Unmanned Systems News
The latest news on unmanned systems, counter-UAS and the defence industry, from Europe and around the world.
Underwater drones: Helsing prepares acquisition of Australian AUV manufacturer Blue Ocean
AI meets underwater drones: buying Blue Ocean of Bibra Lake is to give Helsing hardware and manufacturing. The aim is autonomous systems in large numbers to secure the underwater domain in the North Atlantic and AUKUS waters.
Counter-UAS for military sites: BAAINBw and Tytan Technologies develop interceptor drone demonstrator
Munich-based Tytan Technologies is contributing AI-enabled interceptor drones to a Bundeswehr counter-UAS project. Supported by the innovation lab in Erding, a system demonstration is to show how military sites can be protected against UAS.
VTOL drones: Sikorsky officially unveils unmanned Nomad family
From a 25-kilogram system up to the size of a Black Hawk: Sikorsky is scaling its rotor-blown wing drones into the Nomad family of VTOL drones. Next up is the maiden flight of the Nomad 100, controlled by Matrix autonomy technology.
Loitering munition Harpax: MBDA Italia unveils new family for the Italian Army
Premiere at “Seafuture 2025”: MBDA Italia presents Harpax, a loitering munition for multi-domain operations. The Mini and Small variants were developed with Italian SMEs and had already been shown at “Volpe Bianca 2025”.
Counter-drone: Swiss Armed Forces have Armasuisse procure systems against micro and mini drones
Following a field trial in summer 2025, the Swiss Armed Forces are taking the next step in counter-drone defence: Armasuisse is to procure semi-mobile systems. In parallel, framework contracts for new drones worth around 116 million euros are in place.
Counter-drone operations in Austria: the conditions under which the Bundesheer may intervene
The drone threat is growing, and with it the question of what the Bundesheer may do in counter-drone defence. The Ministry of Defence has published information on this: from airspace surveillance under the Military Powers Act to assistance missions for the Ministry of the Interior.
Reconnaissance drones to replace the DJI Mavic: Ukraine receives 1,000 units from domestic production
In the war in Ukraine, DJI tactical reconnaissance drones were long almost irreplaceable, and since 2023 China has restricted access to them. Now a first Ukrainian manufacturer has delivered 1,000 drones to the army – along with figures on frontline demand.
Interceptor drone A1-Falke: Bundeswehr shows Argus Interception system at NATO exercise in Hamburg
At “Red Storm Bravo” in Hamburg, the spotlight was on the A1-Falke interceptor drone: the Bundeswehr presented the net-capture system from Argus Interception that it has only just taken over. 160 systems are to be delivered by 2027.
Maritime drones from Stark: Vanta-4 and Vanta-6 mark the company's entry into the maritime domain
Stark has so far stood for loitering munitions; now maritime drones follow. The unmanned boats Vanta-4 and Vanta-6 have already completed missions at NATO exercise “REP(MUS)” in Portugal. They are built together with JD Marine International.
Drone swarms for Europe: Helsing and Systematic form partnership
AI-enabled drone swarms are to be deployed directly from existing command systems in future: Helsing is integrating its platforms into Systematic Sitaware, which is used by more than 50 nations – including Austria.
FPV drone costing 425 euros shoots down Russian Mi-8: hit by Ukraine's 59th Brigade
A Ukrainian Shrike FPV drone has brought down a Russian Mi-8 helicopter. The 59th Brigade published the video. The drone costs 425 euros, while the helicopter is estimated to cost at least 6 million euros.
Maritime drone Sancar: Havelsan and Yonca shipyard complete live-fire trials in the Sea of Marmara
In the Sea of Marmara, the Turkish maritime drone Sancar has tested its 12.7-millimetre weapon system with live fire, in the presence of Turkish Navy representatives. At the core of the armed surface vessel is the Advent Rota mission system.
Unmanned systems at sea: NATO exercise off Portugal tests drones in the air, on and under water
32 countries, more than 260 systems, two weeks of trials: off Portugal, the Royal Netherlands Navy and its partners tested unmanned systems. The focus was on swarm technologies, counter-drone defence and mine countermeasures.