Counter-UAS & Counter-Drone Technology
Drone detection, tracking and defeat: counter-UAS technology, news and analysis for the military, police and critical infrastructure.
Counter-UAS from the EU: Droneshield starts production at a European partner
For the first time, Droneshield is producing outside Australia: a European contract manufacturer is already building counter-UAS systems, with first deliveries planned for mid-2026. Behind this is a capacity expansion to around 2.1 billion euros.
Counter-drone defence from the helicopter: UAE hunts Shahed drones with AH-64 Apache
A video from the UAE Ministry of Defence shows Apache attack helicopters intercepting incoming drones. The US Army is also expanding the Apache's counter-drone capabilities – with the new XM1225 APEX proximity ammunition.
Counter-drone defence needs a new class: the case for Gap Filler Air Defence
Cheap, modular drones meet expensive air defence that is hard to obtain. In his commentary, Moritz Vischer argues why counter-drone defence lacks an affordable, available and adequate class between VSHORAD and CAFAD.
Counter-drone defence with AI: Valkyrie Aero upgrades Embraer A-29 Super Tucano with Gunslinger
Brazil's Embraer and US-based Valkyrie Aero are cooperating: the Gunslinger AI suite is to enable the A-29 Super Tucano to make better counter-drone decisions – from detection to engagement.
Counter-drone systems against fast tactical drones: Netherlands launches second Counter-Drone Challenge
Up to 600 km/h fast and weighing 150 to 400 kilograms: The Hague is looking for new counter-drone solutions against tactical drones like these. 30 million euros are available for the second round of the challenge, with production to take place in Europe.
Counter-drone: Deutz invests in Tytan Technologies and supplies propulsion and energy systems
Engine manufacturer Deutz is taking a stake in Tytan Technologies in the current funding round. Together, the partners intend to develop propulsion and energy solutions for counter-drone defence – from interceptor drones to launcher batteries.
Anti-drone nets: Ukraine aims to protect a further 4,000 kilometres of roads by the end of 2026
Kyiv is speeding up the installation of anti-drone nets over roads near the front: from five to twelve kilometres a day, rising to 20 from March. Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov names logistics routes as the priority.
Interceptor drones within a year: five NATO countries launch the LEAP programme
Germany, France, Italy, Poland and the United Kingdom want to jointly develop low-cost interceptor drones and autonomous platforms. Behind LEAP lies the question of how cheap drones can be defeated without expensive missiles.
Counter-drone defence with standard weapons: SwissP Defence unveils Shatter4K ammunition
Four effectors from one cartridge, a deliberately limited range and no modifications to the weapon: with Shatter4K, SwissP Defence relies on existing assault rifles and machine guns for counter-drone defence. The ammunition was presented at Enforce Tac 2026.
Counter-drone protection for vehicles: Mehler Protection shows SCILT close-in system at Enforce Tac 2026
Attacks from short distances and shallow angles are the reason: with SCILT, Mehler Protection wants to bring counter-drone defence directly onto vehicles. The first version is due to be available from summer 2026, with more automation planned.
Counter-drone defence from the air: US Army tests APEX ammunition for the Apache attack helicopter
A proximity fuze is to turn the AH-64 Apache into a drone hunter: in live-fire tests at Yuma Proving Ground, the new XM1225 APEX hit UAS targets air-to-air for the first time. This counter-drone capability requires no changes to the gun or fire control.
Counter-drone defence with APKWS II: BAE Systems wins US Air Force contract for new rocket variant
Laser plus infrared in the seeker: BAE Systems is to deliver a new variant of the APKWS II rocket for counter-drone defence. The ceiling is around 122 million euros, the delivery order around 56 million. The European counterpart used by Austria's Bundesheer is also being developed further.
Counter-UAS by laser: Inleap Photonics launches with Inleap Fastlight Shield
Light instead of ammunition: the new German company Inleap Photonics aims to neutralise drones in fractions of a second with Inleap Fastlight Shield. A funding round led by High-Tech Gründerfonds is set to speed up market entry and scaling of the counter-UAS system.