German defense firms unveil new drone‑based air‑defence systems

Mercedes-Benz presented a prototype of a drone‑intercept system built around its G‑Class and Sprinter vehicles in partnership with the Munich start‑up Tytan at the Eurosatory defence exhibition in Paris. The system, called “Drone Defender”, equips the vehicles with radar masts and launch boxes to fire interceptor drones that can ram or destroy hostile UAVs. Mercedes‑product manager Michael Schiebe said the collaboration “combines our robust platforms with Tytan’s specialised drone‑, sensor‑ and mission‑technology”, while CEO Ola Källenius noted that Europe must strengthen its defence profile.

At the International Aerospace Exhibition (ILA) in Berlin, German defence contractor Diehl Defence unveiled the Cobra 600, a “rocket‑taxi” that merges a jet‑propelled drone with the IRIS‑T missile used in the Patriot air‑defence system. The drone has a delta‑wing design, a range of about 400 km, and can launch the IRIS‑T missile from the air, extending the reach of ground‑based air‑defence assets. The system draws on technology from Diehl’s Polaris subsidiary and the Dornier‑era delta‑wing concept.

Both announcements underline a growing niche for German manufacturers in drone‑based air‑defence solutions, aimed at protecting critical infrastructure such as airports, stadiums and power plants, and potentially supporting future combat deployments.