Rafael unveils advanced mobile C-UAS on Plasan StormRider at DEFEA 2025

At DEFEA 2025, the international defence exhibition in Athens, Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defence Systems showcased its latest innovation in counter-drone warfare—a cutting-edge mobile Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS) integrated onto the Plasan StormRider 4×4 tactical armoured vehicle. This development represents a significant advancement in mobile force protection, offering a highly mobile, multi-layered defence solution against evolving aerial threats.

Rafael’s new C-UAS platform combines advanced radar, electronic warfare (EW), and kinetic intercept technologies into a compact, rugged solution for frontline units. Addressing the increasing use of drones in modern warfare, as seen in the Ukraine conflict, the system is designed to safeguard manoeuvring tactical forces from low-altitude UAS attacks.

The vehicle-mounted system features four radar units positioned on each corner of the roof, enabling seamless 360-degree surveillance. These sensors feed real-time data to an onboard computing system, which works in tandem with an electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) tracking turret. This integrated sensor suite enables autonomous detection, tracking, and engagement of drone threats, even while on the move.

The first layer of defence employs a sophisticated signal intelligence (SIGINT) suite capable of intercepting and identifying drone communication links. It can trace signal origins, disrupting or spoofing control connections to neutralise threats non-kinetically. Additionally, this data can be used to guide Rafael’s Spike missile system for direct targeting of drone operators, extending the system’s reach to neutralise threats at their source.

For scenarios where kinetic action is necessary, the system is equipped with the M230 Bushmaster 30mm Chain Gun, firing programmable airburst munitions. These rounds are designed to explode mid-air, releasing high-speed fragments to destroy drones, including those operating in swarms or at variable altitudes. The precision of these strikes is enhanced through tight integration with the radar and EO/IR tracking systems.

Rafael’s mobile C-UAS solution offers a comprehensive and flexible response to drone threats, significantly enhancing tactical unit survivability in contested environments.