Jürgen Zacharias
Editor-in-Chief
Jürgen Zacharias is editor-in-chief of Unmanned Magazine and Militär Aktuell. What fascinates him most about military topics is the blend of technology, strategy and geomilitary developments. “And we try to present this mix to our readers in a readable way, with a balance of closeness and distance and with quality in text and images.”
All stories — Page 2 of 325 stories
Ukrainian drone pilots on Gotland: NATO exercise again exposes the alliance's weaknesses
On the Swedish Baltic island of Gotland, NATO simulated an attack – and Ukrainian drone pilots put Swedish units out of action so often that training stalled. What Sweden's Chief of Defence concludes from it.
FPV drones in the Austrian Armed Forces: the lessons training aims to draw from drone warfare
Two weeks to basic FPV skills, drone building within a few days: at the Theresian Military Academic Forum (TMAF) in Wiener Neustadt, speakers showed how the Theresian Military Academy intends to bring FPV drones into training.
Unmanned helicopter Proteus: Leonardo's British demonstrator takes off for the first time
Proteus has made its maiden flight in Cornwall. As an unmanned helicopter developed by Leonardo, it is to show the Royal Navy how autonomous aircraft can operate alongside crewed platforms – up to and including anti-submarine warfare.
Counter-drone defence and drones: what the Austrian Armed Forces need
In an interview, Brigadier Erich Weissenböck and Colonel Klaus Strutzmann of the Austrian Ministry of Defence talk about the growing importance of drones, the challenges of counter-drone defence and the long-term adjustments to Austrian air defence.
Combat-proven drones: “One month in Ukraine replaces ten years of NATO peace” – Primoco UAV
Czech manufacturer Primoco UAV SE is one of the few European drone companies whose systems have been used, refined and certified under real combat conditions. Founder Ladislav Semetkovský on lessons from Ukraine, why subsidies slow innovation and why only combat-proven drones count.
Counter-drone operations in Austria: the conditions under which the Bundesheer may intervene
The drone threat is growing, and with it the question of what the Bundesheer may do in counter-drone defence. The Ministry of Defence has published information on this: from airspace surveillance under the Military Powers Act to assistance missions for the Ministry of the Interior.
Reconnaissance drones to replace the DJI Mavic: Ukraine receives 1,000 units from domestic production
In the war in Ukraine, DJI tactical reconnaissance drones were long almost irreplaceable, and since 2023 China has restricted access to them. Now a first Ukrainian manufacturer has delivered 1,000 drones to the army – along with figures on frontline demand.
Drone logistics: Booxit shows transport platform for drones at GDELS test site in Bürglen
Stackable reusable boxes with sensors and a self-centring adapter: at the GDELS Mobility Day, Austrian start-up Booxit presented its concept for drone logistics all the way to the front line.
Border surveillance from space and air: TRL combines satellite, drones and AI into one system
A microsatellite, two drones and a cloud platform: at IDET in Brno, TRL Space, TRL Drones, Zaitra and Corac Engineering show a border surveillance solution that became operational in seven months and already has its first customer.
Loitering munition for the Bundeswehr: Helsing and Stark to supply test systems
Test first, then procure at scale: the Bundeswehr plans to trial loitering munitions from at least two suppliers. Under discussion are Helsing with the HX-2 and Stark – two companies with a surprising personal connection.
Underwater drone Blue Whale: German Navy aims to introduce IAI and Atlas Elektronik system quickly
After successful trials, Chief of the German Navy Jan Christian Kaack calls Blue Whale the “first choice”. The underwater drone could initially arrive in small numbers – but Kaack criticises processes that slow down new technology.
Drone training in the Bundesheer: Army school in Wiener Neustadt trains dozens of drone operators
Even before the first tactical drones arrive at the end of the year, the Bundesheer's drone training is under way: at Flugfeld West, around 20 soldiers learn theory, law and flying practice – the nucleus for several hundred operators.