MBDA Unveils Unique Anti-Drone Concept

MBDA introduced a new effector concept for its Sky Warden counter-uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS) modular solution at the Farnborough International Airshow 2024.

This ground-launched anti-air munition is designed to target threats from small uncrewed aircraft systems (sUAS) and loitering munitions, specifically Class 1 and smaller Class 2.

In collaboration with Fortem Technologies, the concept integrates DroneHunter technology, allowing for the addition of a warhead to a drone, providing a cost-effective solution to counter drone threats. Tests have demonstrated the munition's effectiveness.

The company showcased its capabilities in a recent operational demonstration attended by 17 customer delegations. The Sky Warden system neutralized a variety of offensive drone threats using artificial intelligence to assist human operators in identifying and classifying threats through its sensors, including radar and electro-optical cameras.

Sky Warden employs various methods to counter threats: blocking drones with jammers, capturing them with hunter drones, neutralizing them with lasers, and destroying them using Mistral 3 missiles at long range.

The new effector, featuring an RF-guided drone-style design and directional fragmenting warhead, complements Sky Warden's existing capabilities, offering more options to tailor to customer needs.

Sky Warden operates both as part of a layered air defense architecture and in standalone configurations, offering flexibility in deployment.

Sky Warden is adaptable to both vehicle-mounted and dismounted setups, emphasizing its modularity and scalability, allowing customers to customize it according to specific operational requirements.