Unmanned Systems News
The latest news on unmanned systems, counter-UAS and the defence industry, from Europe and around the world.
Counter-UAS: Embraer upgrades the A-29 Super Tucano into a “drone killer”
Laser-guided rockets, wing-mounted guns and new data links: Embraer is adding Counter-UAS to the A-29 Super Tucano's range of missions. The light COIN and close air support aircraft is set to become a low-cost drone interceptor.
Unmanned Systems / Aerial DronesCombat drone YFQ-44A: Anduril begins flight testing its CCA aircraft
Just 556 days after the first design, Anduril's YFQ-44A is in the air. The semi-autonomous combat drone from the CCA programme is now to demonstrate speed, stealth, range and weapons integration – while mass production is still held back by a lack of capacity.
Ground drone swarms: Swarmbotics AI bets on ground swarm robotics with Fire Ant
One operator, many small robots: with Fire Ant, Arizona start-up Swarmbotics AI is developing low-cost, modular robots for ground drone swarms. They are intended to bring reconnaissance and attack closer to the enemy without putting soldiers at risk.
Unmanned systems combined: ARX Robotics and Helsing demonstrate recce-strike with British Army in Kenya
At “Haraka Storm” in Kenya, ARX Robotics and Helsing ran through the entire chain with British soldiers: a UGV reconnoitres, an HX-2 strikes. The exercise showed how unmanned systems keep troops at a distance and let them act faster.
Reconnaissance drone Falke: first Bundeswehr operators complete training at Quantum Systems
Two weeks at the Munster training area, and the first course was done: operators of the Bundeswehr have completed their training on Quantum Systems' Falke reconnaissance drone. In future, simulator training is to account for a far larger share.
Reconnaissance drone “Prince Oleg”: Ukraine's 63rd Brigade downs Russian decoy drone
It looks almost identical to Ukrainian models, costs little and needs no satellite navigation: with the “Prince Oleg” reconnaissance drone, Russia is relying on deception and mass. Ukraine's 63rd Brigade has nevertheless intercepted one.
Ground drones for Ukraine: Netherlands funds more than 150 Themis from Milrem Robotics
For a long time the donor country remained unnamed; now it is official: the Netherlands is behind the donation of more than 150 Themis ground drones to Ukraine. Most will be assembled at VDL Defentec in Born, and Milrem Robotics is training operators and technicians.
Counter-drone defence with the F-16: Ukrainian squadron has shot down more than 1,000 Russian drones
A deputy squadron commander with the call sign “AB” tells the Mitchell Institute how Ukraine uses the F-16 for counter-drone defence, why dispersed basing works and what support is still missing.
Drone traffic management for all of Sweden: LFV awards Frequentis contract for UTM platform
Swedish air navigation service provider LFV is relying on Frequentis for drone traffic management. The order covers a digital UTM platform including implementation and support, intended to coordinate low-level drone flights nationwide.
Counter-drone defence in Belgium: Chief of Defence Vansina orders drones over bases to be shot down
After three consecutive days of sightings, including over Kleine-Brogel, Belgium is stepping up its counter-drone defence. According to Chief of Defence Frédéric Vansina, resources are still scarce; an accelerated protection programme is under way.
Donaustahl hires Horst Rieder as CFO – former KNDS finance chief takes the helm
People and appointments at Donaustahl: a long-serving group CFO of KNDS is now responsible for the company's finances. Horst Rieder is to expand the financial structures and provide strategic support for the firm's growth.
Baba Yaga: how Ukraine organises and deploys its heavy bomber drones
A Ukrainian original with no real imitators: the heavy Baba Yaga multirotor drone is so successful that Russia has set up dedicated hunter units. A look at origins, company structure, equipment, costs and countermeasures.
AI fighter jet X-BAT: Shield AI unveils autonomous vertical take-off aircraft with Hivemind pilot
In Washington D.C., Shield AI has shown a mock-up of the X-BAT – an autonomous AI fighter jet that takes off and lands vertically. It is to be operational from 2027/28. What lies behind the concept and which questions remain open.