Diehl Defence tested two counter-drone products at the Grafenwoehr military training area, evaluating the Kinetic Defence Vehicle (KDV) and the eMissile CICADA, which is part of the Sky Sphere system, against drone threats.
As part of the test campaign, the KDV showed that it could detect, track, and engage small drones using its integrated systems. For fixed-wing targets, the test team demonstrated the integration of a long-range effector with a successful intercept.
The tests showed improved engagement performance enabled by AI-driven automation, radar and electro-optics, and a secondary effector. The KDV expands its ability to protect mobile units and facilities from small drones at close range and from high-flying fixed wing drones.
Diehl Defence evaluated Sky Sphere and eMissile CICADA system demonstrators in a containerized setup, focusing on improving the sensor-to-shooter chain and intercept performance in dynamic scenarios.
Sky Sphere is a modular counter-drone system that detects, classifies, and engages drone threats as the inner layer of Diehl Defence’s multi-layer air defense architecture. It supports the CICADA effector; an electrically powered interceptor built for NATO Class I and Class II drones. CICADA can use either a fragmentation warhead developed by Diehl Defence or a non-lethal net to neutralize drones.
Source: Diehl Defence
About Diehl Defence
Diehl Defence, headquartered in Überlingen, Germany, is a division of the Diehl Group that develops and produces guided missiles, air defense systems, ammunition and sensor technology for military and government customers. Formed in 2004, the division builds on decades of experience from predecessor companies. Diehl Defence employs about 4,600 people. Its portfolio includes the IRIS-T missile, air defense solutions, precision-guided munitions, training systems and support services. The company serves armed forces in Europe and worldwide and operates under internationally recognized quality, environmental and security standards, including ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and NATO AQAP.