Unmanned Systems News
The latest news on unmanned systems, counter-UAS and the defence industry, from Europe and around the world.
SCILT counter-drone system: Mehler interview on close-range protection against drones
SCILT counter-drone system: Mehler Protection Platform Armour is developing an active hard-kill solution for close-range protection against drones and loitering munition. Denis Weber explains the gap in the “last layer of defence”, the platforms and the planned AI-supported automation.
Azov Brigade: drones in frontline combat – Mykyta Puz on unmanned systems in the air and on land
The Azov Brigade, the 12th Special Forces Brigade, is part of the National Guard of Ukraine. Mykyta Puz, responsible for military technology, talks about unmanned systems in the air and on land, and explains why Western “wonder weapons” often fail at the front.
Counter-UAS for the fleet: Royal Netherlands Navy retrofits warships with interceptor drones
A contract signed on 24 August brings kinetic interceptor drones to Dutch warships. The counter-UAS system originally comes from land-based use; the supplier and type have not been disclosed.
Rapid Ranger from Thales: Ukrainian III Corps shows British air defence system
On Facebook, the “Aquila” regiment of Ukraine's 3rd Army Corps offers a look at its Rapid Ranger from Thales UK. The lightweight system with Martlet missiles is designed to close gaps between mobile fire groups and heavy air defence.
Belgium–Japan defence cooperation: military attachés, rare earths and drone UTM
For the first time, a Belgian defence minister has paid an official visit to Japan. Belgium and Japan will exchange military attachés and discuss deep-sea mining – and in drone coordination, the Japanese-controlled company Unifly is already working for Brussels.
Chief of the General Staff of the Bundesheer: Klaudia Tanner picks Lieutenant General Harald Vodosek
After personal talks with all applicants, Defence Minister Klaudia Tanner has made her choice: Harald Vodosek is to become Chief of the General Staff. He will be appointed by the Federal President; he currently heads procurement and is National Armaments Director.
Drone shield SAN: “We are building Europe's largest drone shield”
Poland's drone shield SAN is to become Europe's most comprehensive counter-drone defence. Cezary Tomczyk, Poland's deputy defence minister, is in charge of building it. A conversation about billions, Poland's armed forces and the protection of the eastern border.
Unmanned surface vehicles from Flensburg: Stark and Flensburger Shipyard plan Vanta production
A letter of intent is to pave the way: the FSG shipyard could in future build Stark’s unmanned surface vehicles of the Vanta family in larger numbers. Production figures and the timetable are still open.
Unmanned aircraft systems: Tekever acquires Flowcopter and its hydraulic propulsion
With the Edinburgh-based engineering company Flowcopter, Tekever secures a propulsion technology intended to let unmanned aircraft systems carry heavier loads and fly further. The two are already working together on a new family of systems.
Unmanned helicopters from Greece: exclusive interview with Velos Rotors
The unmanned helicopters of Greek company Velos Rotors were originally designed for civil and commercial use but have also proven useful in a military context. Founder and CEO Aris Kolokythas talks about the company, the Greek UAV sector and plans for Cyprus.
Counter-UAS laser: Inleap Photonics raises 20 million euros for series production
UVC Partners leads the seed round, joined by four further investors from Germany, Poland, Estonia and Denmark. Inleap Photonics plans to use the money to build its counter-UAS laser effectors in larger numbers and to expand in Europe.
Unmanned systems for the Swiss Armed Forces: DDPS plans “Eiger” centre, drone battalion and recruit school
More drone flights over military and critical sites and a changed threat situation: the DDPS is focusing on unmanned systems, counter-drone defence and robotics. The location, budget and opening date of the new centre are, however, still open.
Rheinmetall Air Defence: Oliver Dürr leaves, Roman Köhne takes over the division
There is a change at the top of Rheinmetall Air Defence: Oliver Dürr is leaving the group and Roman Köhne succeeds him. An internal memo looks back on years of strong growth in the air defence business.