Unmanned Systems News
The latest news on unmanned systems, counter-UAS and the defence industry, from Europe and around the world.
FPV drone Maus: Donaustahl cleared to export to Ukraine
Green light from Berlin: Germany's Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs has approved Donaustahl's export of the FPV drone Maus to Ukraine. The drone unit Kraken is to be the first user to evaluate the modular system.
Unmanned ground vehicles in Russia: a fresh attempt after the failure of Uran-9, Nerekhta and Soratnik
The integration of “ground combat robotic complexes” into Russia's forces has failed. Under sanctions, Russia is now turning to new unmanned ground vehicles such as the Kurier – mostly from private initiatives and with Chinese components.
Military drones in miniature: “Nobody will survive!”, warns Alexander Kochetkov
Rather than ever larger drones, Ukrainian analyst Alexander Kochetkov expects tiny, AI-controlled swarms. With military drones of this kind, he sees the end of infantry in its current form – and names the USA and China as pioneers.
Military drones of its own: Switzerland brings industry and DDPS to a roundtable
Armasuisse has brought industry and the DDPS together in Bern: Switzerland wants to develop small and medium-sized military drones itself, reduce dependence on foreign suppliers and begin initial trials with the troops from 2025.
AI drones in Ukraine: how artificial intelligence is changing drone warfare
According to Russian sources, Ukraine has gained a drone advantage of at least 6:1 with the help of artificial intelligence. An overview of AI drones for reconnaissance and attack on both sides – and why caution is advised with the videos.
Drone manufacturer Nordic Drones goes to Patria: agreement signed for all shares
Patria intends to acquire the entire share capital of Nordic Drones Oy. The purchase price for the Finnish drone manufacturer and training provider remains undisclosed, and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment (TEM) still has to approve.
Combat drone Bayraktar TB3: Baykar reports successful tests and ramp take-off
Altitude above 11,000 metres, a successful ski-jump test in Keşan and trials on the “TCG Anadolu” soon to follow: Baykar's combat drone Bayraktar TB3 is moving closer to deployment on the Turkish aircraft carrier.
Counter-drone protection at the Formula 1 Austrian GP: Aaronia secured Zeltweg with Aartos DDS
How can spectators, drivers and crews at a major event be protected from illegal drones? At the Austrian Grand Prix, Aaronia took charge of counter-drone protection – and had to intervene several times.
Loitering munition Hero-120SF: UVision and Mistral to supply US Special Operations Command
Around 69 million euros are flowing from the US government to UVision Inc and Mistral Inc. The delivery comprises Hero-120SF loitering munitions plus spare parts and training; completion is planned for 2029.
Themis UGV with Starlink: Milrem Robotics and AEC Skyline enable control over thousands of kilometres
At Eurosatory in Paris in mid-June, Milrem Robotics and AEC Skyline showed how the Themis UGV can be controlled beyond line of sight via Starlink SATCOM. The first platform is the Themis Cargo CASEVAC.
Reconnaissance drones over the Black Sea: Russia intends to act against US drones
Defence Minister Andrei Belousov is demanding rapid responses from the General Staff to US drone flights over the Black Sea. Russian military bloggers warn against a shootdown and point to the limits at high altitude – including for reconnaissance drones.
Drone carriers: Turkey and China are close to commissioning their first ships
Ankara is preparing the “TCG Anadolu” for a squadron of Bayraktar TB3s, while a suspected drone carrier lies in a Chinese shipyard. Plus a look back at pioneer Schiebel and the question of how vulnerable MALE drones are.
Reconnaissance drone Vector: Quantum Systems supplies Romania's Ministry of Defence
Romania is receiving Vector systems from Quantum Systems via the agency Romtehnica S.A. The contract worth around 18.4 million euros runs for 36 months – according to the manufacturer, quality and price were decisive for the reconnaissance drone.