Unmanned Systems News
The latest news on unmanned systems, counter-UAS and the defence industry, from Europe and around the world.
Reconnaissance drone MQ-4C Triton: Northrop Grumman flies Australia's first aircraft for the first time
The first MQ-4C Triton reconnaissance drone for Australia has made its maiden flight in Palmdale, California. Handover is to follow this year; the country has four systems under contract.
Autonomous drones in the Ukraine war: intercepted video shows Russian FPV drone with target acquisition
A Ukrainian electronic warfare specialist reports the first use of a self-targeting Russian FPV drone. The same evening, Ukrainian military intelligence shows its own attacks in which autonomous drones were used.
Drone war in Ukraine: FPV swarms, night operations and AI shape 2024
Drone war instead of artillery duel: as shells and barrels run short, cheap aircraft dominate the battlefield in Ukraine. The trends that are emerging – from night flights and turbojets to autonomous target search – and what remains unclear.
Camcopter S-100 in Portugal: Schiebel shows submarine hunting and mine countermeasures at NATO exercises
Camcopter S-100 as a flying tool carrier: at “Repmus” and “Dynamic Messenger 2023”, Schiebel deployed sonobuoys, searched for mines with LiDAR and launched underwater vehicles. The Royal Navy and the US Office of Naval Research sponsored its participation.
Reconnaissance drones for special forces: Bundeswehr orders Vector VTOL from Quantum Systems
Reconnaissance drones with a range of up to 30 kilometres are coming to the Army’s special forces: BAAINBw has signed the FALKE framework contract. From the fourth quarter of 2024, Quantum Systems will deliver 14 systems, training included.
Lancet drone: how an inconspicuous Russian system became a problem for Ukraine
The Lancet drone from ZALA Aero strikes high-value Ukrainian systems – with civilian components, few teams and a rising number of hits. A look at the technology, how it is employed and what Ukraine now intends to counter it with.
Reconnaissance drones for Kyiv: Ukraine orders 300 more Vector from Quantum Systems
Reconnaissance drones from Munich, paid for by the German federal government: with the third order, Ukraine’s Vector fleet grows considerably. Quantum Systems relies on feedback from the front and its own training and maintenance centre in the country.
Bayraktar TB2: Kosovo Security Force takes delivery of five Turkish drones from Baykar
The Bayraktar TB2 now also flies for Kosovo: seven months after the contract was signed, five systems have arrived at the Kosovo Security Force (KSF). Numerous other countries already operate or have ordered the Turkish type.
Reconnaissance drones for Ukraine: Quantum Systems wins order for Vector
Vector reconnaissance drones from Munich are going to Ukraine. Some systems are already flying; most will follow only once operators and pilots have been trained. Quantities and dates remain secret for now for security reasons.
S-70 Okhotnik combat drone: Sukhoi rolls out second near-production stealth prototype in Siberia
A combat drone with stealth ambitions: the new S-70 prototype shows a much smoother skin than its predecessor, and Moscow holds out the prospect of an order after tests next year. Whether series production from 2024 will succeed remains open.
Bayraktar TB2 over eastern Ukraine: drone deal between Kyiv and Ankara angers Moscow
Bayraktar TB2 near the Donbas: an alleged reconnaissance flight by the Turkish drone comes at a time of rising tensions. Behind the arms deal lies a close partnership between Kyiv and Ankara – and Russia is reacting with growing irritation.
XQ-58A Valkyrie releases ALTIUS-600 drone in flight for the first time
XQ-58A Valkyrie as a flying carrier: on its sixth test flight, the US drone released a smaller drone. Many details remain unclear, but the trial fits US plans for “loyal wingmen” and networked drone swarms.
Combat drones in Nagorno-Karabakh: how Azerbaijan’s drone storm overwhelmed Armenian air defence
The widespread use of combat drones in the war over Nagorno-Karabakh drew attention worldwide. This analysis shows why Armenian air defence failed – and why Europe’s armed forces should see it as a wake-up call.