Unmanned Systems News
The latest news on unmanned systems, counter-UAS and the defence industry, from Europe and around the world.
Counter-drone defence on the eastern border: Poland builds a comprehensive shield with the "Sun" system
More than two billion euros, first batteries from 2026, full operational readiness in 2027: Poland plans seamless counter-drone defence along its eastern border as part of the "Eastern Shield". Drone incidents in Polish airspace triggered the move.
Unmanned helicopters for the UAE: Edge wins major order for 168 Anavia HT-100 and HT-750
Two contracts, 168 aircraft, one manufacturer from Switzerland: the UAE Ministry of Defence is ordering unmanned helicopters for reconnaissance and logistics from Edge. According to Edge, the order is among the world's largest single orders of its kind.
AI drone swarm: Sirbai enters defence technology at UMEX 2026
A software-first model, more than 40 engineers and research from Abu Dhabi: Sirbai presents what it says is the Middle East's first AI-enabled autonomous drone swarm technology – designed for contested environments without GPS reception.
FPV drone OsA Okta: Russia's army supplies front sectors with eight-motor cargo drone
Double frame, eight motors, up to 13 kilograms of payload: with the OsA Okta, the Russian army is using an FPV drone for logistics in hard-to-reach front areas. It was developed by a company from Arkhangelsk.
Kamikaze drones for Ukraine: Renault prepares Chorus production in Le Mans and Cléon
A carmaker as drone producer: Renault is to mass-produce the Chorus developed by Turgis Gaillard, up to 600 units a month. The kamikaze drone for Ukraine is comparable to the Shahed and Geran-2; a DGA contract worth around one billion euros is in prospect.
Unmanned systems in combat engineering: Poland's 1st Engineer Regiment trains with UGVs and UAVs
Police, rescue services and industry took part: new unmanned systems were the focus of an exercise by Poland's 1st Engineer Regiment, including the PIAP Hunter ground vehicle and the PIAP Mules. The General Command announced the exercise on X.
MQ-9B Sea Guardian for Germany: BAAINBw and NSPA procure eight systems from General Atomics
Eight aircraft, four ground control stations, first delivery in 2028: Germany is relying on the MQ-9B Sea Guardian for maritime surveillance. The NATO agency NSPA negotiated the deal via the MQ-9 Support Partnership.
Loitering munition for the US Marine Corps: Anduril supplies Bolt-M for the OPF-L programme
After 13 months of testing, the USMC has chosen Anduril's Bolt-M. More than 600 of the loitering munition systems are to follow by April 2027, with fielding to the troops starting in summer 2026.
Unmanned helicopter Proteus: Leonardo's British demonstrator takes off for the first time
Proteus has made its maiden flight in Cornwall. As an unmanned helicopter developed by Leonardo, it is to show the Royal Navy how autonomous aircraft can operate alongside crewed platforms – up to and including anti-submarine warfare.
Counter-drone defence and drones: what the Austrian Armed Forces need
In an interview, Brigadier Erich Weissenböck and Colonel Klaus Strutzmann of the Austrian Ministry of Defence talk about the growing importance of drones, the challenges of counter-drone defence and the long-term adjustments to Austrian air defence.
Geran-2E drone: Russia's drone with Verba missile mainly threatens civil aviation
A shoulder-fired air defence missile on its back, Chinese camera and radio equipment on board: Ukraine's DIU intelligence service has disclosed details of the Geran-2E drone. Military pilots can deal with it, departing and landing airliners cannot.
Long-range drones of Ukraine: the weapons Kyiv uses to hit targets 1,000 kilometres and more inside Russia
Arms plants in the Urals, refineries, ammunition depots: since mid-2025 Ukraine has been striking ever deeper into Russia with long-range drones. An overview of the A-22, E-300, Liutyi and FP-1 – and what this means for Russian air defence.
Ground drone Omsk-2: Russia's VDV airborne forces test new robotic system
A remote-controlled tracked vehicle for machine gun, grenade launcher, cargo and wounded: the VDV is testing the Omsk-2 ground drone – electric, almost silent and small enough for the Mi-17 transport helicopter.