Dune counter-drone solution: AimLock and FN join forces - Calibre Defence
AI Analysis
AimLock and FN America have partnered to develop 'Dune,' a counter-drone solution integrating AimLock’s AI-powered targeting software with FN’s Defnder remote weapon station (RWS). The system is designed to detect, track, and engage small drones using existing RWS platforms with a software and computing upgrade. Dune was showcased at SOF Week, demonstrating a rapidly deployable, weapon-agnostic counter-UAS capability.
Key Takeaways
- Dune integrates AimLock’s Core Targeting Module with the FN Defnder RWS.
- The system utilizes AI for improved fire control and target engagement.
- Dune is compatible with various weapon systems including 30mm cannons (with proximity-fuzed rounds), .50 caliber machine guns, and 40mm automatic grenade launchers.
- The solution leverages existing RWS infrastructure, offering a cost-effective and quick-to-deploy counter-drone capability.
- Proximity-fuzed ammunition is highlighted as particularly effective against drones, offering an advantage over timed airburst rounds.
Why It Matters
This development addresses the growing threat of small drones on the battlefield by repurposing existing military assets. The weapon-agnostic nature of Dune allows for broad adoption across various platforms already equipped with RWS, enabling a distributed and scalable counter-UAS defense. The reliance on AI-assisted targeting enhances reaction time and accuracy, crucial in a fast-moving drone engagement.
Dune counter-drone solution: AimLock and FN join forces - Calibre Defence
Today is : May 20, 2026
AimLock and FN America join forces on Dune counter-drone weapon station
Countering drones is a big problem for militaries around the world. One theory is that remote weapon stations can be given software upgrades that enable them to detect and shoot drones down. AimLock and FN America have announced a collaboration to do just that; they are calling it the Dune counter-drone solution.
By Sam Cranny-Evans, editor of Calibre Defence, published on 20 May, 2026.
AimLock and FN America have announced that they are collaborating on the development of a new counter-drone solution. The two companies have integrated AimLock’s Core Targeting Module into FN’s Defnder medium remote weapon station (RWS). Together, the Defnder and AimLock’s targeting software form the Dune counter-drone solution.
With the Core Targeting Module and a computing upgrade, the Defnder is able to detect, track, and engage small drones, AimLock said in a May 20 press release. The targeting module employs artificial intelligence to provide improved fire control solutions. It also requires an addition to the RWS’s computing power.
The Dune solution has been mounted onto a BC Customs’ SXV – XL – 6X6 ground vehicle. It is on display at SOF Week in Florida from18-21 May.
Dune weapon options
The Defnder can mount a range of weapons, including the 30×113 mm cannon, which is compatible with a range of ammunition including XM1211 proximity-fuzed rounds. The proximity fuze is an effective way for a cannon to engage a drone. It includes a fuze that detects the presence of the drone and detonates the explosive inside the round. The alternative is air-bursting rounds. These detonate according to a timer that is set when they leave the barrel. This means that if the drone has moved, the round may detonate in a less advantageous place.
Alternatively, Dune can be armed with a .50 calibre machine gun, which has proven very effective at bringing Shaheds and Gerans down in Ukraine. Or it can carry the 40×53 mm automatic grenade launcher. The weapons available for the Dune counter-drone solution are important; many countries use an RWS. Building a weapon agnostic solution opens up a potentially lucrative market.
Calibre comment: Distributed drone defence
A healthy proportion of western armoured vehicles carry a remote weapon station. These systems generally consist of a reasonably capable camera that often includes a thermal channel. A good quality camera can be used for detection and engagement of small drones. But an AI-assisted targeting system is understood to be more effective than a human alone. Furthermore, a remote weapon station will often have a stabilise weapon, which improves its accuracy. So, because these systems are widely available, adding software to the operating system is seen as a route to gaining distributed drone defence in a hurry. The Dune counter-drone system, and