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Air defense systems are facing a growing challenge as threats become more diverse and complex. Modern forces must deal simultaneously with drones, cruise missiles, fighter aircraft and ballistic missiles, often arriving from different directions and at different altitudes. Traditional defense systems are often designed for specific threat types, making it difficult to maintain a unified defensive picture across multiple domains.
A new multi-layer air and missile defense concept, developed in France, called SkyDefender, aims to address this challenge by integrating sensors, intercept systems and command networks into a single architecture. The system is designed to monitor and defend against a wide range of airborne threats, from short-range drones to long-range ballistic missiles, across land, maritime and space environments.
According to Interesting Engineering, the architecture relies on a network of sensors and effectors coordinated through a centralized command-and-control platform known as SkyView. This system collects data from multiple sources, analyzes the information and distributes targeting instructions across the defense network. Its open and modular design allows the system to integrate with existing air defense infrastructure rather than replacing it.
Artificial intelligence plays a role in processing the large volumes of incoming sensor data. AI tools help identify potential threats, prioritize targets and support faster operational decisions. The system is also designed with cybersecurity features intended to protect the network against digital attacks targeting defense infrastructure.
For long-range threats, it relies on a combination of advanced radar and space-based sensors. SMART-L MM and UHF radar systems can detect objects at distances of up to 5,000 kilometers, providing early warning of aircraft or missile launches. Complementing these ground sensors are satellites equipped with infrared detectors that can identify missile launches from geostationary orbit. This combination allows operators to detect and track threats before they enter the range of conventional radar systems.
At shorter ranges, the system incorporates counter-drone and close-range protection capabilities through ForceShield, creating a protective layer against low-altitude and small targets.
Because the architecture is open and modular, it can integrate sensors and weapons from multiple manufacturers, including legacy systems already in service. This flexibility allows operators to adapt the system as threats evolve while maintaining interoperability with allied defense networks.
