Germany will transfer 12 of the latest Kinetic Defence Vehicle (KDV) anti-drone defense systems to Ukraine, which are capable of detecting and destroying drones at a distance of up to 1.4 kilometers without unmasking their positions. This is reported by Defence Express.
The KDV system, developed by Diehl Defence and first introduced in February 2024, is a multifunctional platform on the Enok MBB chassis. It is equipped with advanced target detection technologies, including an optical-location station with a circular view, an EchoGuard radar and an Slinger combat module from the Australian company EOS with a 7.62 mm machine gun.
A feature of the KDV is the ability to passively detect targets, which allows the system to remain unnoticed during operation. It effectively counters various types of drones, including the Phantom 4 and Matrice 600, and can be easily adapted to the customer's needs by installing additional weapons or changing the chassis.
The KDV transfer will take place within the framework of a new military assistance package from Germany, which also includes IRIS-T SLS/SLM air defense systems, Patriot missiles, Leopard tanks and artillery ammunition.
This system has already proven its effectiveness in the fight against drones and the protection of critical infrastructure, which makes it an important addition to Ukraine's defense potential against the aggressor state of the Russian Federation.