Unmanned Systems News
The latest news on unmanned systems, counter-UAS and the defence industry, from Europe and around the world.
Counter-drone defence: new law raises questions for critical infrastructure
Under the RKEG, in force since March, operators of critical infrastructure must significantly strengthen their resilience. Lawyer Bernhard Müller sees considerable legal uncertainty, particularly when it comes to counter-drone defence.
Maritime surveillance with the AR5: Portuguese Air Force procures Tekever unmanned system
A budget ceiling of around 7.8 million euros, delivery in September, training in two phases: the Portuguese Air Force will rely on the Tekever AR5 for maritime surveillance. Quantity and contract value remain undisclosed.
Drone swarms in urban operations: NIKE-ROBComm networks drones and ground robots
The research project NIKE-ROBComm aimed to develop robust, autonomous communication and navigation for drone and robot swarms in urban environments. Project manager Christian Raffelsberger talks about goals, challenges and possible military applications.
Portuguese Air Force receives Tekever AR5 with ground station and training
In unmanned systems news, the Tekever AR5 is to be handed over to the Portuguese Air Force as early as September. Besides the platforms, the contract covers the ground control station, the ATLAS mission system and operator training – for maritime surveillance, wildfire fighting and coastal security.
Acoustic drone detection: Monava brings in Gungnir Capital, Foundry Ventures and Hede Capital as investors
Passive sensors, AI analysis, use in Ukraine: Monava has raised new capital for its acoustic drone detection. The founder speaks of booming demand – and of the strains of rapid growth.
UGV against Starlink outages: Roboneers retrofits “Rys Pro” and “Rys+” with Wi-Fi antenna
Tunnels, forest or a Starlink unit hit by an FPV drone: for such cases, Roboneers is fitting its “Rys Pro” and “Rys+” UGV with an additional Wi-Fi channel. The “Rys+” also gets red light for maintenance at night.
Interceptor drones of the next generation: Spys, Skyron 400, P1-Sun Jet Killer and Sting
Whether Spys from WIY Drones, Skyron 400 from Quantum Systems or Skyfall's Jet Killer version: new interceptor drones are getting faster and climbing higher. An overview of projects in development and systems already flying.
Unmanned systems instead of recruits: South Korea selects Hanwha Aerospace's Arion-SMET ground vehicle
With its pool of conscripts shrinking, South Korea is turning to unmanned systems: in July, the procurement agency DAPA selected Hanwha Aerospace's Arion-SMET unmanned ground vehicle. Global Data sees this above all as a response to the personnel shortage.
Mine countermeasures: France orders twelve more drones under the Slam-F programme
With additional surface and underwater drones and chartered mothership vessels, France aims to expand its mine countermeasures. Slam-F is being implemented together with the United Kingdom, Belgium and the Netherlands.
Kizilelma: production version S2 fires live from its internal weapons bay for the first time in Çorlu
Roketsan's Teber-82 and Aselsan's Tolun scored direct hits: Baykar has integrated the internal weapons bay on the Kizilelma. The unmanned combat aircraft is meant to penetrate dense air defences as a result.
Reconnaissance drones versus FPV interceptors: how the Vector from Quantum Systems takes evasive action
A Russian Telegram channel spotted a sensor on the tail of the Vector, prompting Quantum Systems to disclose details on LinkedIn: camouflage paint, a thermal camera and autonomous evasive manoeuvres are meant to protect reconnaissance drones from interceptors.
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-drone defence and drone operations: Kazakhstan's armed forces adapt their training
Exercises in electronic defence, communications protection and counter-drone defence: Kazakhstan is drawing on the lessons from Ukraine. Cadets are also to learn how to handle unmanned systems more intensively.