Unmanned Systems News
The latest news on unmanned systems, counter-UAS and the defence industry, from Europe and around the world.
Drone manufacturer Primoco UAV SE: Spain's Guardia Civil orders the One 150
The first major order of 2026 brings the Czech drone manufacturer around 4 million euros. The Guardia Civil wants to use the One 150 to monitor maritime and border areas – while Primoco is expanding production in Písek.
Drone control on the ground: Panasonic Toughbook shows rugged notebooks and tablets at Xponential Europe
What happens in the air depends on the IT on the ground: for drone control, Panasonic Toughbook is showing notebooks and tablets in Düsseldorf as ground control stations and analysis platforms – built for dust, rain, extreme temperatures and sensitive data.
Counter-drone: Deutz invests in Tytan Technologies and supplies propulsion and energy systems
Engine manufacturer Deutz is taking a stake in Tytan Technologies in the current funding round. Together, the partners intend to develop propulsion and energy solutions for counter-drone defence – from interceptor drones to launcher batteries.
Drone manufacturer Schiebel plans Schiebel UK: expansion into the British defence sector
Momentum comes from the Peregrine programme with Thales UK and the Royal Navy: drone manufacturer Schiebel intends to set up its own company in the United Kingdom, manufacture there and bring the Camcopter S-300 to market.
Drone conference in Vienna: speaker slots open for “DroneVation & Defence 2026”
Three speaking slots, three focus topics, submission deadline 13 March 2026: a call for papers is open for the second edition of the drone conference “DroneVation & Defence” on 21 May 2026 in Vienna. Substance is wanted, not sales pitches.
Drone trade fair in Vienna: “DroneVation & Defence” returns for its second edition on 21 May
After 49 exhibitors and around 700 trade visitors at the premiere, organiser Militär Aktuell expects more exhibitors and almost twice as many sponsors for the second “DroneVation & Defence” drone trade fair. The programme expands to two stages.
Unmanned systems in the CCA programme: US Air Force selects Shield AI as mission autonomy provider
The Hivemind autonomy software is already flying in Anduril's YFQ-44A Fury, with flight demonstrations expected in the coming months. Now the US Air Force has selected Shield AI for the TMRR phase of its programme for unmanned systems in air combat.
Counter-drone defence with APKWS II: BAE Systems wins US Air Force contract for new rocket variant
Laser plus infrared in the seeker: BAE Systems is to deliver a new variant of the APKWS II rocket for counter-drone defence. The ceiling is around 122 million euros, the delivery order around 56 million. The European counterpart used by Austria's Bundesheer is also being developed further.
Camcopter S-100 for Greece: Hellenic Navy equips new FDI frigates with Schiebel drones
Three new Belharra-class frigates, a land-based training system and the first trained crews by spring 2026: with the Camcopter S-100, the Greek navy is bringing Austrian reconnaissance technology on board.
R&D hub in Ukraine: Stark also announces a southern European office at the Munich Security Conference
Two expansion steps at once: on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, Stark announces an R&D hub in Ukraine with room for more than 200 specialists, as well as an office in southern Europe. Local production capacity is to follow.
Quantum Systems: 150 million euros from EIB, Commerzbank, Deutsche Bank and KfW
Shortly before the Munich Security Conference, Quantum Systems presented a long-term financing package in Gilching. Its centrepiece is a 70 million euro loan from the EIB – not the bank’s first investment in the drone manufacturer.
Quantum Systems buys Hacker Motor: drone manufacturer brings propulsion technology in-house
100 per cent of the shares, all sites and employees retained: with Hacker Motor, Quantum Systems is taking over a long-standing key propulsion partner – and aims to secure the European supply chain for unmanned systems.
Loitering munition: Stark signs another contract with a European armed force
Signed in early February, first delivery in the same month, all systems by the end of August: the German defence tech company Stark reports a new order for loitering munition – and its move into a new market.