Aerial Drones & UAV Systems
UAVs, loitering munitions and the systems that fly them — from tactical quadcopters to long-endurance platforms.
GPS-free navigation: dForce Technologies makes small drones autonomous through software
With Force AI, Austrian start-up dForce Technologies aims to give low-cost small drones GPS-free navigation – a capability so far reserved for large, expensive systems. No additional hardware is to be required.
Mine countermeasures from the air: Belgian Navy trains with Saab's Skeldar V-200 drone
The first training flights at Ursel are complete: Belgium is preparing Saab's Skeldar V-200 unmanned helicopter for mine countermeasures. Up to ten systems are to supplement the new mine countermeasures vessels.
Kizilelma formation flight: two prototypes fly together autonomously for the first time
After the reported BVR kill, Baykar has reached the next milestone: at Çorlu, two Kizilelma prototypes operated in the same airspace simultaneously for the first time – led by an autonomous “Combat Pilot”.
Fibre-optic drone with 65-kilometre cable: Ushkuynik reports record range for “Prince Vandal”
Cast spool, single circuit board, remote detonation: after 18 months at the front, Ushkuynik has fundamentally revised its fibre-optic drone “Prince Vandal of Novgorod”. How far the cable will reach in future remains open.
Reconnaissance drones: Netherlands armed forces team up with Zephro on further development
Shortly before Christmas, the Netherlands signed a new industrial partnership: Zephro is to improve existing reconnaissance drones together with the drone task force. The contract is part of a series of Dutch drone initiatives.
Reconnaissance drone Molniya-2R: Russia flies with Windows 11 and Starlink
Raspberry Pi, Chinese mini PC, mail-order gimbal camera: a Russian reconnaissance drone captured in Ukraine shows how far the COTS approach goes – and why costs stay well below 10,000 euros.
Unmanned combat aircraft for the RAAF: Australia procures MQ-28A Ghost Bat from Boeing
Around 860 million euros go to Boeing Defence Australia: with the Ghost Bat, Australia relies on unmanned combat aircraft teamed with the F-35 and others. Analysts expect a boost for domestic industry – and possibly US interest.
V-BAT for the Sakura class: Japan's navy receives first drones from Shield AI
The first delivery of V-BAT drones has arrived in Yokosuka. The vertical take-off drones are to supplement the new Sakura-class patrol vessels, with which the JMSDF intends to relieve destroyers and minesweepers of surveillance tasks.
Drone manufacturer Schiebel: Camcopter S-300 completes first test campaign in France
100 flight hours in a military test environment near Bordeaux: drone manufacturer Schiebel has tested the Camcopter S-300 in France for the first time. Compared with the S-100, the larger system is to offer more payload, range and endurance.
Drone industry: Anduril and Edge Group bet on Omen with joint venture
A joint plant in the UAE, access to the Lattice software and 50 Omen systems on pre-order: Edge and Anduril are joining forces. What the joint venture means for the drone industry in the Middle East.
Reconnaissance drone CH-7: China’s Caihong-7 stealth flying wing makes its first flight
Shortly after the Jiutian drone mothership, the Caihong-7 has also taken to the air: China reports the first flight of its stealth reconnaissance drone. It remains open whether the payload of up to two tonnes includes weapons.
Ukrainian drones made in Europe: Quantum Systems and Frontline Robotics found QFI
Combat-proven, soon series-produced in Europe: with Quantum Frontline Industries, Frontline Robotics and Quantum Systems are setting up a joint venture to manufacture Ukrainian drones industrially – all for the Ukrainian armed forces; the site is not disclosed.
Drone mothership Jiutian airborne: China’s giant reconnaissance and attack drone flies for the first time
16 tonnes take-off weight, eight external hardpoints and a modular container in the fuselage: China’s Jiutian drone mothership from AVIC has completed its first flight in Shaanxi province. An AI video featuring a drone swarm drew particular worldwide attention.