Diehl Defense and POLARIS create a new AirLAS attack UAV system based on IRIS-T missiles

Germany to equip hypersonic spaceplane with rockets

As part of the Paris Air Show 2025, two leading German companies — Diehl Defense and POLARIS Raumflugzeuge GmbH — signed an exclusive agreement to develop an innovative unmanned aerial attack platform. The aim of the collaboration was to create a system combining the combat-proven IRIS-T missile and a reusable unmanned aerial vehicle from POLARIS.

The new program is called the Airborne Launching and Attack System (AirLAS). Its main task is to expand the operational capabilities of modern air defense systems and provide high flexibility in responding to aerial threats.

According to a joint statement, Helmut Rauch, CEO of Diehl Defense, and Dr. Alexander Kopp, CEO of POLARIS, noted that the project combines the advanced technologies of the two companies to create a new generation of shock systems.

The POLARIS drone will be modified to carry and launch IRIS-T missiles, known for their high maneuverability and ability to hit targets from any angle. Such integration will allow the UAV to be used as a mobile and autonomous platform for delivering pinpoint strikes against air targets beyond the reach of ground-based air defense systems.

Main features of the AirLAS system:

- Increased range of action: due to the aerial launch of the missile, the affected area is significantly expanded;

- Mobility and stealth: the drone can operate independently or as part of a group;

- Integration with existing systems: AirLAS can be adapted to current and future air defense architectures;

- Reusable: reducing the cost of operations and increasing efficiency;

- High combat effectiveness: the use of air-to-air missiles of the latest generation.

This project marks an important step in the development of the European defense industry, aimed at creating technologically independent solutions in the face of growing threats and tensions in Europe and other regions.

It is expected that the first flight tests of AirLAS will begin in the coming years, and mass production will start by the end of the decade. If all goes according to plan, the system will become a key element of future multi-layered air and missile defense systems.

The French Air Force has declared the A400M fleet fully operational

 

A400M

On June 19, during the International air Show in Paris, the French Air Force officially announced the achievement of Full Operational Capability (FOC) status for its fleet of Airbus A400M Atlas tactical transport aircraft. This event became an important milestone in the history of the operation of this type of aircraft and was marked exactly 10 years after receiving the world's first production aircraft.

The A400M aircraft, developed by Airbus Defense and Space, was created to replace the outdated fleet of transport aircraft from NATO countries, including the French Transall C160. However, the path to full—fledged operation turned out to be long and difficult - the project faced supply delays, technical problems and budget overruns. The completion of all stages of modernization and integration of the machine's capabilities has become all the more valuable for France and other participating countries.

Now, with the FOC status, the A400M is capable of performing a full range of tasks, including:

- strategic and tactical transportation of goods and personnel;  

- refueling in the air (if appropriate equipment is available);  

- Evacuation of the wounded (MEDEVAC);  

- delivery to hard-to-reach airfields due to the high maneuverability of the landing gear and powerful TP400 turboprop engines.  

In addition, the aircraft can be equipped with electronic warfare systems, thermal missile protection and digital communications systems, which makes it suitable for operations even in high-threat conditions.

The French Air Force currently operates 28 A400M aircraft, making them one of the largest operators of this type in Europe. Their successful integration into combat personnel opens up the possibility for further development of the program, including participation in joint EU and NATO missions.

Receiving FOC status also symbolizes the rebirth of European military autonomy, as the A400M is one of the few transport platforms fully developed and manufactured inside Europe without relying on American industry.

Sikorsky presented the S-97 Raider composite helicopter at the Paris Air Show, a new stage in the development of reconnaissance and strike aircraft

S-97 Raider

Lockheed Martin's subsidiary, Sikorsky— made the international debut of its innovative composite helicopter, the S-97 Raider, at the Paris Air Show 2025. This next-generation helicopter is designed as a reconnaissance and attack platform capable of providing the US Army with high maneuverability and speed on the modern battlefield.

Features and innovations of the S-97 Raider

- Composite design: The S-97 combines a rotary-wing design with two main rotors and a pusher propeller, which provides significantly higher speed and maneuverability compared to traditional helicopters.

- High speed: Thanks to its unique aerodynamics, the Raider is capable of speeds up to 440 km/h, which is almost twice the speed of conventional combat helicopters.

- Multifunctional: The helicopter is designed to perform reconnaissance missions, fire support, as well as precision strikes against ground and air targets.

- Modern control and weapons systems: The S-97 is equipped with advanced avionics, communication systems and the ability to integrate various types of weapons, including missiles and machine guns.

The appearance of the S-97 Raider on the international stage, especially in Europe, reflects the growing transatlantic cooperation in the field of defense and modernization of the armed forces. The demonstration of the helicopter at the Paris Air Show was an important signal to the US allies about new vertical lift and air support capabilities.

The S-97 Raider is seen as a key element of future combat concepts where speed, maneuverability, and versatility play a crucial role. Its innovative design can become the basis for the development of new generations of combat helicopters capable of operating effectively in high-tech conflicts.

The Austrian company Schiebel has introduced an improved rotary-wing UAV S-300 with anti-submarine capabilities

At the Paris Air Show 2025, the Austrian company Schiebel demonstrated a new enhanced configuration of its unmanned aerial vehicle with an S-300 rotary-wing engine. The platform is now equipped with an L3HARRIS WESCAM MX-10 turret, an IMSAR NSP-3 radar, an additional optical system in the bow, and an anti-submarine warfare (ASW) sonar buoy. These innovations transform the S-300 from a traditional reconnaissance vehicle into a full-fledged system of multi-domain maritime surveillance and underwater warfare.

Technical features and capabilities

- The L3HARRIS WESCAM MX-10 turret provides high-quality electrostatic and infrared imaging, improving surveillance and targeting capabilities.

- The IMSAR NSP-3 radar with multifunctional operating modes (SAR, MTI, CCD) allows for effective detection and tracking of marine and ground targets in all weather conditions.

- A secondary optical system in the bow expands the range of reconnaissance capabilities and improves navigation accuracy.

- The ASW hydroacoustic buoy allows you to perform tasks of detecting and classifying submarines, which previously was the prerogative of only manned helicopters and large offshore platforms.

The extended payload and versatility of the S-300 make it a unique tool for maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare, especially for small naval forces that do not have the resources to operate manned ASW helicopters. The compactness and the possibility of vertical takeoff and landing make it possible to use UAVs from ships of small and medium tonnage without the need for an airfield.

With the new equipment, the S-300 meets the growing demand for multifunctional, cost-effective and efficient means of monitoring and combating underwater threats in the context of the escalating geopolitical situation in offshore areas such as the Baltic and Red Seas. The integration of advanced American and European sensors also ensures compatibility with NATO systems.

The French Foudre MLRS is a new competitor to the American HIMARS at the Paris Air Show 2025

 Foudre multiple launch rocket system

French arms manufacturer Turgis & Gaillard has officially unveiled its new Foudre multiple launch rocket system at the Paris Air Show 2025. This state-of-the-art platform marks an important step for the French defense industry in competition with the American HIMARS system.

Key Features of Foudre

- Sovereign development: Foudre was created as a response to the obsolescence of the French MLRS Lance-Roquettes Unitaires (LRU), ensuring national autonomy and independence in the field of armaments.

- Mobility and protection: The system is mounted on a Renault Kerax 6×6 chassis, equipped with an armored cabin, which provides crew protection and high maneuverability in various conditions.

- Modular launch container: Allows you to quickly recharge the system and adapt to different types of ammunition, which increases operational flexibility.

- Multi-purpose application: Foudre is intended for use both in France and for international export, which expands its market prospects.

Foudre combines high firepower and mobility, which makes it an effective means of deep impact on enemy targets. This system allows France to strengthen its defense capabilities and reduce dependence on foreign technology. In the face of growing global instability and increasing demand for modern MLRS, Foudre offers a competitive and sovereign solution.

The appearance of Foudre on the international stage may change the balance of power in the segment of multiple launch rocket systems, offering an alternative to the American HIMARS. The French defense industry is counting on the successful implementation of the system in the armed forces and the expansion of export contracts.

France will present the future Dassault Aviation combat drone at the Paris Air Show

The French Air Force is preparing to present its new advanced combat unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) at the upcoming Paris Air Show. The developer of this innovative platform is Dassault Aviation, which will demonstrate a model of the future drone as part of a static exhibition.

The project was officially announced in October 2024, when French Minister of the Armed Forces Sebastien Lecorny presented a detailed plan to put the new combat capability into operation by 2033. This UAV will become a key element of the modernization of the French Air Force, providing enhanced reconnaissance, precision strikes and complex combat missions without risk to pilots.

The project reflects France's desire to maintain technological leadership in the field of military aviation and adapt to modern challenges associated with the development of unmanned systems and autonomous combat platforms. It is expected that the new UAV will be integrated with existing and future weapons systems, providing a high degree of autonomy, maneuverability and stealth.

The Paris Air Show will become an important platform for demonstrating the achievements of the French defense industry and attracting international attention to the prospects for the development of unmanned aircraft in Europe.