British technology experts are designing artificial intelligence-guided missiles intended to create protective bubbles around European cities against potential Russian drone attacks, at a fraction of the cost of US equivalents.
The weapons were displayed on Monday by military firm Helsing as part of its new Contra air defence system. The programme aims to counter Russia's most advanced jet-powered drones and cruise missiles, at a time when such munitions have rained down on Ukraine in recent weeks.
How the system works
Sophisticated AI, linked to radars and sensors, can quickly detect aerial threats before determining whether to launch one of two new interceptor missiles: the AD-1 Inferno and AD-2 Ambush. This is comparable to Israel's "Iron Dome" system, in which a virtual bubble of protection is placed over key elements of the country.
Russia's production of Geran-4 and Geran-5 jet-powered drones has risen, with Moscow now able to build 4,000 units a month, according to intelligence reports. The country can launch hundreds of the aircraft at a time, posing threats to critical infrastructure, defence firms and military bases across Europe.
Cost and deployment
According to Helsing, its new system could counter this, with the AI able to detect and coordinate interceptions against hundreds or even thousands of incoming drones and cruise missiles at the same time.
"Contra ends the air defence dilemma: slow fair-weather drones, or million-euro missiles fired at cheap, mass-produced targets," said Niklas Köhler, Helsing's co-founder and president.
Major parts of the two new missiles' development have been done in the UK, the Daily Mail reports. Both of the new missiles cost less than £100,000, compared with more hi-tech systems like US-manufactured Patriot missiles, which cost more than £3 million each.
Production and timeline
They can be launched from containers placed on the back of a lorry, a ship or in a field. Helsing also said it would be able to produce thousands of missiles a month at sites across Europe. The missiles are currently completing tests and will be operational later next year.
