Global Scans · Drones · Weekly Summary

• [New] The development of RF DEW systems could help to protect the UK from unidentified drones at security-sensitive areas such as defence bases, and could play a role in preventing disruption at airports. Metro
• [New] China and Russia have invested heavily, with China's Silent Hunter laser system reportedly capable of disabling vehicles and drones and Russia's Peresvet laser designed for air defence and satellite disruption. EurAsian Times
• [New] In response to escalating global threats from small unmanned aerial systems, the US Marine Corps has announced plans to equip all units with advanced counter-drone systems by 2025. DJI Drone Help Forum
• [New] Source India Tests Laser Weapon on Drones India has successfully tested its domestically developed 30-kilowatt laser weapon system, the Laser-DEW Mark-II, designed to neutralize aerial threats such as drones, missiles, and aircraft. FPV Drone Pilots Forum
• [New] China's recent unveiling of a groundbreaking 16-barrel anti-drone gun marks a significant leap in military technology, underscoring the escalating global arms race and the urgent need for advanced defence systems to counter emerging aerial threats. Sustainability Times
• [New] ISW recently assessed that Russia is increasingly using strike packages comprised mainly of drones as they stockpile missiles, suggesting that a combined air defence umbrella using all air defence assets available to Ukraine will continue to be of paramount importance. Institute for the Study of War
• [New] From improved crop yields and reduced input costs to enhanced sustainability and new economic opportunities, the impact of AI drones on Florida's farms is set to be transformative. Farmonaut
• [New] The growth of the drone industry itself is creating new job opportunities in Florida, from drone operators and data analysts to AI specialists and agricultural technologists. Farmonaut
• [New] The Pantsir-S1M, widely used for point defence against drones and cruise missiles, will enhance Saudi Arabia's layered air defence network, especially at a time when aerial threats from non-state actors and regional rivals are growing increasingly asymmetric. The Asia Live
• [New] Switzerland joins countries across Europe rushing to bolster their air defences, as Russia's daily missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities have raised awareness of the need to protect civilian and military targets against aerial threats. Defense News
• [New] There is no evidence that Russia plans to base drones in the Sahel, but doing so would be an opportunity to threaten NATO in the Mediterranean directly. Institute for the Study of War
• Ukraine will increase production for the full range of drones: from Mavics to long-range drones. The Kyiv Independent
• New Zealand will ramp up defence spending under a major military overhaul unveiled Monday, pouring billions of dollars into missiles, cyber security, and drones. Global Defense Corp
• Growing at a compound annual growth rate of 9.9%, the installed base of commercial drones is forecasted to reach roughly 4.5 million units by 2029. Yahoo Finance
• FPV drones will not only influence drone policies and regulatory frameworks but also become a staple in military arsenals worldwide - reshaping both drone technology and its broader applications. sUAS News
• Air raid alerts indicating the threat of both Russian air launched missiles and drone swarms have been up for the past several hours. Balloon Juice
• Drones contribute significantly to the global economy by enhancing efficiency in various sectors, reducing operational costs, and creating new job opportunities. Drone Brands
• The Mumbai Police have implemented a month-long prohibition on the operation of drones, remote-controlled microlight aircraft, para gliders and hot air balloons to safeguard against potential security threats. Times of India
• Defra Press outlined a number of potential attack strategies including how Iran could launch a devastating assault using its advanced Shahed-136 drones, which have a range of 4,000 km - enough to reach Diego Garcia from Iran. Daily Mail
• The growing number of Russian drones will remain a key aspect of the war, where technological and tactical competition is ongoing. Espreso
• The emerging threat of Ukrainian drone-borne malware infecting Russian computers could force Russia to implement new safety precautions to protect their systems. Forbes

Last updated: 20 April 2025