US military tests AI-powered CUAS turret against drone swarms
US Army drone swarm demonstration in Laoag City, Philippines. (Photo: US Army)
As the US continues to invest heavily in counter-drone systems, demand for low-cost, mobile and autonomous technologies is on the rise, with Edda designed to align with these emerging requirements.
The Pentagon and its agencies are testing the Edda portable, autonomous, artificial intelligence-driven hard-kill counter-uncrewed aerial system (CUAS) turret against drone swarms. Spotter Global and 9 Mothers, the system’s suppliers, claim that it can engage drones at a cost starting at US$7 per target.
Russell Smith, CEO of 9 Mothers, told Shephard that the capability responds to requirements from the US armed services and has completed “a large number” of tests, although he could not disclose further details.
The system has been developed to protect critical infrastructure and warfighters on the move from coordinated, fast-moving, radio-silent first-person-view (FPV) uncrewed aerial
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Country-focused updates
-
![Armada 2050: can Spain deliver its naval transformation?]()
Armada 2050: can Spain deliver its naval transformation?
Spain’s naval modernisation drive is moving from concept to contracts, with RfIs and RfPs expected before the end of the decade, despite second-batch frigate and submarine numbers remaining undecided.
-
![Italy sets course for a decade of sustained naval investment]()
Italy sets course for a decade of sustained naval investment
The country's long-term growth plan to overhaul its fleets well into the 2030s could open the door to an array of opportunities for suppliers.
-
![Ireland’s strategic cable role grows as naval capacity falls behind]()
Ireland’s strategic cable role grows as naval capacity falls behind
Around 75% of the northern hemisphere’s undersea cables transit Irish waters, but personnel shortfalls and a stalled multirole vessel programme leave patrol capacity in question.
-
![How India’s FCAS ambitions could reshape its combat-air roadmap]()
How India’s FCAS ambitions could reshape its combat-air roadmap
Participation in the French-led programme could provide India with access to sixth-generation technologies but force difficult choices over AMCA, TEDBF and indigenous propulsion development.
-
![AI-controlled F-16s advance towards autonomous multi-aircraft operations in US]()
AI-controlled F-16s advance towards autonomous multi-aircraft operations in US
The US plans to progressively expand VENOM/AIR testing from single-aircraft flights to multi-platform autonomous operations over the next 12–24 months, generating data that could support future US military AI programmes, including Collaborative Combat Aircraft.
