Unmanned Systems News
The latest news on unmanned systems, counter-UAS and the defence industry, from Europe and around the world.
Underwater drone Sub Sea Baby: Ukraine reports Russian submarine sunk in Novorossiysk
A Varshavyanka-class submarine is said to have been hit by a Ukrainian underwater drone in the port of Novorossiysk. The SBU speaks of a sinking, Moscow of a failed sabotage attempt – what is known about Sub Sea Baby.
Ukrainian drones made in Europe: Quantum Systems and Frontline Robotics found QFI
Combat-proven, soon series-produced in Europe: with Quantum Frontline Industries, Frontline Robotics and Quantum Systems are setting up a joint venture to manufacture Ukrainian drones industrially – all for the Ukrainian armed forces; the site is not disclosed.
Counter-drone defence for the Netherlands: armed forces order Rheinmetall Skyranger 30
Mobile and stationary Skyranger 30 systems plus simulators: the Netherlands is upgrading its counter-drone defence with Rheinmetall. Production starts in Switzerland, then moves to Ede – and another NATO country is already interested in the configuration.
Drone mothership Jiutian airborne: China’s giant reconnaissance and attack drone flies for the first time
16 tonnes take-off weight, eight external hardpoints and a modular container in the fuselage: China’s Jiutian drone mothership from AVIC has completed its first flight in Shaanxi province. An AI video featuring a drone swarm drew particular worldwide attention.
UAV partnership for the UK: GKN Aerospace and Anduril Industries UK team up with Archer
With British contracts expected early next year, GKN Aerospace and Anduril Industries UK are joining forces on the next generation of UAVs. Archer contributes eVTOL expertise, and new jobs could be created at the Cowes plant.
Twister reconnaissance drone: Bundeswehr procures Quantum Systems design as Aladin successor
The budget committee has given its approval: 147 Twister systems will replace the Bundeswehr's Aladin reconnaissance drone, and a framework contract allows up to 600 more. The Quantum Systems aircraft is already being built in Ukraine.
UGV Hector: ARX Robotics unveils wheeled mid-size ground vehicle for Europe's land forces
Faster, longer-range and software-defined: with Hector, ARX Robotics aims to close a gap in Europe's land forces. The new UGV comes in a combustion-engine and an electric version and can optionally be crewed.
Drone training in live simulation: Thales adds drone scenarios to its training solution
Friendly or hostile drone: with a new drone training function in its live simulators, Thales aims to prepare armed forces for changing operational conditions. A kit makes drones from a few hundred grams to several dozen kilograms ready for exercises.
One-way attack drones in the Middle East: US CENTCOM forms first drone squadron with Lucas
The US military has set up its first squadron for one-way attack drones – in the Middle East, under the umbrella of Task Force Scorpion Strike. It operates the Lucas from Spektre Works, a clone of the Iranian Shahed-136. The location remains undisclosed.
Gambit combat drone for Europe: General Atomics presents CCA concept in Oberpfaffenhofen
A flight-proven GA-ASI platform combined with a European mission system: in Oberpfaffenhofen, GA-Europe and GA-ASI showed German industry representatives what a European version of the Gambit combat drone could look like. Workshops and talks are to follow.
Ground drones at the front: profile of Russia's Kurier multi-purpose assault robot
Around 1,500 Russian versus up to 15,000 Ukrainian UGVs – in numbers, Russia clearly lags behind in ground drones. With the Kurier, however, it fields a remarkable model: from minelayer to logistics and fire support, including a Starlink option.
DJI Matrice 4T cracked: Russian hackers militarise the drone's firmware
The Telegram channel Ural Drone Hub reports that the firmware of the DJI Matrice 4T can now be flashed for military use. Remote ID and no-fly zones have been disabled, but FCC unlocking has apparently not yet succeeded.
Loitering munition in a drone network: Bundeswehr tests reconnaissance and effects live in the Altmark
Reconnaissance drones, AI-supported command software and loitering munitions from several manufacturers: at the Army's combat training centre, the Bundeswehr has tested a drone-based network live for the first time. Its in-house C2-UMS Bw played a central role.