Unmanned Systems News
The latest news on unmanned systems, counter-UAS and the defence industry, from Europe and around the world.
Military drones from China: “Jiutian SS-UAV” drone mothership to launch more than 100 small drones
Chinese state television has presented the “SS-UAV”, a 15-tonne drone mothership. Among military drones it stands out for its missile payload and more than 100 small drones – and could be intended as a first-strike weapon.
Underwater drone R7 Compact ROV: Belgian Navy tests Exail system at “Spanish Minex”
At the mine countermeasures exercise “Spanish Minex”, Exail's new R7 Compact ROV underwater drone had to prove itself under operational conditions. Belgium has been using six of them since April – in addition to its REMUS drones.
Irishman Seán Clancy succeeds General Robert Brieger at EU Military Committee
People and appointments: once again, the EU's highest-ranking military officer comes from a neutral state. Lieutenant General Seán Clancy narrowly beat a Slovenian to chair the EU Military Committee – while Brieger, on leaving, calls for a clearer mutual assistance clause.
Sea drones from Ukraine: military intelligence service GUR presents Magura V7 as successor to the V5
The larger Magura V7 follows the Magura V5: GUR's sea drones are getting heavier, gaining range and carrying missiles. At the same time, Ukraine is looking for export customers for the Seawolf, and Russia is planning its own naval regiments with unmanned systems.
Underwater drones from Helsing: AI system Lura to monitor the oceans with the SG-1 Fathom glider
With Lura and SG-1 Fathom, Helsing aims to reshape maritime surveillance: underwater drones in swarms, an acoustic AI model and a single operator. The system has already been demonstrated in Portsmouth, and deployment is planned for this year.
Counter-UAS: Hensoldt expands ASUL on behalf of the Bundeswehr
Operational experience and new technology are being incorporated into an upgrade of the Bundeswehr's ASUL system. Hensoldt has received the contract for expanding the counter-UAS system, and further upgrade stages are already planned.
Loitering munition for the Bundesheer: Austrian defence ministry plans procurement
After attending a demonstration in Slovenia, Austria's defence ministry is working on introducing loitering munitions. According to the Bundesheer, the choice of effectors is still open – procurement is planned within the next few years.
Interceptor drone Blaze: Riga-based Origin Robotics unveils autonomous interceptor
With Blaze, Latvian start-up Origin Robotics aims to close gaps in ground-based air defence. The portable interceptor drone relies on radar, AI-supported computer vision and a fragmentation warhead.
Cruise missile S8000 Banderol: Ukrainian intelligence reveals details of Russia's low-cost weapon
For weeks, little more than the propulsion and speed of the new Russian system striking the Odesa region was known. Now the GUR has released data on the Banderol cruise missile's warhead, range, carriers and Western components.
Captain Matthias Braband succeeds Sven Janssen at Naval Technical School Parow
People and appointments – change of command in Stralsund: Sven Janssen moves to the Cyber Operations Centre in Rheinbach, Matthias Braband comes from BAAINBw to the Naval Technical School Parow, the German Navy's largest training facility.
Counter-drone defence in Moscow: internet and mobile networks shut down ahead of 9 May parade
Kyiv rejected a three-day ceasefire around the Victory Day parade, and Moscow is tightening its counter-drone defence: networks are cut and 280 air defence systems concentrated. The first state guests have cancelled.
Loitering munition in live test: Bundesheer delegation at demonstration in Slovenia
For two days, manufacturers showcased loitering munitions and the means to counter them at the Slovenian training area of Poček. Among the numerous military delegations was one from the Austrian Armed Forces (Bundesheer).
Quantum Systems funding round raises 160 million euros – Balderton Capital leads
Fresh capital for Quantum Systems: alongside existing backers, Hensoldt and Airbus Defence and Space are among the investors in the funding round. The money is to go into expansion, production, drone systems, software and AI.