Leonardo DRS Software Upgrade Lets SGT STOUT Defeat Small Drone Swarms

Leonardo DRS Software Upgrade Lets SGT STOUT Defeat Small Drone Swarms

Image: Leonardo DRS ©

Leonardo DRS confirmed its SGT STOUT M-SHORAD Mission Equipment Package (MEP) defeated Group 1-2 small unmanned aircraft system threats during a recent US Government test event, according to a company statement. The result shows the system can adapt to emerging air threats without new hardware.

Software, Not Hardware, Drives the Upgrade

Engineers achieved the expanded capability solely through updates to detection and fire control software. SGT STOUT originally targeted larger Group 3 and above UAS, alongside fixed-wing and rotary-wing threats. The test event proved the same modular MEP can now counter smaller, harder-to-detect drones too.

“SGT STOUT was engineered from the start for modernisation, so capability can evolve as the threat evolves,” commented Aaron Hankins, senior vice president and general manager of Leonardo DRS Land Systems. He added that the milestone “highlights an upgrade path that emphasises speed, safety, cybersecurity-by-design, and operational interoperability.”

Formation-Based Air Defence

Several hundred SGT STOUT systems are already fielded, giving the US Army an established baseline for readiness, training, and sustainment. The system supports formation-based air defence, integrating sensing, cueing, and engagement to protect manoeuvre forces, rather than serving purely as point defence.

Modular Architecture Enables Rapid Integration

The MEP’s platform-portable, modular interfaces allow rapid integration of passive detection options, AI-enabled decision aids, edge computing, and new effectors as requirements evolve. Several proven capabilities could reach fielded systems as near-term enhancements.

Leonardo DRS draws on lessons from its prime role on the Mobile Low, Slow UAS Integrated Defeat System programme to continue developing scalable, software-driven counter-UAS solutions for next-generation air defence requirements.

Learn more on Leonardo DRS’ website

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