MBDA is showcasing the integration of a new effector concept into its Sky Warden counter-drone system in partnership with Fortem Technologies.
The collaboration integrates Fortem’s advanced DroneHunter technology with MBDA’s Sky Warden modular solution, which uses artificial intelligence to help operators identify and classify threats.
Demonstrated at the Farnborough International Airshow 2024, the concept comprises a ground-launched anti-air munition that can target enemy tactical drones, reconnaissance mini-drones, traditional air-breathing threats, and loitering munitions.
The concept enables the rapid incorporation of a warhead on a drone to defeat threats at a lower cost, MBDA said, adding that tests “have proven its effectiveness and lethality.”
“Our flagship Sky Warden modular [counter-drone] system is designed to evolve at the same rapid speed as the drone threat the world now faces, as demonstrated so effectively in recent trials,” MBDA CEO Éric Béranger said.
Featuring an independent warhead design, operators can deploy the new platform instantly on the battlefield.
“Fortem Technologies is honored to contribute to this cutting-edge solution, providing unmatched expertise and technology to enhance the Sky Warden system,” said Fortem Technologies CEO Jon Gruen.
“This relationship highlights the speed, agility and development capabilities that Fortem and MBDA combine to meet our customers’ rapidly changing needs while offering a solution at cost parity with some of the evolving threats we see.”