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Latest articles and analysis on counter-UAS technology and drone warfare
L3Harris VAMPIRE Confirms Integrated Counter-Drone Capability During Live Exercises - Europe Defence Insights Magazine | EDI
L3Harris' VAMPIRE counter-UAS system demonstrated integrated capabilities during live exercises with US and allied forces, highlighting its effectiveness in diverse environments. Production has been scaled up at the Huntsville, Alabama facility to meet growing demand. The system's affordability, achieved through the use of APKWS munitions, is a key selling point.
Echodyne and Moog Successfully Demonstrate RIwP Counter-UAS Capabilities at U.S. Army Exercise - Europe Defence Insights Magazine | EDI
Echodyne and Moog successfully demonstrated a rapidly integrated Counter-UAS (C-UAS) system during the U.S. Army’s Operation Condor Rebirth exercise at Fort Hood. The system, combining AI targeting, Echodyne’s EchoShield radar, and Moog’s RIwP, achieved detection, tracking, and engagement of Group 1-3 drones in under three seconds. This demonstrates a cost-effective method for upgrading existing weapon stations to counter sUAS threats.
Joint Interagency Task Force 401 Awards $500 Million Counter-UAS Contract - Europe Defence Insights Magazine | EDI
JIATF-401 awarded Perennial Autonomy a $500 million IDIQ contract for enterprise-wide C-UAS operations. The contract focuses on rapidly deploying and scaling low-cost, AI-enabled drone interceptors already in use within USCENTCOM. These systems offer a layered defense utilizing detection, tracking, and autonomous engagement capabilities while maintaining human oversight.
The Wraith Shield Advantage: Transforming L3Harris Radios into AI-Enabled Counter-UAS Sensors - Europe Defence Insights Magazine | EDI
L3Harris Technologies is releasing Wraith Shield software, transforming existing tactical radios into AI-enabled counter-UAS platforms. The system disrupts drone signals, causing them to lose functionality, and will initially deploy on the RF-9820S radio family with a planned rollout to over 100,000 existing Wraith-capable systems. Wraith Shield is designed as a layered defense component, complementing systems like VAMPIRE by focusing on smaller, low-cost drone threats.
Joint Interagency Task Force Enables Standardized Counter-UAS Assessment at Project Flytrap 5.0 - Europe Defence Insights Magazine | EDI
Project Flytrap 5.0, a multinational C-UAS exercise in Lithuania, utilized standardized testing protocols established by JIATF-401 to evaluate over 20 emerging counter-drone systems. The exercise focused on performance, interoperability, and integration with systems like IBCS-M, gathering data-driven insights and operator feedback. This marks the first application of JIATF-401 standards for broader data sharing across US government agencies.
Colt CZ Group to Develop Advanced Anti-Drone Missile Technology - Archypedia News
Colt CZ Group and Frankenburg Technologies have partnered to develop and mass-produce low-cost counter-UAS missile systems. Frankenburg will provide the missile technology, while Colt CZ Group will handle integration, production, and distribution. The initiative is driven by the urgent need for air defense support in Ukraine and broader European security concerns.
AeroVironment's LOCUST Demons Directed Energy Capability at White Sands with JIATF-401 and FAA - Europe Defence Insights Magazine | EDI
AeroVironment's LOCUST directed energy system successfully demonstrated C-UAS capabilities at White Sands Missile Range in coordination with JIATF-401 and the FAA. The system proved effective against both stationary and airborne targets, with automated safety features preventing unintended engagement of civilian aircraft. This testing resulted in an agreement validating LOCUST for domestic use, accelerating its potential operational deployment.
AMP-HEL Laser: 1 Major Army Drone Defence Test | DMX Defence
The U.S. Army is actively testing and fielding laser-based counter-UAS systems, specifically the AeroVironment LOCUST (Laser on Universal Combinable Ultra-light System Technology) as part of the AMP-HEL program. Testing occurred at White Sands Missile Range with U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll personally observing a successful engagement against a drone target. Initial systems are slated for delivery in 2025, mounted on both Infantry Squad Vehicles (ISV) and Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTV).
Saudi Arabia’s ‘Shahed Revolution’: Iran War Sparks Gulf Drone Arms Race as Riyadh Builds Long-Range Kamikaze Drone Swarms - Defence Security Asia
Saudi Arabia is rapidly developing its own long-range loitering munition (kamikaze drone) capability, dubbed 'Skywasp', in response to the demonstrated effectiveness of Iranian Shahed drones. This development signals a shift in Saudi defense strategy towards affordable, offensive unmanned systems and a focus on asymmetric warfare. The program leverages US technology alongside Saudi industrial capacity and lessons learned from Iranian drone tactics.
Finland to Test Emergency Alert Sirens with New Framework for Drone Warnings
Finland is integrating drone threat warnings into its existing public emergency alert system, including its network of sirens and the 112 Suomi mobile app. The move follows recent airspace violations and drone incursions in the region, including a shutdown of Helsinki-Vantaa Airport due to a drone near an oil refinery. A nationwide test of the updated system will occur on June 1st, focusing on differentiating between routine tests and actual drone alerts.