FN Herstal demonstrates new C-UAS solutions
FN Herstal perimeter defence system integrating deFNder remote weapon stations. (Photo FN Herstal)
FN Herstal announced on 29 March that its deFNder family of remote weapon stations (RWSs) was tested for countering UAVs during the NATO Non-Lethal Technology Exercise (NNTEX-C) in Sardinia, Italy.
The trials on 4-24 March involved the deFNder Light and the deFNder Medium.
FN Herstal developed a container-based perimeter defence solution incorporating a range of sensors and combining both soft and hard effectors. The overall system was operated by two operators protected inside the container.
The sensors enable early detection and provide operators and commanders with the localisation of the detected targets on a 2D situational awareness map, which enhances the mission-critical decision-making process and allows a quick response.
It also features a smart and scalable signal jammer that can be used as a first response against the UAV to disable the link between the aircraft and its operator before resorting to live-firing.
The deFNder Light RWS can be fitted with the FN Minimi 5.56mm, FN Minimi 7.62mm or FN MAG 7.62mm machine gun.
In the case of the deFNder Medium, it can feature the FN MAG 7.62mm, .50 calibre weapons such as the FN M2HB-QCB and FN M3R, or a 40mm Automatic Grenade Launcher with airburst capacity.
The NNTEX-C exercise was dedicated to the evaluation of efficiency, collateral damage and ergonomics of current technologies against so-called “low, slow and small” targets.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
October land forces roundup: AUSA dominates as list narrows for new British Army vehicle
New counter-drone technologies, autonomous launchers and manufacturing modernisation initiatives highlighted emerging opportunities for defence suppliers, while the UK advanced a major military vehicle procurement programme.
-
Coming to America: companies look to tap into US with multi-domestic strategy
Non-US companies are increasingly looking to establish subsidiary and partnerships to access the potential billions of dollars of vehicle and land systems contracts and there has already been some success.
-
Front-line support: how UK industry is helping tackle Ukraine’s landmine challenges
Pearson Engineering has provided equipment and engineering expertise to the Armed Forces of Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022. The British company is now working to deepen engagement with the Ukrainian defence industry, expanding its support for the country’s population and laying the foundations for future technological innovation.
-
AUSA 2026: companies adapt munitions and missiles for greater effect at lower costs
Rather than developing entirely new weapons, defence companies are looking to build on existing weapons and systems to deliver greater capability, control costs and accelerate fielding.
-
AUSA 2026: industry looks to make commercial platforms a military reality
With a production rate of more than 10 million vehicles annually, the US commercial car and vehicle manufacturing base is second only to China. Defence companies are looking at how the vehicles, technology and manufacturing capability can support programmes.