Airbus unveils LOAD, an unmanned system against kamikaze drones
Based on Do-DT25 drones, LOAD is an effective and low-cost solution against swarms of kamikaze drones.
Airbus will present its new uncrewed air defense system, LOAD (Low-cost Air Defence), at the "Unbemannte Systeme X" trade show in Bonn, Germany. The system is designed to effectively combat enemy kamikaze drone swarms.
The LOAD system is based on modified Airbus Do-DT25 drones, each capable of carrying up to three guided missiles (or more, depending on the type of armament). These drones are launched by catapult and have a range of 100 kilometers, with supervision from a ground control station. Using radar data or aerial situation imagery, they can autonomously search for, detect, and neutralize threats after receiving authorization. Once their mission is complete, they return to base and land via parachute, ready to be reused in future operations.
A cost-effective reinforcement for air defense
The ability of each LOAD drone to take out up to three targets makes it an effective and low-cost solution against large swarms of enemy drones — a challenge even for advanced air defense systems such as IRIS-T, Patriot, or Germany’s NNbS (Nah- und Nächstbereichsschutz; close and medium-range protection).
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Additionally, when combined with reconnaissance platforms like the Eurodrone, LOAD can operate in areas where ground-based radars lack full coverage, allowing armed forces greater flexibility in responding to emerging threats.
Next steps and entry into service
Airbus plans to conduct the first flight of a prototype before the end of the year. This initial model will feature two guided missiles and will be based on the proven Do-DT25 platform. Operational entry into service for the LOAD system is scheduled for 2027.
A key feature of LOAD is that it does not rely on U.S. technology and is ITAR-free, facilitating its export to various markets without U.S. regulatory restrictions.
With this development, Airbus reinforces its commitment to innovative and highly scalable solutions in the field of air defense, addressing the growing threat of drones in modern conflicts.
From Remote Carriers to LOAD
The development of LOAD does not start from scratch but appears to leverage the experience gained by Airbus under the Remote Carrier program. During tests conducted with the Do-DT25 drones, Airbus validated their ability to operate unmanned aircraft within combat networks, launch them from aerial platforms such as the A400M, and coordinate their missions with manned aircraft through advanced data links. LOAD would capitalize on these advancements, applying concepts such as Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) and networked mission management, but with a focus oriented toward air defense.
While the Remote Carriers were designed to act as force multipliers in offensive missions within the FCAS, LOAD transfers that knowledge to the field of defense against kamikaze drone swarms, optimizing its operational autonomy, reusability, and effectiveness in environments where traditional systems may become overwhelmed.
AUTOR
Apasionado por la aviación, la historia, la política y la defensa. Editor-in-Chief en Aviacionline Defensa, combinando estos conocimiento para ofrecer un contenido valioso sobre temas estratégicos y de seguridad.
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