From Standalone Counter-Drone Systems to Integrated Air Defense

Expanded agreement brings net-capture and kinetic counter-drone capabilities to European and allied defense customers.

Fortem Technologies and European defense company MBDA announced an expanded strategic partnership on October 12 to integrate autonomous drone interceptors into existing military air defense systems.

The agreement builds on a 2024 collaboration that incorporated Fortem's DroneHunter technology into MBDA's Sky Warden counter-uncrewed aircraft systems (C-UAS) architecture.

Under the expanded agreement, MBDA will offer Fortem's DroneHunter interceptors to defense and government customers in Europe and other allied markets. The companies will also jointly offer FireThorn, an autonomous interceptor developed by Fortem and MBDA.

Two Approaches to Drone Interception

The partnership provides two distinct methods for defeating hostile drones.

DroneHunter uses autonomous interception and net capture to disable drones without destroying them. This approach can reduce collateral damage in populated areas or near critical infrastructure. It also allows operators to recover captured aircraft for examination.

FireThorn uses a radar-guided autonomous airframe equipped with an MBDA warhead to destroy hostile aircraft. According to the companies, the system is designed to counter one-way attack drones and other threats, including Shahed/Geran and Orlan aircraft.

Both systems can serve as components of larger air defense networks, allowing operators to select interception methods based on the threat and operating environment.

"Drones have changed how wars are fought, and air defense must change with them," said Jon Gruen, CEO of Fortem Technologies. "Militaries don't need another standalone gadget. They need autonomous interceptors that plug into the architecture they already trust. Working with MBDA puts Fortem's systems inside one of Europe's most established air defense ecosystems, and gives allied forces a faster route to protecting troops, bases, and critical infrastructure."

Building on Existing Air Defense Systems

MBDA's Sky Warden architecture already supports multiple counter-drone technologies, including electronic warfare, missiles, lasers, and interceptor drones. The company demonstrated several of these capabilities in 2024.

The expanded partnership represents a further step toward integrating specialized autonomous interceptors into established defense networks.

For military customers, this approach offers a way to add counter-drone capabilities without relying on separate, standalone systems.

Sales under the agreement remain subject to applicable export authorizations. The companies did not announce contract values, specific customers, or deployment schedules.

FireThorn will be displayed at MBDA's booth during the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) 2026 Annual Meeting, October 12 — 14, in Washington, D.C.

Read more:

• Fortem Raises $50 Million to Scale Counter-Drone Systems

• "Much Bigger Than Stadiums": Fortem CEO Raises Concerns Over U.S. Counter-UAS Gaps

• Fortem DroneHunter and TrueView Radar Join Lockheed Martin Sanctum

Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.

For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.

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