Unmanned Systems News
The latest news on unmanned systems, counter-UAS and the defence industry, from Europe and around the world.
Interceptor drone from Argus Interception: “Intercept drones – or better, capture them”
German drone start-up Argus is bringing an interceptor drone to market: a large quadcopter that captures unwanted or hostile drones with launched nets. In an interview, co-founder and CSO Sven Steingräber talks about the concept and the technology.
Counter-drone laser: Israel discloses operational shoot-downs for the first time
Documents and videos now prove it: during Operation “Swords of Iron”, the Israel Defense Forces shot down dozens of drones with lasers. The Ministry of Defence, the Air Force and Rafael are behind the accelerated development of this counter-drone defence.
Drone attack “Spider Web”: Ukraine strikes more than 40 Russian aircraft
Tu-95, Tu-22M3, A-50: using FPV drones launched from parked lorries, Ukraine’s SBU hit several air bases deep inside Russia on 1 June. What is known about the drone attack – and what remains unclear.
Dutch Admiral Rob Bauer retires after 43 years of service
People and appointments: Rob Bauer led the Dutch armed forces and then the NATO Military Committee. At his farewell in Amsterdam, Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans and General Onno Eichelsheim paid tribute to the naval officer.
Counter-drone for the Leonidas: Greece’s armoured vehicle gets RF Hunter EW system
A Cypriot EW sensor, a Slovenian turret and an Austrian heritage: at DEFEA, the Greek Leonidas appeared with RF Hunter, which locates drones and passes their coordinates to the weapon system for counter-drone defence.
Counter-drone on naval vessels: FN Herstal bets on the Sea Defnder weapon station
Counter-drone defence with a machine gun instead of expensive missiles: FN Herstal is positioning the Sea Defnder against aerial and surface drones. According to the manufacturer, first orders from the Netherlands, Belgium and Brazil are already in place.
Drone manufacturer ODM presents new modules for the Tano drone at AFCEA
Parachute, precision drop, AI-supported reconnaissance and tethered operation: German drone manufacturer ODM is expanding its modular Tano Concept Family and is showing the new modules in Bonn for the first time.
Drone news from Estonia: secondary schools to get drone training and their own drone kits
Drone news from the Baltics: Estonia's new government is anchoring drone training in national defence education. Member of parliament Peeter Tali sees a need to catch up and points to the experience from Ukraine.
FPV drones as a “revolution in military affairs”: Major General Jacob Benjo warns armies
For Israeli Major General Jacob Benjo, FPV drones are neither merely a new weapon nor just a new approach. In his analysis he describes a 40-kilometre-deep combat zone, falling costs per strike and armies that have not yet recognised the change.
Patria and ACC Innovation sign cooperation on military drone based on Thunder Wasp GT
A heavy quadcopter from Sweden is to receive a military variant. Patria contributes its experience in unmanned systems and operations, ACC Innovation the platform – the first phase of a new partnership for a military drone.
Saab CEO Micael Johansson elected to head European industry association ASD
People and appointments: the European association of the aerospace, security and defence industries gets a new president from Sweden. Micael Johansson remains CEO of Saab and wants to develop ASD further as a driving force.
Drone technology every few weeks: the Netherlands opens the Quick Response Drone Facility
Testing and fielding new drone technology every few weeks: this is why the Dutch Ministry of Defence has created the QRDF. Minister Ruben Brekelmans points to Ukraine and calls on the partners to develop a detection system against interceptor drones.
Military drones repaired in the field: Ukraine approves mobile drone workshops
The more military drones fly at the front, the more of them need maintenance. Ukraine's Ministry of Defence has therefore approved mobile container workshops – the full version is called “Nebokray 01”.