Unmanned Systems News
The latest news on unmanned systems, counter-UAS and the defence industry, from Europe and around the world.
Drone technology and robotics: Quantum Systems and ARX join new innovation platform in Bavaria
The University of the Bundeswehr Munich and TechHUB SVI are bringing research and industry together: the new platform for drone technology and robotics launches with Quantum Systems and the UXS Alliance of Stark, ARX Robotics and ACS.
Counter-UAS with Smartshooter Smash: Bundeswehr awards IEA Mil-Optics another order
A mid three-digit number of Smash electro-optical fire control systems is going to the Bundeswehr. The system is designed to make infantry weapons more accurate, above all for counter-UAS, and according to the manufacturer is already in service in many NATO states.
Autonomous defence systems: ARX Robotics opens Europe's largest production facility
With a new plant, ARX Robotics aims to raise series production of unmanned systems in Europe to an industrial level. The company also reports the delivery of a large UGV fleet to Ukraine – a further step for autonomous defence systems.
Drone manufacturer Quantum Systems aims to double its production in Ukraine in 2025
More capacity for Ukraine: in 2025, Quantum Systems is doubling its drone production in the country. The drone manufacturer produces at four sites and justifies the move with the demand on the battlefield.
Combat drones for Ukraine: Helsing is producing a further 6,000 HX-2
A first order for 4,000 units is followed by the next: Helsing is building the HX-2 in series and intends to spread the production of combat drones across several Resilience Factories in a decentralised way throughout Europe.
Military drones for the US Army: Red Cat delivers Edge 130 Blue to the Army National Guard
Twelve tricopters for around half a million euros: the Army National Guard and another agency are procuring Edge 130 Blue military drones. Red Cat acquired the system in 2024 through its takeover of FlightWave.
Drone manufacturer Baykar: 1.75 billion euros in export revenue in 2024
Baykar generates around 90 per cent of its revenue abroad. The Turkish drone manufacturer has now delivered the Bayraktar TB2 and Akinci to 35 countries – including six NATO members.
Drone manufacturer Schiebel: new RPAS contract with EMSA for the Camcopter S-100
Since 2018, the Camcopter S-100 has been monitoring Europe's coasts, ship emissions and oil slicks for EMSA. Now the drone manufacturer Schiebel has received a further service contract – with a term of up to four years.
Drone technology and middleware: Quantum Systems and Blackned network unmanned systems
Multi-sensor drones on one side, tactical communication middleware on the other: Quantum Systems and Blackned are combining their drone technology to transmit data securely and across domains in combat environments.
Counter-UAS for Romania: Elbit Systems to supply ReDrone for almost 60 million euros
A European NATO member – Romania, according to media reports – is ordering multi-layered counter-UAS from Elbit Systems. The contract worth almost 60 million euros runs for three years and covers the modular ReDrone solution with radar, SIGINT, EW and EO.
Drone manufacturer Schiebel supplies Camcopter S-100 to Chile’s Carabineros
For the first time, a police force in Latin America is relying on the Camcopter S-100: the Carabineros de Chile have bought the system from drone manufacturer Schiebel. It is to be used mainly in the hard-to-reach Araucanía region.
Drone operating system: Rheinmetall and Auterion conclude multi-year agreement
A common drone operating system is to unify unmanned systems in the air, on land and at sea: Rheinmetall contributes experience from Luna NG and Aladin, Auterion its field-proven software.
Counter-UAS: Thales Belgium and Ukrainian partner plan to build C-UAS missiles
A letter of intent between Thales Belgium and a major Ukrainian defence company is set to strengthen Ukraine's counter-UAS capability with domestically produced missiles. Technology and specialised equipment are to be transferred to the country step by step.