Unmanned Systems News
The latest news on unmanned systems, counter-UAS and the defence industry, from Europe and around the world.
ITAR as an underestimated risk: how US export rules help decide the fate of Europe's drone programmes
A single US chip is enough for a drone system developed in Europe to fall under ITAR. In his guest commentary, Laurynas Šatas shows why, despite record spending, this restricts Europe's freedom of action in an emergency.
Counter-UAS for Asia: ST Engineering wins several new contracts outside Singapore
Armed forces and critical infrastructure operators in Asia are turning to counter-UAS solutions from ST Engineering. The Singapore-based group reports several new contracts and points to growing demand for integrated solutions.
Combat drones from Ukraine for testing in the US: memorandum paves the way for closer cooperation
Ukrainian combat drones are to be sent to the United States for testing by the US military. According to RFE/RL, it is the first agreement of its kind – and it could later also enable joint production on US soil.
Counter-UAS in live operation: Onberg Autonomous Systems opens Live Hub in Brandenburg an der Havel
Critical infrastructure operators, authorities and armed forces can now experience integrated counter-UAS under realistic conditions in Brandenburg an der Havel. In the long term, Onberg intends to develop and manufacture entirely in Germany.
Underwater technology: Fincantieri builds an international champion with four acquisitions
Underwater technology from a single source: Fincantieri is acquiring majority stakes in four specialists, initially for around 600 million euros. This is set to bring forward the underwater division's targets by four years and lift group earnings.
Rescue drone Grille: Bundeswehr orders test units from Avilus
A rescue drone for unmanned patient transport: Avilus is supplying the Bundeswehr with two Grille systems, including flight trials and training. Soldiers will be trained first, followed by intensive flight operations.
Drone Deal: EU and Ukraine interlink their defence industries for joint drone production
With the Drone Deal, the European Commission and Ukraine aim to bring their defence industries together – through joint ventures, technology transfer and joint development. Participants include Quantum Systems, Terma and Skyfall Industries; 1 billion euros is also being paid out.
Military drones from Ukraine: F-Drones delivers 2,000 F10 to the US for the Pentagon in a first
For the first time under martial law, Ukraine has approved the export of complete, domestically built military drones: F-Drones is sending 2,000 F10 attack drones to the US. The basis is a contract under the “Drone Dominance” programme.
FPV drones for Ukraine: Germany pays for 50,000 Shrike from Skyfall
Around 90 million euros from Germany is going into 50,000 FPV drones for Ukraine. The model supplied is the Shrike from Skyfall, equipped with Auterion software for automatic target tracking.
Quantum Systems opens permanent site in Tallinn and acquires SensusQ
An office in Tallinn and the acquisition of Estonian software company SensusQ: Quantum Systems is strengthening its position on NATO's eastern flank and expanding its offering in ISR and data analysis.
Rohde & Schwarz and Diehl Defence join Boeing's German MQ-28 Ghost Bat industry team
Unmanned systems at ILA Berlin: the new partners were presented there. Alongside Rheinmetall, two further German companies are now on board for the MQ-28 Ghost Bat, contributing weapons, mission and communication systems to the programme.
Drone software: Dutch Ministry of Defence enters partnership with Intelic
State Secretary Derk Boswijk has signed the cooperation agreement: Intelic is to build a software environment that controls different unmanned systems simultaneously. A priority share to safeguard the drone software is also being examined.
Maritime surveillance: Tekever delivers AR3 Evo to Portugal's maritime authority AMN
AMN's first direct contract with Tekever: for 1.5 million euros, 75 per cent co-financed from EU funds, the Maritime Police receives a maritime surveillance system based on the AR3 Evo. Further drone purchases are planned before the end of 2026.