Unmanned Systems News
The latest news on unmanned systems, counter-UAS and the defence industry, from Europe and around the world.
Drone manufacturer Quantum Systems aims to double its production in Ukraine in 2025
More capacity for Ukraine: in 2025, Quantum Systems is doubling its drone production in the country. The drone manufacturer produces at four sites and justifies the move with the demand on the battlefield.
Combat drones for Ukraine: Helsing is producing a further 6,000 HX-2
A first order for 4,000 units is followed by the next: Helsing is building the HX-2 in series and intends to spread the production of combat drones across several Resilience Factories in a decentralised way throughout Europe.
Underwater drone Blue Whale: German Navy aims to introduce IAI and Atlas Elektronik system quickly
After successful trials, Chief of the German Navy Jan Christian Kaack calls Blue Whale the “first choice”. The underwater drone could initially arrive in small numbers – but Kaack criticises processes that slow down new technology.
Counter-drone: Netherlands equip soldiers with eAAAD toolbox against small drones
Sights, jammers and radio-frequency sensors: with the eAAAD toolbox, the Dutch Ministry of Defence aims to rapidly strengthen its troops’ counter-drone capability. Between 50 and 250 million euros are being invested.
Military drones for the US Army: Red Cat delivers Edge 130 Blue to the Army National Guard
Twelve tricopters for around half a million euros: the Army National Guard and another agency are procuring Edge 130 Blue military drones. Red Cat acquired the system in 2024 through its takeover of FlightWave.
Drone warheads: Donaustahl has IABG test new series to NATO standards
Detonation and safety tests for the Western market: Donaustahl GmbH is having its new drone warheads tested for NATO suitability at IABG. Managing Director Stefan Thumann speaks of a decisive step.
Counter-drone nets: Russians build two-kilometre protective tunnel near Bakhmut
Wooden poles, nets and wire mesh against FPV attacks: with a tunnel over the road to Chasiv Yar, Russian troops are relying on passive counter-drone protection. The aim is to shield the key supply route near the front.
Combat drones for Morocco: air force receives first Bayraktar Akinci from Baykar
The largest Turkish-built drone is now also flying for Morocco. At the same time, the country is procuring the Chinese TB-001 Scorpion – further expanding its fleet of combat drones, which according to Military Africa numbers 233 aircraft.
Drone manufacturer Baykar: 1.75 billion euros in export revenue in 2024
Baykar generates around 90 per cent of its revenue abroad. The Turkish drone manufacturer has now delivered the Bayraktar TB2 and Akinci to 35 countries – including six NATO members.
Military drone in civil airspace: Bundeswehr's German Heron TP flies from Schleswig to Leeuwarden
For the first time in Europe, a military drone has crossed the upper airspace open to all users. The German Heron TP flew to Leeuwarden and back as part of an EDA research project – with a view to the consequences for air traffic.
Drone carrier “Shahid Bagheri”: Iran's Revolutionary Guard commissions converted freighter
A former South Korean-built container ship now serves the IRGC Navy as a drone carrier. According to state media, the “Shahid Bagheri” can deploy drone squadrons, helicopters and light combat vessels and fire cruise missiles.
Bundeswehr Central Hospital Koblenz: Colonel (MC) Roland Schwab succeeds Brigadier General (MC) Jens Diehm
With a ceremonial parade on 3 February, the Bundeswehr Central Hospital Koblenz received a new commander and medical director. Brigadier General (MC) Jens Diehm's successor has known the hospital since his time as a junior doctor.
Drone swarm via optical fibre: Russia develops the Cerberus system
Six to twelve multicopter drones linked by fibre-optic cable and controlled by a single person with the help of artificial intelligence: Russian developers are working on a drone swarm called Cerberus. A prototype is to be shown at the “Army-2025” forum.