Manufacturer IRIS-T introduced a new anti-aircraft drone to combat UAVs

The German company Diehl Defence, which produces IRIS-T anti-aircraft missile systems, presented the Cicada anti-aircraft drone at the defense technology exhibition in Nuremberg. This is reported by ArmyInform.

Designed to defend against small drones of the first and second classes, while minimizing collateral damage, the Cicada eMissile is a key element of the Sky Sphere air defense system.

The drone has a unique pyramidal shape thanks to its four delta-shaped wings. At 700 mm long and 300 mm in diameter, it effectively engages small, low-speed drones weighing up to 600 kg.

Cicada is capable of countering various types of unmanned threats: from commercial drones like the Mavic to reconnaissance drones like the Orlan-10 and strike drones like the Shahed-136.

The system is available in two versions: for combat conditions and for civilian areas. The non-lethal version is equipped with a net that captures drones without destruction, making the system safe for use near public places. The lethal version has a lightweight design and a fragmentation warhead capable of destroying a target within a radius of 10 m.

Diehl Defense reports that Sky Sphere's modular design allows the system to be equipped with in-house or partner components. Army Recognition researchers reported that the Cicada eMissile is an electric UAV that integrates into the sensor-to-gunner chain, providing configuration flexibility.

The missile's propulsion system is based on a solid-fuel engine that generates an initial thrust of about 1000 m/s. The range of the missile is 8 to 12 km, with an operational limit of 5 km. Cicada uses a steep climb and controlled descent to destroy targets, using algorithms to track the drone's unpredictable movements.

Cicada weighs less than 10 kg. In an inactive state, it is stored in a launcher container. The control system, in case of detection of a threat, determines the type of target and launches the appropriate modification of the missile. The radar sensor on the front provides precise guidance, and the rotor accelerates the missile to 200 km/h. The built-in battery provides a flight time of up to five minutes.

Cicada's capabilities can be expanded with flight planning, terrain following, and obstacle avoidance features, which is important in densely populated areas.

Defense Express experts noted that this was not the premiere demonstration of the Cicada, which was previously known as the μMissile. However, now the development has advanced and, from the visual, has received folding wings. Diehl reported that the Cicada will be ready for orders in 2026.