Aerial Drones & UAV Systems
UAVs, loitering munitions and the systems that fly them — from tactical quadcopters to long-endurance platforms.
Camcopter S-100: Schiebel and MDA Space test IMSAR’s NSP radar in western Canada
For one week, trials in western Canada examined what IMSAR’s NSP radar adds to the Camcopter S-100 in reconnaissance. Schiebel reports radar imagery and target tracking at more than 100 nautical miles – by day, by night and in difficult weather.
Peklo missile drone: Ukroboronprom hands over first batch to the Armed Forces of Ukraine
A range of around 700 kilometres, a speed of around 700 km/h and an engine mounted openly above the tail: with the Peklo missile drone, Ukraine signals a new stage in its long-range war against Russia. Many technical details remain classified.
HX-2 drone: Helsing presents software-based, swarm-capable precision drone
Mass, autonomy and precision in one system: with the HX-2 drone, Helsing aims to withstand jamming and complement artillery. Production is already under way in Germany, and the software is in use in Ukraine.
HitchHiker interceptor drone: first IronNet and Asterion product already in service in Ukraine
Shortly after the partnership was announced at the Bahrain International Airshow, the first joint product is already flying in Ukraine. The HitchHiker interceptor drone relies on electric propulsion, high speed and automatic guidance by Perimaster.
Watchkeeper Mk.1: British Armed Forces to retire drones as part of a savings programme
Fully operational only in 2018, now facing the axe: the United Kingdom wants to retire the Watchkeeper Mk.1. Behind the decision are a savings package of around 600 million euros as well as technical problems and cost overruns on the platform.
Loitering munition: interview with Donaustahl founder Stefan Thumann
Stefan Thumann is founder, managing director and chief designer of Donaustahl GmbH. With its Maus platform, the Lower Bavarian defence start-up is regarded as Germany's leading company in loitering munition and a major supporter of the Ukrainian armed forces.
MQ-9B for Canada: first two drones in production at General Atomics in San Diego
Canada ordered eleven MQ-9B long-range drones together with ground control stations in December 2023. According to the procurement agency, the project is progressing quickly: tests are scheduled for 2026, and delivery of the first systems is expected in 2028.
Bayraktar TB2 for Croatia: Baykar reports sale of six drones for 67 million euros
The contract was signed in Zagreb, but the exact timetable remains open: Croatia is receiving six Bayraktar TB2 including training. The Ministry of Defence has not said whether operations start at the end of 2025 or deliveries only begin in early 2026.
Bayraktar TB3 takes off from “TCG Anadolu”: Baykar reports take-off and landing on a short deck
46 minutes over the open sea, then a landing on the same short runway without landing aids: after the flight from the drone carrier “TCG Anadolu”, Baykar regards the Bayraktar TB3 as the world's first UCAV to achieve this on an aircraft carrier of this kind.
AI drones in series production: Ukrainian makers and Helsing bring autonomous strike drones to the front
Jam-resistant, cheap and in large numbers: according to the Wall Street Journal and Bild, AI drones in Ukraine are moving from trials to mass production. At the centre are Auterion's Skynode S module and 4,000 drones from Helsing.
Target drone Delta B-15 from Rheinmetall: Qinetiq completes first flight for the Bundeswehr
At the Todendorf training area, the Delta B15 has flown successfully for the first time as part of the Uncrewed Aerial Training Services (ATS). The Rheinmetall target drone is to support training of the Bundeswehr's ground-based air defence (GBAD).
Kamikaze drone Molniya-2: Russia reports use of upgraded plywood drone near Kharkiv
Two motors under the wings, plastic over the fuselage, electronics from China: the Molniya-2 kamikaze drone remains simply built. Russian sources cite a five to seven kilogram warhead and a range of up to 40 kilometres.
Military drone Integrator: Insitu adds P-LEO satellite control for up to 2,000 nautical miles
Controlled via satellites in proliferated low Earth orbit, the Integrator military drone from Boeing subsidiary Insitu is set to stay on mission for up to 27.5 hours – without occupying any of its six payload bays.