Airbus Tests Armed ‘Bird of Prey’ Interceptor Drone - The Aviationist
AI Analysis
Airbus has conducted the first test of its 'Bird of Prey' interceptor drone, which is designed as a cost-effective counter-UAS platform using low-cost Mark I air-to-air missiles developed by Frankenburg Technologies. The test took place in northern Germany, showcasing the platform's capability to autonomously engage kamikaze drones.
Key Takeaways
- Airbus tested the 'Bird of Prey' counter-UAS platform based on the Do-DT25 drone.
- The platform uses low-cost Mark I air-to-air missiles from Frankenburg Technologies.
- The system is designed to counter threats like Russian Geran-type OWA drones.
- The DT-25 drone integrates Shield AI’s Hivemind autonomous flight software.
- The system is intended to operate within NATO's integrated air defense architecture.
Why It Matters
The development of the 'Bird of Prey' platform represents a significant advancement in counter-UAS technology, providing a cost-effective solution to the growing threat of kamikaze drones. Its integration into NATO's air defense systems enhances collective security and response capabilities against asymmetric aerial threats.
Airbus Tests Armed ‘Bird of Prey’ Interceptor Drone - The Aviationist
The modified DT25 drone of the Bird of Prey system firing the Mark 1 air-to-air missile. (Image credit: Airbus)
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The ‘Bird of Prey’ platform was developed as a simple, cost-effective counter-drone system that can engage attack UAVs with low-cost air-to-air missiles.
Airbus Defence and Space announced on Mar. 30, 2026, the first test of its ‘Bird of Prey’ counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) platform, based on a modified Do-DT25 target drone. The drone notably fired a low-cost Mark I air-to-air missile at an unspecified target.
The Mark I missile is developed by defense start-up Frankenburg Technologies, a partner in the Bird of Prey program. Both companies will conduct additional tests throughout 2026, Airbus said in its statement.
The European defense major said the platform, which has been in the works for around nine months, responds to the persistent kamikaze drone threat needing simpler and cost-effective asymmetric solutions. The video released by Airbus shows footage of targets and civilian residential buildings struck by Russian Geran-type One-Way Attack(OWA) drones as an example of the threats that the Bird of Prey would counter.
The DT-25, which recently also flew with Shield AI’s Hivemind autonomous flight software, is seen carrying two Mark 1 AAMs on each wing, one of which it fires at an unidentified target in the test that took place in northern Germany. The test also comes as drone threats reach new heights, as shown by the Iranian drone and missile attacks against U.S. installations and energy infrastructure in nearby countries.
Successful first demo flight: Airbus’ uncrewed Bird of Prey interceptor autonomously engages kamikaze drone with @FrankenburgTech missile.
The Airbus ‘Bird of Prey’ is designed to seamlessly operate within NATO’s integrated air defence architecture via established command and… pic.twitter.com/u3Yd5K9uSY
— Airbus Defence (@AirbusDefence) March 30, 2026
Footage also emerged on Mar. 31 showing a delta-wing Iranian Shahed-type long-range OWA reportedly being destroyed over Erbil in northern Iraq. Observers concluded that a counter-drone UAV was involved.
Bird of Prey test
The video released by Airbus showed two DT25s and two ground-based rail-launch systems. With one of the DT25s carrying a Mark 1 each under each wing on specialized launchers, it is possible the other DT25 acted as the target drone.
The press release, the video and the officially released image do not mention or show the Mark I missile striking the target. It is also possible that the weapon did not have a live explosive warhead, which might have been replaced by telemetry systems.
Screengrab from the Airbus video showing the Do-DT25 being lowered onto a rail launcher during the test in northern Germany. (Image Credit: Airbus)
Airbus does however show