Unmanned Systems News
The latest news on unmanned systems, counter-UAS and the defence industry, from Europe and around the world.
Drone manufacturer Tekever opens subsidiary in Munich – Bundeswehr tests first drone
Munich becomes the home of Tekever Germany. At the same time, the Bundeswehr is evaluating a system from the Portuguese drone manufacturer – a heavy-lift drone for autonomous logistics and support tasks.
Counter-UAS in live fire: Aselsan demonstrates Korkut 35 air defence system
Military delegations from twelve countries watched as the Turkish Korkut 35 engaged various types of drones. The counter-UAS demonstration also focused on firing accuracy on the move.
Counter-UAS with microwaves and hypervelocity projectiles: BAE Systems presents MDACS and HPM
At AUSA 2026 in Washington, BAE Systems is pursuing two paths against drone swarms and missile attacks: kinetic effect with MDACS and directed energy via HPM – a dual approach to counter-UAS for which no orders or timelines have yet been named.
V-BAT for Taiwan: Coast Guard takes delivery of first drones from Shield AI
Twelve vertical take-off V-BAT are set to strengthen maritime surveillance around Taiwan. The first Shield AI systems have been handed over, and training and local maintenance are being set up together with AIDC.
Drone ecosystem: first Drohnenforum Schweiz in Thun calls for more speed and less bureaucracy
How can technological innovation be turned into military capability faster? The first Drohnenforum Schweiz in Thun focused on building a drone ecosystem, on new models of cooperation – and on blunt words from Chief of the Armed Forces Roos and Armaments Chief Loher.
Counter-UAS from Austria: GuardAero APS1 protects military vehicles at close range
A win at the ADIC hackathon became a research project with the BMLV and the Bundesheer: Graz start-up GuardAero has tested its APS1 counter-UAS system in live-fire trials. Vehicle integration, market readiness by 2027 and a further funding round are next.
Defence procurement: Swiss Armaments Chief Urs Loher calls for a rethink – “too slow along the entire chain”
Tactics change within weeks, procurement programmes take years: at the first Sicherheitsforum Drohnen Schweiz in Thun, Armaments Chief Urs Loher explained why defence procurement needs new models – and what role the “Eiger” project is to play.
Swiss Armed Forces: Lieutenant General Roos calls for a radical rethink – “enough books written”
Billions for drones, a new drone battalion – and still not enough: at the first Sicherheitsforum Drohnen Schweiz in Thun, Lieutenant General Benedikt Roos called on the Swiss Armed Forces to show less perfectionism, less bureaucracy and more speed.
Unmanned ground vehicles: Ukraine's Tencore unveils its own UGV ecosystem with four platforms
From logistics and casualty evacuation to firefighting: Ukrainian company Tencore is combining four platforms for unmanned ground vehicles in a single system – aiming to simplify operations, maintenance and the integration of additional equipment.
Counter-UAS via the mobile network: Rheinmetall and Deutsche Telekom develop a joint protective shield
The goal is a protective shield against drones and cyber attacks: for counter-UAS, Rheinmetall contributes its effectors and Deutsche Telekom its mobile network. The aim is to protect critical infrastructure, civilian sites and major events.
Underwater drone: Saab and Sweden put LUUV demonstrator in the water
Less than a year after the contract was awarded, a large underwater drone from Saab has successfully completed sea trials. The LUUV demonstrator concludes the first project phase; more advanced capabilities are to follow next.
Steyr Motors in Red Cat’s sights: US drone group offers 39 euros per share
Rumours have turned into a concrete offer: Red Cat Holdings is making a voluntary public takeover offer for Steyr Motors through a Vienna-based subsidiary. A majority of the shares and regulatory approvals are required; closing is planned for the first half of 2027.
Grille drone: Steyr Motors generators secure the power supply for Avilus
While Avilus’s Grille drone is in the air, the next battery set is already charging on the ground, made possible by the M12 Power Unit from Steyr Motors. The cooperation targets military field operations; the generators are already in use with the Bundeswehr.