Unmanned Systems News
The latest news on unmanned systems, counter-UAS and the defence industry, from Europe and around the world.
AI situational picture from Styria: Drone Corps invests more than three million euros in Lagebild.one
More than three million euros are going into Lagebild.one, the Joanneum Research spin-off. With the money from Drone Corps, the AI situational picture for emergency and security organisations is to reach market maturity and gain a foothold in the DACH region.
Naval drones from Hamburg: Rheinmetall Kraken starts series production of the Kraken K3 Scout
The first Kraken K3 Scout naval drones are rolling off the line at Blohm+Voss in Hamburg. Around 200 units a year are planned initially, up to 1,000 if orders allow. The joint venture is now called Rheinmetall Kraken GmbH.
Ground drones in infantry operations: Belgian battalion Bvr/5 Li tests Gnom and Unl in Leopoldsburg
Two exercises that had already been planned served as a testing ground: the Belgian battalion Bvr/5 Li has integrated ground drones into infantry operations under realistic conditions. No procurement decision is attached to the trials.
Ground drones for the front: Ukrainian Ministry of Defence approves the Bizon-L UGV
Six communication channels, up to 300 kilograms of payload, tracked chassis: the Bizon-L is now one of the ground drones cleared for use in the Ukrainian armed forces. The Ministry of Defence aims to make up to 100 per cent of front-line logistics robotic.
Drone swarm with AI: Stark brings Virtus and Minerva to Bundeswehr exercise
Reconnaissance drones, command software and loitering munitions in one network: Stark took part with Virtus and Minerva in further Bundeswehr tests of the AI-supported drone swarm. An operational capability is to be in place by 2027.
Drones for Ukraine: Estonia provides 110 million euros in military aid in 2026
Estonia is spending at least 0.25 per cent of its GDP on military aid in 2026 – with the focus on drones for Ukraine and counter-drone systems. Added to this are funds for digitalising the Ukrainian military and a declaration of intent on weapons production.
Counter-UAS on the Black Sea: Optoelectronica tests Sky Dome at “Eastern Phoenix”
A new counter-UAS system from Romania: during an exercise in the Black Sea region, Sky Dome neutralised all the drones deployed. It is to be built in the country together with Skylock Systems and in line with the requirements of the EU’s SAFE programme.
Military drones in Belgium: Land Component expands UAS ecosystem around drone unit in Peutie
Since September 2025, a dedicated unit in Peutie has maintained the Belgian forces’ micro drones, with mini and small drones following from June 2026. A training programme with industry, simulators and new capabilities against hostile military drones complete the picture.
AI drone network: Bundeswehr successfully continues trials in Ohrdruf
After the first test series in the Altmark, more complex scenarios followed in Ohrdruf: the Bundeswehr’s AI-supported drone network hit static and moving targets. Panzerbrigade 45 in Lithuania is to be equipped with it in 2027.
Drone battery with over 500 Wh/kg: Sion Power unveils Licerion cells for military systems
Longer flight time, more payload, less weight: with two lithium-metal Licerion cells, Sion Power is targeting unmanned military systems. One cell is intended for loitering munitions, the other as a rechargeable drone battery for long missions.
Loitering munition FV-014: Bundeswehr awards Rheinmetall major contract
A framework contract worth billions and a first call-off of around 300 million euros: the Bundeswehr is ordering the FV-014 loitering munition from Rheinmetall. Qualification starts in the second quarter of 2026, with deliveries from the first half of 2027.
Counter-UAS on an autonomous truck: Epirus, GDLS and Kodiak AI present Leonidas AGV
High-power microwave meets autonomous driving: with the Leonidas AGV, mobile counter-UAS is set to protect military sites, ports and major events against drones and swarms. A prototype is on show in Huntsville, Alabama.
Drone fleet for Poland: Tusk launches initiative in Rzeszów drawing on Ukrainian combat experience
Polish money, Ukrainian battlefield experience and EU funds: this combination is to create Poland’s own drone fleet. Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Yulia Svyrydenko presented the project in Rzeszów.