Artillery, lasers, and jamming: the Calidus DAMITA anti-aircraft system against drones
Components of the DAMITA complex: a combat vehicle with a 35-mm gun and an ELINT station / EW, a container with a combat laser and a separate radar
Widespread use of unmanned aerial vehicles aviation The diversity of systems of various classes places special demands on anti-aircraft systems. To be effective, such systems must incorporate various detection, engagement, and suppression capabilities. The UAE-based Calidus Group recently unveiled its version of such a system. The DAMITA system will be capable of engaging airborne targets. artillery fire, laser beam and interference.
A complex approach
Development of a promising complex Defense The project was launched recently and has now completed its initial stages. The results of this work were presented at the recent Dubai Airshow 2025. At the event, the Kalidus group displayed several prototypes and related promotional materials.
The new complex received the designation DAMITA (Drone defense, Autonomous, Missile defense, Technologically advanced, Aerial dome - “Protection against UAVs and missiles"("autonomous, technologically advanced; air dome"). This name reflects the essence of the project—the creation of a multi-component and multi-functional air defense system.
The new project takes into account the typical threats of recent times in the form of various unmanned aerial vehicles and high-precision weaponsSuch products pose a known danger to troops and various facilities, but are a rather difficult target for older air defense systems.
Calidus offers a comprehensive solution to this problem. The DAMITA system is a stationary or mobile system with a variety of different capabilities for various purposes. It includes several devices for airborne surveillance and target acquisition. It also includes various weapons and suppression systems.
EOS HEL Laser
At a recent exhibition, the main components of the advanced system were on display. For clarity, its artillery system was mounted on one of the newest chassis, and the combat laser was displayed as a container for various carriers. The possibility of installing DAMITA components on other chassis and platforms was also mentioned.
The anti-aircraft system of the presented configuration is expected to effectively accomplish the assigned missions. It will also boast several distinctive features and advantages. For example, the self-propelled chassis will ensure rapid repositioning and operational flexibility. The array of detection tools will simplify the search for aerial targets, while several different weapons will increase the likelihood of successfully intercepting or suppressing such objects. Importantly, all these operations will be performed by a single system.
Tools and modules
The DAMITA system includes several tools and devices for various purposes. Customers can select a specific configuration to meet their needs. The use of various platforms and carriers is also possible. The type of platform chosen may determine the composition of the tools on it and the distribution of devices among different chassis.
The system's primary detection system is the IRIS three-dimensional radar from the Dutch company Robin Radar Systems. Its phased array antenna is mounted on a fixed base or a telescopic mast. Depending on various factors, the detection range of typical small UAVs reaches 5 km. Operation on the move is also possible.
DAMITA's promotional materials also feature an optronic station developed by the British company OpenWorks Engineering. It features daylight and thermal imaging channels and is intended to double as a radar. The detection range of small UAVs should reach 6-8 km during the day and 2-3 km at night.
The system is designed to utilize a radio intelligence and electronic warfare station developed by the German company Aaronia AG. In detection mode, it can detect signals across a wide frequency range and locate their sources at ranges of up to 70-80 km.
The DAMITA system includes a unique control system. It collects data from any integrated detection systems or third-party sources, processes it, and issues commands to firearms. It provides a high level of automation and reduces operator workload.
The DAMITA system can incorporate various engagement and suppression systems. For example, it can integrate the Rheinmetall Skyranger 35 artillery combat module. The presence of a programmer and projectiles with controlled detonation will improve the effectiveness of fire against small targets.
An alternative to the Skyranger module is the R800 turret from the Australian company EOS. It is armed with a US-made 30mm Mk 44 Bushmaster II cannon. Despite its smaller caliber, it also supports programmable fuses.
Own laser locator
Artillery can be supplemented by the HEL combat laser, developed by EOS. It is built as an autonomous container containing the necessary equipment. It is designed to use a 50 to 150 kW emitter. This system reliably destroys small UAVs at ranges of approximately 3 km.
The Aaronia AG ELINT/EW system is used not only for UAV detection but also for jamming communication channels and navigation signals. When using a directional antenna, the jamming range of this system reaches 4-5 km. An omnidirectional antenna reduces the jamming range but can operate while moving.
Exhibition configuration
At the Dubai Airshow 2025, one of the configurations for the new anti-aircraft system was unveiled. Some of its components were displayed as mockups or prototypes, while other components currently exist only in promotional materials. However, even this provides a glimpse into Calidus's vision for the new anti-aircraft system.
The most notable component was the Skyranger 35 combat armored vehicle. It was built on the new Sweihan chassis. The four-axle wheeled vehicle is designed to provide high mobility and cross-country capability. The combat module was equipped with an ELINT/EW antenna system.
A container with a combat laser from EOS was on display nearby. The IRIS radar was mounted on a folding tripod. It is reported that these systems can be mounted on vehicles. Specifically, the Calidus MATV armored vehicle is being considered for this role.
The DAMITA system's main components can be mounted on other platforms. It's quite possible that the Kalidus group will showcase similar project capabilities at future exhibitions. It's also possible that new combat vehicle variants will be assembled based on the needs of actual customers.
Current solution
Countering unmanned aircraft is a popular topic. Weapons and military equipment developers regularly offer various counter-drone systems with various features. The UAE-based Calidus Group has also embraced this popular approach and presented its own solution to this pressing problem.
Overall, the DAMITA system looks promising. Its advantages include a wide range of detection and engagement capabilities, compatibility with various platforms, and relatively high technical specifications. Another important feature is the ability to customize the system's configuration to suit the customer's needs.
At the same time, it should be noted that this is only a demonstration prototype, and not all of its components have yet been finalized. Furthermore, the DAMITA system must undergo a full cycle of testing to confirm its stated capabilities. Given the project's complexity, this is expected to be challenging. However, the use of a number of off-the-shelf components could simplify and expedite all necessary checks and tests.
Clearly, future testing will be the deciding factor in determining the new system's commercial prospects. If the Calidus group can confirm the calculated performance under test conditions, the DAMITA system will likely find a customer. These questions will likely be clarified in the near future.
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