Rising Demand for Counter-Drone Systems

Inside a warehouse in Aalborg, two Danish firms—MyDefence and Weibel Scientific—are working tirelessly to meet a growing wave of orders. Some of their systems are destined for Ukraine to disrupt Russian drones, while others are being deployed across Europe to shield airports, power plants, and military bases from unidentified aerial intrusions.

Weibel Scientific, a long-established radar manufacturer, recently provided its detection technology to Copenhagen Airport after drone sightings forced an airspace shutdown in September. MyDefence, meanwhile, produces handheld and wearable radio-frequency “jamming” devices designed to sever communication between drones and their pilots—effectively neutralizing airborne threats before they reach sensitive areas.

Although electronic jamming is heavily restricted across the European Union, it has become widespread in Ukraine’s conflict zones. There, Russian and Ukrainian forces are deploying increasingly advanced drones, some tethered to fiber-optic cables to avoid jamming, while others feature antennas designed to resist electronic disruption.

Europe on Alert After Mysterious Drone Flyovers

Drone warfare has become a defining feature of the Russia-Ukraine conflict since Moscow’s full-scale invasion in 2022. Both sides now rely heavily on unmanned systems for reconnaissance and attack missions, often striking deep behind enemy lines.

But recent incidents have brought the drone threat closer to home for European nations. In September, NATO members reported a surge of unidentified drones entering alliance airspace, triggering temporary closures and heightened alert levels. The scale of these flyovers—some near critical infrastructure—prompted European leaders to propose a joint “drone wall” stretching from Norway to Turkey.

In November, NATO officials confirmed the deployment of a new U.S.-made counter-drone system along the alliance’s eastern flank. The incidents have raised pressing questions about how prepared Europe is for potential aerial provocations, with some defense analysts suggesting the incursions may be deliberate attempts to test NATO’s response.

The Kremlin has denied involvement, dismissing allegations that Russia orchestrated the unidentified flights.

Europe’s Search for Defense Solutions

According to Andreas Graae, assistant professor at the Royal Danish Defense College, European nations are in a race to close the gap in drone defense capabilities.

“There’s a huge drive right now to deploy counter-drone systems rapidly,” Graae said. “We don’t yet have everything needed to detect, track, and respond to these new challenges effectively.”

The urgency reflects a growing recognition that Europe’s skies are becoming the next frontier in hybrid warfare—blurring the line between conventional military aggression and technological disruption.

MyDefence: From Battlefield Innovation to Civil Protection

Founded in 2013, MyDefence initially developed systems to protect soldiers on the battlefield. Its flagship “Wingman” wearable detector has become one of Ukraine’s most sought-after anti-drone tools, with more than 2,000 units delivered since Russia’s invasion.

Company CEO Dan Hermansen said the war has been a “turning point,” transforming the firm’s focus and accelerating demand for drone countermeasures across both defense and civilian sectors.

“For the past few years, we’ve heard from Ukraine that they want to put machines before people—to save lives,” Hermansen told reporters.

The firm’s revenues doubled last year to about $18.7 million, reflecting surging global interest. Following the recent drone flyovers at Danish airports, MyDefence began receiving inquiries from police forces and operators of critical infrastructure—signaling a shift from purely military applications to broader public security use.

“Drone warfare is no longer something distant or confined to the frontlines,” Hermansen said. “It’s now a hybrid threat that all European nations must prepare for.”

Weibel Scientific’s Radar Tech Gains Global Attention

North of Copenhagen, Weibel Scientific has been producing Doppler radar systems since the 1970s, traditionally for aerospace and missile-tracking purposes. Today, the company’s technology plays a key role in detecting drones, using radar signals to determine velocity and direction.

CEO Peter Røpke said the Ukraine war has accelerated demand for such systems worldwide.

“The evolution of drone warfare over the past two years has driven unprecedented interest in our radar solutions,” Røpke explained. Earlier this year, Weibel signed a $76 million deal—its largest contract to date—amid discussions about Europe’s proposed drone defense network.

Røpke said Weibel’s radar systems could serve as a “key component” in any future “drone wall” project coordinated by NATO and European allies.

NATO Deploys New U.S. Anti-Drone System

On NATO’s eastern flank, Denmark, Poland, and Romania are now deploying the American-made Merops system—a compact, AI-powered defense platform capable of identifying and intercepting drones even when satellite signals or communications are jammed.

According to alliance officials, the goal is to strengthen deterrence along Europe’s eastern borders, ensuring Russian forces think twice before testing the limits of NATO’s airspace. The Merops system’s mobility—small enough to fit in a pickup truck—makes it adaptable to both urban and field operations.

A New Era of Aerial Defense

Europe’s growing investment in counter-drone systems marks a critical evolution in modern defense strategy. What began as a response to drone attacks in Ukraine has expanded into a comprehensive effort to safeguard the continent’s skies from espionage, sabotage, and potential acts of aggression.

As the region braces for the next wave of technological warfare, Danish companies like MyDefence and Weibel Scientific are emerging as vital players in Europe’s defense architecture—bridging the gap between battlefield innovation and homeland security.

For now, the drone threat continues to evolve faster than most systems can adapt. But across Europe, from the Baltic Sea to the Black Sea, nations are racing to ensure their skies are no longer the weakest link in continental defense.

Source: AP News – This anti-drone technology is used on the Ukrainian battlefield and in NATO airspace after flyovers

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Published Time: 09-22-2025, 14:30 EDT

The U.S. Army is rapidly expanding its use of artificial intelligence (AI) in both training and battlefield operations, signaling a significant shift in how the service plans to defend against emerging threats. Senior leaders say the counter-drone mission is now the nation’s top tactical priority, while modernization efforts are reshaping how soldiers train, fight, and adapt on future battlefields.

AI-Enabled Glasses for Training in the Field

Army Secretary Dan Driscoll confirmed this week that soldiers are testing AI-powered Ray-Ban smart glasses designed to assist in field maintenance. The pilot program allows experienced mechanics to record repair procedures, which the glasses then use to guide less-experienced troops through complex tasks, such as infantry squad vehicle repairs.

Driscoll emphasized the Army’s new strategy of adopting consumer technology more quickly rather than relying solely on traditional defense industry development cycles. While the commercial version of the glasses cost billions to develop, the Army’s pilot program uses models priced at roughly $400 per pair.

“This reflects our push to bring proven technology into the force at speed and scale,” Driscoll told reporters, noting the efficiency gains in training and readiness.

Counter-Drone Warfare Declared the Nation’s “Problem 1A”

Alongside training innovations, Army leaders stressed that counter-drone defense is now among the military’s most urgent challenges.

“This is problem 1A that we’re facing as a country,” Driscoll said, warning that swarms of low-cost drones present a threat that human operators alone cannot manage. He underscored the need for defensive systems that are affordable, automated, and capable of scaling to meet evolving adversary tactics.

Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George echoed that assessment, pointing out the cost imbalance between drones and the systems used to intercept them.

“If you’ve got a $5,000 drone, you want a $2,000 or $3,000 interceptor — not a $50,000 solution,” George said.

The urgency of the issue has been highlighted overseas. Last week, Dutch F-35s and Polish F-16s were deployed to intercept dozens of Russian drones, underscoring the widespread use of inexpensive unmanned systems in modern conflicts.

Testing Lasers, Proximity Rounds, and Civilian Airspace Defenses

The Army is currently evaluating proximity rounds and high-energy lasers as potential tools for counter-drone defense. However, leaders noted that protecting civilian airspace presents additional challenges, given the need to differentiate between commercial aircraft and potential threats.

George said the Army must adapt quickly: “Our systems need to be reliable in crowded skies, not just combat zones.”

Modernizing 25 Brigades in Two Years

As part of its broader continuous transformation initiative, the Army plans to overhaul 25 brigades within the next two years. The goal is to improve mobility, lethality, and survivability in high-threat environments.

The first armored brigade combat teams will rotate through the National Training Center in California this November, followed by a major joint exercise in Hawaii.

George also confirmed that the Army’s next-generation M1E3 tank could begin arriving in units as early as next year. The lighter and faster platform is intended to replace the decades-old Abrams, and its early fielding represents a dramatic acceleration from prior projections, which suggested the 2030s.

Funding Shifts and Support for Innovation

To finance this modernization drive, Driscoll said the Army will cut $48 billion over five years from programs deemed no longer essential, redirecting resources toward drones, air defenses, and long-range strike capabilities.

In addition, the Army has launched a $750 million “Fuse” fund to support small and mid-sized businesses in defense innovation. The fund aims to foster rapid prototyping and more agile acquisition practices.

At next month’s Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA) conference, leaders plan to announce new reforms designed to streamline collaboration between soldiers, engineers, and contractors — a model inspired by commercial technology firms.

Building American-Made Drones and Using 3D Printing

Officials also highlighted in-house efforts to bolster production and logistics. George said Army depots are now manufacturing drones entirely with U.S.-sourced components, including models already deployed in Ukraine. This approach is designed to secure supply chains and replenish stockpiles.

Meanwhile, Driscoll confirmed that 3D printing is being tested to overcome logistical hurdles in the Indo-Pacific region. Soldiers could use mobile printers to fabricate replacement parts in theater rather than waiting on extended supply lines, improving resilience in contested environments.

Transforming Battlefield Command

Another priority is reshaping battlefield command structures. The 4th Infantry Division is currently testing ruggedized tablets running command-and-control applications, which may replace the bulky trucks and racks of radios that traditionally anchor command posts.

The shift is intended to make headquarters more mobile and less vulnerable to enemy targeting. However, defense analysts have cautioned that the adoption of commercial-style devices could expose the Army to cybersecurity and durability challenges in combat environments.

Political Backing and Future Outlook

Driscoll credited President Donald Trump with supporting the Army’s transformation agenda, noting consistent approval for tough funding decisions. However, he acknowledged that proposed budget cuts face resistance from both Congress and defense industry stakeholders who benefit from legacy programs.

“Every cut has defenders, but modernization is essential,” Driscoll said.

Conclusion

The Army’s current initiatives highlight a decisive shift toward integrating AI, accelerating modernization, and preparing for the challenges of drone warfare. From AI-enabled glasses in training fields to laser-based air defenses, leaders say the service is committed to leveraging innovation to stay ahead of adversaries.

With 25 brigades set for overhaul, billions in redirected funding, and new technologies reaching the field faster than ever, the Army is signaling that its modernization efforts are not just long-term goals but immediate priorities.

Source: FOX News – Army pushes battlefield AI as counter-drone fight takes center stage

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Ukraine has announced the development of a laser weapon capable of shooting down aircraft from more than a mile away. The weapon, named Tryzub, was revealed by Vadym Sukharevskyi, the commander of Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces, at a defense summit in Kyiv this week. He shared that the laser can target and destroy aircraft flying at altitudes over 2 kilometers (1.2 miles).

Sukharevskyi confidently stated, “It truly works, it truly exists,” emphasizing that the weapon’s capabilities are actively being enhanced. The name Tryzub, meaning “trident” in Ukrainian, symbolizes the nation’s independence, strength, and unity.

While specific details about the Tryzub system were not provided, experts have suggested that the development of such a weapon is plausible. Patrick Senft, an expert at Armament Research Services, a consultancy focused on armament research, noted that directed-energy weapons (DEWs) like Tryzub are indeed achievable. “It is entirely feasible for Ukraine to develop a functional directed-energy weapon capable of destroying aerial targets,” Senft explained. He pointed out that commercial, off-the-shelf welding lasers, combined with other available technologies, could make this possible, similar to the U.S. Navy’s Laser Weapons System (LaWS), which has been operational since 2014.

How the Tryzub Laser Works and Its Effectiveness Against Drones

Directed-energy weapons like Tryzub are particularly effective against slow, low-flying drones, which are common in Russia’s aerial attacks. These drones are vulnerable to heat due to their fragile components. Senft explained that low-flying UAVs, like the Shahed-136/Geran-2 drones, are especially susceptible to sustained laser exposure due to their steady flight patterns. The weapon can concentrate energy on a specific point, targeting vital components of the drone.

However, Senft also highlighted key limitations of such systems. The speed of the target and the energy loss over distance pose challenges. Fast-moving or heat-resistant targets, such as artillery shells or ballistic missiles, require more advanced systems to neutralize.

Technical Challenges of Deploying Laser Systems

While the Tryzub laser may be effective against drones, Fabien Hoffmann, an expert from the Oslo Nuclear Project (ONP), noted several technical challenges in using lasers against drones or missiles. These challenges include ensuring sufficient laser beam strength, managing the cooling of the system, and dealing with atmospheric conditions like clouds, rain, or thermal blooming. Thermal blooming occurs when the laser beam heats the surrounding air, causing the energy to disperse and reducing its effectiveness.

“To assess how effective it is in a missile defense role, we’ll need to see how it performs in practice,” Hoffmann added.

Global Laser Weapons Development

Ukraine’s Tryzub joins a small group of nations that have developed or are developing laser weapons. The U.S., China, and Israel are known to have operational laser systems, with the UK also working on its own laser system, DragonFire. Set to be operational in 2027, the DragonFire system could potentially be deployed in Ukraine to counter Russian drones, according to former UK Defense Minister Grant Shapps.

As countries around the world continue to explore directed-energy weapons, the successful deployment and effectiveness of Ukraine’s Tryzub laser will be closely monitored as a potential game-changer in modern warfare.

Source

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