor Technology in Action
L3Harris has completed a successful flight test of IRST’s capabilities, using advanced Focal Plane Array (FPA) technology and real-time processing algorithms, an exponential leap forward in passive EO/IR system development.
“Think of it as having multiple pairs of eyes, each finely tuned to different wavelengths,” Reaves explains.
How the System Works
IRST combines several passive sensors to capture targeting data, including long-wave infrared sensors that detect heat signatures and low-cost micro-bolometers widely used in night-vision equipment. Adding mid-wave infrared sensors further enhances the system’s ability to operate day or night and in challenging environmental conditions.
Flight Test Success
During the test flight, L3Harris successfully demonstrated the capabilities of FPA sensors and computing power in a realistic operational setting. Flight engineers mounted an AgilePod on a host aircraft which housed the real-time image processor.
In addition to designating the target, the system detected, identified and tracked two commercial aircraft within the test field of view. The results demonstrate the system’s ability to properly process a range of signal inputs in a complex environment while avoiding false alarms and, more critically, friendly fire incidents.
A Milestone in Electronic Warfare
As the aircraft completed its test flight, the IRST team recognized they had reached a milestone. The silent guardians of the sky had marked a new era in electronic warfare and remote sensing. This advancement in passive EO/IR sensing was more than a technical achievement for L3Harris, it carried the promise of a safer, more secure future for U.S. and allied forces.
“We’re not just building targeting systems,” Reaves said. “We’re building the future of defense, one silent step at a time.”
Following its successful initial flights, the IRST system will undergo additional flight testing. These tests are a key part of the system’s ongoing technical maturation, allowing engineers to refine algorithms, validate performance across operational scenarios and ensure the system continues to meet warfighter needs. (Source: ASD Network)
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Echodyne is a U.S. designer and manufacturer of advanced commercial radar solutions for defense and national security applications. The company’s proprietary metamaterials electronically scanned array (MESA®) architecture, a rare breakthrough in advanced radar engineering, leverages a physics-design approach to adapt conventional materials and deliver unexpected and beneficial behavior. The result is a solid-state, low-SWaP unit coupled with advanced software capabilities that delivers superior radar performance and unparalleled data integrity, radically improving system performance and enhancing safety for people and machines. With leading positions in counter-UAS, force protection, base security, and portable ISR, Defense Agencies and Suppliers rely on Echodyne radar for extraordinary accuracy and consistent, reliable operation.
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