Airbus Launches Autonomous Drone Capable of Neutralizing Kamikaze Drones
Airbus Defence and Space successfully conducted the first demonstration flight of its autonomous interceptor drone, Bird of Prey, which can detect and engage kamikaze drones. This test flight, carried out in Northern Germany, confirmed the integration of a new class of low-cost air-to-air missiles developed by its partner, Frankenburg Technologies.
Successful Demonstration of Autonomous Engagement
During its inaugural demonstration mission in a military training area in Northern Germany, the Bird of Prey autonomously detected, classified, and engaged a medium-sized attack drone. The interceptor utilized a Mark I air-to-air missile designed by Frankenburg Technologies. According to Mike Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space, this demonstration addresses a tactical priority in the current geopolitical and military context concerning the defense against kamikaze drones. The integration of the Bird of Prey into Airbus's IBMS air battle management suite enhances the operational capabilities of the armed forces. The demonstration flight took place nine months after the project's initiation. The prototype, based on a modified Airbus Do-DT25 drone, features a wingspan of 2.5 meters, a length of 3.1 meters, and a maximum takeoff weight of 160 kg. The prototype was equipped with four Mark I missiles, while the operational version will be able to carry up to eight.
Innovative Missile Technology
The Mark I missiles are subsonic fire-and-forget weapons with an engagement range of up to 1.5 kilometers. Each missile measures 65 centimeters in length and weighs less than 2 kilograms, making them the lightest guided interceptors developed to date, according to the press release. They are equipped with fragmentation warheads designed to neutralize nearby targets. The Bird of Prey is designed to seamlessly integrate into NATO's integrated air defense architecture through established command and control systems, including Airbus's IBMS integrated battle management system. Airbus and Frankenburg plan to conduct additional flights with an operational payload throughout 2026 to continue the system's operationalization and demonstrate its full capabilities.
