Unmanned Systems News
The latest news on unmanned systems, counter-UAS and the defence industry, from Europe and around the world.
UGV Gereon gets armed: ARX Robotics and Roboneers integrate the Saber weapon module
With the remotely operated Saber module from Roboneers, the Gereon UGV from ARX Robotics becomes a combat platform. The first integration tests have been completed, and the Ukrainian Armed Forces are to receive first systems before the end of 2026.
Laser counter-drone system: Inleap Photonics starts series production of Fastlight Held in Hanover
Inleap Photonics is starting series production of its laser counter-drone system in Hanover. The first turnkey Fastlight Held units go to partner Stark, and the new hall will be officially opened on 30 October.
Drone manufacturer Quantum Systems aims to become a defence prime through acquisitions and new markets
From drone manufacturer to major prime contractor in Europe: co-CEO Florian Seibel describes how Quantum Systems intends to grow through acquisitions, markets such as Japan and the P19 aircraft – and why the supply of chips worries him.
UGV Max1 from Romania intercepts drones – Maximus Labs stays silent on where it is deployed
Maximus Labs shows its Max1 UGV in a video and speaks of a deployment in an active war zone. Which army uses the tracked platform, and where, remains open – as do contracts and unit numbers.
Reconnaissance drones for US Special Operations Command: Tekever reports completion
Validation and acceptance tests are complete, and Tekever's reconnaissance drones are now in service with USSOCOM. The Lisbon-based manufacturer does not name the quantity, model or contract value – much points to the AR3.
Counter-drone turret with Gatling gun: Valhalla Turrets develops new Skythunder version
A cannon, laser-guided rockets and radar on an Oshkosh chassis: Slovenia's Valhalla Turrets has further developed the Skythunder turret for counter-drone defence. The US components are fuelling speculation about contracts from the US Department of Defense.
Interceptor drone Blade: Ukrainian Ministry of Defence approves procurement from Phantom Defense
With its inclusion in the procurement plan, the way is clear for the Blade interceptor drone to reach the Ukrainian armed forces. This does not yet mean ordered quantities or large deliveries – and the drone is not meant to work on its own anyway.
Counter-drone defence with four layers: Swiss LOCUS programme relies on domestic industry
Instead of fighting cheap drones with expensive missiles, Switzerland is relying on low-cost, modular counter-drone defence in its LOCUS programme. Demonstrators already exist; trials of the complete system will follow in spring 2027.
Counter-drone protection for vehicles: Graz start-up Guardaero wins “Protection Award” in Munich
At the Defence Innovation Pitch Day 2026 in Munich, the “Protection Award” went to Graz. Guardaero won it for APS1, an active counter-drone system designed to protect military vehicles automatically against FPV drones. Market readiness is planned for 2027.
Reconnaissance drone AR5: British Army orders from Tekever for up to £400 million
Under Project CORVUS, the British Army is acquiring the AR5 from Portuguese manufacturer Tekever. The contract for the reconnaissance drone is worth up to £400 million; production will mainly take place in Swindon, and introduction is to begin in 2026.
Jet drone Nightshade Mk-2: Apollyon Dynamics from Hyderabad publishes first images
A real fuselage instead of computer graphics: Indian start-up Apollyon Dynamics offers a first look at its Nightshade Mk-2 jet drone. Technical data are still missing, and the date of the first flight is also open.
Drone pilots from Ukraine inflict heavy losses on US armoured brigade in major exercise at Hohenfels
During “Combined Resolve 26-07”, around 70 per cent of a US armoured brigade's simulated losses in the first three days were caused by Ukrainian drone pilots. The brigade adapted its tactics and in the end attacked with more than 700 drones of its own.
Interceptor drone Skyron set to benefit: Quantum Systems flies Apex Recordhunter at 777 km/h
On a military training area in central Germany, the Apex Recordhunter breaks 777 km/h, but the flight in the opposite direction fails. For Quantum Systems, more than a world record is at stake: the know-how is to flow into a faster interceptor drone.