Non-US Aerospace/Defense Companies & Contracts

KYIV, Ukraine - Skyeton has integrated a new anti-interceptor capability into its flagship unmanned aerial system, Raybird. The feature is designed to enhance platform survivability during long-duration ISR and ISTAR missions in contested airspace.

The upgrade allows the aircraft to detect hostile interceptor drones in real-time and alert the operator when evasive action is needed to avoid potential engagement. The solution is now part of serial production and is being integrated into operational systems.

This upgrade addresses one of the most critical and rapidly evolving threats to aerial reconnaissance platforms. The proliferation of interceptor drones has fundamentally changed the operational environment, requiring UAV systems to move beyond passive survivability and incorporate active threat response mechanisms.

The anti-interceptor capability is built as a multi-layered solution that combines detection systems and adaptive flight behavior. It is designed to increase the probability of mission completion while preserving the aircraft, particularly during deep reconnaissance operations where endurance and persistence are essential.

Source: Skyeton
Associated URL: https://skyeton.com/news/raybird-upgraded-with-anti-interceptor-feature/

AMERSTERDAM, The Netherlands - DroneShield, a provider of counter-drone technology solutions, along with Terma, announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), establishing a strategic collaboration focused on advancing layered counter-UAS capabilities. Both companies bring complementary, mission-proven counter-UxS technologies to the collaboration, including AI-enabled UAS detection, electronic warfare systems, and command-and-control software.

The MOU establishes a structured framework to validate, build interoperability, and operationalize complementary counter-UAS capabilities, with the objective of coordinated market engagement between DroneShield and Terma. This collaboration also provides a pathway for customers globally, including Denmark, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific, to strengthen existing long-term air defense frameworks as threat environments evolve.

The MOU reflects the growing importance of layered counter-UAS solutions, providing operators the flexibility to select sensing technologies best suited to their specific environment and threat profile. When underpinned by mature, AI-enabled sensor fusion, operators are supported by improved situational awareness and increased accuracy in UxS detection and classification, which are critical to enabling timely and decisive operational responses.

Source: DroneShield
Associated URL: https://www.droneshield.com/

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The US government has approved nearly $2.1 billion in emergency sales of Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) munitions to Israel, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Israel and Qatar were each cleared to purchase 10,000 APKWS-II all-up rounds in deals valued at roughly $992 million apiece. The UAE received approval for 1,500 APKWS-II guidance sections and related equipment valued at $147.6 million. The UAE package also includes the air-to-air variant of the weapon, along with launchers, warheads, and rocket motors.

Manufactured by BAE Systems, APKWS converts standard 2.75-inch rockets into laser-guided precision weapons. Although originally intended for ground attack, the system has become an increasingly popular and affordable counter-drone solution, particularly against threats such as Iran’s Shahed-136 unmanned aircraft.

The State Department cited an emergency requirement for all three sales, allowing the administration to bypass the standard 30-day congressional review period. Separate approvals also included a $4.0 billion Patriot missile replenishment package for Qatar and a $2.5 billion Integrated Battle Command System sale to Kuwait involving Northrop Grumman.

Source: Flight Global
Associated URL: https://www.flightglobal.com/munitions/2026/05/us-invokes-emergency-powers-for-2-1-billion-apkws-sale-to-middle-east-trio/
Author: Greg Waldron