Why AiSS Intelligence, Why Now?
The desire for peace must be matched by credible defence. As AI and autonomous systems reshape the contest between the Drone Spear and the Drone Shield, this Editor’s Note sets out why AiSS Intelligence exists and how it will examine operational effectiveness and limits, industrial sustainability, and human judgement and accountability.
The Drone–Counter-Drone Race Enters a New Phase
The drone–counter-drone race is entering a new phase. Faster attack drones, layered sensors, interceptor drones and directed-energy weapons are reshaping the future architecture of modern air defence.
From Stand-Alone Systems to a Counter-Drone Network
Counter‑drone defence is shifting from individual weapons to interoperable networks of sensors, command‑and‑control systems and layered response architectures. Through NATO’s training and procurement practices, we examine how integration, AI‑enabled sensor fusion and resilience are emerging as decisive sources of competitive advantage.
From Cheap Drones to Autonomous Strike Networks
Attack drones are evolving from low-cost, remotely piloted weapons into distributed strike systems combining autonomy, mass production, long range and high speed. This analysis examines how software, production capacity and operational scale together shape the competitive strength of the Drone Spear, and the resulting challenges for defence and accountability.
From Detection to Decision: AI Moves to the Edge
The focus of sensor competition is shifting from detection performance to the speed and reliability of decision-making. This analysis examines how AI-enabled sensor fusion and edge processing improve threat classification and shorten response times, while preserving human judgement and accountability.
From Prototype to Production: The Counter-Drone Industry Scales Up
The counter-drone industry is moving beyond prototypes and demonstrations towards mass production, rapid integration and local manufacturing. Drawing on developments in lasers, interceptor drones and compact radars, this analysis examines how production scale, cost per successful engagement and supply-chain resilience shape industrial competitiveness and deterrence.
Drone Warfare Moves from the Battlefield to Defence Policy
Drone warfare is moving beyond battlefield technology to reshape procurement, training, industry, military organisation and rules of engagement. Examining policy developments across NATO, the European Union and the United States, this analysis explores how the institutional capacity to translate innovation into production, operational capability, interoperability and legal authority will determine future advantage.
What to Watch This Week
Five developments to watch: the spread of jet-powered drones and possible Russia–North Korea technology transfers, U.S. autonomous warfare organisation, NATO’s rapid adoption efforts, threats to civilian shipping and consolidation in the counter-drone industry. This briefing identifies the evidence to follow and its strategic significance.