UK unveils Hydra 400 UAV armed with 3 Brimstone air-to-ground missiles
The British Army has unveiled the Hydra 400, a new jet-propelled drone armed with three Brimstone laser-guided missiles at DSEI 2023. This heavy UAV is powered by six jet turbines, generating 500N of thrust and capable of lifting up to 400 kilograms. Inspired by observations from Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the development emphasizes modernization and automation, integrating artificial intelligence for improved military operations. The Brimstone missile, known for its effectiveness in ground-attack missions, was chosen for its compact size and portability. However, regulatory hurdles may delay its operational deployment in the UK. The Brimstone missile itself is a versatile air-to-surface and surface-to-surface missile, known for its accuracy and "fire-and-forget" capability, propelled by a solid-fuel rocket engine and featuring advanced guidance systems. It has been used by various armed forces and has undergone several enhancements to improve its range, performance, and adaptability.