Sponsored by Echodyne
www.echodyne.com
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12 Dec 25. Kelluu aerostat provides persistent surveillance. Finnish company Kelluu displayed its aerostat at the NATO Task Force X Eastern Flank Deterrence Line (TFX EFDL) technical demonstration held in Riihimäki, Finland, from 8 to 10 December. A Kelluu representative standing next to the aerostat in the parking lot told Janes on 9 December that the system provides 12 hour persistent surveillance with a payload of up to 5 kg and can operate in Arctic conditions at temperatures as low as -33°C. He said the Kelluu sensor platform has been deployed 100 km from the Russian border and has been used by a NATO country that he declined to name. He added that Kelluu was the first company to receive a NATO Rapid Adoption Action Plan contract award and is part of the alliance’s Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) phase two. Kelluu CEO Janne Hietala told Janes later the same day that the aerostat had initially been used as a civilian system but that it has since conducted five missions for NATO this year. He said that the aerostat is equipped with a passive sensor from Saab and an infrared sensor. Saab confirmed to Janes on 10 December that the sensor is its Sirius Compact R-ESM (A20R), which is designed to operate autonomously and allow for assimilation and compilation of signal information providing situational awareness without storing any sensitive data in the sensor. The system enhances situational awareness through silent detection, classification, and prioritisation of radar emissions, according to Saab. (Source: Janes)
11 Dec 25. SEA.AI Powers Optical Situational Awareness on New USV12 Naval Platform. Advanced optical situational awareness system from SEA.AI enhances autonomous capabilities and safety on high-speed vessel developed for defense and rescue operations. SEA.AI’s advanced optical situational awareness system, Watchkeeper, has been fully integrated into the USV12, a 12-meter naval platform designed for both crewed and fully autonomous operations. The USV12 is a collaborative development involving VN Maritime and Havelsan, with support from Piloda Defence and VN Maritime Shipyard. Built upon the patented Rafnar ÖK Hull, the vessel offers exceptional stability and wave-impact reduction even in challenging sea conditions. It is engineered for high-speed performance, capable of exceeding 40 knots, and is designed to undertake diverse missions across defense, maritime security, and search and rescue sectors. The integration of SEA.AI’s Watchkeeper serves as a critical component of the USV12’s autonomy and mission-readiness. The system enables real-time detection and classification of objects that are often invisible to radar or non-cooperative, including small boats, low-profile floating hazards, and individuals in the water. Fully integrated into the vessel’s control architecture, the technology ensures reliable object tracking and visual detection even at night. This capability is essential for navigation in low-visibility, high-traffic, or GPS- and AIS-denied maritime environments. The project represents a merger of mechanical engineering and advanced mission systems. Orkun Özek, Chairman of VN Maritime, said, “With the USV12 project, our ambition is to bring together proven seakeeping performance with advanced autonomous capabilities. Our partnership with Havelsan demonstrates how our engineering can successfully merge innovation and operational reliability, offering a robust platform for both defense and search and rescue missions.” Havelsan, a key partner in the development, contributed its expertise in integrated mission systems to the platform.
Deniz Remzi Dumlu, Director of Naval Programs at Havelsan, said, “The collaboration on USV12 confirms Havelsan’s dedication to shaping the future of unmanned naval technologies. By combining VN Maritime’s expertise in high-performance naval platforms with Havelsan’s integrated mission systems, we are creating a solution that will strengthen maritime security and enhance operational effectiveness for our partners.”
Donato Di Palo, CEO of Piloda Shipyard Division and Co-Founder of Piloda Group, added, “With the USV12 project, our goal is not only to address immediate operational needs in search and rescue, surveillance and military tasks, but also to deliver solutions that integrate automation, reliability and high operational standards.”
By combining the high-performance Rafnar hull with advanced optical and thermal vision systems, the USV12 establishes a new benchmark for hybrid naval operations, ensuring situational awareness and mission reliability in complex environments. (Source: https://www.defenseadvancement.com/)
11 Dec 25. PEGASUS Takes the Next Step: First Aircraft Lands in Germany. Arrival marks the start of integration, testing and certification activities for Germany’s next-generation airborne SIGINT platform. HENSOLDT, Lufthansa Technik Defense and Bombardier Defense have reached another key milestone in the PEGASUS (Persistent German Airborne Surveillance System) programme: the first aircraft has successfully arrived in Germany. Following its transatlantic flight from Bombardier’s facility in Wichita, Kansas, the aircraft has landed at Lufthansa Technik’s headquarters in Hamburg last week, where the next major phase of the programme will now begin. Led by national electromagnetic warfare champion HENSOLDT and employing the extensive special mission aircraft capabilities of Lufthansa Technik, the German MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) specialist, and of Bombardier, the Canadian aircraft manufacturer, the PEGASUS programme will provide the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) with a state-of-the-art airborne signals intelligence (SIGINT) capability. The arrival of the first aircraft marks the transition from platform design and development in the United States to the mission system integration and certification phase in Germany.
“This delivery marks a decisive step towards operational capability,” said Jürgen Halder, Vice President Airborne SIGINT at HENSOLDT. “With the arrival of the first aircraft in Hamburg, we are entering the crucial phase of system integration and qualification. Together with our partners, we are now moving from design and test into full implementation — bringing the next generation of airborne intelligence to life.”
“Bombardier’s high-performing Global aircraft are the go-to choice for the most demanding government missions around the world,” said Steve Patrick, Vice President, Bombardier Defense. “We are proud to collaborate with HENSOLDT and Lufthansa Technik to help bring this next-generation signals intelligence aircraft to the German Armed Forces.”
At Lufthansa Technik in Hamburg, the next steps will include the integration of the SIGINT system based on HENSOLDT’s Kalaetron Integral, the installation of the mission cabin, and the integration of additional military and communication systems. Moreover, the company will handle both civil and military certification of the aircraft. In parallel, preparations for entry-into-service support are already underway — including training of technical and flight personnel and the creation and provision of technical documentation — to ensure a smooth transition into operational use.
“Seeing the PEGASUS aircraft returning to Hamburg for their important next chapter is a proud moment for our teams,” said Michael von Puttkamer, Vice President Special Aircraft Services at Lufthansa Technik. “This milestone marks the start of an exciting new phase in which we will bring together technology, craftsmanship, and special mission aircraft expertise to deliver one of the most advanced airborne intelligence platforms ever built.”
HENSOLDT acts as general contractor and holds overall responsibility for the realisation of the PEGASUS weapon system itself as well as the ground station, training facility and data analysis capabilities. Lufthansa Technik Defense serves as prime subcontractor, procuring and modifying the aircraft and integrating the reconnaissance system developed by HENSOLDT. Bombardier Defense provides the high-performance Global 6000 platform and supports the programme with its engineering and flight-testing expertise.
About HENSOLDT
HENSOLDT is a leading company in the European defence industry with a global reach. Based in Taufkirchen near Munich, the company develops sensor solutions for defence and security applications. As a system integrator, HENSOLDT offers platform-independent, networked sensors. At the same time, the company is driving forward the development of defence electronics and optronics and investing in new solutions based on software-defined defence. In addition, the company is expanding its range of offers to include new service models and is extending its portfolio of system solutions. In 2024, HENSOLDT achieved a turnover of 2.24 bn euros. Following the acquisition of ESG GmbH, the company employs around 9,000 people. HENSOLDT is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange in the MDAX.
www.hensoldt.net
About Lufthansa Technik Defense:
Since 2023, Lufthansa Technik AG has been underlining its strategic decision to become more involved in the military aircraft sustainment and modification market with its Lufthansa Technik Defense brand. It encompasses all activities in the defence business for the German Armed Forces and its NATO partners. Within this framework, the company is part of the industry teams in various current modernization and procurement programs for the German Air and Naval Forces. Besides PEGASUS, this also encompasses programmes such as the P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft and the CH-47 Chinook heavy transport helicopter. In addition, Lufthansa Technik Defense has signed a memorandum of understanding with Lockheed Martin, Rheinmetall, and ESG for technical support for the future German fleet of F-35 fighters.
About Bombardier Defense
Bombardier Defense offers something unique, combining Bombardier’s portfolio of top-performing Challenger and Global aircraft with unparalleled engineering and maintenance expertise to create custom solutions. Known for its collaborative and flexible approach, Bombardier Defense builds long-term partnerships with governments and militaries, as well as joining forces with the world’s most advanced mission system providers. Driven by a rich history of innovation, we are shaping the defense solutions of the future.
Bombardier Defense is based in Wichita, KS, with a manufacturing presence across North America. Leveraging Bombardier’s highly responsive, worldwide support network, we offer expert maintenance services and tailored support options to our government and military customers. Hundreds of Bombardier aircraft perform critical airborne missions around the world, including Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C), border and maritime patrol, multi-role, head of state transport, medevac, urgent humanitarian assistance and more.
10 Dec 25. DefendEye, manufacturer of the world’s first instant-launch AI Search Drone, and EAGL Technology, Inc., creators of the AEROS platform and DragonFly™ Gunshot Sensor, today announced a strategic partnership to deliver an unprecedented public safety solution. By integrating EAGL’s outdoor wireless gunshot detection with DefendEye’s autonomous aerial system, the new solution can detect a gunshot and deploy a drone to be directly above the shooter in under 20 seconds. This integration represents a quantum leap in the “Drone as a First Responder” (DFR) sector. While traditional response times are measured in minutes, this joint solution offers immediate eyes-on-target capability, streaming live video to law enforcement before the first 911 call. The solution creates a seamless “Cloud-to-Cloud” bridge between DefendEye’s Command Center Cloud and the EAGL AEROS Cloud. The process is autonomous, infrastructure-free, and designed to install on standard light poles or mobile command solutions:
- Detection: The EAGL DragonFly™ sensor detects a gunshot using advanced energy capture and waveform analysis. AEROS validates the threat, eliminates false positives, and sends coordinates to the DefendEye Drone.
- Instant Launch: Upon validation, the system triggers the DefendEye launch tube. The drone launches in under 10 seconds, flying to the coordinates to arrive above the shooter in under 20 seconds.
- Live Intelligence: Using onboard AI to identify humans, the drone transmits a live video feed immediately to the command center or police dispatch.
Through this Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) solution, remote operators can view the live feed, share with tactical units, and take full remote control.
Boaz Raz, CEO of EAGL Technology, Inc.: “Our technology allows organizations to detect, respond, and communicate real-time threats to law enforcement to stop the threat and save lives. Now, with the partnership of DefendEye, a drone can be autonomously deployed above the shooter in under 20 seconds, transmitting live video, and is fully controlled from EAGL Technology’s cloud-based AEROS platform.”
James Buchheim, CEO of DefendEye: “We are thrilled by the integration with EAGL Technology’s AEROS platform. Seeing this in action is so exciting! The Cloud-to-Cloud bridge allows full remote control of our drones—deployed in seconds, not minutes—with built-in AI identifying humans, while being economic to own and install.”
Key Technical Specifications
- DefendEye Drone: Reusable, autonomous drone with 30-minute flight time. Features Day/Night camera with infrared illumination; operates in adverse weather (rain/snow). Each launch tube is equipped with a 5G SIM card for remote live streaming and control.
- EAGL DragonFly™: Compact, wireless, solar/battery-operated sensor in a resonance chamber. Offers versatile mounting (flat wall, corner, or pole) and provides spherical detection coverage up to 18 acres per sensor.
DefendEye (Kraków) builds tube-launched, fully autonomous, AI-powered drones for rapid deployment. The pilot-free system launches in under 10 seconds, streams live video to the DefendEye Command Center Cloud, and is an inexpensive, scalable solution for first responders. www.DefendEye.com
EAGL Technologies (Albuquerque) manufactures the AEROS platform and DragonFly™ Gunshot Sensor, an outdoor wireless sensor performing energy capture and waveform analysis for threat validation. The system transmits threat data wirelessly to the EAGL System Server to initiate autonomous adaptive responses. www.eagltechnology.com (Source: PR Newswire)
09 Dec 25. Cuashub.com said today that US Army conducts large-scale C-UAS exercise in National Capital Region. The U.S. Army conducted a large-scale counter-drone exercise in the National Capital Region from Nov. 17–21, simulating coordinated drone attacks to assess the Department of War’s ability to detect, track and mitigate hostile drones in one of the country’s most complex and sensitive operating environments. The exercise, hosted by Joint Task Force–Military District of Washington, was designed in response to a June directive from Secretary of War Pete Hegseth calling on U.S. forces to reestablish dominance against the growing drone threat. Army Lt. Col. Brian Reynolds, chief of the Mission Assurance Division, and Lt. Col. Jesse Burnette, Joint Staff director of operations, led the planning effort. Working with the Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and local law enforcement agencies, planners launched drones from multiple locations around Fort McNair, including areas north and east of the installation and near the National War College, simulating both external and insider threats. An additional launch site on Hains Point, positioned between the Potomac River and the Washington Channel, was used to represent a coordinated incursion route. The four-day exercise involved both daytime and nighttime operations. During daylight hours, drones were flown between approximately 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m., testing hover, orbit and penetration profiles. Overnight operations ran from roughly 2 a.m. to 5 a.m., allowing planners to assess detection and mitigation capabilities under reduced visibility conditions. Sensors and handheld devices used by military police were also evaluated. According to Reynolds, the exercise differed from traditional testing by placing counter-UAS systems in a dense urban environment where airspace, infrastructure and civilian activity overlap. He said the goal was to understand how systems perform outside controlled test ranges. The testing assessed whether installations including Fort McNair, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling and the Washington Navy Yard could identify and respond to drone threats in real time. Data collected during the exercise will be used to inform a larger follow-on event planned between January and May 2026, which is expected to involve additional installations across the region. Reynolds said the effort is focused on identifying gaps in detection, information sharing, and response authorities across the National Capital Region. He emphasized the importance of integrating early warning systems into a shared operational picture across federal, state, local, tribal and territorial partners. The exercise also highlighted the complexity of countering small drones near critical infrastructure and populated areas. Planners coordinated closely with agencies including the Federal Aviation Administration and the Transportation Security Administration to conduct the operations safely and legally. Burnette said the growing role of small drones in modern conflict highlights the importance of improving counter-UAS capabilities at both operational and garrison levels. He pointed to recent conflicts, including the war in Ukraine, where drone attacks have driven casualty rates and altered battlefield dynamics. The National Capital Region was selected in part due to its challenging geography and proximity to critical infrastructure, including Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Planners worked with more than 40 federal and national-level agencies during the exercise. Army officials said lessons learned from the event will help guide future counter-drone planning, both in the National Capital Region and across the continental United States, as the military continues to adapt to the evolving threat posed by unmanned systems.
US Army conducts large-scale C-UAS exercise in National Capital Region
(Source: https://cuashub.com/
10 Dec 25. BAE Systems outlines road map for next-generation multifunction radar family. The radar business of BAE Systems Maritime and Land has commenced design and development of a new S-band Gallium Nitride (GaN) transmit/receive device intended to underpin a future family of active electronically scanned array (AESA) multifunction radar (MFR) systems suitable for both shipborne and land-based applications. Work on the Next Generation Transmit/Receive Module (NGTRM) has been funded by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) through to a preliminary design review (PDR) wrapping up at the end of 2025. The NGTRM will constitute the ‘front-end’ of a Next Generation Radar Demonstrator (NGRD), which BAE Systems will build under private venture funding over the next two years. The foundation for the technology maturation and development effort is the GBP270m (USD359m) Project Eagle support contract awarded to BAE Systems by the MoD in July 2023. As well as funding in-service support to the Radar Type 997 Artisan medium-range naval surveillance radar, Radar Type 1045 Sampson MFR, and Radar Type 1046 S1850M long-range radar, the 10-year Project Eagle arrangement also resources future technology upgrades. A further GBP50 m is being invested between the MoD (GBP37.5 m) and BAE Systems (GBP12.5 m) for research and development intended to mature next-generation technologies designed to detect emerging threats, including ballistic missiles and drones. (Source: Janes)
09 Dec 25. A software update to Northrop Grumman Corporation’s (NYSE: NOC) AN/TPS-80 Ground/Air Task-Oriented Radar (G/ATOR) has enabled new, extended range capabilities, allowing the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) and U.S. Air Force (USAF) to detect threats at greater distances and respond more swiftly. In addition to a new extended range mode, this update refines G/ATOR’s identification friend or foe system and enhances interoperability. These improvements enable the radar to better categorize detected threats and share intelligence with friendly assets through an open architecture command and control connection. All currently deployed G/ATOR systems received this update.
“G/ATOR’s extended range and improved identification systems provide U.S. and allied forces with a crucial tactical advantage,” said Bob Gough, vice president, maritime and land systems and sensors, Northrop Grumman. “Our radar system is designed to perform in the most complex air defense environments – detecting, tracking and targeting threats in real time.”
G/ATOR is a highly mobile, long range active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar system that operates in the S-band frequency range. G/ATOR provides precise fire control and real-time 360-degree, four-dimensional tracking of a wide range of airborne threats, including cruise missiles, hypersonic missiles, crewed aircraft and uncrewed aerial systems. Currently, thirty-nine G/ATOR radars have been delivered to the USMC and USAF, with the 40th delivery anticipated later this year. The radar incorporates Northrop Grumman’s U.S.-manufactured microelectronics to support advanced multifunction and multi-mission capability.
09 Dec 25. Finland steps up anti-drone defences amid concerns about Russia.
- Summary
- Drones have been widely used in the war in Ukraine
- Countries on NATO’s eastern flank step up defences
- Finland acquires hundreds of drone jammers and detectors
Finland has acquired hundreds of drone jammers and detectors, its military said on Tuesday, as countries on NATO’s eastern flank strengthen their defences following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Drones have been widely used in Ukraine since Russia invaded in 2022, but the rush to build counter-drone capabilities in NATO has intensified since about 20 suspected Russian drones entered Polish airspace in September and were shot down. Finland’s Defence Forces have acquired hundreds of SkyWiper Omni Max jammers made by Lithuania-based NT Service, Colonel Mano-Mikael Nokelainen, Air Defence Inspector for Finland, told Reuters at a military base in Niinisalo in southwestern Finland. The jammers, which create a protective dome spanning hundreds of metres to block the control, video and navigation signals of drones, will be deployed around critical infrastructure such as military bases, he said.
DRONE DETECTORS AND RIFLE SIGHTS
“It is very important for the troops’ self‑protection. In other words, it makes it possible to prevent drones from flying over the troops,” said Nokelainen, whose country borders Russia and joined the NATO military alliance in 2023.
In addition to jammers, the military has acquired hand-held Airfence drone detectors made by Finnish company Sensofusion and Smash add-on rifle sights by Israel-based Smartshooter that facilitate the targeting and shooting down of drones. The new equipment is intended to counter small reconnaissance drones, Nokelainen said, declining to share details about Finland’s capability to counter larger drones. Finland has a fleet of nearly 1,000 First-Person View (FPV) reconnaissance drones – some of them made in the United States and some by Finland’s Insta – for practice purposes and will train up to 500 new drone pilots annually, said Lieutenant General Pasi Valimaki, Commander of the Finnish Army. The military plans to order more drones of different sizes and types as well as counter-drone equipment next year, but Valimaki said it made no sense to stockpile too many devices that could soon become obsolete because of rapid technological developments in the field.
“We must optimise the number of procurements, that is, the volume, to match the training mission we have. Then we must build production capacity for crisis conditions,” he said.
THE TRANSFORMED NATURE OF MODERN WARFARE
The use of drones has helped transform the nature of modern warfare, with remotely piloted unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) able to swiftly spot and neutralise targets.
Drone flights, mostly of unknown origin, have also been disrupting Europe’s airspace in the past few months.
Mikael Vihera, one of dozens of conscripts who participated in a drill at the base in Niinisalo that included hiding from enemy drones in a forest, said drones had made survival more difficult for everyone on the battlefield.
“If a drone spots even just one combatant, it might reveal the whereabouts of the whole grouping,” he said. (Source: Reuters)
09 Dec 25. MatrixSpace, a leader in portable AI-enabled radar for counter-UAS (C-UAS), announces the availability of its revolutionary Portable 360 Radar™. This rugged, easily transportable radar kit delivers reliable close-airspace awareness with panoramic coverage for rapid-response counter-drone operations, from safe-guarding stadiums and large public gatherings, to border security and battlespaces. Traditional radar systems are cumbersome, slow to set up and limited in effectiveness for mobile C-UAS deployments, with high-power requirements. Instead, MatrixSpace Portable 360 Radar is the industry’s lowest power, most portable and affordable low-airspace drone detection system available. Unlike other available solutions, the MatrixSpace platform unifies threat awareness across multiple networked Portable 360 Radar systems and other sensors, without compromising local operation. By combining AI edge processing with MatrixSpace AiCloud Enterprise Software, central/remote command centers get an enhanced common operating picture and deep airspace activity analytics to assure public safety. Major corporations and government agencies have already adopted MatrixSpace Portable 360 Radar, which has excelled in rigorous C-UAS field testing including the U.S. Army’s recent xTechCounter Strike competition where it won best active sensor.
“We’ve already seen the tactical advantage MatrixSpace Portable 360 Radar offers, in some of the most challenging situations possible,” explains Matthew Kling, VP & GM, AI Systems at MatrixSpace. “The demand for fast, easy setup of such capable systems is clear, as a wide range of organizations grapple with the reality of critical counter drone solutions.”
Key Features and Benefits
- Low power, small footprint—a portable radar system easily transported by car that assembles in minutes.
- Breakthrough affordability, enabling operators to catch hard-to-detect drones in challenging environments like dense cities and variable terrain.
- Resilient AI edge-first architecture powered by sophisticated AI edge processing that continuously improves, assuring decisive operations even in congested environments.
- Easy extensibility to MatrixSpace AiCloud — users can deploy one system or one hundred, all working together for enterprise command and control.
09 Dec 25. U.S. Army Europe, Africa Launches First Drone Warfighter Competition. Ten teams are competing in the inaugural U.S. Army Europe and Africa Best Drone Warfighter Competition at the 7th Army Training Command’s Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Dec. 8-10. The multinational competition is designed to test and showcase unmanned aerial system operator capabilities, and serve as a visible culmination of experimentation, readiness and transformational warfighting initiatives to ensure participating U.S., allied and partner soldiers are trained, tested and ready to deploy modern UAS capabilities in complex operational environments.
“It’s pretty exceptional that although we’re competing, we’re friends, we’re partners, we’re allies,” said Army Brig. Gen. Terry Tillis, 7ATC commander, during the opening ceremony.
“There’s a larger picture,” Tillis added. “It’s not just about flying UAS. It’s about utilizing the UAS as integrated enablers to achieve desired effects. It’s about UAS facilitating the combined arms maneuvers of our ground forces into a position of advantage so they can seize and hold terrain.”
Army units permanently stationed in Europe and competing in the drone warfighter competition include the 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, Joint Multinational Readiness Center, 7ATC; 173rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa; 2nd Cavalry Regiment, V Corps; and 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery, 52nd Air Defense Artillery Brigade, 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command. Other units rotationally deployed to the European theater under V Corps who are also competing include the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division; 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division; and 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division. International teams from Italy and Spain are also competing. Each team has two to six soldiers, including a short-range reconnaissance drone team and a first-person view drone team. Teams are scored over three days of graded activities, including a written UAS knowledge exam and two training scenarios conducted on a variety of soldier skills within a time limit. One area focuses on their tactical abilities to carry out an aerial reconnaissance and a strike mission using a variety of small UAS platforms against an enemy force in an urban environment, including establishing camouflage and security. The second one tests aerial land navigation, accuracy and maneuverability of a first-person view drone through an obstacle course to clear and secure a trench, as well as team cohesion on decision-making during a call-for-fire mission.
Teams are using a variety of issued and self-built drones.
The top U.S. Army team will be announced at the end of the competition and go on to compete in the U.S. Army’s Best Drone Warfighter Competition in 2026. (Source: U.S. DoD)
09 Dec 25. Cuashub.com said today that Hanwha Unveils Unmanned Counter-Drone Launcher at EDEX 2025. On Dec 4, Hanwha showcased a prototype unmanned counter-drone launcher at EDEX 2025 in Cairo, introducing a new approach to mobile air defense in drone-heavy battlefields. The system combines guided interceptor drones with a low-profile 6×6 robotic carrier designed to operate without exposing crews to loitering munitions. The launcher is intended to act as a dispersed robotic outpost that can move with mechanized units and engage hostile drones. The vehicle is unmanned and equipped with modern sensors that feed targeting data and situational awareness to a nearby command post, which handles mission planning and firing decisions. The prototype features a bank of launch canisters mounted on a 6×6 platform. Each tube carries a small fixed-wing interceptor drone with approximately 30 minutes of endurance and a range of about 100 kilometers. These drones are fitted with nose-mounted seekers, enabling them to home directly on hostile unmanned aircraft rather than relying solely on ground-based cueing.
Operational advantages
In conversations with representatives from Army Recognition, Hanwha emphasized that the unmanned design reduces crew exposure and allows aggressive positioning. A company representative explained that a robotic launcher commanded from a dispersed shelter reduces crew risk and enables more flexible deployment, including use as a decoy to draw enemy drones into a kill zone. The system builds on Hanwha’s experience with unmanned ground vehicles already tested by the Republic of Korea Army. Features such as autonomous navigation and obstacle avoidance allow the launcher to move with formations, screen flanks or occupy forward positions before deploying interceptors against quadcopters and loitering munitions.
Export potential
Hanwha sees modularity as a key selling point. The launcher could be adapted for existing manned vehicles or integrated into mixed batteries alongside rocket systems. Potential roles include protecting air defense units, reinforcing air bases and securing borders against low-cost drone threats. By combining mobility, autonomy and guided interceptors, Hanwha’s concept aligns with South Korea’s broader Dronebot vision and positions the company as a serious contender in the evolving market for robotic air defense. https://cuashub.com/en/content/hanwha-unveils-unmanned-counter-drone-launcher-at-edex-2025/ (Source: https://cuashub.com/
09 Dec 25. Cuashub.com said today that Australia showcases new hard-kill counter-drone system. Australia has publicly demonstrated a new counter-drone capability at the Cultana training area in South Australia, marking a major step in its effort to build a layered defense against the fast-growing threat of small unmanned aircraft. Electro Optic Systems (EOS) confirmed on December 08 that the event featured a Leidos Australia-led solution under Project Land 156. At its centre was the EOS Slinger, a compact, mobile hard-kill system designed specifically to shoot down small drones and loitering munitions. Slinger uses the M230LF 30×113 mm chain gun firing proximity-fused airburst rounds, an efficient, low-cost way to destroy small drones. Weighing around 350–400 kg and under a metre tall, it can be mounted on light vehicles, tracked platforms or fixed sites. It carries about 150 ready rounds and can adjust its rate of fire to manage ammunition during swarm attacks. Detection and tracking come from an Echodyne EchoGuard 4D radar, paired with a four-axis EO/IR sight that can identify targets past 12 km. The sight is decoupled from the gun, allowing continuous tracking, even during aggressive manoeuvres. Slinger is engineered for accurate fire on the move, which is critical as drones increasingly target convoys. Recent upgrades add aided target recognition and automation to help operators manage drone swarms and distinguish real threats from background clutter. The trial is one element of Australia’s decade-long, A$1.3bn push to field a national counter-drone network. More than 120 systems, from handheld detectors to vehicle sensors and fixed-site jammers, are already fielded or on order. https://cuashub.com/en/content/australia-showcases-new-hard-kill-counter-drone-system/ (Source: https://cuashub.com/
09 Dec 25. Cuashub.com said today that National Fraternal Order of Police urges Congress to include C-UAS authorities in NDAA. On Dec 3, the National Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) called on Congressional leaders to include C-UAS authorities for state and local law enforcement in the final FY 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The organization warned that current laws leave communities vulnerable to criminal drone activity and urged immediate legislative action. In its letter, the FOP stated: “The threat posed by drones is real and growing, and law enforcement agencies at every level need the tools and authority to address it.” The organization emphasized that state and local agencies currently lack clear authority to detect, track and intercept unmanned aircraft that endanger lives, infrastructure and public safety. It noted that the United States will host major global events such as the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympics, where drone misuse could pose significant risks.
The FOP explained: “We are urging Congress to establish a framework that allows specially trained state and local law enforcement officers to conduct counter-drone operations at high-risk sites, including large-scale public gatherings, critical infrastructure and correctional facilities.” The proposal calls for federal training standards, vetted technology approvals and strict oversight mechanisms to ensure compliance with civil liberties and airspace integrity.
The letter highlighted alarming trends: “There have been hundreds of incidents involving drones smuggling contraband into prisons, interfering with emergency operations, and flying into restricted airspace near airports.”
According to the FOP, these incursions have surged dramatically in recent years, creating an urgent need for legislative action. The organization warned that failure to close this capability gap could result in catastrophic consequences.
“Congress must act now to provide law enforcement with the authority and resources necessary to neutralize illegal drone operations and safeguard public safety,” the letter concluded.
National Fraternal Order of Police urges Congress to include C-UAS authorities in NDAA
(Source: https://cuashub.com/
09 Dec 25. Boeing, Insitu, and TNO Announce Major Advancements in Multi-function Radar Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (MRaISR). Boeing, in collaboration with Insitu and the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), announced updates from the Multi-function Radar Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (MRaISR) project. This Industrial Participation project, supported by the Dutch Ministries of Economic Affairs and Defence, has been in development for several years, showcasing the culmination of efforts in advancing radar technology for global defence applications. The MRaISR project focuses on the development of a low Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) Synthetic Aperture Radar, equipped with advanced collection and multi-mode capabilities. This initiative aims to address emerging global defence requirements effectively.
“At TNO, we are committed to advancing technology that supports national and international security but also reinforces our position as a leader in applied scientific research,” said Philip Weimar, Director, Electromagnetics & Military Operations, TNO.
The MRaISR project supports the Dutch Strategy for Industry and Innovation 2025 – 2029 (DSII) by further developing TNO’s innovative AMBER radar technology into the MRaISR payload that can serve several of Boeing and Insitu’s customers. In collaboration with Insitu and TNO several additional industry partners have been supporting this project including AcQ International, the Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NRL), and Robin Radar.
“The MRaISR project is a testament to our collaborative efforts between Boeing, Insitu, TNO, and Dutch industry and we are eager to showcase the results of our hard work,” said Brandy Pessin, Senior Manager, International Strategic Partnerships at Boeing. “This collaboration strengthens defence capabilities, but also our key strategic partnerships within Europe and is a great example of a win-win-win solution to building long term strategic partnerships.”
This message was echoed by Mark Lengton, deputy Commissioner for Military Production at the Ministry of Economic Affairs in the Netherlands, who was at the forefront of this project, by supporting it via the Dutch Industrial Participation policy: “This project allows TNO, as one of our leading knowledge institutes, and Dutch industry to partner with Boeing to develop a system that can be tested, demonstrated and industrialized.”
Currently, two integrated payloads have been designed, built, and tested by TNO, with successful demonstrations of airborne Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) image collection, Ground Moving Target Indicator (GMTI), and Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar (ISAR) modes on three crewed flights (over land and water) in the Netherlands. A comprehensive business case analysis has been conducted, and an industrialization partner has been identified, with new product introduction planning already underway. In October 2025, a UAV flight demonstration of the MRaISR on an Insitu Integrator was completed at Insitu’s test range.
“The MRaISR project exemplifies our mission to provide cutting-edge solutions that enhance situational awareness and operational effectiveness,” said Steven Todorov, Product Manager at Insitu. “Our partnership with Boeing and TNO has been instrumental in bringing this advanced radar capability to tactical UAVs, and we are excited to demonstrate its capabilities during the upcoming flight tests.” (Source: UAS VISION)
02 Dec 25. Canada tests urban C-UAS capabilities in downtown Ottawa. Canada’s Department of National Defence (DND) has successfully concluded drone detection trials over downtown Ottawa, near Parliament Hill, to test urban counter uncrewed aircraft system (C-UAS) capabilities in a controlled, scientific environment. These trials took place from November 24 to 28, 2025, as part of DND’s Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) programme. The week-long event brought together defence science experts and innovators, Canadian Armed Forces personnel, police, and other defence and security partners to evaluate how well detection technologies perform in a complex urban environment. The trials were organised in collaboration with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the City of Ottawa, the Ottawa Police Service, Transport Canada and additional partners. A list of participants can be found here.
“Canada’s defence and security depend on staying ahead in a rapidly changing world. Innovation is the engine that drives progress and resilience,” said Minister of National Defence, David J. McGuinty. “Canada’s future depends on investing in ideas, nurturing talent and transforming knowledge into practical solutions for complex challenges. Now more than ever, we must invest in defence by advancing cutting-edge technologies, strengthening our domestic industrial base and giving the Canadian Armed Forces the tools they need to protect Canadians.”
Since its establishment in 2018, the IDEaS programme has hosted several C-UAS sandbox demonstration events at a Defence Research and Development Canada research centre in Alberta in order to evaluate and advance technologies capable of detecting and defeating micro and mini UAS. The 2025 event was the first time the IDEaS CUAS sandbox event has focused exclusively on detect-only technologies in a realistic urban environment in downtown Ottawa, Ontario. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
04 Dec 25. VisionWave, BladeRanger partner to develop space-based C-UAS system Argus. VisionWave Technologies Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of VisionWave Holdings, has announced that it has begun R&D on Argus, a space-enabled AI counter drone system (C-UAS) created in collaboration with BladeRanger to defend against modern unmanned aircraft threats. According to the company it is designed as a global counter-drone kill chain that operates from space and uses high-frequency (HF) communications to coordinate defence assets across wide areas.”The system combines space-based imaging, advanced object-recognition AI, resilient HF connectivity, and a layered mix of interceptors and effectors,” said the company in a press release. VisionWave has completed the system architecture and plans to file a patent application in the coming weeks covering its core technical innovations (which application has not yet been filed and for which no assurance of allowance can be given).
“Modern conflicts have shown that small drones and loitering munitions can redefine the battlefield with little warning,” said Doug Davis, VisionWave Chairman. “Argus is intended to be designed to designed to provide nations with a theater-scale shield that can detect hostile drones from space, classify them instantly, and coordinate a precise response in real time, even in highly contested environments.”
Argus is intended to be designed to function as a persistent, multi-layered defence system. In the space segment, satellites equipped with EO/IR and optional SAR/RF payloads are expected to provide continuous monitoring of borders, critical infrastructure, ports, and urban areas. These sensors are intended to detect and track the full spectrum of small and tactical dronesat operationally meaningful ranges, creating an early warning layer over wide areas. On top of this sensor layer, Argus is intended to apply AI-driven, object-recognition technology that identifies structural features such as rotors, arms, fuselage, and wings. Using multi-view imagery, it reconstructs a virtual 3D model and fuses it with behavioral cues such as flight profile and loitering patterns to classify drone type, evaluate potential payloads, and generate a real-time threat score. For resilient connectivity, Argus is intended to use an AI-controlled HF backbonethat is expected to maintain beyond line-of-sight communications between satellites, ground stations, interceptor sites, and remote sensors, even when SATCOM, cellular, or microwave links are jammed or disabled. The HF system continuously models ionospheric conditions and selects frequencies, paths, and antenna configurations to preserve reliable links. A dedicated security layer uses asynchronous encryption to harden GPS and command-and-control (C2) links used to send instructions to drones, sensors, and interceptors, and to receive status and telemetry from them. A proprietary asynchronous key exchange is intended toprotect HF command and control channels and GPS correction messages, with the goal of making Argus highly resistant to jamming, spoofing, and man in the middle attacks. This cryptographic layer is designed to protect both navigation integrity and command authority in contested environments. At the engagement layer, Argus is intended to use layered interceptors and effectors to coordinate a wide range of responses. These include interceptor drones, ground-based rapid-fire systems, RF jammers, deceptive navigation injectors, and optional lasers or high-power microwave assets. Together, they support both soft-kill and hard-kill options, allowing the system to tailor its response to each specific threat scenario.
For more information: https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/12/02/3197933/0/en/VisionWave-Unveils-Argus-A-Space-Enabled-AI-Counter-Drone-System-to-be-Developed-in-Partnership-with-BladeRanger.html (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
08 Dec 25. AIM Robotics launches RPAS Wilco C-UAS platform. Canada’s AIM Robotics has launched RPAS Wilco SafeAirspace, a counter-uncrewed aerial system (C-UAS) platform that unifies RF drone detection, flight authorisation and operational response into one continuous ‘intelligence loop’. RPAS Wilco SafeAirspace is designed for civil agencies, airports, municipalities, utilities and national infrastructure operators seeking a modern, scalable, and integrated approach to low-altitude airspace security. RPAS Wilco SafeAirspace sensors extract deep telemetry such as drone brand, model, unique serial number, aircraft position, speed and pilot location, all through passive RF decoding. These signals are processed by the SafeAirspace fusion engine and matched against flight plans and approvals submitted through the RPAS Wilco ecosystem. RPAS Wilco is used by more than 30,000 pilots for mission planning, regulatory compliance, and airspace authorisation workflows. The new C-UAS system supports handheld, portable, stationary and vehicle-mounted units. For authorised agencies, optional jamming systems provide controlled response capabilities fully integrated with the incident workflow. The system also extends into Drone-as-First-Responder (DFR) programmes, enabling automated drone-in-a-box launches for investigation, perimeter patrol or situational awareness. Beyond immediate counter-drone operations, RPAS Wilco SafeAirspace supports Detect-and-Avoid (DAA) and Uncrewed Traffic Management (UTM) services. The platform is also being extended through emerging collaborations with radar technology providers, enabling civil aviation partners to build long-term, multi-agency low-altitude safety networks. RPAS Wilco SafeAirspace is launching alongside AIM Robotics’ existing deployments of the RPAS Wilco Drone Safety Management System at Canadian airports. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
05 Dec 25. US DHS tests kinetic C-UAS capabilities and collateral effects mitigation. The United States Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) has shared details of its tests in North Dakota over the summer to evaluate the capabilities of several kinetic counter-uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS) technologies and mitigation of collateral effects. Partners in the technology assessments included the University of North Dakota (UND) Research Institute for Autonomous Systems, UND Aerospace, Northern Plains UAS Test Site, accessND and the North Dakota National Guard. Representatives from US Customs and Border Protection and the US Secret Service also attended. During the event, 10 companies demonstrated capabilities across four categories: Global Navigation Satellite System jamming, handheld weapon-fired munitions, directed energy weapons and drone-on-drone counter systems, including keynote demonstration of the Epirus High Power Microwave system.
S&T Project Manager Andy Myers said that testing the potential for domestic usage is critical. “Keeping the public safe many times means that the systems and methodologies used by the military in a war zone are not going to be appropriate for us to use domestically or in a law enforcement situation.”
Myers said analysis from this and similar events is informing planning for future kinetic mitigation events that are focused on operational use cases and red-teaming. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
05 Dec 25. US Army training tests EW and C-UAS capabilities in Arctic conditions. The United States Army’s 11th Airborne Division has conducted an electromagnetic warfare (EW) and counter-uncrewed aerial system (C-UAS) training event at the Joint Pacific Alaskan Range Complex (JPARC) near Fort Greely, Alaska, bringing together EW specialist soldiers with UAS and C-UAS vendors to experiment with technologies in Alaska’s Arctic environment. The training event, conducted in partnership with the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), provided soldiers with the opportunity to integrate EW systems with C-UAS technologies, refine tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) and practice their ability to detect and counter enemy UAS threats in a contested electromagnetic spectrum (EMS).
“This [training] was a rare opportunity for our EW teams to work together and see firsthand how UAS systems operate in extreme cold weather,” said 1st Lieutenant Gunnar Moffitt, an EW Platoon Leader, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division. “We were able to detect Radio Frequency (RF) signatures, locate UAS command-and-control links, and assess how our systems perform in freezing temperatures and deep snow.”
Key highlights focused on detecting and analysing the EMS signatures of various UAS platforms, including their command-and-control links. Soldiers used their organic EW systems to identify and locate enemy UAS operators and assess the effectiveness of their equipment in Arctic conditions. The JPARC experiences extreme cold weather conditions, with temperatures routinely below freezing and receiving significant snowfall, providing a realistic environment for testing the durability and effectiveness of EW, C-UAS and UAS systems. Soldiers observed impacts to system battery life due to cold temperatures, gaining valuable insight into how these systems perform in Arctic environments. The US Army said that the data collected during the training will inform future improvements to EW and C-UAS capabilities. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
08 Dec 25. Europol sets out the future of drone use and threats for law enforcement. A new report from Europol examines the use of unmanned systems by law enforcement as well as activities and capabilities against the unlawful use of drones. It also highlights a critical gap in the development of law enforcement specific capabilities as unmanned systems’ development is often focused on either purely civilian or military applications.
“In order to prepare for the future operating environment, a number of concrete steps can, and should, be taken,” the report states. “These range from the development of a strategic intent, a clear will, and updating of tactical, operational and security paradigms regarding unmanned systems.”
The report – which covers all unmanned systems, not just unmanned aerial systems (UAS) – adds that European law enforcement would benefit from coming together in testing and evaluating unmanned systems for policing and law enforcement use and the countering of such systems in realistic settings. “For this to happen, a regulatory framework must be established with clear guidelines that support law enforcement innovation and testing, alongside investments in training and education for personnel,” Europol says.
Public acceptance is key for UAS operations but the already widespread use of police drones for surveillance purposes has repeatedly been met with public scepticism and concerns over misuse. European regulations governing the use of UAS have been advancing to address safety, security and privacy concerns. Europol says understanding public fears is essential as technological solutions must address emotional and social dimensions, in addition to those related to safety and legal compliance alone. The agency concedes that there are still gaps in the current regulatory framework for drones. “One significant concern is that the regulations primarily address remotely piloted systems, leaving a void in terms of fully or even partially autonomous operations. There are no clear guidelines for autonomous operations, including fail-safes and human oversight requirements, which will challenge accountability assumptions and compliance with existing laws. Other gaps include the inconsistent application of regulations across Member States, such as beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations. There is also ambiguity regarding consent and data handling for unmanned systems equipped with cameras or sensors. Moreover, the lack of mandatory remote identification systems hinders tracking, prevention, and investigation of drone-related incidents. Finally, there are no standardised geofencing requirements to prevent drones from entering restricted areas, which poses a significant risk to safety and security.”
C-UAS capabilities in the spotlight
The capability to counter rogue UAS at scale is limited, Europol says. “The relative distance between the threat and the capability to mitigate and protect has grown into a substantial gap. This gap is not only technological but also relates to regulations, training, data sharing and infrastructure. The increasing accessibility and versatility of drones as well as rapid, continuous innovation, (particularly displayed in Russia’s war on Ukraine) have led to serious security concerns.”
Governments, defence agencies and private sector companies are heavily investing in C-UAS technologies to detect, identify, track and neutralise rogue UAS. “Incidents involving suspected drone activity require a structured and consistent approach to information management,” the report states. “Experience shows that reports of unidentified aerial objects can quickly attract significant media attention and lead to the mobilisation of considerable resources, even when later analysis indicates that the observations likely concerned conventional aircraft or other benign phenomena. To ensure an efficient and proportionate response, initial assessment and information handling are of critical importance. When a suspected drone observation is reported, the first step is to determine whether the incident is genuinely abnormal or falls within the range of expected air activity. Relevant data sources, such as Air Traffic Control (ATC) primary radar, military radar and Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B) information, should be consulted to validate the report, supported by established communication channels with the owners or operators of these systems.”
In addition, Europol says that information relating to large, long-range drones should be clearly distinguished from that concerning small, short-range drones, as the likelihood of connection between incidents varies significantly.
A focus on military C-UAS uses does not help law enforcement’s counter-drone efforts, the agency says. “Most of the C-UAS applications are military applications which are solely addressing the threat of the drone and stopping it. However, this is much more complicated as the safety of the surroundings is a primary concern for law enforcement as they are generally tasked with stopping threats with minimal damage to the source of the threat. For example, cars are usually stopped, not destroyed – similarly, a drone may have to be stopped. Furthermore, from a forensic perspective, it is essential to have the drone as intact as possible to extract data in order to investigate what it was doing, as well as identify who controlled it, for intelligence and evidence purposes.”
Europol’s report contains a number of predicted scenarios for 2035, including a move from individual UAS to drone swarms and an increased use of drones by organised crime groups as well as ways in which law enforcement can effectively use UAS.
To address the concerns raised in the report, Europol makes several recommendations:
- Develop a strategic intent that outlines how law enforcement agencies want to respond to the development, use and potential misuse of unmanned systems, as well as their impact on society.
- Establish a “physical sandbox” environment that enables law enforcement to test, learn and adapt unmanned systems in a real-world setting, and facilitate international cooperation and collaboration on development, testing and procurement.
- Develop a comprehensive strategy to support the creation of EU-based regulation, standards and certification for safety, security, lawful use and interoperability.
- Establish a competence hub that connects internal teams to a centralised repository of knowledge, expertise and best practices.
- Invest in comprehensive training programmes for personnel that cover a range of topics, including regulations, use, countermeasures, investigation, forensics and protection related to unmanned systems.
- Build trust and transparency with society by establishing outreach, consultation and co-creation programmes to actively involve citizens.
- Integrate unmanned systems into existing information systems. This includes information access, information management and decision-making flows to enhance operational effectiveness.
- Develop a structured information flow regarding the criminal use of unmanned systems in Europe. Include forensic data to support counter-technologies.
- Establish a centralised standardisation and procurement process for technologies that benefit from coordinated and standardised purchases.
Europol is also calling for significant investments and joint innovation procurement processes as it is concerned that the development of unmanned systems is largely driven by non-EU companies, which the agency says poses a risk of critical dependence on foreign suppliers
chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.europol.europa.eu/cms/sites/default/files/documents/The-Unmanned-Future-Report.pdf (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
08 Dec 25. UK unveils new undersea warfare technology to counter threat from Russia. The UK has unveiled work on its groundbreaking Atlantic Bastion programme, which will make Britain more secure secure from Russian undersea threats in the North Atlantic through a transformation of the Royal Navy and its submarine-hunting capabilities.
- Atlantic Bastion will combine autonomous vessels and AI with warships and aircraft to create a highly advanced hybrid force to protect undersea cables and pipelines.
- Huge appetite from industry to deliver hi-tech capabilities to protect North Atlantic from Russian submarines create defence jobs in Britain.
- Follows increase in Russian underwater activity, including spy ship Yantar exposed by Defence Secretary in recent weeks.
- First Sea Lord prepares to set out his vision for the future of the Royal Navy at the International Sea Power Conference today.
Britain will be more secure from Russian undersea threats in the North Atlantic through a transformation of the Royal Navy and its submarine-hunting capabilities.
Defence Secretary John Healey visited HM Naval Base Portsmouth to unveil early work on the groundbreaking Atlantic Bastion programme, with ms of pounds invested this year in development and testing of innovative anti-submarine sensor technology.
The development of Atlantic Bastion will be set out for the first time today as the Government delivers on the vision of the Strategic Defence Review. Atlantic Bastion places the UK at the forefront of a technological revolution in naval warfare, combining the latest autonomous surface and underwater vessels and cutting-edge digital infrastructure with world-class warships and patrol aircraft. The world-leading programme is in direct response to a resurgence in Russian submarine and underwater activity, including the activities of Russian spy ship Yantar around UK waters, recently exposed by the Defence Secretary. UK Defence Intelligence has identified that Putin is currently modernising his fleet to target critical undersea cables and pipelines. Atlantic Bastion will create an advanced hybrid naval force to defend the UK and NATO allies against evolving threats. It will enable the UK to find, track and, if required, act against adversaries with unprecedented effectiveness across vast areas of ocean. There has been huge appetite from industry, with combined MOD/industry seedcorn investment of £14 m already committed this year to testing and development. 26 firms from the UK and Europe have submitted proposals to develop anti-submarine sensor technology, and 20 companies from big primes to tech SMEs are already showcasing technology demonstrators, with public investment matched by private investment so far at a 4:1 ratio. The next phase of the development and testing over the coming weeks will see successful companies take forward development work from concept to frontline – with capabilities due to be deployed in the water next year, and further investment to accelerate and expand the programme to follow next year. This rapid development and testing highlights the UK defence industry’s readiness to support the Government’s Hybrid Navy proposal. With Atlantic Bastion, the Government is rapidly delivering a key commitment of the Strategic Defence Review and demonstrating UK leadership in transforming NATO capabilities. The launch of Atlantic Bastion comes as First Sea Lord General Sir Gwyn Jenkins is expected to set out his vision for the future of the Royal Navy at the International Sea Power Conference in London today.
Defence Secretary, John Healey MP said: “People should be in no doubt of the new threats facing the UK and our allies under the sea, where adversaries are targeting infrastructure that is so critical to our way of life. This new era of threat demands a new era for defence, and we must rapidly innovate at a wartime pace to maintain the battlefield edge as we deliver on the Strategic Defence Review. Our pioneering Atlantic Bastion programme is a blueprint for the future of the Royal Navy. It combines the latest autonomous and AI technologies with world-class warships and aircraft to create a highly advanced hybrid fighting force to detect, deter and defeat those who threaten us.”
Speaking at the International Sea Power Conference today, General Sir Gwyn will hail the launch of Atlantic Bastion as a pioneering new era of maritime warfare that blends the skill and expertise of highly trained crews with autonomous platforms and artificial intelligence.
General Sir Gwyn will say the programme continues the proud tradition of British maritime innovation, positioning Britain as the global leader in autonomous naval warfare whilst building on the UK’s world-leading anti-submarine warfare heritage.
First Sea Lord General Sir Gwyn Jenkins is expected to say: “We are a Navy that thrives when it is allowed to adapt. To evolve. We have never stood still – because the threats never do. The SDR identified the maritime domain as increasingly vulnerable – and that maritime security is a strategic imperative for the UK. It is time to act. This begins with Atlantic Bastion – our bold new approach to secure the underwater battlespace against a modernising Russia. Our commitment to Alliance. And it is happening now. A revolutionary underwater network is taking shape – from the Mid-Atlantic Ridge to the Norwegian Sea. More autonomous, more resilient, more lethal – and British built. We’ve already made rapid and significant progress with delivering Atlantic Bastion. A force that keeps us secure at home and strong abroad.”
Atlantic Bastion will see ships, submarines, aircraft and unmanned vessels connected through AI-powered acoustic detection technology and integrated into a digital targeting web – a pioneering network of weapons systems that allow battlefield decisions for targeting enemy threats to be made and executed faster.
Atlantic Bastion shows how the UK is pioneering transformation to hybrid navies, a sector worth £350 bn globally – which could create thousands of skilled British jobs, demonstrating defence as an engine for economic growth.
The programme represents a truly integrated, multi-domain approach, combining Royal Navy and Royal Air Force assets, Strategic Command digital infrastructure and commercial partners to create a networked system spanning air surface, underwater.
Dr Rich Drake, Managing Director of Anduril UK said: “The government has called upon industry to create the modern warfighter. We have designed Seabed Sentry in the UK in partnership with other British companies to deliver for our Armed Forces and protect allied waters from increasingly hostile actors. We are investing in British talent, in British technology and in Britain’s tomorrow. Anduril UK stands ready to defend British interests.”
Scott Jamieson, Managing Director of BAE Systems Defence Solutions, said: “Autonomy represents a transformative opportunity to redefine how operations are conducted above and below the waves. That is exactly why we developed Herne, the UK’s first autonomous extra large submarine for military use and its fully autonomous military control system, Nautomate. They deliver enhanced tactical flexibility, enable data-driven mission decisions and scale operations in ways that were previously unimaginable.”
Amelia Gould, General Manager Maritime at Helsing said: “Helsing has recognised the UK’s leadership in Maritime Defence innovation and deepened our commitment to the UK through our world leading AI and software centre in London and our newly opened Resilience Factory in Plymouth. Through self-funded development and UK-based trials of SG-1 Fathom and Lura, we have demonstrated the power of advanced AI and autonomy to change the game in the underwater battle space. As Europe’s leading Defence Technology company, Helsing is ready to play a leading role in Atlantic Bastion and create a sea drone wall to protect NATO. ” (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
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