Unmanned Systems News
The latest news on unmanned systems, counter-UAS and the defence industry, from Europe and around the world.
Counter-drone technology at Eurosatory 2024: Aaronia shows Aartos DDS in Paris
FPV drones avoid common frequencies and thus evade many detection systems. In Paris, Aaronia relies on ultra-wideband monitoring, a programmable Smart Jammer and the Spectran V6 MIL spectrum analyser – counter-drone capability from a single source.
Interceptor drone wanted: Ukraine reports first successes against Russian reconnaissance drones
Air defence missiles are not to be wasted on Orlan, SuperCam or ZALA. Kyiv has therefore been looking for an interceptor drone since April – via Brave1 and a hackathon in London. The first videos of interception missions have already emerged.
Drone crash over residential area: Austrian Armed Forces train with civilian responders at “Schutzhelm 24”
Interceptors scramble, an aircraft disappears from radar, a fire threatens to release hazardous substances: in Allentsteig, 350 responders rehearsed an emergency after a drone crash – as part of the large-scale exercise “Schutzschild 2024”.
Themis UGV with Agil weapon station: Milrem Robotics and Digital Bit cooperate for Romania
At the defence exhibition in Bucharest, Milrem Robotics and Romanian manufacturer Digital Bit presented their first joint result: an armed UGV combining the Themis platform with the remote-controlled Agil weapon station.
Drone army for Germany? Bundestag debates CDU/CSU motion for the first time
On 16 May, the Bundestag will debate a drone army for the first time. The CDU/CSU accuses the federal government of having done too little on drones and their defence – 21 Eurodrones by 2032 are not enough, it argues.
Unmanned systems: UK puts 5.2 billion euros into new DE&S strategy
Over the next ten years, the UK's Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) plans to invest billions in unmanned systems. The strategy draws on experience in Ukraine, which is itself to continue receiving British-made drones.
Reconnaissance drones from Ukraine: Quantum Systems opens plant for up to 1,000 Vector a year
Robert Habeck has opened Quantum Systems' new production site in Ukraine during a delegation visit. Vector reconnaissance drones and spare parts are to be built there; up to six million euros will be invested in the site.
Combat drone MQ-28 Ghost Bat: Boeing Australia builds dedicated production facility
Boeing is building a new production facility in Australia for the MQ-28 Ghost Bat combat drone. A Global Data market study expects the country to invest around 4.7 billion euros in unmanned aerial vehicles over the next decade.
FPV drones in the Ukraine war: attack on a vehicle shed and a kill in mid-air
Two videos from a single week show how versatile FPV drones have become: as a cheap weapon against tanks parked in a shed and as an unarmed interceptor against a Russian fixed-wing drone.
Mini drones for the navy: France's DGA orders 15 more SMDM from Survey Copter
With a contract worth almost 30 million euros, France is expanding its fleet of ship-based mini drones. What Survey Copter's SMDM can do and when the new systems will be handed over to the navy.
Unmanned systems as a separate service: Zelensky orders review of drone forces for Ukraine
In a decree of 6 February, President Volodymyr Zelensky ordered a review of whether unmanned systems in Ukraine should form a separate branch of the armed forces. Defence Minister Rustem Umerov supports the move.
Military drones in the Austrian Armed Forces: commercial training drones pave the way for instruction
Before the first small military drones reach the land forces, the Austrian Armed Forces (Bundesheer) are training their instructors on civilian training devices. Around 300 systems are planned initially; all battalions are to be equipped by early 2025.
Sea drones sink Russian corvette “Ivanovets”: Ukraine shows swarm attack off Crimea
A video released by the Ukrainian military documents several sea drones striking the Black Sea Fleet corvette “Ivanovets”. How many boats were involved and which type was used has not been officially confirmed.