U.S. Army Tests AI-Powered RAD System to Counter One-Way Attack Drones

The modern battlefield is changing rapidly, and the proliferation of low-cost, “one-way” attack drones has created a pressing security gap for maneuver forces. To address this, the U.S. Army is currently evaluating the Reconfigurable Air Defense (RAD) system, a mobile counter-drone solution designed to protect units on the move rather than relying on static installations.

Developed through a partnership between American defense technology integrator SAIC and Norway’s Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace, the RAD system represents a shift toward affordable, AI-integrated air defense that can be operated organically at the company or battalion level.

What is the RAD System?

The RAD system is a specialized counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) that integrates three core components to detect and neutralize threats: a stabilized turret, a radar sensor, and advanced AI components. By combining these elements, the system allows mobile fire teams to identify and shoot down kamikaze drones before they can reach their targets.

The collaboration between SAIC and Kongsberg leverages specific industrial strengths. Kongsberg brings extensive experience in fire control systems, autonomous targeting, and remote weapon stations, which are critical for the precision required to hit small, fast-moving aerial targets.

Mobility and Logistics: The JLTV Advantage

A defining feature of the RAD system is its integration onto the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) chassis. This choice is strategic for two primary reasons: mobility, and sustainability.

• Tactical Mobility: Unlike traditional air defense systems that often operate from fixed positions, the JLTV-mounted RAD system can keep pace with maneuver forces. This ensures that infantry and armored units remain protected while traversing the challenging terrain where they actually operate.
• Logistical Efficiency: Because the JLTV is already established within the Army’s supply chain, the military doesn’t need to develop a purpose-built carrier. This simplifies maintenance, training, and parts procurement, significantly reducing the overall cost of fielding the system.

Addressing the “One-Way” Drone Threat

The urgency behind the RAD system stems from the widespread use of one-way attack drones—essentially kamikaze systems—seen at scale in Ukraine. These drones are inexpensive to produce in large numbers and can be used to strike logistics nodes, personnel, and vehicles across the depth of the battlefield.

Traditional missile-based air defense systems are often impractical for this specific threat because the cost per shot can exceed the cost of the drone being intercepted. The RAD system provides a low-cost alternative, making it feasible to deploy widespread protection at the unit level without draining budgets on overpriced munitions.

Project Flytrap: Testing AI in the Field

The RAD system is currently being put to the test in Lithuania as part of Project Flytrap, a counter-UAS exercise running from April 27 to May 31. This project is part of a broader series of linked exercises, including Sword 26, Saber Strike, Immediate Response, and Swift Response.

Project Flytrap focuses on integrating counter-unmanned systems, live data networks, and AI-enabled command and control. A critical component of this evaluation is the system’s AI, which is designed to solve the “operator workload” problem. In high-stress combat environments, manually tracking a small, fast drone through an optical sight while managing vehicle movement and communications is cognitively exhausting.

The RAD system’s AI handles the detection and tracking of targets, shifting the burden away from the human operator. This allows the crew to focus on high-level decisions, such as threat prioritization and engagement, rather than the mechanical struggle of maintaining a sight picture on a target.

The Path Toward Layered Defense

The U.S. Army’s evaluation of the RAD system highlights a broader move toward a “layered defense architecture.” The effectiveness of a counter-drone system isn’t just about the hardware; it’s about how well that hardware integrates with wider detection networks and command structures.

By testing the RAD system alongside other technologies in a live environment, the Army is refining the doctrine required to survive in an era of autonomous warfare. If successful, the RAD system could provide the organic, affordable protection necessary for light and medium forces to operate safely in contested airspace.