Unmanned Systems Industry News
Contracts, partnerships, product launches and market moves from manufacturers and suppliers of unmanned systems.
MQ-9B as unmanned early warning platform: Saab and General Atomics work on joint UAEW solution
Swedish radar technology on an American drone: Saab and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems want to develop the MQ-9B into an unmanned airborne early warning platform. A first flight of an AEW version is planned from 2026.
Unmanned systems technology: Quantum Systems' Mosaic UXS software suite unites platforms from several vendors
One operator, many platforms: Quantum Systems presents Mosaic UXS, a command-and-control solution in unmanned systems technology to control its own and third-party drones and unmanned ground and maritime platforms together – without vendors disclosing their intellectual property.
Patria and ACC Innovation sign cooperation on military drone based on Thunder Wasp GT
A heavy quadcopter from Sweden is to receive a military variant. Patria contributes its experience in unmanned systems and operations, ACC Innovation the platform – the first phase of a new partnership for a military drone.
Counter-UAS: Hensoldt expands ASUL on behalf of the Bundeswehr
Operational experience and new technology are being incorporated into an upgrade of the Bundeswehr's ASUL system. Hensoldt has received the contract for expanding the counter-UAS system, and further upgrade stages are already planned.
Quantum Systems funding round raises 160 million euros – Balderton Capital leads
Fresh capital for Quantum Systems: alongside existing backers, Hensoldt and Airbus Defence and Space are among the investors in the funding round. The money is to go into expansion, production, drone systems, software and AI.
Counter-drone defence in focus: “DroneVation & Defence” symposium premieres in Vienna
Expert talks, panel discussions and an exhibition on unmanned systems and how to counter them: “DroneVation & Defence” takes place in Vienna for the first time on 23 September. Counter-drone defence is on the agenda, as is critical infrastructure protection.
Reconnaissance drones: Quantum Systems wins two tenders in Spain
A framework contract for 91 Vector systems for the army and marine infantry, plus Twister for the air force's special forces: Spain is relying on two reconnaissance drones from Quantum Systems at once.
Drone start-up Hydra Drones: MBDA takes a minority stake
European defence group MBDA is investing a six-figure sum in British drone start-up Hydra Drones. Its heavy-lift transport drone, the Hydra 400, carries up to 400 kilograms, and a complete prototype is due later this year.
Ground drones from Munich: ARX Robotics raises 31 million euros in Series A round
HV Capital leads the round, with Omnes Capital, NATO Innovation Fund and Project A participating. The Munich-based ground drone maker plans to scale up production massively, expand across Europe and further develop Mithra OS.
Drone manufacturer Quantum Systems partners with Renk India for local production
Local production, maintenance and R&D: drone manufacturer Quantum Systems plans to expand its business in India together with Renk Gears Private, a subsidiary of the Renk Group. A memorandum of understanding on a strategic partnership has been signed.
Counter-UAS for Vector AI: Quantum Systems invests in Ukrainian robotics specialist Frontline
Frontline’s C-UAS solution is to be integrated into Quantum Systems’ drone systems. The counter-drone agreement signed on 9 April combines cooperation and investment – and strengthens the German manufacturer’s presence in Ukraine.
Military drones: Spain plans tender worth more than 200 million euros
Class I and II military drones are on the annual procurement plan of the Spanish Ministry of Defence. Which types will be bought remains open – according to Infodefensa, candidates include Aertec’s Tarsis and Airbus’s Sirtap.
ARX Robotics expands to Britain: headquarters in London, production planned in South West England
ARX Robotics plans to invest a good 50 million euros in a British production and research site. Support comes from UK Defence Secretary John Healey and from the NATO Innovation Fund.