Unmanned Systems News
The latest news on unmanned systems, counter-UAS and the defence industry, from Europe and around the world.
Military drones for the Royal Canadian Navy: MDA Space orders up to six Camcopter S-100 from Schiebel
MDA Space is ordering military drones from Schiebel for Halifax-class ships: up to six Camcopter S-100 for ISTAR tasks. The order comes one day after the presentation of the weapon-capable S-101 and S-301.
Drone manufacturer Quantum Systems to invest up to 50 million euros in the United Kingdom
The acquisition of Nordic Unmanned UK has given rise to Quantum Systems UK. The German drone manufacturer is targeting the British Ministry of Defence's 20-40-40 strategy; the new subsidiary is led by former Royal Marine Vito Tomasi.
Drone industry: Cologne engine maker Deutz buys propulsion specialist Sobek
By purchasing the Sobek Group, Deutz is entering the drone industry. The company makes electric drives and controls for drones and is considered profitable; the purchase price is around eleven times operating profit.
Underwater drone LUUV: Saab develops new sensor platform for Sweden
The FMV contract under which Saab will design, build and test a large underwater drone for Sweden is worth 60 million kronor. Sea trials begin in summer 2026; for now, the LUUV is not intended to carry weapons.
Combat drones for the French Army: Harmattan AI to deliver 1,000 quadcopters
Combat drones made in France: Harmattan AI has won the DGA's Europe-wide tender. The first 1,000 micro-drones will be delivered by the end of 2025, mainly to units taking part in the large-scale exercise “Orion” in 2026.
Virtus loitering munition: TDW and Stark jointly develop shaped-charge warheads
A contract signed on 30 July links TDW and Stark: anti-armour warheads for the Virtus loitering munition are to be developed by 2027, and from 2027 thousands of units are to be deliverable at short notice if required.
Underwater drones from Plymouth: Helsing builds “Resilience Factory” in England
German start-up Helsing is investing 350 million pounds in the UK: SG-1 Fathom underwater drones and the Lura AI software are to be produced in Plymouth, with the first systems delivered this year.
Military drones for early warning: Saab and General Atomics develop unmanned AWACS based on MQ-9B
Saab is adding an unmanned variant to its manned early warning systems such as Global Eye: together with General Atomics, a UAEW solution based on the MQ-9B is being developed – an application of military drones for persistent situational awareness.
Drone manufacturer from Ukraine: Quantum Systems initially secures ten per cent of Frontline
With an option on up to 25 per cent, Quantum Systems is taking a stake in Ukrainian drone manufacturer Frontline from the Brave1 cluster. The focus is on production capacity, European components and the Zoom and Linza reconnaissance drones.
Drone start-up Pleno goes to Stark: Berlin specialist in autonomous flight control acquired
Navigation software for drones that work without satellite reception: with Berlin drone start-up Pleno, Stark brings in know-how for AI-driven autonomy and swarm behaviour – including for the Virtus platform.
Drone manufacturer Quantum Systems and Fraunhofer FHR pool radar research in strategic partnership
A millimetre-wave SAR sensor on the Trinity Pro and a future R&D office in Rheinbach: at the Wachtberg Forum, drone manufacturer Quantum Systems and Fraunhofer FHR made their cooperation official.
Loitering munition MTO-LP1: Thales and Mistral subsidiary Boreal agree on joint production
A range of several hundred kilometres, ready for launch in under 30 minutes: Thales and Boreal plan to produce the MTO-LP1 loitering munition together. First flight tests are scheduled for summer 2025.
Unmanned Systems / Aerial DronesMALE drone Aarok: Turgis Gaillard and Thales build French ISR platform with AirMaster S
A MALE drone made entirely in France, equipped with an AI-supported AESA radar: Turgis Gaillard and Thales combine the Aarok with the AirMaster S, which has already proven itself on the “Atlantique 2”.