Unmanned Systems News
The latest news on unmanned systems, counter-UAS and the defence industry, from Europe and around the world.
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.
Interceptor drone Terra A1 Autonomous: Terra Drone uses AI to detect and track hostile drones
With an autonomous interceptor drone, Terra Drone is expanding its young defence business. The Terra A1 Autonomous is designed to relieve pilots and counter swarm attacks – developed and improved together with partners in Ukraine.
Counter-drone expert Johannes Pinl: “We are entering an age in which machine fights machine”
MARSS develops command-and-control systems and, by its own account, is the market leader in counter-drone solutions. Founder Johannes Pinl talks about AI-supported kill chains, cost per kill and the future role of the human in warfare.
Tekever presents the AR6 heavy-lift drone family for civil and military missions
Unmanned systems news: 200 kilograms over 500 kilometres – with the AR6, Tekever is extending its autonomous portfolio to heavy-lift drones. The family is developed and built in the United Kingdom, with production in Swindon due to start by the end of 2026.
Autonomous attack helicopter Thunder: Anduril unveils an uncrewed tiltrotor wingman at Farnborough
An autonomous attack helicopter as an escort for the Apache and others: with Thunder, Anduril aims to keep helicopter crews out of the most dangerous zones. Armament, propulsion and control have been outlined; the first flight is planned for 2027.
UGV with grenade launcher: Ukraine approves Zmiy Mini Strike for its armed forces
A UGV armed with an MK19 grenade launcher, developed together with a frontline brigade, has been approved in Ukraine. It joins a rapidly growing inventory: more than 22,000 unmanned ground vehicles have already been procured in 2026.
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.
Drone procurement overhauled: Ukraine relies on combat data, a marketplace and a guaranteed minimum supply
Ukraine's drone procurement follows new rules: it buys what combat data shows has proven itself in battle, and frontline units order via an online marketplace. Contracts worth 333.6 billion hryvnia were signed in the first half of 2026.
Anti-drone laser Perun: Russia trials Svarog laser system in field test
An anti-drone laser for stationary sites and mobile groups: Svarog reports high effectiveness for Perun in field tests. A Russian analyst, however, sees power demand as the biggest obstacle.
Counter-UAS by disrupting satellite navigation: IAI unveils NAVWAR system Hypnosis
Counter-UAS without interceptor missiles: IAI's Hypnosis is designed to disrupt the satellite navigation of aerial threats and complement kinetic systems. Its mobile stations operate as a network – up to fully autonomous operation.
Counter-UAS start-up Yolo Machines: Romania’s bid to change air defence
Just one year ago, Romanian entrepreneur Lorand Minyo founded Yolo Machines in Cluj. The start-up develops an autonomous counter-UAS system and aims to fundamentally change air defence in Romania and Europe.
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.