Airbus to fly new CUAS UAV prototype this year
The LOAD UAV concept image, based on the Do-DT25. (Photo: Airbus)
Airbus has unveiled a new counter-UAS UAV, named ‘LOAD’ – short for ‘Low-cost Air Defence’ – to counter the rising threat of kamikaze UAS.
The LOAD is based on the modified Airbus Do-DT25 UAVs and according to Airbus, it can be launched by catapult and has an operational range of up to 100km. It is also designed to operate at a speed of up to 555km/h and an altitude of up to 9,000m, Airbus explained.
Each LOAD UAV can destroy up the three kamikaze UAVs with guided missiles. A prototype of the LOAD vehicle, featuring two guided missiles, is scheduled
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
Saab’s GlobalEye gains ground as Canada’s aircraft procurement tilts towards Europe
Canada’s interest in negotiating a procurement of Saab’s GlobalEye airborne early warning and control aircraft signals its readiness to reduce its reliance on US defence technology as trade tensions with its North American neighbour mount.
-
US Air Force CCA programme to achieve multiple milestones in the coming months
The US Air Force is preparing to select mission-autonomy software, fire a missile from the FQ-42 Vengeance and test both CCA designs alongside crewed fighters at 2026 Emerald Flag.
-
South American EW demand balances capability against cost
South American air forces are weighing advanced electronic warfare capabilities against limited budgets as Peru selects Viper Shield and BAE Systems targets smaller airborne platforms.
-
September crewed air review: established platforms retain their grip on the market
With many next-generation capabilities still years from operational readiness, several of the month’s largest developments demonstrated that governments remain willing to invest heavily in aircraft with proven capabilities and established support networks.
-
Will the US Navy F/A-XX and the USAF F-47 compete for production capacities?
The two sixth-generation fighter programmes could battle for engineering talent and production lines before deliveries begin, testing Boeing’s industrial expansion plans.
-
September drone digest: attrition-tolerant aircraft pitched to replace the Reaper
The loss of many MQ-9 Reapers during the 2026 Iran War has underscored the risks of sending relatively expensive UAVs into contested airspace. In September, new contenders to replace the Reaper emerged, championing cheaper, modular aircraft designs for mass production and inevitable attrition.