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15 Dec 25. C-UAS provisions in US NDAA 2026 throw pending bipartisan legislation into question. Having passed in the House, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (NDAA 2026) is expected to soon be signed into law by President Donald Trump. The bill includes several counter-uncrewed aerial system (C-UAS) policy updates, much of which had already been touted – such as the termination of the Joint Counter-Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Office – as well as some that not have been welcomed by all members of the House. In September, the Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee approved bipartisan legislation to “reauthorise, reform, and reasonably expand” the C-UAS authorities of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ). This bill, HR 5061, designed to improve coordination requirements amongst the authorised agencies, sets out standards for C-UAS training programmes and establishes the first ever Counter-UAS Mitigation Law Enforcement Pilot Program. The bill also includes a special programme to ensure eligible state and local law enforcement agencies have the necessary tools to maintain safety and security from credible threats posed by UAS for major events. Furthermore, the legislation addresses counter-UAS detection and mitigation protection at critical infrastructure sites and in the airport environment. However, Ranking Member of the T&I Committee, Rick Larsen says the NDAA “air drops” its own C-UAS proposal rather than working to advance the approved HR 5061.
“I’m disappointed that the Trump administration and House Republican leadership undermined a bipartisan, tri-committee solution to protect the public and U.S. airspace from nefarious and unlawful drones,” Larsen said. “The administration’s air-dropped proposal has serious problems—including minimising the critical safety role of the Federal Aviation Administration and significantly expanding use of high-risk counter-UAS technologies with lax safety guardrails. Public safety must always come first, and I remain committed to working on implementation of this provision to ensure the safe, responsible expansion of counter-UAS technologies.”
As part of the Safer Skies Act within the NDAA 2026, legislation amends existing federal statutes to expand the authorities of the DHS and DOJ to carry out detection, tracking and mitigation in the event that UAS pose a threat to covered facilities and events. It also requires that the DHS and DOJ, in coordination with both the defence and transportation departments, to issue regulations governing C-UAS authority for state, local, Tribal, and territorial law-enforcement agencies and correctional agencies. The NDAA adds that training and compliance requirements must be established before any such agency conducts C-UAS operations.
It is worth noting that fifteen national public safety associations wrote a letter urging Congress to include comprehensive counter-UAS authority for state and local law enforcement and corrections in the final NDAA 2026 to give state and local agencies the authority to detect, track, identify and mitigate drones that threaten public safety.
Elsewhere, the NDAA sets out C-UAS authorities for the defence, homeland security, justice and energy departments, For example, the Department of Energy has expanded authorities for protecting airspace above nuclear sites from unauthorised drones, including the use of “reasonable force”.
Under the NDAA 2026, the defence department will be required to submit additional data regarding UAS detection and mitigation incidents. The contents of the Committee-approved and comprehensive HR 5061, which is yet to clear the House, has bipartisan support and some of the bill may yet be incorporated into the United States drone defences in future, or it may have seen its day before progressing any further through Congress. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
16 Dec 25. UK MOD announces new USD190m spend on drones and C-UAS systems. UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) – launched earlier this year – will inject over UKP142m (USD 190m) rapid investment into drones and anti-drone weapons this year, its first year in operation. This includes around UKP30m investment this year into counter-drone technology to protect the UK homeland and allies, in the face of increasing Russian-linked drone incursions across Europe, said a UK Ministry of Defence press release. UKDI was launched by Defence Secretary John Healey MP in July this year to be the focal point for innovation within the Ministry of Defence, backed by a ringfenced annual budget of at least UKO400 m. It takes a new approach, using different ways of contracting, to enable UK companies to scale up innovative prototypes rapidly.
“While many of the companies involved remain anonymous, the drones investment this year includes 20 British SMEs, 11 British ‘Micro-SMEs’, and 2 British Academic institutions,” said the MoD. “The rapid investment delivers on the Strategic Defence Review which set out how the UK must take the lessons from the war in Ukraine – such as rapidly advancing drones and unmanned systems – to put the UK’s Armed Forces at the leading edge of innovation in NATO.”
Around UKP 20 m to support development of additional laser weapons to complement the UK’s ‘DragonFire’ system, according to defence secretary John Healey. “This follows the signing of a UKP300m contract to install the first DragonFire anti-drone systems onto Type 45 destroyers from 2027, five years earlier than previously planned, creating and sustaining almost 600 jobs across the country.” (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
17 Dec 25. Simulated drone swarm attack reveals gaps in C-UAS detection and mitigation. The Center for Cybersecurity Policy and Law (CCPL) has released a new report today (December 17) that examines the rise of malicious drone activity and potential gaps in the United States’ current counter-uncrewed aerial system (C-UAS) authorities, resources and preparedness. Based on a three-hour, multi-agency security exercise hosted by Grand Sky in Grand Forks, North Dakota, in October 2025, CCPL’s Meeting the Homeland C-UAS Threat documents how a coordinated drone attack could overwhelm local, state and federal responders. The October exercise used a hypothetical scenario where a swarm of small commercial drones laden with explosives descended on people departing a university hockey game, leaving multiple dead and more wounded. Another swarm attacked the electric grid, causing a power outage across the entire town and surrounding area, while the nearby air base suffered considerable damage from a third wave of attack. Teams were tasked with responding to threat briefings that included inchoate warnings about a potential, impending attack; reacting to an attack that caused loss of life, injuries and damage to property; and engaging in recovery actions, while still facing the possibility of follow-on attacks. CCPL says the exercise proved that effective detection is vital and that without it, there is no way to assess whether reported drone sightings are actual drones and whether they are being flown maliciously. The report notes that effective detection is “hindered by several limitations, including a lack of baseline mapping of what is “ordinarily” in the airspace, resource constraints, confusion about the kinds of detection measures permitted under current law, and legal restrictions on engaging in certain advanced detection measures that interact with the communication signal between a drone operator and the drone”. To address this shortcoming, the report says the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) should be “authorised and resourced to create this mapping in coordination with private sector partners and required to make this information available to state and local partners”. The report also highlights a lack of effective C-UAS authorities, a timely issue, as Congress debates expanded C-UAS authorities as part of the FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act as well as other legislation. CCPL says that provisions included in the act would, if enacted into law, “go a long way to addressing these issues, including by expanding federal authorities to engage in mitigation measures, granting mitigation authorities to trained state and local authorities, and setting a 2031 sunset, which puts all of these authorities on a longer term footing.” In terms of infrastructure funding, federal USD 500 m grant programme supports state and local officials’ efforts to purchase detection equipment and put in place a stronger C-UAS programme, while a separate USD 625 m FIFA World Cup Grant Program can also be used to purchase UAS detection and tracking equipment for the 11 states where the sporting event will be held. CCPL says more resources and a broader geographic reach are needed to support additional state and local officials across the nation. CCPL recommends that C-UAS measures are integrated into core security planning. “Management of the threat posed by the malicious or negligent use of drones needs to be integrated and normalized as part of core security planning,” the report states. “Conversely, management of the drone threat should incorporate key elements of crisis management and prevention, regardless of the source of the threat.”
The report says that Temporary Flight Restrictions are “useful tools” and notes that the FAA has indicated an intent to issue a new rule (known as the “2209 Rule”) that would “enable critical infrastructure owners and operators and entities that bring together large numbers of people to more easily request and obtain such restrictions”. CCPL says this would better support detection and appropriate response efforts and that the FAA should expedite issuance of this new rule.
With US drone use predicted to reach three m by 2027, amid growing geopolitical as well as domestic tensions, CCPL’s mock exercise and subsequent report serve as both a warning of what might happen and also what might be done to prevent or mitigate such an attack.
For more information
Center for Cybersecurity Policy and Law
CCPL is a non-profit organisation that develops, advances and promotes best practices and educational opportunities among homeland security and cybersecurity professionals. Meeting the Homeland C-UAS Threat was written by Jennifer Daskal, Davis Hake and Tim McGiff. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
17 Dec 25. Ondas, Heidelberger Druckmaschinen partner to develop European C-UAS scalability. Ondas Holdings Inc. through its Ondas Autonomous Systems (OAS) business unit today announced that OAS and Heidelberger Druckmaschinen, a global technology and mechanical engineering company, intend to jointly examine the establishment of European manufacturing and integration capacity across Ondas’ autonomous systems portfolio. The focus will be on counter-UAV (C-UAV) solutions and ISR systems (Intelligence, Surveillance und Reconnaissance). German Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy Katherina Reiche said: “The signing of the MOU between Ondas Autonomous Systems and Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG highlights the benefits of German Israeli cooperation for both sides. Through this collaboration, we gain leading expertise in the detection and defence against drones, while Ondas gains an industrialisation partner in Europe that is ready to start immediately. This will enable European security authorities to be supplied at short notice and critical infrastructure in Europe to be protected against drone attacks. A true win-win situation in a field of technology that is currently as important as hardly any other.”
“Europe is entering a generational investment cycle in defence modernization, with a clear mandate for autonomous capabilities, resilient supply chains, and the localization of critical technologies,” said Eric Brock, Chairman and CEO of Ondas. “By pursuing a partnership with HEIDELBERG, one of Germany’s most respected industrial manufacturers, we aim to significantly strengthen our ability to participate in this multi-year capital deployment. A collaboration has the potential to provide Ondas with a scalable European operating platform, aligning us with regional procurement requirements, and meaningfully expanding our addressable market across NATO and EU member states. This partnership positions Ondas to compete and win in Europe at a much larger scale, while building the industrial foundation needed to support durable, long-term growth.”
“By combining industrial manufacturing capabilities of HEIDELBERG with OAS’ proven autonomous technologies, we aim to localize production, shorten deployment timelines, and provide robust lifecycle support directly within Europe. Our goal is, to strengthen our ability to meet urgent mission requirements across the region with reliable, scalable, and locally supported multi-domain solutions,” said Oshri Lugassy, Co-CEO of Ondas Autonomous Systems.
For more information
https://www.heidelberg.com/global/en/about_heidelberg/press_relations/press_release/press_release_details/press_release_257 (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
19 Dec 25. UAV DACH makes six demands for effective drone detection and defence in Europe. The Association for Unmanned Aviation (UAV DACH) has set out a framework comprising six demands as a contribution to effective and efficient drone detection and defence.
Unified European air picture
First, UAV DACH calls for the creation of a unified European air situation picture in the lower airspace.
“A real-time air situation picture is not only essential for effective and efficient drone detection and defence, but also for the safe, uniform and integrated use of lower airspace, especially given the increasing number of commercial drone applications in the coming years,” the association says.
The Europe-wide, real-time air situation picture for the lower airspace would differentiate between legal and illegal drone operations with binding rules of engagement, clear responsibilities, and technical interoperability between detection infrastructure and government response resources.
Mandatory Europe-wide ADS-L
UAV DACH also wants to see the mandatory Europe-wide introduction of ADS-L for all drones and aircraft in the lower airspace.
“As of today, the identification systems used or required are insufficient for a comprehensive air situation picture with unambiguous identification in real time; consequently, no one can currently identify which aircraft are in the lower airspace, with what purpose, and in what position,” UAV DACH states. “For the development of industrial, fully automated drone operations, the seamless detectability of all air traffic participants is essential, and scalable systems are needed. ADS-L fulfills these requirements and is already recognised as an identification standard in the EU and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). From an industry perspective, it is also very cost-effective and scalable.”
Threat scenario definitions
A comprehensive and complete definition of all possible threat scenarios is also needed, the association says, noting that such data would make it possible to identify and define requirements and standards for the procurement of detection and defence technologies in the interest of the entire UAS industry. It would also reveal which technological gaps still exist and could be addressed through industry-related or targeted research and funding projects.
“The goal is to establish a comprehensive, resilient system for drone detection and defence, based on an interplay of legal frameworks, technological based on capabilities, organisational structures, and human competence,” UAV DACH says. “This system must become an integral part of the existing national risk management system and form the basis for a coordinated, safe, and legally compliant response to current and future threats in the lower airspace.”
Drone detection funding
UAV DACH says that the UAS industry needs a holistic research and funding strategy at both the national and European levels. “Currently, there is not a single funding programme that explicitly focuses on UAS, let alone drone detection and defence.
It is calling for the implementation of consistent, industry-oriented and milestone-based funding for drone detection and defence technologies along with a massive expansion of rapid selection and approval procedures to enable a rapid response to new threat situations and technological breakthroughs as well as a reduction of entry barriers for Startups/young companies in funding and procurement processes.
European competence centre for drone defence
“Sectoral solo efforts, disputes over competencies and responsibilities, lack of overview of all possible threat scenarios, lack of overview of existing technologies and technological gaps, preferential treatment of large companies, lack of a legal framework, inconsistent standards and still unclear political responsibilities are neither in the interest of effective and efficient drone detection and defence nor in the interest of industry and the public,” UAV DACH says.
To overcome these shortcomings, the association calls for a European competence centre for drone detection and defence to be established.
Drone technologies are developing rapidly, while individual states are currently pursuing fragmented solutions and focusing only on individual threat scenarios or solutions. A joint centre would pool expertise, harmonise standards, initiate and coordinate continuous research and funding measures, and enable the rapid exchange of air situational awareness, innovations and best practices.
UAV DACH says such a centre would be comparable to Europol in its coordination and exchange function and prevent duplication of efforts.
Private drone operation rules
Finally, the association calls for specification of the rules for private drone operation, noting that it is appropriate to specify the rules for the private operation of drones in order to promote increasing commercial drone operation while simultaneously ensuring greater safety in the lower airspace.
“Rule violations occur, among other things, where rules are complex, communicated inconsistently and not adequately enforced. This weakens social acceptance and market development equally. Specifying the rules for the private operation of drones protects established safety standards while simultaneously enabling the orderly expansion of commercial, socially beneficial drone applications.”
UAV DACH touts the possibility of applying for a time- and geographically limited exemption permit for the private use of drones over public property/areas (e.g., for filming a sporting event) up to a maximum height of 50 metres. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
19 Dec 25. BigBear and C Speed form AI-enabled threat detection partnership. BigBear.ai has formed a partnership with C Speed, LLC to provide AI-enabled threat detection capabilities. BigBear.ai’s ConductorOS AI orchestration platform will be integrated with C Speed’s software-defined LightWave Radar (LWR) system, supporting air and missile defence, and counter-uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS) applications. C Speed’s radars are manufactured in the United States and are available as both aerostat-based and tower-based systems. The companies say that integrating ConductorOS with C Speed’s sensor capabilities will enable “AI-driven fusion across multiple sensors to support complex mission engagements, including C-UAS”. The combined system is designed to accelerate operator threat detection and response timelines. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
21 Dec 25. US C-UAS spending to soar following passage of Safer Skies Act – where will the money go?On December 18 President Trump signed the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) into law. Included in the NDAA is the Safer Skies Act, which will allow State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial (SLTT) law enforcement and correctional officers to manage the threat of rogue drones, after years of being contained by federal law. The Act gives SLTT security agencies the explicit authority to use technology to detect and track unmanned aircraft systems and the ability to disrupt or disable drones if a credible threat is determined. It also includes federal funding for the necessary technology and training to identify operators. Under the current rules, federal security agencies have been the only organisations authorised to manage drone threat at sports stadiums. Currently, Temporary Flight Restrictions are set up around the arenas, typically banning drones below 3,000 feet within a 3-nautical-mile radius, starting one hour before an event and ending one hour after. But these have not worked. According to the US National Football League, more than 2,000 drone incursions have been reported above games over the last three years. The Act is accompanied by significant federal financial support to C-UAS purchases. A USD 500 m Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant programme has been launched to help state and local officials purchase drone detection equipment. In fiscal Year (FY) 2026, USD250m is available, “with funding prioritized for jurisdictions hosting National Special Security Events (NSSEs) or Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) 1 or 2 events, such as the FIFA World Cup 2026 and America 250 events,” according to FEMA with the remaining USD250 m, plus any unallocated funds from FY 2026, to be distributed in FY2027. A separate USD625m FIFA World Cup Grant Program, also managed by FEMA, is available for 11 states to purchase detection and tracking systems ahead of the 2026 tournament. SLTT security agencies will coordinate their C-UAS purchasing, support, scaling and training activities with new Joint Interagency Task Force 401 (IATF 401) to ensure optimised coordination between military and civil C-UAS activities. The Department for Homeland Security Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate conducts testing and evaluation of various C-UAS systems and maintains specific lists for internal component guidance and grant programmes.
So where will the new money be spent?
The first task of SLTT security agencies and IATF 2011 colleagues will be to determine what the most likely threat to stadium and prison facilities will be. Is the main threat from commercial drones which can be easily detected by RF detectors and defeated by cyber-take over, AI based smart-jammers or net capture systems – certainly the main challenge for correctional facilities and local police units? Or will stadiums require a layered defence system, with RF, acoustic, optical, thermal and radar sensors networking within a command-and-control system, backed up by a range of mitigation systems, capable of dealing with a drone not emitting an RF signal? Such threats are normally only found on the battlefields of Ukraine.
The difference in cost between these two approaches is huge – perhaps USD250,000 for a basic RF detection/mitigation system to several m dollars for a fully layered network.
For most SLTT agencies the threat will come from commercial drones or DIY drones which still use commercial communications components which can be detected by RF analysers and neutralised by mobile cyber take-over or AI-based smart jammers, rather than autonomous drones developed with the backing of government agencies.
However, there is an increasing trend for police counter-drone units around the world to be equipped with more complex mobile, layered counter-UAS platforms. The Singapore Police Force uses an integrated counter-drone system developed with the Home Team Science and Technology Agency which features a range of sensors and communications disruption systems. Germany’s police force has recently gone a step further by organising counter-drone units equipped with a range of detectors, AI analysis tools to identify risks, jamming systems, interceptor drones and even firearms.
High profile stadium events which could be considered as a more likely target for terrorist attacks will require a layered, networked, systems, of the type which are currently going into operation at US Air Force bases around the world.
The military, across all services, have requested USD3.1 m for counter-drone systems in the NDAA, according to media reports (see sources), which means spending on C-UAS equipment in the USA next year is likely to be more than USD4 bn – especially when non-federal purchases are considered.
This is considerably more than most high-level forecasts for counter-UAS sales in the USA have predicted (see table below).
As with all C-UAS equipment purchasing decisions, the key determinant will be understanding the nature of the threat and potential actors involved. One complicating factor in the USA is that the deployment of C-UAS equipment will coincide with the deployment of more UTM systems, many of them using low-altitude radar sensors, to support growing numbers of more complex drone flights and initial eVTOL operations. Although this will give security agencies more capabilities to detect rogue drones, it will also mean the C-UAS and UTM system deployment will need to be carefully coordinated, so rogue drones can be identified as early possible in an increasingly crowded low level airspace.
High level views of the US counter-UAS market
Forecast
Headline forecast
2026 US estimates
Source
Mobility
Foresights
The USA Counter UAS Market is projected to grow from USD1.85bn in 2025 to USD6.92bn by 2031, at a CAGR of 24.5%
USD2.3bn
https://mobilityforesights.com
Grand View Research
The global anti-drone market size was estimated at USD 3,180.9m in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 19,844.5m by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 25.2% from 2026 to 2033. The North America dominated the global anti-drone market with the largest revenue share of over 44% in 2025.
USD1.83bn
https://www.grandviewresearch.com
Market Research Future
The Anti-Drone industry is projected to grow from USD 0.8594 Bn in 2025 to USD 8.004 Bn by 2035, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25.0% during the forecast period 2025 – 2035
North America holding approximately 45% of the global market share
USD482.5m
https://www.marketresearchfuture.com
Research Nester
The anti-drone market was values at 3.32bn in 2025 and is set to exceed USD40.75 bn by 2035, reigersting over 28.5% CAGR. In the year 2026 the industry size of anti-drone is estimated at USD4.17 bn
USD4.17bn
https://www.researchnester.com/
Roots Analysis
The anti drone market is projected to grow from USD2.70bn in 2025 to USD 33.97bn by 2035, representing a CAGR of 28.8%. North American accounts for over 45% of the total.
USD1.56bn
https://www.rootsanalysis.com
Precedence
Research
The global anti-drone market size accounted for USD 2.97bn in 2025, and is expected to reach around USD 26.26bn by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 27.52% from 2025 to 2034.North America accounts for over 46% of the global market.
USD1.73bn
https://www.precedenceresearch.com
For more information
Billions for new uncrewed systems and drone-killing tech included in Pentagon’s 2026 budget plan
https://balticsentinel.eu/8372571/new-german-police-unit-formed-to-track-jam-and-shoot-down-drones
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/new-team-of-police-officers-first-to-be-equipped-with-off-road-vehicles-drones-on-patrol
https://armedservices.house.gov/uploadedfiles/fy26_ndaa_conference_text_legislative_summary.pdf (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
22 Dec 25. The Italian Army has received its first Skynex air defence system from Rheinmetall. On 18 December 2025, the first Skynex battery was handed over to the Italian Army at the Comando Artiglieria Controaeri (Air Defence Artillery Command) in Sabaudia. This gives the Italian Army the capability to defend against air attacks at close and very close range. In particular, it will enable effective countermeasures against drones, which – as seen in the war in Ukraine – are playing an increasingly important role in current and future conflicts and are bringing warfare into cities. It was only in January 2025 that Rheinmetall Italia S.p.A., Rome, received the order to deliver the first system with a total value of €73 m. The contract also includes an option for three additional systems. Italy is the first NATO member state to introduce Rheinmetall’s Skynex technology Skynex technology including the Revolver Gun Mk3 35mm. The order is thus an important corner stone in Rheinmetall’s strategy of establishing a new standard in the field of cannon-based air defence for international armed forces. NATO member Romania also recently opted for Skynex in combination with another type of gun already in service there (GDF-009 twin guns). Skynex air defence systems are already proving their quality to the Ukrainian armed forces in the harsh conditions of war, protecting people and property from airborne threats.
The Skynex Air Defence System
Skynex is a cannon-based air defence system and is therefore especially suitable for close-range protection where guided weapons cannot operate effectively. The 35mm Revolver Gun Mk3 cannons have a cadence of 1,000 rounds per minute and a range of up to 4 kilometres. The system uses programmable Ahead ammunition that is resistant to electronic countermeasures and ensures precise target engagement. In terms of cost-effectiveness, the ammunition is significantly more efficient than comparable missile-based systems. Operational successes in the Ukraine underline the efficiency with which the cannon-based air defence system can defend against air targets – especially cruise missiles and drones. Skynex is based on the concept of separating the airspace surveillance from the effectors. Italy has opted for the configuration with the XTAR 3D radar from Rheinmetall, which can monitor the airspace in a radius of up to 50 km. Thanks to its existing modularity, the required resources can be connected to the command-and-control network depending on the mission. Skynex offers great autonomy in terms of sensors and effectors, as to integrating a wide range of modern air defence systems into the system. The only requirement is the presence of a dedicated tracking unit. In addition to individual sensors and effectors, existing air defence systems such as Rheinmetall’s Skyshield and Skyguard families can also be integrated into the new architecture as firing units. The detected air situation is displayed in a remote command-and-control centre on a map with the sensors and effectors positioned in the field, thus easing a target assignment to the air defence assets connected to the system.
18 Dec 25. Rheinmetall and SATIM sign technology supply agreement: Support for German customer in SAR programme. The technology group Rheinmetall, based in Düsseldorf, and SATIM Monitoring Satelitarny, a Polish deep-tech company specialising in the AI-supported analysis of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery, have signed a technology supply contract. The content is the support of the German customer’s satellite-based reconnaissance program. The agreement formalises SATIM’s role as a technology supplier to Rheinmetall for the delivery of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities for the Bundeswehr. Under the contract, SATIM will supply AI-based capabilities that transform large volumes of complex radar imagery into actionable information. The agreement supports SPOCK-1, the German satellite reconnaissance program awarded to Rheinmetall ICEYE Space Solutions. SATIM will provide its technology as a supplier within the European Union, while Rheinmetall will operate the system independently in Germany.
Dr. Timo Haas, CEO Rheinmetall Electronics emphasises: “Our partnership with SATIM marks another important milestone in advancing Rheinmetall’s strategy to strengthen our capabilities and footprint in an increasingly digital and connected battlespace. By combining our expertise and technologies, we are building a powerful foundation for faster, data-driven decision-making and superior situational awareness for our customers. This collaboration is another example of cutting-edge and combat-ready solutions at speed.”
Commenting on the agreement, Jacek Strzelczyk, CEO of SATIM, said: “The contract between SATIM and Rheinmetall combines the agility and innovation of a deep-tech startup with the scale and mission experience of a global defence prime. Together, we will deliver effective solutions that support Germany’s national security priorities and will strengthen allied defence capabilities. This milestone demonstrates the maturity of our technology and its alignment with Germany’s ISR requirements.”
The technology supply contract brings together Rheinmetall’s system integration expertise and its established position in the German defence market with SATIM’s AI-based data analysis capabilities. The collaboration is intended to enhance situational awareness, support informed decision-making, and enable timely operational responses in a complex and evolving security environment.
About Rheinmetall
Rheinmetall is a leading international defence systems company and a driver of forward-looking innovations in civil markets. Through its technologies, products and systems, Rheinmetall creates the indispensable foundation for peace, freedom and sustainable development: security. The DAX-listed company has more than 40,000 employees at 174 locations worldwide and generated sales of around €9.8 bn in the 2024 financial year.
About SATIM
SATIM Monitoring Satelitarny Sp. z o.o. is a European deep tech company based in Krakow, Poland. It develops advanced solutions for automatically analysing radar satellite images using artificial intelligence. Its technology converts large volumes of complex SAR data into actionable information, helping customers in the defence, security, and intelligence sectors worldwide to enhance their situational awareness,operational decision-making, and strategic planning.
22 Dec 25. US Marines Train with M1014 Shotgun as Counter-Drone Solution Against Small Aerial Threats. U.S. Marines at Camp Pendleton used the M1014 shotgun in live counter-drone training during Exercise Steel Knight 25. The drills show how frontline units are adding practical, close-range tools to handle fast, low-flying aerial threats. On December 2, 2025, during a training event at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Marines used the M1014 shotgun to engage small, low-flying drones as part of their regular Steel Knight 25 field regiment. Instructors described the work as hands-on, live-fire training that builds confidence and muscle memory for Marines who may face similar threats in dispersed or urban environments. The service is expanding these drills across multiple units as small drones become a routine presence in global conflicts. The U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton range puts U.S. Marines in realistic engagement scenarios, requiring them to detect targets visually, track them, and fire rapidly at drone-representative targets. These drills reinforced the shotgun’s role as a last-line defensive tool when drones approach too quickly or at altitudes too low for sensors or jammers to stop. The M1014 (Benelli M4) is a 12-gauge semiautomatic shotgun with a gas-operated action for reliable cycling. Its 7+1 capacity, quick recoil recovery, and compatibility with various shells support close-range use. Specialized buckshot and frangible rounds spread to damage drone rotors, sensors, and lightweight frames. U.S. Marines calculated leads, executed rapid shoulder transitions, and coordinated team firing—techniques essential for engaging drones that maneouvre unpredictably. The training showed how the shotgun serves as an affordable, immediately available countermeasure that fills a critical gap in layered C-UAS (Counter Unmanned Aerial System) defence. This approach is not unique to the United States. Several armies worldwide have begun using combat shotguns as counter-drone weapons due to their simplicity and low cost. Forces in the United Kingdom, Australia, Ukraine, and multiple NATO members have fielded 12-gauge platforms for short-range drone interception, often pairing them with handheld radars or visual spotters. In recent conflicts, shotgun fire has proven particularly effective at stopping small quadcopters during reconnaissance or explosive delivery missions. By incorporating shotgun-based counter-drone engagements into Steel Knight 25, the Marine Corps aligns its training with global best practices. Many militaries view the shotgun as a practical defensive tool that can be carried at the squad level, requires minimal electronics, and offers immediate lethality against small UAS that bypass sophisticated air-defence networks. Officials supporting the event highlighted that enemy drone use is expanding rapidly, as adversaries rely on inexpensive commercial and military-grade platforms for surveillance and precision attacks. Units that quickly destroy these systems at close range strengthen force protection for expeditionary forces and enhance survivability during distributed operations. Deploying the M1014 in counter-drone roles signals an immediate shift in U.S. defense priorities. As small UAS threats accelerate in both capabilities and numbers, the Marine Corps must act now by integrating combat-proven tools to ensure readiness in every environment. (Source: UAS VISION/Army Recognition)
18 Dec 25. AeroVironment, Inc. (“AV”) (NASDAQ: AVAV), a leading provider of counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) technologies, today announced the successful delivery of two Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV)-mounted mobile C-UAS Laser Weapon Systems (LWS) to the U.S. Army as part of the second increment of the Army Multi-Purpose High Energy Laser (AMP-HEL) prototyping effort. These systems were delivered to the Army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO), now integrated into the Portfolio Acquisition Executive Fires, reflecting the Army’s ongoing transformation and acquisition reform efforts.
In September, AV announced delivery of the first increment of AMP-HEL prototype systems–two LOCUST LWS integrated on the General Motors Defense Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV) platform. This second-increment system on the Oshkosh JLTV platform features the same 20kW-class LOCUST LWS with a larger aperture beam director, improving lethality performance.
“AV continues to deliver proven, efficient, modular laser weapon systems that perform and protect in real-world threat environments,” said Mary Clum, President, Space, Cyber & Directed Energy for AV. “Integrated as part of these AMP-HEL systems, LOCUST is a cost-effective, rugged, precise, and scalable solution that is addressing the ever-evolving UAS threats our warfighters are facing on frontlines today. With the technology proven, we remain focused on advancing capabilities while scaling manufacturing to meet the growing demand.”
AV delivered its first LOCUST LWS to RCCTO as part of the Palletized-High Energy Laser (P-HEL) program in 2022. With more than three years of operational deployment outside the United States, these state-of-the-art LWS have demonstrated exceedingly high operational availability rates for prototype systems after first generation lessons learned informed necessary improvements now supporting current technology development efforts. During these deployments, the LOCUST-equipped P-HEL systems, now integrated on AMP-HEL, have performed their designed mission against UAS threats in real world combat.
“Directed energy is no longer a future concept—it is a proven force-protection capability,” said John Garrity, Vice President of AV’s Directed Energy business unit. “Since deployed, LOCUST-equipped P-HEL systems have actively protected warfighters, allies, and critical infrastructure against aerial threats. With LOCUST’s target acquisition, tracking and precision beam control, warfighters have an easy-to-use, reliable, trusted, and proven solution against the very real and evolving threats of modern warfare.”
Designed to be platform-agnostic and rapidly deployable, AV’s directed-energy systems integrate seamlessly with Army command-and-control architectures, providing a critical C-UAS capability that protects Soldiers and assets across a wide range of missions and environments. These systems have been successfully integrated in fixed-site base defense systems and on maneuverable platforms, including the ISV and JLTV, and mounted on the Light Medium Tactical Vehicle for increased mobility. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
18 Dec 25. ParaZero Showcases DefendAir C-UAS to German Law Enforcement & Security Officials. Autonomous net-deploying Counter-UAS technology successfully demonstrates rapid deployment and neutralization capabilities to senior officers representing all 16 German federal states. ParaZero Technologies has successfully demonstrated its advanced DefendAir Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS) to a delegation of German law enforcement leadership at a high-profile event in Israel. Organized by the International Defense Cooperation Directorate (SIBAT) at the Israel Ministry of Defense’s demonstration facility, the event hosted more than 45 senior officers and officials representing all 16 constituent states of the Federal Republic of Germany. This showcase highlighted the company’s position in providing drone defense solutions to European agencies, addressing the growing concern regarding unauthorized UAS threats to public safety and critical infrastructure. The live demonstration focused on the DefendAir system, a portable and non-explosive solution designed to deploy a net that captures and neutralizes hostile drones. During simulated real-world scenarios, the system reportedly performed without error, exhibiting rapid deployment, high accuracy, and the ability to integrate seamlessly with existing security protocols. The delegation received a technical briefing on the system’s capabilities, exploring potential pathways for procurement within Germany.
Ariel Alon, CEO of ParaZero, said, “This successful demonstration represents ParaZero’s dedication to expanding to the European defense market. The positive recognition from Germany’s police leadership validates the effectiveness of our DefendAir system in addressing evolving aerial threats. We are excited about the opportunities this opens for strategic partnerships and deployments that enhance public safety worldwide.”
DefendAir is a key component of ParaZero’s broader portfolio of autonomous safety and technologies intended to protect urban environments, military installations, and civilian assets. Following recent substantial orders from global defense corporations and strategic distribution agreements in Western Europe, the company plans to continue its engagement with German partners by attending the “Enforce Tac” exhibition in Nuremberg this coming February. (Source: https://www.defenseadvancement.com/)
18 Dec 25. Joint Interagency Task Force Integrates Skills, Creates Layered Counter-Drone Defense. Small unmanned aircraft systems, once largely confined to overseas battlefields, are increasingly being exploited by criminal organizations, cartels and terrorist networks inside the homeland. In response, the War Department is leading a coordinated, whole-of-government effort to strengthen counter-unmanned aircraft systems capabilities in direct support of military forces and state, local, territorial and tribal law enforcement partners. At the center of this effort is Joint Interagency Task Force 401, a specialized organization established in August to rapidly integrate, test and deliver C-UAS capabilities. The task force’s mission and progress in support of local law enforcement were the focus of a law enforcement symposium held at Joint Base Myer–Henderson Hall in Arlington, Virginia, Dec. 11. The urgency of that partnership is underscored by recent real-world events, during which drones disrupted air travel in Europe.
“Unmanned systems are a defining threat of our time,” said Army Brig. Gen. Matt Ross, JIATF-401 director. “They are prolific, they are evolving rapidly, and they are no longer confined to combat zones. Nothing is more important than defending our homeland, our people and the law enforcement professionals who protect them every day.”
The central focus of JIATF 401’s mission is supporting state, local, territorial and tribal law enforcement, particularly as the nation prepares to host major international events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics. This includes enhanced planning, technical integration and assisting with capability delivery to the 11 U.S. cities scheduled to host World Cup matches. To accelerate this support, the task force is working in close coordination with the Defense Logistics Agency to assist law enforcement agencies and to leverage a Notice of Funding Opportunity from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The $250 m available is dedicated to counter-UAS and air domain awareness capabilities. Through this partnership, DLA provides contracting expertise, logistics support and scalable procurement pathways to help state, local, territorial and tribal agencies move rapidly to full-fielded capabilities.
“Our goal is to integrate sensors, effectors and mission command systems into a responsive, interoperable network that protects service members and American citizens alike,” Ross said. “By pairing JIATF 401’s operational expertise with DLA’s logistics and contracting capabilities, we are helping law enforcement turn available grant funding into real, deployable counter-UAS capacity, quickly and responsibly.”
A cornerstone of this effort is the development of a counter-UAS marketplace, a centralized mechanism that allows interagency and law enforcement partners to access DOW test data, operational user feedback and validated procurement options. This approach reduces risk, accelerates fielding timelines and ensures taxpayer resources are applied to proven solutions. The symposium also highlighted the need for a shared, integrated air picture across jurisdictions. The Joint Task Force National Capital Region and the Military District of Washington shared their experiences coordinating and executing a counter-drone training exercise, which can serve as a model for municipalities across the country, in Washington, Nov. 17-21.
“We need a common air picture that includes drones,” Ross said, citing more than 3,000 drone incursions detected along the southern border in the past year. “That requires integrating data from both classified and unclassified sensors and proliferating active and passive sensing across federal and nonfederal partners. We’re not there yet, but we are making measurable progress.”
Senior leaders from across the federal and law enforcement enterprises attended the symposium, including Army Secretary Daniel P. Driscoll, and JTF NCR and MDW Commander Army Brig. Gen. Antoinette Gan.
Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House FIFA Task Force, also participated to highlight how his team is working with JIATF 401 to assist local law enforcement in cities hosting 2026 World Cup matches — underscoring the depth and breadth of the coalition aligned behind this mission.
Ross said events like this serve as a clear signal of national resolve. Through sustained partnership with state, local, territorial and tribal law enforcement, deliberate integration with DLA, and disciplined use of FEMA grant funding, DOW is strengthening the nation’s ability to secure its airspace and protect the American people today, and in the years ahead.
“JIATF-401 exists to integrate joint and interagency skills to create the layered counter-drone defense our nation requires,” he added. (Source: U.S. DoD)
18 Dec 25. Interagency Senior Leaders Discuss Tactics on Advancing Counter UAS Efforts. Joint interagency and law enforcement senior leaders met to establish a shared understanding of counter-small unmanned aerial system threat detection and mitigation best practices during a law enforcement symposium hosted by the Joint Task Force National Capital Region at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Virginia, Dec. 11. The joint task force, in partnership with Joint Interagency Task Force 401, used lessons learned from a recent counter-small UAS exercise held at Fort McNair, Washington, to bridge knowledge gaps and strengthen partnerships. The symposium brought together leaders from the War Department, civilian law enforcement and World Cup host cities to discuss counter-small UAS capabilities and limitations, as well as optimizing resource sharing and procurement.
“The goal of the day is to be able to share the lessons learned from our recent threat simulation exercise and work together to strengthen the law enforcement correlation, as required for high-profile events that are on the horizon,” said Army Brig. Gen. Antoinette Gant, joint task force commanding general.
The joint task force remains committed to leading these efforts in the National Capital Region to ensure collaboration that is necessary to evolving and increased security challenges, Gant said.
“We must leverage the insights we gained today to enhance our small UAS capabilities and our operational readiness as we continue to break down barriers internally and externally to the military and interagency, state and local law enforcement partners,” the general said.
The increased use of small UAS, or drones, presents a rapidly evolving threat landscape that requires a coordinated approach and cooperation across all government agencies to effectively address everything from detection and tracking to mitigation and neutralization.
“The problem with a drone is it is completely indifferent to land boundaries, it’s completely indifferent to where federal property becomes state property, becomes a local monitor area, and the violence that can be inflicted is nearly limitless because of the low price,” said Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll. “From the Army perspective, now is the time we have to , we have to do it together.”
Effective counter-small UAS threat mitigation requires real-time information sharing between federal, state and local entities, and establishing clear command and control structures during incidents. This was expertly demonstrated in the recent exercise at Fort McNair, where the joint task force worked with local law enforcement to detect and mitigate simulated small UAS threats.
“It’s not a matter of if, but when we’ll have to exercise our counter drone defenses,” said Army Brig. Gen. Matt Ross, Joint Interagency Task Force 401 director. “We all share the same sense of urgency to keep pace with this growing threat, and I believe that collectively in this room, we’ve got the resources, and the expertise to keep the public safe. Nothing is more important than the homeland, our people, our first responders, and supporting warfighters both at home and abroad.” (Source: U.S. DoD)
19 Dec 25. Vuzix® Corporation (NASDAQ: VUZI), (“Vuzix” or, the “Company”), a leading supplier of AI-powered smart glasses, advanced waveguides, and augmented reality (AR) technologies for defense and enterprise applications, today announced the continuation of its multi-year development collaboration with Collins Aerospace, an RTX business. The relationship has resulted in the production approval and delivery of advanced waveguide-based AR display systems for deployment across multiple U.S. Department of Defense programs. Under this development program, Vuzix has already completed the design and development of a waveguide-based display engine for a Collins Aerospace next-generation wearable display system, initially aimed at supporting dismounted soldier operations and drone control. This collaboration enables near-term low-rate initial production (LRIP) and strategically positions both companies to meet projected full-rate production needs beginning in 2026, leveraging Vuzix’ custom waveguide manufacturing capabilities. The procurement marks a significant step in Vuzix supporting U.S.-based defense manufacturing and establishing the Company as a key enabler and component of Collins Aerospace’s advanced vision systems. Joint process validation is being completed after several years of development, with end customer-approved final hardware deliveries to government customers expected to begin in the first quarter of 2026.
“This collaboration with Collins Aerospace marks another major inflection point in re-establishing Vuzix’ defense manufacturing roadmap,” said Paul Travers, President and CEO of Vuzix. “By working with trusted integrators in the aerospace and defense industry, we are using our expertise and waveguide manufacturing capacity to deliver ruggedized, high-performance waveguide systems at scale, an essential step as defense demand for next generation products transitions from R&D to deployment.”
About Vuzix Corporation
Vuzix is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of AI-powered smart glasses, waveguides and Augmented Reality (AR) technologies, components and products for the enterprise, medical, defense and consumer markets. The Company’s products include head-mounted smart personal display and wearable computing devices that offer users a portable high-quality viewing experience, provide solutions for mobility, wearable displays and augmented reality, as well OEM waveguide optical components and display engines. Vuzix holds more than 450 patents and patents pending and numerous IP licenses in the fields of optics, head-mounted displays, and the augmented reality wearables field. The Company has won Consumer Electronics Show (or CES) awards for innovation for the years 2005 to 2024 and several wireless technology innovation awards among others. Founded in 1997, Vuzix is a public company (NASDAQ: VUZI) with offices in: Rochester, NY; and Kyoto and Okayama, Japan. For more information, visit the Vuzix website, X and Facebook pages. (Source: PR Newswire)
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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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