Unmanned Systems News
The latest news on unmanned systems, counter-UAS and the defence industry, from Europe and around the world.
Reconnaissance drones for Spain: army orders Vector systems from Quantum Systems
Around 27 million euros for 91 Vector systems: Spain has chosen reconnaissance drones from Quantum Systems. Telefónica narrowly lost out; the framework contract is still pending and could grow to around 150 systems.
Unmanned systems instead of soldiers: Ukraine bets on AI-supported autonomous warfare
Two million drones in 2024, five million planned for 2025: a CSIS report shows where Ukraine already uses AI and unmanned systems – from reconnaissance and acoustics to navigation without GPS.
Counter-UAS and drone operations: Royal Netherlands Army sets up Task Force Drones
With the new Task Force Drones, Brigadier General Joland Dubbeldam is to deliver an integrated concept by the end of the year that brings counter-UAS and the army's own UAS into the units. The model is the experience from Ukraine.
Loitering munition for the Bundeswehr: Helsing and Stark to supply test systems
Test first, then procure at scale: the Bundeswehr plans to trial loitering munitions from at least two suppliers. Under discussion are Helsing with the HX-2 and Stark – two companies with a surprising personal connection.
FPV drones in the US Marine Corps: new Attack Drone Team MCADT to strengthen rifle squads
From less than one kilometre to more than 20 kilometres of reach: the US Marine Corps aims to upgrade small units with armed FPV drones. The new MCADT brings together training, tactics and competitions.
Drones for Ukraine: the Netherlands provides 500 million euros
During a visit to Dnipro and the eastern front, Ruben Brekelmans and Gijs Tuinman announced an accelerated support package worth 2 billion euros. 500 million of it goes to drones for Ukraine.
Interceptor drone Kreuger 100: Nordic Air Defence relies on software instead of jammers
Jammers and lasers are too expensive or not effective enough, says Swedish start-up Nordic Air Defence. Its Kreuger 100 interceptor drone is designed to defeat small drones at low cost – for military and civilian use.
Unmanned ground vehicles from Egypt: Havelsan and Kader agree joint UGV production
Turkey supplies technology and licences, Egypt the manufacturing: Havelsan and Kader Factory, part of the AOI, plan to build unmanned ground vehicles together. Both sides speak of more than a technology transfer.
Christina Canitz takes over Hensoldt Optronics from Tanya Altmann
People and appointments at Hensoldt: former Chief Procurement Officer Christina Canitz moves to the head of Optronics. CEO Oliver Dörre points to her experience in supply chain, procurement and production; the handover was by mutual agreement.
Combat drone Bayraktar TB3 hits naval target with IHA-122 supersonic missile
A naval target more than 50 kilometres away, hit on the first attempt: Baykar's TB3 combat drone has tested Roketsan's new supersonic missile. At the same time, Baykar is deepening its cooperation with Leonardo.
Military drones: Airbus turns Do-DT25 target drone into LOAD air defence system
Until now, the Do-DT25 served as a target for air defence missiles. With LOAD, Airbus is converting it into one of the military drones for air defence – presented in Bonn, with up to three missiles and autonomous target search after authorisation.
Vector AI: Quantum Systems unveils new tactical UAS at the AUSA Global Force Symposium
With Vector AI, Quantum Systems aims to give armed forces a reconnaissance edge in contested environments. The company cites autonomous missions, greater range and resilience against electronic warfare.
Reconnaissance drones in the crosshairs: Ukrainian Yak-52s hunt Russian UAVs with onboard gunners
An unarmed trainer from the 1970s against Russian reconnaissance drones: new videos show Ukrainian Yak-52s on interception missions. How effective this is remains unclear – Russia announced a fighter version of its own.