According to a recent report on the website of Defense News, Airbus has launched a European made, autonomous anti drone concept aircraft this week, drawing on the design of a training model from 20 years ago. Through this drone called "Low Cost Air Defense System" (LOAD), this European aerospace giant seeks to solve one of the main challenges of modern air defense systems: reducing the huge cost of intercepting cheap weapons. Recently, Airbus executives unveiled the design of this drone at the unmanned systems trade show held in Bonn, Germany. It will be based on the Do-DT25 platform from the early 21st century, which is a drone system used for shooting practice. According to the manufacturer, their design goal is to be both affordable and reusable. This improved drone will be able to carry three guided missiles. According to Airbus, its range can reach 100 kilometers and it will be launched through a catapult. According to the design, the drone will successfully complete its mission and return to the base for parachute landing, in preparation for reuse. The company stated that a prototype carrying two missiles will conduct test flights before the end of this year, and the final product will be completed in 2027 two years later. Although Airbus did not provide specific details on the LOAD, the Do-DT25 platform it is based on is 3.1 meters long and has a wingspan of 2.5 meters. Its maximum speed is about 550 kilometers per hour and it can stay in the air for about an hour. According to Airbus' promotional materials, LOAD seems to be somewhere between cruise missiles and aerial drones to some extent. The company issued a statement stating that this drone will be "supervised by a ground control station". It will coordinate drones based on radar data or aerial imagery, allowing them to autonomously search, detect, and engage in combat with enemy suicide drones once approved for engagement. For many years, experts have expressed concerns about the increasing autonomy of defense equipment and questioned whether its provision for human involvement in decision-making (as promised by Airbus here) can withstand critical moments. The autonomy promised by LOAD is likely to be built upon Airbus' previous involvement in the Do-DT25 platform. In March 2023, Airbus showcased the autonomous guidance and control performance of several DT-25 drones, demonstrating progress in precise relative navigation, aerial communication, and collaborative control algorithms. Next, Airbus plans to integrate LOAD with other unmanned aerial vehicle platforms, such as the company's "European Drone" project. According to the company, this will enable LOAD to operate in areas that are not yet fully covered by ground air defense radar. Airbus stated in its press release that this new type of drone does not contain American technology and is in line with Europe's efforts to break free from its dependence on the United States. This means that it will not be bound by the International Arms Trade Regulations implemented by Washington, and export decisions will be entirely made by European user countries in the future. (New Society)