Unmanned Systems News
The latest news on unmanned systems, counter-UAS and the defence industry, from Europe and around the world.
Unmanned ground vehicles in Ukraine: more than 100,000 front-line missions since the start of the year
Ammunition forward, wounded back: unmanned ground vehicles are taking over more and more last-mile runs in Ukraine. According to the Ministry of Defence, the number of UGV missions per month has more than doubled since January.
Jet-powered interceptor drone: Ukraine approves Alexa Spatium for its armed forces
Fast Russian kamikaze drones are the main target: with Alexa Spatium, Ukraine receives its first interceptor drone with a turbojet. If it misses its target, it can return. The ministry is silent on speed, range and altitude.
Unmanned combat aircraft on the fast track: GKN Aerospace and Sweden test a new development path
At Malmen Air Base, GKN Aerospace showed the mock-up and turbojet of its UAV demonstrator for the first time. For Sweden, this is about more than an unmanned combat aircraft: faster processes, low-cost manufacturing and European supply chains.
Reconnaissance drone plus patrol system: Sweden orders Recce-Strike from Nordic Wing
Astero finds the targets, Raptor 2 engages them: with the Recce-Strike package of reconnaissance drone and patrol system, FMV is equipping above all light army units. Delivery is scheduled for the second quarter of 2027.
Counter-UAS in Denmark: Terma to create a nationwide drone situational picture
The military, authorities and infrastructure operators have so far processed their sensor data separately. A DALO contract with Terma is to change that: based on Helion and the FACE platform, a common situational picture is being created for Danish counter-UAS.
Acoustic counter-drone system: India’s CSIO brings down drones via their motion sensors
No ammunition, no laser: a new acoustic counter-drone system from India uses sound to throw the MEMS gyroscopes of drones off balance. CSIO is now looking for industrial partners for series production and marketing.
USV “Seetaube”: Bundeswehr takes over its first autonomous surface vehicle from Stark
Six metres long and built on the Vanta platform: with the USV “Seetaube”, the Bundeswehr is testing maritime reconnaissance. Training of the operating personnel and further trials at sea will follow in the coming months.
MALE drones become multi-mission platforms: new capabilities for General Atomics' MQ-9B
From pure reconnaissance asset to multi-mission platform: at “DroneVation & Defence 2026”, General Atomics Europe showed how MALE drones are changing. Tests with a Saab radar and 70-millimetre rockets are under way on the MQ-9B.
Drone testing in Romania: army opens training areas to private companies
Romania's Land Forces are inviting companies onto their firing ranges in September and October. The drone testing will focus on drones and counter-UAS systems under near-combat conditions – following the American model.
Long-range drone Dovbush T40: Ukraine clears system with a range reaching Siberia
More than 2,000 kilometres of range, over 24 hours in the air: Ukraine's Ministry of Defence has codified the Dovbush T40 long-range drone. It was developed from experience with the smaller T20.
MQ-9 Reaper: Iran war costs US forces around a quarter of their fleet
Shoot-downs and lost links: according to the Washington Post, the USA has lost at least 45 MQ-9 Reapers in the Iran war. The losses hit stocks that were already shrinking – and come amid a planned overhaul of the fleet.
Helsing hires Andriy Shevchenko as Managing Director Ukraine
People and appointments at Helsing: Andriy Shevchenko, a diplomat, former government member and member of parliament, takes over as Managing Director Ukraine with immediate effect – as the company significantly expands its commitment in the country.
Geran drones with jet propulsion: Russia turns to faster Geran-4 and Geran-5 against Ukraine
Up to 600 km/h, up to 90 kilograms of explosives, video partly via satellite: Russia is switching production of its Geran drones to the new Types 4 and 5. Ukraine is responding with faster interceptor drones.