An American defense company has presented an anti-drone system with 360-degree coverage capability, thanks to a mechanism that keeps its barrels rotating continuously around the platform.
According to Defence Blog, the startup Picket Defense Systems will present the I RTC system during SOF Week 2026, an event focused on special operations forces held in Tampa, Florida, from May 18 to 21.
The equipment uses a hemispherical turret with multiple barrels positioned at different angles. While the structure continuously rotates 360 degrees, sensors detect threats and instantly select the most suitable barrel to fire, eliminating the so-called “aiming time” found in traditional systems.
According to the company, the I RTC was developed specifically to combat fast drone swarms attacking simultaneously from multiple directions, a scenario that has concerned military forces after recent conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
The system will be offered in two versions. The smaller one weighs around 20 kilograms, has 36 barrels and can use 5.56 mm ammunition. The larger version weighs approximately 40 kilograms, has 54 barrels and supports ammunition of up to 40 mm.
According to Picket Defense, both variants can detect threats at distances between 90 and 120 meters using passive sensors made up of cameras and three-dimensional microphones capable of identifying the characteristic sound of drones without emitting radar signals.
In addition to conventional ammunition, the system can also employ nets, visual interference devices and other non-lethal methods. The company says the goal is to allow the platform to be used both in military environments and in the protection of critical and civilian infrastructure.
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Photo: Picket Defense Systems. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
