Unmanned Systems Technology
Technical fundamentals, components and innovation: autonomous navigation, sensors, datalinks and propulsion of unmanned systems.
AI fighter jet X-BAT: Shield AI unveils autonomous vertical take-off aircraft with Hivemind pilot
In Washington D.C., Shield AI has shown a mock-up of the X-BAT – an autonomous AI fighter jet that takes off and lands vertically. It is to be operational from 2027/28. What lies behind the concept and which questions remain open.
Drone manufacturer Quantum Systems acquires Spleenlab, gaining AI expertise for autonomous missions
With Spleenlab, Quantum Systems brings the Visionairy AI suite and edge-perception know-how in-house. The drone manufacturer is tripling its software and AI team and aims to deliver more autonomous mission systems.
Drone detection by microphone: Joanneum Research listens to the airspace passively
Microphone arrays and AI instead of radar: Joanneum Research relies on passive acoustics for drone detection. From December 2025, distributed, energy-autonomous sensor nodes in the UAS-Check Point project are to form the next step.
Drone swarms for Europe: Helsing and Systematic form partnership
AI-enabled drone swarms are to be deployed directly from existing command systems in future: Helsing is integrating its platforms into Systematic Sitaware, which is used by more than 50 nations – including Austria.
Combat drone CA-1 Europa: Helsing unveils autonomous combat aircraft at Grob Aircraft in Tussenhausen
With the CA-1 Europa, Helsing presents a full-size combat drone that combines the Centaur AI pilot with Grob Aircraft's aircraft-building expertise. The jet is to fly in series-ready form in four years.
Drone collision avoidance at Airlabs Austria: “Existing systems are not sufficient”
Airlabs Austria is the national innovation lab for unmanned aircraft systems. At “DroneVation & Defence 2025” we spoke with technical product manager Robin Deutsch about drone collision avoidance, icing forecasts and other current projects.
Military drone for electronic warfare: Thales and Autonomous Devices show EW-UAS1 at DSEI
Jamming, deception, passive surveillance: the EW-UAS1 military drone is to give naval and land forces a flying platform for electronic warfare – initially intended to protect warships against anti-ship missiles.
Unmanned Systems / Maritime DronesUnderwater drone Remus 620 receives Thales Samdis 600 sonar for mine clearance
An underwater drone from HII, the Remus 620, now works with a sonar from Thales: both companies report that integration has been completed. The focus is on mine countermeasures and the protection of maritime infrastructure.
Drone industry: Cologne engine maker Deutz buys propulsion specialist Sobek
By purchasing the Sobek Group, Deutz is entering the drone industry. The company makes electric drives and controls for drones and is considered profitable; the purchase price is around eleven times operating profit.
VTOL drone Gökhun: Esen relies on two-stroke engine from Sky Power International
VTOL drone from Türkiye: in the Gökhun, Esen combines the mobility of a small system with the performance of a tactical one. Propulsion comes from Sky Power International – with around nine hours of endurance carrying a 12-kilogram payload.
FPV drones above 7 GHz: Ukraine opens a new round in the frequency war
Ukraine's FPV drones now transmit beyond Russia's frequency tables. Why warning devices and jammers miss them, what limitations the 7 GHz band brings and how long the lead could last.
Counter-drone training with rifles: Ukrainian VR simulator by Atmaraksi trains against FPV drones
Using virtual reality, soldiers are to learn how to hit incoming FPV drones with a rifle. For counter-drone training, Ukrainian company Atmaraksi relies on stress scenarios co-designed by former frontline soldiers.
Drone technology from Hyderabad: India’s first dual-stealth drone to evade radar and infrared
At the heart of the new drone technology is RAMA, a nanotechnology-based coating from Veera Dynamics. In initial tests the IR signature fell by 97 per cent, and the Indian Army has already trialled the drones.