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On May 16, 2024, the Spanish company Alpha Unmanned Systems announced that, as part of an operational assessment for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), they are working with Rapid Expeditionary Concepts (RapidXC) in southern Spain. This collaboration involves testing the integration of an electro-optical sensor into Alpha Unmanned Systems’ A900 helicopter UAV for border control and persistent surveillance applications.
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Alpha Unmanned Systems is collaborating with Rapid Expeditionary Concepts to test an electro-optical sensor for the U.S. Department of Defense, focusing on border control and surveillance with their A900 UAV. (Picture source: Alpha Unmanned Systems)

The team from Alpha Unmanned Systems recently traveled to the province of Jaén to participate in these evaluation exercises conducted by Rapid Expeditionary Concepts for the DoD. The tests aimed to validate the integration of various payloads and sensors on both manned and unmanned platforms for land, sea, and air use, with a particular focus on the advanced electro-optical (EO) sensor designed for border control and persistent surveillance operations with UAS.

The A900 helicopter UAV offers several advantages, as it weighs only 25 kilograms and can perform operations of up to four hours with payloads of up to 4 kilograms. Powered by a combustion engine, the A900 can take off and land automatically with high precision on mobile platforms. This makes it suitable for persistent surveillance missions, which utilize the tiling method. The A900 flies at an altitude of 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) and monitors an area of one square kilometer. The UAV’s cameras divide this area into nine tiles, capturing new images every five seconds and comparing them with previous images. Any detected changes are identified and classified according to the type of object, recording everything from small UAVs to larger objects. This capability is intended to enhance early threat detection and rapid response in high-risk areas, such as borders.

Eric Freeman, co-founder and executive director of Alpha Unmanned Systems, noted that working with the U.S. DoD on this project leverages the flexibility and efficiency of the Alpha 900 UAV. This collaboration allows the company to provide relevant sensor arrays to meet the changing demands of contemporary conflicts in various areas of operation. He emphasized that border control and persistent surveillance operations with the A900 are designed to improve the capacity for early detection of threats and rapid response to critical situations in areas of strategic interest.

Alpha Unmanned Systems has attracted the attention of various naval forces worldwide, including the Greek Navy, the Indonesian Coast Guard, the U.S. Department of Defense, and the Spanish Ministry of Defense. (Picture source: Alpha Unmanned Systems)

The unmanned aerial systems developed by Alpha Unmanned Systems have been acquired by customers in nine countries and are used on four different continents for diverse purposes, including maritime security, power line inspection, mapping, and precision agriculture. Alpha Unmanned Systems has attracted the attention of various naval forces worldwide, including the Greek Navy, the Indonesian Coast Guard, the U.S. Department of Defense, and the Spanish Ministry of Defense. In Spain, the platforms are also employed by the Military Emergency Unit (UME) and the National Institute of Aerospace Technology (INTA).

As reported by Army Recognition on March 27, 2024, Alpha Unmanned Systems has partnered with Indonesian companies PT. Global Defense and PT. MS.Tech to assemble the A900 UAV in Indonesia. The Indonesian Coast Guard will mainly use this UAV to monitor maritime sectors and identify anomalies within Indonesian territorial waters, as the A900 offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional shipborne helicopters. Designed for operations in challenging maritime conditions, this helicopter UAV can perform automatic landings on moving vessels under sea states 4 or 5 of the Beaufort Scale and handle landings with up to 10º of pitch and roll. The UAV is also equipped with autorotation and flotation devices for emergency situations.

The A900 features protection against electromagnetic interference, an onboard generator supplying up to 150W for payloads, a laser altimeter, and navigation lights. It includes technology for operating in GPS-denied environments, while its control station ensures encrypted communications. The UAV offers autonomous Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) from moving vessels, more than two and a half hours of autonomous hovering, and is powered by heavy fuel for extended usage. It maintains a minimal logistical footprint and is equipped with four payload bays, each supporting a 4kg capacity. For safety and operational reliability, the A900 includes autorotation, a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of less than 25 kg, a cruising speed between 60 and 100 km/h, emergency flotation devices, a Boxer low vibration engine, and redundant systems for critical operations.

These characteristics make the A900 adaptable for a variety of missions, including Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR), border control, maritime security, search and rescue operations, infrastructure inspection, communications relays, and forward observation.

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On May 17, 2024, the anti-aircraft missile crew of the Ansar Allah movement, commonly known as the Houthis, successfully shot down a fifth American MQ-9 Reaper UAV in Yemeni airspace. The Houthis have now managed to shoot down another valuable American MQ-9 Reaper drone, bringing the total number of American UAVs downed to six, including five MQ-9 Reapers, for a total value of approximately $153.2 million.
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Following the downing of the 5th MQ-9 Reaper, residents in Wadi Marib burned the wreckage before loyalist army units could arrive (Picture source: Russian social media)

According to available information, this marks the fifth instance where Houthi forces have brought down an American attack and reconnaissance UAV. While American sources claim that the drone fell due to technical problems, there are speculations about the potential use of electronic warfare in this incident, similar to previous occurrences. Some sources suggest that the Iranian Saqr 358 loitering surface-to-air missile may have been used to shoot down this fifth MQ-9 drone.

The Saqr 358 missile, developed by Iran, is a loitering surface-to-air missile that combines features of both a suicide drone and a conventional surface-to-air missile. It is used by groups such as the Houthis, Hezbollah, and Islamic Resistance in Iraq. First revealed in Yemen in 2019, it is designed to operate at altitudes over 10 km with a maximum range of 100 km. The missile includes a solid rocket booster for launch and a turbojet for sustained flight, allowing it to travel at subsonic speeds and loiter to identify and engage targets. It employs an imaging infrared seeker, an inertial navigation system, satellite navigation, and a vertical gyroscope, enabling it to target various aerial threats, including helicopters and drones.

The missile’s design features a cylindrical body with three sets of fins for maneuverability and stability and can be launched from simple ground or vehicle-mounted stands. It incorporates commercially available components, such as the Titan AMT gas turbine and Xsense Technologies’ inertial sensor module. The launch process involves the missile’s booster stage propelling it to sufficient speed, after which the booster detaches, and the gas turbine engine takes over. Infrared sensors and an optical proximity fuse allow the missile to destroy targets with shrapnel even without direct impact.

The Saqr 358 missile, developed by Iran, is a loitering surface-to-air missile that combines features of both a suicide drone and a conventional surface-to-air missile. (US Department of Justice)

Brigadier General Yahya Sari, the official representative of the Yemeni Armed Forces, confirmed that the Houthi air defense forces shot down the MQ-9 Reaper in the northeastern Yemeni province of Marib. This statement could indeed confirm the use of such a surface-to-air missile. According to this statement, the MQ-9 drone was reportedly performing hostile actions in the airspace of Marib province when it was intercepted by a ‘locally produced’ surface-to-air missile. Following its downing, residents in Wadi Marib burned the wreckage before loyalist army units could arrive. The official statement from Brigadier General Yahya Sari noted that the incident took place with the help of the Supreme Air Defense of Yemen, and scenes of the downing would be published later.

The loss of the MQ-9 Reaper adds to a growing list of American UAVs shot down by Houthi forces. Prior to this event, at least five U.S. drones had been downed by the Houthis. These incidents include an MQ-9 Reaper downed on June 7, 2019, by a surface-to-air missile; another MQ-9 Reaper intercepted on November 1, 2017, in western Yemen; an MQ-9 Reaper reported shot down in August 2023; another MQ-9 Reaper shot down on April 25, 2024, over Saada province; and a ScanEagle drone downed in 2023. The cumulative value of these downed drones, including the latest MQ-9 Reaper, is now approximately $153.2 million. Each MQ-9 Reaper is valued at $30 million, while the ScanEagle drone is worth $3.2 million.

Introduced on May 1, 2007, the MQ-9 Reaper is a multi-role, remotely piloted aircraft system used by the US Air Force for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and precision strike missions. It features a suite of sensors, including infrared, daylight TV, and laser designators, and can carry a payload of up to 1,700 kg, including Hellfire missiles and laser-guided bombs. The Reaper can operate at altitudes up to 50,000 feet and has a range of over 1,900 kilometers. It is controlled remotely and offers a cruise speed of 313 km/h, thanks to a Honeywell TPE331-10 turboprop engine generating 900 hp.

Introduced in 2005, the smaller ScanEagle is a long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle designed by Insitu, a Boeing subsidiary, for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations. It can fly for over 24 hours at altitudes up to 15,000 feet. The ScanEagle is launched using a catapult and recovered with a SkyHook system, which eliminates the need for runways. It is equipped with electro-optical and infrared cameras to provide real-time video and imagery. Its small size, coupled with a weight of only 18 kg, allows for deployment in remote areas without extensive infrastructure, making it suitable for a variety of missions, including battlefield surveillance or maritime patrol, at a cruise speed of 111 km/h.

Introduced on May 1, 2007, the MQ-9 Reaper is a multi-role, remotely piloted aircraft system used by the US Air Force for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and precision strike missions. (US Air Force)

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Diehl Defence announced on May 17, 2024, that the KF-21 from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), a 4.5th generation indigenous fighter jet still under development, successfully completed its first guided test firing of the IRIS-T short-range air-to-air missile (AIM-2000). This significant milestone was achieved in collaboration with Diehl Defence, marking a key moment in the KF-21 fighter program, South Korea’s most ambitious fighter jet initiative to date.
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Since 2017, KAI and Diehl Defence have been working closely to achieve a seamless integration of the IRIS-T, known as Europe’s most advanced short-range air-to-air missile (Picture source: South Korean DAPA)

The successful test of the IRIS-T missile this month follows previous achievements within the program. Following the aircraft’s first flight in early 2023, a safe separation test was conducted in May 2023, which involved firing an unguided missile in flight. The recent test in May 2024 saw the missile designated by the onboard AESA radar, successfully engaging a target drone. This comprehensive test not only demonstrated the initial air-to-air capability of the KF-21 but also showcased the performance of the IRIS-T.

The KAI KF-21 Boramae, a multi-role fighter jet developed by Korea Aerospace Industries, epitomizes South Korea’s ambition and technological prowess in military aviation. The prototype was revealed in 2021, and it successfully completed its maiden flight on July 19, 2022. The KF-21 is on track to be operational by 2026, aligning with the timeline projected in 2019.

This significant undertaking required a substantial investment of approximately 8,800 billion won, roughly equivalent to 7.56 billion US dollars. The cost per unit for the KF-21 is estimated at 50 million US dollars.

Technically, the KF-21 is equipped with two F414-400K dual-flow turbojet engines. It features a wingspan of 11.2 meters, a length of 16.9 meters, and a height of 4.7 meters. The aircraft’s maximum takeoff weight stands at 25,580 kilograms. Capable of reaching speeds up to 2,250 kilometers per hour, the KF-21 has an operational range of 1,000 kilometers. It is designed to be armed with up to four Meteor missiles, with plans to start outfitting the aircraft with these next month.

Since 2017, KAI and Diehl Defence have been working closely to achieve a seamless integration of the IRIS-T, known as Europe’s most advanced short-range air-to-air missile. Their collaborative efforts have led to this notable success. Helmut Rauch, CEO of Diehl Defence, expressed his congratulations to KAI for their exceptional performance in the development of the KF-21 program and his pride in Diehl Defence’s role in this success with the IRIS-T missile.

This live firing from the KF-21 also marks an important milestone for the IRIS-T program, demonstrating its compatibility with both legacy and modern fighter aircraft. Following an agreement in February 2024 between KAI and Diehl Defence, plans are underway to begin integrating the IRIS-T into KAI’s FA-50, preparing both platforms for demanding missions.

The IRIS-T system has already been integrated into several major combat aircraft platforms worldwide, including the Panavia Tornado, Eurofighter Typhoon, JAS-39 Gripen, F-16, EF-18, and F-5. It is currently in service or on order with various NATO countries, as well as Brazil, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa.

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Airbus Defence and Space, the prime contractor for the Eurodrone program, announced on May 16, 2024, that the Preliminary Design Review (PDR) has been successfully completed. This significant milestone was achieved in collaboration with OCCAR (Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation) and representatives from the four customer nations: France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. The PDR was attended by the three major sub-contractors, Airbus Defence and Space Spain, Dassault Aviation, and Leonardo.
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Artist rendering of the future design of the Eurodrone. (Picture source Airbus)

The PDR (Preliminary Design Review ) is a crucial step in developing the Eurodrone, demonstrating that the initial design has matured sufficiently to advance to the detailed design phase. This review included various technical assessments and evaluations, such as Wind Tunnel Testing to confirm the aerodynamic configuration and the validation of a fully representative Digital Twin. The PDR ensures that the overall design meets operational capability requirements.

Jean-Brice Dumont, Head of Air Power at Airbus Defense and Space, emphasized the importance of this achievement, stating, “Performing the Preliminary Design Review for the development of Eurodrone represents an important step forward for this key European defense program. It shows a real joint effort and collaborative spirit from all industrial partners and the Customer community to ensure European sovereignty and independence in this critical segment of unmanned long endurance ISTAR capability.”

The successful PDR marks the transition of the Eurodrone program into the next phase, aiming for the Critical Design Review (CDR). The CDR will be the final step in closing the architecture and system design, solidifying the blueprint for this advanced unmanned aerial system.

Equipped with cutting-edge technology, the Eurodrone is designed to be a cornerstone of future combat air systems. It will play a vital role in international conflict prevention and crisis management, providing superior operational capabilities in Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions. The Eurodrone will ensure that the participating nations maintain operational superiority in critical defense segments.

Since its inception, the Eurodrone program has benefitted from both physical and digital design philosophies. It continues to demonstrate the European defense industry’s collaborative spirit and technical expertise.

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According to the Spanish newspaper Infodefensa, dated May 16, 2024, the Colombian National Police (PNC) will integrate the VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) Thunder B tactical drones from BlueBird Aero Systems into their arsenal. This technological upgrade aims to replace the BlueBird SpyLite drones, in use since 2015. The Thunder B model has been selected for its ability to meet specific intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance needs, thanks to its advanced vertical take-off and landing capabilities.

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BlueBird Thunder B Vertical Take-Off and Landing Drone (Picture source: IAI)

The PNC’s choice of Thunder B drones, equipped with VTOL capabilities, demonstrates a strategic evolution in their surveillance approach. These drones, intended for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, are particularly suited to the tactical demands of the armed forces due to their agility in take-off and landing maneuvers.

According to the terms of the agreement made in 2022 with BlueBird Aero Systems, three Thunder B units will initially be received, although the exact delivery date remains to be confirmed. These advanced devices offer an impressive range of 150 kilometers and can remain on a mission for up to 13 consecutive hours, with full HD video transmission capabilities.

The technical specifications of the Thunder B are also noteworthy. The drone measures 1.9 meters in length, 4 meters in width, and 0.34 meters in height, with a maximum weight of 13 kilograms. Capable of flying at speeds up to 120 km/h, it can reach a ceiling of 5,100 meters. Take-off and landing maneuvers are powered by batteries, while horizontal flight is propelled by combustion.

This acquisition is a key step for the PNC, enhancing its ability to conduct surveillance operations more effectively and with high-tech technology, suited to the varied challenges of modern security and defense missions. The Thunder B drones are thus expected to play a crucial role in Colombia’s intelligence strategies, demonstrating the country’s ongoing commitment to improving its defense and security capabilities.

The VTOL system is designed for pinpoint vertical takeoff and landing, enabling operation in confined areas at any time. This system is highly adaptable, equipped with a range of high-performance sensors, communications tools, and sophisticated software algorithms tailored for various missions. Additionally, it ensures covert operations with minimal acoustic, visual, thermal, and radar signatures, and it is engineered to maintain functionality in environments where GPS is compromised, thanks to its multi-layer protection against GPS jamming.

The system also features advanced datalinks that uphold mission continuity even in COMJAM environments through the integration of three communication links. It is robust and designed to operate optimally in severe weather conditions and extreme terrains. The VTOL is user-friendly, with rapid deployment capabilities, a small required crew of just two, and no necessity for a prepared area. It includes an intuitive, mission-oriented Ground Control Station (GCS). Furthermore, the system is highly reliable, incorporating multiple system redundancies and advanced, field-proven avionics. It also offers low life-cycle costs, with affordable acquisition and maintenance expenses.

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According to the Military Programming Law (LPM) for 2024-30, the Rafale upgraded to the F5 standard will need to be capable of operating alongside loyal wingman-type drones developed from the nEUROn demonstrator. This will mark a step towards the Future Air Combat System (SCAF), a program conducted in cooperation with Germany and Spain, based on a next-generation fighter aircraft developed under the leadership of Dassault Aviation, with the German and Spanish subsidiaries of Airbus Defence & Space as partners
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View of EF2000/Typhoon, patrol configuration (Picture source: Open source)

However, the Rafale F5 will likely not be the only European aircraft able to control drones. Indeed, as part of the Long Term Evolution (LTE) project launched in 2019, the German branch of Airbus Defence & Space intends to develop capabilities known as Manned UnManned Teaming (MUM-T) for the Eurofighter EF-2000/Typhoon.

Details about this program, called STAR (System and Teaming Advanced Research) and conducted within the X-Platform (XPCS) study, were provided in a job posting by the industrial firm, which was in search of a chief engineer to lead it at Manching, Germany.

It involves developing a “STAR demonstrator,” based on a two-seater EF-2000/Typhoon, notably featuring “new connectivity” to explore technologies related to human-machine interfaces (HMI), which will then be used in future applications of SCAF.

However, these efforts will also aim to ensure that the Eurofighter remains an “active future” component of SCAF, with developments from the STAR project being “compatible and complementary” to the LTE program involving not only Germany and Spain but also the United Kingdom and Italy, the latter two countries being involved in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).

LTE will bridge towards the respective future air combat systems (SCAF and GCAP) as specified by the Eurofighter consortium, formed by BAE Systems, Airbus, and Leonardo. The consortium also noted that some of the technologies currently under study are very immature, but they need to be examined because there is a desire to sustain the Typhoon as much as possible.

Nevertheless, Airbus is not starting from scratch. In December 2022, the company celebrated the successful demonstration of the “Multi-Domain Flight Demo” (MDFD), which enabled two fighter jets, a helicopter, and five support drones to conduct a “multi-domain mission very close to a real-life situation” via a meshed airborne data link network.