Articles tagged with "drone-defense"
Germany: New drone-killing laser weapon planned by Rheinmetall, MBDA
German defense firms Rheinmetall and MBDA Germany plan to form a joint venture by early 2026 to develop and produce naval laser weapon systems for the German Navy. This initiative builds on their cooperation since 2019 and successful testing of a naval laser demonstrator integrated onto a German warship, which operated under real-world conditions for a year. The laser weapon is designed to counter small, fast-moving aerial threats such as drones at short and very short ranges, providing high-precision targeting with minimal collateral damage and reducing reliance on conventional ammunition. The demonstrator underwent extensive sea trials, including over 100 firing and tracking tests, demonstrating the ability to track and engage extremely small targets—comparable in size to a one-euro coin—at long distances and under challenging conditions like ship motion and atmospheric interference. After these trials, the system was transferred to the German armed forces’ Military Technical Service for further land-based testing focused on drone defense. The joint venture aims to nationalize the technology, ensuring
energylaser-weapondrone-defensenaval-technologyRheinmetallMBDAmilitary-technologySouth Korea equips main battle tanks with improvised anti-drone cages
South Korea is actively testing improvised anti-drone cage armor on its K2 Black Panther main battle tanks to counter the growing threat posed by inexpensive first-person-view (FPV) drones and loitering munitions. Recent images from a live-fire training exercise show the tanks fitted with rectangular lattice structures—commonly known as “cope cages”—mounted above the turret roof. These metal mesh frames create a stand-off gap designed to disrupt top-attack munitions or drone-delivered explosive charges without interfering with the tank’s primary functions, such as firing its 4.7-inch L55 smoothbore gun. The experiments reflect a broader global trend where armies have added similar protective lattices to frontline armor in response to increased drone threats, especially highlighted by recent conflicts like the Russian-Ukrainian war. The cage covers critical areas such as the turret and crew hatches, potentially reducing damage from aerial attacks. Live-fire testing indicates that crews are adapting to the added weight and altered visibility
robotmilitary-technologydrone-defensearmored-vehiclesanti-drone-cagesbattlefield-innovationSouth-Korea-defenseRise of military lasers in 2025: How directed weapons reshaped defense plans
As of 2025, laser weapons have transitioned from experimental concepts to active frontline defense tools, with countries including the US, UK, Israel, Australia, and China deploying them primarily for air defense. This shift reflects significant technological advancements that have overcome earlier limitations related to power and cost. Laser systems now offer precise, cost-effective solutions for neutralizing drones, missiles, and other airborne threats, reshaping military strategies worldwide. Key developments highlighted in 2025 include the US Navy’s SONGBOW program, which aims to produce a 400-kilowatt shipboard laser capable of destroying drone swarms and cruise missiles at long range. Australia’s Apollo system provides an efficient, low-cost defense against drones with 360-degree coverage and no need for traditional ammunition. Israel’s Iron Beam, integrated with its Iron Dome defense network, offers rapid interception of rockets and mortars at a lower cost than missile interceptors. The UK’s DragonFire laser demonstrated high accuracy and low operational cost, capable of shooting down
energymilitary-technologylaser-weaponsdirected-energydefense-systemsdrone-defenselaser-weaponryTop 7 must-read military technology stories of 2025
In 2025, military technology advanced rapidly as global powers sought to reshape warfare through smarter weapons, autonomous systems, and resilient logistics amid intensifying US-China-Russia rivalry. Key developments included the US reviving the Cold War-era Subic Bay naval base in the Philippines into the world’s largest weapons manufacturing and storage hub, enhancing ammunition production and shipbuilding capabilities near China. The US Navy also honored Pearl Harbor history by naming a new 10,200-ton Virginia-class nuclear submarine USS Utah, emphasizing undersea dominance with advanced sensors and Tomahawk missiles. Additionally, the Pentagon contracted General Dynamics Electric Boat to build five massive 20,800-ton Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines, designed for stealth and nuclear deterrence well into the 2080s. Technological breakthroughs extended to autonomous and directed-energy weapons, exemplified by the unveiling of the Leonidas Autonomous Robotic, a high-power microwave-armed unmanned ground vehicle capable of disabling hostile drone swarms rapidly and with minimal collateral damage.
robotmilitary-technologyautonomous-systemsmicrowave-weaponsdrone-defensenuclear-submarinesdefense-logisticsDrone killer for cents: World's first 100 kW laser ready to deploy
Israel is set to deploy the world’s first operational high-power laser air-defense system, Iron Beam, by the end of 2024. The 100-kilowatt laser completed operational testing in September and is designed to destroy drones, rockets, mortar shells, and other aerial threats within seconds at a fraction of the cost of traditional missile interceptors. Iron Beam will complement Israel’s existing multilayered air-defense network, which includes Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and the Arrow systems, by specifically targeting small, slow, low-flying threats such as drones—an area where current missile systems have limited effectiveness. The development of Iron Beam responds to the growing threat posed by Iranian-made Shahed drones used by Hezbollah and other Iran-backed groups, which have conducted multiple attacks inside Israel, including near sensitive locations like Prime Minister Netanyahu’s residence. A lower-powered variant of Iron Beam was already used in October 2024 to intercept dozens of Hezbollah drones. The system’s main advantage lies in its extremely low
energylaser-technologydrone-defenseunmanned-aerial-vehiclesmilitary-technologyhigh-power-lasersair-defense-systemsRussia's high-speed strike drones successfully intercepted by Ukraine
Ukraine has successfully begun intercepting Russia’s newest high-speed attack drones, the Geran-3, using domestically built, low-cost interceptor drones like the Sting. The Geran-3, a turbojet-powered loitering munition modeled after Iran’s Shahed-238, represents a significant upgrade over the slower, propeller-driven Geran-2 drones previously used by Russia. With speeds around 230 mph—roughly double that of the Geran-2—the Geran-3 posed a serious challenge to Ukraine’s air defenses, which had relied on cheaper interceptors designed for slower drones. Ukraine’s volunteer groups and engineers responded by developing fast, affordable interceptor drones costing between $2,000 and $6,000, with the Sting capable of reaching speeds up to 215 mph and designed to chase down these threats. Ukraine’s General Staff reported that most of the 138 Geran-3 drones launched recently by Russia have been destroyed, though it remains unclear which specific systems were
dronesinterceptor-dronesmilitary-technologyunmanned-aerial-vehiclesdrone-defensehigh-speed-dronesUkraine-conflictRussia’s new flamethrower blasts drones across 500,000 sq ft in seconds
Russia has recently delivered a new batch of upgraded TOS-1A Solntsepyok heavy flamethrower systems to its armed forces, featuring enhanced anti-drone defenses developed from battlefield experience. Built on a T-72 tank chassis, these systems underwent extensive field trials to verify mechanical reliability, targeting accuracy, and operational effectiveness under varied conditions. The TOS-1A, armed with thermobaric rockets, can blanket approximately 40,000 square meters (about 430,000 square feet) in seconds, generating intense overpressure capable of destroying bunkers, fortified positions, lightly armored vehicles, and personnel concentrations. The system is used at short to medium ranges, with effective engagement distances spanning several hundred meters to several kilometers. The latest upgrades focus on countering small drones, a significant threat to Russian armored vehicles, though specific counter-UAV technologies were not detailed. Russian manufacturers have increasingly integrated electronic warfare modules, radar warning receivers, and improvised armor to mitigate drone attacks. The
robotmilitary-technologydrone-defenseelectronic-warfareautomated-fire-controlarmored-vehiclescounter-UAV-systemsEuropean firm unveils pocket-sized missile to counter Russian drones
Estonian defense firm Frankenburg Technology has developed the "Mark 1," a palm-sized, AI-guided missile designed to intercept and destroy Russian drones, particularly the low-and-slow UAVs like the Iranian-made Shahed-131 and Shahed-136 used in Ukraine and near European borders. Measuring 25 inches in length and equipped with solid-rocket propulsion and autonomous guidance, the Mark 1 offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional jet interceptors, which are expensive and inefficient against inexpensive drones. The missile aims to provide scalable, affordable defense for Europe amid increasing Russian drone incursions reported in NATO countries such as Romania, Poland, Belgium, and notably near Brussels Airport in November 2023. The Mark 1 missile is intentionally designed as a pragmatic, low-cost solution rather than an all-weather, all-theatre weapon, balancing price with acceptable performance. While the company targets a 90% hit rate, live-fire tests have so far achieved roughly 50% reliability over 53 trials
robotAI-guided-missiledrone-defenseautonomous-guidanceunmanned-aerial-vehiclesmilitary-technologydefense-systemsWorld’s cheapest military laser can take out 200 drones with one shot
Australian defense firm Electro Optic Systems (EOS) has introduced Apollo, the world’s most affordable high-energy military laser weapon, rated at 150 kW. Apollo can destroy up to 200 drones in a single charge without ammunition or external power, neutralizing drones up to 3 kilometers away and disabling optical sensors from as far as 15 kilometers. The mobile, modular system fits inside a standard 20-foot container and can operate autonomously on internal battery power for over 200 engagements, offering full 360-degree coverage against small to medium drones commonly used for surveillance. Designed specifically to counter increasingly prevalent drone swarm tactics that challenge conventional air defenses, Apollo uses directed energy to rapidly disable or destroy aerial targets at the speed of light, reducing logistical costs associated with missiles or bullets. Its ITAR-free status allows Australia and allied nations to deploy and localize the system without U.S. export restrictions, accelerating access to advanced laser defense technology. Apollo can function standalone or integrate with NATO command-and-control and
energylaser-weapondrone-defensehigh-energy-lasermilitary-technologycounter-drone-systemdirected-energyLaser weapon that can be upgraded to 100-kilowatt delivered to Germany
A 20-kilowatt laser weapon demonstrator capable of neutralizing enemy drones has been delivered to Germany, marking a significant advancement in high-energy laser systems for maritime defense. Developed jointly by Rheinmetall and MBDA, the containerized system has undergone over 100 successful firing tests under real operational conditions, including a year-long trial aboard the German frigate SACHSEN. The demonstrator is now stationed at the Laser Competence Center in Meppen for further land-based drone defense testing and is expected to be operationally deployed by 2029. The laser weapon system offers precise and cost-effective countermeasures against small, fast-moving targets such as drones, drone swarms, and speedboats, complementing traditional cannons and guided missiles. Its scalable architecture currently operates at 20 kilowatts but is designed to be upgraded to exceed 100 kilowatts, enabling it to engage larger threats including supersonic guided missiles, rockets, mortar, and artillery shells. The system integrates advanced
energylaser-weaponhigh-energy-laserdefense-technologydrone-defensemaritime-securityRheinmetallUS: World’s first microwave-armed robot zaps drone swarms in seconds
The United States defense firms Epirus and General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) have jointly unveiled the world’s first autonomous robotic system armed with high-power microwave (HPM) technology designed to counter drone swarms rapidly and precisely. Named the Leonidas Autonomous Robotic (Leonidas AR), the system integrates Epirus’ Leonidas HPM weapon with GDLS’s 10-ton hybrid-electric tracked unmanned ground vehicle (TRX). This mobile platform can disable multiple hostile drones simultaneously within seconds by emitting bursts of weaponized electromagnetic interference, offering a “one-to-many engagement capability” that minimizes collateral damage compared to conventional kinetic air-defense methods. The Leonidas AR system is software-defined, allowing operators to adjust output frequencies, create safe zones, and update performance remotely, enhancing adaptability across diverse mission requirements. The TRX vehicle provides robust mobility and autonomy, capable of traveling over 300 miles on a single charge at speeds up to 45 mph, with all-terrain capability and 360-degree radar sensing
robotautonomous-vehiclehigh-power-microwavedrone-defenseAI-enhancedhybrid-electricunmanned-ground-vehicleChina claims its new naval laser outperforms powerful US Helios for drone defense
China has unveiled the Liaoyuan-1 (LY-1) naval laser weapon system, claiming it surpasses the capabilities of comparable U.S. systems like the Helios laser deployed on the USS Preble. According to a Chinese military magazine, the LY-1 is designed as a last line of defense on ships, tasked with close interception of incoming missiles and drones. The system reportedly features a power output between 180 and 250 kilowatts, significantly higher than the U.S. Helios system’s 60-plus kilowatts, and possesses a lens aperture roughly twice as large, along with more advanced auxiliary equipment. The Chinese publication also suggests the LY-1 can be upgraded with additional power units and highlights its low operational cost and potential effectiveness against anti-ship missiles. Globally, laser weapons are increasingly seen as vital assets for countering aerial threats, with countries including the U.S., U.K., China, and India actively developing and testing such technologies. The U.S.
energylaser-weaponsmilitary-technologydrone-defensenaval-defense-systemsChina-militarydirected-energy-weapons‘World’s cheapest shot’ laser zaps 50 drones a minute with 150kW beam
Electro Optic Systems (EOS), an Australian technology company, has unveiled "Apollo," a scalable high-energy laser weapon system designed to counter unmanned aerial systems (UAS), particularly small to medium-sized drones used for surveillance and attacks. The system, capable of delivering up to 150 kW of power, can destroy 20 to 50 drones per minute with rapid retargeting enabled by a high slew rate (less than 1.5 seconds for a 60-degree shift). Apollo operates continuously when connected to an external power source and can perform over 200 stored engagements when isolated. Packaged within a 20-foot ISO container for mobility and rapid deployment, it supports 360-degree coverage and can engage drones at ranges from 50 meters to 3 kilometers, while also disrupting sensors on larger drones up to 15 kilometers away. EOS emphasizes the cost-effectiveness of Apollo compared to traditional missile defenses, highlighting that laser shots cost significantly less than missiles priced around $200,000 each
energyhigh-energy-laserdrone-defensedirected-energy-weaponsunmanned-aerial-systemsmilitary-technologylaser-weapon-systemsNATO's new 100kW laser weapon can destroy 20 drones per minute
Australia’s Electro Optic Systems Holdings Limited (EOS) has secured a €71.4 million (A$125 million) contract to supply a 100kW high-energy laser weapon system designed to neutralize drone swarms for a European NATO member state. This marks the world’s first export order for a laser defense system of this class. The fully mobile, truck-mounted system can destroy up to 20 drones per minute using laser strikes that travel at the speed of light. It integrates advanced radar, threat detection, target acquisition, and beam-locking technologies to ensure precision and rapid response, with each laser shot costing less than ten cents. Manufacturing will occur at EOS’s Singapore facility, with delivery scheduled between 2025 and 2028. The system represents a significant advancement over traditional kinetic counter-drone solutions, addressing the growing threat of drone swarms that can overwhelm conventional air defenses. Developed through three years of rigorous field testing and live trials, the laser weapon maintains accuracy over long distances and
energylaser-weapondrone-defensehigh-energy-lasercounter-drone-technologymilitary-technologyNATO-defenseFrance’s drone-killer gun fires up to take down UAV swarms in seconds
France’s new Rapidfire Land air defense system, developed by Thales and KNDS France in collaboration with the French Air and Space Force, is designed to counter modern aerial threats including drone swarms, light aircraft, helicopters, and rocket, artillery, and mortar (RAM) attacks. Central to the system is a 40mm Cased Telescoped Cannon, originally created for the Jaguar armored vehicle, which can carry 140 ready-to-fire rounds, enabling rapid engagement of multiple targets without reloading. A key upcoming feature is the integration of A3B airburst ammunition, set to become operational by 2027, which explodes mid-air to release tungsten sub-projectiles over a wide area, enhancing effectiveness against small and fast-moving threats. The Rapidfire Land system is semi-automated, requiring only two operators to manage weapon engagement and firing, and includes an advanced fire control system that continuously updates target locations for precise tracking and engagement up to 4 kilometers. It is offered in two
robotautonomous-weaponsdrone-defensemilitary-technologyair-defense-systemautomationadvanced-ammunitionUS Army unleashes fusion-powered jammers, smart radar to kill drones
The U.S. Army has initiated Project Fly Trap at Germany’s Hohenfels Training Area to field-test advanced counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) designed for frontline infantry use rather than fixed installations. This initiative aims to provide infantry squads with portable, versatile drone defense tools, including fusion-powered jammers, smart radars, and wearable detection devices. Systems such as the EchoShield cognitive radar mounted on Stryker vehicles deliver real-time drone detection and location updates directly to soldiers’ Nett Warrior devices, enhancing situational awareness without cumbersome equipment. Foot soldiers are equipped with devices like Pit Bull jammers and Wingman detectors, while some troops integrate the Smartshooter SMASH 2000L attachment on their M4 carbines to simultaneously engage drones and ground threats. The exercise incorporates layered detection methods, combining acoustic sensors (Titan, Skyview), portable radar, and acoustic panels (Squarehead) to create overlapping coverage for tracking and neutralizing drone threats. British forces from the Royal Yorkshire
energyIoTradar-technologydrone-defensemilitary-technologywearable-techcounter-UAS-systemsUS unleashes smart rifle scopes that shoot enemy drones on their own
The US Army has begun deploying the SMASH 2000L, an AI-enabled smart rifle scope developed by Israeli defense firm Smart Shooter, designed to counter small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS). This advanced fire control system integrates electro-optical sensors, computer vision, and proprietary target acquisition software to detect, lock on, and track small aerial targets such as quadcopters or fixed-wing drones. The system only permits the rifle to fire when a guaranteed hit is calculated, effectively eliminating human error in timing and enabling soldiers to engage drones with high precision. The SMASH 2000L was recently demonstrated during Project Flytrap, a multinational live-fire exercise in Germany, where US soldiers successfully used it mounted on M4A1 carbines. The SMASH 2000L is a lighter, more compact evolution of earlier SMASH variants already in use by NATO partners and combat forces, weighing about 2.5 pounds and fitting standard Picatinny rails. It offers real-time image processing
robotartificial-intelligencesmart-rifle-scopesdrone-defensemilitary-technologycomputer-visionautonomous-targeting