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RADAR, EO/IR, C-UAS, NIGHT VISION AND SURVEILLANCE UPDATE

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29 Jan 26. ParaZero Highlights DefendAir Strategic Growth & 100% Interception Success in 2025. ParaZero Technologies reports operational success and commercial growth for its DefendAir counter-drone platform, as global demand rises for non-destructive, layered defenses against evolving low-cost aerial threats. ParaZero Technologies Ltd. has reported significant advancements in its DefendAir Counter-UAS (C-UAS) platform following a year of escalating global drone threats and increased defense spending. The C-UAS market saw a substantial expansion in 2025, driven by the use of low-cost commercial drones in asymmetric warfare and the need for urban security. Global investment in these technologies exceeded expectations, culminating in over $1 billion in purchases during December 2025 alone. This market shift has favored layered, modular architectures that prioritize non-destructive solutions, such as net-based interception, to minimize collateral damage in sensitive environments. Against this backdrop, ParaZero’s DefendAir platform achieved a 100% interception success rate across various controlled trials. The system utilizes patented net-launching technology to neutralize hostile drones mid-air and is designed to integrate with multiple configurations, including stationary turrets and autonomous robotic systems. The company’s 2025 milestones began in January with approval from the Israeli Ministry of Defense (IMOD) to market the technology internationally. This was followed by a series of successful field trials in July and September, the latter involving a joint demonstration with the Chief Scientist Office, the Ministry of National Security, and the Prison Service. These tests showcased a stationary turret capable of 360-degree protection. Commercial momentum accelerated in the fourth quarter, with ParaZero securing a major order from a Tier 1 global defense corporation for systems, integration, and training. The company also expanded its footprint in Europe, receiving a significant purchase order from a Dutch distributor and conducting live demonstrations for senior NATO officers and German police leadership. These demonstrations specifically highlighted the platform’s efficacy against FPV kamikaze drones. To support this growth and continued research and development, the company raised approximately $5.3 million through direct offerings in February and August. While the company continues to develop its SafeAir parachute systems and DropAir precision airdrop technology, the DefendAir platform has become a primary driver of its strategic positioning in the defense sector.

Ariel Alon, CEO of ParaZero, commented, “2025 was a breakthrough year for ParaZero, as we transitioned from development to deployment in real-world defense scenarios. DefendAir’s proven effectiveness against evolving drone threats has attracted global interest, positioning us for potential growth in 2026 and beyond.” (Source: https://www.defenseadvancement.com/

 

29 Jan 26. Australia fast-tracks counter-drone capability, updates Defence laws. The Albanese government is stepping up efforts to develop and deploy advanced counter-drone technology, working closely with Australian industry while updating Defence regulations to strengthen national security and public safety. A new industry advisory panel has been established to support Defence and other Australian government agencies with counter small uncrewed aerial systems services. The panel will provide advice and access to capabilities designed to detect, deter and respond to emerging drone threats, both to Defence assets and to critical infrastructure across Australia. At the same time, the government has enacted the Defence Amendment (Counter-UXS Measures) Regulations 2025, expanding Defence’s authority to respond to hostile or suspicious drone activity. The updated regulations allow Defence, in support of law enforcement agencies, to detect, disable or where necessary, destroy drones suspected of posing a threat to Australian Defence Force personnel, facilities or operations. Defence already operates a range of counter-drone capabilities and the regulatory changes are intended to ensure those tools can be used within Australia when it is safe and reasonable to do so. The government said the amendments will improve Defence’s ability to protect its people and assets while maintaining appropriate safeguards. The new Defence Project LAND 156 Standing Offer Panel will underpin this effort, enabling Defence and other government agencies to access industry expertise to safeguard critical infrastructure and ongoing operations. The initiative also creates a significant opportunity for Australian and international companies to contribute directly to national security through work across multiple government portfolios. Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said counter-drone technology was becoming increasingly important to Australia’s security environment,  and counter-drone technologies. It builds on contracts already announced under LAND 156 to address the growing threat posed by drones in modern warfare.”

An initial group of 28 companies has been selected to join the panel, spanning a broad range of defence, aerospace, technology and security specialists. Additional suppliers are expected to be announced in the coming weeks, with the current list of companies including:

  • Anduril Australia
  • Cubic Defence Australia
  • DEWC Services
  • DroneShield Group
  • HENSOLDT Australia
  • HighCom Technology
  • Leidos Australia
  • L3Harris Space and Airborne Systems Australia
  • Nova Systems
  • Raytheon Australia
  • Saab Australia
  • SYPAQ Systems

“Counter-drone technology is critical to keeping Australia safe, and that’s why the government is ensuring Defence and other agencies have access to the best available technology,” Minister Conroy said.

Assistant Minister for Defence Peter Khalil said the updated regulations were essential to protecting ADF personnel at home, “Drones are rapidly becoming a tool of choice for malicious actors around the world.”

Khalil added, “These changes will better enable ADF personnel in Australia to protect themselves, their assets and the bases they operate from, which is vital to maintaining a ready and deployable Defence Force.

“Australia already has sophisticated capabilities to detect and counter drones. The amended regulations ensure those capabilities can be used safely and responsibly, allowing us to respond quickly to threats and keep our communities safe.”

(Source: Defence Connect)

 

28 Jan 026. Cambridge Pixel today announced an expanded role within the BlackTalon Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) Ecosystem from Enterprise Control Systems (ECS), part of SPX Communication Technologies, delivering advanced multi-sensor management and operator display capabilities to address increasingly complex aerial threats. BlackTalon Ecosystem is a scalable, fielded C-UAS solution that detects, tracks and defeats UAS, combining a carefully selected mix of active radars, EO/IR sensors, passive RF direction-finding systems, RF jammers and mast configuration. Its open architecture allows individual system elements to be customised or replaced to meet specific operational requirements. Central to the Ecosystem is Cambridge Pixel’s VSD-C2 operator display software, which supports a broad range of sensor technologies, including radar, acoustic sensors, multiple camera types, video tracking modules, third-party AI detections, RFDF, RF jammers, positioners and command protocols such as SAPIENT. VSD-C2 has been proven in C-UAS trials involving UK security and defence agencies and has been deployed with European police forces.  The software has also been successfully integrated into a wide range of systems, including mobile surveillance vehicles. VSD-C2 supports systems built as a mesh network of multiple nodes, with each node capable of hosting different sensor types. Deep sensor integration ensures that all sensors are used to their full potential, whether they supply bearing/elevation measurements or complete 3D positions. User-definable alarms can utilise relevant sensor metadata, enabling efficient and effective mitigation of complex UAS threats, either automatically or through operator intervention.

“VSD-C2 was an ideal choice for BlackTalon Ecosystem. It supports existing systems and provides a solution that can be scaled to the increasing complexity of aerial threats,” commented Graeme Forsyth, Product Manager at ECS, part of SPX Communication Technologies.

“In one use case, 15 elements dovetail seamlessly to give a comprehensive, layered and dispersed solution to protect a complex site. This level of complexity was easily achieved by Cambridge Pixel’s modular and scalable software.”

Martin Hoather, Director at Cambridge Pixel, added, “We are proud to support ECS with technology that plays a vital role in defence against C-UAS threats. VSD-C2 was designed to handle diverse sensors, complex detections and multi-node requirements, and BlackTalon Ecosystem is an excellent demonstration of these capabilities in practice.”

 

29 Jan 26. Metis launches Skyperion Lightweight – mobile C-UAS detect, track and identify. Metis, specialists in providing Radio Frequency (RF) and drone detection innovative technologies across diverse sectors, launches their latest detection product, Skyperion Lightweight.  Skyperion Lightweight has virtually all the same passive counter-uncrewed air systems (C-UAS) detect, track and identify (DTI) sensor capability as its operationally proven and highly respected big brother Skyperion Rugged, but has been re-engineered into a smaller weight and power (SWaP) format optimised for users requiring mobility, rapid deployment and on-the-move operation. For the last 10 years, Metis has been at the forefront of passive C-UAS RF detection capability development, with Skyperion Rugged being the RF DTI capability integrated into the RAF’s ORCUS system and Leonardo’s Falcon Shield deployed with NATO allies, helping to safeguard their airspace, key installations and critical infrastructure against the threats posed by rogue drones.   The Skyperion product range captures RF emissions of varying strengths across the spectrum, filtering out background noise and known entities, before rapidly analysing them to identify and locate potential threats.   Skyperion products, already at Technical Readiness Level (TRL) 9 and operationally proven with multiple NATO partners, are distinguished by a non-library-based Open ESM waveform analysis.  This approach identifies both cooperative and non-cooperative emitters across a wide spectrum of frequencies, providing an agile, comprehensive RF detection capability without reliance on static signal libraries.  Skyperion is also the ideal choice to be integrated into a wider range of counter-drone capabilities (radar, optics, jamming and defeat) because it has been designed and manufactured to be system agnostic, modular and with an open architecture.  This allows sovereign nations, large primes or system integrators to easily incorporate Metis products with other best-in-class technologies, to deliver world-leading detection, tracking, identification and defeat of rogue drones.

Tony Burnell, CEO of Metis said: “With the increasing proliferation of rogue drones being used for nefarious means, it is essential that we continue to innovate and develop new products to counter these threats.  Skyperion Lightweight offers users ultimate flexibility on how it is deployed – not only protecting fixed locations but also providing virtually the same level of protection as Skyperion Rugged in a mobile format which we know many potential customers are seeking.”

 

28 Jan 26. DSIT pitches GhostFin compact sonar suite for UUVs. GhostFin is a modular sonar suite intended to provide search capabilities for medium, large, and extra-large UUVs. The vehicle depicted here is configured with bow, flank, and towed array sensors. (DSIT Solutions) Israeli underwater technology group DSIT Solutions has lifted the curtain on a new compact multimission, multiarray sonar purpose-designed for unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs). Given the name GhostFin, the new acoustic sensor suite is intended to be configurable to a number of missions, including anti-submarine warfare (ASW); anti-surface warfare (ASuW); and underwater intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). Unveiling the system on 27 January, DSIT claimed that the surveillance capability afforded by GhostFin “narrows the gap between unmanned vehicles and traditional submarines”. GhostFin component options comprise flank receive arrays integrated with active (high or low frequency) transmitters to allow operation in active and passive modes; a passive towed array; and a passive cylindrical bow array. According to DSIT, the modular and compact architecture has been designed such that different array configurations can be tailored to specific platform dimensions – from medium-sized to large-displacement and extra-large UUV platforms – and operational requirements (ASW, ASuW, and ISR). The system – which includes navigation and safe diving and surfacing control – has been designed to enable UUVs to operate independently or collaboratively alongside other platforms, including submarines and ASW platforms. GhostFin can also function as a bistatic sonar node using a remote active sound source from surface vessels or fixed sonar installations. An acoustic modem allows for underwater transmission of critical data to co-operating units at ranges up to 20 km. (Source: Janes)

 

27 Jan 26. Australia receives first MC-55A Peregrine surveillance aircraft. RAAF’s MC-55A Peregrine will based at RAAF Base Edinburgh in South Australia. The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has received its first MC-55A Peregrine surveillance aircraft from the US Air Force (USAF). The aircraft arrived as part of efforts outlined in the 2024 Integrated Investment Program and is intended to provide comprehensive intelligence support for Australian Defence Force (ADF) missions. Built on the Gulfstream G550 airframe, the aircraft has undergone significant modifications by L3Harris Technologies. It will be integrated into Australia’s broader Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) enterprise, complementing existing platforms such as the P-8A Poseidon and MQ-4C Triton. RAAF’s MC-55A Peregrine will based at RAAF Base Edinburgh in South Australia and operated by 10 Squadron. Air Force chief air marshal Stephen Chappell said: “The MC-55A Peregrine is more than an aircraft – it is a strategic capability that reinforces our ability to protect national interests in an increasingly complex security environment.” According to Group Captain James Collison, Officer Commanding 92 Wing, the new platform will improve ADF operations by supporting intelligence gathering and enhancing Australia’s monitoring ability within its strategic area of interest.

“It ensures Australia maintains a strategic edge while working closely with our allies,” Group captain Collison said.

The MC-55A integrates with allied systems to facilitate intelligence sharing with partner nations including the UK and the UK. This interoperability aims to strengthen collective security measures and support prompt responses to regional security developments. L3Harris Technologies delivered the aircraft following integration and mission system testing in partnership with the USAF as part of a foreign military sales programme. Additional MC-55A Peregrine units remain with the USAF for supporting training and pre-delivery activities for Australia. To sustain operations in Australia, L3Harris has established a field service team working alongside local industry partners for in-country support. Planned ongoing software and hardware updates will allow the MC-55A Peregrine to address evolving operational requirements throughout its service life. (Source: airforce-technology.com)

 

26 Jan 26. Cuashub.com said today that US Military’s Athena C-UAS system enters operational service in Washington, D.C. The U.S. military has officially placed the Athena Counter-UAS Integration Kit into operational service in the National Capital Region, marking a significant step forward in protecting airspace over Washington, D.C. After seven years of development, Athena now forms a central component of the region’s air defense architecture. The system integrates multiple counter-drone sensors used by federal and military agencies, consolidating their data into a single, accurate track for any detected unmanned aircraft. Identification capabilities allow Athena to distinguish drones from other airborne objects, reducing false alarms in crowded civilian airspace. The consolidated air picture is transmitted to command-and-control systems responsible for managing air defense in the National Capital Region, ensuring timely responses to potential threats. Lt. Col. Nicholas Detloff, division chief of CONR-1AF (AFNORTH and AFSPACE) A8C Strategic Requirements, described Athena as a “government-owned system” that provides a cost-effective platform capable of evolving to meet emerging threats. The operational deployment of Athena comes amid broader U.S. efforts to enhance counter-drone capabilities across military and industry. In December 2025, the Army’s xTech Counterstrike competition recognized Armaments Research Company (ARC) as a top performer in the passive sensing category, highlighting its AI-Enabled Weapon Sensor that converts standard infantry weapons into drone detection sensors without adding workload for soldiers. California-based VisionWave also unveiled its Argus concept in December 2025, a space-based counter-UAS system designed to link high-frequency orbital signals with ground and airborne interceptors, creating a coordinated global anti-drone network. Additionally, the Army has partnered with Duality AI to develop AI Target Detection and Recognition, a fully AI-driven system built in simulation to detect and identify hostile drones before they pose a threat to infantry units. The introduction of Athena highlights the U.S. military’s growing focus on integrated, multi-domain counter-drone solutions to defend critical airspace from evolving unmanned threats.

US Military’s Athena C-UAS system enters operational service in Washington, D.C.

(Source: https://cuashub.com/

 

26 Jan 26. Cuashub.com said today that Poland targets 2026 deployment for new “San” counter-drone system. Poland is developing a new, state-of-the-art counter-drone air defense system that is expected to become operational by the end of 2026, according to the head of the country’s Armaments Agency. Armaments Agency chief Gen. Artur Kuptel told the media that the Polish Armed Forces plan to field more than a dozen batteries of the system, known as San, which is designed to counter a broad range of drone threats as well as selected manned aircraft. Initial deployments are expected to begin in 2026, with the final batteries entering service in 2027. San will combine multiple layers of sensors and effectors to detect, identify, track and defeat aerial targets. Its kinetic component includes 30 mm artillery firing programmable “smart” ammunition that detonates at a precisely set point in the air, allowing shells to explode directly in front of or above a target rather than requiring a direct hit. Polish officials say this approach significantly improves effectiveness against small, fast-moving drones while keeping costs under control. In addition to gun-based defenses, the system will incorporate interceptor drones and non-kinetic capabilities such as electronic jamming to disrupt or disable hostile drones. San batteries are also expected to employ low-cost Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) missiles, providing an additional option against unmanned aircraft and certain cruise missile threats. The development comes as NATO countries accelerate investment in counter-UAS capabilities following lessons from the war in Ukraine, where drone warfare has evolved rapidly. As a frontline state on NATO’s eastern flank, Poland has prioritized strengthening its air and missile defenses to address both conventional and asymmetric threats.

Gen. Kuptel described San as Poland’s largest counter-drone program to date, but not the only one underway. He confirmed that additional counter-UAS acquisitions are being pursued, though details remain undisclosed.

Poland targets 2026 deployment for new “San” counter-drone system

(Source: https://cuashub.com/

 

26 Jan. 26 . XTI Aerospace, Inc. (Nasdaq: XTIA) (“XTI,” or the “Company”) an aerospace technology company focused on building and scaling its newly acquired subsidiary, Drone Nerds, LLC (“Drone Nerds”), and its comprehensive unmanned aircraft system (“UAS”) platform for enterprise and government customers, today announced the expansion of Drone Nerds’ camera and sensors product line with the addition of XREAL augmented reality glasses and accessories. Drone Nerds, LLC, a subsidiary of XTI Aerospace, Inc. (Nasdaq: XTIA), provides comprehensive drone solutions for enterprise, private, and recreational needs. The addition of XREAL expands Drone Nerds’ portfolio into wearable augmented reality technology that transforms how people experience content and visualize information. XREAL’s lineup of AR glasses, spatial computing devices, and accessories delivers immersive virtual screens, high-quality Micro-OLED displays, spatial audio, and mobile interaction for entertainment, gaming, and productivity.

“XREAL brings innovative wearable display technology to our portfolio, expanding the ways customers can engage with immersive digital content,” said Jeremy Schneiderman, CEO of Drone Nerds. “This addition reflects our ongoing focus on introducing new technologies that deliver meaningful value to our customers.”

Innovative Wearable Display Technology

The XREAL product ecosystem is built to deliver a seamless wearable augmented reality experience.

  • XREAL One Pro serves as the flagship AR glasses, offering an expanded field of view, Sony Micro-OLED displays, and Bose-tuned open-ear audio for high-end immersive viewing.
  • XREAL 1S provides a lightweight and more compact AR glasses option, designed for everyday comfort while still delivering vivid visuals and spatial sound.
  • XREAL Beam Pro acts as the spatial computing companion, enabling app-based virtual screens, media playback, and interactive AR content.
  • XREAL Eye adds spatial tracking and point-of-view capture, allowing virtual screens to anchor naturally in physical space.
  • XREAL Hub provides fast charging and smooth video passthrough, supporting extended and uninterrupted use.

Together, the ecosystem combines advanced display technology, spatial computing accessories, and mobile connectivity into a flexible AR platform designed for both personal and professional environments.

“XREAL is focused on making high-quality augmented reality accessible for everyday use through lightweight, comfortable eyewear and a flexible product ecosystem,” stated Sebastian Luo, International Sales Head of XREAL. “By working with Drone Nerds, we are expanding access to wearable AR technology that enhances how people enjoy content, stay productive, and engage with digital experiences wherever they are.”

Availability

XREAL’s lineup is now available through Drone Nerds’ online store at www.dronenerds.com

About XTI Aerospace, Inc.

XTI Aerospace, Inc. (Nasdaq: XTIA) is an aerospace technology company focused on the advancement of vertical flight. Through its Drone Nerds business, acquired in November 2025, XTIA is a premier provider of unmanned aircraft systems (“UAS”), solutions, services and hardware. Through its XTI Aircraft business, the Company is engaged in the development of advanced vertical takeoff and landing (“VTOL”) aircraft with the range and speed of planes and the take-off and landing capability of helicopters.

For more information about XTI, please visit xtiaerospace.com and follow XTI on LinkedIn, Instagram, X, and YouTube.

About Drone Nerds

Drone Nerds, LLC, a subsidiary of XTI Aerospace, Inc. (Nasdaq: XTIA), provides comprehensive drone solutions for enterprise, private, and recreational needs. Established in 2014, Drone Nerds focuses on ensuring customers deploy the right UAS solutions for their unique operational requirements. Through its proprietary Always Flying™ program, Drone Nerds delivers enhanced reliability and assurance for enterprise implementations across industry verticals, including public safety, government, agriculture, construction, insurance, energy, inspection, and more.

For more information, visit www.enterprise.dronenerds.com.

About XREAL

XREAL is a global technology company focused on developing lightweight augmented reality eyewear and accessories designed to enhance how people view, interact with, and experience digital content. XREAL’s products are built around high-quality display technology, wearable comfort, and practical everyday use cases, including entertainment, gaming, productivity, and immersive visualization.

With a focus on accessible AR experiences, XREAL continues to advance wearable display solutions that integrate seamlessly into modern lifestyles and professional workflows. For more information, visit www.xreal.com (Source: PR Newswire)

 

25 Jan 26. Ukrainian start-up ZVOOK launches new low-cost C-UAS FPV drone acoustic sensor. Ukrainian start-up ZVOOK in a Facebook post has announced the launch of its low-cost NW0 Ethernet tactical acoustic sensor developed by a team of military service and IT engineers to detect enemy FPV drones (including fiber-optic) by the sound of their operation.

“The device is equipped with artificial intelligence, which analyzes the acoustic environment around the clock and responds instantly to the appearance of an air threat,” said the post. “The detection distance is 150-450 meters, the device itself works at 360 degrees. In case of detection of the whole sensor: activates a sound notification (optional) and transfers data to ZVOOK UI – a convenient interface for monitoring dozens or hundreds of sensors on an interactive map in real time.

“The sensor has a high level of protection against dust, water and mechanical impact (IP67), which allows it to be used in complex combat and weather conditions. The system supports remote firmware updating, which is why the device is constantly improved to take into account new types of threats. To work the sensor, it is necessary to connect it to the power source and network (Ethernet). The sensor is fully equipped, after receiving it you only need to assemble and connect it. Sensor consumption is – 15 watts.

The new sensor can be integrated within a wider network “using fiber optic, vaporized, LTE, or LoRa radio channel.”

 

22 Jan 26. Greece and Israel join forces against drone swarm threats. Greece and Israel are to collaborate on countering drone threats, including those from drone swarms. Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias and Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz met on January 20 as Greece embarks on a multi-bn euro defence modernisation programme.

“We agreed to exchange views and know-how to be able to deal with drones and in particular swarms of unmanned vehicles and groups of unmanned subsea vehicles,” Dendias said. “We will also work together in order to be ready to intercept cyber threats.”

Greece’s defence modernisation programme commenced last year and is set to run until 2036. It allocates between EUR 2 bn and 2.5 bn per year to boost the country’s defence against new and emerging threats. This includes the Achilles Shield, an anti drone and wider air defence network that will incorporate Israeli sensors and systems. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

 

21 Jan 26. Adler launches new range of autonomous C-UAS interceptor drones. Adler Aerospace has launched the TALOS-J and TALOS-E autonomous counter-UAS interceptor drones at UMEX 2026 in Abu Dhabi, according to a Linkedin post from Adler CEO Wilhelm Meya.

“The TALOS interceptor family is purpose-built to autonomously detect, track, and destroy hostile UAVs, loitering munitions, and ISR platforms, delivering missile-class performance at a fraction of the cost,” said the post. “Both systems achieve single-interceptor hit probabilities of ~87–92%, even against low-RCS, high-speed, and evasive aerial threats, enabling scalable, networked air defence against saturation attacks.” The TALOS has been developed in partnership with TRL, “combining advanced AI guidance, high-performance aerodynamics, and deep counter-UAS expertise to push the state of the art in autonomous interception.”

TALOS-J, a jet-powered interceptor, delivers:

  • Maximum speeds exceeding 500 km/h
  • Operational range up to 200 km
  • Service ceiling of 4,500 m
  • AI-driven EO/IR guidance with optional radar cueing
  • GNSS-independent, encrypted, NATO-compatible C2
  • Direct-hit or proximity-detonation engagements
  • Sub-10-minute alert-to-launch readiness

TALOS-E, the electric interceptor variant, is optimized for layered and attrition-based air defence:

  • Speeds up to 270 km/h
  • Operational range up to 60 km
  • Mission endurance of 10–15 minutes
  • <5-second launch time from automated launcher
  • Autonomous EO / optional IR target tracking
  • Designed for mass deployment and swarm-based interception
  • Fully interoperable with modern NATO-compatible C-UAS ecosystems

For more information

https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilhelm-meya/

(Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

 

23 Jan 26. Unirobotics develops compact C-UAS platform. Unirobotics has introduced the TRAKON LITE 134 RCWS, a compact counter-uncrewed aerial system (C-UAS) platform. Configured with the M134 Minigun and Echodyne’s EchoGuard Radar, TRAKON LITE 134 detects, tracks and engages aerial threats. It features an automatic target tracking system powered by AI and a fire control system with ballistic neutralisation of rogue drones. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

 

25 Jan 26. US National Defense Strategy reinforces commitment to C-UAS/air defence spending. The US Department of War’s new National Defense Strategy has reinforced the country’s commitment to enhancing its air defence networks and increasing the capabilities of its national defence industry.

According to the text of the Strategy: “The Department will prioritize efforts to develop President Trump’s Golden Dome for America, with a specific focus on options to cost-effectively defeat large missile barrages and other advanced aerial attacks. In addition, DoW will develop and deploy capabilities and systems to counter unmanned aerial systems. We will also ensure that U.S. forces have access to the electromagnetic spectrum required to defend the Homeland.”

In terms of strengthening the country’s defence industrial base (DIB), the strategy says:

“Our fighting force depends on the DIB to produce, deliver, and sustain critical munitions, systems, and platforms. Our readiness, lethality, range, and survivability—and, ultimately, the military options we provide—are directly linked to the DIB’s ability to securely develop, field, sustain, resupply, and transport the equipment and materiel that affords us our warfighting advantage. We will therefore bolster our organic sustainment capabilities, grow nontraditional vendors, and partner with traditional DIB vendors, Congress, our allies and partners, and other federal departments and agencies to reinvigorate and mobilize our great nation’s unrivalled creativity and ingenuity, re-spark our innovative spirit, and restore our industrial capacity.

“Making the DIB great again requires clear vision, strong relationships, and a solid commitment to rebuild the ultimate foundation of our military strength. As the NSS makes clear, this effort will require nothing short of a national mobilization—a call to industrial arms on par with similar revivals of the last century that ultimately powered our nation to victory in the world wars and the Cold War that followed.”

 

20 Jan 26. KeepZone in exclusive reseller agreement for net launcher C-UAS in Mexico. KeepZone AI Inc. has entered into an exclusive reseller agreement with an aerospace defence technology developer to resell the developer’s counter-uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS) product range in Mexico. The undisclosed aerospace and defence company’s C-UAS platform is a multi-layered soft-hard kill system that deploys a net launcher against hostile drones. KeepZone will promote and distribute the C-UAS system in Mexico exclusively to approved customers. These include certain Mexican government and state entities focused on defence, security, intelligence and critical infrastructure protection, such as the Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional, Guardia Nacional and Petróleos Mexicanos, subject to applicable laws and receipt of government approvals. KeepZone has also recently entered into distribution agreements with Scanary Ltd. for exclusion distribution rights for its AI-based radar threat detection systems in Canada, Germany and the United Arab Emirates, and non-exclusive distribution rights in Spain and Italy. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

 

20 Jan 26. US CENTCOM and partners open air defence coordination cell in Qatar. The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) and regional partners have opened a new coordination cell at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar to enhance integrated air and missile defence. The new Middle Eastern Air Defense – Combined Defense Operations Cell (MEAD-CDOC) is located in the Combined Air Operations Center. US Air Force Central service members will work alongside regional counterparts at the MEAD-CDOC in planning multinational exercises, conducting drills and responding to contingencies. The cell will also be responsible for sharing information and threat warnings. The opening of MEAD-CDOC follows the opening of two bilateral Combined Command Posts for air and missile defense by US Army Central with Qatar and Bahrain last year.  In December, CENTCOM and partners from Bahrain and the United Kingdom participated in an “advanced” counter-drone exercise in Kuwait. Led by Kuwait, exercise Sky Shield focused on enhancing interoperability to detect, track and engage drones through a layered air defence architecture. The exercise included a live-fire event involving Patriot missile launches and brought together subject-matter experts from participating countries to expand technical exchanges and improve regional understanding of counter-drone tactics and systems. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)

 

26 Jan 26. D-Fend Solutions Demonstrates EnforceAir C-UAS Systems in UK Operational Scenarios. D-Fend Solutions’ UK counter-drone demonstrations showed EnforceAir PLUS and EnforceAir2 performing controlled cyber-based detection and mitigation across multiple configurations, observed by defence, law enforcement, and government stakeholdersDrone Detection & Tracking / Feature Article by D-Fend Solutions

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D-Fend Solutions’ counter-drone demonstration in the United Kingdom showcased the operational performance of its EnforceAir PLUS and EnforceAir2 systems under realistic conditions.

Defence, law enforcement, and government stakeholders attended the event to observe system operation across fixed, vehicle-mounted, and dismounted configurations.

The demonstrations were conducted in response to the increasing presence of commercial and modified drones and the associated challenges faced by UK security teams operating in dense urban environments, complex airspace, and regulated operational settings.

Live Demonstrations in a Realistic UK Operating Environment

The two-day demonstration programme was held at a venue in southeast England selected to replicate representative operational conditions. The environment included open terrain, elevated structures, and operational stand-off distances, with safety and compliance controls in place throughout.

Attendees observed system hardware, user interfaces, and live detection and mitigation activity in real time. Alongside a fixed installation, an EnforceAir2 software-defined radio configuration was installed in a vehicle to demonstrate mobile operation and mitigation while on the move. Prior to live demonstrations, participants received briefings covering cyber takeover principles, radar integration, and operational workflows.

Cyber-Based Detection, Tracking, and Takeover

The demonstrations began with cyber-based detection, tracking, and identification of drones. These scenarios illustrated how the system classifies drones as authorised or suspect in environments where multiple drones may be present.

Following classification, the system demonstrated controlled takeover of suspect drones at operationally relevant distances. Rather than disrupting communications, EnforceAir assumed control of the drones and directed them to land at locations predefined by the system operator. This approach highlighted safety, evidence preservation, and compliance considerations relevant to UK operational requirements.

Radar Detection and Multi-Sensor Demonstrations

Radar detection and tracking were demonstrated live, showing how situational awareness can be maintained when cyber detection is not immediately available. The system demonstrated mitigation prompting return-to-home behaviour without uncontrolled flight.

A further demonstration showed the fusion of radar and cyber detection data into a single operational view. By transitioning a drone between radar coverage areas, operators illustrated how multiple detection sources are presented together for counter-drone decision-making.

Vehicle-Based and Dismounted Deployments

Mobile operations formed a key part of the demonstrations. The covert vehicle-based configuration showed EnforceAir2 detecting, tracking, and taking control of a drone while both the vehicle and the drone were moving.

The EnforceAir2 backpack deployment kit was then assembled in front of attendees to demonstrate rapid transition to dismounted use. Participants were able to examine the backpack configuration, followed by a live detection and mitigation demonstration showing system operation in a dismounted scenario.

EnforceAir PLUS for Layered Counter-UAS Protection

The demonstrations also contextualised EnforceAir PLUS as a layered counter-UAS system integrating RF detection, cyber takeover, radar, and optional third-party sensors within a unified command-and-control platform.

The EnforceAir PLUS Tactical Deployment Kit was presented as a means of enabling rapid setup, with deployment demonstrated in under ten minutes for temporary or semi-permanent operational locations. Across both days, the demonstrations showed cyber-based counter-UAS operations conducted transparently and under realistic conditions. The event highlighted how controlled detection and mitigation can be applied in environments where safety, discretion, and regulatory compliance are key considerations.

 

26 Jan 26. Cuashub.com said today that SIA subcommittee applauds inclusion of key counter-UAS legislation in 2026 NDAA. The Security Industry Association (SIA) has announced its strong support for lawmakers taking crucial and long-overdue steps needed to address growing threats posed by the weaponization or misuse of drones. In particular, these steps are needed to protect fans attending venues and events as part of the 2026 World Cup, 2028 Olympic Games and America 250 celebrations set to be held in the United States. Key provisions included in the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) expand legal authorities for drone detection, tracking and identification and mitigation to trained state and local law enforcement officials and correctional agencies. Enactment of these provisions would be a historic and significant step forward in improving our nation’s security posture, which SIA’s Drone Security Subcommittee has been advocating since the group’s inception in 2023. This legislation has been championed by many congressional advocates, including House Homeland Security Committee Chair Andrew Garbarino (R-N.Y.), Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Ranking Member Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) and Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D.-Penn.), would help accomplish many of the recommendations of the Domestic Counter-UAS National Action Plan, initiated under the first Trump administration, and more recently the executive order Restoring American Airspace Sovereignty.

“Passing this language as a part of the NDAA will be a crucial expansion of counter-UAS authorities to further enhance the air domain awareness of state, local, tribal and territorial law enforcement,” said Brett Feddersen, chair of SIA’s Drone Security Subcommittee and vice president of strategy and government affair at D-Fend Solutions. “We look forward to continuing our work with Congress and the federal government to implement this legislation and further expand the appropriate authorities to the trained professional security personnel protecting our critical infrastructure.”

The NDAA also contains other key counter-uncrewed aircraft system (counter-UAS) passages, including Rep. August Pfluger (R-Texas) and Sen. Tom Cotton’s (R-Ark.) COUNTER Act, endorsed by SIA, which clarifies authorities for U.S. Department of Defense personnel and allows armed forces that protect sensitive installations within the United States the authority to rapidly detect and mitigate hostile drones, protecting U.S. assets from incursions. SIA encourages the Senate to take up the NDAA and send it to the president to sign it into law before the end of the year. (Source: https://cuashub.com/

 

26 Jan 26. In counter-UAS, software matters. Software has become the true center of gravity in counter-UAS (C-UAS). In a world where drone threats evolve by the week, continuous software updates and software-defined detection and mitigation, as well as multi-sensor command and control now determine whether defenders will keep pace…or fall behind.

Dynamic Threats Demand Dynamic Software

The global UAS threat continues to escalate in both volume and sophistication. New platforms, protocols and tactics emerge at a relentless pace. Unauthorized drone activity around U.S. critical infrastructure, borders and major events has surged into the tens of thousands of incidents per year. Each wave looks different from the last. Static, hardware-bound countermeasures simply cannot adapt fast enough.

In the United States, at the southern border alone, according to the Department of Homeland Security, authorities detected more than 27,000 drones within 500 meters in just the last half of 2024. Drone incursions near U.S. stadiums nearly doubled from about 1,300 to 2,300 between 2021 and 2024, and there have been more than 3,000 drone events near airports since 2021.

The Islamic State moved in just a few years from using off‑the‑shelf quadcopters for propaganda imagery to turning those same commercial systems into bomb‑drop platforms and improvised munitions carriers. These terrorists launched dozens of attacks per month at the peak, across both Iraq and Syria.

But the Russia‑Ukraine war perhaps most clearly illustrates the current relentless drone innovation cycle. Ukraine has scaled to producing ms of drones annually, fielding distinct designs optimized for missions from long‑range strike to trench reconnaissance.  Both sides now deploy low-cost attack drones that can be refreshed on software timelines.  In response to electronic warfare (EW), forces have introduced workarounds, which show the limitations of fixed‑function jammers and sensors that cannot be rapidly reprogrammed and updated.

The Russia-Ukraine war has shown how drone threats rapidly evolve.

In every scenario, each incremental change, different payload, improvised release mechanism, altered frequencies, etc., all chip away at static, hardware-bound defenses. They simply cannot rapidly ingest new signatures or behaviors without substantial rework.

RF-cyber C-UAS systems treat every new drone model or protocol as a software challenge, not a mere hardware swap.  Updates extend coverage to new drone models, refine detection capabilities and enhance mitigation options. This future-proofs C-UAS deployment without a constant cycle of physical nuts-and-bolts upgrades and gives defenders a decisive advantage.

Continuous Updates as a Force Multiplier

The most effective counter-drone platforms operate as living systems that grow smarter over time. D-Fend Solutions, for example, continuously enhances its EnforceAir system with new software releases that expand its library of supported drone models and protocols. Every operator benefits from the ongoing work of a global team of researchers, developers and RF and cyber experts who track emerging threats and embed that knowledge directly into the product.

Defenders gain new capabilities and resilience. This preserves the tactical edge against actors who are constantly innovating in a never ending game of leapfrog.

SDR RF Agility: Future-Proofing in Software

Software-defined radio (SDR) -based RF-cyber solutions like EnforceAir turn RF hardware into a flexible, software-driven platform that can evolve with the challenges in the environment. Instead of treating the RF chain as a static asset, software detects, interprets, classifies and acts on complex signals to distinguish between friendly and hostile drones. This enables precise and proportional mitigation.

As new potentially adversarial drone models and protocols appear, updated RF detection  and mitigation capabilities can be pushed directly to systems in the field. Operators gain the ability to counter novel threat profiles, without ripping and replacing antennas, radios or kits every time the threat community innovates.

Multi-Layered Defense with EnforceAir PLUS

The new EnforceAir PLUS provides a cyber-intelligent, adaptive and seamlessly integrated layered C-UAS.

Multi-layered, software-defined defense amplifies the value of those continuous software updates. EnforceAir PLUS fuses RF cyber-takeover with radar detection and optional, software-defined smart jamming into a unified workflow. Instead of forcing operators to jump between separate tools and displays, a single software environment coordinates detection, tracking, identification, classification, decision support and mitigation from end to end.

This architecture supports proportional, non-kinetic responses by prioritizing takeover and controlled landings over brute-force kinetic or indiscriminate jamming. Software orchestration makes it possible to steer rogue drones to safe zones, preserve evidence and protect legitimate operations, including friendly drones, within the same airspace.

Multi-Sensor Command and Control As A Software Problem

Modern airspace security has become a command-and-control problem. Protecting airports, borders and critical infrastructure requires unifying multiple sensors and effectors into one coherent operational picture. That is precisely the role of D-Fend Solutions’ Multi-Sensor Command & Control (MSC2) system, a software-defined C2 layer that turns multiple EnforceAir sensors, as well as the sensors of others, into a coordinated defense network.

MSC2 aggregates detections from diverse EnforceAir nodes and presents a single, clean and real-time view of the airspace. It eliminates duplicate tracks while preserving track quality. The software then selects the optimal sensor to perform mitigation based on range, geometry, signal conditions and mission rules. It can also handle multiple simultaneous incursions at machine speed. In short, MSC2 shows what happens when software becomes the backbone of C-UAS operations:

  • It scales from a single EnforceAir deployment to a constellation of stationary, vehicular or tactical units without multiplying operator workload.
  • It standardizes the operator experience through a common interface, shortening training timelines and reducing cognitive load in high-stress environments.
  • It benefits continuously from software updates.

Instead of a patchwork of point solutions, EnforceAir and MSC2 deliver an adapting ecosystem. It improves over time as new data, new threats and new capabilities feed back into the software.

Software as the Strategic Center of C-UAS

All of this points to one simple reality: in counter-UAS, hardware may be necessary, but software has become decisive. The enduring value lies in the code that can be changed overnight, not just the box bolted to a mast or vehicle. Continuous updates, SDR-based agility, multi-layered RF-cyber defense and software-defined multi-sensor C2 allow defenders to match the speed of innovation on the threat side.

For security leaders, that changes the acquisition calculus. Selecting a C-UAS platform can no longer be a one-time hardware procurement. It must be a commitment to a software and intelligence pipeline that can deliver fresh capabilities on a regular basis. Organizations that prioritize future-proof, software-defined systems will be best positioned to secure airports, borders, critical infrastructure and public events as drone threats continue to evolve at the speed of software.

 

27 Jan 26. Blighter Surveillance Systems (www.blighter.com), a pioneering designer and manufacturer of electronic scanning ground surveillance radars, is targeting further sales of its border security and base protection radars in the Middle East through attendance at the World Defense Show in Saudi Arabia from 8-12 February 2026. Blighter’s ITAR-free, low-power, long-range ground surveillance radars provide covert, all-weather detection of people, vehicles, and near-ground aerial threats at ranges of up to 32 kilometres, making them well-suited for persistent border surveillance and remote base protection.

“The Middle East is a very important market for Blighter, and we are keen to build on some recent major contract successes in the region,” says James Long, Blighter’s CEO. “Our solid-state radars are well suited to remote operation along national borders providing uninterrupted 24/7 surveillance in all weather conditions.”

According to Blighter, the company’s willingness to facilitate technology transfer and in-country manufacture of its radars to support local economies has been an important factor in forging long-term partnerships and helping to secure major defence and homeland security contracts across the region.

Iain Walsh, Blighter’s newly appointed sales director, says: “Having lived and worked in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for many years, I am very aware of the intent of Saudi Vision 2030 and the ambition and capabilities of the Saudi people. “As a company, we are committed to establishing long term and fruitful partnerships with local defence companies and integrators in order to achieve our goal to become the radar supplier of choice for border security in the region.”

The biennial World Defense Show is taking place at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center. In 2024, the event hosted 773 exhibitors, welcomed 441 official delegations from 116 countries, attracted 106,000 trade visitors, and facilitated 26 bn Saudi Riyals in deals. Blighter will be showcasing its ground surveillance radars at the event on stand H1-E39, as part of the UK pavilion with the ADS Group. Blighter’s commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) product portfolio includes 2D, 3D, and 4D radars, and powerful software for the configuration, control, and viewing of multiple systems. Featuring Low-Probability-of-Intercept (LPI) waveforms, Blighter radars are inherently covert and built for robust fixed and mobile operation. Blighter radars are trusted by the UK Ministry of Defence for forward operating base (FOB) protection, the South Korean Army for border surveillance along the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ), by the United States Air Force for drone detection, by Five Eyes and NATO customers for deployment on their mobile surveillance and armoured vehicles, and the UK’s major airports for perimeter protection.

 

26 Jan 26. Cuashub.com said today that Taiwan plans massive drone and counter-drone expansion under $36bn special defense budget. Taiwan is planning a major expansion of its unmanned and counter-drone capabilities under a proposed NT$1.25 trillion ($36bn) special defense budget, signaling a significant shift toward large-scale, attritable systems designed to bolster asymmetric defense. According to procurement figures presented by Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense to the Legislative Yuan on January 19 and later reported by the state-run Central News Agency, the plan includes the acquisition of more than 200,000 UAS, over 1,000 unmanned surface vessel, and a new suite of counter-UAS systems. The unmanned systems component represents the most substantial element of the proposed budget and reflects Taipei’s growing emphasis on distributed capabilities intended to complicate an adversary’s operations in the air and maritime domains. The ministry grouped the planned UAV purchases across several mission sets, including coastal surveillance, reconnaissance, attack roles, bomb-dropping drones, loitering munitions and other specialized variants. The volume points to a strategy centered on mass, persistence and rapid replacement rather than reliance on a limited number of high-end systems. As part of the air domain investment, Taiwan also plans to procure U.S.-origin ALTIUS systems, including 1,554 ALTIUS-700M loitering munitions and 478 ALTIUS-600ISR reconnaissance drones. The Ministry of National Defense described these systems collectively as an anti-armor unmanned aircraft missile capability, pairing sensing platforms with expendable strike systems. In the maritime domain, the ministry disclosed plans to acquire more than 1,000 unmanned surface vessels. While details on their roles were not released publicly, the scale suggests an intent to expand coastal surveillance, distributed sensing and autonomous operations in Taiwan’s surrounding waters. The procurement package also includes new counter-UAS capabilities, though quantities and system types were not made public. The inclusion of counter-drone systems alongside large-scale UAV and USV acquisitions reflects an effort to address the growing vulnerability posed by low-cost aerial threats to critical infrastructure and military assets.

The special defense budget still requires legislative approval. If passed largely as proposed, it would position Taiwan to field one of the largest and most dense unmanned force structures globally.

Taiwan plans massive drone and counter-drone expansion under $36bn special defense budget

(Source: https://cuashub.com/

 

27 Jan 26. Laser Focus: DASA and Dstl funding accelerates novel laser detection tech.

A novel laser detection system developed by Sentinel Photonics has evolved from a promising concept to commercial technology through DASA and Dstl support.

  • Sentinel Photonics was founded in 2019 by former Dstl scientists who developed innovative laser detection technology. The scientists spun out their own company in 2020, licencing the technology from Dstl.
  • Another DASA-funded innovation which protects users’ eyesight from lasers has been adopted on the Army’s KS1 rifles.
  • Sentinel Photonics also secured a DASA Defence Innovation Loan to help grow the size of their team and further develop the technology.
  • The company has grown at a remarkable pace, from one full-time employee to a team of 20, with products being deployed across NATO nations.

The Innovation Journey

For military personnel operating in hostile environments, detecting adversaries’ lasers is a vital capability. From artillery targeting systems to drones, sniper range finders and precision strike guided munitions, lasers pose an increasing threat on the modern battlefield.

This challenge inspired Sean Tipper and Chris Burgess, while working as scientists at the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), to develop a new approach to laser detection. Their innovation showed great promise during development at Dstl, where the core technology was conceived and initially tested.

“We worked on the core technology at Dstl for a number of years, developing the fundamental concepts,” explains Sean Tipper, now Chief Technology Officer at Sentinel Photonics. “We saw the potential for this technology to help protect our forces and founded Sentinel Photonics to take it to the next level of development and productisation.”

In 2019 the scientists and Ploughshare Innovations founded Sentinel Photonics to commercialise their invention, licencing the IP from Dstl and the Ministry of Defence (MOD). The company formally began operations in late 2020 with the critical support of early Dstl funding through the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA).

A new way of detecting lasers

Traditional laser warning systems rely on photodiodes that convert light to voltage, looking for rapid temporal changes. They look for quick, sharp changes, similar to how you can notice someone flicking a torch on and off in a dark room. While effective for detecting laser pulses, they struggle with continuous wave lasers and can generate false alarms. Sentinel’s breakthrough product, LASERD MAX (Laser Signal and Event Recording Device), uses a unique camera-based method that detects the spectral and spatial features of lasers. What sets LASERD MAX apart from conventional systems is its portability and comprehensive coverage. It doesn’t just monitor a narrow field of view but provides complete awareness.

“It’s more of an all-encompassing system,” explains Tipper.  “It’s easy to detect one laser in one direction, but what makes our system unique is the ability to detect many different types of lasers simultaneously in a clustered background, even in challenging daylight conditions.”

The system can detect everything from drone LIDAR systems and artillery rangefinders to anti-tank guided missiles. It can also spot battlefield scanning systems that use invisible lasers to find hidden optics like sniper scopes.

“Our system can detect a broad range of laser threats,” says Tipper. “It’s novel because it’s portable and standalone, targeted for dismounted use and also at forward operating bases.”

The DASA and Dstl Impact

DASA and Dstl support proved instrumental at multiple points in Sentinel Photonics’ development journey. Their first DASA projects in late 2020 provided critical funding that allowed Tipper to work full-time on developing the technology.

“Those early DASA projects were really critical because that’s where I experimented with different sensors and camera systems and picked the exact sensors and optics we’re still using today,” says Tipper.

As Sentinel Photonics progressed with their innovation journey, they reached a critical point where they needed to grow their team to meet increasing demand and develop their technology further.

In 2022, DASA’s Defence Innovation Loans provided the perfect opportunity to take this next step.

The loan helped transform the organisation from a founder-led startup into a growing enterprise with the capabilities to deliver advanced defence technology.

“Without the Defence Innovation Loan, we wouldn’t have been able to deliver for Dstl, and we wouldn’t have had the resources to increase the size of our team,” Tipper notes.

Commercial Success

Sentinel Photonics’ progress has been remarkable. From just one person working part-time in 2020, the company has grown to 20 people by 2025. Their product line has expanded to include not just the LASERD MAX detection system but also products such as FROST (Filters for Reduction of Optical Signature Thresholds).

The FROST system, also developed with DASA funding and Dstl technical support, protects eyes from laser damage and prevents detection by scanning systems. This technology has achieved significant commercial success and has been integrated into the KS1 rifles that have entered service with UK Armed Forces through a partnership with Edgar Brothers, Sentinels UK partner, as part of the Hunter programme.

The company has also expanded its reach beyond the UK. “We’re expanding across Europe and NATO nations in general, finding partners to bring our products into those markets,” says Tipper. “There’s a direct link from DASA-funded work to us making sales and getting partners into markets.”

The SME has now established strategic collaborations with Glomex in Poland, TBM in the Netherlands, StarC4SIS in Romania and Precision Technic Defence Group in Denmark to add to its already established partnerships with Danger Solutions in Australia and Outervision in France.

The Collaborative Ecosystem

Sentinel’s story highlights the powerful collaboration between Dstl, DASA, and innovative small businesses. Dstl provided the foundation for the core technology and continues to work with Sentinel Photonics by providing technical support. DASA helped bridge the critical gap between concept and the commercially viable product.

For Sentinel, DASA’s involvement has offered more than just funding. “DASA has been a very useful mechanism to test ideas and feasibility within defence,” explains Tipper. “It gives us a way to understand how important what we’re developing is to potential users and get early sight of that as well.”

Looking ahead, Sentinel aims to shift from an R&D focused in its early years to a balanced commercial approach to increase their foothold in defence.

As threats continue to evolve on the modern battlefield, innovations like Sentinel’s laser detection systems and FROST system can play an increasingly vital role in protecting UK and coalition forces. Their journey from laboratory concept to battlefield protection demonstrates the importance of supporting promising defence technologies through the challenging path of commercialisation. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)

 

26 Jan 26. Cuashub.com said today that Pentagon fast-tracks counter-drone proximity rounds. In the latest episode of the Counter-UAS Technology Series, Warrior Maven Editor-in-Chief Kris Osborn speaks with Ben Harris, Executive Director of the National Armaments Consortium, about how proximity-fused ammunition is emerging as a critical last line of defense against drone swarms. The discussion focuses on how the US military is accelerating the development and fielding of medium-caliber proximity rounds to counter small uncrewed aircraft at close range, drawing on both historic lessons and modern battlefield realities.

Osborn and Harris discuss:

  • Why proximity-fused ammunition is seeing renewed demand as drones push closer to frontline forces.
  • How proximity fusing differs from timed and laser-based solutions in contested environments.
  • The role of layered air defense and where gun-based counter-drone systems fit within it.

Harris explains how proximity-fused munitions, combined with modern sensors and command and control, can provide affordable, scalable protection for forces facing increasingly dense and unpredictable drone threats, reinforcing the need for speed, adaptability, and layered defense in modern counter-UAS strategy.

Pentagon fast-tracks counter-drone proximity rounds

(Source: https://cuashub.com/

 

26 Jan 26. Cuashub.com said today that US Marine Corps outlines priorities for counter-drone force protection. At the Counter-UAS Technology USA conference in Washington, DC, C-UAS Hub Editor Adam Jeffs spoke with Lieutenant Colonel Robert Barclay, MACCS Integration Branch Head within the Aviation Combat Element Division at Marine Corps Combat Development and Integration, about how the U.S. Marine Corps is advancing its counter-UAS capabilities. The discussion focused on the Marine Corps’ priorities for defending forces against small UAS, including efforts to reenergize air defense across the service and field organic, easy-to-use counter-drone capabilities for expeditionary forces. Lieutenant Colonel Barclay explained how the Marine Corps approaches counter-UAS through the lens of airspace control, force protection and operational safety, highlighting the balance between kinetic defeat options and the need to manage risk to friendly forces and civilian populations.

Jeffs and Barclay discuss:

  • Why air defense and counter-UAS have become top priorities for the Marine Corps
  • The role of Joint Interagency Task Force-401 in accelerating counter-drone capability development
  • Progress toward lightweight and lower-cost interceptors for close-range force protection
  • The use of APKWS and hunter-killer drones to address different UAS threat groups
  • How airspace management and aviation command and control shape Marine Corps counter-UAS decisions

US Marine Corps outlines priorities for counter-drone force protection

(Source: https://cuashub.com/

 

26 Jan 26. PowerLight Technologies Unveils Laser Power Beaming System to Enable ‘Infinite Flight’ for DoW UAS. PowerLight Technologies, a leader in safe wireless power transfer, recently announced the successful development and subsystem testing of its end-to-end laser power beaming system for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). Developed under the Power TRansmitted Over Laser to UAS (PTROL-UAS) program—sponsored in part by United States Central Command (CENTCOM)—the system pairs an autonomous high-power ground transmitter with a lightweight airborne receiver to enable in-flight charging of UAS. This milestone marks the program’s transition from component development to integrated system validation. By combining precision optical tracking with an airframe-mounted receiver, PowerLight is creating a “wireless power line” capable of delivering kilowatt-class power over kilometer-scale distances.

Autonomous Transmitter System

At the core of the architecture is PowerLight’s mobile, forward-deployable transmitter, which integrates advanced beam-control software with high-power laser hardware. Subsystem testing verified several critical capabilities, including high-precision active target tracking for cooperative UAS, power transmission to altitudes up to 5,000 feet, and a multi-layer safety architecture supporting autonomous and operator-in-the-loop operation in mixed-use airspace. Integrated control software provides real-time monitoring, analytics, and interoperability with UAS control systems and ground power infrastructure.

“This is far more than point-to-point laser power transfer,” said Tom Nugent, CTO and Co-Founder of PowerLight. “Our system communicates with the UAS, tracks its vector in real time, and delivers energy precisely where it’s needed. These tests validate the core architecture required for upcoming flight demonstrations.”

Lightweight Receiver

The airborne receiver weighs approximately six pounds and uses laser power converters to transform non-visible laser energy into electricity for onboard battery charging. An embedded control module manages telemetry, supports a bi-directional optical data link, and enables future embedded communications.

Operational Impact and Next Steps

PTROL-UAS aims to establish power beaming as a foundational capability for persistent airborne operations. PowerLight is partnering with Kraus Hamdani Aerospace to integrate the system into the K1000ULE ultra-long-endurance UAS supporting U.S. Navy and Army missions. With subsystem validation nearing completion, PowerLight is preparing for fully integrated flight testing in early 2026, demonstrating sustained, wirelessly powered flight of a K1000ULE equipped with the laser power beaming receiver. (Source: UAS VISION)

 

23 Jan 26. Denmark fast-tracked Lockheed radars for northern air surveillance. A recent $610 m order placed by Denmark for air surveillance radars to be stationed across Danish territory was sole-sourced to U.S. defense giant Lockheed Martin in the “essential security interests” of the country, according to newly published contract documents. The Danish Ministry of Defense Acquisition and Logistics Organization, or DALO, purchased three TPY-4 fixed air defense radars from the American company in December, with the option to procure a fourth one. The government plans to station these in Skagen (the northern tip of Denmark), Bornholm (in the Baltic Sea), the Faroe Islands, and possibly in eastern Greenland to extend the country’s aerial surveillance reach. In the past, this area of Greenland has had limited surveillance and remains one of the most isolated and sparsely populated parts of the Arctic.

“DALO assesses that the contract could be awarded directly for the protection of the essential interests of Denmark’s security to Lockheed Martin. …The radars constitute a core element of the country’s air surveillance, and the capability is thus essential to the effective functioning of its national air defense,” a Jan. 20 notice published on the Tenders Electronics Daily, a European Union-affiliated public procurement platform, said.

Tensions have been brewing between Denmark and the United States over President Donald Trump’s fixation with taking control of Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory.

On Jan. 21, during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Trump clarified during a speech that he does not intend to use military action to acquire Greenland

Several of Denmark’s Nordic neighbors have also purchased Lockheed’s TPY-4 ground-based radar. Sweden ordered an undisclosed number of units in June 2025, and Norway procured additional units in 2024, now operating 11 of them. (Source: Defense News)

 

26 Jan 26. Nigeria’s DICON and UNICCON demonstrate counter-drone system. The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), in collaboration with the UNICCON Group of companies recently conducted a live presentation of an integrated drone detection and defence system, showcasing the capabilities of Nigeria’s defence industry. The demonstration took place at the Jaji Shooting Range in Kaduna on 23 December and encompassed the UNIKAM series of loitering munitions, able to reach speeds of over 200 km/h, and a stationary drone detection, jamming and spoofing system capable of detecting over 40 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) simultaneously up to 8 km away and neutralising threats through precise jamming and spoofing within a 3 km radius.

UNIKAM FPV drone.

“This milestone signals a shift toward African defence self-reliance, moving from the importation of foreign hardware to the development of indigenous, high-spec tactical systems,” UNICCON said.

The company explained that the UNIKAM loitering munition series of multi-rotor kamikaze UAVs have a range of 8-15 km, a flight time of 10-20 minutes, and payload of 2.5 kg. The loitering munitions can be controlled either autonomously, semi-autonomously, or manually through first person view (FPV) goggles.

The Drone Jammer System (DJS – Stationary Type) provides counter-UAV capabilities through real-time detection, tracking, and electronic disruption. It can identify the position, altitude, and speed of over 40 UAVs simultaneously, detecting communications bands from 30 MHz to 6 GHz at up to 8 km. It can jam command-and-control (C2), telemetry, and navigation links in the 900 MHz, 1.5 GHz, 2.4 GHz, 5.2 GHz, 5.8 GHz, and custom Wi-Fi bands at up to 3 km. The system can spoof drones by sending the wrong coordinates. Other features include 24/7 unattended operation, geofencing, and “whitelist/blacklist” functionality to avoid jamming friendly drones.  Also part of the 23 December demonstration was the detonation of a locally produced explosive and warhead. “The demonstration evaluated a high-energy composite munition (explosives) designed for increased pressure build-up and energy confinement,” UNICCON said. The warhead mass can range from 2.22 kg to 200 kg – during the test, a 2.2 kg warhead was detonated, producing an observed blast radius of approximately 200 meters and thermal output exceeding 250°C. A secure radio-frequency based wireless remote detonation system was used from 1.5 km away.

The UNICCON Group of companies has offices in Nigeria and the United Kingdom and operates across AI, robotics, drone technology, telemedicine, enterprise software, and education. Its subsidiaries include BabaSky and the DICON-UNICCON joint venture. BabaSky focuses on UAV development, manufacturing, training, and operation while the DICON-UNICCON joint venture focuses on the development of advanced defence technologies, such as unmanned systems.

Professor Chuks Ekwueme, Chairman of the UNICCON Group, speaking during the 23 December demonstration said “UNICCON Group are taking the bull by the horns in the shape of local technology in Nigeria. This was the reason behind forming a joint venture with DICON.”

“We are very big on electronic warfare, which we know is the direction of warfare today. Enemies are improving, they are using drones so we should also be focussing on solutions to counter them because we have to think ahead of the enemy.”

Apart from kamikaze UAVs, UNICCON/BabaSky are working on other custom and long-endurance drones, including fixed wing models. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)

 

22 Jan 26. Half a billion investment to upgrade RAF Typhoons and secure 1,500 British jobs.

The government has this week committed over £650m to upgrade the RAF’s Typhoon fighter jet fleet, securing over 1,500 jobs across the UK.

  • More than half a bn in funding committed this week to upgrade Britain’s Typhoons – including advanced radar upgrades – securing over 1,500 UK jobs.
  • Defence Secretary John Healey visits Leonardo UK in Edinburgh, where hundreds of ms will be invested in cutting-edge radars manufactured in Scotland.
  • Investment delivers on Strategic Defence Review commitment to continue upgrading Typhoon as the backbone of Britain’s air defence.

More than 1,500 skilled jobs across the UK will be sustained into the next decade as the government commits over half a bn pounds this week to strengthen and upgrade the RAF’s Typhoon fighter jet fleet, showing how defence is an engine for growth. Defence Secretary John Healey will visit Leonardo UK’s Edinburgh site to confirm the award of a £453 m contract to UK industry for the manufacture of state-of-the-art Typhoon radar systems, and which will secure hundreds of highly skilled jobs in Scotland over the next decade and up to 1,300 jobs across the UK.   Under the new contract, BAE Systems, Leonardo UK and Parker Meggitt will equip Royal Air Force Typhoons with the new radar systems over the coming years. In addition to the 300 skilled roles in Edinburgh, the work secures 120 jobs in Lancashire and more than 100 in Luton. The full Typhoon programme supports more than 20,000 jobs across 330 UK companies. The radar investment follows a £205 m contract announced earlier this week for the long-term provision of specialist Typhoon engineering support by QinetiQ (sustaining up to 250 UK jobs) to help upgrade the Typhoon weapon system and keep the aircraft safe and airworthy for years to come. This week’s combined investment of over £650 m demonstrates how defence is as an engine for growth, creating good jobs and growing businesses while strengthening national security. Apprentices and workers in Scotland will benefit from the contract, with more than half of Leonardo UK’s almost 3,000 Edinburgh employees working in highly skilled professions, such as hardware, software, electronics and systems engineering. The UK is committed to the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War – hitting 2.6% of GDP from 2027. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)

 

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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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