Aerial Drones & UAV Systems
UAVs, loitering munitions and the systems that fly them — from tactical quadcopters to long-endurance platforms.
MALE drones become multi-mission platforms: new capabilities for General Atomics' MQ-9B
From pure reconnaissance asset to multi-mission platform: at “DroneVation & Defence 2026”, General Atomics Europe showed how MALE drones are changing. Tests with a Saab radar and 70-millimetre rockets are under way on the MQ-9B.
Drone testing in Romania: army opens training areas to private companies
Romania's Land Forces are inviting companies onto their firing ranges in September and October. The drone testing will focus on drones and counter-UAS systems under near-combat conditions – following the American model.
Long-range drone Dovbush T40: Ukraine clears system with a range reaching Siberia
More than 2,000 kilometres of range, over 24 hours in the air: Ukraine's Ministry of Defence has codified the Dovbush T40 long-range drone. It was developed from experience with the smaller T20.
MQ-9 Reaper: Iran war costs US forces around a quarter of their fleet
Shoot-downs and lost links: according to the Washington Post, the USA has lost at least 45 MQ-9 Reapers in the Iran war. The losses hit stocks that were already shrinking – and come amid a planned overhaul of the fleet.
Geran drones with jet propulsion: Russia turns to faster Geran-4 and Geran-5 against Ukraine
Up to 600 km/h, up to 90 kilograms of explosives, video partly via satellite: Russia is switching production of its Geran drones to the new Types 4 and 5. Ukraine is responding with faster interceptor drones.
Maritime surveillance with the AR5: Portuguese Air Force procures Tekever unmanned system
A budget ceiling of around 7.8 million euros, delivery in September, training in two phases: the Portuguese Air Force will rely on the Tekever AR5 for maritime surveillance. Quantity and contract value remain undisclosed.
Drone swarms in urban operations: NIKE-ROBComm networks drones and ground robots
The research project NIKE-ROBComm aimed to develop robust, autonomous communication and navigation for drone and robot swarms in urban environments. Project manager Christian Raffelsberger talks about goals, challenges and possible military applications.
Portuguese Air Force receives Tekever AR5 with ground station and training
In unmanned systems news, the Tekever AR5 is to be handed over to the Portuguese Air Force as early as September. Besides the platforms, the contract covers the ground control station, the ATLAS mission system and operator training – for maritime surveillance, wildfire fighting and coastal security.
Interceptor drones of the next generation: Spys, Skyron 400, P1-Sun Jet Killer and Sting
Whether Spys from WIY Drones, Skyron 400 from Quantum Systems or Skyfall's Jet Killer version: new interceptor drones are getting faster and climbing higher. An overview of projects in development and systems already flying.
Kizilelma: production version S2 fires live from its internal weapons bay for the first time in Çorlu
Roketsan's Teber-82 and Aselsan's Tolun scored direct hits: Baykar has integrated the internal weapons bay on the Kizilelma. The unmanned combat aircraft is meant to penetrate dense air defences as a result.
Reconnaissance drones versus FPV interceptors: how the Vector from Quantum Systems takes evasive action
A Russian Telegram channel spotted a sensor on the tail of the Vector, prompting Quantum Systems to disclose details on LinkedIn: camouflage paint, a thermal camera and autonomous evasive manoeuvres are meant to protect reconnaissance drones from interceptors.
Counter-drone defence and drone operations: Kazakhstan's armed forces adapt their training
Exercises in electronic defence, communications protection and counter-drone defence: Kazakhstan is drawing on the lessons from Ukraine. Cadets are also to learn how to handle unmanned systems more intensively.
Drone cage in Munich: University of the Bundeswehr opens facility for flight tests
40 metres wide, 20 metres high and deep: the new drone cage at the University of the Bundeswehr Munich is to be used to research swarms, counter-UAS and flights under GNSS interference.