Airbus has successfully conducted the first tests of the Bird of Prey, a new unmanned fighter designed to counter modern aerial threats, including kamikaze drones.
Equipped with lightweight Mark I missiles, the system was tested under conditions simulating real combat at a military range in northern Germany, marking a significant advance in automated air defense.
During the trials, the drone demonstrated the ability to operate autonomously, identifying, classifying, and engaging targets without direct human intervention. The project took only nine months to reach its first flight, indicating an accelerated development pace in response to the current geopolitical environment, which demands rapid solutions to emerging threats.
Based on a modified Airbus Do-DT25 drone platform, the Bird of Prey features a jet engine, speeds of up to 550 km/h, and an operational range of 110 km. The system was designed for integration with NATO’s air defense network, using Airbus’ IBMS system for centralized control, enhancing its efficiency in coordinated operations.
The tests also highlighted the performance of the Mark I missiles, considered among the lightest in the world. The current version of the drone carries four units, but the final configuration may accommodate up to eight. Airbus and Frankenburg Technologies plan further evaluations throughout 2026, aiming to achieve full operational capability and present the system to the international market.
Source: Militarnyi | Photo: X @AirbusDefence | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
Successful first demo flight: Airbus’ uncrewed Bird of Prey interceptor autonomously engages kamikaze drone with @FrankenburgTech missile.
The Airbus ‘Bird of Prey’ is designed to seamlessly operate within NATO’s integrated air defence architecture via established command and… pic.twitter.com/u3Yd5K9uSY
— Airbus Defence (@AirbusDefence) March 30, 2026
