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Rheinmetall and Telekom Plan to Develop a Drone Defence Shield

Monday, May 11th, 2026

• Hybrid threats from drones and sabotage are increasing
• Multi-threat protection aims to secure critical infrastructure
• Rheinmetall and Telekom combine their expertise to deliver effective protection
• Joint presentation at the AFCEA security trade show starting May 12, 2026, in Bonn

Rheinmetall and Telekom plan to jointly develop a defence shield against drones and acts of sabotage. The companies intend to work together to protect cities and critical infrastructure across Germany. They reached this agreement ahead of the upcoming AFCEA security technology trade show in Bonn.

The current geopolitical situation has placed the protection of critical infrastructure (KRITIS) in sharp focus. Hybrid threats from sabotage and drone activity are steadily increasing. In response, the companies are pooling their expertise.

The partners aim to develop capabilities and technologies to counter a wide range of potential attacks on KRITIS sites—a multi-threat protection approach. This includes cybersecurity technologies as well as physical site protection, commonly referred to as perimeter security. Further details of the collaboration will be announced at a later date.

Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG, says: “The threat posed by drones is highly digital. This is why effective defence requires a combination of sensors, effectors, and secure communication networks. Rheinmetall and Deutsche Telekom bring together precisely these capabilities.”
Tim Höttges, CEO of Deutsche Telekom AG, says: “Sovereignty is achieved not only through discussion but through action. Telekom is taking responsibility: With our expertise in connectivity, cloud, and data analytics, we are elevating drone defence to a new level. Together with Rheinmetall, we are strengthening sovereignty and helping to alleviate public concerns.”

Telekom detects drone flights during the European Football Championship in Germany
Since 2017, Telekom has been a system partner to government agencies and companies in the field of drone security. The Group has already secured critical infrastructure, facilities, and major events against drones both in Germany and abroad. For example, Telekom successfully and reliably detected illegal drone flights on behalf of the police during the 2024 European Football Championship.

Drone detection and defence are technically demanding. Depending on the location and terrain, different sensors are more suitable. Since 2017, the company has therefore tested a range of sensors from international manufacturers in customer projects and field trials at international and regional airports such as Tannheim in Baden-Württemberg, integrating them into its product portfolio. Telekom continues to advance its technical capabilities in drone defence and its sensor suite. Today, video, audio, radio frequency (RF), Remote ID, and drone radar sensors are used in customer deployments.

RF detection proven in customer deployments
Most drones on the market are flown within visual range using a radio remote control. Drones and controllers communicate via radio frequency (RF). RF sensors can detect these signals—and thus the position of both drone and controller. RF is considered one of the most common methods in drone detection. RF sensors currently make more than 90% of all drones in low-altitude airspace detectable.

The RF sensors used by Telekom operate passively and do not transmit an active search signal. This allows them to be installed on cell towers without interfering with sensitive mobile communications technology. According to Telekom’s customer experience, RF sensors mounted high on cell towers have proven particularly effective in densely built-up urban areas.

Rheinmetall: Specialist in drone defence and autonomous systems
Rheinmetall is one of the world’s leading systems providers in air defence—including close-range and short-range applications. Effectors from the Düsseldorf-based technology group are currently in use in Ukraine and the Middle East. In addition, Rheinmetall is a specialist in autonomous systems across all domains—land, sea, and air—including drones and airborne reconnaissance systems. The Group also develops sensor and data processing technologies used in both civilian and security-related applications.
In December 2025, Rheinmetall, the Hamburg Police, and the Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) agreed on a strategic partnership to further develop drone detection and defence concepts for the Port of Hamburg. The focus is on developing forward-looking technologies to protect maritime, civilian, and critical infrastructure.
From a technical standpoint, the Port of Hamburg is considered a particularly challenging environment: diverse radio sources, maritime conditions, and dense infrastructure place high demands on detection systems. As a leading industry partner, Rheinmetall contributes its expertise to this alliance to develop tailored solutions for complex threat scenarios, forming part of a supraregional security strategy.
More drones are flying via mobile networks
A new challenge arises from drones controlled via mobile networks. While the vast majority of pilots use RF and a remote control, the number of drones operated via cellular networks is increasing. Real-world applications in Germany and abroad show that both commercially available and homemade drones are increasingly being controlled via mobile networks. Telekom is collaborating with Helmut Schmidt University/University of the Federal Armed Forces Hamburg (Uni-Bw: Universität der Bundeswehr) to research how these drones can be located.

Mobile network becomes a large-scale radar system
In the future, the mobile network itself will act as a sensor—a large-scale radar system—by detecting changes and anomalies in data traffic that indicate drone control or communication. This will make drones visible to emergency responders, for example in temporary no-fly zones. The basis for this is the 5G standalone high-performance network installed by Telekom on the Uni-Bw campus, based on Ericsson technology.

Drone violations constitute serious interference with air traffic
Controlling drones via mobile networks is not yet widespread in Germany. By law, pilots must keep their drone in sight at all times (line of sight). Those who operate drones beyond visual range often do so for commercial purposes, such as inspecting power lines or pipelines. These pilots must apply for permission to fly. Anyone who does not apply but still controls a drone via mobile network is committing a criminal offence.
Drone flights in restricted areas are by no means a minor offence comparable to a speeding violation, but a dangerous interference with air traffic. Despite repeated police warnings, many continue to fly recklessly beyond visual range, risking unexpectedly severe penalties. Telekom systems have already pinpointed prohibited drone flights on a large scale at the request of customers, enabling emergency responders to locate pilots quickly.

Posted in C-UAS, Industry, International, Press Release | Comments Off on Rheinmetall and Telekom Plan to Develop a Drone Defence Shield

Kinetic C-UAS Industry Day Gathers Armament Experts for Networking, Tech Updates

Monday, May 11th, 2026

PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J — More than 150 government and industry leaders convened at Picatinny Arsenal on April 28 for the Kinetic C-UAS Industry Day to forge critical partnerships and accelerate the development kinetic drone-defeat technologies to ensure U.S. warfighters maintain technological overmatch.

The summit centered on kinetic counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS), technologies engineered to detect, track and physically destroy hostile drones, distinct from non-kinetic systems that rely on electronic jamming or redirection.

Senior Scientific Technical Manager for Weapons and Software Engineering Tony Pezzano noted a desire to firmly establish the Armaments Center as a premier partner for kinetic C-UAS.

“We want to align the capabilities of our U.S. Government organizations with innovation and technology found in industry,” said Pezzano. “Defeating this threat requires a unified effort, and the partnerships we forge or strengthen today will directly impact the warfighter’s survivability and lethality tomorrow.”

Armaments Center Director Chris Grassano said during his opening remarks that the drone threat is rapidly multiplying and has moved beyond the “emerging” phase. To counter this, kinetic C-UAS solutions must prioritize three elements, effectiveness, affordability and the ability to swiftly transition from blueprint to battlefield deployment. Picatinny, he pointed out, is home to expert engineers and specialized labs, which industry can handily leverage.

The Armaments Center is prioritizing battlefield dominance to ensure that Soldiers never have to face a “fair fight.” Pezzano and his fellow co-organizer, C-UAS Thrust Area Manager David Goldstein, both took part in conversations afterwards to identify specific industry partners who could deliver the next generation of C-UAS technology, with a focus on efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

“Every base, vehicle, and warfighter needs a kinetic last line of defense that can keep pace with the evolving UAS technologies. It’s difficult to armor a drone so hard-kill solutions will always be needed,” said Goldstein.

By Tyler Barth

Posted in Army, C-UAS, Guest Post | Comments Off on Kinetic C-UAS Industry Day Gathers Armament Experts for Networking, Tech Updates

RAF Regiment Counter-UAS: Defending the Airspace and Turning Threat into Intelligence

Saturday, May 9th, 2026

A modern threat, a measured response. Across the world, the use of small, often commercially derived drones has become a defining feature of modern conflict. Cheap, adaptable and increasingly capable, these systems are used for surveillance, targeting and attack by both state and non-state actors.

In response, the RAF has developed a layered Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) capability, delivered on the ground by specialist RAF Regiment teams. Their role is clear: detect, track, identify and defeat hostile drones – while exploring opportunities to gather intelligence where possible.

How RAF Regiment Counter-UAS operates

RAF Regiment Counter-UAS capability forms part of a wider UK and coalition air defence system. At its core are systems such as ORCUS, Ninja and Rapid Sentry, designed to address the full spectrum of drone threats.

Detect and track

Sensors, including radar and radio frequency (RF) systems, are used to detect and track drones operating at low level and often provides the location of the drone operators

These systems help build a recognised air picture in complex environments

Identify and assess

Operators analyse signal data, flight behaviour and patterns and visually identify threats using an Ultra Long Range Electro Optical Surveillance System (or Daylight and Thermal Imaging Camera)

This enables rapid assessment of whether a drone is benign, unknown or hostile

Defeat or disrupt

A mix of electronic warfare and, where required, kinetic options are used to counter the threat
Electronic systems can interfere with the communications links used by many drones

Can they take control of drones?

This is where precision matters. RAF information confirms that systems such as Ninja can:

Interfere with or disrupt control links used by many types of drones

Take control of the drone providing multiple options including redirecting the drone and even forcing it into a safe landing

This is not guaranteed in every case, and depends on:

The type of drone

How it is controlled

The operating environment

From threat to intelligence opportunity

Where a drone can be safely brought down and recovered intact, it becomes more than a neutralised threat.

Recovered systems may allow:

Analysis of onboard data and components

Insight into operating methods and technical capabilities

Potential understanding of launch points or networks involved

This turns a defensive action into an intelligence advantage – informing future operations and improving force protection.

Operational context: the Middle East

RAF Regiment Counter-UAS teams No. 2 Counter-UAS Wing, have been deployed across the Middle East in support of UK and coalition operations.

Their role includes:

Protecting personnel, aircraft and infrastructure
Countering persistent drone threats from hostile actors
Contributing to a coordinated, coalition-wide air defence effort

Part of a layered defence system

Counter-UAS is one layer within a broader RAF approach:

Ground-based air defence (RAF Regiment) – countering drones and low-level threats
Combat air – providing high-end air dominance and response
ISR and enablers – delivering intelligence, surveillance and operational coordination

Together, these elements create a layered defence system capable of responding across the full spectrum of aerial threats.

RAF Regiment Counter-UAS operations reflect a deliberate shift in modern warfare:

From simply destroying threats
To understanding, disrupting and, where possible, exploiting them

Crucially, official RAF language is careful and precise:

Control of hostile drones is possible in some cases, not all
Safe landing and recovery is conditional, not routine and the capability to destroy hostile drones using kinetic effects remains if they remain a threat

That realism underpins a capability that is both credible and operationally effective.

Bottom line

RAF Regiment Counter-UAS teams are delivering a critical role in today’s operational environment:

Protecting UK and allied forces from evolving drone threats
Denying adversaries freedom of action in the airspace
And, where conditions allow, turning hostile systems into valuable sources of intelligence

In a battlespace where drones are constant, control – when achievable – becomes a decisive advantage.

Posted in Air Force, C-UAS, Guest Post, International | Comments Off on RAF Regiment Counter-UAS: Defending the Airspace and Turning Threat into Intelligence

38 Sierra Introduces Drone Incident Response Training (DIRT): Counter-UAS Training for Grounded Drone Response

Wednesday, May 6th, 2026

Barboursville, VA — May 5, 2026 — 38 Sierra, a Virginia-based provider of specialized counter-UAS training, announces Drone Incident Response Training (DIRT), a specialized training program designed to prepare personnel to safely assess and manage grounded, crashed, suspicious, or potentially weaponized unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).

Most counter-UAS training focuses on detection, airspace monitoring, and drone interdiction. DIRT focuses on what happens after the drone is on the ground.

Whether a drone is abandoned, has crashed, is found near sensitive infrastructure, or is associated with suspicious activity, the operational challenge changes the moment it becomes a grounded aircraft. At that point, personnel must be prepared to assess the situation safely, manage the scene, preserve evidence, and support informed escalation.

DIRT was developed to address that operational gap.

A Practical Program for Grounded Drone Response

Drone Incident Response Training (DIRT) is a counter-UAS training program built specifically

around the operational challenges associated with grounded drone incidents. Rather than

focusing exclusively on aerial detection or interdiction, DIRT prepares personnel for the critical phase that begins once a drone is on the ground.

DIRT emphasizes:

Safe assessment of grounded, suspicious, or potentially hazardous drones
Hazard recognition and risk-informed decision-making
Reporting, scene control, and escalation procedures
Evidence preservation and support to follow-on response
Operational continuity during drone-related incidents

DIRT is designed to provide actionable, immediately applicable procedures for personnel responsible for managing drone incidents in real-world operational environments.Mission-Specific Training for Real-World Incidents

DIRT is structured as a mission-specific training program designed around the environments,

risks, and response requirements each organization is most likely to face.

38 Sierra currently delivers DIRT for:

Critical Infrastructure

Law Enforcement

Executive Protection

Aviation & Airport Security

Maritime & Port Security

Event & Stadium Security

Corrections

Military Facilities

Bomb Squads & EOD

Each course is built around the operational realities of that environment, ensuring personnel receive relevant, role-specific guidance aligned to the incidents they are most likely to encounter.

“When a drone is on the ground, the problem has just begun. DIRT was developed to ensure personnel can recognize hazards, assess risk, and respond safely during that critical phase of the incident,” said Patrick McCrone, Co-Founder of 38 Sierra.

Scenario-Based Training Built for Practical Application

To support DIRT delivery, 38 Sierra develops realistic inert UAS threat training aids and support tools that enhance hands-on instruction and scenario-based exercises.

These tools are used to support:

Hazard recognition training

Scenario-based practical exercises

Response evaluation and decision-making drills

Controlled simulation of grounded drone threat situations

These supporting tools are integrated to improve realism and reinforce functional application without introducing risk.

Built on Operational Experience

DIRT is informed by operational experience, real-world threat analysis, and direct contributions to the development of grounded drone response procedures.Co-Founder Patrick McCrone is an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) professional with over two decades of experience in counter-IED operations, weapons technical intelligence, and grounded unmanned aircraft system response. He previously served as a Technical Lead at the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) C5ISR Center, where he led work focused on UAS threats, radio-controlled improvised explosive devices, and grounded drone response procedures. He was responsible for developing the initial doctrine for U.S.

Military EOD response to grounded small unmanned aircraft systems, helping establish formal tactics, techniques, and procedures for a previously unaddressed operational gap.

Preparing Personnel Before the Incident Occurs

DIRT is built for the personnel most likely to encounter the drone first.

In many cases, that is not a specialized response unit. It is a patrol officer, facility security professional, corrections officer, military security element, or frontline employee expected to make immediate decisions in uncertain conditions. 38 Sierra provides practical training and the tools necessary to ensure those personnel are prepared to assess grounded drone incidents safely, maintain control of the scene, and support informed follow-on response.

To learn more about Drone Incident Response Training (DIRT), visit: www.38Sierra.co

Posted in C-UAS, Drone, Press Release, Training | Comments Off on 38 Sierra Introduces Drone Incident Response Training (DIRT): Counter-UAS Training for Grounded Drone Response

DroneShield and Terma Sign Strategic MOU to Advance Layered Counter-UAS Capabilities

Tuesday, May 5th, 2026

Amsterdam, The Netherlands – 4 May 2026 – DroneShield (ASX:DRO), a global leader in counter-drone technology solutions, along with Terma, a leading defence and aerospace company, announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), to establish a strategic collaboration focused on advancing layered counter-UAS capabilities. Both companies bring complementary, mission proven counter-UxS technologies to the collaboration, including AI-enabled UAS detection, electronic warfare systems, and command?and?control software.

The MOU establishes a structured framework to validate, build interoperability, and operationalise complementary counter-UAS capabilities, with the objective of coordinated market engagement between DroneShield and Terma. This collaboration also provides a pathway for customers globally, including Denmark, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific, to strengthen existing long-term air defence frameworks as threat environments evolve.

The MOU reflects the growing importance of layered counter-UAS solutions, providing operators the flexibility to select sensing technologies best suited to their specific environment and threat profile. When underpinned by mature, AI-enabled sensor fusion, operators are supported by improved situational awareness and increased accuracy in UxS detection and classification, which are critical to enabling timely and decisive operational responses.

Image: DroneShield and Terma recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding to further cooperation on counter-UAS opportunities.

Louis Gamarra, Chief Commercial Officer at DroneShield said the collaboration strengthens the ability of both companies to address evolving air defence and counter-UAS requirements. “Counter-UAS operations increasingly demand interoperable, multi-sensor solutions that can be deployed rapidly and scaled across diverse operational environments. Partnering with Terma allows DroneShield to combine our battle proven counter-UAS and command-and-control capabilities with Terma’s advanced air defence technologies, creating a compelling pathway for customers seeking to enhance layered defence outcomes.”

Steen Trier, Vice President, Global Sales at Terma said the MOU supports customers seeking to strengthen counter-UAS capability within established frameworks. “Terma works closely with defence customers operating in complex and demanding environments. This collaboration with DroneShield enables us to complement existing capabilities with additional counter-UxS solutions, supporting customers as operational requirements continue to evolve.”

As defence and security customers across Europe and the Middle East continue to prioritise counter-UAS capabilities, this MOU provides a pathway for DroneShield and Terma to jointly pursue emerging opportunities and deliver coordinated, deployable solutions aligned with modern operational requirements.

Posted in C-UAS, Industry, Press Release | Comments Off on DroneShield and Terma Sign Strategic MOU to Advance Layered Counter-UAS Capabilities

Air Force Special Warfare Employs Kinetic Interceptor in Counter-UAS Proof of Concept

Sunday, May 3rd, 2026

DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. —

Air Force Special Warfare Airmen from the 48th Rescue Squadron, 7th Air Support Operations Squadron, and 316th Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal conducted a proof-of-concept event on April 7, 2026. The event integrated a commercial off-the-shelf kinetic interceptor with an expeditionary counter-small unmanned aircraft system (C-sUAS) to address critical capability gaps for small teams operating “outside the wire.”

The demonstration took place at the Arizona Army National Guard Florence Military Reservation in Arizona. As adversaries increasingly employ low-cost, one-way attack drones, smaller, forward-deployed teams face growing risks without access to traditional, fixed-site air defense. This event focused on developing a lightweight, deployable capability to detect, track, and defeat Group 1–3 small unmanned aerial systems in austere environments.

The unit executed a layered approach to C-sUAS operations, integrating low-cost interceptor technology with expeditionary sensing and command-and-control systems. Through this proof-of-concept event, the Arizona Army National Guard, the Southwest Mission Acceleration Center, and multiple industry partners integrated detection tools, command-and-control systems, and various target aircraft.

During the event, AFSW Airmen executed four core functions: detect, assess, command and control, and defeat. The objective was to evaluate the ability to detect an enemy unmanned aircraft and provide tracking data through a common operating picture. The system then cued the interceptor to launch, track, and engage a UAS target, demonstrating a sensor-to-shooter kill chain at an operationally relevant cost.

“We are evaluating a range of layered detection and defeat capabilities,” said an AFSW Airman assigned to the 355th Wing. “By employing diverse target profiles, from fixed-wing systems to quadcopters across the Group 1-3 range, we can assess how, when, and where our C-sUAS systems are most effective. Our objective is a man-portable capability with a high degree of autonomy that can operate with minimal infrastructure while remaining fully interoperable within a broader C-sUAS architecture.”

The training highlighted the squadron’s continued evolution beyond its traditional rescue mission, expanding into offensive and defensive small UAS employment in contested environments.

“From a force protection and mission execution standpoint, each layer addresses different threats across varying distances,” the AFSW Airman said. “This approach adapts against near-peer threats while maintaining the cost-effective countermeasures required in modern conflict.”

This effort represents a significant step toward operationalizing expeditionary C-sUAS capabilities by integrating industry-developed and organically produced systems, with a continued focus on rapidly equipping the warfighter in forward environments.

By Senior Airman Jasmyne Bridgers-Matos

355th Wing

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Echodyne Named as Radar System for Trust Automation’s $490M Air Force Counter-UAS Engineering Contract

Tuesday, April 21st, 2026

EchoShield® radar integrated into Small-Unmanned Air Defense System (SUADS) to deliver on $490M Air Force IDIQ

Kirkland, WA, April 20, 2026 – Echodyne, the radar platform company, today announces its inclusion as a primary radar system within Trust Automation’s Small-Unmanned Air Defense System (SUADS) Counter-UAS platform, to be delivered to the U.S. Air Force under a $490M IDIQ contract announced in August 2025.

Rapidly Deployable Small-Unmanned Air Defense System (RD-SUADS), Fixed Site Small?Unmanned Air Defense System (FS-SUADS), and Expeditionary Small-Unmanned Air Defense System (EX-SUADS) platforms adhere to the Sensor Open Systems Architecture (SOSA) standard with EchoShield radars being the first fully integrated SOSA solution in the platform. The RD-SUADS platform is a self-contained, self-powered C-UAS system fitted to standard pallet sizes for easy transport via military aircraft, while the FS-SUADS is for deployment at permanent military installations and can be integrated as a group or standalone for diverse redundant base protection and 360-degree security. The EX-SUADS detection only system is designed for checked baggage transportation and sized to fit with cases in larger SUV vehicles.

EchoShield is the market-leading medium range radar that reliably and consistently generates precise location data for all drone types and configurations. A commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) radar system, EchoShield’s industry standard interfaces and rich data options create a baseline data set that more accurately slews optical sensors, cues effector options, and accelerates reaction time. Boasting advanced classification capabilities built on recursive neural network (RvNN) machine learning models, EchoShield tracks all movement and pinpoints system and operator attention where and when it matters.

“It is becoming more and more evident that the fidelity of radar data, its accuracy in all data dimensions, is a critical attribute of any radar system,” said Eben Frankenberg, CEO at Echodyne. “The new table stakes for every defensive system is actionable data at the range of reaction and with the precision to consistently direct kinetic effectors onto fast, nimble, UAS threats.”

“Integrating Echodyne’s advanced radar into our RD-SUADS, FS-SUADS, and EX-SUADS systems enhances both detection range and accuracy, enabling operators to identify threats sooner and respond with greater confidence,” said Ty Safreno, CEO at Trust Automation, Inc. “These systems provide agile, comprehensive C-sUAS capability that helps protect warfighters and critical facilities through elevated situational awareness.”

For more information about EchoShield and Echodyne, Eben Frankenberg will present to Counter-UAS Technologies in London, UK on April 20-22, and Echodyne can be found at Modern Day Marine in Washington, DC on April 28-30.

Posted in C-UAS, Contracts, MDM, Sensors, USMC | Comments Off on Echodyne Named as Radar System for Trust Automation’s $490M Air Force Counter-UAS Engineering Contract

Paratroopers Train with Anti-Drone Ammunition

Saturday, April 18th, 2026

US Army Soldiers assigned to the XVIII Airborne Corps train and familiarize themselves with the 5.56mm L-variant Drone Round to counter small unmanned arial systems at Oak Grove Training Center, N.C., April 9, 2026. The 5.56mm L-variant Drone Round is designed to neutralize sUAS by volume of fire and projectiles.

US Army video by SGT Kamar Williams

Posted in Ammo, Army, C-UAS, Guest Post | 1 Comment »