Unmanned Systems News
The latest news on unmanned systems, counter-UAS and the defence industry, from Europe and around the world.
Unmanned ground vehicles: ARX Robotics and Deutz form strategic partnership
Drives, energy in the field and a minority stake: Deutz and ARX Robotics aim to create a scalable production base for unmanned ground vehicles in Europe. The agreement was signed at a roundtable in the German Economics Ministry.
Reconnaissance drone Molniya-2R: Russia flies with Windows 11 and Starlink
Raspberry Pi, Chinese mini PC, mail-order gimbal camera: a Russian reconnaissance drone captured in Ukraine shows how far the COTS approach goes – and why costs stay well below 10,000 euros.
Unmanned combat aircraft for the RAAF: Australia procures MQ-28A Ghost Bat from Boeing
Around 860 million euros go to Boeing Defence Australia: with the Ghost Bat, Australia relies on unmanned combat aircraft teamed with the F-35 and others. Analysts expect a boost for domestic industry – and possibly US interest.
V-BAT for the Sakura class: Japan's navy receives first drones from Shield AI
The first delivery of V-BAT drones has arrived in Yokosuka. The vertical take-off drones are to supplement the new Sakura-class patrol vessels, with which the JMSDF intends to relieve destroyers and minesweepers of surveillance tasks.
Ground drone Ziesel: Diehl Defence tests UGV at 2,000 metres with the Bundesheer
Snow-covered terrain, extreme weather, high mountains: the Ziesel ground drone and its Platon autonomy package were tested at the Lizum/Walchen training area. Meier Medizintechnik was the partner for the trials.
Drone manufacturer Schiebel: Camcopter S-300 completes first test campaign in France
100 flight hours in a military test environment near Bordeaux: drone manufacturer Schiebel has tested the Camcopter S-300 in France for the first time. Compared with the S-100, the larger system is to offer more payload, range and endurance.
Drone industry: Anduril and Edge Group bet on Omen with joint venture
A joint plant in the UAE, access to the Lattice software and 50 Omen systems on pre-order: Edge and Anduril are joining forces. What the joint venture means for the drone industry in the Middle East.
Unmanned systems across all domains: Quantum Systems acquires Fernride
From aircraft to autonomous trucks: with Fernride, Quantum Systems brings in-house expertise in driverless ground mobility and integrates it into Mosaic UXS. The goal is a networked offering of unmanned systems; neither side discloses the price.
Counter-UAS in a harsh climate: Rheinmetall shows C-sUAS capabilities at GBAD Demo Days in Finland
From fast jet drones to hard-to-detect quadcopters: at Lohtaja, Rheinmetall Air Defence faced a broad range of targets in harsh conditions. The counter-UAS focus was on the new Skyspotter and the Skymaster system network.
Loitering munition: Stark brings Jan-Patrick Helmsen onto its board as Chief Sales Officer
Jan-Patrick Helmsen moves from Rheinmetall management to the board of Stark: at the German manufacturer of loitering munition, the former army officer will in future be responsible for sales and business development. At the same time, Martin Rost joins the management team as COO.
Loitering munition: Stark appoints former Zalando manager Martin Rost as Chief Operating Officer
More than 16 years at Zalando, now manufacturing at Stark: Martin Rost is to ramp up operations and production at the German loitering munition manufacturer. Jan-Patrick Helmsen joins the company's management board alongside him as CSO.
Counter-drone systems for Europe’s military: Drone Shield wins 46 million euro order
A European distribution partner has ordered handheld counter-drone systems from Drone Shield, together with accessories and software updates. The military end customer remains undisclosed – delivery is due as early as the first quarter.
Reconnaissance drone CH-7: China’s Caihong-7 stealth flying wing makes its first flight
Shortly after the Jiutian drone mothership, the Caihong-7 has also taken to the air: China reports the first flight of its stealth reconnaissance drone. It remains open whether the payload of up to two tonnes includes weapons.