Counter-Drone System Approaches: Kongsberg, Rheinmetall, and Rafael Compared
European and allied counter-drone procurement involves three principal system philosophies, each reflecting different operational priorities. This analysis examines the approaches of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, Rheinmetall, and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.
Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace: Integrated Multi-Effector Systems
The Norwegian company’s counter-drone approach centres on system integration rather than individual effectors. The company provides command and control architecture designed to coordinate multiple weapon types against diverse threat profiles.
Poland’s €3.8 billion SAN programme, announced in January 2026, exemplifies this approach. The contract encompasses 35mm guns, 30mm guns, 12.7mm machine guns, missiles, and interceptor drones, unified through integrated command and control systems.
The operational rationale holds that different threat types—from commercial quadcopters to larger loitering munitions—require different response options. Kongsberg’s architecture enables operators to select appropriate effectors based on threat assessment.
Primary applications: Comprehensive national air defence modernisation programmes requiring multi-layered protection.
Rheinmetall: Kinetic Effector Systems
The German defence group emphasises kinetic defeat mechanisms, primarily through gun-based systems.
The Skyranger 30 system employs a 30mm revolver cannon with a rate of fire of 1,200 rounds per minute and an effective range of approximately 3 kilometres against aerial targets. The system uses air-burst programmable ammunition and integrates 360-degree radar coverage to 20 kilometres.
Rheinmetall also offers high-energy laser systems and missile integration options, though the company’s primary market position rests on gun-based solutions.
Primary applications: Point defence of fixed installations and mobile force protection where high-volume kinetic engagement is prioritised.
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems: Electronic Warfare and Soft Kill
The Israeli company’s Drone Dome system emphasises electronic warfare capabilities, including radio frequency jamming and, reportedly, GPS spoofing functions.
The system is designed to neutralise threats without kinetic engagement where possible, reducing collateral damage risk and ammunition expenditure. Rafael also offers hard-kill options including the Drone Dome Laser variant.
Primary applications: Urban environments, critical infrastructure protection, and scenarios where kinetic engagement presents collateral damage concerns.
Selection Considerations
Procurement decisions typically reflect specific threat assessments, operational environments, and integration requirements with existing air defence architectures. Cost per engagement, magazine depth, and escalation options vary significantly across approaches.