Drone wars: countries are looking for answers but do companies have the solutions?
L3Harris firing 70mm FZ275 laser-guided rockets from its Vampire CUAS is one of many recent developments in the field. (Photo: L3Harris)
Manufacturers are speeding up their counter-drone development efforts as countries increasingly focus on procurements to provide battlefield and national protection.
Developments in the Middle East in the past two weeks, centring on the US-Israeli attack on Iran and Iran’s retaliatory strikes on regional neighbours, have further highlighted the rise of the uncrewed aerial system (UAS) which was spotlighted in the Russia-Ukraine war.
Even before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine four years ago, counter-UAS (CUAS) capabilities were being developed by companies such as DroneShield in Australia and MARSS in the UK.
Israel’s Iron Dome, meanwhile, already had UAS defeat incorporated as part of a medium-tier to low-tier capability to combat rockets, mortars and small drones fired from neighbouring or nearby countries.
Scandinavian
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 Land Warfare
-
![Rheinmetall’s Lynx XM30 to go to “shakedown testing” ahead of its delivery to the US Army]()
Rheinmetall’s Lynx XM30 to go to “shakedown testing” ahead of its delivery to the US Army
The first Lynx XM30 platforms are in the final stages of construction and integration, to be handed over to the US Army in the coming months. Shephard caught up with Rheinmetall to find out more about the programme's progress.
-
![Romania selects Rheinmetall Lynx IFV as local defence manufacturing expands]()
Romania selects Rheinmetall Lynx IFV as local defence manufacturing expands
As part of a multi-billion-dollar vehicle and artillery overhaul, Romania has officially selected the KF41 Lynx IFV to replace its ageing Soviet-based platforms.
-
![Saab to begin delivering new missile variant for RBS 70 air defence system in 2027]()
Saab to begin delivering new missile variant for RBS 70 air defence system in 2027
The Bolide 2 missile has a larger warhead than the original version as well as an aluminium nose cone, which replaces a copper version and allows for more explosive content and fragments.
-
![SAHA 2026: MKE sets its sights on the Turkish Army’s self-propelled guns]()
SAHA 2026: MKE sets its sights on the Turkish Army’s self-propelled guns
With multiple artillery platforms on display at SAHA 2026, Turkey’s defence contractors are positioning to replace the country’s older imported platforms.
-
![Saab unveils new round to defeat explosive reactive armour]()
Saab unveils new round to defeat explosive reactive armour
The HEAT 758 has a tandem warhead consisting of an initial charge which neutralises the explosive reactive armour and the main charge which penetrates the primary armour. It is fired from a standard Carl-Gustaf M4 weapon launcher and has been ordered by an undisclosed customer.
-
![Malaysian Army vehicle renewal slowed by politics, scandal and economic strain]()
Malaysian Army vehicle renewal slowed by politics, scandal and economic strain
Despite political and economic headwinds, companies are positioning themselves for current and upcoming Malaysian Army requirements. Shephard spoke with some of them at DSA 2026.
