Unmanned Systems - defencenews.online

January 21, 2026
G.Krish
Mergers & JV

Croatia’s Orqa, Qatar’s Barzan Agree on Drone Production Cooperation

Croatian drone technology company Orqa has entered into a cooperation agreement with Qatar’s Barzan Holdings to explore localized production of unmanned systems, marking a new phase in defence industrial...

January 20, 2026
G.Krish
Procurement & Contracts

VSR700 Naval Drone Enters Full-Rate Production

The French Navy’s decision to move the VSR700 into serial production marks a key milestone in integrating uncrewed rotary-wing systems into frontline naval operations. Under the new contract, Airbus...

January 20, 2026
G.Krish
R&D

Auterion Demonstrates Combat Drone Swarm

Auterion’s latest live-fire test highlights the growing maturity of autonomous swarm warfare concepts. Conducted at a US military range, the demonstration showed a single operator directing three strike drones...

January 19, 2026
G.Krish
New Product Launches

First Medium-Class Unmanned Surface Ships to Enter US Navy Service

The US Navy is preparing to bring its first medium unmanned surface vessels into operational service, with the Seahawk and Sea Hunter transitioning to fleet control and three new...

January 19, 2026
G.Krish
R&D

ULTRA Drone From Windracers Expands Range and Supports Heavier Loads

Windracers is preparing to enhance its ULTRA unmanned aircraft to carry payloads of up to 200 kilograms over ranges exceeding 2,000 kilometers, with the upgraded capability expected to enter...

January 19, 2026
G.Krish
R&D

Shearwater AI Chosen by DARPA to Enhance Drone Flight Duration

The US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has chosen Shearwater Aerospace to provide AI-based software that enables unmanned aircraft to exploit wind currents and extend flight endurance. Selected...

January 17, 2026
G.Krish
New Product Launches

Leonardo Proteus Completes Maiden Autonomous Flight for UK Navy

The British Royal Navy and Leonardo UK have completed the inaugural autonomous flight of the full-scale Proteus unmanned helicopter at Predannack Airfield in Cornwall. This milestone marks the first...

January 16, 2026
G.Krish
New Product Launches

Hydrogen-Powered Raybird UAV Introduced by Skyeton

Skyeton is unveiling an updated version of its Raybird UAV, now powered by a hydrogen fuel cell-driven electric motor for extended, stealthier flight. The new propulsion system allows the...

January 15, 2026
G.Krish
Procurement & Contracts

Robotic EOD Platforms Contract Granted to UNAC by French Army

The French defense procurement agency (DGA) has awarded a contract to domestic firm UNAC to supply up to 34 explosive ordnance disposal robots for the French Army. The award...

January 15, 2026
G.Krish
Procurement & Contracts

$490M Contract for Drones, C-UAS Goes to Trust Automation

The US Air Force has awarded Trust Automation a contract valued at up to $490 million to fast-track the development of unmanned and counter‑unmanned aerial system (UAS/C‑UAS) technologies. The...