Unmanned Systems News
The latest news on unmanned systems, counter-UAS and the defence industry, from Europe and around the world.
Military drones for the Royal Canadian Navy: MDA Space orders up to six Camcopter S-100 from Schiebel
MDA Space is ordering military drones from Schiebel for Halifax-class ships: up to six Camcopter S-100 for ISTAR tasks. The order comes one day after the presentation of the weapon-capable S-101 and S-301.
Unmanned Systems / Maritime DronesUnderwater drone Remus 620 receives Thales Samdis 600 sonar for mine clearance
An underwater drone from HII, the Remus 620, now works with a sonar from Thales: both companies report that integration has been completed. The focus is on mine countermeasures and the protection of maritime infrastructure.
Drone manufacturer Quantum Systems to invest up to 50 million euros in the United Kingdom
The acquisition of Nordic Unmanned UK has given rise to Quantum Systems UK. The German drone manufacturer is targeting the British Ministry of Defence's 20-40-40 strategy; the new subsidiary is led by former Royal Marine Vito Tomasi.
Shahed drones from Russia: Dutch F-35s scrambled in Poland
Two Dutch F-35s took off after Russia launched Shahed drones that could have endangered NATO territory. The jets did not have to use their weapons; the Ministry of Defence is withholding further details.
Drone industry: Cologne engine maker Deutz buys propulsion specialist Sobek
By purchasing the Sobek Group, Deutz is entering the drone industry. The company makes electric drives and controls for drones and is considered profitable; the purchase price is around eleven times operating profit.
Counter-UASCounter-UAS: Swiss Armed Forces field-test systems against mini-drones
Since the summer, the Swiss Armed Forces have been testing counter-UAS systems in Meiringen and Bure. An armoured engineer battalion was involved; the key findings are due by the end of 2025, and further trials will follow.
Saab names Johan Andersson as new Head of Investor Relations
People and appointments: Johan Andersson moves from Husqvarna Group to the Swedish defence group Saab, where he takes over investor relations from 15 September. His predecessor Merton Kaplan moves to the M&A team.
Underwater drone LUUV: Saab develops new sensor platform for Sweden
The FMV contract under which Saab will design, build and test a large underwater drone for Sweden is worth 60 million kronor. Sea trials begin in summer 2026; for now, the LUUV is not intended to carry weapons.
Counter-UAS: Saab unveils Nimbrix missile against small drones
With Nimbrix, Saab is introducing its first missile developed specifically for counter-UAS. It is meant to be low-cost, reach up to five kilometres and also engage swarms; the first units are to be delivered in 2026.
Ground drones: ARX Robotics shows Combat Gereon UGV with Valhalla weapon station
For the first time, ARX Robotics is making one of its ground drones combat-capable: Combat Gereon carries the Loki weapon station from Valhalla Turrets and is meant to make first contact robotically. The system is on show at DSEI UK 2025 in London.
Reconnaissance drone Aquila: Bulgaria relies on technology from Greece's Ucandrone
Bulgaria has ordered 36 Aquila units, and the first have been in service with the Land Forces since May. The reconnaissance drone from Greek manufacturer Ucandrone takes off vertically and observes up to 40 kilometres in good visibility.
Bayraktar TB2: Croatian Armed Forces test their six new drones
Croatia ordered six Bayraktar TB2 plus equipment for 67 million euros, and tests with Baykar specialists are now under way in Velika Gorica. According to current information, full operational capability will be reached by the end of September.
Unmanned systems as “affordable mass”: Justin Bronk on the next generation of stealth combat drones
Cheap enough for risky missions, capable enough to add real value: in a video, air power expert Justin Bronk explains what unmanned systems in the form of stealth combat drones are meant to achieve alongside combat aircraft.