Airbus has successfully conducted the first test of the ‘Bird of Prey’, a new unmanned fighter jet developed to counter modern aerial threats, including kamikaze drones.
Equipped with lightweight Mark I missiles, the system was tested under realistic combat conditions at a military test site in northern Germany and represents a significant advance in automated air defense technology.
During the testing process, the drone demonstrated autonomous operation capabilities to identify, classify, and attack targets without direct human intervention. The project took just nine months to first fly, reflecting the need to quickly respond to new threats in a rapidly changing geopolitical environment.
Bird of Prey, based on the Airbus Do-DT25 drone, is equipped with a jet engine and has a maximum speed of 550 kilometers per hour and an operational radius of 110 kilometers. The system is designed to integrate with NATO’s air defense network and is centrally controlled through Airbus’ IBMS system, increasing effectiveness in cooperative operations.
The test also highlighted the performance of the Mark I missile, which is considered the lightest in the world. Currently, the drone is equipped with 4 missiles, but in the final configuration, it can be equipped with up to 8 missiles. Airbus and Frankenburg Technologies plan to conduct further testing during 2026 to ensure full operational capability and launch it to the international market.
Source: Militarnyi | Photo: This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by our 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
