Unmanned Systems News
The latest news on unmanned systems, counter-UAS and the defence industry, from Europe and around the world.
Counter-drone defence from the air: helicopters gain importance against kamikaze drones
Whether the US Navy over the Red Sea, the French Navy or Ukrainian forces: helicopters are shooting drones out of the sky. What counter-drone defence with door gunners involves – and how the Austrian Armed Forces (Bundesheer) are equipped against slow targets.
Counter-drone protection for tanks: Rafael upgrades Trophy protection system against drones
Commercial drones, FPV kamikaze drones and attacks from directly above: an upgrade is to improve the counter-drone capability of Rafael's Trophy APS for armoured vehicles. Plus how the system works, its weak points and where it is in service.
Combat drone Bayraktar TB3 drops bombs for the first time: Baykar tests MAM-T
After take-off and landing on a short-runway aircraft carrier comes the next step: the Bayraktar TB3 combat drone has hit its target with a precision-guided MAM-T bomb. This marks the start of munitions integration testing.
F-35 drone control: Lockheed Martin lets the fighter command drones
With its stealth characteristics, extensive networking and state-of-the-art sensors, Lockheed Martin's F-35 is regarded as the combat aircraft of the future. An AI-supported interface now also enables drone control directly from the cockpit of the F-35 and the F-22.
Drone manufacturer Schiebel: new RPAS contract with EMSA for the Camcopter S-100
Since 2018, the Camcopter S-100 has been monitoring Europe's coasts, ship emissions and oil slicks for EMSA. Now the drone manufacturer Schiebel has received a further service contract – with a term of up to four years.
Drone technology and middleware: Quantum Systems and Blackned network unmanned systems
Multi-sensor drones on one side, tactical communication middleware on the other: Quantum Systems and Blackned are combining their drone technology to transmit data securely and across domains in combat environments.
Combat drone Bayraktar Kizilelma: Baykar reports another successful flight test
With a new afterburning engine, close to the speed of sound: the prototype of the Bayraktar Kizilelma combat drone has passed another flight test. It is to become Türkiye's first unmanned fighter jet – including on board the “TCG Anadolu”.
Counter-drone laser: British Army shoots down drones from an armoured vehicle for the first time
In Wales, a high-energy laser mounted on a Wolfhound brought flying drones down from the sky. The British Army sees it as a low-cost counter-drone option – the tests are to inform future requirement decisions.
Counter-UAS at “Red Sands III”: Rheinmetall system impresses in Saudi Arabia
Multirotor drones, fixed-wing aircraft and up to 45 degrees Celsius: at the “Red Sands III” exercise, Rheinmetall Canada's Ultra-SHORAD system hit every drone. The manufacturer calls it particularly cost-effective for ultra-short-range counter-UAS.
Unmanned systems against submarines: Schiebel contributes the S-300 to the EU project SEACURE
The European Defence Fund has approved funding for unmanned systems in anti-submarine warfare. Schiebel is on board – in the Thales-led SEACURE consortium, with the new Camcopter S-300 as its aircraft.
Military drones as escorts: France’s combat helicopters test the “dronisation of air combat”
Manned helicopters remain central on the battlefield, says French Army chief Pierre Schill. The 3rd RHC is therefore linking them with military drones – from FPV flights out of the Gazelle to a drone wingman meant to become reality by 2040.
Attack drones from Iran: Rezvan comes in a container, Raad is already following
Tasnim News Agency has presented Rezvan, a new Iranian attack drone; 1,000 units are to be delivered to the troops soon. The simpler Raad model was also seen in flight during an IRGC exercise. Attack drones remain a high priority in Iran.
Counter-UAS for Romania: Elbit Systems to supply ReDrone for almost 60 million euros
A European NATO member – Romania, according to media reports – is ordering multi-layered counter-UAS from Elbit Systems. The contract worth almost 60 million euros runs for three years and covers the modular ReDrone solution with radar, SIGINT, EW and EO.