Q&A ยท 2:12:28-2:13:03

A tiny drone still needs the mass and reach to stop a missile

A counter-drone proposal is tested against the energy, range, and engagement-distance requirements of missile defence.

Question

Could a few-kilogram drone be placed in the path of an approaching anti-ship missile as an interceptor?

Short answer

Such a small drone may lack the destructive force, reach, and numbers needed to stop the missile far enough from the ship.

Notes

Simply occupying the missile's path does not guarantee a useful kill. The interceptor has to damage a fast and often heavy weapon decisively enough to prevent it reaching the ship. It must also arrive at the correct point with sufficient warning and preferably destroy the threat at a safe distance. Purpose-built interceptors carry substantial mass and explosive force, exposing the limits hidden by the very small drone concept.