Unmanned Systems: Air, Ground & Maritime
Unmanned systems across all domains: aerial, ground and maritime drones in defence and security.
Loitering munition Skystriker: Elbit Systems on human control and future drone technology
Loitering munitions combine reconnaissance and precision strike in a single system. At DroneVation & Defence 2026, Michael Edelstein of Elbit Systems spoke about the Skystriker, the role of human operators and how current conflicts shape unmanned capabilities.
VTOL drone AVALON: Polish armed forces test new system at “Amber Defender-26”
At one of the largest exercises of the year, Poland is relying on a domestically developed VTOL drone: AVALON from Under Ant is to handle reconnaissance and logistics, fly in swarms and launch automatically from a mobile platform.
CH-92A drone: Serbian Armed Forces fire guided missiles from Chinese-built UAV
A video released by the Serbian Ministry of Defence shows the CH-92A drone firing laser-guided FT-8B/C missiles in a live-fire exercise – a rare look at the Chinese drone in combat use, which Serbia ordered as early as 2018.
Drone swarms with a shared “brain”: Airbus flies MARS AI software at ILA Berlin 2026
One mission manager instead of one pilot per drone: Airbus Defence and Space wants to control drone swarms with the AI-based MARS Autonomy Suite. At ILA Berlin 2026, two Primoco One 150 flew autonomously using the software.
U-space platform MAIA: CSG subsidiary UpVision aims to coordinate drone traffic safely
With MAIA, UpVision, part of the Czechoslovak Group (CSG), is launching a digital U-space platform: it is to connect air navigation services, drone operators and authorities, with artificial intelligence predicting risks in future.
Long-range drone Reliant: Quantum Systems increases payload and integrates Mosaic UXS
Up to 9 kilograms of payload, networked multi-domain operations and a supply chain without Chinese components: Quantum Systems has substantially further developed its long-range drone Reliant in a new generation.
Combat drones from Ukraine for testing in the US: memorandum paves the way for closer cooperation
Ukrainian combat drones are to be sent to the United States for testing by the US military. According to RFE/RL, it is the first agreement of its kind – and it could later also enable joint production on US soil.
Interceptor drone Terra A1 Autonomous: Terra Drone uses AI to detect and track hostile drones
With an autonomous interceptor drone, Terra Drone is expanding its young defence business. The Terra A1 Autonomous is designed to relieve pilots and counter swarm attacks – developed and improved together with partners in Ukraine.
Tekever presents the AR6 heavy-lift drone family for civil and military missions
Unmanned systems news: 200 kilograms over 500 kilometres – with the AR6, Tekever is extending its autonomous portfolio to heavy-lift drones. The family is developed and built in the United Kingdom, with production in Swindon due to start by the end of 2026.
Autonomous attack helicopter Thunder: Anduril unveils an uncrewed tiltrotor wingman at Farnborough
An autonomous attack helicopter as an escort for the Apache and others: with Thunder, Anduril aims to keep helicopter crews out of the most dangerous zones. Armament, propulsion and control have been outlined; the first flight is planned for 2027.
Drone procurement overhauled: Ukraine relies on combat data, a marketplace and a guaranteed minimum supply
Ukraine's drone procurement follows new rules: it buys what combat data shows has proven itself in battle, and frontline units order via an online marketplace. Contracts worth 333.6 billion hryvnia were signed in the first half of 2026.
Rescue drone Grille: Bundeswehr orders test units from Avilus
A rescue drone for unmanned patient transport: Avilus is supplying the Bundeswehr with two Grille systems, including flight trials and training. Soldiers will be trained first, followed by intensive flight operations.
Drone Deal: EU and Ukraine interlink their defence industries for joint drone production
With the Drone Deal, the European Commission and Ukraine aim to bring their defence industries together – through joint ventures, technology transfer and joint development. Participants include Quantum Systems, Terma and Skyfall Industries; 1 billion euros is also being paid out.