Unmanned Systems News
The latest news on unmanned systems, counter-UAS and the defence industry, from Europe and around the world.
Drone submarine Kronos: from billionaire's toy to weapon for littoral warfare
At IDEX in Abu Dhabi it still sat inconspicuously on the sidelines: the Kronos drone submarine from Highland Systems. Designed for yachts, it is now to fire torpedoes or deploy special forces – when it will be operational remains open.
Shahed drone with Ukrainian SIM card: why Russia builds 4G modems into the Geran-2
Commercial 4G modems, Ukrainian SIM cards, even a Wi-Fi camera taped on: what the wreckage of the Shahed drone reveals about data transmission and navigation – and where the system's weak point lies.
Interceptor drone instead of missile: Ukraine's “Dronopad” to shoot down 1,000 Russian reconnaissance drones
With pickups, Starlink and modified FPV drones, mobile “cover groups” hunt Russian reconnaissance drones. The “Dronopad” project is only the first step: next, Ukraine plans a fixed-wing interceptor drone and one against the Geran.
Counter-UAS at “Airpower 2024”: Bundesheer and Aaronia protected Europe's largest air show
When 206 aircraft are in the air at an air show, no illegal drone may interfere. For counter-UAS protection, the Bundesheer relied on its ELDRO element and Aaronia's Aartos system – this year supplemented for the first time by a 28-metre mast.
Drone training in the Bundesheer: Army school in Wiener Neustadt trains dozens of drone operators
Even before the first tactical drones arrive at the end of the year, the Bundesheer's drone training is under way: at Flugfeld West, around 20 soldiers learn theory, law and flying practice – the nucleus for several hundred operators.
Sea Guardian for the Japan Coast Guard: JCG orders two more systems from General Atomics
The Japan Coast Guard has operated a Sea Guardian under an operating contract since April 2022. Now the JCG is buying two systems of its own from GA-ASI, with delivery planned as early as next year.
Pocket-sized drone detection: “Sukork” warns Ukrainian soldiers of Russian drones
Passive drone detection for every soldier: the small “Sukork” device recognises Russian drones and warns its wearer by vibration. Demand has outstripped supply for months – additional manufacturers are now set to ramp up production.
Molniya drone: Russia's “Lightning” made of plywood, aluminium tubes and adhesive tape
Around 15 components, a few man-hours and probably less than 400 euros in materials: yet the Molniya drone carries a warhead of up to five kilograms over a distance of up to 30 kilometres. A look at its design and use.
Counter-drone defence – Oliver Dürr: “When we shoot, we hit”
Why are drones best defeated kinetically, and what role do electronic countermeasures play in counter-drone defence? Answers from Oliver Dürr, managing director of Rheinmetall Air Defence in Zurich.
MQ-9B SkyGuardian flies for the first time with PT6 E engine from Pratt & Whitney Canada
A 44-minute first flight is said to have proven the suitability of the new powerplant: General Atomics has tested the MQ-9B with a PT6 E turboprop that promises one third more power. The SeaGuardian is also set to receive the engine.
Ground drones in the National Guard: Iowa deploys GDLS S-MET at XCTC exercise in Camp Ripley
The eight-wheeled S-MET robotic mule from General Dynamics Land Systems carries up to 1,134 kilograms and is meant to lighten the infantry's load. Iowa's National Guard has now used the ground drones in an exercise in Minnesota.
Unmanned systems on the USS George H.W. Bush: US Navy installs first Unmanned Air Warfare Center
It will first control Boeing's MQ-25 tanker drone and later also Collaborative Combat Aircraft: the new control centre for unmanned systems on board the aircraft carrier is due to be tested for the first time early next year.
Camcopter S-100 at the 2024 Olympics: French Navy secured the waters off Marseille
From the Saint-Mandrier base, the Camcopters of Flotilla 36F supplied the authorities with real-time data on the sea area of the Olympic sailing events – a total of 22,500 nautical miles were monitored.