Startups & Innovators in Unmanned Systems
New companies, funding rounds, first products and market entries.
Counter-drone protection for trucks: Volvo Defense and Nordic Air Defence develop VIPRO pod
A compact pod is to protect military trucks against attacks from the air: with VIPRO, Volvo Defense and start-up Nordic Air Defence bring counter-drone capability to vehicles. Market launch is planned for 2026.
Drone start-up Pleno goes to Stark: Berlin specialist in autonomous flight control acquired
Navigation software for drones that work without satellite reception: with Berlin drone start-up Pleno, Stark brings in know-how for AI-driven autonomy and swarm behaviour – including for the Virtus platform.
Drone logistics: Booxit shows transport platform for drones at GDELS test site in Bürglen
Stackable reusable boxes with sensors and a self-centring adapter: at the GDELS Mobility Day, Austrian start-up Booxit presented its concept for drone logistics all the way to the front line.
Interceptor drone from Argus Interception: “Intercept drones – or better, capture them”
German drone start-up Argus is bringing an interceptor drone to market: a large quadcopter that captures unwanted or hostile drones with launched nets. In an interview, co-founder and CSO Sven Steingräber talks about the concept and the technology.
Interceptor drone Blaze: Riga-based Origin Robotics unveils autonomous interceptor
With Blaze, Latvian start-up Origin Robotics aims to close gaps in ground-based air defence. The portable interceptor drone relies on radar, AI-supported computer vision and a fragmentation warhead.
Quantum Systems funding round raises 160 million euros – Balderton Capital leads
Fresh capital for Quantum Systems: alongside existing backers, Hensoldt and Airbus Defence and Space are among the investors in the funding round. The money is to go into expansion, production, drone systems, software and AI.
Drone start-up Hydra Drones: MBDA takes a minority stake
European defence group MBDA is investing a six-figure sum in British drone start-up Hydra Drones. Its heavy-lift transport drone, the Hydra 400, carries up to 400 kilograms, and a complete prototype is due later this year.
Ground drones from Munich: ARX Robotics raises 31 million euros in Series A round
HV Capital leads the round, with Omnes Capital, NATO Innovation Fund and Project A participating. The Munich-based ground drone maker plans to scale up production massively, expand across Europe and further develop Mithra OS.
Loitering munition from Stark: One Way Effector-Vertical (OWE-V) comes to market
Vertical take-off, AI-supported and designed for an effective range of 100 kilometres: with the OWE-V, Stark is launching its first loitering munition system. At the same time, the company founded in 2024 has joined the UXS Alliance.
ARX Robotics expands to Britain: headquarters in London, production planned in South West England
ARX Robotics plans to invest a good 50 million euros in a British production and research site. Support comes from UK Defence Secretary John Healey and from the NATO Innovation Fund.
Interceptor drone Kreuger 100: Nordic Air Defence relies on software instead of jammers
Jammers and lasers are too expensive or not effective enough, says Swedish start-up Nordic Air Defence. Its Kreuger 100 interceptor drone is designed to defeat small drones at low cost – for military and civilian use.
Drone ships in series: Saronic plans its own shipyard with Port Alpha
Almost 600 million euros from a Series C round are to go into Saronic's Port Alpha. The shipyard is intended for the rapid series production of drone ships and is to expand the US Navy's hybrid fleet.
Loitering munition: interview with Donaustahl founder Stefan Thumann
Stefan Thumann is founder, managing director and chief designer of Donaustahl GmbH. With its Maus platform, the Lower Bavarian defence start-up is regarded as Germany's leading company in loitering munition and a major supporter of the Ukrainian armed forces.