Airbus has successfully conducted the first tests of the Bird of Prey, a new unmanned fighter designed to tackle modern aerial threats, including kamikaze drones.
Equipped with Mark I lightweight missiles, the system was tested in conditions simulating real combat in a military area in northern Germany, marking a major advance in automated air defense.
During the tests, the drone demonstrated the ability to operate autonomously, identifying, classifying and engaging targets without direct human intervention. Project development took just nine months until first flight, indicating an accelerated pace in response to the current geopolitical scenario, which requires rapid solutions to new threats.
Based on a modified version of the Airbus Do-DT25 drone, the Bird of Prey is equipped with a jet engine, can reach speeds of up to 550 km/h and has an operational range of 110 km. The system was designed to integrate with NATO’s air defense network, using Airbus’ IBMS system for centralized control, thus increasing 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, but the final configuration will be able to carry up to eight. Airbus and Frankenburg Technologies plan further evaluations during 2026, with the aim of achieving full operational capability and introducing 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 staff
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
