Diehl Defence validates counter-drone performance of KDV and CICADA

Counter-UAS Diehl Defence validates counter-drone performance of KDV and CICADA

2025-11-27 Source: Press release 1 min Reading Time

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Diehl Defence has completed a series of counter-UAS test campaigns at the Grafenwöhr training area, demonstrating the effectiveness of its Kinetic Defence Vehicle and the CICADA eMissile within the Sky Sphere system. The trials confirmed automated detection, tracking and interception capabilities against small and area-type drones in dynamic scenarios.

Diehl Defence conducted live counter-UAS trials at Grafenwöhr, validating automated detection, tracking and intercept capabilities of the KDV and CICADA systems.(Source: Diehl Defence) — Diehl Defence conducted live counter-UAS trials at Grafenwöhr, validating automated detection, tracking and intercept capabilities of the KDV and CICADA systems.
(Source: Diehl Defence)

During the trials, the Kinetic Defence Vehicle (KDV) provided full integration and performance evidence against small unmanned aerial systems. The system achieved automated detection, tracking and successful engagement against micro-drones. For larger, high-flying area targets, a long-range effector demonstrated a successful intercept, validating the system’s layered engagement logic.The results represent a capability enhancement of the already field-proven KDV. Upgrades include expanded AI-based automation, primary detection through radar and electro-optical sensors, and the integration of a secondary effector. Together, these features extend the KDV’s ability to protect mobile forces and stationary infrastructure from near-range micro-UAS as well as higher-altitude area threats.

Sky Sphere and CICADA tested under real conditions

Parallel to the KDV campaign, Diehl Defence trialled system demonstrators of the Sky Sphere counter-UAS solution and the CICADA eMissile, using a containerised configuration. The campaign focused on optimising the full sensor-to-shooter chain and refining intercept procedures under realistic, dynamic test conditions.Sky Sphere is a modular system designed to detect, classify and counter drone threats, forming the innermost layer of Diehl Defence’s multi-layered ground-based air-defence approach. The system can integrate CICADA, an electrically powered effector developed for defeating NATO Class I and smaller Class II drones. Depending on mission needs, CICADA can be equipped with either a Diehl-developed fragmentation warhead or a non-lethal net for drone capture.

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Date: 08.12.2025

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