Airbus tests low-cost autonomous interceptor against kamikaze UAVs

Airbus has successfully conducted the first flight test of its autonomous interceptor drone, “Bird of Prey,” designed to counter low-cost kamikaze UAV threats. The test, held at a military range in northern Germany, demonstrated the drone’s ability to autonomously detect, track, classify, and engage a simulated one-way attack drone using a Mark I air-to-air missile developed with Frankenburg Technologies. This interceptor aims to address the growing challenge posed by inexpensive kamikaze drones that can overwhelm traditional air defenses due to cost imbalances. Airbus emphasizes the system’s cost-efficiency and reusability, with the Bird of Prey carrying multiple lightweight missiles capable of engaging several targets per sortie. Built on a modified Do-DT25 platform, the Bird of Prey measures 3.1 meters in length, has a 2.5-meter wingspan, and a maximum takeoff weight of 160 kilograms. The missile used weighs under 4.5 pounds, operates at high-subsonic