Unmanned Systems News
The latest news on unmanned systems, counter-UAS and the defence industry, from Europe and around the world.
Laser counter-drone defence: AeroVironment successfully tests Locust in US airspace for the first time
For the first time, a laser counter-drone system has passed a test in US national airspace. The focus was on shut-off mechanisms and civil air traffic – the FAA sees no increased risk.
Chief of the General Staff in the Czech Republic: government backs Lieutenant General Miroslav Hlaváč
The Czech government has approved the nomination of Lieutenant General Miroslav Hlaváč as Chief of the General Staff – against the vote of Defence Minister Jaromír Zůna. President Petr Pavel has already said he intends to appoint him.
Counter-UAS UGV: HT Division and MKE combine Katica platform with Tolga system
A Hungarian-Turkish project sealed at Saha Expo 2026 in Istanbul: the counter-UAS UGV is to carry radar, a jamming system, laser weapons and guns, and engage targets even while on the move.
Mobile counter-UAS in a protected Land Cruiser: Welp Group presents its Counter UAS Platform
Tested at Seasec in Rostock, presented at Enforce Tac: the concept vehicle from Welp Group and H.P. Marketing & Consulting Wüst combines mobile counter-UAS with ballistic and mine protection based on the Toyota Land Cruiser 300.
Reconnaissance drones for US bases: U&C UAS to supply the US Army in Europe
Following an evaluation in exercises under high-intensity conflict conditions, Czech manufacturer U&C UAS has signed a contract with the US Army. The reconnaissance drones are primarily intended to improve the protection of American military bases in Europe.
Drone swarm in a container: Dzyne Technologies presents Blitz and the Blitz Box
An 80-litre backpack for small units or an ISO container launcher for dozens of aircraft: with Blitz, California-based Dzyne Technologies wants to make the drone swarm affordable and speaks of a new standard for “affordable mass”.
Loitering munition Lumberjack: Northrop Grumman demonstrates autonomy at “Operation Lethal Eagle”
Mission control via the Maven Smart System, AI-enabled targeting from Palantir, satellite data link: at an exercise of the US 101st Airborne Division, Northrop Grumman demonstrated its Lumberjack Group 3 loitering munition.
Unmanned ground vehicle with effector: Diehl Defence's Ziesel fires Spike LR for the first time
Five days, 17 shots: together with Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Eurospike, Diehl Defence has fired the Spike LR from the Ziesel UGV for the first time. This is a first for unmanned ground vehicles; a demonstration for armed forces is planned.
Ukrainian drone pilots on Gotland: NATO exercise again exposes the alliance's weaknesses
On the Swedish Baltic island of Gotland, NATO simulated an attack – and Ukrainian drone pilots put Swedish units out of action so often that training stalled. What Sweden's Chief of Defence concludes from it.
FPV drones without a soldering iron: Vienna start-up Dropforce aims to simplify drone building
One circuit board instead of many separate parts, airframes from the 3D printer and a supply chain that is as European as possible: the founders of Dropforce want FPV drones to be built faster and more easily and are now looking for pilot customers.
Counter-UAS for cities and critical infrastructure: Rheinmetall and Telekom plan joint protective shield
Effectors and sensors from Rheinmetall, networks, cloud and data analytics from Telekom: ahead of Afcea in Bonn, the two groups have agreed on a joint counter-UAS shield against drones and sabotage. Details are to follow later.
Leonardo CEO: board of directors appoints Lorenzo Mariani to head the group
The new Leonardo CEO is Lorenzo Mariani, whose career has switched several times between the group and MBDA. At the same time, a “General Management” department is being created under Co-General Manager Gian Piero Cutillo.
Combat drone Bayraktar Akinci receives Al-Tariq precision munitions from Edge
Two new agreements at SAHA 2026: Edge from the Emirates and Baykar from Türkiye are bringing the Al-Tariq munition to the Akinci combat drone and plan to market each other's products in future.