Unmanned Systems News
The latest news on unmanned systems, counter-UAS and the defence industry, from Europe and around the world.
Counter-drone defence with the Rafale: DGA completes integration of laser-guided 68-millimetre rockets
Low-cost counter-drone defence instead of expensive MICA missiles: Rafale pilots are to engage drones such as Shahed types with 68-millimetre guided rockets in future. Ladac has completed testing, and an initial partial capability will follow shortly.
Drone cage in Munich: University of the Bundeswehr opens facility for flight tests
40 metres wide, 20 metres high and deep: the new drone cage at the University of the Bundeswehr Munich is to be used to research swarms, counter-UAS and flights under GNSS interference.
Counter-drone defence on the eastern border: Estonia installs first systems on the border with Russia
The first drone detection and counter-drone installations are operational between the Estonia-Latvia-Russia tripoint and Luhamaa. The entire border with Russia is to be covered by the end of the year.
Unmanned surface vessels for ASW frigates: Netherlands awards design to Dutch Naval Design
Twelve metres long, one per ASW frigate: unmanned surface vessels are being designed for the Royal Netherlands Navy. Dutch Naval Design has won the contract, and dipping sonars from Thales have been procured in parallel.
Loitering munition Skystriker: Elbit Systems on human control and future drone technology
Loitering munitions combine reconnaissance and precision strike in a single system. At DroneVation & Defence 2026, Michael Edelstein of Elbit Systems spoke about the Skystriker, the role of human operators and how current conflicts shape unmanned capabilities.
Counter-drone system on the Zetros 8×8: Valhalla Turrets presents Skythunder 300 in a video
A new video from Slovenia puts the spotlight on Valhalla Turrets' counter-drone system: the Skythunder 300 sits on a Mercedes-Benz Zetros 8×8 and combines a 30-millimetre cannon, guided rockets and a minigun.
VTOL drone AVALON: Polish armed forces test new system at “Amber Defender-26”
At one of the largest exercises of the year, Poland is relying on a domestically developed VTOL drone: AVALON from Under Ant is to handle reconnaissance and logistics, fly in swarms and launch automatically from a mobile platform.
CH-92A drone: Serbian Armed Forces fire guided missiles from Chinese-built UAV
A video released by the Serbian Ministry of Defence shows the CH-92A drone firing laser-guided FT-8B/C missiles in a live-fire exercise – a rare look at the Chinese drone in combat use, which Serbia ordered as early as 2018.
Drone swarms with a shared “brain”: Airbus flies MARS AI software at ILA Berlin 2026
One mission manager instead of one pilot per drone: Airbus Defence and Space wants to control drone swarms with the AI-based MARS Autonomy Suite. At ILA Berlin 2026, two Primoco One 150 flew autonomously using the software.
U-space platform MAIA: CSG subsidiary UpVision aims to coordinate drone traffic safely
With MAIA, UpVision, part of the Czechoslovak Group (CSG), is launching a digital U-space platform: it is to connect air navigation services, drone operators and authorities, with artificial intelligence predicting risks in future.
Long-range drone Reliant: Quantum Systems increases payload and integrates Mosaic UXS
Up to 9 kilograms of payload, networked multi-domain operations and a supply chain without Chinese components: Quantum Systems has substantially further developed its long-range drone Reliant in a new generation.
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.
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.