European aircraft giant Airbus has announced the development of a new unmanned air defense system designed to counter massive attacks by kamikaze drones. The presentation of the project, called LOAD (Low-cost Air Defence), took place on March 25-26, 2025, at the Unmanned Systems X conference in Bonn, Germany. The development, based on modernized Do-DT 25 target UAVs, is positioned as a cost-effective solution for protecting airspace in the face of a growing threat from small drones.

The LOAD system is a catapult drone that, according to Airbus engineers, will carry up to three air-to-air missiles. While the exact characteristics of the weapons have not yet been disclosed, the manufacturer has already published the key technical parameters of the drone. The flight range exceeds 110 kilometers, the maximum speed reaches 555 kilometers per hour, and the altitude can reach 9 thousand meters. These indicators allow the new UAV to effectively intercept targets at a significant distance from the protected objects.

LOAD is unique in that it can autonomously detect and identify threats, after which an operator at a ground station issues the command to destroy them. Control is carried out via a centralized system that integrates data from radar and other surveillance sources. After completing the mission, the drones return to base using parachute landing, which reduces operating costs. Airbus also plans to link LOAD to existing Bundeswehr air defense systems, which will ensure compatibility with ground control interfaces and expand the capabilities of use in areas with limited radar coverage.

The development is being carried out in two stages. The prototype, equipped with two guided missiles and built on the basis of the Do-DT 25, is scheduled to make its first flight in 2025. Full implementation of the system into operation is scheduled for 2027. Airbus emphasizes that LOAD will be an important addition to reconnaissance drones, especially in regions where traditional air defense systems cannot yet provide full coverage.

The LOAD project reflects a global trend towards affordable solutions to combat the threat posed by the mass use of drones. In recent years, such attacks have become a serious problem for military and civilian targets. For example, during the conflict in Ukraine in 2024-2025, numerous cases of kamikaze UAVs were recorded, which prompted NATO countries to accelerate development in this area. Similar projects are already underway in the US and UK, but Airbus is betting on a combination of low cost and high efficiency, which could give the European manufacturer a competitive advantage.