Airbus Defence Launches LOAD a Low-Cost Drone Capable of Autonomously Countering Kamikaze Drones.
At the "Unmanned Systems X" trade show held in Bonn, Germany, on March 25 and 26, Airbus introduced its new unmanned air defense system, LOAD (Low-cost Air Defence). Designed to counter the growing threat of kamikaze drones, this system is based on modified Airbus Do-DT25 drones capable of carrying up to three guided missiles each. These drones are catapult-launched, have an operational range exceeding 100 kilometers, and are supervised from a ground control station. Integrated into a surveillance network using radar data or aerial situational imagery, they can autonomously search for, identify, and neutralize targets once engagement is authorized.
After completing their mission, LOAD drones return to base and land by parachute, allowing for reuse in future operations. Designed for autonomous swarm operations, each unit coordinates with others via the ground control station to maximize effectiveness. Based on the proven Do-DT25 platform, it carries up to three guided missiles, making it particularly suited for countering mass drone attacks. This approach provides a low-cost air defense solution that effectively complements existing systems such as IRIS-T, Patriot, and Germany’s NNbS.