Airbus this week unveiled a European-made anti-drone drone concept with autonomous elements, based on a training dummy design from 20 years ago. The new system, developed within the framework of a project called LOAD (Low Cost Air Defence), aims to offer a solution to a major challenge in modern air defence: the interception of cheap threats.
LOAD Project and Basic Features
LOAD is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system designed for low-cost air defense solutions, aiming to keep costs down and increase efficiency. Based on the Do-DT2000 platform from the early 25s, the design is based on a UAV used as a training dummy. This platform was modified to be cheap and disposable, and converted into a version capable of carrying three guided missiles. The UAV has a range of 100 kilometers (about 160 miles) and can be launched by catapult. After the mission is completed, the UAV returns to base and can be reused by parachuting.
Autonomous Features and Strategy
Airbus is notable for the LOAD’s autonomous capabilities. The company says the UAV will be controlled from a ground control station and will be capable of detecting and combating enemy kamikaze drones based on radar data or weather imagery. This feature demonstrates the state of autonomous defense capabilities and is designed as a transition between air combat drones.
Autonomous Defense and Ethical Debates
Experts are raising ethical issues raised by the increasing autonomy in defense technologies. The question of whether there will be a human factor, especially when making kill decisions, is controversial. Airbus states that a human will still be involved in the decision-making process, but even when this assurance is given, it is questionable how it will work in practice.
Eurodrone and Future Plans
LOAD is planned to be integrated with other drones, such as Airbus’ Eurodrone. This integration will allow LOAD to operate in areas “not fully covered by ground-based air defense radars.” Additionally, Airbus aims to reduce Europe’s dependence on the US with the project. The company notes that LOAD does not contain any US technology and therefore does not fall under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), meaning export decisions will be limited to European countries only.
Airbus’ LOAD concept is a significant step towards low-cost air defense systems. This new UAV could pave the way for more autonomous systems in future air defense strategies. The company aims to complete the final product and integrate it with its existing platforms in 2027.
