HENSOLDT Equips Bundeswehr's ASUL with New Kinetic Anti-Drone Defences

Hensoltd has expanded the ASUL (Abwehrsystem gegen unbemannte Luftfahrzeuge) counter-UAS (C-UAS) system used by the German Armed Forces to include kinetic countermeasures, substantially strengthening its ability to defeat small unmanned aerial systems that are resistant to non-kinetic defeat methods. This development responds to evolving operational requirements in drone defence and marks a notable capability differentiation in modular C-UAS architectures.

Modular integration expands engagement options
The ASUL platform, in operational use since 2022, is designed as a modular, scalable counter-small UAS solution that unifies a mix of complementary sensors and effectors for real-time detection, classification, identification and engagement of unmanned aerial threats. Its architecture incorporates active and passive radar systems, electro-optical sensors and a range of both electronic and physical countermeasures into a single interoperable system. The core command-and-control software, Elysion Mission Core, applies AI-supported algorithms to fuse multi-sensor data and provide robust decision support for operators, including integration with other networked C-UAS and air defence systems.

Until the latest enhancement, ASUL’s effectors were limited to so-called “soft-kill” measures — methods that disrupt or neutralise an unmanned system without direct physical engagement. The new upgrade integrates a remote weapon station from Kongsberg, containerised for rapid deployment and adapted to employ weapons already in service with the Bundeswehr. This kinetic layer enables direct physical engagement against drones, including those hardened against electronic or other soft-kill effects, thus broadening the tactical envelope of the system in contested environments. A dedicated command container fosters coordinated operation between commanders, Elysion operators and weapon station crews.

Operational relevance and competitive positioning
The integration of kinetic countermeasures into ASUL differentiates the system from many C-UAS solutions that rely solely on electronic warfare or net/guided interceptors by offering a flexible mix of engagement methods within a unified C2 framework. This layered approach enhances effectiveness against diverse threat profiles, especially where drones exhibit resistance to singular defeat techniques. The ability to tailor effector configurations to specific threat scenarios allows for scalability over larger areas and more complex operational conditions.

ASUL’s ongoing evolution, built on operational experience since its introduction to service and successive sensor upgrades including the latest SPEXER radar generation, reflects a broader industry shift toward hybridised C-UAS architectures that balance detection, tracking, and engagement across kinetic and non-kinetic domains. By integrating multi-domain sensing with both soft and hard kill options under a common mission core, HENSOLDT positions ASUL as a robust option for militaries seeking adaptable and networked drone defence capabilities.

Context of use and future capability growth
The Bundeswehr’s commissioning of this enhancement through the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) underscores the priority accorded to drone defence in modern force protection and air defence strategies. Hensoltd continues to develop the modular ASUL system to meet emerging battlefield requirements, leveraging field experience and current technological innovations to deliver capability upgrades within responsive timelines.

By addressing gaps in current counter-UAS toolsets and integrating multi-effectors with sophisticated sensor fusion and decision support, the upgraded ASUL system provides a more resilient and comprehensive defensive posture against proliferating UAV threats.

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