Unmanned Systems News
The latest news on unmanned systems, counter-UAS and the defence industry, from Europe and around the world.
Counter-drone defence with AI: Valkyrie Aero upgrades Embraer A-29 Super Tucano with Gunslinger
Brazil's Embraer and US-based Valkyrie Aero are cooperating: the Gunslinger AI suite is to enable the A-29 Super Tucano to make better counter-drone decisions – from detection to engagement.
Civilian drones in support of Austria: inside the Drohnenkorps Österreich
Martin Held is a former Jagdkommando soldier, trained airline pilot, founder and CEO of drone service provider Hero Aero – and now initiator of an association with big plans: an interface for civilian drones between authorities, emergency organisations and drone pilots.
Ground drone Mandrill: Quantum Systems enters ground robotics at Enforce Tac
With the Mandrill ground drone, Quantum Systems is opening its own Ground Robotics business unit. The modular vehicle is tied to the Mosaic UXS software suite and is meant to be the first of a whole family of ground-based systems.
Counter-drone systems against fast tactical drones: Netherlands launches second Counter-Drone Challenge
Up to 600 km/h fast and weighing 150 to 400 kilograms: The Hague is looking for new counter-drone solutions against tactical drones like these. 30 million euros are available for the second round of the challenge, with production to take place in Europe.
Reconnaissance drones for Armenia: Washington delivers Shield AI's V-BAT to Yerevan
For the first time, the US is officially announcing a major arms deal with Armenia: the agreement on V-BAT reconnaissance drones is worth around 11 million US dollars. It became public after J.D. Vance's visit to Yerevan.
Drone control on the ground: Panasonic Toughbook shows rugged notebooks and tablets at Xponential Europe
What happens in the air depends on the IT on the ground: for drone control, Panasonic Toughbook is showing notebooks and tablets in Düsseldorf as ground control stations and analysis platforms – built for dust, rain, extreme temperatures and sensitive data.
Counter-drone: Deutz invests in Tytan Technologies and supplies propulsion and energy systems
Engine manufacturer Deutz is taking a stake in Tytan Technologies in the current funding round. Together, the partners intend to develop propulsion and energy solutions for counter-drone defence – from interceptor drones to launcher batteries.
Anti-drone nets: Ukraine aims to protect a further 4,000 kilometres of roads by the end of 2026
Kyiv is speeding up the installation of anti-drone nets over roads near the front: from five to twelve kilometres a day, rising to 20 from March. Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov names logistics routes as the priority.
Ground drones in Ukraine: more than 7,000 combat and logistics missions in January alone
Delivering ammunition, evacuating the wounded, securing supplies: Ukraine routinely sends ground drones into high-risk zones. More production and procurement are planned for 2026, and 13 models are already available on Brave1 Market.
Underwater drone Blue Whale: German Navy takes delivery of first system from TKMS Atlas Elektronik and IAI
On 25 February, Vice Admiral Jan Christian Kaack accepted the first Blue Whale. The underwater drone is to perform reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare; after only a few months of procurement, the move into series production is now next.
Drone manufacturer Schiebel plans Schiebel UK: expansion into the British defence sector
Momentum comes from the Peregrine programme with Thales UK and the Royal Navy: drone manufacturer Schiebel intends to set up its own company in the United Kingdom, manufacture there and bring the Camcopter S-300 to market.
Interceptor drones within a year: five NATO countries launch the LEAP programme
Germany, France, Italy, Poland and the United Kingdom want to jointly develop low-cost interceptor drones and autonomous platforms. Behind LEAP lies the question of how cheap drones can be defeated without expensive missiles.
Counter-drone defence with standard weapons: SwissP Defence unveils Shatter4K ammunition
Four effectors from one cartridge, a deliberately limited range and no modifications to the weapon: with Shatter4K, SwissP Defence relies on existing assault rifles and machine guns for counter-drone defence. The ammunition was presented at Enforce Tac 2026.