The latest concept is a ground-launched anti-air munition targeting Class 1 and smaller Class 2 small uncrewed aircraft systems (sUAS) and Loitering Munitions. In collaboration with Fortem Technologies and utilizing their DroneHunter technology, the concept integrates a warhead onto a drone to counter threats cost-effectively. Tests have demonstrated the munition's effectiveness and lethality.
Eric Beranger, CEO of MBDA, stated, "Our flagship Sky Warden modular C-UAS system is designed to evolve at the same rapid speed as the drone threat the world now faces, as demonstrated so effectively in recent trials. This latest effector solution shows MBDA in our best light: innovative and agile, adapting to the environment around us, and anticipating our customers' needs. The exciting advance MBDA have made with this effector is in creating an independent warhead design that operators can add to a drone in the battlefield. It demonstrates our collaboration DNA, partnering with an emerging technology company to create a new low-cost counter drone effector."
MBDA also highlighted a recent successful operational demonstration, showcasing Sky Warden's capabilities to 17 customer delegations.
During these demonstrations, Sky Warden was tested against various offensive drone threats with different kinetic characteristics in realistic scenarios, neutralizing all targets. Utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to aid human operators in identifying and classifying threats from a comprehensive sensor suite (radar, passive RF, electro-optical cameras, etc.), Sky Warden efficiently assigned the most suitable effector. In these scenarios, Sky Warden employed jammers to block attacking drones, hunter drones to capture them, lasers for rapid neutralization, and a Mistral 3 missile to destroy a 'shahed-like' drone at long distance.
Following these tests and the recent demonstration in Italy, MBDA envisions an RF-guided drone-style effector with a directional fragmenting warhead, complementing Sky Warden's current capabilities and offering customers greater adaptability.
Leveraging MBDA's extensive experience in air defense and effects management, Sky Warden is a scalable system capable of neutralizing various threats, from tactical drones to reconnaissance mini-drones, and other traditional airborne threats. The system handles the full C-UAS kill chain from detection to neutralization and can operate both as part of a layered air defense system or in a standalone configuration. With a networked ecosystem of evolving sensors and effectors, Sky Warden adapts to the evolving UAS threat.
Sky Warden, whether vehicle-mounted or dismounted, meets the need for mobility and deployment. Its modular, scalable, and adaptable design allows customers to tailor it to their specific requirements.
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