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Latest articles and analysis on counter-UAS technology and drone warfare
MQ-9 Reaper Fires Laser-Guided Rockets In Tests
The U.S. Air Force successfully tested the firing of APKWS laser-guided rockets from an MQ-9 Reaper against both ground and aerial targets, enhancing its counter-UAS (C-UAS) capabilities. General Atomics is rapidly integrating APKWS, including the air-to-air variant FALCO, onto both the MQ-9 and the newer Mojave STOL drone. These tests demonstrate a shift towards lower-cost, high-volume C-UAS solutions, driven by the increasing threat of drones.
Smart Shooter Receives Follow-on U.S. Army Award for SMASH 2000LEFire Control Systems for individual C-sUAS
Smart Shooter secured a $10.7 million follow-on contract with the U.S. Army for its SMASH 2000LE fire control systems, designed for individual counter-UAS (C-sUAS) capabilities. This builds on recent contracts with the Army, Marine Corps, and USAF, expanding the SMASH system’s deployment across multiple U.S. military branches. Delivery is scheduled for Q3 2026.
Saab launches new Carl-Gustaf, air defense munitions, expands production in US, India
Saab has launched new warheads for the Carl-Gustaf weapon system, specifically designed for air defense applications against drones and other aerial threats. Simultaneously, the company is expanding production capacity in both the United States and India to meet anticipated demand and bolster supply chain resilience. Details regarding specific delivery timelines from these new facilities have been released.
DARPA Pursuing Containerized Drone Swarms
DARPA is exploring the deployment of remotely triggered drone swarms contained within standard shipping containers. These 'containerized swarms' are intended to be pre-positioned and activated on demand, creating a distributed and difficult-to-counter threat. The concept aims to overwhelm enemy air defenses with a sudden, coordinated drone attack from unexpected locations.
Anti-Drone “Cope Cage” Appears On Russian Patrol Boat
Russian Navy patrol boats are now being equipped with improvised “cope cages” – overhead protective screens – in response to increasing Ukrainian drone attacks in the Black Sea. These cages, previously seen on tanks and even a submarine, aim to mitigate the threat of drone-delivered munitions but offer limited protection against more sophisticated tactics. Recent Ukrainian attacks, including one resulting in Russian casualties near the Kerch Bridge, demonstrate the evolving drone warfare tactics being employed.
5 US bases selected for anti-drone pilot program
The U.S. Army's Joint Interagency Task Force 401 (JITF 401) has selected five military installations – Fort Huachuca & Bliss, Naval Base Kitsap, Grand Forks AFB, and Whiteman AFB – to pilot advanced counter-UAS technologies, specifically directed energy systems. This program follows recent anti-drone laser tests and safety assessments conducted with the FAA, addressing previous airspace closure concerns. Deployment plans are to be finalized within 180 days, with operations commencing this year.
5 US bases selected for anti-drone pilot program
The U.S. Army's Joint Interagency Task Force 401 (JITF 401) has selected five military installations – Fort Huachuca & Bliss, Naval Base Kitsap, Grand Forks AFB, and Whiteman AFB – for a pilot program testing advanced counter-UAS technologies, specifically directed energy systems. This program follows recent DoD/FAA testing of anti-drone lasers and aims to integrate these capabilities into a broader counter-drone toolkit. Deployment plans are to be finalized within 180 days, with operations commencing this year.
Ukraine’s New AI Laser Replaces $5,000,000 Missiles That Were Used to Shoot Down $20,000 Russian Drones
Ukraine's Celebra Tech has developed 'Trident,' an AI-powered, laser-based counter-UAS system. The system reportedly neutralizes drones like the Shahed at a range exceeding 3 miles, demonstrating the ability to burn through armor in seconds. This offers a potentially cost-effective alternative to expensive missile-based air defense.
Rohde & Schwarz rolls out its full ARDRONIS counter UAS suite in a demonstration van at Counter UAS Technology Europe 2026 – Drones World Magazine
Rohde & Schwarz is showcasing its fully integrated ARDRONIS counter-UAS suite in a mobile demonstration van at Counter UAS Technology Europe 2026. The system features enhanced jamming capabilities down to 100 MHz, improved direction-finding, and a unified cockpit for streamlined operation. A presentation by Rohde & Schwarz will detail a field deployment example demonstrating the system's capabilities.
CSG Introduces Counter-drone Ammunition Enabling Soldiers to Neutralize UAV Threats With Standard Rifles – Drones World Magazine
CSG (Fiocchi) has unveiled a new counter-drone ammunition compatible with standard 5.56x45mm NATO assault rifles. The ammunition utilizes a multi-projectile tungsten pellet payload to increase hit probability against small UAVs while minimizing collateral damage. Development and testing were conducted in collaboration with the Italian Armed Forces' special forces.