Aerial Drones & UAV Systems
UAVs, loitering munitions and the systems that fly them — from tactical quadcopters to long-endurance platforms.
Drone swarm via optical fibre: Russia develops the Cerberus system
Six to twelve multicopter drones linked by fibre-optic cable and controlled by a single person with the help of artificial intelligence: Russian developers are working on a drone swarm called Cerberus. A prototype is to be shown at the “Army-2025” forum.
Combat drone Bayraktar TB3 drops bombs for the first time: Baykar tests MAM-T
After take-off and landing on a short-runway aircraft carrier comes the next step: the Bayraktar TB3 combat drone has hit its target with a precision-guided MAM-T bomb. This marks the start of munitions integration testing.
F-35 drone control: Lockheed Martin lets the fighter command drones
With its stealth characteristics, extensive networking and state-of-the-art sensors, Lockheed Martin's F-35 is regarded as the combat aircraft of the future. An AI-supported interface now also enables drone control directly from the cockpit of the F-35 and the F-22.
Drone manufacturer Schiebel: new RPAS contract with EMSA for the Camcopter S-100
Since 2018, the Camcopter S-100 has been monitoring Europe's coasts, ship emissions and oil slicks for EMSA. Now the drone manufacturer Schiebel has received a further service contract – with a term of up to four years.
Drone technology and middleware: Quantum Systems and Blackned network unmanned systems
Multi-sensor drones on one side, tactical communication middleware on the other: Quantum Systems and Blackned are combining their drone technology to transmit data securely and across domains in combat environments.
Combat drone Bayraktar Kizilelma: Baykar reports another successful flight test
With a new afterburning engine, close to the speed of sound: the prototype of the Bayraktar Kizilelma combat drone has passed another flight test. It is to become Türkiye's first unmanned fighter jet – including on board the “TCG Anadolu”.
Unmanned systems against submarines: Schiebel contributes the S-300 to the EU project SEACURE
The European Defence Fund has approved funding for unmanned systems in anti-submarine warfare. Schiebel is on board – in the Thales-led SEACURE consortium, with the new Camcopter S-300 as its aircraft.
Military drones as escorts: France’s combat helicopters test the “dronisation of air combat”
Manned helicopters remain central on the battlefield, says French Army chief Pierre Schill. The 3rd RHC is therefore linking them with military drones – from FPV flights out of the Gazelle to a drone wingman meant to become reality by 2040.
Attack drones from Iran: Rezvan comes in a container, Raad is already following
Tasnim News Agency has presented Rezvan, a new Iranian attack drone; 1,000 units are to be delivered to the troops soon. The simpler Raad model was also seen in flight during an IRGC exercise. Attack drones remain a high priority in Iran.
FPV drones: Russian manual attributes up to 70 per cent of losses to Ukrainian drones
How dangerous are FPV drones for Russia’s troops? A new manual of the Russian armed forces gives a drastic estimate, weighs up the weapon’s strengths and weaknesses and lists countermeasures for units and individual soldiers.
Reconnaissance drones for Poland: Warsaw buys three MQ-9B SkyGuardian from General Atomics
After leasing MQ-9A Reapers since 2022, Poland is now turning to reconnaissance drones of its own: three MQ-9B SkyGuardian and two ground control stations go to the Ministry of National Defence. The country joins a growing list of customers.
Military drones in the Ukraine war: twelve lessons from a study for the Australian Army Research Centre
What does the war in Ukraine teach about military drones? Oleksandra Molloy of the University of New South Wales has compiled twelve findings – from small drones and cost advantages to innovation cycles and pilot training.
Drone manufacturer Schiebel supplies Camcopter S-100 to Chile’s Carabineros
For the first time, a police force in Latin America is relying on the Camcopter S-100: the Carabineros de Chile have bought the system from drone manufacturer Schiebel. It is to be used mainly in the hard-to-reach Araucanía region.