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03 Mar 26. Cuashub.com said today that France to deploy C-UAS defenses to Cyprus after drone strike on RAF Akrotiri. France plans to send anti-missile and anti-drone systems to Cyprus following a drone attack on the British sovereign base at RAF Akrotiri, according to the Cyprus News Agency. Cyprus News Agency reported that France would deploy air defense systems and a frigate to the eastern Mediterranean island. It said French President Emmanuel Macron communicated the intention to Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides early Tuesday. A Cypriot government source, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the report. France’s defense ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The reported French support follows two separate drone incidents on Monday targeting RAF Akrotiri, which is considered sovereign British territory. In the first incident, an Iranian-made Shahed drone crashed into the runway, causing limited damage. Hours later, two additional drones were intercepted.
Senior Cypriot officials said the attack was carried out by an Iranian Shahed drone likely launched by the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah from Lebanon. Officials stressed that the British base, rather than the Republic of Cyprus itself, was the intended target.
The incident occurred amid heightened regional tensions. Britain had said Sunday that it accepted a U.S. request to use its military bases for “defensive” strikes against Iran, following the launch of a U.S. and Israeli military campaign against Tehran and subsequent Iranian retaliation. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer later stated that Britain’s bases in Cyprus were not being used by U.S. bombers.
Cyprus has requested that British bases on the island be used only for humanitarian purposes.
France’s move would add to assistance already pledged by Greece. Athens dispatched four F-16 fighter jets to Cyprus on Monday, along with two frigates. One of the vessels is equipped with the Centauros anti-drone jamming system, which has previously been deployed against Houthi attacks on shipping lanes off Yemen.
According to Cypriot defense sources, the Centauros system is capable of detecting and neutralizing low-flying drones such as the one that struck RAF Akrotiri and evaded radar detection. (Source: https://cuashub.com/
04 Mar 26. Cambridge Pixel has announced the HPx-700, an ARM-based embedded Radar Input & Signal Processor, with orders opening in April 2026. The HPx-700 allows system integrators to upgrade analogue radars with advanced digital processing at the edge, including options such as high-performance target tracking. This removes the dependency on host PCs and enables more compact, reliable deployments.
The HPx-700 is designed for environments where reliability, low power consumption, and compact size are essential. Its 64-bit ARM processor handles complex signal processing locally, converting raw analogue inputs directly into network-ready radar data. The fanless, low SWaP design ensures uninterrupted operation in constrained or remote locations.
Compared with the widely used HPx-346, the HPx-700 represents a step change in radar system architecture, providing edge-based radar processing with Cambridge Pixel’s proven software technology
Available in three core options:
- Distribution: Includes efficient capture and network distribution of radar video.
- Target detection: Adds plot extraction and generates detection lists from raw radar video.
- Target Tracking: Advanced algorithms to establish and maintain confirmed target tracks, including correlation and filtering.
Optional modules extend functionality further, providing multi-sensor fusion and high-reliability data recording, enabling system architects to implement sophisticated capabilities without redesigning core systems.
Available in stand-alone, rack-mount, or board-only form factors, the HPx-700 includes built-in signal analysis and radar visualisation tools to verify performance during commissioning.
Designed with long-term operational support in mind, the HPx-700 uses components with a guaranteed future supply, giving engineers confidence in sustaining upgraded radar systems over many years.
Full technical specifications will be published on the official launch. For technical enquiries or integration discussions, contact the Cambridge Pixel engineering team.
06 Feb 26. Moscow ‘closes four airports due to drone activity’. The Kyiv Independent reported yesterday (February 22), that Ukrainian drones targeting Moscow resulted in the closure of four airports.
“Flights were temporarily suspended at Moscow’s Domodedovo, Sheremetyevo, Vnukovo, and Zhukovsky airports,” the article stated. “While the capital is well-defended against aerial threats, Ukrainian officials have said that disrupting aviation operations is a strategic way of bringing the Kremlin’s war home to the Russian population.”
The Kyiv Independent said that more than 20 drones had been shot down en route to Moscow yesterday afternoon and evening. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
03 Mar 26. NATO Innovation Fund co-leads EUR30m financing of TYTAN C-UAS interceptors. The NATO Innovation Fund (NIF) has co-led a EUR30m all-European Series A financing round to back TYTAN Technologies alongside Armira, with Visionaries Club, OTB Ventures, Lakestar, Magnetic, D3 and 10x Group.
TYTAN is developing a new generation of AI-guided, low-cost interceptor drones, paired with a software-defined integration layer that connects directly into existing radar and command-and-control systems, according to a NIF press release. At the core of the system are TYTAN’s interceptor drones. These are medium-range interceptors designed specifically for NATO Class I and II unmanned aerial threats, including Shahed-type drones. They can engage targets at large ranges, at speeds sufficient to intercept Shaheds, while maintaining an affordable unit cost, making it economically viable to defend against mass drone attacks.
The financing will enable TYTAN to scale its manufacturing footprint across Germany, Ukraine and Allied markets, accelerate development of its AI-powered interceptor systems, and advance integration into all layers of air defence – including next-generation missile-based systems. According to the NIF fund press release: “With confirmed orders from Ukraine and growing demand across Northern and Eastern Europe, TYTAN is scaling its manufacturing footprint and strengthening supply chain partnerships with European SMEs and defence primes, including Hensoldt, KNDS, Deutz, and Dedrone. TYTAN’s air defence technology addresses an urgent capability gap for Ukraine and Allies alike, enabling them to defend their airspace, military bases and critical infrastructure against drone incursions cost-efficiently and at scale. NIF is proud to partner with the TYTAN team to defend the airspace across the NATO Alliance.
“Since its founding in 2023, TYTAN has operated actively in Ukraine and secured multiple government contracts, including procurement agreements to deliver thousands of METIS interceptor drones to its armed forces. In Germany, TYTAN has been commissioned by The Federal Office for Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support of the Bundeswehr (BAAINBw) to supply AI-based command-and-control infrastructure and effector systems for the protection of military installations. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
26 Feb 26. Wrap signs distribution agreement with Crystal Works of India. Wrap Technologies has signed a distribution agreement with Crystal Works Private Limited of India, which includes the pre-order purchase of Wrap’s drone first responder interdiction systems (DFR-X).
Wrap says its “C-UAS drone platform extends the company’s non-lethal response capabilities into the aerial domain”. DFR-X is designed to combine detection, situational awareness and non-lethal interdiction options within a unified operating framework.
The Crystal Works agreement marks Wrap’s first commercial entry into the Indian market. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
27 Feb 26. “Short-sighted incompetence” as DoD is reported to have shot down CBP drone. In the latest twist in the El Paso airspace closure incident, a congressional briefing and joint agency statement confirms that the US military made contact with a drone, which is reported to have been operated by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Ranking Member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Rick Larsen, Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Aviation André Carson and Ranking Member of the House Committee on Homeland Security Bennie G. Thompson released the following statement yesterday (February 26).
“Our heads are exploding over the news that DoD reportedly shot down a Customs and Border Protection drone using a high risk counter-unmanned aircraft system,” the Members said. “We said months ago that the White House’s decision to sidestep a bipartisan, tri-committee bill to appropriately train C-UAS operators and address the lack of coordination between the Pentagon, DHS and the FAA was a short-sighted idea. Now, we’re seeing the result of its incompetence.”
The comments follow a joint statement by DoD, CBP and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that acknowledged the incident, thought to be the second in two weeks, and said the military mitigated “a seemingly threatening unmanned aerial system operating within military airspace.” The statement did not say that it was a CBP drone that had been hit. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
27 Feb 26. Allen Control Systems to expand to meet demand for Bullfrog C-UAS. Allen Control Systems is to triple the size of its Austin, Texas operations to more than 57,000 square feet to meet the demand for its Bullfrog™ autonomous counter-drone system. The expansion will enable the company to scale low rate initial production and research, development, testing and evaluation capabilities to support deliveries to US and allied customers.
Bullfrog uses artificial intelligence, computer vision and proprietary control systems to enable legacy or modern weapons to precisely engage a target. The system has been tested in military technology trials and validated by contracts from the US Army, US Special Operations Command and several US-allied militaries.
Earlier this month, the US Army named Bullfrog as the winner of its xTechOverwatch competition. As a result, the company will receive a USD 2 m Direct to Phase II Small Business Innovation Research award to accelerate Bullfrog’s development. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
04 Mar 26. Cuashub.com said today that Counter-UAS defenses engage drones across the Middle East as conflict escalates. The escalation of hostilities in the Middle East has seen air defenses across the Gulf intercept, destroy or otherwise engage large numbers of drones over the past several days.
In the United Arab Emirates, defense forces have been actively engaging Iranian-linked drones launched as part of a retaliation campaign following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran. The UAE Ministry of Defence said hundreds of drones were detected, with the majority successfully intercepted by air defense systems. According to tallies shared by defense officials, air defenses detected 689 drones, of which 645 were intercepted, though dozens fell within Emirati territory, causing limited infrastructure damage and debris-related incidents in places such as Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Across the Gulf, similar defensive efforts have played out:
- Kuwait reported its armed forces shot down roughly 283 Iranian drones as part of broader ballistic and aerial interception operations.
- In Bahrain, officials said they intercepted scores of aerial threats, with interceptions occurring near populated areas and military installations.
- Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defence said its air defense systems destroyed five hostile drones near Prince Sultan Air Base, preventing them from posing a threat to the military facility.
In some cases, friendly military aircraft are also reported to have downed hostile unmanned systems. UK MoD confirmed via social media that a Royal Air Force Typhoon jet operating out of Qatar shot down an Iranian drone over the region during defensive air patrols.
Drone strikes have not been limited to purely military targets. Technology infrastructure also came under attack alongside aerial threats. Cloud service provider Amazon Web Services (AWS) reported that several of its data centers in the UAE and Bahrain suffered structural damage and service outages attributed to drone strikes.
Reuters and other outlets have noted that Shahed-style systems have been deployed in large numbers across the Gulf, pushing defensive networks to sustain a high operational tempo. Counter-drone defenses across the region are being put to the test following years of efforts to build effective layered defenses capable of intercepting large swarms.
Despite the high number of intercepts, some drones have breached defenses. UAE officials acknowledged that a small percentage of unmanned threats or falling debris have impacted civilian infrastructure. (Source: https://cuashub.com/
04 Mar 26. Skylance DroneHammer Reimagines Drone Defence. At the recent Enforce Tac in Nuremberg, Skylance GmbH unveiled DroneHammer, a close-range counter-UAS system designed to defeat drones weighing up to 25 kilograms. DroneHammer is a laser-guided, jam-resistant system built for rapid, precise engagements with minimal collateral damage. Scalable from a single portable launcher to multi-launcher configurations, it integrates with existing command-and-control structures. Each interception is estimated to cost around €2,500 ($2,900), positioning it as a comparatively economical option.
Potential users include the German Armed Forces, allied militaries, and government agencies responsible for protecting critical infrastructure.
Skylance DroneHammer integrated on a MOSOLF special vehicle platform. In the foreground are the precision interceptor missiles for combating small drones – Carsten Vennemann
Effective Without Explosives
The interceptor missile weighs under one kilogram and has a range of up to 2,000 meters. A laser-guided optical seeker enables precise targeting. Drones can be acquired optically at distances up to 500 meters, with laser designation used for longer ranges.
Powered by a small rocket motor, the missile deploys a compressed-air cartridge near the target, dispersing multiple small pellets to disable the drone without explosives. An optional parachute allows controlled descent after engagement.
According to Managing Director Philipp Bohne, laboratory demonstrations have confirmed system effectiveness. Field trials at Wehrtechnische Dienststelle 91 in Meppen will evaluate real-world performance.
Flexible Integration
At Enforce Tac, Skylance demonstrated DroneHammer’s adaptability across platforms. A 12-tube launcher was mounted on a pickup with the Mosolf Group. Eiselin Landsystems integrated a single launcher onto its SAND-X Dual Operating Vehicle, while RISEPORT EUROPE incorporated the interceptor into its ARGOS APS LANCE system.
Future plans include mounting the interceptor beneath a drone, further expanding operational flexibility.
Top Photo: The interceptor missile can also be launched from a portable single launcher, which can optionally be used shoulder-mounted as a manpad, or mounted on a mobile platform – Carsten Vennemann
(Source: UAS VISION/wehrtechnik)
26 Feb 26. Cuashub.com said today that Invariant demonstrates C-UxS system using APKWS on USV platform.
Invariant Corporation has completed an early maritime integration test of its Surface-to-Air Kinetic Engagement system, or STAKE, mounting the capability onto a Textron Systems TSUNAMI unmanned surface vessel during testing at Lake Guntersville, Alabama.
According to the company, the demonstration focused on integrating STAKE onto the TSUNAMI USV platform and validating performance in a maritime environment. The event marked an application of the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System, or APKWS, in the maritime domain.
STAKE is designed as a modular counter-uncrewed systems capability that can be integrated onto multiple vehicle types. The maritime configuration demonstrated at Lake Guntersville consists of two primary subsystems: “Hunter,” which includes the sensor and laser designation package for target acquisition and tracking, and “Killer,” the precision engagement component. The company said the subsystems operated together in the maritime setting during testing.
“This successful demonstration represents a significant development and reflects Invariant’s position at the forefront of C-UxS innovation as well as kinetic maritime autonomy,” said President Danny Levis. “We are committed to advancing adaptable, high-performance systems that align with the Department of War’s objective to enhance lethality, especially in the maritime domain”.
The TSUNAMI unmanned surface vessel is designed to provide connectivity and operational flexibility across maritime missions while removing personnel from direct risk. Textron Systems describes the platform as built on a Modular Open Systems Approach, enabling integration of various payloads depending on mission requirements. The TSUNAMI family draws on decades of autonomous systems development within the company.
The demonstration forms part of broader efforts across the defense sector to adapt counter-UxS systems for maritime use, particularly as unmanned aerial and surface threats proliferate. While the release characterized the milestone as a significant step forward, further testing and operational evaluation would likely be required before any fielding decisions. (Source: https://cuashub.com/
03 Mar 26. Epirus will lead systems integration of DFT’s Seraphim command-and-control and multi-modal sensor fusion software with Epirus’ Leonidas high-power microwave (HPM) platform for critical point defense. Leonidas is a proven, non-kinetic counter-UAS solution that uses electromagnetic interference to defeat swarming, AI-enabled and fiber-optic guided drones that can evade traditional electronic warfare systems. The platform emits precise bursts of electromagnetic energy to disable onboard electronics, neutralizing threats with minimal collateral effects. Software-defined safe zones allow operators to scale effects with high precision. During a 2025 live-fire demonstration, Leonidas defeated a 49-drone swarm simultaneously with a targeted burst.
DFT’s Seraphim software and counter-UAS family of systems provide autonomous tracking and identification in complex operational environments. Built on a modular, sensor- and effector-agnostic architecture, Seraphim enables rapid integration of best-in-class technologies. The platform fuses real-time sensor data, prioritizes threats autonomously and coordinates effects through a unified interface, accelerating the transition from detection to response.
“Leonidas was designed for interoperability,” said Epirus CEO Andy Lowery. “This collaboration combines our swarm-defeat and systems integration expertise with DFT’s edge processing and automation to deliver the flexible, fully integrated counter-UAS capability customers need for critical defence missions.”
“Integrating Seraphim with Leonidas extends AI-enabled decision-making through the defeat layer, delivering a turnkey detect-to-defeat capability,” said DFT CEO Justin MacLaurin.
The companies plan to support upcoming U.S. government demonstrations and expect to present the complete counter-UAS solution later this year. (Source: UAS VISION)
02 Mar 26. Cuashub.com said today that JIATF-401 summarizes 6 months of rapid counter-drone deliveries. Joint Interagency Task Force 401 has marked six months since its establishment, highlighting accelerated delivery of counter-UAS capabilities to U.S. forces at home and abroad.
Created to integrate counter-drone efforts across the Defense Department and move more quickly from concept to fielded capability, the task force said it has executed more than $30 m in rapid procurement actions during its first half-year of operations. JIATF 401 is leading implementation of the department’s Domestic Shield initiative, formerly known as Replicator 2, aimed at delivering scalable counter-UAS capabilities to protect sensitive sites.
According to the task force, early efforts focused not only on acquiring systems but also on addressing policy and coordination gaps. In partnership with the Office of the Secretary of Defense for Policy, JIATF-401 clarified guidance to give installation commanders greater authority to protect personnel and assets from drone threats. These actions followed findings from a Department of Defense inspector general report that cited “unclear and inconsistent policies” that left certain installations vulnerable.
On Feb. 24, the task force was notified that Recommendation One from DODIG-2026-045, a management advisory calling for immediate action to protect covered assets against unmanned aircraft systems, had been closed.
“From day one, our task was to close real gaps as quickly as we could,” said Army Brig. Gen. Matt Ross, director of JIATF-401. He said the focus has been on fielding usable capabilities while also clarifying authorities and establishing common standards.
Procurement, policy and integration efforts
Beyond procurement, the task force established a centralized counter-UAS marketplace to help service branches and interagency partners identify and acquire validated solutions. It also executed an enterprise-wide licensing agreement with industry partners for a common counter-UAS mission command system, intended to improve shared situational awareness and coordinated operations.
In support of homeland defense, JIATF-401 said it has enhanced air domain awareness around defense installations, the southern border and the National Capital Region. It also published a Guide for Physical Protection of Critical Infrastructure to assist installation commanders and local law enforcement in implementing passive protective measures against drone threats.
The task force has supported state, local, tribal and territorial law enforcement in accessing $250 m in Federal Emergency Management Agency grant funding designated for counter-UAS capabilities ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
On the operational side, JIATF-401 reported procuring low-collateral defeat systems and conducting assessments with the Army’s Global Response Force to evaluate their use in expeditionary and high-readiness formations. It also leveraged the Lt. Gen. James M. Gavin Joint Innovation Outpost to gather operator feedback and refine counter-UAS concepts of employment. Efforts to standardize data and improve interoperability across systems and organizations are ongoing.
Training and next steps
Training has been another focus area. The task force said it has integrated counter-UAS capabilities into joint and service training environments and formalized partnerships with interagency training facilities to synchronize instruction and share best practices.
“Counter-UAS does not start or stop at the fence line, and it is not as simple as procuring a single piece of hardware,” Ross said, emphasizing the need for layered defenses, informed operators and clear policies.
Looking ahead, JIATF-401 plans to continue supporting interagency and joint efforts tied to high-profile events, including the 2026 World Cup and activities related to the United States’ 250th anniversary. The task force is also scheduled to host its first industry day on March 5 in Alexandria, Virginia, as part of its ongoing engagement with defense and technology partners. (Source: https://cuashub.com/
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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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