Airbus to fly new CUAS UAV prototype this year
The LOAD UAV concept image, based on the Do-DT25. (Photo: Airbus)
The counter-UAS prototype, named Low-cost Air Defence or ‘LOAD’, will be used to combat kamikaze UAS.
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.
You may also like
More from Air Warfare
-
![How India’s FCAS ambitions could reshape its combat-air roadmap]()
How India’s FCAS ambitions could reshape its combat-air roadmap
Participation in the French-led programme could provide India with access to sixth-generation technologies but force difficult choices over AMCA, TEDBF and indigenous propulsion development.
-
![Pentagon’s 800% PAC-3 MSE surge faces production bottleneck as Patriot demand soars]()
Pentagon’s 800% PAC-3 MSE surge faces production bottleneck as Patriot demand soars
The Pentagon wants to procure 3,203 PAC-3 MSE interceptors in FY2027, but production constraints and international demand could impact efforts to rebuild depleted missile stocks.
-
![AI-controlled F-16s advance towards autonomous multi-aircraft operations in US]()
AI-controlled F-16s advance towards autonomous multi-aircraft operations in US
The US plans to progressively expand VENOM/AIR testing from single-aircraft flights to multi-platform autonomous operations over the next 12–24 months, generating data that could support future US military AI programmes, including Collaborative Combat Aircraft.
-
![Canada targets 2028 operational debut for AIM-9X and AIM-120D missiles]()
Canada targets 2028 operational debut for AIM-9X and AIM-120D missiles
The missile programmes form part of a broader effort to strengthen Canadian air-combat readiness as the RCAF transitions from the CF-188 to the F-35A and rebuilds its operational weapons stocks.
-
![AIM-260 JATM deal puts Australia’s missile-industrial ambitions in focus]()
AIM-260 JATM deal puts Australia’s missile-industrial ambitions in focus
While a potentially accelerated acquisition timeline could strengthen the RAAF’s long-range air combat capability, Canberra’s continued reliance on US missile production is also put under the spotlight in parallel to its push to build a sovereign industry.
