Unmanned Systems News
The latest news on unmanned systems, counter-UAS and the defence industry, from Europe and around the world.
Hybrid drone from Switzerland: Xer Technologies on its long-endurance multicopter
At DroneVation & Defence 2026 in Vienna, the Swiss company Xer Technologies presented a hybrid multicopter for long-endurance missions. In an interview, technical director Waldemar Schäfer talks about flight times, reconnaissance and testing.
Maritime surveillance: Tekever delivers AR3 Evo to Portugal's maritime authority AMN
AMN's first direct contract with Tekever: for 1.5 million euros, 75 per cent co-financed from EU funds, the Maritime Police receives a maritime surveillance system based on the AR3 Evo. Further drone purchases are planned before the end of 2026.
Quantum Systems' 1.05 billion euro Series D lifts valuation to around 7 billion
Unmanned systems startups in focus: Advent, Airbus, Blackstone and Noteus are leading the new round. Quantum Systems plans to use the fresh capital to expand production, supply chains and AI development – and to deepen its cooperation with Airbus Defence and Space.
Counter-UAS in Romania: US system Merops operational and integrated into the army
Provided by the United States and now integrated into the Romanian Army's defence system: Merops is to strengthen the country's counter-UAS capability. One interceptor costs around 12,700 euros, and the system is considered combat-proven in Ukraine.
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.
Loitering munition and interceptor in one: Ukraine approves Talion for its armed forces
Originally developed to counter enemy UAVs, Talion can also attack ground targets: the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence has officially cleared the system for use by the troops as an interceptor and loitering munition.
Counter-UAS for critical infrastructure: EKO Cobra, ORF, Frequentis and Red Bull Ring at DroneVation
Protecting critical infrastructure is no longer conceivable without counter-UAS – practitioners at DroneVation & Defence 2026 in Vienna agreed. They reported on the Eurovision Song Contest, the Red Bull Ring and Ukraine; Austria is drafting a national strategy.
Counter-UAS: Argus Interception to equip the A1-Falke with digital LiDAR from Ouster
Counter-UAS without destruction: the A1-Falke from Argus Interception captures non-cooperative drones with a net. A strategic partnership with US sensor manufacturer Ouster is set to bring digital LiDAR into the interceptor drone – above all for the terminal phase of the intercept.
LBA Systems: Italy approves Leonardo and Baykar drone joint venture under strict conditions
In June, the Italian government approved LBA Systems, the joint venture of Leonardo and Baykar – with sales restrictions and the “golden power” rule. The conditions show the military, industrial and security-policy importance of the cooperation.
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.
Counter-UAS with a 70-millimetre rocket: Thales Belgium shows Proxy at Eurosatory 2026
At Eurosatory 2026, 70-millimetre rocket launchers were everywhere. There, Thales Belgium showed for the first time the seeker of Proxy, a counter-UAS rocket in the low five-figure price range – some details the company left open.
GPS-independent navigation: Asio Technologies guides drones with Nocta using roads and rivers
When satellite signals are jammed or spoofed, Nocta is meant to take over: the optical system from Asio Technologies provides GPS-independent navigation for Group 1 and 2 drones. It reaches its limits over open water and in poor visibility.
Unmanned Systems / Aerial DronesMilitary drones from Portugal: Army tests Beyond Vision systems on NATO mission in Slovakia
Two Beyond Vision drone systems are deploying to Slovakia with the Portuguese contingent. For three months, the domestically developed military drones are to be operationally validated there in a NATO setting – alongside Leopard 2A6 and Pandur II.