Germany launches BriteCloud from target drone
BriteCloud-218 decoy is ejected from a remotely piloted air target system for the first time.
The German Armed Forces successfully conducted the first live launch of a BriteCloud-218 decoy in a recent trial, manufacturer Leonardo announced on 17 February.
BriteCloud-218 rounds were ejected from an Airbus remotely piloted air target system (RPATS) test platform.
‘The trial proved the ability of Leonardo’s flare-sized electronic device to outwit missiles equipped with Semi-Active Radar (SAR) seeker technology,’ the company added.
Shephard Defence Insight describes BriteCloud as a ‘last ditch’ defence for a fighter to lure an incoming missile away from the targeted aircraft where it will explode harmlessly.
Launched from a standard countermeasure dispenser, the flare-sized BriteCloud electronic device transmits powerful radio emissions that simulate a target, drawing missile threats away from the aircraft.
Germany is the first country to trial BriteCloud as a protection capability for RPATS aircraft, also known as target drones.
In the US, the Air National Guard is leading Foreign Comparative Testing trials of BriteCloud to confirm its suitability for the countermeasure dispensers on F-16 aircraft.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![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.
-
![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.
-
![Attack drones versus CUAS – the future of warfare or just another trend?]()
Attack drones versus CUAS – the future of warfare or just another trend?
Demand signals for counter-drone technology are strong and the market is becoming crowded, but is this really the beginning of a new phase of warfare or will commentators be talking about something else 10 years from now?
