Sponsored by Echodyne
www.echodyne.com
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01 Dec 25. Echodyne, the radar platform company, today announces that Zone 5 Technologies, a UAS and technology development company founded in 2011 and headquartered in San Luis Obispo, CA, has selected Echodyne as its radar provider for its Paladin Low Collateral Effects Interceptor (LCEI) drone. The Paladin is an autonomous UAS interceptor solution equipped with a quick-swap payload and an advanced battle management system that neutralizes UAS threats – the first of its kind to be added to the Department of Defense (DoD) Blue UAS Cleared List. As adversary drone threats rapidly evolve, accurately detecting, tracking, and neutralizing hostile drones is critical for force protection and mission success. Paladin needed a radar sensor that could deliver highly accurate airspace data with the lowest size, weight, and power (SWaP). Zone 5 selected EchoFlight airborne MESA® radar for its ideal combination of ultra-low SWaP and superior performance, enabling Paladin to navigate the airspace and achieve mission success.
“The UAS threat is evolving at an unprecedented pace on today’s battlefield. At Zone 5, our mission is to provide warfighters with Counter-UAS solutions that protect them not only from today’s challenges, but from the threats of tomorrow,” said Kyle Woo, Director of Multi-Mission Systems at Zone 5. “Echodyne has consistently delivered on their promise—radars with unmatched reliability, superior performance, and the adaptability to keep pace with our adversaries.”
Mounted on the front of the interceptor, EchoFlight provides highly accurate airspace situational awareness data to precisely track adversary drones. Zone 5 also deploys ground systems using EchoShield, Echodyne’s market-leading medium-range radar that accurately detects and precisely tracks all UAS at low altitude to inform Paladin’s situational awareness and decision-making.
“Echodyne is excited to work alongside Zone 5 to improve mission outcomes and enhance warfighter safety in a rapidly evolving battlefield flooded with drone threats,” said Eben Frankenberg, CEO of Echodyne. “As the UAS threat continues to evolve and become more sophisticated, integrating Echodyne radars with cutting-edge solutions like Zone 5’s Paladin is how we win on the modern battlefield.”
For those interested in learning more about radar’s importance in counter-drone systems, Echodyne’s CTO, Dr. Tom Driscoll, will be speaking on technology trends at SAE Media Group’s Counter UAS Technology USA Conference in Washington, DC (December 1-3, 2025).
About Echodyne
Echodyne, the radar platform company, is a U.S. designer and manufacturer of advanced commercial radar systems for defense, government, and commercial market applications. The company combines patented metamaterials electronically scanned array (MESA®) architecture with powerful software and machine learning to deliver high fidelity situational awareness data pinpointing activity in air and surface domains with unrivalled speed, accuracy, and precision. Proven and trusted by militaries, agencies, and critical infrastructure across the globe, Echodyne’s products set a new standard for radar excellence. Privately held, the company is headquartered in Kirkland, WA, USA and backed by Bill Gates, NEA, Madrona Venture Group, Baillie Gifford, and Northrop Grumman, among others. See radar in action at Echodyne.com.
About Zone 5 Technologies, LLC.
Zone 5 Technologies, LLC. is an aerospace engineering and production company focused on UAS, Counter-UAS, Air Launched Munitions, and Flight Control Systems. Founded in 2011, the company is a vertically integrated development and production organization employing more than 200 engineers, technicians, and support staff. Zone 5’s primary focus is the development and fielding of disruptive capabilities in the C-UAS and Air Launched Munition mission areas, utilizing a common modular avionics architecture. Over the past 10 years, Zone 5 has matured its Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA) tools and capabilities into an industry leading example of Modular Open System Architecture (MOSA) using published standards and model-based design. The IMA are used across programs enabling software reuse, collaboration across programs, and increased development pace.
Zone 5 actively supports flight testing and operations across multiple continents and has significant experience in the test plan approval processes necessary for operations of air launched vehicles from manned aircraft on Government test ranges.
04 Dec 25. Fortem Technologies, the global leader in airspace security and counter-drone solutions, today announced a strategic partnership with Southern States LLC, a century-old leader in high-voltage switching and grid-resiliency technology. Together, the companies are equipping utilities with advanced, scalable solutions to detect, track, and respond to drone-related threats targeting critical grid infrastructure.
Century-old grid equipment leader integrates drone defense directly into utility supply chain.
Southern States recently launched its Airspace Awareness product line, integrating Fortem’s TrueView™ radar, SkyDome® C2 software, and DroneHunter® F700 interceptors into a comprehensive suite tailored for the electric-power industry. This collaboration provides utilities with turnkey airspace awareness and proactive threat-mitigation capabilities, delivering a new frontier of grid protection that extends security beyond the fence line.
“Fortem’s technology adds a critical layer of situational awareness to our substation operational security suite,” said Patrick James, Director of Grid Security Solutions at Southern States. “This partnership empowers utilities to detect and respond to aerial threats before they can disrupt power delivery – helping our customers stay ahead of a fast-evolving risk landscape.”
The danger posed by drones to power infrastructure is no longer theoretical. In 2020, investigators identified the first known attempt to damage U.S. grid equipment using a modified unmanned aircraft system (UAS) near a Pennsylvania substation. More recently, federal authorities disrupted a plan to use explosive-laden drones to attack a power facility in Tennessee.
“Energy infrastructure has become a front line for drone-borne threats, whether in conflict zones overseas or recent plots here at home,” said Jon Gruen, CEO of Fortem Technologies. “Through this partnership, we’re making it easier for utilities to deploy proven, autonomous airspace-defense systems that integrate directly with the technologies they already rely on to keep the lights on.”
With more than a century of serving the power industry, Southern States brings trusted relationships and expertise to utilities nationwide. Utilities can now access Fortem’s AI-driven, field-validated counter-UAS platform, directly through Southern States’ Grid Security Solutions team. This partnership delivers unmatched, utility-grade airspace protection and resilience for electrical grids.
About Southern States, LLC
Founded in 1916, Southern States is the world’s largest manufacturer of high-voltage disconnect switches and a leading provider of next-generation grid-protection solutions. With over 100 patents, the company is recognized for its engineering excellence and commitment to advancing electric-power reliability worldwide. Learn more at southernstatesllc.com.
About Fortem Technologies
Fortem Technologies he global leader in airspace security, delivering advanced solutions that protect against today’s autonomous aerial threats while enabling the safety of tomorrow’s advanced air mobility. Its AI-powered SkyDome® Family of Systems – combining TrueView™ sensors, command-and-control software, and autonomous DroneHunter® interceptors – defends military, government, and commercial operations worldwide from hostile or unauthorized drones. Fortem is the only company authorized to deploy a drone-on-drone kinetic interceptor in U.S. airspace, with technology validated in operational use across USA, Ukraine, the Middle East, and East Asia. Headquartered in Lindon, Utah, Fortem is privately held and backed by Lockheed Martin, DCVC, Toshiba, AE Industrial Partners, AIM13, Signia Venture Partners, and others. Learn more at fortemtech.com. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
04 Dec 25. Armaments Research Company (ARC), a leader in AI-enabled weapon-mounted sensing, announced that it has been named one of four winners of the U.S. Army’s xTech Counterstrike competition—an internationally scoped effort to identify and accelerate next-generation counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) technologies. ARC won the “passive sensing” category, enabling soldiers to cue UAS defeat assets at the tactical edge without additional cognitive burden on the soldiers in contact. With this win, ARC continues its mission to equip warfighters with breakthrough sensing technology that enhances lethality, survivability, and decision advantage across the modern battlespace. The multi-phase competition, sponsored by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology (ASA(ALT)), U.S. Army Europe and Africa, and the Global Tactical Edge Acquisition Directorate (G-TEAD), began with more than 250 applicants. Following an initial down-select to 15 finalists and a $50,000 award, ARC advanced to the program’s Phase 2 live experimentation event in Germany—culminating in its selection as a top winner for 2025. ARC’s winning entry—its AI-Enabled Weapon Sensor (AEWS)—was recognized for enabling passive C-UAS detection, autonomous cueing, and real-time, weapon-borne data collection that strengthens battlefield awareness at the tactical edge. By transforming every weapon into an intelligent sensor, AEWS gives small units the ability to identify, characterize, and respond to aerial threats with unprecedented speed and precision. As part of this achievement, ARC received $350,000 in prize funding and secured placement on the G-TEAD Marketplace, a strategic contracting and acquisition vehicle that accelerates rapid procurement and fielding for units operating in globally distributed, contested, and denied environments.
“Adversary drones are reshaping the battlefield faster than traditional acquisition can adapt,” said ARC CEO Mike Canty. “ARC’s down-select in the G-TEAD program confirms AEWS as a foundational passive sensor for layered C-UAS defense and charts a clear path for U.S. and allied forces to field it at scale. It’s a pivotal step toward the resilient, networked air defense architecture our warfighters need as the threat continues to evolve—and we’re honored to contribute to the solution.”
With this win, ARC continues its mission to equip warfighters with breakthrough sensing technology that enhances lethality, survivability, and decision advantage across the modern battlespace. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
04 Dec 25. Atrenne Discusses Deploying GPU-Based AI Sensors in Rugged Tactical Systems. Atrenne shows how SOSA®-aligned and OpenVPX platforms host GPU-based AI sensors to support autonomous UAVs and UGVs, electronic intelligence, and surveillance, delivering modular, thermally optimized, and power-stable systems for real-time edge. As defense systems increasingly rely on autonomous functions, electronic intelligence, and edge computing, integrating AI into rugged military platforms is becoming essential. GPU-based AI sensors enable rapid decision-making, low-latency processing and autonomy for applications such as Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR) object detection, real-time Electronic Intelligence (EI) threat identification, onboard diagnostics, and predictive maintenance. These capabilities require low-SWaP (Size, Weight, and Power) systems engineered to withstand vibration, temperature extremes, and electromagnetic interference. The SOSA technical standard and OpenVPX architecture provide the foundation for scalable AI deployment, offering a modular slot-based design for rapid system scaling, defined thermal and electrical profiles to support high-wattage GPUs, and compatible backplanes for data-intensive AI processing. SOSA alignment ensures multi-vendor interoperability, simplified upgrades, and long-term maintainability for defense programs.
Integration Challenges
Integrating GPU-based AI hardware into rugged platforms introduces key challenges. GPUs generate substantial heat, especially in systems that rely on conduction cooling. Atrenne addresses thermal management through heat-spreading wedge locks, multi-fin sidewalls, cold plate bases, and rear-fan assistance in longer chassis configurations. Power stability is key in high-performance GPUs, with Atrenne’s 500W conduction-cooled solutions, tested up to 70°C ambient, offering efficient power conversion and minimal heat loss to ensure maximum reliability.
Signal integrity for high-speed AI sensors is maintained through custom backplanes featuring impedance-controlled trace routing, minimized crosstalk, EMI shielding, and alignment with VITA 65 and SOSA profiles.
These advances enable demanding AI sensor applications including autonomous Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) route adaptation using onboard visual processing, real-time signal classification with RF-trained neural nets for electronic intelligence, and multi-sensor fusion for surveillance and facial or object recognition missions.
Such workloads require workstation-class AI performance within compact, ruggedized enclosures.
Atrenne’s Rugged AI Solutions
Atrenne supports these requirements with fully SOSA-aligned and OpenVPX enclosures, custom backplanes, optimized I/O routing, and tested, scalable thermal solutions for high-TDP devices (thermal design power) devices.
Whether for air, land, or maritime platforms, Atrenne ensures AI systems operate reliably at the tactical edge. The combination of GPU-driven AI workloads and rugged computing infrastructure is reshaping real-time mission execution, and Atrenne’s alignment with SOSA and OpenVPX standards enables next-generation AI deployment without sacrificing reliability, thermal integrity, or modularity.
With long lifecycle support, future-ready architectures, and proven mechanical designs, Atrenne is helping lead the evolution of edge AI. The company provides the foundation, expertise, and technology needed for programs that require data-center-class performance in rugged tactical environments. (Source: https://www.defenseadvancement.com/)
04 Dec 25. Ensuring Accurate Radar Heading with INS in Mobile Counter-UAS Systems. Advanced Navigation highlights how its Certus Evo and Boreas D70/D90 Inertial Navigation Systems provide stable radar heading for mobile Counter-UAS platforms, enabling reliable target tracking and system performance in challenging GPS-denied conditions. Ensuring reliable mobile C-UAS under operational conditions depends on accurate radar heading information, as sub-optimal heading data can compromise the entire system. This can undermine mission performance and compromise the entire system, causing target misidentification, failed engagements, and loss of operator confidence. Mobility, a core operational requirement, introduces pitch, roll, and yaw that can destabilize a radar’s orientation, turning a single point of failure into cascading operational risks across the sensor-to-effector chain. The cause of this challenge lies in the radar’s dependence on a stable frame of reference. Errors in the radar’s heading propagate and magnify over distance, leading to corrupted target data, broken sensor handoffs, and the inability to maintain a continuous track of threats.” In GPS-denied or electronically contested environments, unlike systems that rely on external signals, an INS provides a stable heading, ensuring the radar and overall C-UAS system maintain reliable performance even when signals are lost, degraded, or distorted. High-performance INS continuously calculate position and orientation based on dead reckoning, independent of external signals. Advanced Navigation’s Certus Evo and Boreas D70/D90 series INS use high-accuracy MEMS and Fibre Optic Gyroscopes (FOG) to minimize gyroscope bias instability, deliver fast north-seeking or gyrocompassing capabilities, and provide seamless integration with mobile C-UAS Command and Control (C2) architectures. These systems ensure the radar maintains an accurate heading even when moving over uneven ground, executing turns, or operating in GPS-denied conditions. By providing a stable, independent frame of reference, the INS anchors the entire C-UAS sensor suite, enabling reliable target tracking and data handoff between sensors. By integrating Advanced Navigation’s INS, defense programs can transform a potential vulnerability into a tactical advantage. The integrity of the radar’s heading enables the entire C-UAS system to detect, track, and defeat drone threats effectively, protecting personnel and assets while optimizing programmatic value. With ITAR-free products, low SWaP-C design, and rapid deployment capabilities, the Certus Evo and Boreas D70/D90 offer a resilient foundation for mobile counter-drone operations. (Source: https://www.defenseadvancement.com/)
04 Dec 25. Thales and Egypt’s Arab International Optronics expand partnership. Thales and Egypt’s Arab International Optronics (AIO) are strengthening their relationship by establishing a Thales Training academy in Egypt and enhancing cooperation regarding fire control systems, remote weapon stations, radars, and thermal imagers. Thales made the announcement on 3 December to coincide with the Egypt Defence Exhibition (EDEX) underway in Cairo this week.
“For over 50 years, Thales has stood as a trusted partner of the Arab Republic of Egypt supporting the nation’s vision for growth and sovereignty. This reinforced collaboration is built upon this trust, leveraging the expertise of over 800 dedicated engineers and professionals to develop ‘Made in Egypt’ solutions, Thales said.
At the heart of this partnership, AIO and Thales will deepen their cooperation across six domains, including:
Training: The creation of the Thales Academy in Egypt to develop the expertise of Egyptian Forces, government and civilian institutions in optronics, cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence (AI), radio telecommunication and radar. The Thales Academy will feature a set of certified training solutions delivered by Thales-recognised experts and extended cooperation between Egyptian and French universities.
Fire Control Systems (FCS): The development of an upgrade kit for heavy armoured vehicles, multiplying their efficiency on the battlefield, based on the expertise of AIO in Fire Control Systems (FCS) and of Thales in optronics sighting solutions.
Remote Controlled Weapon Systems (RCWS): The development of a laser guided rocket version of the well-known AIO X29 based on AIO expertise in RCWS and Thales expertise in laser guided rockets.
Surveillance: The procurement by the Egypt armed forces of a combat proven solution based on Thales ground radar and Hand-Held Thermal Imager (HHTI). Managed by a unique command and control computer, this man-pack solution allows fast detection and identification of threats, Thales said.
Service Centre: The development within AIO premises of a service centre dedicated to the support of Thales Hand-Held Thermal Imagers deployed within the Egyptian armed forces.
Supply Chain: A deeper collaboration for the integration of AIO supplies and sub-assemblies into Thales’ supply chain that will benefit to both Thales and AIO. This collaboration will increase Thales product throughput and competitiveness, while allowing AIO to develop even further its industrial capabilities.
“With the reinforcement of this strong partnership with AIO, Thales in Egypt proud to contribute to the technological sovereignty of Egypt. By further anchoring Thales’ advanced solutions within Egypt, both our companies are committed to transforming Egypt into a regional technology hub, capable of supporting and exporting high-value, locally produced solutions to Egypt and other markets,” said Sherif Barakat, CEO Thales in Egypt.
Arab International Optronics provides equipment like advanced optical/electro-optical devices, laser systems, precision electronics, remote control weapon systems, integrated systems, and fire control systems. It supplies the Egyptian military as well as exports to allied nations.
Thales has been providing Egypt with sovereign capabilities in defence, civil aviation, space, enterprise and cybersecurity markets since 1973. It employs 800 people across four sites in Egypt and has created two joint ventures: Arab International Optronics, established by Thales and the National Service Products Organization (NSPO) in 1982 to locally manufacture optical and optronic equipment; and Thales Benha Electronics for Electronic Industries S.A.E (TBEI), a joint venture formed in 2024 in collaboration with Benha Electronics, which assembles thousands of VHF radios for the Egyptian Armed Forces.
In the naval domain, Thales supplies radar and communication systems for warships and frigates and in the air domain, Thales provides electronic equipment for the Rafale, Alpha Jet and Mirage 2000 jets. On land, Thales offers radar systems, air defence solutions, and radio communication equipment. On the civil aviation side, Thales Air Traffic Management systems and equipment cover 70% of Egypt’s territory. Thales has two satellites (Nilesat 301 and Tiba-1) in orbit for Egypt.
For Egypt’s Fast Missile Craft, Thales provides its Scout and MRR-3D ES radars, Link ASN 150, LinkYE, Link 14, and Link 11 datalinks, identification, friend or foe (IFF) identification systems, Tacticos combat management system and Sting optronic director. On Egypt’s Meko frigates, Thales has installed its Scorpion 2 electronic warfare system and NS-110 4D active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, ALTSSE-H Communication Electronic Support Measures/Communications Intelligence system, and Mirador Mk 2 electro-optical system.
According to Thales, its equipment and weapons account for 20% of the value of Egypt’s FREMM frigates, and 24% of the value of the country’s Rafale fighter jets. Thales equips the Rafale with the RBE2 active electronically scanned array (AESA), SPECTRA electronic warfare system, optronics, the communication, navigation, identification suite, avionics, and the power generation systems.
For the FREMM frigates, Thales provides the Herakles multi-function radar, the communication suite, the anti-submarine sonar suite, the Artemis infrared search & track system (IRST) and the electronic warfare system (RESM/CESM).
On the landward side, Egypt has amongst others acquired Squire ground surveillance radars from Thales, which can detect people at a distance of 10 kilometres. The Egyptian Air Defence Forces are using Thales Ground Master 403 (GM403) long-range surveillance radars. Benha Electronics provides maintenance services for this radar. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
04 Dec 25. Successful demonstration of cutting-edge air defence technology at Aberdeen Offshore Wind Farm. LiveLink Aerospace, in collaboration with Vattenfall and the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult, has successfully completed a demonstration of its air defence radar technology at Aberdeen Offshore Wind Farm. The event marks a significant milestone in the UK’s efforts to balance clean energy expansion with national defence priorities. The LiveLink system, designed to enhance radar surveillance capabilities without emitting signals, was tested across multiple turbines on Vattenfall’s commercially operating wind farm. This demonstration represents a critical step toward commercialising the technology for full-scale deployment across offshore wind farms in the UK. The project is part of a broader initiative supported by the UK’s Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ) and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL), aimed at mitigating the impact of wind farms on primary surveillance radar and air traffic control systems. The project was funded via the £1 bn Net Zero Innovation Portfolio, an initiative introduced as part of the UK’s Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution. Its aim is to fast-track the development and deployment of low-carbon technologies, systems, and business models across power, buildings, and industry. By reducing the cost of decarbonisation, the programme supports the UK’s transition to a low-carbon economy, fosters the growth of green industries, creates new jobs, and strengthens the UK’s position as a global leader in science and innovation. By enabling real-time situational awareness and advanced threat identification, LiveLink’s passive radar solution offers a promising pathway to secure, scalable offshore wind development. LiveLink, Vattenfall and ORE Catapult will continue to collaborate on the testing of the technology.
Hugh Riddell, Regional Partnerships Manager at ORE Catapult, said: “LiveLink initially tested their radar technology at ORE Catapult’s Levenmouth Demonstration Turbine in Fife and learnings gained there meant they could expand and test on turbines at Aberdeen Offshore Wind Farm. Our partnership with Vattenfall allows UK businesses, such as LiveLink a unique opportunity to deploy, test and demonstrate their innovative technologies at a real, live working wind farm. Testing in these real world environments is essential to ensure that innovation matures and continuously improved before entering the market and transforming the development of offshore energy.”
Ben Keene, Director of Operations at LiveLink Aerospace, added: “Working with Vattenfall and ORE Catapult at Aberdeen has allowed us to demonstrate how LiveLink’s Air Intelligence System can unlock the full potential of offshore wind while enhancing the UK’s air defence capability. This milestone proves that innovation born in the UK can strengthen both national security and the transition to net zero. Importantly, the system also offers significant benefits for wind farm operators, providing improved situational awareness, safety, and coordination across turbine arrays, ensuring offshore renewable projects can operate efficiently and securely alongside national infrastructure.”
Matt Jeans, Operations and Consents Manager at Vattenfall, said: “This demonstration highlights the power of collaboration between industry and government to solve complex challenges. LiveLink’s technology not only supports the UK’s clean energy goals but also ensures that national security remains uncompromised. At Vattenfall we’re proud to provide a live testing site for British SMEs scaling up technology that can solve challenges for the offshore wind industry.”
The technology
When wind turbines are installed out at sea, they create radar clutter which can make it hard for current radar systems to operate effectively. Livelink’s Air Intelligence System is placed on the nacelles of wind turbines and it reduces the radar clutter caused by turbine blades, and eliminates gaps in radar coverage, making it ideal for military and civilian applications. The Air Intelligence System’s passive air defence sensors are highly reliable, scalable, and adaptable to different operational environments.
03 Dec 25. Cuashub.com said today that NATO and Ukraine launch joint defense innovation program: UNITE – Brave NATO. Ukraine and NATO have announced the launch of UNITE – Brave NATO, the Ukraine-NATO Innovation, Technology and Engineering program, on November 25, 2025. This initiative marks the first joint NATO-Ukraine effort focused on scaling prototyped and tested technologies to meet interoperability requirements. Ukraine’s defense technology cluster, Brave1, will coordinate on behalf of Ukraine, while NATO has designated the NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA) to run the first competition. The initial competition will target innovative solutions for countering unmanned aerial systems, strengthening air defense, and securing frontline communications. Teams composed of Allied and Ukrainian companies will be eligible for joint grants totaling €10 m, funded equally by NATO and Ukraine.
Registration will reportedly open online soon, with joint bids expected in February 2026.
If the pilot is successful, NATO and Ukraine plan to expand funding for UNITE – Brave NATO to €50 m in 2026. NATO will provide its share through the Comprehensive Assistance Package for Ukraine (CAP), while Ukraine’s Ministry of Digital Transformation will match that amount. During a meeting in Kyiv, NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska emphasized the program’s benefits for both NATO and Ukraine, noting that innovators from both sides will collaborate to address urgent battlefield challenges and help the Alliance gain real-time insights.
First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine Mykhailo Fedorov, stated:
“We do appreciate that NATO is fostering this brand new partnership with Ukraine in the field of innovations. This cooperation will accelerate the development of cutting-edge defence technologies and strengthen interoperability. Together, we are building a more resilient, adaptive, and technologically advanced defence architecture for the entire Euro-Atlantic community.”
Future UNITE – Brave NATO activities will focus on:
- Counter-unmanned aerial systems (c-UAS)
- SIGINT systems
- Robust navigation in contested electromagnetic environments
- Unmanned ground systems
Winners of the first competition will be announced in spring 2026 at the second NATO-Ukraine Defense Innovators Forum. Additional details on future phases of the program will be shared in 2026.
NATO and Ukraine launch joint defense innovation program: UNITE – Brave NATO
(Source: https://cuashub.com/
03 Dec 25. Cuashub.com said today that The Dutch Ministry of Defence announces major investments in C-UAS capabilities. On November 25, the Dutch Ministry of Defence outlined a significant expansion of its C-UAS capabilities in response to growing drone threats across Europe. In a letter to Parliament, State Secretary of Defence Gijs Tuinman detailed new measures aimed at strengthening national and NATO security.
Urgent Need for C-UAS
The letter cites recent incidents involving Russian drones in Poland and Romania, as well as detections over critical infrastructure in the Netherlands. Tuinman wrote: “The ongoing war in Ukraine, the threat from the East, and developments in the Middle East further demonstrate that the importance of UAS on the battlefield continues to grow. The need for C-UAS capability to combat unmanned systems is significant.”
New Combat Platforms
Under the ‘Procurement of Combat Counter-UAS’ project, the Netherlands will acquire additional mobile combat C-UAS systems ahead of the delivery of Skyranger30 anti-drone cannon systems. These platforms will use military-off-the-shelf components, including:
- Armored wheeled vehicles
- Remote Controlled Weapon Systems (RCWS)
- Ammunition and C4I assets
The systems will be integrated with industry partners into operational air defense solutions. They will remain in service even after Skyranger systems are introduced.
Broader Investments
The Dutch Ministry of Defence is also:
- Expanding the Skyranger program with static and mobile anti-drone cannon systems for critical infrastructure protection.
- Acquiring IRIS radars to enable operational drone intervention teams by 2025.
- Adding light all-terrain patrol vehicles with RCWS under the FLATM PV project.
- Strengthening the extended All Arms Air Defence (eAAAD) toolbox with portable and vehicle-mounted C-UAS systems.
- Investing in interceptor drones under the Procurement of Unmanned Systems project.
Budget and Timeline
The total investment falls between €1 bn and €2.5 bn at 2025 price levels. Funding comes from the Defence investment budget and supplementary resources allocated in the Spring Budget 2025. Accelerated access to funds was proposed in the Incidental Supplementary Budget (ISB) submitted on 19 November.
These measures aim to enhance protection of Dutch territory and critical sites against evolving drone threats.
The Dutch Ministry of Defence announces major investments in C-UAS capabilities
(Source: https://cuashub.com/
03 Dec 25. Cuashub.com said today that Fractal Antenna Systems unveils testbed for defensive acoustic technologies. Fractal Antenna Systems has announced a new acoustic array platform, JERECHO, designed as a testbed for emerging sound-based defense technologies. The company says the system is intended to support research and proof-of-concept demonstrations in areas including counter-drone detection, acoustic disruption, electronic spoofing and other forms of experimental effects. According to the announcement, JERECHO is built around Fractal’s Acoustic Resonance Mitigation (ARM) framework, a technology the company patented in 2015. Fractal says ARM formed the basis of early attempts to use acoustic methods for counter-UAS purposes, though the company claims it saw limited adoption in the U.S. and was replicated by foreign entities. JERECHO incorporates additional patent-pending features and has been recognized with a 2025 Military & Aerospace Innovation Award.
“Sound waves have long had their place in defense, but we now see a new era emerging – ‘acoustic electronic warfare’ – defined by novel ways of directing and controlling sound and medium, and thwarting devices that are surprisingly sensitive to sound interaction,” said FRACTAL CEO Nathan Cohen.
A testbed for defensive acoustic technologies
The company describes the system as a wideband acoustic array capable of both sensing and projecting sound, allowing it to serve as a developmental platform for “soft-kill” counter-drone techniques. Fractal says the system can listen for, locate and attempt to disrupt drones by producing targeted acoustic effects. The platform is also intended to explore how sound interacts with the surrounding medium, an approach Fractal says differs from conventional acoustic technologies. The company highlights its use of fractal-based array design techniques to shape and direct acoustic output. They system was reportedly successful in inducing interference effects on electronics such as smartphone compasses or small drone cameras when operated under controlled conditions. These demonstrations were framed as evidence of potential vulnerability of commercial devices to acoustic interference. While Fractal positions JERECHO as part of the growing interest in counter-UAS research, the company also links the system to other potential applications, including laser enhancement studies, medium-manipulation experiments and electronic spoofing research. JERECHO is not presented as a fielded weapon system but as a modular research tool for government or industry partners exploring sound-based defensive technologies. https://cuashub.com/en/content/fractal-antenna-systems-unveils-testbed-for-defensive-acoustic-technologies/ (Source: https://cuashub.com/
02 Dec 25. SNC, Applied Intuition team up for air defense. The partnership will chiefly focus on missile defense and counter-drone operations, using Applied Intuition’s software for vehicle autonomy among other features, paired with SNC defense systems. Defense firm SNC and software company Applied Intuition are teaming up to supply autonomous weapon systems with a priority on air defense, the two companies announced today.
“This partnership epitomizes the merger of Silicon Valley’s innovation pace with advanced defense rigor, setting a new standard for rapid, effective and operationally relevant technology deployment,” SNC CEO Fatih Ozmen said in a press release.
A “near-term focus” of the new partnership, according to the release announcing the move, is to pair SNC air defense systems with off-road autonomy provided by Applied. In other words, the SNC tech, dubbed by the company as Expeditionary Air Defense Systems, would be mounted on vehicles that could drive autonomously using Applied’s autonomy software.
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An Applied spokesperson said in response to questions from Breaking Defense that autonomy features include “the vehicle, collaborative vehicle emplacement” and “remote ‘man-on-the-loop; operations.” The two companies are additionally “working on extending autonomy to the air defense system in line” with DoD regulations. A spokesperson for SNC added that Applied “will have control of the autonomy for ground vehicles with planned operator-out control of the air defense system in line with Pentagon policy on weapons system engagement.”
“Combining Silicon Valley speed, innovation and engineering power with decades of experience in complex defense systems, Applied and SNC are determined to make battlefield autonomy not just a concept for the future, but a capability ready for deployment now,” added Applied CEO Qasar Younis in the press release.
The new collaboration “will explore key opportunities” to fuse Applied’s autonomy and simulation software “with a variety of SNC’s mission-tested systems across domains.” Work will be “concentrate[d] on challenges in localized missile defense” and counter-drone operations, the release says. SNC currently offers the BRAWLR air defense system, which the company previously confirmed to Breaking Defense has been deployed and downed over 400 aerial threats, as well as the MAAWLR platform that can mobilize the BRAWLR and other weapon systems. An SNC spokesperson said today the MAAWLR is one of the “near-term priorities” for the new partnership with Applied, but several opportunities are being examined. (Source: Breaking Defense.com)
03 Dec 25. ACS Wins Award at U.S. Army xTechOverwatch Competition. ACS was selected as a winner of the U.S. Army’s xTechOverwatch Competition. Soldiers, analysts, and observers put Bullfrog through its paces during a full week of testing and demonstrations. Bullfrog was one of most complex systems fully operated by soldiers with no contractor support. Troops ran Bullfrog in both direct-fire and C-UAS roles with minimal instruction, switching missions on the fly and integrating it directly into maneuver plans. Leaders consistently highlighted its simplicity, reliability, and battlefield clarity, underscoring Bullfrog’s status as one of the most promising C-UAS field assets. We’re incredibly proud of our team and the work put in to make this showing such a success, and we’re grateful to the U.S. Army xTech Program for the opportunity to compete and be recognized for our efforts.
03 Dec 25. Blighter (www.blighter.com), a pioneering designer and manufacturer of ground-based smart electronic-scanning micro-Doppler radars for border surveillance and coastal security, has added a proprietary dynamic radar target tracker module to its integrator-friendly BlighterNexus AI-assisted multi-sensor connectivity & processing system. BlighterNexus Track is designed specifically for Blighter radars and instantaneously converts the target plot data from the electronic scanning radar into single tracks that show the position, size, speed and heading of surface and low flying targets. According to Blighter, the tight integration of the new tracker with the radar’s signal processing unit has led to enhanced detection capabilities, reduced false alarm rates and a tracker that is much easier for operators and integrators to set-up and configure. The new tracker is also truly dynamic due to Blighter’s unique approach to Kalman filtering which provides real-time adaptability to different target types while maintaining high tracking accuracy even in noisy or cluttered environments. The tracker also uses probabilistic data association algorithms to reduce false track creation rates and improve probability of track formation. BlighterNexus Track can run on any industrial-grade PC, as part of the BlighterNexus platform, and features a web-based interface for easy remote configuration and monitoring. It is functionally compatible with Blighter’s existing third-party tracker application.
Mark Radford, co-founder and chief technology officer (CTO) at Blighter says: “With BlighterNexus Track, our engineers have not only improved the all-in-one detect-track-classify capability of our radars but have also simplified set-up and configuration to reduce training and operational costs for our customers. As a market leader, we will continue to innovate and provide best-in class mission critical radars and sensor fusion software for our customers in defence, homeland security, critical national infrastructure, and energy sectors worldwide.”
Blighter’s non-rotating, solid-state, low SWaP (size, weight and power) electronic scanning radars provide uninterrupted rapid surveillance over a wide area detecting moving vehicles/vessels, persons (including ‘crawlers’) and near ground aerial threats at ranges of up to 32 km. The radars’ compact and modular design enables rapid deployment on towers and vehicles, and as dismounted portable systems on tripods. BlighterNexus Track is one of around thirty different licensable modules within the BlighterNexus System, a groundbreaking software platform that simplifies radar to command and control (C2) system integration. It is designed to reduce the training and operational burden on systems integrators seeking to incorporate Blighter’s smart/cognitive ITAR-free 2D, 3D and 4D radars into their C2 systems. In addition to the tracking function, there are sensor connector modules to allow low latency integration of cameras, radio direction finding (RDF) equipment for drone detection and other geo sensors. For integrators who want to fuse and cognitively assess data from multiple sensors, a Fat-Pipe module allows all radar data to be flooded out of BlighterNexus into an external AI system if preferred.
For more information about the new tracker, the BlighterNexus platform or Blighter’s range of electronic scanning radars, please visit www.blighter.com, telephone +44 1223 491122 or email .
Data sheet:
https://blighter.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/BlighterNexus-Track-1.pdf
02 Dec 25. Cuashub.com said today that US launches three-year push to strengthen national counter-drone defenses. More than 180 officials from across the federal government gathered in Alexandria, Virginia, this week to begin a coordinated three-year effort to improve the nation’s defenses against small UAS. The summit marks the formal rollout of Joint Interagency Task Force 401 (JIATF 401), a new counter-drone initiative ordered by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth in August. The new task force brings together representatives from the War Department, DHS, FBI, Department of Transportation, FAA and dozens of other agencies, reflecting a holistic government attempt to address the rapidly expanding drone threat.
Task Force created to accelerate counter-UAS capabilities
In a memo establishing the task force, Hegseth directed the department to prioritize speed, mobility and affordability as it develops and fields counter-UAS systems. JIATF 401 will operate for 36 months, aiming to accelerate delivery of capabilities that “outpace the threat.” The effort aligns with the president’s direction to reestablish U.S. air sovereignty and strengthen protection of federal personnel, facilities and infrastructure.
“This was an opportunity to bring together all of our interagency partners with shared interests in countering small UAS,” said Brig. Gen. Matt Ross, the task force commander. “No one agency can solve this on their own.”
Small drones now a “defining threat”
Ross told attendees that unmanned systems have quickly become one of the most significant security challenges facing the United States.
“Unmanned systems are a defining threat for our time, and I say that because they’re prolific, they’re evolving quickly, and they’re no longer confined to combat,” Ross said. “[Drones are] putting exquisite surveillance and precision strike capability into the hands of individuals and small groups that used to be reserved for our state adversaries.”
Ross outlined three initial lines of effort for the task force:
- Defending the homeland, focusing on the National Capital Region and the southern border.
- Supporting warfighter lethality.
- Improving joint force training.
The southern border represents a growing concern. According to Ross, U.S. Northern Command and Joint Task Force Southern Border recorded 3,000 drone incursions in the past year and observed over 60,000 drones just south of the border.
Integration and data sharing seen as critical
Ross cautioned that counter-drone defense is not just a hardware issue.
“We need a common air picture that includes drones,” he said, stressing the need for data-sharing across classification levels and sensor networks. That includes integrating active and passive sensors to improve situational awareness along the border and in the National Capital Region.
The task force will also examine how agencies pass tracking data to decision-makers and how authorities to neutralize threats are delegated when necessary.
“We’re not there yet, but we’re making progress,” Ross said.
World Cup 2026 a priority
Because the 2026 FIFA World Cup is designated a national special security event, JIATF 401 is prioritizing support for security preparations. One focus is ensuring that state and local personnel can acquire counter-UAS systems that have been tested and validated by the War Department.
Broad federal cooperation required
Homeland Security officials underscored the need for joint planning across agencies. DHS Undersecretary for Science and Technology Daniel Tamburello noted significant mission overlap between DHS and U.S. Northern Command.
“The unmanned aerial system threat is prolific and widespread, and it’s only going to get bigger,” he said. “Any bad actor who wants to do something has a chance to do it, and we have to stop them.”
Tamburello said one of the task force’s goals is ensuring interoperability across the federal government to avoid duplication and reduce unnecessary spending.
FBI highlights training needs ahead of major events
The FBI, which runs the National Counter-UAS Training Center in Huntsville, Alabama, said JIATF 401 will help prepare state and local agencies ahead of major upcoming events including the World Cup, America 250 and the Olympics.
“We believe this initiative will enhance our ability to work with partners to disrupt threats,” said Micheal Torphy, unit chief for the FBI’s UAS and counter-UAS programs.
Officials emphasized that addressing drone threats will require sustained joint and interagency coordination, supported by new authorities, improved data-sharing and more consistent training.
“It’s a whole-of-government effort,” Ross said. “We have to be able to counter this threat, see it before it manifests and defeat it before an attack is successful.”
JIATF 401 is expected to remain active for the next three years as agencies work to modernize the nation’s counter-drone posture.
https://cuashub.com/en/content/us-launches-three-year-push-to-strengthen-national-counter-drone-defenses/ (Source: https://cuashub.com/
02 Dec 25. £1m competition launched to advance autonomous sensor technologies.
UKDI-DASA seeks autonomous sensor solutions to detect and counter ISR deception
- UKDI-DASA has launched a new Themed Competition called Autonomous Sensor Management and Sensor Counter Deception – Phase 2
- This competition is run of behalf of the Defence Science Technology Laboratory (Dstl)
- £1m funding available (excluding VAT) provided by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) Chief Scientific Adviser (CSA) budget. We expect to fund 2 collaborative contributions.
- Participation in Phase 1 is not a requirement to submit a proposal in Phase 2 of this competition.
The Defence and Security Accelerator, part of UK Defence Innovation (UKDI-DASA) is delighted to launch Phase 2 of the Themed Competition, Autonomous Sensor Management and Sensor Counter Deception. Run on behalf of the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), this competition seeks innovations which will deliver practical autonomous sensor management methods to counter activity designed to deceive Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR).
Understanding Autonomous Sensor Management in Defence
Military decisions depend on knowing the current and future tactical, operational, and strategic environment. This awareness comes from effective ISR. Modern operations need faster, more automated ISR processes. Moving from human-led methods to systems with greater autonomy speeds up the cycle of collecting, processing, and sharing information and allows personnel to focus on higher-level tasks and decision-making.
However, military environments are complex. Adversaries often hide, mislead, or modify the environment to conceal their intentions. This is clearly a challenge for autonomous processes and current sensor management systems which are largely designed for benign environments. MOD has committed to integrate our Armed Forces through a new Digital Targeting Web by 2027. This will connect sensors, deciders and effectors to create choice and speed when operating in any contested domain. Achieving autonomy in sensor management and resilience against deception is critical to maintaining situational awareness in these environments.
What are we looking for?
This competition seeks solutions for autonomous sensor management in scenarios where deception is present. Building on Phase 1, which focused on developing algorithmic solutions and simulated demonstrations, Phase 2 of this competition is looking for:
- autonomous sensor management solutions to counter activity which intends to deceive ISR operations
- solutions to be at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 by project completion which can be demonstrated using real sensing networks.
- use of open standards to interface with the wider ISR enterprise via the SAPIENT standard
- innovations capable of being brought to market by an appropriate collaboration between development partners
- suppliers to look beyond Phase 2 by using collaborative demonstration opportunities with a diverse range of stakeholders.
Successful participants will have the opportunity to work with Dstl to integrate their solutions into a large-scale demonstration utilising the SAPIENT standard and compatible sensors. As part of the MOD’s ‘NATO first’ approach, showcasing innovations via the NATO Innovation Continuum series of events is strongly encouraged. These events help accelerate the adoption of new and disruptive technologies and provide a high-profile opportunity to demonstrate innovations to defence stakeholders. Please note: Dstl and NATO cannot guarantee that sensors or other appropriate infrastructure will be available for successful participants to demonstrate their innovations. Participants should ensure their demonstration is fully prepared and self-sufficient should integration be impeded by issues beyond our or their control.
Could your innovation be of interest? Read the full competition document to learn more.
Key dates
- Deadline for submission is 12:00 midday (GMT), 10 February 2026.
- Launch webinar: 16 December – register via Eventbrite.
- One-to-one sessions: 15-minute technical Q&A slots available following the webinar.
- Projects are expected to run from May 2026 to December 2027 and should deliver at TRL 6 by completion.
Do you have an innovation?
Read the full competition document and submit your proposal before 10 February 2026: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/autonomous-sensor-management-and-sensor-counter-deception-phase-2 (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
01 Dec 25. Danish, UK firms rush counter-drone takeover amid airspace breaches. Danish aerospace manufacturer Terma Group has acquired U.K.-based counter-drone company OSL in an effort to boost its drone-defense portfolio, as European officials report an uptick in aerial intrusions aimed at critical infrastructure. While the takeover process began earlier this year, a series of airspace breaches over the last few months has accelerated the procedure, Terma CEO Henriette H. Thygesen told Defense News in an interview.
“The recent European drone disruptions did not start the process, but they did underline the urgency and relevance of bringing a stronger, software-led, and open C-UAS capability to critical assets,” she said.
The new partnership will combine OSL’s operational experience protecting major sites, such as Heathrow and Gatwick airports, with Terma’s situational-awareness and command-and-control capabilities. A broad range of third-party sensors, including radar, radio-frequency, optical, and acoustic data across all domains, will be fused to provide operators with a single, comprehensive picture. Effectors capable of neutralizing hostile drones can also be integrated into the setup, completing the offering of a turnkey suite from spotting a threat to downing it, according to the companies.
Thygesen said recent incursions have exposed speed of detection as a key gap in defending against drones, leaving security personnel unaware of what type of threat they were dealing with.
“It is not enough to just detect anymore – you need to validate quickly that it’s actually a drone, reduce false alarms, and act with more speed and confidence, that’s where sensor fusion and disciplined workflows make a difference,” she said.
OSL began deploying its anti-drone suite at Heathrow, Europe’s busiest airport, in 2022. According to the company’s website, the system is able to scan a given airspace for illegal drones and pinpoint their operators on the ground.
In the U.K. alone, there are over 500,000 registered drone pilots who have passed their certifications to legally fly systems weighing 250g or more, as reported by the country’s Civil Aviation Authority.
Thygesen said major airports typically rely on counter-drone equipment from multiple manufacturers and, in some cases, deploy over 17 different types of sensors linked to various types of effectors.
Lessons learned
Airports are among the most challenging environments for surveillance technology. While some have taken voluntary steps to deal with rogue drones, others remain ill-prepared. A blog post by the counter-drone company Dedrone stated that some aerodromes are not required to meet measurable targets for detecting, monitoring, or airspace verification. In a 2025 case study, OSL identified lessons from airports’ counter-drone systems. In one incident, a drone was discovered underneath a parked aircraft by ground surveillance after early-detection systems failed to record it.
“The drone had remained too small and too low to be picked up by radar, revealing a critical coverage gap – situational awareness isn’t just about tracking visible threats,” the study noted.
In another example, a radio-frequency sensor tracked a powered-on drone, except without visual confirmation. The culprit turned out to be a passenger’s drone inadvertently switched on inside their luggage while going through the luggage-transport system, prompting a 15-minute halt.
“At airports, the cost of false positives extends far beyond technical inconvenience; a single misclassification can have economic, reputational, and regulatory consequences that can have a ripple effect,” the study warned. (Source: Defense News)
24 Nov 25. C-UAS tech tested in US Army’s Project FlyTrap 4.5. US Army soldiers, air defenders, procurement staff and commercial vendors gathered in Germany for a civil and military counter-uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS) technology event from November 10 -21. Project FlyTrap 4.5 gave stakeholders the opportunity to test C-UAS technology against simulated threats from drones operating in NATO airspace. The products involved were required to demonstrate their ability to either detect, discriminate or defeat the various air threats. For detection and discrimination purposes, vendors used either passive or active radars. For the defeat objectives, there were displays of kinetic defeat mechanisms as well as one that caused no collateral damage.
“We have to start thinking about the group ones, the group twos [and] the group threes, the smaller and cheaper systems,” said Col. Haileyesus (Hailey) Bairu, the US Army’s 52nd Air Defense Artillery Brigade commander.
During the early days of the event, all participating products were evaluated for their ability to connect to the brigade’s forward area air defence command and control system. This network allows all systems to communicate effectively. The US Army said this was achieved during Project FlyTrap 4.5 “increasing the value of these systems for potential procurement by NATO countries for the Eastern Flank Deterrence Line”.
A competition, xTechCounterStrike, was launched as part of the planning for Project FlyTrap 4.5, inviting C-UAS technology from small and large businesses worldwide to compete for a two-phase cash prize. Vendors were offered the opportunity to join the US military’s new G-TEAD Marketplace, making them eligible for potential follow-on agreements and contracting opportunities.
“We were tasked specifically to accelerate the Eastern Flank Deterrence Line. With that, we went through some deliberate planning of what we currently had in terms of tools and resources at our disposal,” said Maj. Joshua McM, G-TEAD’s capability lead. “We quickly realised one of the easiest ways to accelerate that capability is to partner with existing companies and existing organisations”.
During the first phase, 15 finalists from over 200 companies were chosen to showcase their abilities at Project FlyTrap 4.5, earning a USD 50,000 cash prize. Of those 15 finalists, 11 were able to travel to Putlos, Germany, to participate in the second phase of the competition. After that, four were selected as winners, each receiving a USD 350,000 cash prize. The four winners have been announced as AG3 Labs, Armaments Research Company, MatrixSpace and Mountain Horse Solutions.
Project FlyTrap 5.0 is scheduled for March-April 2026. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
24 Nov 25. KULR develops C-UAS directed energy battery system. KULR Technology Group today announced that it is developing a next-generation 400V battery system to support a counter-uncrewed aerial system (C-UAS) Directed Energy System, delivering a design package and prototype build in five weeks from receipt of the purchase order. The system is planned to enter production in 2026. To develop the C-UAS Directed Energy Battery System, KULR used its model-based electrical and thermal simulations, proprietary cell selection process and ‘design-for-safety’ architecture to produce a battery designed to meet the power requirements of advanced energy weapon platforms. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
25 Nov 25. AG3 Labs’ threat simulation systems win US Army C-UAS competition. AG3 Labs has been named as one of four winners of the United States Army xTechCounterStrike competition. The company won the threat-simulated UAS prize, providing the ‘red air’ for counter-drone technologies to train against during Operation FlyTrap 4.5. AG3 Labs trained soldiers from the 52nd Air Defense Artillery Brigade on deploying attritable drone systems, flying coordinated threats and troubleshooting in the field. Each of the four winners took home USD 350,000 in prize funding and access to the US military’s G-TEAD (Global Tactical Edge Acquisition Directorate) Marketplace. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
25 Nov 25. Drones spotted over Dutch military airfields and Eindhoven Airport. The Dutch Ministry of Defence took action over the weekend after drones were spotted at several military airfields and at Eindhoven Airport.
“Drones flew over Volkel Air Base on Friday and Saturday evenings,” the ministry said. “Air Force personnel deployed weapons from the ground, after which the drones departed. On Saturday evening, civilian and military air traffic at Eindhoven Airport was halted for several hours after drones were spotted there. The Ministry of Defence also took measures there.”
The Royal Netherlands Marechaussee and the police have been notified and are conducting further investigations.
It is currently unclear why the drones were flying above and around the air bases, and, for security reasons, the Ministry of Defence is not providing further information about how the drones were sighted or what action was taken. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
26 Nov 25. India to equip all civil airports with counter-UAS systems. Multiple media reports say that India’s Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) have decided to deploy anti-drone systems at all major and minor civil airports in the country. According to the New India Express: “Initially, it was decided to place the system at major airports like Delhi, Mumbai, Amritsar, Jammu and Srinagar, as the decision was made in view of the experience gathered during ‘Operation Sindoor’ and due to global military escalations and the increased use of drones in warfare….Notably, the government of India plans to install the anti-drone systems for the first time at airports, which deal only with passenger aircraft.
“The decision has been arrived at after multiple high-level meetings, the officials said, adding that though the MHA has been overseeing the project, a committee has been constituted by the BCAS, which has members drawn from the aviation regulator, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), responsible for securing airports, and other stakeholders.”
The officials said that the modalities and specifications of the equipment are currently being looked into, and once everything is finalised, the MHA will coordinate with the Ministry of Civil Aviation in implementing and commissioning the project.
Meanwhile, at the recent India–Israel Joint Working Group (JWG) on Defence Cooperation, held in Tel Aviv in November 2025, the two countries agreed to work more closely together in areas such as AI-enabled surveillance, smart border management, cybersecurity, and indigenous counter-drone systems.
For more information
https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/Nov/23/india-plans-to-deploy-anti-drone-systems-at-civil-airports
https://www.businessworld.in/article/india-israel-sign-defence-partnership-focus-on-ai-counter-drone-tech-581019 (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
01 Dec 25. Diehl tests drone defence technology at Grafenwoehr military area. Diehl Defence has demonstrated the capabilities of two of its drone defence products during test campaigns at the Grafenwoehr military training area. The company tested the effectiveness of both its Kinetic Defence Vehicle (KDV) and the eMissile CICADA, which is part of the Sky Sphere system, against drone attacks.
“As part of this test campaign, the KDV provided proof of integration and effectiveness, that the threat posed by small drones can be eliminated through successful automatic detection, tracking and engagement,” the company said. “For the engagement of fixed wing drones, the proof of integration of a long-range effector was demonstrated with a successful intercept.”
The KDV combines AI automation, primary detection via radar and electro-optics as well as a secondary effector to defend against small drones at close range and from high-flying fixed wing drones.
The Grafenwoehr campaign also served as a test for the latest system demonstrators of the Sky Sphere drone defence system and the eMissile CICADA, using a container version for the trials. The focus of this campaign was on optimising the sensor-to-shooter chain as well as the interception process in dynamic scenarios and with real hardware. Sky Sphere is a modular drone defence system for the detection, classification and engagement of drone threats. It can integrate the new electrically powered CICADA eMissile effector, which is being developed specifically for the defence against Class I and Class II drones. CICADA can use either a fragmentation warhead developed by Diehl Defence or a non-lethal net to neutralise drones. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
01 Dec 25. Netherlands sets out immediate and future C-UAS procurement plans. The Dutch Ministry of Defence has said it will be investing heavily in new resources to combat drones in the coming years. It wants to have additional systems available more quickly that can be deployed against unmanned aircraft. In 2028, the new Skyranger 30 anti-drone cannon system will be deployed. Until then, to provide infantry units with mobile capabilities against small drones, the ministry is purchasing readily available combat counter-uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS) equipment. These systems include armoured wheeled vehicles as chassis and remotely operated weapon systems as well as ammunition and Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence (C4I) assets. The Ministry of Defence is integrating these components, in collaboration with industry, into an operational air defence system. These systems will remain operational even after the arrival of the Skyranger 30. In addition, the Ministry of Defence is accelerating the order for the Skyranger 30 to include mobile anti-drone cannon systems. These are intended to protect critical infrastructure, such as the Port of Rotterdam. They will also protect military locations and the upcoming armoured infantry battalion. The Ministry of Defence is also strengthening its drone protection with other weapon systems. For example, army and navy units are receiving light patrol vehicles with integrated weapons. Furthermore, all available air defence assets are being expanded with new portable and vehicle-based systems. It will consider additional capabilities for detecting and disrupting drones. Finally, the Ministry of Defence is investing in new technologies, including interceptor drones designed to disable enemy versions by colliding with them or detonating them. The total investment is between EUR 1 and EUR 2.5bn. The Dutch Navy is also facing the growing threat of drones and the Ministry of Defence says ships are currently insufficiently equipped to combat kamikaze drones, among other things. The ministry said there is a need for a maritime kinetic C-UAS defense system and that because these land-based systems are already available, the European defence industry is expected to be able to offer a solution for the navy as well. This project involves an investment of between EUR 250 m and EUR 1 bn. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
27 Nov 25. Europe proposes C-UAS funding and joint air defence initiatives. The European Commission (EC) has proposed that, as of 2028, the European Competitiveness Fund (ECF) would support the development and deployment of European civilian, dual-use and defence drone and counter-drone solutions. The EC is also currently exploring whether (and how) to provide additional funding to support Member States on counter-drone civilian security capabilities, through a call for a Specific Action to support border surveillance, including drones and counter-drones, for a total amount of EUR 250 m from the European Union’s Border Management and Visa Instrument (BMVI). The call, which may feature joint procurement options, is yet to be officially confirmed but an EU Council document dated November 11 seen by Unmanned Airspace Info states that it could be launched between the end of the year and early 2026. Finnish newspaper Kauppalehti has reported that it has received confirmation of the fund from Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President of the EC. The ECF and potential BMVI initiatives are among a number of joint European efforts that aim to collectively protect the continent from rogue drones as the number of incursions into European airspace, including that of airports and airfields, increases. In collaboration with national European Border and Coast Guard (EBCG) authorities, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency – Frontex organised a counter-uncrewed aerial systems solutions prize contest and is expected to announce the winner within days. Elsewhere, Europol’s Innovation Lab is finalising a report on the use of drones, how they impact law enforcement activities and the capabilities to defend them. 2025 has also been the year of the drone wall, at least in theory. NATO allies have made several calls and proposals for such a system to protect against an increase of drones that they say originate from Russia, and Ukraine has offered its battle-earned expertise. In October, the EC announced a set of initial pan-European defence readiness ‘flagships’ including the European Drone Defence Initiative and the Eastern Flank Watch.
“Recent repeated violations of the airspace of EU Member States have shown the urgency of creating a flexible, agile and state of the art European capability to counter unmanned aerial vehicles,” the EC said in October. “While the Eastern border Member States face the greatest direct threat from Russia and Belarus, such a threat can reach any Member State, as shown by recent incidents.”
Building on lessons learned from Ukraine, the European Drone Defence Initiative will be designed as a multilayered system with interoperable counter-drone capabilities for detection, tracking and neutralisation as well as capabilities to hit ground targets by leveraging drone technology for precision strikes. The intention is that it should be fully interoperable and connected among Member States providing European situational awareness and ability to act together and secure critical infrastructure together with NATO. The initiative will be linked to the proposed Drone Alliance with Ukraine and the counter-drone network will be designed to be adaptable for civ-mil and dual use purposes and help deal with non-defence related threats or other hazards common to every EU border. This includes border protection, weaponisation of migration, protection of critical infrastructure and transnational organised crime. Counter-drone capabilities will also form a core component of the Eastern Flank Watch flagship, which aims to build-up the capacity of Member States on the Eastern border to face a wide range of threats. An upcoming meeting of the Justice and Home Affairs Council on December 8 will consider these and other initiatives and discuss EU-level action on countering malicious drones. Thought will need to be given to harmonisation as well as the methods used and risks posed. For example, while an effective drone wall or dome may protect against aircraft originating from outside the EU, some of the incursions witnessed by critical infrastructure sites have involved drones flown from within the country. While decisions still need to be made, Europe’s strong cooperation on drone defence this year, particularly in recent months, is a step in the right direction. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
01 Dec 25. UK MoD confirms Shadow Mk2 upgrade axed due to delivery delays. The Royal Air Force’s Shadow R Mk1 fleet was due to be upgraded to the Mk2 standard.
- The RAF’s Shadow fleet plays a key, but hugely secretive, role in the gathering of electronic intelligence
- It was planned that the fleet was to be upgraded from six airframes to eight, and new defensive aid suites added
- Hundreds of jobs had been secured at Raytheon UK’s Broughton site as a result of the £110m contract
Delivery delays and an estimated increase in uncontracted costs have been given as key reasons behind the UK Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) decision to cancel the Shadow R Mk2 upgrade programme. Initiated in 2021 by the then Conservative government with a £110m (145.6m) contract award to Raytheon UK, the programme was intended to see the current fleet of six electronic intelligence (ELINT) Shadow aircraft increased to eight, and integration of an improved Defensive Aids System (DAS) to bring the fleet up the Mk2 standard. The contract was said to have secured 150 jobs at Raytheon UK’s Broughton site, with hundreds more sustained in the UK supply chain. Based at RAF Waddington and flown by 14 Squadron Royal Air Force (RAF), Shadow forms a part of the RAF’s Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) force by gathering intelligence via its high-definition electro-optical and electronic sensors. Once the data is gathered, satellite communication links enable the information to be assessed while the aircraft is airborne during a mission. However, the programme was cancelled in early November 2025, with a written UK parliamentary response on 27 November provided official reasoning behind the decision.
Luke Pollard, Minister for Defence Readiness at the MoD, said the decision to cancel the Shadow Mk2 upgrade was driven by delays in delivering the required capability and an “assessment of increased costs” for uncontracted work.
“As a result, no direct in-year savings were realised from this decision. However, allocated sustainment funding continues to support the operational output of the existing Shadow R Mk1 fleet,” stated Pollard.
It was forecast in 2021 that the first upgraded aircraft would be delivered to the RAF in June 2023, with the arrival of the final Shadow R Mk2 aircraft before the end of 2025. Raytheon stated in 2023 that the Shadow R Mk2 programme had completed its Critical Design Review (CDR) phase, a key milestone in military procurement, and anticipated handing over the first three upgraded aircraft through 2024. However, subsequent slips to delivery timelines saw this pushed out to 2025 and into 2026. It is thought that the first two partially upgraded aircraft are unlikely to fly again and could be used for spare parts to sustain the remaining Mk1 fleet. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
01 Dec 25. Axon Vision (TASE: AXN) announced today a strategic cooperation agreement with Leonardo DRS to pursue opportunities in advanced situational awareness, lethality, and survivability, with special emphasis on Counter-UAS (C-UAS) solutions in the U.S. defense market. The partnership is expected to address a critical demand for on-platform AI-driven capabilities that support force protection and platform modernization. It positions both companies for expanded participation in large-scale programs seeking proven, scalable solutions. Under the new Memorandum of Agreement, the cooperation between the companies leverages Leonardo DRS’ deep operational experience, advanced sensors and system integration capabilities along with Axon Vision’s AI-based perception and autonomy technologies. Together, the companies aim to deliver turnkey, next-generation combat systems that deliver low latency, high bandwidth sensor data management, enhance crew awareness, and enable automated threat engagement, focusing on C-UAS. This synergy underscores a shared commitment to enhancing mission effectiveness, protecting lives and delivering technological superiority on the modern battlefield. The collaboration builds on an ongoing relationship between the two companies and a shared commitment to enhancing mission effectiveness, protecting lives and delivering technological superiority on the modern battlefield. Together the companies have jointly developed and demonstrated operational solutions embedding Axon Vision’s AI-based perception and automation capabilities into Leonardo DRS’ range of integrated multi-spectral, multi-function C-UAS mission packages, which include radar, electro-optical and infrared advanced sensors, rugged AI-ready processors, and both kinetic and non-kinetic effectors. The most recent demonstration came at the Association of the United States Army’s exposition showcasing unmanned ground vehicle platforms hosting modular, reconfigurable Leonardo DRS mission payloads integrated with Axon Vision’s AI solutions for aerial threat detection & defeat and AI-enhanced smart remote-controlled weapon station capabilities. The combined offering is designed to significantly enhance a platforms’ lethality, autonomous operation, and situational awareness.
“We are excited to solidify our relationship with Axon by integrating advanced mission equipment packages with their AI-driven Counter-UAS and smart RCWS capabilities. It represents a decisive leap forward in manned and unmanned ground combat effectiveness,” said Aaron Hankins, senior vice president and general manager of the Leonardo DRS Land Systems business unit. “By combining real-time aerial threat detection, autonomous or man-on-the-loop engagement, and enhanced situational awareness, this solution delivers unmatched lethality and operational superiority.”
“We are proud to partner with Leonardo DRS, a trusted and highly capable leader in the U.S. defense industry,” said Ido Rozenberg, president, CTO & co-founder of Axon Vision. “This collaboration marks a significant step in bringing Axon Vision’s advanced AI solutions to the U.S. defense market. Together, we are delivering a true powerhouse solution for combat vehicles, combining world-class sensing and integration with cutting-edge AI to enhance lethality, survivability, and overall battlefield dominance.”
About Axon Vision
Founded by entrepreneurs Ido Rozenberg, Raz Roditti, and Michael Zolotov, Axon Vision is a leading provider of AI-based operational systems for the defense market. The company specializes in AI-driven situational awareness and automated lethality solutions for military platforms. Its product portfolio – including EdgeSA, EdgeRCWS, and EdgeUAV – delivers real-time 360° perception, automatic target recognition, rapid decision-making and automated engagement across land, air, and sea domains for both manned and unmanned systems. Axon Vision’s combat-proven solutions, trusted by the IDF and international defense customers, feature modular, platform-agnostic architectures that integrate seamlessly with legacy and next-generation platforms, enhancing lethality, survivability, and mission effectiveness in dynamic battlefield environments. www.axon-vision.com
01 Dec 25. Iran Develops Anti-Drone Jumping Mines. Iran has put into service new booby-traps capable of destroying helicopters and drones. The Jaljaleh anti-drone mine is capable of shooting down airborne targets at an altitude of up to 350 meters. When detonated, an explosive radius of approximately 5 meters is formed, and fragments fly up to 15 meters. This poses a threat to low-flying drones and slow-moving aerial targets. Back in 2024, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps demonstrated a new type of jumping mine. At the time, it was noted that it hits targets at a distance of about 300 meters and in the final phase moves at a speed of up to 2000 meters per second. These characteristics make it useful against enemy helicopters and drones operating at low altitudes. The operational mode of Iran’s anti-drone mine. Experts suggest that the Jaljaleh is based on YM-J-AHM and YM-J-AHM2 anti-helicopter mines. These models are designed to combat airborne helicopters approaching at low altitudes to land troops. When installing the YM-J-AHM, engineers take into account that the helicopter will pass over it at an altitude of approximately 150-200 meters. The YM-J-AHM2 mine is activated at an altitude of 250-300 meters and hits the target with small fragments, which increases the likelihood of hitting the helicopter. Such systems are equipped with acoustic sensors that detect engine noise and determine the approach of air targets. (Source: UAS VISION/MILITARNYI)
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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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