In the ever-evolving landscape of modern warfare, the longevity of conflicts has persisted throughout human history. However, the dawn of a new era marked by technological warfare is upon us. Recent events in Ukraine have shed light on the pivotal role of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in contemporary warfare. These developments emphasise that victory no longer hinges solely on the number of ground troops or soldiers’ morale but also on advanced weaponry that can secure dominance on the battlefield.
Countries across the globe, from established military giants to grassroots organisations, are actively engaged in the development of various UAS categories, including Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) drones, attack drones, and kamikaze drones. Among these, kamikaze drones have emerged as a particularly menacing threat, not only to military forces but also to civilian infrastructure, due to their agility and stealth. The conventional anti-drone (AD) and counter-UAV systems (CUAS), self-propelled anti-aircraft (SPAA) missiles, man-portable air-defence systems (MANPADS), and electronic warfare (EW) technologies have, until now, proven to be both ineffective and prohibitively costly.
For instance, the launch of a single SPAA missile carries a price tag ranging from approximately $89,600 – $168,000. Meanwhile, anti-drone rifles possess limited effective ranges and can only target specific types of drones. To effectively counter this growing threat, a dedicated anti-drone solution was desperately needed. Enter Karma, the world’s first anti-drone system meticulously crafted to confront the escalating menace posed by kamikaze drones — a challenge that conventional Counter-UAV systems have struggled to mitigate.
Karma boasts the capacity to intercept threats flying at speeds of up to 250 kmph and altitudes reaching up to five kilometres. In its search and scan mode, Karma can remain airborne for extended durations before autonomously navigating to a designated grid zone for target interception upon detecting an enemy UAV. Leveraging its cutting-edge detection system, Karma can efficiently locate and identify threats within a three kilometre radius. The system offers the flexibility of autonomous operation or direct control, which enhances operator efficiency while minimising the risk of errors thanks to state-of-the-art assist systems.
Furthermore, Karma is engineered to function both individually and as part of a swarm with similar drones, forming formidable attack groups capable of executing complex, multi-stage missions. With features such as a proprietary autopilot and navigation system, intelligent targeting capabilities, and a reliable fire control system for target elimination and hit confirmation, Karma represents an entirely novel and unparalleled weapon system, meeting the pressing needs of military forces worldwide.
From an economic standpoint, Karma has demonstrated itself to be a game-changer, proving to be a hundred times more efficient than any existing AD system.
This not only enhances military capabilities but also underlines the economic viability of this cutting-edge technology, with its production being driven by a cost-effective approach made possible through local manufacturing in the UAE.
In a world where technological warfare is reshaping the battlefield, Karma demonstrates the innovative prowess of the UAE, delivering a solution that not only addresses the urgent security concerns posed by kamikaze drones but also sets a new standard for cost-effective, locally-produced defence technology. As conflicts persist and evolve, Karma is poised to play a pivotal role in safeguarding nations against the ever-present threat of modern warfare.