Unmanned Systems Industry News
Contracts, partnerships, product launches and market moves from manufacturers and suppliers of unmanned systems.
DroneVation & Defence 2026: podcast episode with voices from the military, industry and authorities
1,200 visitors, around 80 exhibitors, more than 50 speakers: a podcast episode goes behind the scenes of DroneVation & Defence 2026 in Vienna and gives experts on counter-UAS and critical infrastructure a voice.
Counter-UAS and air defence in focus: “DroneVation & Defence 2026” continues to grow in Vienna
More than 1,000 visitors, two stages, talks by the Bundesheer, industry and Ukrainian practitioners: the symposium in Vienna spanned counter-UAS, electronic warfare and the lessons learned from Ukraine.
Reconnaissance drones for US bases: U&C UAS to supply the US Army in Europe
Following an evaluation in exercises under high-intensity conflict conditions, Czech manufacturer U&C UAS has signed a contract with the US Army. The reconnaissance drones are primarily intended to improve the protection of American military bases in Europe.
Counter-UAS for cities and critical infrastructure: Rheinmetall and Telekom plan joint protective shield
Effectors and sensors from Rheinmetall, networks, cloud and data analytics from Telekom: ahead of Afcea in Bonn, the two groups have agreed on a joint counter-UAS shield against drones and sabotage. Details are to follow later.
Combat drone Bayraktar Akinci receives Al-Tariq precision munitions from Edge
Two new agreements at SAHA 2026: Edge from the Emirates and Baykar from Türkiye are bringing the Al-Tariq munition to the Akinci combat drone and plan to market each other's products in future.
Arms dealer Springer goes defence
The long-established Viennese arms dealer Joh. Springer’s Erben is expanding its portfolio towards defence. In an interview, managing director Christian Johann Springer talks about new products, including counter-drone systems.
Ground drones for frontline logistics: Arx Robotics quintuples its Gereon fleet in Ukraine
Several hundred more Gereon vehicles for the Ukrainian Armed Forces: Arx Robotics is responding to demand for ground drones, while Kyiv plans to procure 25,000 new systems in the first half of the year alone.
Naval drones from Hamburg: Rheinmetall Kraken starts series production of the Kraken K3 Scout
The first Kraken K3 Scout naval drones are rolling off the line at Blohm+Voss in Hamburg. Around 200 units a year are planned initially, up to 1,000 if orders allow. The joint venture is now called Rheinmetall Kraken GmbH.
Loitering munition FV-014: Bundeswehr awards Rheinmetall major contract
A framework contract worth billions and a first call-off of around 300 million euros: the Bundeswehr is ordering the FV-014 loitering munition from Rheinmetall. Qualification starts in the second quarter of 2026, with deliveries from the first half of 2027.
Laser counter-drone defence: Inleap Photonics and Stark enter a strategic partnership
At Hannover Messe 2026, the start-up Inleap Photonics and loitering munition manufacturer Stark announced their cooperation. Inleap Fastlight Shield is to be integrated into Stark’s unmanned systems; joint counter-drone solutions are planned in the long term.
Counter-drone systems from Brandenburg an der Havel: joint venture Onberg Autonomous Systems begins operations
Heidelberg subsidiary HDAT and Ondas Autonomous Systems aim to create a one-stop shop for autonomous counter-drone defence with Onberg – from development to series production. The main target group is KRITIS operators; marketing starts in Germany and Ukraine.
Reconnaissance drones for the US Army: Quantum Systems wins Vector AI contract
The contract under which the US Army is ordering the Vector AI system from Quantum Systems is worth around 14.1 million euros. The reconnaissance drones are to strengthen brigades and provide insights for the future MRR programme.
Drone industry: MTU Aero Engines acquires Cologne propulsion specialist Aero Design Works
By buying Aero Design Works GmbH, engine manufacturer MTU is entering the drone industry and will offer propulsion for drones and guided missiles. The Cologne gas turbine maker remains legally independent; the purchase price is undisclosed.