Korean Drone Interceptor Integrated into US Air Defense System
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama – A South Korean drone interceptor, KAiDEN, will be integrated into the EAGLS counter-UAS system developed by MSI Defense Solutions, the companies announced Monday at the Association of the United States Army Global Force Symposium. The partnership aims to bolster air defense capabilities against evolving drone threats, particularly for allied nations.
The memorandum of understanding signed between MSI Defense Solutions and Nearthlab, the South Korean firm behind KAiDEN, focuses on adding a “kinetic interception” capability to the existing EAGLS architecture. This means a physical engagement option – colliding with or disabling incoming drones – will be added alongside existing detection and tracking technologies.
“This integration provides a high-speed, hard-kill option,” MSI Defense Solutions stated, contrasting it with electronic warfare methods like jamming, which can be ineffective against certain drones. Autonomous drones operating without external signals or in contested environments may require physical interception.
The move reflects a growing international concern over the proliferation of unmanned aerial systems and the need for effective countermeasures. Eastern Europe, facing persistent drone threats, is specifically cited as a region of focus for the new system.
EAGLS is designed as a layered defense system, incorporating multiple sensors and interceptors. KAiDEN will add another layer, moving beyond simply identifying airborne threats to actively neutralizing them.
The companies highlighted the cost-effectiveness of using interceptor drones like KAiDEN as an alternative to more expensive missile-based systems, especially when dealing with smaller, lower-cost drones.
MSI Defense Solutions’ partnership with Nearthlab was announced at AUSA Global Force 2026, a key event for showcasing new technologies and fostering collaboration related to military modernization.
While the agreement establishes a framework for cooperation, it does not represent a finalized procurement contract. The companies have not yet announced a timeline for full integration or deployment of the combined system.