At the “Unmanned Systems X” trade show held in Bonn, Germany, on 25-26 March, Airbus introduced its new unmanned air defence system, LOAD. 

LOAD, short for Low-Cost Air Defence, is designed to tackle one of the key challenges in modern air defence—the high cost of intercepting low-cost threats.

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According to the manufacturers, the system will be based  on the Do-DT25, an unmanned aerial system originally developed in the early 2000s for target practice. 

The modified, catapult-launched UAV will be capable of carrying three guided missiles and will have an operational range of 100 km. After completing a mission, the drone is designed to return to base and land by parachute, making it reusable. Airbus stated that a prototype equipped with two missiles will undergo testing by the end of the year, with the final product expected to be ready by 2027.

While specific details on LOAD have not yet been disclosed, the Do-DT25 platform on which it is based measures 3.1 metres in length, has a 2.5-metre wingspan, and reaches a top speed of 555 km/h, with an endurance of approximately one hour.

The UAV will be operated from a ground control station, which will coordinate the drones using radar data or aerial situational awareness feeds. The system is designed to autonomously search for, detect, and—once authorised—engage enemy kamikaze drones.

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The autonomous capability of LOAD builds on Airbus’s previous work with the Do-DT25 platform. In March 2023, the company demonstrated the autonomous guidance and control of multiple DT-25 drones from an A310 MRTT tanker aircraft. This showcased significant advancements in precision navigation, in-flight communication, and cooperative control algorithms

This system also builds on Airbus’ prior work in unmanned systems, particularly under the Remote Carrier programme. Tests conducted with Do-DT25 drones validated their ability to operate within combat networks, be launched from aerial platforms such as the A400M, and coordinate missions with manned aircraft via advanced data links.

While Remote Carriers were developed for offensive operations under the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) programme, the LOAD system applies these technologies to air defence, enhancing its capability to counter evolving aerial threats.

Designed for autonomous swarm operations, each unit coordinates with others via the ground control station to maximise effectiveness. Looking ahead, Airbus plans to integrate LOAD with other unmanned airborne platforms, such as the company’s Eurodrone project. 

According to Airbus, this integration would allow LOAD to operate in areas not yet fully covered by ground-based air defence radars.

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