Unmanned Systems News
The latest news on unmanned systems, counter-UAS and the defence industry, from Europe and around the world.
Unmanned aircraft One 150: Interview with Primoco founder Ladislav Semetkovský
Our five questions this time go to Ladislav Semetkovský, founder of the Czech company Primoco UAV SE, which has been producing civilian and military unmanned aircraft of the One 150 type for autonomous flights since 2015. Read here what the Austrian connection is.
Maritime drones against mines: Thales delivers first autonomous mine-hunting system to the Royal Navy
Four systems this year: under the Franco-British MMCM project, the Royal Navy is receiving autonomous mine hunters from Thales that combine maritime drones, sonar and AI-supported data analysis.
Drone manufacturer Primoco UAV: One 150 receives NATO STANAG 4703 certification and EASA approval
Five years of testing, 170 test flights, 28,000 pages of documentation: Czech drone manufacturer Primoco UAV has obtained two approvals for the One 150, one military and one civil – and now hopes for more orders.
Reconnaissance drones: AeroVironment upgrades the Netherlands’ Puma drones
The Puma mini-UAS of the Dutch armed forces have reached the end of their service life. AeroVironment is upgrading the reconnaissance drones to Block III, supplemented by the larger Puma LE – the first systems reach the troops this year.
eVTOL for the military: Horizon Aircraft sees growing interest in Cavorite X7
Troop transport, rescue missions, special forces teams: Horizon Aircraft is promoting its hybrid eVTOL Cavorite X7 to the military. The aircraft is still in flight testing, but key data on weight, payload and range are available.
Reconnaissance drones in drone dogfights: Russia protects Zala 421-16 with Ukhilyant system
Ukrainian interceptor drones are taking a toll on Russian reconnaissance drones. Zala responds with Ukhilyant, an AI-supported evasion system – but a captured drone now gives Ukraine insight into the technology.
Counter-UAS in 84 days: Saab, FMV and Swedish Air Force test Loke system
From concept to first field test in just 84 days: with Loke, Sweden’s Air Force, the FMV procurement agency and Saab have developed a modular counter-UAS system that covers the entire kill chain.
Counter-UAS for the US Marine Corps: Anduril wins contract worth around 600 million euros
Ten years, bases worldwide, nine unsuccessful competitors: Anduril Industries will supply counter-UAS to the US Marine Corps. Which system will be used is officially open – much points to the Roadrunner-M.
Unmanned helicopter at 20: Camcopter and a look into Schiebel's future
For two decades the Camcopter S-100 unmanned helicopter has shaped unmanned aviation. Now the S-300 is waiting in the wings. Hans Georg Schiebel on the evolution of the S-100, the new model's missions and Austria as a location for innovation.
Drone technology: Sikorsky tests “rotor blown wing” prototype in helicopter and aeroplane mode
52 kilograms, two propellers, more than 40 take-offs and landings: Sikorsky has successfully tested new drone technology, a rotor blown wing prototype. The company sees potential for larger models with hybrid-electric propulsion.
Drone manufacturer Quantum Systems takes over Air Robot in full and adds multicopter drones to its portfolio
By acquiring Air Robot GmbH of Arnsberg, drone manufacturer Quantum Systems adds multicopter drones to its range. Air Robot, a supplier for Mikado II and Tiquila, remains an independent company within the group.
Unmanned systems for logistics: EDA selects Schiebel Camcopter S-100 for programme under HEDI
The EDA wants to trial unmanned systems in cross-domain logistics and has chosen Schiebel's Camcopter S-100 as its preferred solution. Testing with the Italian Army takes place in June and July 2025, including last-mile resupply.
Counter-drone training over the Baltic Sea: Dutch F-35s shoot down several target drones
Using AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, two Dutch F-35s trained counter-drone tactics against several targets at once over the Baltic Sea. Estonia provided the drones, and the exercise took place in controlled airspace.