NATO, Ukraine test countermeasures against Russian glide bombs, plan deployment this year

As part of the NATO Innovation Challenge, three defense tech startups—Alta Ares, Atreyd, and Tytan—collaborated to develop a multi-tiered protection system, according to Defense Express. Their work targets not only Russian guided glide bombs (commonly referred to as KABs, including FABs with UMPK modules) but also other threats such as Shahed-type 'kamikaze' drones.

Testing took place under the coordination of a NATO-led coalition, which included Allied Command Transformation, the Joint Analysis and Lessons Learned Centre, France’s defense procurement agency (DGA), and representatives from Ukraine’s Defense Ministry and Armed Forces. The systems were tested at a DGA range under complex battlefield conditions, simulating both real and dummy targets.

Alta Ares demonstrated an early-warning detection and trajectory prediction system for glide bombs. Atreyd and Tytan showcased drone-based interception solutions—one featuring air-defense drones, and the other relying on swarming kamikaze drones to create a “drone wall.”

According to NATO’s press office, the tests validated the effectiveness of a layered defense strategy and outlined specific areas for improvement. The participating companies have been tasked with refining their systems, with the most critical upgrades expected in the coming weeks and months. Some elements of the solution are already being prepared for deployment.

Ukraine’s delegation confirmed plans to begin fielding parts of this defense architecture by late 2025. The ability to intercept Russian glide bombs is seen as urgent, as these weapons allow enemy aircraft to strike Ukrainian positions from beyond the range of standard air defenses.

Successfully neutralizing KABs could save lives and strengthen defensive lines, addressing one of the most pressing threats on the modern battlefield.