Articles tagged with "electronic-warfare"
New Austrian Camcopter drone could help stop Shahed attacks in Ukraine
The Austrian company Schiebel has unveiled the Camcopter S-301, a new armed vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) helicopter-style drone designed for precision strike missions. Displayed at UMEX 2026 in Abu Dhabi, the S-301 marks a shift from traditional surveillance roles toward armed operations, reflecting battlefield lessons from the war in Ukraine. It can carry dual launch pods equipped with Thales 70 mm FZ275 semi-active laser-guided rockets, enabling it to engage targets such as long-range attack drones like the Russian Shahed or Geran series. The drone’s design emphasizes operational flexibility, capable of deployment from ships, ground vehicles, or austere forward locations, aligning with the mobile and rapidly redeployable tactics needed to counter persistent missile and drone threats in Ukraine. Building on the legacy of Schiebel’s earlier S-100 model, the S-301 is tailored for high-intensity, electronically contested environments, featuring embedded autonomy, military-grade systems integration,
robotdroneunmanned-aerial-systemVTOLautonomous-systemsmilitary-technologyelectronic-warfare10 combat loyal wingman drones built to scout and protect fighter jets
The article discusses the emergence of loyal wingman drones—Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs) designed to operate alongside manned fighter jets to enhance air combat capabilities. These autonomous drones extend the reach and effectiveness of manned aircraft by performing surveillance, reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and precision strikes, thereby reducing risks to human pilots. The integration of manned and unmanned systems is expected to transform air combat tactics, improving flexibility and survivability for air forces. Several prominent loyal wingman programs are highlighted. The US-developed Kratos XQ-58A Valkyrie, operational since 2019, supports F-22 and F-35 fighters with advanced autonomy, swarm coordination, and a versatile payload capacity. Australia’s Boeing MQ-28 Ghost Bat, developed with the Royal Australian Air Force, is a stealthy, multi-role drone capable of autonomous or manned accompaniment missions, equipped with infrared sensors and adaptable payload bays. Russia’s Sukhoi S-70 Okhotnik-B
robotautonomous-dronesmilitary-technologyunmanned-aerial-vehiclescombat-dronessurveillance-systemselectronic-warfareWorld’s first fiber-optic FPV drone launched to beat heavy jamming
US defense technology firm Neros Technologies, in partnership with Israel’s Kela Technologies, has launched Archer Fiber, the world’s first NDAA-compliant fiber-optic FPV (first-person view) drone designed to operate reliably in extreme electronic warfare (EW) environments. Unlike traditional drones that rely on radio-frequency (RF) links vulnerable to jamming, spoofing, and detection, Archer Fiber uses fiber-optic communication for command and video transmission. This physical cable connection eliminates radio signatures, making the drone resistant to electronic interference and passive monitoring. The system supports beyond-line-of-sight operations and is positioned as an attritable, low-cost platform suitable for high-risk missions. Archer Fiber has passed a component-level audit under the US Department of Defense’s BlueUAS program, ensuring no critical parts originate from China, addressing growing US concerns about supply chain security and foreign dependencies. The drone is already deployed with early partners, with orders open for 2026 delivery as Neros expands US-based manufacturing
robotdronefiber-optic-communicationelectronic-warfareunmanned-systemsdefense-technologysupply-chain-complianceUnidentified drones spotted over French nuclear submarine base: Reports
Unidentified drones were detected flying over the Île Longue submarine base in Brittany, France, on December 4, a critical military site housing France’s entire fleet of nuclear ballistic missile submarines. French military personnel responded by activating counter-drone measures, reportedly using electronic warfare (EW) jamming rather than firearms to intercept the drones. Conflicting reports emerged regarding whether the drones were shot down or merely jammed, but authorities confirmed that no drones were brought down and that the base’s critical infrastructure remained secure. An official investigation has been launched, though details about the number and type of drones involved, as well as the perpetrators and their motives, remain undisclosed. The incident raises concerns about potential foreign surveillance or probing of French military defenses, with speculation pointing toward state actors like Russia, given similar recent drone incursions in Europe. Non-state actors and hobbyists are considered less likely due to the complexity and risk of such an operation. This event is part of a broader pattern of mysterious drone flights
dronescounter-drone-technologyelectronic-warfaremilitary-securitynuclear-submarine-basesurveillancedefense-technologyChina simulates jamming Starlink over Taiwan, mission to require over 1,000 drones
Chinese military researchers have conducted a detailed simulation study examining the feasibility of jamming the Starlink satellite internet network over Taiwan. Published in the journal Systems Engineering and Electronics, the study highlights the significant challenge posed by Starlink’s dynamic satellite constellation, which continuously changes orbital planes and frequencies, making traditional jamming methods ineffective. Unlike older geostationary satellite systems, Starlink’s constantly shifting network resists interference by hopping frequencies and rerouting traffic in real time, complicating efforts to disrupt its signals. The researchers conclude that effectively jamming Starlink across Taiwan’s approximately 13,900 square mile area would require a massive, distributed electronic warfare effort involving hundreds to over a thousand synchronized airborne jamming platforms such as drones, balloons, or aircraft. Their simulation estimates at least 935 jammers would be needed using higher-power sources, with the number rising to around 2,000 if lower-power units are employed. These jammers would need to operate in a coordinated swarm to cover the entire region,
droneselectronic-warfaresatellite-jammingStarlinkdistributed-jammingmilitary-technologydrone-swarmRussia’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-systemsWorld’s first ship-launched stealth drone with 690 mph speed tested
China’s People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) released a commemorative microfilm titled “Far-Reaching Dreams” to mark its 76th anniversary, showcasing for the first time official footage of a stealth drone flying in formation with a J-20 stealth fighter and a J-16D electronic warfare aircraft. The drone, identified as the GJ-11 “Sharp Sword” (also nicknamed “Xuanlong”), appeared to operate autonomously alongside the manned aircraft, highlighting China’s advancing manned-unmanned teaming capabilities. Chinese military experts emphasized the strategic synergy of this combination: the J-16D conducts electronic warfare to disrupt enemy radar, while the stealthy J-20 and GJ-11 penetrate defenses to strike key targets, with the drone potentially acting as a “wingman” or performing armed reconnaissance in high-risk zones. The GJ-11 is a flying-wing stealth attack drone approximately 10 meters long with a wingspan near 14 meters, featuring
robotstealth-droneunmanned-aerial-vehiclemilitary-technologyautonomous-systemsmanned-unmanned-teamingelectronic-warfareUkraine uses WWII music to jam Russia's hypersonic Kinzhal missiles
Ukraine has developed an innovative electronic warfare (EW) system called "Lima" that effectively disrupts Russia’s hypersonic Kinzhal missiles, which are among Moscow’s most advanced weapons. The Kinzhal missile, capable of flying at Mach 5.7 with a 1,000-pound warhead over 300 miles, typically evades interception by conventional air defenses. However, Ukraine’s Lima system jams and spoofs the missile’s satellite navigation signals (GPS/GLONASS), causing the missile to rely on its inertial navigation system, which accumulates errors and leads to significant targeting deviations. Ukrainian forces have reportedly jammed or diverted about a dozen Kinzhals in recent weeks, with imagery showing missiles veering off course and missing intended targets by hundreds of yards. A unique aspect of Lima’s operation is its symbolic replacement of the missile’s navigation signal with the Ukrainian patriotic anthem “Our Father Is Bandera,” honoring WWII nationalist leader Stepan Bandera. This approach not only
energyelectronic-warfaremissile-jammingsatellite-navigationGPS-spoofinghypersonic-missilesdefense-technologyElectronic warfare tech that makes enemy systems useless showcased in US
Northrop Grumman, a Virginia-based defense company, demonstrated its advanced electronic warfare (EW) technology, Tactical Edge Electromagnetic Solutions (TEEMS), at the Silent Swarm 2025 event in the U.S. TEEMS integrates high-performance EW capabilities into a compact 1U Modular Payload, smaller than a business card, enabling rapid and precise jamming of enemy systems. The system was showcased on various platforms, including small robots, unmanned surface vessels, and drones, highlighting its ability to deliver significant impact despite its minimal size, weight, and power requirements. This compact design supports mission flexibility in contested environments where space and weight are critical. The TEEMS system proved capable of countering evolving threats by successfully geolocating and jamming a frequency-agile target emitter, which are typically difficult to disrupt. Using Tactical Assault Kit software, Northrop Grumman remotely controlled multiple unmanned units over a 50-square-mile area, demonstrating seamless coordination and intelligent mission integration. In
robotelectronic-warfareunmanned-systemstactical-edgemodular-payloadfrequency-jammingdefense-technologyUS firm unveils Gambit 6 military drone for air-to-ground strikes
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, a California-based aerospace firm, unveiled the Gambit 6 unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) at the International Fighter Conference in Rome. This new addition to the modular Gambit series is specifically designed for air-to-ground strike missions, incorporating precision strike and electronic warfare capabilities alongside the series’ existing air-to-air and reconnaissance roles. The Gambit 6 features an internal weapons bay to reduce radar visibility and supports precision-guided munitions like the GBU-53/B StormBreaker. The company plans to begin international deliveries in 2027, with European mission-specific versions available by 2029, collaborating with European industries for assembly and mission integration. Built around the shared “Gambit Core” modular design, which standardizes landing gear, avionics, and structural elements, the Gambit 6 continues the evolution of the series that includes variants for surveillance, air combat, training, stealth reconnaissance, and carrier missions. Its open avionics architecture
robotunmanned-aerial-vehiclemilitary-droneautonomous-systemselectronic-warfareprecision-strikedefense-technologyUS firm's new weapon delivers kinetic payloads with precision lethality
Textron Systems, a Texas-based defense company, has introduced the Damocles launched effect, a modular weapon system capable of autonomous or semi-autonomous precision strikes and electronic warfare missions. Designed for deployment from air or ground platforms, Damocles integrates advanced GEN2 Explosively Formed Penetrator (EFP) technology capable of penetrating modern battle tanks equipped with reactive armor. The system leverages artificial intelligence and autonomous tracking to ensure high-precision targeting in complex environments, enhancing tactical flexibility and enabling rapid adaptation to evolving mission requirements. Built on a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA), it supports various payloads to fulfill diverse operational concepts, including intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and electronic warfare. A key feature of the Damocles system is its safety enhancements, notably measures to prevent unexploded ordnance (UXO) on the battlefield, reducing post-conflict hazards for both friendly forces and civilians. The system incorporates robust testing, redundant guidance, hardened communications, and cyber-res
robotautonomous-weaponsartificial-intelligenceelectronic-warfareprecision-targetingunmanned-systemsmilitary-technologyVampire anti-drone system gets upgrade, can disrupt electronic warfare
L3Harris Technologies has upgraded its Vampire anti-drone system, expanding it into six specialized variants tailored for land, maritime, air, and electronic warfare operations. The system, which has been operational in European combat zones since 2023, uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to rapidly detect, engage, and neutralize small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) and remotely piloted aircraft. Vampire offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional missile defenses by combining advanced reconnaissance, precision strike capabilities, and electronic jamming to protect personnel and critical infrastructure from hostile drone threats. The enhanced Vampire family includes versions such as Vampire Stalker XR for land vehicles, featuring a larger weapons cache and extended-range munitions; Vampire Black Wake for maritime use against drones and fast attack watercraft; and Vampire Dead Wing, an airborne counter-UAS system. Additional variants include Vampire CASKET, a containerized rapid-deployment system; Vampire BAT, a base defense turret employing automatic weapons and non-kinetic effects
robotAIunmanned-aerial-systemscounter-drone-technologyelectronic-warfareprecision-weaponsautonomous-systemsThe unjammable drone: How fiber optics are rewiring warfare
The article discusses Ukraine’s innovative use of fiber-optic cable-tethered quadcopter drones, deployed from so-called “drone motherships,” which represent a significant tactical evolution in naval warfare, particularly in the Black Sea theater. These drones are designed to evade electronic jamming by relying on fiber-optic cables for control rather than vulnerable radio signals. This technology was notably used in a September 26, 2025 attack on Russian port cities Tuapse and Novorossiysk, targeting oil infrastructure and resulting in injuries. The drones are carried close to targets by mothership vessels, overcoming limitations of cable length, weight, and range, and are typically reserved for high-value missions or to disable enemy jamming systems. Fiber-optic drones signify a shift toward hybrid naval warfare, where traditional fleets face new threats from swarms of low-cost, resilient unmanned platforms. Both Ukraine and Russia are experimenting with these systems, with Russia reportedly testing drones that can sever their own cables to evade capture
dronesfiber-opticselectronic-warfareunmanned-aerial-vehiclesmilitary-technologyhybrid-warfarenaval-combatUkrainian strike drone successfully tested to resist Russian jamming
Ukraine’s defense innovation cluster, Brave1, has successfully completed final testing of a new strike drone designed to resist Russian electronic warfare tactics such as jamming and spoofing, which have previously disrupted Ukrainian suicide drones by causing navigation failures. The drone boasts a range exceeding 25 miles (40 kilometers) and aims to conduct precision strikes deep inside enemy territory. Following this testing phase, the drone will enter combat trials to evaluate its performance under battlefield conditions, with plans to accelerate its mass deployment to support Ukraine’s war efforts. The development of this drone was guided by feedback from military personnel to ensure it meets operational needs against advanced electronic countermeasures. Ukraine has prioritized domestic drone manufacturing for nearly two years and was among the first nations to establish a dedicated military drone unit. This focus has led to innovations such as stealth coatings and communication via SIM cards, alongside the new jam-resistant strike drone. Brave1, established in 2023, coordinates defense tech development across multiple domains including AI for drones, explosives, and
robotdrone-technologyelectronic-warfareunmanned-aerial-vehiclemilitary-roboticsdefense-technologyautonomous-systemsLockheed Martin and BAE Systems reveal hybrid drone-missile design
Lockheed Martin and BAE Systems have announced a unique collaboration between their secretive research units—Lockheed Martin Skunk Works and BAE Systems’ FalconWorks—to develop a new type of modular, rapidly deployable uncrewed aerial platform. Revealed at the Defense and Security Equipment International (DSEI) exhibition in London, the initial drone aims to be cost-effective with multiple launch options including air drop, ground, maritime, and wide-body logistics aircraft launches. The focus is on electronic warfare and attack capabilities designed to disrupt adversaries and enhance the survivability of crewed combat aircraft, complementing ongoing separate fighter jet development programs by both companies. This partnership is notable because drone platforms are typically developed independently, unlike crewed fighter jets. By combining expertise, Lockheed Martin and BAE Systems seek to quickly produce affordable drone solutions that can operate alongside or protect manned fighters. The conceptual drone design resembles a missile, optimized for low radar signatures with long, narrow wings and potential swarm capabilities,
robotdrone-technologyunmanned-aerial-systemselectronic-warfaredefense-technologyLockheed-MartinBAE-SystemsChina's Victory Day parade showcases missiles, jets and military power
China’s Victory Day parade on September 3, 2025, marks the 80th anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II and serves as a highly choreographed demonstration of China’s expanding military capabilities. The 70-minute event in Beijing will feature over 45 formations and around 100 domestically produced military systems, including hypersonic missiles, electronic warfare platforms, counter-drone technology, directed-energy weapons, and the debut of a new unmanned sea drone. The parade also includes a traditional military review and a march-past of top military leaders, with 26 foreign dignitaries in attendance. A highlight will be the official commissioning of China’s third and most advanced aircraft carrier, alongside the first public static display of the stealth Chengdu J-20 fighter jet, signaling China’s growing confidence and openness about its advanced military technology. Beyond the spectacle, the parade sends a clear message to global rivals that China is prepared to fight and win future conflicts. This demonstration of power comes
military-technologyhypersonic-missilesdirected-energy-weaponsunmanned-sea-droneselectronic-warfaredefense-systemsPLA-equipment‘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-technologyChina’s massive military parade to debut hypersonic, nuke missiles
China is set to hold a massive military parade on September 3, 2025, in Beijing to mark the 80th anniversary of its victory over Japan in World War II. The 70-minute event, the largest parade in China’s history, will feature over 100 domestically produced active-duty military systems, including new strategic missiles, hypersonic weapons, unmanned systems, and advanced electronic and directed-energy warfare equipment. The parade will be conducted in two stages—a review and a march-past—with 45 formations showcasing joint operational groups that reflect real-world combat roles across land, maritime, air, missile defense, information operations, and logistics. A key highlight will be the public debut of several new hypersonic cruise missiles, notably the YJ-15, YJ-17, YJ-19, and YJ-20. These missiles represent a significant expansion of the People’s Liberation Army’s strike capabilities, particularly for maritime operations. The YJ-17 and Y
robotunmanned-systemshypersonic-missilesmilitary-technologydirected-energy-weaponselectronic-warfaredefense-systemsPistol-sized vacuum tube in China's lab could boost radar tech
Chinese scientists have developed a miniaturized traveling-wave tube (TWT) that could significantly advance electronic warfare and radar technologies. This pistol-sized vacuum tube, created by a team led by Shi Xuechun at the Beijing Vacuum Electronic Research Institute, amplifies microwave pulses between 8 and 18 gigahertz with over 500 watts of output. Notably, the device is less than half the thickness of comparable Western models at just 20 millimeters tall, enabling easier integration into next-generation phased array radar systems, which require hundreds or thousands of such components. The TWT operates by synchronizing an electron beam with a slowed radio frequency (RF) field inside a cylindrical structure containing an electron gun, helix, and collector. This design allows for wide bandwidth amplification critical to radar, satellite communication, and microwave links. According to the researchers’ peer-reviewed June 2025 publication, the miniaturized TWT improves bandwidth, power output, and efficiency, enhancing detection range and accuracy for
materialsenergymicrowave-technologyvacuum-tuberadar-technologyelectronic-warfarecommunication-technologyRussian students build anti-drone simulator to train gunners
Students at Russia’s Southern Federal University (SFU) have developed the world’s first dedicated anti-drone rifle simulator, powered by Unreal Engine, to train gunners in countering unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The interactive platform places trainees in a virtual test range where radio signals, GPS interference, and device behaviors are modeled in near-real time. Users can operate digital replicas of Russian anti-drone rifles like the “Pars” and “Harpy,” as well as detectors such as the “Bulat” v3, against a variety of target drones ranging from small FPV quadcopters to commercial DJI models and Ukrainian military drones like the “Leleki-100.” The simulator includes theoretical lessons, educational materials, and video scenarios designed to improve practical skills, decision-making under stress, and familiarity with electronic warfare conditions without the cost of live ammunition or hardware. The development responds to the increasing dominance of drones on the Russia-Ukraine battlefield, where UAVs have been used extensively for
robotdrone-technologysimulation-trainingunmanned-aerial-vehicleselectronic-warfarevirtual-realitydefense-technologyChina’s new electronic warfare tech disrupts enemy systems while protecting friendly signals
Chinese researchers have developed a novel electronic warfare (EW) system that can simultaneously jam enemy communications while preserving friendly signals within a designated “null zone,” akin to the calm “eye” of a storm amid electromagnetic chaos. This technology employs two coordinated drones emitting carefully controlled radio signals—adjusting waveform, amplitude, phase, and timing—to create a point where the jamming waves cancel each other out, allowing allied communications to operate uninterrupted. This approach leverages advanced beamforming and phase cancellation techniques, marking a significant evolution from traditional omnidirectional or directional jamming systems that typically disrupt all signals within range. In simulations, the system demonstrated the ability to nullify interference even when jamming signals were 100 times stronger than the target signals, effectively reducing electromagnetic interference at friendly receivers to zero. Such precise spatial control could enable selective jamming, providing a tactical advantage in contested environments like GPS-denied zones and transforming EW from a blunt instrument into a surgical tool. However, the technology remains at the simulation stage
robotdroneselectronic-warfaresignal-processingbeamformingphase-cancellationcommunications-technologyThe ‘Wild West’ of AI: defense tech, ethics, and escalation
The article explores the rapid transformation of modern warfare driven by artificial intelligence (AI), electronic warfare (EW), and autonomous systems, as discussed by Will Ashford-Brown, Director of Strategic Insights at Heligan Group. Over the past five years, AI has become deeply integrated into military operations, from combat roles like drone piloting and target acquisition to support functions such as IT assistance within defense organizations. Despite these advances, Ashford-Brown emphasizes that human oversight remains crucial, especially in decisions involving lethal force, due to unresolved ethical concerns and a significant trust gap in fully autonomous systems. Ashford-Brown distinguishes between AI as a supporting technology and true autonomy, highlighting that robust AI is necessary to achieve fully autonomous military systems. Experimental AI-driven drones demonstrate potential in overcoming electronic jamming and operating in denied environments, but human intent and intervention continue to be central to their operation. Additionally, AI’s ability to rapidly analyze satellite imagery is revolutionizing battlefield intelligence, drastically shortening the kill chain from hours to minutes and
robotartificial-intelligenceautonomous-systemsdefense-technologymilitary-droneselectronic-warfareAI-ethicsThe engineering behind Ukraine's most tactical drone tech startup
The article highlights the innovative work of Sine.Engineering, a Ukrainian startup that has developed GPS-independent navigation and communication systems for drones operating in warzones where satellite signals are frequently jammed or spoofed. Founded shortly after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Lviv-based company employs 150 people and collaborates with over 70 drone manufacturers and defense contractors domestically and internationally. Their technology, including digital video transmitters and data links, enables drones to maintain connectivity and navigate without relying on vulnerable GPS signals, a critical advantage demonstrated in operations like the June 2025 “Spider’s Web” mission that significantly damaged Russian military assets. Sine.Engineering’s breakthrough approach revisits traditional aviation principles by creating a time-of-flight navigation system that is low-cost, scalable, and resistant to electronic interference. This system is actively used on the battlefield, benefiting from rapid iteration due to the company’s proximity to front-line operations and direct feedback from drone operators. The startup has grown organically without external funding but
dronesGPS-free-navigationdrone-technologycommunication-systemsdefense-technologyelectronic-warfareUAV-navigationRussian drone hunts like a predator with Nvidia supercomputer’s help
Russia has developed an advanced autonomous drone, the MS001, powered by Nvidia’s Jetson Orin supercomputer, marking a significant shift in modern warfare. Unlike traditional drones that rely on pre-set coordinates or external commands, the MS001 independently processes thermal imaging, object recognition, and telemetry to detect, prioritize, and engage targets in real time—even under GPS jamming or electronic warfare conditions. Equipped with sophisticated onboard systems such as a spoof-resistant GPS module, adaptive logic chips, and swarm communication capabilities, the drone operates as a “digital predator” capable of coordinated swarm behavior and dynamic target selection, posing a serious challenge to existing air defense doctrines. This technological leap aligns with Russia’s strategic shift since early 2024 toward using UAVs for deep interdiction strikes against critical infrastructure and logistics far behind the front lines, aiming to disrupt Ukraine’s military and civilian systems. Despite U.S. sanctions banning advanced chip exports to Russia, Nvidia components continue to reach Russian forces via gray-market smuggling routes, enabling
robotdroneartificial-intelligenceautonomous-systemsNvidia-Jetson-OrinUAVelectronic-warfareAirbus equips A400M for drones, fire missions, and warzone jamming
Airbus is significantly upgrading its A400M tactical airlifter to enhance its versatility for modern military and crisis missions. The aircraft is being equipped with advanced broadband satellite communication systems to serve as a flying battlefield data hub, enabling large data transfers and real-time video feeds to mission commanders. This upgrade supports integration with the European Future Combat Air System (FCAS), allowing the A400M to act as a node in a shared Combat Cloud network. Additionally, the A400M is being tested as a drone mothership capable of carrying and deploying up to 50 small or 12 large drones, facilitating coordinated manned-unmanned operations well ahead of FCAS’s 2040 launch. Beyond communication and drone command roles, Airbus is enhancing the A400M’s electronic warfare capabilities. Twenty-three German A400Ms will receive Directional Infrared Countermeasures (DIRCM) to defend against infrared-guided missiles, and the aircraft is being explored as a stand-off jammer platform, leveraging its size
robotdrone-technologyelectronic-warfareIoTmilitary-communicationaerospace-technologyunmanned-systemsThales turns drones into electronic spies with 11-pound EW payload
Thales has developed a lightweight electronic warfare (EW) payload weighing under 11 pounds (5 kg) and consuming less than 40 watts, designed for integration with small drones, including tethered and free-flying unmanned aerial systems (UAS). Unveiled at the 2025 Paris Air Show, this compact sensor system enables frontline forces to autonomously detect, locate, and geolocate enemy radio-frequency (RF) emitters over tens of miles. It operates passively, collecting intelligence without emitting detectable signals, which is crucial for stealthy surveillance in contested electromagnetic environments. The system is user-friendly, requiring minimal training, and addresses a capability gap by extending EW tools to conventional maneuver units, supporting distributed operations, electronic order of battle generation, and battlefield spectrum management. The payload was developed under a proof-of-concept contract awarded by France’s Defence Innovation Agency (AID) after a competitive European selection process and has been successfully tested by multiple French defense units in land and sea scenarios
droneselectronic-warfareunmanned-aerial-systemsradio-frequency-detectionmilitary-technologyautonomous-sensorselectronic-surveillance