Invariant Corporation has completed a live-fire demonstration of its Surface-to-Air Kinetic Engagement (STAKE) system, successfully intercepting unmanned aerial targets from a moving naval vessel using the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS).
The test is part of an ongoing effort to adapti kinetic counter-UAS capabilities to maritime operations, where dynamic conditions, alongside size, weight and power constraints, pose significant challenges to secure ships against drone threats.
The demonstration involved full integration of STAKE onto a naval platform, with engagement taking place while the ship was in motion, an important factor in evaluating real-world operational viability. The system was able to identify and neutralize threat-representative targets, suggesting potential for broader applications in naval defense scenarios.
While STAKE has previously been demonstrated on land-based platforms, this marks the first public demonstration of the system operating at sea with APKWS integration. APKWS, a precision-guided munition developed by BAE Systems, has seen increased interest in counter-drone roles due to its precision and relatively low cost compared to other missile systems.
Invariant, based in Huntsville, Alabama, specializes in software engineering and defense system integration. Company representatives say the test validates STAKE’s readiness for maritime deployment, though details on procurement plans or end users were not disclosed.
Post Image – The land-based variant of the STAKE counter-UAS system (Post Image Credit: Invariant)
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