The South Korean Army demonstrates the launch of a kamikaze FPV drone from a Surion helicopter to intercept aerial targets in flight

The South Korean army recently conducted a live demonstration of the launch of a kamikaze aerial drone with a first-person view (FPV) from aboard a multi-purpose KUH-1 Surion helicopter. During the exercises, a drone equipped with a live explosive charge was launched from a helicopter into the air, after which it was remotely controlled by an operator to intercept and destroy an aerial target — a special RC-MAT target drone simulating enemy unmanned systems.

The purpose of the training was to test the very procedure for launching a drone in flight from a helicopter, as well as to assess the tactical value of using such drones to destroy aerial targets right in the air. According to the Second Operational Command of the Army of the Republic of Korea, the main focus was on confirming the operational feasibility of aerial deployment of kamikaze drones and practical testing of remote control in real conditions.

This use of drones demonstrates the growing role of unmanned strike systems, which can be quickly deployed from aircraft and used as an effective means of protecting and responding to threats from the air. Such exercises help to develop new tactics and technologies that can increase the combat effectiveness of the South Korean army in modern air conflicts.

Beretta Defense Technologies has introduced a weapon system for neutralizing drones at close range

 As the use of small unmanned aerial vehicles with a first-person view (FPV) in active combat zones increases, Beretta Defense Technologies (BDT) has introduced a new fully integrated weapon system specifically designed to neutralize aerial threats at close range.For the first time, a semi-automatic 12-gauge shotgun has been adapted for use as a precision weapon to protect against drones.

This solution is based on the M4 AI Drone Guardian, produced by the Italian company Benelli Armi SpA. The platform is equipped with the Benelli Advanced Impact barrel system and is optimized for hitting drones at a distance of zero to 50 meters with advanced capabilities up to 100 meters under favorable conditions. According to BDT, this "old-school" approach has demonstrated exceptional effectiveness in defending against drones in close combat, offering an intuitive and direct method of defeat.

Unprecedented field trials of mobile microfabric for drone production on the front line

Microfabric for drone production

On June 2, 2025, unique field tests of a mobile microfabric capable of producing drones directly on the front line began. This autonomous system was developed by the startup Per Se Systems from the French city of Perigueux and is an innovative solution for the operational provision of troops with unmanned aerial vehicles.

The microfabric is equipped with several 3D printers working simultaneously on a trailer, which makes it possible to produce FPV drones (first-person view) in just three hours. With this performance, the system can produce up to ten drones per hour, ensuring stable and localized supply without having to rely on traditional industrial logistics chains.

This innovation significantly increases the mobility and autonomy of units, allowing them to quickly replace equipment losses and adapt to changing combat conditions. The ability to produce drones right on the front line reduces the delivery time and reduces the risks associated with transportation.

Poland is building the Eastern Shield fortifications with anti-drone systems on the border with Russia

As part of the national defense project "Eastern Shield", Poland is building a complex of fortifications on the border with Russia and Belarus, equipped with modern systems to counter FPV drones. This was stated by the Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Stanislav Chosnek.

The Eastern Shield is a large—scale program that includes not only engineering structures such as concrete barriers, anti-tank ditches and minefields, but also modern intelligence, warning, defense, mobility and counter-mobility components. Special attention is being paid to the installation of airspace monitoring systems and electronic warfare equipment that will help identify and neutralize threats from drones.

Fortifications are being built at several dozen points along more than 600 kilometers of the border with Russia and Belarus. An important element of the project is the creation of operational bases and logistics hubs, which will allow for the rapid transfer of forces and ensure their uninterrupted supply.

In addition, the Barbara reconnaissance system, which includes balloons, satellite components, and the latest unmanned and anti-drone technologies, is planned to be introduced as part of the Eastern Shield. These tools will allow effective control of the airspace and timely response to potential attacks.

General Csosnek stressed that the integrated approach of the project provides not only physical protection, but also integrated management of information and combat resources, which significantly increases the defense capability of the eastern flank of NATO.

Russian drones with artificial intelligence are changing the rules of combat away from the front line

Ukrainian telegram channels specializing in the topic of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are increasingly reporting the appearance of Russian drones controlled by artificial intelligence (AI), which operate at a considerable distance from the front line. This information has also been confirmed in the Western media, which notes that the introduction of AI into unmanned aircraft is a natural stage in the development of modern military technologies.

Traditional drones controlled by an operator over a radio channel are increasingly facing problems due to effective electronic warfare (EW) equipment. The enemy quickly finds ways to "hack" the connection between the drone and the control panel, which reduces the effectiveness of such devices. The use of fiber—optic control lines partially solves these problems, but it has its limitations, such as the maximum length of fiber and the need to constantly use the same launch points, which makes operators vulnerable to detection and attacks.

Unlike them, drones with AI are devoid of these disadvantages. They are resistant to electronic jamming, including effects on satellite navigation systems, as they are able to navigate visually without the need for constant communication with the operator. The absence of an operator reduces the risk to personnel, and each flight of such drones serves as a training base for the neural network, improving the effectiveness of subsequent missions.

In addition, the mass distribution of video from FPV drones (drones with real-time video transmission) provides a rich material for training neural networks, which contributes to the development of target recognition accuracy and autonomous control.

However, it is logical to assume that in the near future the enemy will also introduce similar technologies, since both sides have approximately the same access to the necessary data and computing resources. This will lead to a new arms race in the field of autonomous systems and artificial intelligence on the battlefield.

Iran has unveiled three new self-developed vertical take-off and landing drones

The Army of the Islamic Republic of Iran has been replenished with three new unmanned aerial vehicles capable of vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL). These UAVs were fully developed and produced domestically, highlighting the growing capabilities of the Iranian defense industry.

The new drones were named Homa, Dideban (which translates as "watchdog") and Shahin-1 ("falcon"). All of them have versatility of application and can switch to fixed-wing flight mode, which significantly increases their efficiency, increases the range and duration of the mission.

According to official sources, these devices belong to the class of FPV kamikaze drones, that is, they are designed to attack targets from manned control with real-time video transmission. This type of drone has already proven itself in modern theaters of military operations due to its high accuracy and relatively low cost.

The ceremony of the official presentation of the equipment took place at the base of drones and the airbase of the Iranian army in the city of Zahedan in the south-east of the country. The event highlighted the strategic importance of developing the UAV potential as part of the modernization of the Iranian armed forces.

Benelli introduces the M4 AI Drone Guardian to Combat Drones

 Benelli Armi SpA, a subsidiary of Beretta and the world's largest gun manufacturer, has unveiled its latest innovation in anti—drone technology, the M4 AI Drone Guardian. — during a demonstration at the ISOF proving ground in Nevada.

The weapons are designed to provide advanced units with a reliable last-chance weapon against small unmanned aerial vehicles, including quadcopter-style first-person view (FPV) drones.

According to Beretta's press release, "along with Beretta, the company was invited to the ISOF range in Nevada this week to present its M4 AI Drone Guardian Counter-UAS shotgun to an exclusive group of representatives from the international special operations forces community." The company describes the new system as "proven in combat conditions" and "providing unsurpassed reliability in all operational conditions."

The British Army is purchasing training drones with a first-person view to prepare for modern warfare

 The Ministry of Defense has signed a contract worth 256,080 pounds with Viking Arms Ltd for the rapid delivery of a training fleet of drones with a first-person view (FPV).

The short-term purchase, which will last only 19 days from March 12 to March 31, 2025, is aimed at equipping and training British Army personnel in FPV strike skills, taking into account the lessons of the war in Ukraine.

The contract supports the Field Army's initiative to develop the basic capabilities of unmanned aerial vehicles with the FPV function, one of the "first 6" directives, identified by Director Rapstone as part of efforts to achieve the ambitious goal of the Chief of the General Staff to create "any/any network."

Israel announces tender for purchase of 5,000 FPV suicide drones with Chinese antennas

 

In light of recent military operations in Gaza and the growing need for modern weapons, the Israeli Ministry of Defense has announced a tender for the purchase of 5,000 FPV (First Person View) attack drones for the army. These drones, originally designed for racing, have demonstrated high efficiency as precision weapons on modern battlefields.

According to the requirements of the tender, drones must have the following characteristics::

- Flight range: at least 10 kilometers;

- Flight time: at least 8 minutes;

- Load capacity: 2.5 kilograms of explosives.

In addition, the drones will be equipped with thermal imaging cameras for night guidance.

The companies participating in the tender are required to establish local production lines in Israel. However, the tender also provides for the use of some highly specialized components from foreign suppliers. In particular, the antennas for FPV drones will be supplied from China. This is causing some criticism due to the possible vulnerability of drones to electronic warfare.

The purchase of FPV drones is part of Israel's broader strategy to strengthen its military strength and modernize its army. FPV drones have already shown their effectiveness in battles in Ukraine, where they are responsible for about 70% of Russian equipment losses. In Israel, they can be used to improve combat capabilities in the fight against terrorist groups in Gaza and Lebanon.