Drone wars: countries are looking for answers but do companies have the solutions?
Manufacturers are speeding up their counter-drone development efforts as countries increasingly focus on procurements to provide battlefield and national protection.
FN Elity features multiple pointing capabilities and environmental sensors. (Photo: FN Herstal)
Belgium-based FN Herstal will showcase its FN Elity weapon-mounted ballistic calculator at the Enforce Tac trade show in Nuremberg, Germany, on 1-2 March.
Primarily designed for squad or sniper team weapons of any calibre and spotting scopes, FN Elity is designed to maximise first-hit probability at long range, by day and at night.
It integrates a latest-generation laser rangefinder that can measure a human-size target at distances of up to 1,750m; and the ApexO AFS ballistic solver, which provides ballistic corrections as well as wind speed and direction.
Alongside its aim-adjustment capability, this ballistic calculator also provides multiple pointing capability thanks to the integrated IR and visible laser pointers and IR illuminator. It also features environmental sensors (humidity, temperature, pressure, cant and elevation among others).
This ITAR-free technology was unveiled in 2021 and results from a collaboration between FN Herstal and the Canadian firm ApexO, which specialises in ballistic engineering and computer-oriented solutions.
Manufacturers are speeding up their counter-drone development efforts as countries increasingly focus on procurements to provide battlefield and national protection.
Finnish company SCATA will use the Texelis Celeris chassis for a new vehicle similar to the Serval 4x4 which Texelis is building with KNDS France for the French Army.
The proposed $920 million deal would provide Sweden with a step up from its existing tube artillery and align the country with other northern European nations that have selected the HIMARS platform.
The attack drone threat from first-person view uncrewed aerial systems has been highlighted by recent conflicts and Thales has adapted its Storm 2 counter-improvised explosive device jammer to provide protection.
The move signals significant progress for the delayed Franco-German Main Ground Combat System programme with first powerpack prototypes set to be tested before the end of the decade.
Reported to provide a high percentage of precision in its engagements, the South Korean air defence system has been receiving growing international interest since it was deployed by the UAE to defeat Iranian missiles.