Unmanned Systems: Air, Ground & Maritime
Unmanned systems across all domains: aerial, ground and maritime drones in defence and security.
Loitering munition FV-014: Bundeswehr awards Rheinmetall major contract
A framework contract worth billions and a first call-off of around 300 million euros: the Bundeswehr is ordering the FV-014 loitering munition from Rheinmetall. Qualification starts in the second quarter of 2026, with deliveries from the first half of 2027.
Drone fleet for Poland: Tusk launches initiative in Rzeszów drawing on Ukrainian combat experience
Polish money, Ukrainian battlefield experience and EU funds: this combination is to create Poland’s own drone fleet. Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Yulia Svyrydenko presented the project in Rzeszów.
Drone technology from Lviv: Sinelink, Ukraine’s hidden AI drone radio network
A briefcase on the smallest stand at the Drone Autonomy Symposium holds drone technology already built into almost all the AI drones on display: Sine Engineering’s Sinelink networks drones, navigates without GPS and enables group operations from one ground station.
AI drones: how Ukraine is driving artificial intelligence forward in the drone war
More drones than pilots, crowded airspace over the front and the question of friend or foe: for Kyrylo Budanov and Serhii “Flash” Beskrestnov, the next step leads via AI drones. What the modules can do and who decides on their success.
Camcopter S-100 for the Hellenic Navy: Schiebel completes acceptance tests of the first two systems
In February the contract for four systems for Greece’s new FDI frigates was signed; now the first two Camcopter S-100 have passed acceptance at the Kotroni helicopter base. This clears the way for operational use.
Drone warfare: Pentagon plans to increase the Defense Autonomous Warfare Group budget 242-fold
Pete Hegseth’s department wants to fund around 200,000 autonomous systems with the new drone warfare budget. David Petraeus warns, however: without new doctrine, training and forms of command, the investment will remain expensive inventory.
Loitering munition “Hornet”: how the Marsianer-2 over Donetsk is changing the rules of the game in Ukraine
Behind the AI-controlled drone that Russia fears as the “Marsianer-2” (“Martian-2”) is the start-up White Stork of former Google CEO Eric Schmidt. Russian analyses paint a detailed picture of the loitering munition – from GPS-free navigation to its disguised radio link.
Reconnaissance drones for the US Army: Quantum Systems wins Vector AI contract
The contract under which the US Army is ordering the Vector AI system from Quantum Systems is worth around 14.1 million euros. The reconnaissance drones are to strengthen brigades and provide insights for the future MRR programme.
Drone industry: MTU Aero Engines acquires Cologne propulsion specialist Aero Design Works
By buying Aero Design Works GmbH, engine manufacturer MTU is entering the drone industry and will offer propulsion for drones and guided missiles. The Cologne gas turbine maker remains legally independent; the purchase price is undisclosed.
Unmanned systems made in Germany and Ukraine: Quantum Systems launches two new joint ventures
Interceptor drones with WIY Drones, unmanned ground systems with Tencore: at the government consultations in Berlin, Quantum Systems expanded its "Build with Ukraine" initiative with two joint ventures.
Unmanned systems networked: Quantum Systems and Destinus link reconnaissance and effectors via Mosaic UXS
Networking reconnaissance and effects for unmanned systems even over long distances, without taking the decision out of human hands: that is the goal of the strategic partnership Quantum Systems and Destinus have entered into.
Counter-drone defence from the air: France relies on Tiger, Rafale and Hellfire from the Reaper
New footage shows Tiger helicopters and Rafale jets in action against Iranian drones. At the same time, France has armed an MQ-9 Reaper with a Hellfire – counter-drone defence launched from a drone.
Drone industry: Quantum Systems announces further joint ventures with Ukrainian manufacturers
A high-level political meeting in Berlin is to set the stage for new joint ventures under "Build with Ukraine". According to Quantum Systems, two of them are about to be announced – the drone industries of both countries are moving closer together.