Germany Unveils World’s First Budget Active Protection System to Kill FPV Drones

German defense company Mehler Protection has introduced SCILT, the world’s first Active Protection System (APS) designed exclusively to intercept unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

According to Defense Express on February 24, the system is specifically engineered to counter FPV drones, loitering munitions, and other attack drones that have become a primary threat on the modern battlefield.

The SCILT system utilizes a simplified design intended for mass production and low-cost integration. The system differs from traditional APS units—which typically rely on expensive radar stations—by using optical sensors.

At the Enforce Tac 2026 defense exhibition, the units were displayed with dual-camera blocks that determine the distance to a target by merging two images.

Key technical details of the SCILT system include:

• Interceptors: instead of specialized missiles, the system fires standard 12-gauge shotgun shells with various payloads;

• Detection: optical cameras replace costly radar, significantly reducing the price per unit;

• Versatility: the modular blocks can be installed on a wide range of vehicles, from unarmored pickups to main battle tanks and APCs;

• Operation: currently, the system is semi-automatic; it detects and tracks threats but requires a manual command from the crew to fire. A fully autonomous mode is planned for future updates.

The developer reports that SCILT has been in development for 18 months, during which time it underwent 48 separate testing campaigns. According to Defense Express, the blocks are positioned around the perimeter of a vehicle at various angles to provide 360-degree coverage, including protection from top-down “plunging” attacks.

While established APS systems like the Israeli Iron Fist have recently added anti-drone capabilities, they remain primarily focused on intercepting anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs). The SCILT system is unique in its singular focus on the drone threat.

According to Defense Express, the first version of SCILT is scheduled to enter the market in the summer of 2026. Experts cited by the outlet suggest that the system’s low cost and simplicity could make it a viable solution for large-scale deployment in high-intensity war zones, such as Ukraine, where drones currently account for a high percentage of armored vehicle losses.

Earlier, on February 20, Germany was reported to be assessing several unmanned aerial vehicles—including the MQ-29 Ghost Bat and the XQ-58A Valkyrie—for a future unmanned fighter-bomber program. Berlin aims to develop a drone capable of operating alongside manned aircraft and carrying out strike missions, with initial operational capability targeted for 2029.

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