According to foreign media reports, at the unmanned systems exhibition held in Bonn, Germany, Europe Airbus launched a "low-cost air defense system" for the first time. The system is modified by installing small air-to-air missiles to the active target aircraft, mainly used to deal with drones. Airbus said it plans to test the prototype before the end of the year.

  "Low-cost air defense system" pursues low-cost and rapid production. To this end, Airbus chose to modify the Do-DT25 target machine developed by European Aerospace Defense Group as a prototype. The Do-DT25 target aircraft adopts a twin-turbojet engine and a load-bearing air intake, with a length of 3.1 meters, a wingspan of 2.5 meters, a maximum take-off weight of 144 kg, a fastest flight speed of 556 kilometers per hour, a maximum flight altitude of 10,000 meters, and a battery life of 60 minutes. Since the target machine adopts a modular design, the modification work is relatively simple. The "low-cost air defense system" is launched through a pneumatic ejection device on a fixed or on-board platform launcher, recycled using a parachute and can be reused.

  According to Airbus' design plan, the "low-cost air defense system" can carry 2 to 3 small air-to-air missiles. The alternative air-to-air missile may be a small missile developed by the European Missile Group based on anti-tank missiles. The missile is 1 meter long and weighs about 9 kg. It uses an infrared seeker and near-explosion/trigger fuse. It can strike unprotected infantry and light armored vehicles, and can also attack targets behind the bunker through air explosion. The missile has a range of 2 to 6 kilometers and has the characteristics of high strike accuracy and small collateral damage. In addition, the missile can also be used in multiple combat scenarios by replacing different warheads and aiming systems.

  According to the introduction, in use, the "low-cost air defense system" will automatically search and detect targets by receiving radar data and air situation images from the ground control station, and the operator will issue strike instructions. This system is mainly used to intercept suicide drones. This type of drones has strong anti-interference ability and good flight concealment. They often fight in clusters. In the past, air defense missiles were mostly used to intercept them, but the interception effect was average and the cost was high. If a missile is used to mount a "low-cost air defense system" for air interception, it can not only expand the interception range but also save relatively costs.

  The tactical concept of "low-cost air defense system" using drones to "defeat" drones has attracted outside attention. In fact, the modification cost of this system is not low. Compared with some suicide drones that have appeared, it does not have obvious combat advantages, but the design idea is worth paying attention to.

[Editor in charge: Gao Qiang]