Unmanned Systems: Air, Ground & Maritime
Unmanned systems across all domains: aerial, ground and maritime drones in defence and security.
Molniya drone: Russia's “Lightning” made of plywood, aluminium tubes and adhesive tape
Around 15 components, a few man-hours and probably less than 400 euros in materials: yet the Molniya drone carries a warhead of up to five kilograms over a distance of up to 30 kilometres. A look at its design and use.
MQ-9B SkyGuardian flies for the first time with PT6 E engine from Pratt & Whitney Canada
A 44-minute first flight is said to have proven the suitability of the new powerplant: General Atomics has tested the MQ-9B with a PT6 E turboprop that promises one third more power. The SeaGuardian is also set to receive the engine.
Ground drones in the National Guard: Iowa deploys GDLS S-MET at XCTC exercise in Camp Ripley
The eight-wheeled S-MET robotic mule from General Dynamics Land Systems carries up to 1,134 kilograms and is meant to lighten the infantry's load. Iowa's National Guard has now used the ground drones in an exercise in Minnesota.
Unmanned systems on the USS George H.W. Bush: US Navy installs first Unmanned Air Warfare Center
It will first control Boeing's MQ-25 tanker drone and later also Collaborative Combat Aircraft: the new control centre for unmanned systems on board the aircraft carrier is due to be tested for the first time early next year.
Camcopter S-100 at the 2024 Olympics: French Navy secured the waters off Marseille
From the Saint-Mandrier base, the Camcopters of Flotilla 36F supplied the authorities with real-time data on the sea area of the Olympic sailing events – a total of 22,500 nautical miles were monitored.
Interceptor drones against Russian reconnaissance UAVs: drone-on-drone air combat is a reality
Ukrainian interceptor drones are bringing down Russian Orlan, Zala and Supercam reconnaissance drones, and Telegram forums speak of “massive” losses. How the hunt works and why altitude offers no protection.
FPV drone against Mi-28: Ukrainian attack on Russian helicopter caught on video
A published video shows a Ukrainian FPV drone closing in on a Russian Mi-28. Whether the helicopter was damaged or shot down remains unclear – the footage ends with the detonation of the warhead.
Trinity drones: Quantum Systems donates 100 mapping drones, Kyiv mayor Klitschko accepts them
For disaster relief, damage assessment and surveying: Quantum Systems is providing Ukraine with 100 Trinity drones. They will be operated by the State Border Guard Service, with training by the manufacturer’s SSTLC.
UGV Ziesel wins the “Mule” scenario: Diehl Defence takes first place at ELROB
Autonomously retracing a learned route without GNSS and through dense vegetation: at the European Land Robot Trial in Trier, the UGV Ziesel from Diehl Defence won the “Mule” scenario. It is controlled by the Platon autonomy kit.
Counter-UAS with Sky Warden: MBDA shows new effector based on DroneHunter at Farnborough
A warhead that can be quickly fitted to a drone in the field: for counter-UAS with Sky Warden, MBDA has developed an effector concept together with Fortem Technologies. In tests, the system neutralised all threats.
Gerbera swarm drone: Russian video offers insight into new foam and plywood UAV
After a crashed UAV of a new design was found in Kyiv Oblast, Russia has released a video on the Gerbera swarm drone. It names roles ranging from electronic reconnaissance to decoy and shows a swarm flight.
Baykar hosts Saudi Arabia’s defence minister Khalid bin Salman Al Saud
A tour of the Özdemir Bayraktar National Technology Center: during his visit to Türkiye, Khalid bin Salman Al Saud was briefed by Baykar on unmanned platforms and joint projects. The background is the 2023 Akinci export contract.
Hezbollah drone over Ramat David: video shows undetected overflight of an Israeli air base
A few days after a Houthi drone struck Jerusalem, a video is circulating that shows a Hezbollah drone over Ramat David military airfield. It also revealed the identity of the base commander.