A new 60-centimeter anti-drone missile, described as the world’s smallest guided missile, highlights how modern warfare is rapidly adapting to the growing drone threat. The system combines low-cost missile technology with modular deployment, allowing it to be quickly installed on ships or fixed locations without major modifications.
European militaries are increasingly concerned about inexpensive drones used for surveillance and explosive attacks. Conflicts such as the war in Ukraine have shown how cheap unmanned systems can overwhelm traditional air defenses that rely on expensive interceptors.
The missile is designed for mass production using commercially available components and is optimized for short-range air defense. Its developers claim it can be produced far faster and at a fraction of the cost of conventional systems.
With successful live-fire tests already completed, the project reflects a broader shift in defense strategy — focusing on speed, scale, and affordability to counter the evolving realities of drone-dominated battlefields.