A new series of attack drones, presented under the name Skydagger, shows how quickly small but highly effective weapon systems are developing. A demonstration video shows different types of drones carrying out a joint attack on targets.
The footage shows a range of compact drones, from small quadcopters to larger versions and even a fixed-wing drone. Each type has its own range and payload, from light systems to platforms that can carry several kilos over tens of kilometres.
What stands out most is the cooperation between the drones. Instead of a single attack, a coordinated operation is simulated in which several drones go after a target at the same time. That makes defending against them considerably harder.
Smart control
The drones use technology that is resistant to electronic interference. In modern conflicts that is crucial, because signals are often jammed or taken over.
Developments like this tie in with earlier systems such as the Bullfrog anti-drone system, which show how fast the drone arms race is moving.
The future of the battlefield
Combining several drones in a single attack shows that modern warfare increasingly revolves around networks of systems. That makes them more effective, but also harder to stop.
Also worth reading: drone development is moving at lightning speed. Also take a look at laser weapons against drones and interceptor drones that take out UAVs.
