The growing threat of combat drones in wartime poses a significant challenge to modern warfare, as exemplified in Ukraine. Over the past year, the region has experienced the devastating impact of numerous low-cost and agile suicide drones, intensifying the severity of the threat.
Traditional defenses like anti-aircraft missiles and radar, though somewhat effective, often struggle with the unique challenges posed by drones. This underscores the need for innovative solutions to efficiently neutralize and counter unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Imagine a missile that could pursue a moving target and, if it misses, autonomously return home for a second attempt.
AI-Powered UAV Jet: Hunts Drones and Returns Safely
Anduril Industries, a defense technology firm, has unveiled a groundbreaking drone interceptor system named Roadrunner. This autonomous AI-guided unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) jet is specifically engineered to independently identify, monitor, and intercept hostile drones.
Miniature autonomous fighter jet equipped with a warhead
Roadrunner is a versatile, reusable Autonomous Air Vehicle (AAV) with vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capabilities. It features twin turbojet engines and adaptable payload configurations for diverse mission support, operating with a high level of autonomy.
Roadrunner is approximately the size of a patio heater, it can operate at high (subsonic) speeds, execute vertical take-offs and landings, and return to base when not in use. Specifically designed to swiftly intercept and neutralize hostile UAVs, it autonomously patrols for potential threats.
