Unmanned Systems News
The latest news on unmanned systems, counter-UAS and the defence industry, from Europe and around the world.
Drone industry: MTU Aero Engines acquires Cologne propulsion specialist Aero Design Works
By buying Aero Design Works GmbH, engine manufacturer MTU is entering the drone industry and will offer propulsion for drones and guided missiles. The Cologne gas turbine maker remains legally independent; the purchase price is undisclosed.
Unmanned systems made in Germany and Ukraine: Quantum Systems launches two new joint ventures
Interceptor drones with WIY Drones, unmanned ground systems with Tencore: at the government consultations in Berlin, Quantum Systems expanded its "Build with Ukraine" initiative with two joint ventures.
Unmanned systems networked: Quantum Systems and Destinus link reconnaissance and effectors via Mosaic UXS
Networking reconnaissance and effects for unmanned systems even over long distances, without taking the decision out of human hands: that is the goal of the strategic partnership Quantum Systems and Destinus have entered into.
Counter-drone defence from the air: France relies on Tiger, Rafale and Hellfire from the Reaper
New footage shows Tiger helicopters and Rafale jets in action against Iranian drones. At the same time, France has armed an MQ-9 Reaper with a Hellfire – counter-drone defence launched from a drone.
Counter-drone defence with the Eurofighter: BAE Systems fires APKWS II from Typhoon for first time
At a British training range, a Royal Air Force Typhoon has fired APKWS II guided rockets for the first time. For counter-drone defence, price is what matters most: the laser-guided weapon costs only a fraction of modern air-to-air missiles.
Drone industry: Quantum Systems announces further joint ventures with Ukrainian manufacturers
A high-level political meeting in Berlin is to set the stage for new joint ventures under "Build with Ukraine". According to Quantum Systems, two of them are about to be announced – the drone industries of both countries are moving closer together.
Interceptor drones for Ukraine: Russia summons Japanese ambassador over Terra Drone investment
Terra Drone plans to build Terra A1 interceptor drones on a large scale together with Ukrainian start-up Amazing Drones. Moscow calls this "openly hostile", while the Japanese manufacturer's share price has risen significantly.
Counter-drone defence instead of infantry fighting vehicles: Estonia shelves 500 million euro programme
Tallinn is extending the service life of its CV90s and reallocating funds: counter-drone defence, air defence and reconnaissance take priority. A new recommendation from the Chief of Defence is to clarify exactly how the money will be distributed.
Drone warfare and the psyche: Markus Reisner addresses military psychologists – "War has changed radically"
Small units, hardly any cover, enormous psychological strain: at the 80th conference of military psychologists in Vienna, Colonel (General Staff) Markus Reisner showed what drone warfare with mass drone use means for soldiers and society.
Kamikaze drone from STM: Turkish long-range model resembles Iran's Shahed
STM has released a first flight-test video of its new long-range kamikaze drone. Turkish media see it as a replica of the Iranian Shahed, but credit the model with greater precision.
Drone operators for the Koninklijke Landmacht: Netherlands creates around 600 posts
Combat units of the Dutch Army are to receive drones as quickly as possible. A first phase provides for around 600 posts for drone operators – and the Commander of the Armed Forces is betting on fast innovation cycles.
Drone production in Romania: Ukraine and Bucharest explore joint manufacturing
A first-of-its-kind strategic partnership paves the way: 16 Ukrainian drone manufacturers have held talks in Bucharest on joint drone production. Around 200 million euros from the SAFE programme are under discussion; the companies involved remain officially unnamed.
Hensoldt Austria GmbH: Maximilian Brunner takes over as managing director
The change of leadership at Hensoldt Austria comes with a reorganisation: the Vienna-based Hensoldt Analytics GmbH will in future bear this name and will be merged with the former ESG site in Vienna.