Unmanned Systems News
The latest news on unmanned systems, counter-UAS and the defence industry, from Europe and around the world.
Counter-UAS with shotgun ammunition: CSG develops autonomous Swarmshot system with US partners
Shotgun ammunition from the air against small, low-cost drones: for counter-UAS, CSG is combining ammunition, a weapon module and swarm software with Mossberg and Palladyne AI. The timeline, customers and financing of the Swarmshot project remain open.
Net-launcher drones for the Bundeswehr: contract worth up to 1.1 billion euros
The budget committee gave the green light, and a day later the BAAINBw signed: the Bundeswehr is acquiring net-launcher drones that capture targets instead of shooting them down. Quantities and contract value remain open – media name the A1-Falke from Argus Interception.
Interceptor drones in the lead: Ukraine orders more than 590,000 drones via Brave1 Market
For the first time, interceptor drones top the order statistics of the Ukrainian armed forces, ahead even of FPV combat drones. Behind this is a procurement model that converts combat successes into points and is now also attracting Airbus Defence and Space and Canada.
Counter-UAS: Leonardo DRS wins framework contract with a ceiling of 500 million US dollars
Joint Interagency Task Force 401 wants to get proven technology to the troops faster. For three years, Leonardo DRS may bid for individual orders for mobile counter-drone radars – no guaranteed volume is attached to the contract.
Drone manufacturer UDS opens production facility in Ukraine
With the joint venture “UDS Ukraine”, the Lithuanian drone manufacturer Unmanned Defense Systems intends to stay in the country for the long term. Training, advice and feedback from operations are planned – Lithuania's ambassador to Ukraine welcomes the move.
Counter-UAS in Denmark: DALO orders AI-ready C2 system from Systematic
Denmark is the first known NATO member to award a contract for a C2 system prepared for AI-supported analysis. The counter-drone solution is to link sensors, data and personnel nationwide and integrate the Terma system.
Reconnaissance drones made at home: Poland orders FlyEye from FlyTronic
A billion-złoty contract financed through the EU's SAFE programme: Poland is buying FlyEye reconnaissance drones from a domestic manufacturer. The first systems are with the troops, training is under way and the final deliveries are due by the end of 2030.
VTOL drones in a container: Sikorsky packs four Nomad 100 into the Fast Pack
With the Nomad 100 Fast Pack, Lockheed Martin subsidiary Sikorsky aims to bring VTOL drones and their infrastructure rapidly to any location. Two aircraft are to be ready for launch in less than 15 minutes; the company is silent on customers and prices.
Loitering munition TYR: Heaviside Industries shows lightweight weapon at AUSA
Just over two kilograms, four warhead variants from Nammo, more than 60 minutes in the air: with TYR, Heaviside Industries is presenting a portable loitering munition that is even intended to engage main battle tanks.
Interceptor drones from Ukraine: Japan buys P1-Sun from SkyFall
For the first time, Tokyo is sourcing interceptor drones made in Ukraine. Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi confirmed the contract with SkyFall for the P1-Sun – the quantity, contract value and which variant will be delivered remain undisclosed.
Counter-UAS in Hamburg: police procure A1 Falke counter-drone systems from Argus Interception
Following the attempted attack in Leipzig, Hamburg is stepping up its counter-UAS capability: the police are receiving systems from Argus Interception whose technology goes back to a Hamburg research project. They are due to enter service this year.
Counter-UAS for Egypt: Russia offers Cairo the Bizon system
Russia wants to equip Egypt with the short-range counter-UAS system Bizon – shortly after a drone set two ships ablaze in the port of Damietta. Quantities, price and delivery date remain open, and no order is known.
Reconnaissance drones and more: Ukraine’s National Guard reorders Linza and Zoom from QFI
The National Guard of Ukraine is adding reconnaissance drones and multi-purpose drones: Quantum Frontline Industries (QFI) will deliver more Linza and Zoom in 2027 than under the first order – and is quintupling its production capacity in Germany.