Latest news with #counterdrone
Forbes
13-07-2025
- Forbes
Ukraine Fields Counter-Drone Rifle Rounds, Disrupting Russian Offensive
Screenshots from a video posted on Facebook from Brave1, a Ukraine defense innovation group. The ... More image shows a new type of rifle round that can be used to shoot down small drones. Over the past three years, drone technology has reshaped the Russia-Ukraine battlefield. In this war, both sides are deploying large numbers of increasingly advanced small drones, forcing a shift away from large formations of armored vehicles, which are easily targeted. Instead, both sides are now using smaller troop formations that are spread out to reduce vulnerability. However, as drones become more widely used, both Ukraine and Russia are now using them to target these smaller formations, who have little protection against them. In response, Ukraine is beginning to produce counter-drone rifle rounds that can be fired from standard assault rifles. These new rounds are arriving at a critical moment and are expected to play a key role in halting Russia's latest offensive. Ukraine's New Counter-Drone Rifle Rounds Brave1, a Ukrainian defense innovation initiative, posted a video on June 30 showing soldiers successfully using a new type of round to destroy a small drone. The round is a standard 5.56 mm cartridge designed for NATO rifles, including the CZ Bren and the M4, both of which are commonly used by Ukrainian forces. Although Brave1 did not disclose the technical specifications, Militarnyi, a Ukrainian military media outlet, indicated that the round is already in limited operational use and provided a description of how it functions. After being fired, the round breaks apart into approximately five fast-moving pellets. When multiple rounds are fired in rapid succession, they produce a shotgun-like spread that can effectively engage drones at ranges of up to 50 meters. Screen capture from Facebook video posted by Brave1, a Ukrainian defense innovation group, showing ... More the new counter-drone rounds. They resemble standard NATO 5.56 rounds and fit into existing magazines. The only visual difference is that the tip of the bullet is blunted. According to Brave1's post, Ukraine is ramping up production to provide each soldier with at least one magazine of these rounds. This approach allows individual soldiers to defend against drones without carrying another heavy system. Instead, when a drone is detected, they can quickly switch to the magazine containing the specialized rounds and begin engaging the target. It effectively gives each soldier the capability of a shotgun without the added burden of issuing and carrying a second weapon. Switching weapons also takes significantly more time and coordination than simply swapping magazines. The Impact Of These Rounds On The New Russian Offensive These new rounds are arriving in Ukraine at a critical time, as small drones are playing a central role in the Russian summer offensive aimed at breaking through entrenched Ukrainian defenses. The current Russian tactics rely on using small drones to locate and target these defensive positions ahead of a ground assault. While this role has traditionally been filled by artillery, drones are more economical, especially given the resource constraints currently facing Russian forces. Screen captures from video posted on social media on July 10, 2025 attributed to the Russian ... More military. A Russian FPV drone identifies a Ukrainian trench (top image). The drone subsequently flies into the trench, with the attack being recorded by another drone (bottom image). Although Ukrainian electronic warfare and air-defense systems will provide some protection, they are likely inadequate to cover the full length of the front. Russia is also deploying drones specifically designed to bypass existing Ukrainian counter-drone systems. These drones are often usable for only a few weeks before they become obsolete, but during that short window, they can be highly effective. Videos have shown that when Ukrainian soldiers identify an incoming drone, they typically try to seek cover since they know that they are unlikely to shoot down their drones with their conventional weapons. These specialized rounds are likely to be highly useful for Ukrainian forces as they hold their positions against the new Russian assault. The rounds have already been codified under NATO standards, signaling Ukraine's intent to begin large-scale production. They are expected to go directly to the front lines, giving soldiers an immediate tool to defend against Russian drones. If the drones are neutralized, Russian forces will have to revert to artillery strikes or attempt direct assaults on fortified positions. Artillery is less precise, more resource intensive, and reveals the location of the firing units, which can then be targeted by Ukrainian drones. Direct assaults without drone support are likely to result in high Russian casualties with minimal success. Broader Impact Of These Counter-Drone Rifle Rounds In the grander scheme, the fielding of these rounds has the potential to break the ongoing cat and mouse game between drone and counter-drone systems. They provide a kinetic method of defeating drones, offering an alternative to the more commonly used non-kinetic electronic warfare systems. Both Ukraine and Russia have relied heavily on electronic warfare to jam or disrupt drone operations by targeting communication and navigation signals. However, these systems are often temporary solutions. Ukrainian counter-drone capabilities tend to be effective only for a limited time before Russian forces adapt and find ways to bypass them. For example, Russia has recently deployed fiber-optic tethered drones, which are immune to electronic interference. By introducing a direct-fire solution, Ukraine is shifting the balance, as it will be far more difficult for Russia to develop small drones that can evade or survive these counter-drone rounds. A Ukrainian serviceman stands guard checking for Russian drones in the sky as a soldier in a tractor ... More digs a trench system in the Zaporizhzhia region, on January 30, 2024, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. (Photo by Roman PILIPEY / AFP) (Photo by ROMAN PILIPEY/AFP via Getty Images) The most likely method for Russia to protect its drones from these counter-drone rounds is to avoid detection, since armoring small drones is not realistic. The soldier must detect the drone with enough time to switch magazines, aim, and fire their weapon. This sequence of actions can be quite fast, since training builds it into every soldier's muscle memory. Success still depends on the soldier's ability to pick up the drone's acoustic and visual signatures, which are difficult to conceal. Videos released by both sides show soldiers spotting drones and running before being chased down and killed, demonstrating that these drones are often detected in time for a response. These signatures become more pronounced as drones are made to fly faster or carry heavier payloads. When the war first started, large drones like the TB2 Bayraktar were used to destroy armored vehicles. As the war has progressed and both sides have adopted new tactics and technologies, small FPV drones are now targeting small groups of dismounted troops. These new counter-drone rifle rounds have the potential to push both sides to further evolve their tactics, particularly in how they use drones. In the meantime, these rounds are likely to create significant challenges for the Russian offensive.
South China Morning Post
06-07-2025
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
China's military will need structural change to fend off drone threats: experts
Three military analysts have called for structural changes within the People's Liberation Army to counter the growing threat of drone attacks. Advertisement Writing in the PLA Daily, the experts said it was highly likely that the Chinese military would establish specialised counter-drone combat units capable of 'rapid responses' to unmanned threats while addressing the inefficiencies of multitasked traditional units. Drones have played an increasingly crucial role in recent regional conflicts, including the war in Ukraine, the India-Pakistan conflict, and the recent strikes between Israel and Iran. The article, published by the military mouthpiece on Thursday, suggests that Beijing has taken note of a US plan to deter any PLA aggression across the Taiwan Strait by deploying thousands of unmanned systems in what it calls a 'hellscape' strategy. According to the article, the establishment of dedicated counter-drone units is viewed as a 'long-term' goal, while current structural adjustments are expected to focus on integrating counter-drone capabilities into existing combat units. Advertisement For example, the writers suggested that electronic warfare units could be upgraded to become intelligent counter-unmanned units capable of AI-driven analysis and mobile jamming. The PLA's structural shift towards counter-drone capabilities dates back to as early as 2016, when Chinese state media reported the formation of a specialised PLA Air Force unit tasked with detecting and neutralising small uncrewed aircraft.
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
A-10 Warthog Already Has The Capability To Use Laser-Guided Rockets To Shoot-Down Drones
We have just learned that one of the most successful adaptations of an existing weapon in recent memory — morphing laser-guided air-to-ground rockets into counter-drone weapons — can be accommodated on three USAF aircraft, not just two. First, the F-16 got the version of the Advanced Precision Kill Weapons System II (APKWS II) that takes 2.75″/70mm Hydra rockets and turns them into drone and cruise missile busters, followed very recently by the F-15E Strike Eagle. Now we have learned that the A-10 Warthog has also received at least the ability to employ these weapons in the air-to-air role, although the type's remaining service is now measured in months, not multiple years. In the recently released budget request for 2026, the Pentagon documentation states that APKWSs featuring guidance sections with specialized Fixed-Wing Air-Launched Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems Ordnance (FALCO) software installed are cleared for use on the F-16, F-15E, and the A-10. The rockets use laser guidance and a proximity fuze to explode near subsonic, low-maneuverability targets like drones and cruise missiles. TWZ was first to report on the testing of this configuration of APKWS back in 2019. APKWSs were first used operationally as anti-air weapons in the surface-to-air role, with Ukraine receiving the VAMPIRE system that has proven to be highly successful. Since then, APKWS II has entered operational U.S. service in the air-to-air role, and has become a standout in the Middle East, where F-16s swatted down Houthi drones with it at a fraction of the price of an air-to-air missiles, the cheapest of which costs nearly half a million dollars. The anti-air APKWSs costs less than a tenth of that. In May, we learned the F-15E — the USAF's most celebrated aerial drone hunter — could employ them, too. The rockets also dramatically expand the air-to-air magazine capacity of the aircraft they are mounted on (over six times the number of potential engagements in the F-15E's case). The A-10 as a drone hunter is an interesting prospect. The aircraft's loiter time, slow and low-flying capabilities, and even its unique air-to-air dogfighting agility, could come in as a real benefit for taking out long-range one-way attack drones, especially the most prevalent propeller-driven type. Where the A-10 would be less effective is in rapidly taking out faster-flying drones and cruise missiles. This is due to its lower speed, with less ability to 'run-down' multiple targets in a short time period during incoming saturation raids. Still, AH-64 Apaches have become critical counter-drone weapons, providing screening for lower-performance long-range one-way attack munitions, particularly in Israel. The U.S. Army is also expanding its use of the Apache in this role, and helicopters, including in Ukraine, are playing a larger role in counter-drone defense, in general. The A-10 has far superior speed capabilities over helicopters, so it does sit inside something of a sweet spot, performance-wise, for dealing with lower-end, long-range drones. The A-10 also lacks a radar, which would make it harder for it to independently spot an incoming aerial target at distance, lock its targeting pod onto it, and successfully engage it. This could potentially be overcome with a podded radar system, at least to a degree. Leveraging datalinked target tracks from off-board platforms could also significantly offset this deficiency. On the other hand, the A-10 can also carry a lot of rockets, and I mean a lot. Extra magazine depth would be beneficial during combat air patrols that have to confront a sustained drone onslaught. Above all else, the A-10 paired with FALCO APKWSs would be most effective at defending a certain installation or limited geographical areas, such as an island outpost or forward staging area, against long-range one-way attack drones and even some cruise missiles. The same weapons can also be used against surface targets, especially long-range unmanned surface vessels. These are roles the U.S. military will have no shortage of as it prepares for a fight in the Pacific. The counter-air APKWS portfolio is set to grow dramatically, with BAE Systems working on a seeker kit for the rockets that adds a pseudo 'fire-and-forget' capability. In other words, an aircraft does not have to maintain a lock on the target and continuously lase it in order for the rocket to kill it. The new seeker would look where the laser spot is pointed, then lock on and fly autonomously to its target – no further laser designation needed. This will provide for far more flexible employment of these weapons, with more targets being able to be addressed in a given time period. Right now, two aircraft work together best to execute air-to-air APKWS engagements, one lasing and firing. This should be more easily handled by one aircraft with the new upgraded seeker kits, as well. At the same time, when it comes to the A-10, this is largely moot because the USAF has issued its final call to cull what remains of the Warthog fleet. According to its latest budget request, the Warthog's bacon will be fried by the end of the 2026 Fiscal Year. So we are talking about just 15 months left of the iconic attack jet gracing the skies, before they are all sent to bake in the Arizona desert. Before this budget, the A-10 fleet was planned to be fully retired by the end of 2028. On the other hand, the jet's seemingly ready-to-go efficient counter-drone capability could actually make it more attractive for transfer to Ukraine, something that has been raised in the past. In fact, this may be even more important than its ground attack capability, or even the fact that it is a hardy jet-powered aircraft that can lug around and launch advanced NATO munitions. Currently, Ukraine's fighter force, as well as helicopters and even dated Yak-52 trainers, are tasked with drone hunting. Augmenting this force with A-10s and freeing up the country's F-16s and Mirage 2000s, in particular, for more advanced work could be attractive to the war-weary country. Though there has long been talk about Ukraine acquiring A-10s, many have questioned their efficacy in the conflict. Working in the Shahed-busting role certainly blunts some of those criticisms. Of course, that is if the war continues on long enough to see anything like this come to fruition. Jordan has been raised as another potential taker for A-10s after their retirement from U.S. service. Starting last year, the Jordanian armed forces have found themselves contending with Iranian drones, as well as missiles, flying overhead on their way to targets in Israel on several occasions, and have taken action to shoot them down. Paired with FALCO APKWSs, Warthogs could also bolster Jordan's counter-drone arsenal. It's a bit ironic that just as one of the world's most iconic ground attack aircraft to ever fly is about to end its service, its air-to-air capability against drones could be one of the biggest missed opportunities brought on by its retirement. Contact the author: Tyler@
Entrepreneur
25-06-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Defence Tech Startup Armory Raises INR 13 Cr to Strengthen Counter Drone Capabilities
The capital will be deployed to accelerate R&D, ramp up manufacturing, and enhance field deployment of its indigenous counter drone technologies. You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. Defence tech startup Armory has raised INR 13 crore in a funding round led by growX ventures, with participation from Industrial 47, Antler, AC Ventures, and Dexter Ventures. The capital will be deployed to accelerate R&D, ramp up manufacturing, and enhance field deployment of its indigenous counter drone technologies. Founded in 2024 by Amardeep Singh, an IIT Bombay alumnus and aerospace engineer, Armory develops Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems (CUAS) to detect, deny, and destroy rogue drones — an urgent and growing threat in modern warfare. Its flagship solution, SURGE, moved from concept to successful field trials with Army regiments in just six months. "It's increasingly obvious that the future of warfare is autonomous drones and electronic warfare," said Amardeep Singh, Founder and CEO. "The only way to deter them is to build advanced countermeasures. The foundation of India's self-reliant defence is being built right now, and we aim to play a leading role in it." Armory's systems are powered by its proprietary Samaritan OS, an AI first defence operating system that allows real time adaptability and continuous learning — capabilities missing from traditional defence technologies. Manish Gupta, General Partner at growX ventures, said, "India's national security priorities are rapidly evolving, and Armory is one of the few startups addressing these changes at the pace of software. Their AI led, indigenous approach is exactly what India's defence tech ecosystem needs." Rahul Seth, Founder and General Partner at Industrial 47, added, "Weaponised drones are the IEDs of our era. Counter drone systems will soon be as common as CCTV cameras. Armory is building the airspace security infrastructure that will become essential." Armory is also exploring international partnerships to expand its "Make in India, Made for the World" strategy, aligning closely with India's growing role in global defence innovation.
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Fortem Technologies Opens New Advanced Manufacturing Headquarters to Meet Global Demand for Counter-Drone Defense
51,000-square-foot Utah facility more than doubles production capacity for DroneHunter® and TrueView™ systems used in Ukraine, the Middle East, and beyond LINDON, Utah, June 17, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As drone warfare reshapes global conflicts and autonomous aerial threats grow more sophisticated, Fortem Technologies today officially opened a new state-of-the-art headquarters and manufacturing facility designed to meet surging demand for its counter-drone systems. The new 51,000-square-foot building in Lindon more than doubles Fortem's previous capacity and marks a major milestone in the company's mission to secure airspace around the world. From its expanded base in Utah, Fortem will produce its flagship DroneHunter® and DroneKiller™ interceptors and TrueView™ radar systems—battle-tested technologies deployed today by military and homeland security customers in Ukraine, the Middle East, and at critical infrastructure sites globally. The new facility enables Fortem to bring previously outsourced manufacturing in-house, cut production lead times, and scale up output dramatically in response to growing customer demand. "Drones have upended the economics of air warfare. For a few thousand dollars, our adversaries can now threaten assets worth billions," said Jon Gruen, CEO of Fortem Technologies. "This new facility is a direct response to that reality. It gives us the scale, speed, and integration needed to build the counter-drone systems America and its allies require—not in five years, but right now." Fortem's previous headquarters was located on the sixth floor of an office building in Pleasant Grove, with limited manufacturing space and no on-site flight testing capability. The new facility—just a five-minute walk from the old one—features over 10,000 square feet of dedicated manufacturing space and on-site flight testing areas, allowing production teams to assemble, test, and rework systems without leaving the premises. The building also supports future expansion with pre-permitted plans for an additional 15,000 square feet of manufacturing space. At full capacity, the Lindon facility can produce: 600 radar units per month 40 DroneHunter® interceptors per month 300+ ground-launched air-to-air munitions (GLAAMs) per month 20 drone hangars per month—a manufacturing capability Fortem previously outsourced To date, Fortem has conducted over 70,000 test flights and 5,500 successful drone captures in Utah alone. Fortem's systems have become critical to layered air defense strategies as military and civilian decision-makers confront the threat posed by small, fast, low-flying drones that can evade traditional radar. Its kinetic interceptors, guided by proprietary radar and AI-powered SkyDome® software, are the only drone-on-drone systems authorized for deployment in U.S. airspace. "This facility is a game-changer for how we build and deploy advanced air-defense systems," said Fortem Technologies Chief Operating Officer Jim Housinger. "We've eliminated the inefficiencies of off-site testing and fragmented production. Now our engineers and manufacturing teams are under one roof, with the ability to build, test, rework, and ship—all in the same day. That agility is critical when the threats are evolving by the hour." The Lindon facility is fully operational and currently shipping product. The company, which holds ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100D certifications, is expanding its in-house radar assembly and reducing reliance on foreign electronics suppliers. Fortem's team in Utah has grown to over 100 employees, with room to double headcount as production ramps. About Fortem Technologies Fortem Technologies is the global leader in airspace security, delivering advanced systems that protect against today's autonomous aerial threats while ensuring the safety of tomorrow's advanced air mobility. With integrated solutions combining TrueView™ radar, AI-enabled SkyDome® command software, and both non-lethal (DroneHunter®) and lethal (DroneKiller™) drone interceptors, Fortem protects military, government, and commercial sites worldwide. Fortem is the only company authorized to deploy a drone-on-drone kinetic interceptor in U.S. airspace. Its technology has been validated in operational deployments in Ukraine, the Middle East, and East Asia and is accelerating the safety of global airspace for urban air mobility. Headquartered in Lindon, Utah, Fortem is privately held and backed by Boeing, Toshiba, DCVC, Mubadala Investment Company, Lockheed Martin, and others. To learn more, visit View source version on Contacts Media Contact: Warren
