Innovations in Armored Vehicle Defense Against Drones and FPVs at IAV 2025

The modern battlefield has evolved, with threats emerging not just from traditional ground and air forces but also from the third dimension—drones and first-person view (FPV) systems. These aerial adversaries, including missiles from combat helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), loitering munitions, and FPV drones, pose significant risks to armored vehicles. To counter these challenges, creating a protective "bubble" capable of neutralizing such threats has become essential. This necessity was prominently addressed at the International Armoured Vehicles (IAV) Conference in late January 2025 in Farnborough, where numerous short-range air defense (SHORAD) and counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) were showcased.

Moog's Reconfigurable Integrated-weapons Platform (RIwP): A Modular Defense Solution

A highlight of the conference was Moog's Reconfigurable Integrated-weapons Platform (RIwP), a modular turret designed for adaptability across various platforms. Previously displayed on a British Army Ridgback 4×4 at DVD 2024, the RIwP was now mounted on two additional vehicles:

1. KNDS Deutschland Dingo 3 4×4: This prototype, unveiled at IAV, featured the RIwP turret installed on its flatbed. The turret was equipped with two four-missile pods containing Thales Starstreak High Velocity Missiles (HVM) and/or Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM), alongside a Northrop Grumman M230 low recoil 30×113 mm chain gun. The missiles are designed to neutralize high-value aerial targets at ranges exceeding 6 km, while the automatic gun is effective against smaller UAVs at closer distances, utilizing XM1211 high explosive rounds with proximity fuses.

2. Supacat 6×6 HMT Mk3 Closed Cab: Sharing its chassis and automotive systems with the Jackal and Coyote vehicles in service with the British Army, this platform showcased the RIwP turret in a configuration similar to the Dingo 3. The cabin accommodates up to four personnel and is compliant with the Generic Vehicle Architecture (GVA) standard, ensuring easy integration of future systems. With a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 12,000 kg and a payload capacity of 3,500 kg, it offers versatility for various mission requirements.

The RIwP's design emphasizes survivability, allowing operators to reload direct fire weapons from within the vehicle's armored protection. Its modularity supports the integration of various weapon systems, making it adaptable to evolving threats.

CTAI's 40mm Airburst Munitions: Enhancing C-UAS Capabilities

CTAI, the producer of the CT40 gun used on the Ajax platform, showcased its range of 40×255 mm telescoped-case ammunition. Among the developments were three types of airburst munitions:

• ABM HE (Air Burst Munition High Explosive): Designed primarily as an anti-personnel round, this munition is in the final stages of qualification.

• A3B (also known as KE-AB, Kinetic Energy Air Burst): Developed under a contract from the French General Directorate for Armaments (DGA), this round weighs 1,400 grams and contains 200 tungsten cylinders. These are deployed in front of the target using a time fuse set by the fire control system, effective up to a range of 4,000 meters.

• GP-AB-T (General Purpose Air Burst Tracer): Developed with company funds, this round matches the standard projectile weight of 980 grams and uses the same ballistic tables. It contains smaller tungsten cylinders, with an effective range of 2,500 meters, specifically designed for the C-UAS mission. Availability is anticipated within two years.

Rafael's Advanced Defense Systems: Trophy APS and Laser Solutions

Rafael Advanced Defence Systems presented significant advancements in active protection and laser-based defense:

• Trophy Active Protection System (APS): Traditionally effective against rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) and anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs), the Trophy system has evolved to counter drone threats. Recent tests demonstrated its capability to intercept FPV drones, with software upgrades enhancing its threat detection and neutralization processes.

• Laser Defense Systems: Rafael showcased a range of laser solutions, including:

  • Iron Beam 450: A 100 kW-class high-energy laser system designed to neutralize UAVs, rockets, and mortars.

  • Iron Beam M 250: A 50 kW-class mobile tactical laser system housed in a 20-foot container, suitable for deployment at the brigade level to protect military sites and strategic assets.

  • Lite Beam 250: A 10 kW-class system designed for close-range defense, effective against Group 1 and Group 2 UAVs within a range of approximately 3 km. It can be mounted on light armored vehicles, with availability expected in 2026.

These laser systems offer advantages such as low operational costs (approximately $5 per shot) and an "endless magazine," provided sufficient energy is available. The engagement time varies depending on the threat type and range but is generally within a few seconds, allowing for the potential to counter swarms of incoming drones.

Patria's C-UAS Solution: The CAVS 6×6 Armored Vehicle

Patria introduced a counter-UAS version of its Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) 6×6 armored vehicle. This configuration is designed to detect, identify, and neutralize UAV threats, enhancing the protection of armored formations on the modern battlefield.

Aselsan's Göker Multimission Weapon System

Aselsan showcased a new air-defense system based on the 35 mm Göker multimission weapon system. Previously seen in fixed installations, this mobile application represents a novel approach to providing air defense capabilities against UAVs and other aerial threats.