Unmanned Systems News
The latest news on unmanned systems, counter-UAS and the defence industry, from Europe and around the world.
Industry News
Contracts, partnerships, product launches and market moves from manufacturers and suppliers of unmanned systems.
Startups & Innovators
New companies, funding rounds, first products and market entries.
People & Appointments
Leadership changes, new positions, appointments and profiles.
Thales in Switzerland and Austria: Matthias Zoller becomes Vice President and Country Director
After his time as Secretary General of SWISS ASD, Matthias Zoller is moving to Thales, where he will be responsible for two markets. Who will succeed him at the industry association Swissmem is still open.
Triada Robotics CEO Artem Veselov: “The market is turning away from expensive legacy systems”
In summer 2026, first information and sighting reports of a new Ukrainian jet drone appeared on social media. We spoke to Artem Veselov, CEO of Triada Robotics, about the company, its team and the future of long-range strike.
Counter-UAS: Karner, Tanner and Leichtfried present the working group's interim report
Counter-UAS spread across several ministries: a joint drone situation centre, a larger exercise later this year and an amendment to the Telecommunications Act for critical infrastructure operators – these are the key points of the interim report of 24 September.
ARX Robotics hires Florian Taitsch as Senior Director Marketing & Communications
New people and appointments at ARX Robotics: Florian Taitsch, formerly with Airbus and Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH, is responsible for communications, marketing and branding in a newly created role. CEO Marc Wietfeld and Taitsch explain the move.
Chief of the General Staff of the Bundesheer: Klaudia Tanner picks Lieutenant General Harald Vodosek
After personal talks with all applicants, Defence Minister Klaudia Tanner has made her choice: Harald Vodosek is to become Chief of the General Staff. He will be appointed by the Federal President; he currently heads procurement and is National Armaments Director.
Rheinmetall Air Defence: Oliver Dürr leaves, Roman Köhne takes over the division
There is a change at the top of Rheinmetall Air Defence: Oliver Dürr is leaving the group and Roman Köhne succeeds him. An internal memo looks back on years of strong growth in the air defence business.
Helsing hires Andriy Shevchenko as Managing Director Ukraine
People and appointments at Helsing: Andriy Shevchenko, a diplomat, former government member and member of parliament, takes over as Managing Director Ukraine with immediate effect – as the company significantly expands its commitment in the country.
Rüdiger Skrzipietz strengthens Mehler Protection Platform Armour leadership as CSO
People and appointments: Rüdiger Skrzipietz brings more than two decades of experience in the security and defence industry. From 1 July 2026 he will be responsible for sales and growth at Mehler Protection Platform Armour, while Christian Vahldiek keeps technology.
Droneshield appoints retired Rear Admiral Lee Goddard to its board as independent director
Australian company Droneshield is adding a former naval officer to its board: Lee Goddard commanded Maritime Border Command and already sits on the boards of several defence and technology organisations.
CSG appoints David Jacobs to head CSG Defense North America
A new office in Washington D.C., accelerated growth in the US and a former Northrop Grumman strategist: CSG has appointed a president for its North American defence business who reports directly to Chairman Michal Strnad.
Steyr Motors AG: Björn Krausmann takes the second executive board seat as CFO
Finance, human resources and IT will in future be the responsibility of Björn Krausmann. The former Pfleiderer manager now forms the two-member leadership of Steyr Motors AG together with CEO Julian Cassutti – an expansion the company had long planned.
Helsing appoints Frank Dirksen as Chief Commercial Officer
From June, Frank Dirksen will fill a newly created position at Helsing: Chief Commercial Officer. He brings leadership experience at Rheinmetall and 15 years of service in the Bundeswehr, the German Armed Forces.
Eurobotics GmbH: Raffael Klaschka takes the helm as CEO
Christoph Otten is handing over the CEO role at Eurobotics to Raffael Klaschka and will concentrate more on Aegiron. Together with COO Lars Zander, the former fighter pilot now leads the Gilching-based company.