Articles tagged with "air-defense"
China's new microwave weapon can fry drone swarms from 2 miles away
China has introduced the Hurricane 3000, a truck-mounted high-power microwave weapon designed to neutralize drone swarms at ranges exceeding three kilometers (about 1.9 miles), surpassing comparable U.S. systems like the Army’s Leonidas, which has an effective range of around 2 kilometers. Developed by state-owned Norinco and publicly revealed during a 2025 military parade in Beijing, the Hurricane 3000 is intended for broader area-denial missions rather than just short-range point defense. It can operate independently or integrate with laser weapons and conventional air defense artillery to form a layered "iron triangle" defense network against unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The system employs radar and electro-optical sensors to detect, track, and visually lock onto drone targets before emitting powerful microwaves that disrupt or destroy their electronic components almost instantaneously. Unlike missile or gun-based defenses, the Hurricane 3000 has a near-unlimited engagement capacity without relying on physical ammunition, making it cost
robotdrone-technologymicrowave-weaponair-defenseunmanned-aerial-vehiclesmilitary-technologycounter-drone-systemsWatch: New air defense system intercepts drones midair using nets
The article discusses DefendAir, a new cost-effective air defense system developed by ParaZero Technologies to counter the rising threat of small, inexpensive drones in warfare. Unlike traditional kinetic defenses that destroy drones with explosives, DefendAir uses a patented net-launching mechanism to capture and disable hostile drones midair, reducing collateral damage and making it safer for use in urban or sensitive environments. The system addresses the cost imbalance between cheap attacking drones and expensive countermeasures by offering a lower-cost-per-interception solution that complements existing air defense layers. DefendAir can be deployed in three configurations—an interception drone, a stationary turret, and a hand-held net gun—each suited for different operational scenarios and engagement ranges from 6.5 to 328 feet (2 to 100 meters). The interception drone offers the longest range (up to 2 kilometers) and operates autonomously with radar detection, while the stationary turret supports larger nets and fixed-site defense. The hand-held net gun is manually operated for
robotdrone-technologyair-defenseunmanned-aerial-systemsautonomous-systemsradar-integrationcounter-drone-technologyWorld's first 'combat-ready' Iron Beam laser deployed to kill drones
Israel has deployed the world’s first operational high-power laser air-defense system, the 100-kilowatt Iron Beam, developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. Delivered to the Israel Defense Forces and integrated into the air force, Iron Beam complements Israel’s existing multilayered air-defense network, which includes Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow missile systems. The system is designed to counter rockets, mortar shells, drones, and other low-flying threats at a fraction of the cost of traditional missile interceptors, using only a few cents of electricity per shot compared to interceptor missiles costing tens of thousands of dollars each. Iron Beam addresses a critical gap in Israel’s defense by targeting slow, low-flying threats that often evade radar-guided interceptors, thereby reserving missile interceptors for larger and more complex threats. After several weeks of successful testing simulating real combat conditions, the system is expected to significantly enhance Israel’s defensive coverage and reduce interception costs. The laser system, also called Or Eitan
energylaser-technologydefense-systemsdrone-interceptionIron-Beamair-defensemilitary-technologyRussia turns civilian planes into drone hunters using WWII-era guns
Russia has adapted civilian Cessna 172 aircraft into airborne drone hunters by mounting Soviet-era PKT machine guns, originally designed for armored vehicles, along with fire-control targeting systems. These modified planes, operated by a two-person crew, patrol vulnerable regions to intercept slow-moving Ukrainian drones that have increasingly penetrated Russian airspace. The initiative is part of a broader, nationwide network of improvised counter-drone efforts aimed at supplementing Russia’s conventional air defenses, which have struggled to economically and effectively counter the persistent long-range UAV attacks on critical infrastructure such as oil depots and military bases. This unconventional tactic mirrors similar strategies employed by Ukraine, which has used small civilian aircraft for rapid drone detection and response. The use of lightweight, low-cost aircraft like the Cessna 172 reflects the resource strain on Russia’s traditional air defense systems and highlights a shift toward distributed, economical solutions in drone warfare. While Russian state media presents this program as a sign of innovation and resilience, independent analysts question its effectiveness
droneUAVcounter-drone-technologyair-defensemilitary-roboticstargeting-systemsunmanned-aerial-vehiclesRussia launches 619 attack drones, 32 cruise missiles against Ukraine
On September 20, 2025, Ukraine endured a massive overnight assault by Russian forces deploying 619 drones and missiles, including 579 strike drones, eight ballistic missiles, and 32 cruise missiles. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 583 of these targets, mitigating further damage. The strikes affected multiple regions such as Dnipro, Mykolaiv, Chernihiv, Zaporizhzhia, Poltava, Kyiv, Odesa, Sumy, and Kharkiv, resulting in three deaths, dozens of injuries, and damage to civilian infrastructure and residential areas. This attack followed a recent incident where three Russian fighter jets violated Estonian airspace, drawing condemnation from Estonia and the EU. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the strikes as deliberate terror tactics against civilians rather than military necessities, urging a stronger international response. He called for enhanced air defenses, increased weapons supplies, and expanded sanctions against Russia’s military and its financial backers. In response to the
dronesmilitary-technologyunmanned-aerial-vehiclesair-defensemissile-technologydefense-systemsdrone-warfareNew high-energy laser can nullify aerial threats fast at low cost
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems has introduced the Iron Beam 450, a high-energy laser weapon system designed to rapidly and cost-effectively neutralize a variety of aerial threats, including rockets, artillery, cruise missiles, and drone swarms. Unveiled at the DSEI defense exhibition in London, the Iron Beam 450 features a 450mm aperture and advanced optics with coherent beam combination technology, enabling precise, stable targeting and rapid retargeting of multiple threats. The system operates at near-zero cost per interception, offering a sustainable alternative to expensive missile-based defenses, and is suitable for both land and naval applications within integrated air and missile defense networks. The Iron Beam 450 represents a significant evolution in Rafael’s directed energy portfolio, promising faster interceptions and an “unlimited magazine” since it relies on concentrated laser energy rather than traditional munitions. Its ability to engage threats at the speed of light and protect ground forces, sensitive facilities, and civilian areas highlights its strategic value amid growing global demand
energyhigh-energy-laserdirected-energy-weaponair-defensemissile-interceptionlaser-technologydefense-systems‘Steel Dome’ air defense to counter drone swarms, missiles in Turkey
Turkey has launched its ambitious “Steel Dome” integrated air defense system, delivering 47 vehicles worth $460 million to the Turkish Armed Forces. Developed primarily by domestic defense firms including Aselsan, Roketsan, TÜBİTAK SAGE, and MKE, the system combines air defense, radar, and electronic warfare capabilities to create a multi-layered national shield against a wide range of aerial threats, from drone swarms to ballistic missiles. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan described Steel Dome as Turkey’s “security umbrella” in the skies, emphasizing its role in enhancing national security and deterring adversaries. The Steel Dome operates as a “system of systems,” integrating real-time data from multiple sensors and sources, refined by artificial intelligence, to provide commanders with a unified Recognized Air Picture (RAP) across the country. It is designed to protect critical regions such as Ankara, the Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits, and strategic assets like the Akkuyu nuclear power plant.
robotIoTenergymaterialsair-defenseradar-systemselectronic-warfareartificial-intelligencemilitary-technology597 attack drones, 26 missiles: Russia's air strike on Ukraine kills six
Russia launched a massive air strike against Ukraine on July 12, 2025, deploying 597 attack drones—including over half identified as Iranian-designed "shahed" loitering munitions—and 26 cruise missiles. The attacks targeted multiple regions, including Kharkiv, Sumy, Lviv, Bukovyna, and Dnipropetrovsk, resulting in at least six deaths and dozens of injuries. Notably, two fatalities in the Chernivtsi region were caused by falling drone debris, while other casualties occurred from missile strikes in Dnipropetrovsk and Sumy. Despite the scale of the assault, Ukraine’s air defense forces successfully intercepted and destroyed 319 drones and 25 cruise missiles, mitigating further damage. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised the effectiveness of his country’s air defenses and called for tougher secondary sanctions against entities aiding Russia’s drone production and oil profiteering. He emphasized the need for more air defense systems and investments
dronesattack-dronesair-defensemilitary-technologymissile-interceptionkamikaze-dronesdrone-warfare