Weapons maker says it's seeing surging European interest in new kits that turn machine guns into drone-killers

"European militaries are showing growing interest in a technology that turns standard service rifles into last-resort drone killers, an Israeli weapons maker says, as countries look for cheaper ways to counter the surge in uncrewed systems. A representative of firearms manufacturer Israel Weapon Industries told Business Insider that at least 10 European countries have either purchased or shown interest in the Arbel system, a micro-computer intended to better optimize a gun for shooting down drones, since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in 2022."

"IWI said that its Arbel system is already in use with an undisclosed number of militaries around the world, said Semion, the head of Europe for the company, who requested to be identified only by his first name for security reasons. He said that by next year, given current trends, he expects that 40 to 50% of European countries will either have procured the Arbel system or be close to doing so, reflecting growing investment in cost-efficient anti-drone defenses across the continent."

At least 10 European countries have purchased or shown interest in the Arbel mini-computer for rifles since Russia's 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The Arbel is a micro-computer designed to optimize service rifles for shooting down drones as a last-resort countermeasure. IWI reports the system is already in use by an undisclosed number of militaries worldwide and declined to name buyers. Company representative Semion expects 40–50% of European countries to have procured or be close to procuring Arbel by next year. European interest reflects growing investment in cost-efficient anti-drone defenses amid the rise of uncrewed systems on the battlefield.

Read at Business Insider