Sky Warden is a counter‑unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) developed by MBDA to address a broad range of drone threats.
Launched in February 2021, the C-UAS defends against a range of targets, from micro and tactical drones to loitering munitions, as well as more conventional air‑breathing threats by combining counter‑unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) functions with ground‑based air defence engagement capabilities.
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The system can be employed as part of a layered air defence network or operated independently. It is available in both vehicle‑mounted and dismounted configurations.
Sky Warden has demonstrated the ability to manage every phase of counter-UAS and ground-based air defence operations, engaging threats from small quadcopters and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platforms through to loitering munitions and larger Class 3 systems.
Sky Warden design and features
Modularity is central to the Sky Warden C-UAS, allowing the system to be tailored to the specific requirements of each mission. The architecture allows largely autonomous operation and includes a dedicated graphics processing unit.
Its core is a command-and-control element that utilises AI to manage defensive effects, integrating a network of sensors with both soft-kill and hard-kill effectors to protect forces or critical infrastructure across an area extending roughly 8km.
The human-machine interface has been optimised to ease operator workload, allowing effective use by small crews with limited fatigue.
Integrated functions provide central monitoring and visualisation of subsystem status, support mission planning and management of rules of engagement, and include embedded training options.
Operational data can be recorded to underpin training, post‑mission evaluation and evidential needs.
The system is also compatible with Europe’s All-purpose Structured EUROCONTROL Surveillance Information Exchange and UK’s Sensing for Asset Protection with Integrated Electronic Networked Technology open-standard communication protocols.
Sensors and effectors
Sky Warden can be integrated with a wide variety of radar systems from established suppliers, including SAAB and RADA, as well as electro-optical systems and radio frequency localisers.
It supports multiple effectors such as the CILAS HELMA‑P high‑energy laser, omnidirectional and directional jammers, MBDA hit‑to‑kill drone interceptors and Mistral 3 missiles.
At Farnborough International Airshow in July 2024, MBDA and Fortem Technologies showcased a new effector concept for Sky Warden, demonstrating integration of Fortem’s DroneHunter® technology within the system.
A notable element of this collaboration is a new ground‑launched anti‑air munition intended to defeat Class 1 and selected smaller Class 2 uncrewed aircraft systems, along with loitering munitions. The munition carries its own warhead, allowing rapid deployment on a drone‑based platform in operational settings.
Sky Warden mission capabilities
Sky Warden is intended to protect fixed facilities, mobile or static high‑value assets, deployed troops and ground‑based air defence units. It can be delivered as a containerised, transportable package or fully integrated onto a vehicle platform.
The system provides a detailed operational picture by combining local air surveillance data from onboard radars and complementary sensors with the wider Sky Warden command-and-control network.
Sky Warden can also be networked with other medium‑range air defence solutions such as VL MICA or CAMM‑ER missile systems and connected to higher‑level command-and-control structures through tactical data links such as the Joint Range Extension Applications Protocol (JREAP-C) to support seamless information sharing.
The system conducts threat assessment and prioritisation, manages engagements and weapon allocation in accordance with defined rules and policies, and assigns the most appropriate effector to each target.
Orders and deliveries
In November 2025, MBDA secured its first international contract with a Middle Eastern country for the supply of the Sky Warden counter‑UAV system.
