Unmanned Systems News
The latest news on unmanned systems, counter-UAS and the defence industry, from Europe and around the world.
FPV drones: Russian manual attributes up to 70 per cent of losses to Ukrainian drones
How dangerous are FPV drones for Russia’s troops? A new manual of the Russian armed forces gives a drastic estimate, weighs up the weapon’s strengths and weaknesses and lists countermeasures for units and individual soldiers.
Naval drone Magura V5 brings down Russian Mi-8 – a first off Crimea
For the first time, a naval drone has shot down an aircraft: on 31 December 2024, a Ukrainian Magura V5 hit a Russian Mi-8 near Cape Tarkhankut with an R-73 SeeDragon. What the boat can do and where the weapon comes from.
Reconnaissance drones for Poland: Warsaw buys three MQ-9B SkyGuardian from General Atomics
After leasing MQ-9A Reapers since 2022, Poland is now turning to reconnaissance drones of its own: three MQ-9B SkyGuardian and two ground control stations go to the Ministry of National Defence. The country joins a growing list of customers.
Military drones in the Ukraine war: twelve lessons from a study for the Australian Army Research Centre
What does the war in Ukraine teach about military drones? Oleksandra Molloy of the University of New South Wales has compiled twelve findings – from small drones and cost advantages to innovation cycles and pilot training.
Drone manufacturer Schiebel supplies Camcopter S-100 to Chile’s Carabineros
For the first time, a police force in Latin America is relying on the Camcopter S-100: the Carabineros de Chile have bought the system from drone manufacturer Schiebel. It is to be used mainly in the hard-to-reach Araucanía region.
Drone operating system: Rheinmetall and Auterion conclude multi-year agreement
A common drone operating system is to unify unmanned systems in the air, on land and at sea: Rheinmetall contributes experience from Luna NG and Aladin, Auterion its field-proven software.
Camcopter S-100: Schiebel and MDA Space test IMSAR’s NSP radar in western Canada
For one week, trials in western Canada examined what IMSAR’s NSP radar adds to the Camcopter S-100 in reconnaissance. Schiebel reports radar imagery and target tracking at more than 100 nautical miles – by day, by night and in difficult weather.
Peklo missile drone: Ukroboronprom hands over first batch to the Armed Forces of Ukraine
A range of around 700 kilometres, a speed of around 700 km/h and an engine mounted openly above the tail: with the Peklo missile drone, Ukraine signals a new stage in its long-range war against Russia. Many technical details remain classified.
HX-2 drone: Helsing presents software-based, swarm-capable precision drone
Mass, autonomy and precision in one system: with the HX-2 drone, Helsing aims to withstand jamming and complement artillery. Production is already under way in Germany, and the software is in use in Ukraine.
HitchHiker interceptor drone: first IronNet and Asterion product already in service in Ukraine
Shortly after the partnership was announced at the Bahrain International Airshow, the first joint product is already flying in Ukraine. The HitchHiker interceptor drone relies on electric propulsion, high speed and automatic guidance by Perimaster.
Counter-UAS: Thales Belgium and Ukrainian partner plan to build C-UAS missiles
A letter of intent between Thales Belgium and a major Ukrainian defence company is set to strengthen Ukraine's counter-UAS capability with domestically produced missiles. Technology and specialised equipment are to be transferred to the country step by step.
Watchkeeper Mk.1: British Armed Forces to retire drones as part of a savings programme
Fully operational only in 2018, now facing the axe: the United Kingdom wants to retire the Watchkeeper Mk.1. Behind the decision are a savings package of around 600 million euros as well as technical problems and cost overruns on the platform.
Loitering munition: interview with Donaustahl founder Stefan Thumann
Stefan Thumann is founder, managing director and chief designer of Donaustahl GmbH. With its Maus platform, the Lower Bavarian defence start-up is regarded as Germany's leading company in loitering munition and a major supporter of the Ukrainian armed forces.