Cassidian reaches target drone production milestone

Cassidian has reached a significant milestone in its target drone production programme, having produced its 1,000th target drone at its site in Friedrichshafen.

Target UAVs are used to train air defence units and flight crews as well as to test guided missiles. Cassidian has been constructing drones that can be equipped with a wide variety of sensors and transmitters – including infra-red and radar emitters for simulating threat scenarios – since 2002.

The company also announced that the DT 45 target drone was finalised for use by the German Navy on 12 February. The German armed forces use the target drones at the ranges in Todendorf/Putlos on the Baltic Sea, in South Africa and in Crete and use all types of target drones.

Stefan Baten, head of target systems and services, said: ’For over ten years now, the units have been using our target drones for air defence training for all armed forces on their respective weapon systems, and for practising the interaction between all participants. By providing armed forces with the ability to portray complex scenarios, we can offer them clear added value in terms of tactical combat.’

Cassidian counts armed forces in the Middle East, Canada, South Africa and Asia among its target simulation customers.