Sponsored by EOS
www.eos-aus.com
———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
15 Oct 25. Britain starts work on Atlantic surveillance drone network. The Ministry of Defence has issued a new tender for Atlantic Net, the opening phase of Project CABOT, which aims to advance the Royal Navy’s use of uncrewed and data-driven systems for anti-submarine warfare and maritime intelligence. According to the tender, “the Ministry of Defence would like to announce the intention to publish an Invitation to Tender (ITT) to contract a Commercial Mission Partner(s) (CMP) as part of the Royal Navy’s Atlantic Net (AN) initiative in the near future.” The MOD says Atlantic Net “will deliver Underwater Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR) as a service through a Contractor Owned, Contractor Operated, Naval Oversight (COCONO) model.” The system, it continues, “will be data focussed, providing information direct to the Maritime Operational Commander ashore to inform decision making.” The framework, valued symbolically at £1 for each of its two lots, will operate between 17 December 2025 and 31 March 2026, according to the entry on the Find a Tender portal. The first lot will appoint Commercial Mission Partners, each of whom will be awarded an individual call-off contract “detailing the milestones, deliverables and commercial terms that are specific and relevant to them.” The second will establish a Potential Supplier Pool for additional firms whose technologies or services “may be of interest to the Authority and, consequently, may be contracted for through a Call-Off Contract at any point during the Term of the Open Framework.” The notice also specifies that the procurement is “exempt from the Procurement Act 2023 under Defence Intelligence and National Security Grounds.” However, the MOD added that it intends to “follow the spirit of the Procurement Act where possible, hence the open publication of this notice.”
Atlantic Net represents the first phase of Project CABOT, which the MOD has described as designed to “accelerate the RN’s pivot to autonomy with a specific focus on Anti-Submarine Warfare.” It builds on prior innovation efforts under Project CHARYBDIS and the Defence Innovation Unit’s ASW Spearhead programme, and aligns with NATO’s wider Smart Defence initiative to create an automated anti-submarine warfare barrier using digital, networked systems. Future phases, including Atlantic Bastion, are expected to bring those capabilities under direct Royal Navy control, employing government-owned Type 92 Sloop drone ships and Type 93 Chariot autonomous submarines. The two phases aim to reduce reliance on crewed platforms and create a persistent undersea surveillance network capable of tracking submarine activity across the North Atlantic. (Source: UKDJ)
15 Oct 25. Airbus streamlines its tactical uncrewed aerial system offering. Airbus has streamlined its small and medium tactical uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) from Survey Copter, Aliaca and Capa-X, into a single comprehensive portfolio that will be managed by its Airbus Helicopters division. The aim is to deliver a focused market approach for defence and security customers across both the Helicopters and Defence and Space divisions.
“By incorporating Aliaca and Capa-X into our UAS portfolio, we are building a cohesive family of products and solidifying Airbus’ position as a market leader in the tactical drone segment,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “With this move, we are setting up a centre of excellence that consolidates a comprehensive and complementary portfolio of uncrewed aerial systems and facilitates synergies across the teams that are working to further develop and support them. It will also accelerate the cooperation between drones and helicopters thanks to our HTeaming solution,” he added.
Uncrewed aerial systems provide essential, real-time capabilities for diverse missions. They offer high-resolution sensing for ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance) and long-endurance ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance), benefiting naval and expeditionary forces while also supporting target acquisition on the battlefield. UAS can also support parapublic missions where surveillance is required such as firefighting and law enforcement. Based in Pierrelatte in the South of France, Survey Copter has been designing, producing and maintaining light tactical drone systems since 1996. The company specialises in light drone systems for both civil and military applications, and has sold over 300 UAS to national and international customers since its creation. Airbus Helicopters now offers a diverse portfolio of tactical drones designed to meet the evolving needs of modern defence. The Aliaca is a 25 kg UAS that can carry up to 3 kg of equipment for 6 hours, making it a robust imagery tool that enhances reconnaissance and decision-making. The Flexrotor is a 25 kg UAS that can carry up to 8 kg of equipment for 10 to 12 hours making it ideal for long-endurance missions. For ultimate flexibility, the Capa-X is a 120 kg UAS that can carry up to 20 kg of equipment making it a highly adaptable system that can be modified for various missions and terrains. The VSR700 is a 750 kg multi-mission drone with a discreet design, specifically developed for demanding maritime, cargo, and combat roles. This range of uncrewed systems provides customers with cutting-edge capabilities for surveillance, intelligence, and operational flexibility. Complementing this consolidated portfolio of small and medium drones, Airbus continues to develop and offer a wide variety of multi-mission UAS technologies and services as part of its Defence and Space division, building on its expertise in air power solutions. Ranging from Eurodrone, the new generation large long-endurance remotely piloted aircraft system designed to bolster European defence and strategic sovereignty; the high-end tactical UAS SIRTAP, for day and night ISR missions over land and sea; the solar-electric stratospheric Zephyr High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS) to aerial target drones. Airbus has also developed crewed-uncrewed teaming solutions allowing aircraft and helicopter crews to take full control of UAS in flight. Crewed-uncrewed teaming offers additional mission capabilities by extending sensor range far beyond the aircraft’s line of sight, preserving them for the essential missions that only they can perform.
15 Oct 25. Boeing Launches New Family of Tiltrotor Combat Drones. Boeing has announced plans for a family of new, tiltrotor drones that are intended to support existing crewed military helicopters, especially those of the U.S. Army, providing something like an equivalent to the U.S. Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). Indeed, the company describes the drones as “collaborative rotorcraft” and expects them to serve alongside more conventional helicopters undertaking attack, logistics, and other types of missions. Renderings were revealed on October 13 by Boeing at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) tradeshow. At least two rotary-wing drones are currently projected, both based on a tiltrotor design, drawing upon the company’s experience with the proven V-22 Osprey. However, the modular concept means more mission versions of the drones will be possible. Boeing describes the drones as “completely uninhabited,” with no plans for them to be offered as optionally piloted platforms. In each case, the drone has a high wing and a V-tail. Each will be powered by a single turboshaft engine driving a pair of prop-rotors. Boeing chose this “classic” powerplant option as it considered it the most mature technology, making it easier to get the drones into service rapidly. As part of its evolution, however, other propulsion systems might well be offered in the future, Boeing says, including hybrid electric/gas turbine. Boeing has said that the drones will likely have a maximum gross weight in the region of 5,000 to 7000 pounds, including a payload in the range of 1,000 to 2,000 pounds, depending on range and specific mission load-out. Speaking to journalists ahead of AUSA, Chris Speights, chief engineer for Boeing Defense’s Vertical Lift division, said the drones will have “relevant range [and] relevant payloads […] to truly be collaborative,” meaning they can keep up with a crewed helicopter’s mission profile. The drones will be in the Group 4 or 5 category. Of these, Group 4 encompasses drones weighing over 1,320 pounds, and operating at altitudes usually below 18,000 feet, while Group 5 covers the same weight category, but typically flying above 18,000 feet.
An overview of Federal Aviation Administration drone categories (FAA)
The first of the drones to be described in detail is the CxR, or Collaborative Transformational Rotorcraft. Speights explained:
“The idea is that the CxR is a modular core that we can adapt for things like a loyal wingman, collaborative rotorcraft, that would partner with an aircraft like the Apache or even the Little Bird or whatever else you may have.”
The CxR would be able to carry various types of effectors and other payloads, including launched effects (LE), which are smaller drones capable of being configured to strike, reconnoiter, and jam targets far from their launch platform. LEs are increasingly seen as being critical to the future survival of combat helicopters, especially when operating in higher-threat areas. One rendering shows the drone carrying a pair of tubes on stub wings on each side of the fuselage, likely signifying launched effects. Speights outlines Boeing’s vision of Apaches, collaborative rotorcraft, and launched effects all working together as “layers of capabilities that we can apply to different situations.” The first rendering of the new collaborative rotorcraft were released by Boeing at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) tradeshow. Boeing
Speights said the CxR’s tiltrotor configuration is ideal for missions such as reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition, or RSTA, “where you need very good maneuverability, nap-of-the-earth [flying], hide behind hills, mountains and trees, and have the maneuverability to be able to perform that mission with the level of survivability that’s really needed to be successful. That would enable it to fully support the types of attack, reconnaissance, and scout missions that the Apache performs,” Speights added. “It would be able to carry the payloads that are relevant for Apache-type missions.”
While the CxR is currently primarily being pitched as a drone that can operate collaboratively with the Apache, Boeing expects that it will have the relevant speed, range, and endurance to complement the Army’s forthcoming MV-75 tiltrotor assault transport as well. With this in mind, the company is targeting a speed in the range of 200 to 250 knots. At the same time, the CxR will be designed to be expeditionary, so that it can be rapidly deployed aboard fixed-wing C-130 Hercules transports. A logistics version of the new rotary-wing drone is also being proposed. This is the CLR (Collaborative Logistics Rotorcraft), which would be expected to augment the H-47 Chinook and other logistics platforms, especially in contested environments. The logistics version of the drone would make use of the CxR’s common core, including the propulsion system, Boeing sees the new drones very much in the context of a broader “family of systems” approach, meaning they can work together with a range of platforms used by the U.S. Army and other forces around the world. (Source: UAS VISION/ The War Zone)
15 Oct 25. UK Seeks Strike and Refuelling Drone for Aircraft Carriers. The UK’s Ministry of Defence has published a preliminary market engagement notice under Project VANQUISH, seeking industry views on a new “Fixed Wing Short Take Off and Landing Autonomous Collaborative Platform” (FW STOL ACP) for Royal Navy carriers. The Find a Tender listing describes the effort as a technical demonstration intended to inform future procurement options for the UK’s “Hybrid Air Wing”.
The notice, identifier 2025/S 000-062294, sets out the requirement in stark terms:
“Project VANQUISH seeks to deliver a technical demonstration at sea of an attritable (Tier 2) Fixed Wing Short Take Off and Landing Autonomous Collaborative Platform (FW STOL ACP); nominal target date by the end of 2026, with options for delivery within an 18 month window from the target date also considered.”
The MOD is explicit that the platform must be able to embark and operate autonomously from a Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier. It is to be jet turbine powered, capable of high subsonic speed, and launch and recover from carriers without catapults or arrested recovery systems. The system is expected to carry a credible payload with sufficient endurance, with a clear exploitation path for roles such as ISR, strike, and air-to-air refuelling. The RFI highlights that this effort should “complement F-35B Lightning, as part of QEC and its Carrier Air Wing”. Officials also stress that the work must be “aligned with the principles of Maritime Aviation Transformation (MATX) and build on previous trials and demonstrations of ACPs from QEC.” (Source: UAS VISION/UK Defence Journal)
13 Oct 25. PDW’s flagship C100 platform now supports a new suite of Multi-Mission Payloads (MMP) specifically focused on transforming and enhancing mission sets in contested environments. Providing critical battlefield capabilities to operators, MMPs enable the C100 to navigate through contested environments without GPS, expand the operational reach of the forward line of troops, and provide an added layer of situational awareness to ground force commanders for EM Spectrum Operations. PDW was recently awarded a $20.9m award from the U.S. Army to supply C100 UAS and MMPs in support of the Army’s ‘Transformation in Contact’ (TiC) initiative. Initially designed for the Army’s emerging requirements, this new solution set is now in production and available to new and existing customers looking to expand operational capability. Built to complement the C100 platform’s capabilities, the MMP lineup provides teams with a position of advantage and organic overwatch capabilities during direct action missions, all while maintaining the C100’s signature portability and tactical edge. This product update enhances capabilities through native software and partner hardware upgrades, including Communications Relay and Mobile Ad Hoc Network (MANET) Extension; Assured Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (APNT); and Spectrum Awareness (SIGINT).
“The C100’s MMPs provide three specific capabilities identified as critical needs by the Army,” said PDW CEO and cofounder Ryan Gury. “Any military unit operating in contested environments would benefit from these capabilities and we are actively producing and ready to deliver on this need.”
To bring these capabilities to the market, PDW partnered with industry leaders that are existing Army suppliers with high technology readiness level (TRL) products. The three payloads for MMP are the CACI Mastodon FireBeast, Silvus StreamCaster MANET communication relay, and PDW A-PNT Vision-Based Navigation.
- Spectrum Awareness (Mastodon FireBeast): A Multi-Channel Transceiver designed to support signal detections and direction-finding of adversary signals of interest (SOIs). This capability significantly enhances the C100’s situational awareness, threat mitigation, and operational flexibility.
- MANET Communications Relay (Silvus StreamCaster): A single-radio solution that unites multiple assets in a self-forming mesh network to enable BVLOS relay, and extended MANET. Designed to provide radio and network extension across the formation, StreamCaster greatly boosts the C100’s communication range, enables high-bandwidth radio transmission for ISR missions, and increases signal resilience in contested environments.
- PDW A-PNT (Vision Based Navigation): A software agnostic sense and compute module complete with a Visual Based Navigation (VBN) software solution. This will enable the C100 to start and complete missions via visual cues when traditional navigation methods are unavailable due to jammed, spoofed, or unavailable GPS signals.
MMPs can be integrated into new or existing C100 Mission Systems with the addition of preconfigured mounts and software updates. C100s can also be acquired in the MMP configuration, with payloads pre-integrated and ready to rapidly swap as required. PDW’s training has been updated to provide MMP-focused interoperability and best practices. Learn more about the C100 capabilities and MMP payload suite at www.pdw.ai. (Source: PR Newswire)
13 Oct 25. Cummings Aerospace recently completed a flight test demonstrating Hellhound S3’s extended range capability. During the test, the man-portable loitering munition flew more than 30 kilometers (18 miles) with an inert warhead and landed with more than 50 percent fuel remaining, indicating a potential maximum range exceeding 60 kilometers (37 miles).
“Hellhound [is] ideally suited for both loitering munition missions and counter-unmanned aircraft system operations against Group 2 and Group 3 threats, such as the Shahed”
The Cummings Aerospace Hellhound S3 loitering munition is designed for strike and counter-unmanned aircraft system missions against Group 2 and Group 3 unmanned aircraft systems, such as the Shahed drone. It is light enough and small enough for one person to carry, has a proven range of more than 30 kilometers, and features a modular, open-architecture design. The Cummings Aerospace Hellhound S3 loitering munition launches during a Sept 18th, 2025 test. The Hellhound S3 is designed for strike and counter-unmanned aircraft system missions against Group 2 and Group 3 unmanned aircraft systems, such as the Shahed drone. It is light enough and small enough for one person to carry, has a proven range of more than 30 kilometers, and features a modular, open-architecture design.
Why It Matters
“This test validates Hellhound S3’s persistent loitering capability at extended ranges,” said Sheila Cummings, chief executive officer of Cummings Aerospace. “That range, combined with speed and modularity, makes Hellhound ideally suited for both loitering munition missions and counter-unmanned aircraft system operations against Group 2 and Group 3 threats, such as the Shahed.”
Ongoing Testing
The most recent flight test is part of an ongoing test series validating Hellhound S3’s performance across a wide range of speeds and flight profiles. Cummings uses modular open systems architecture and 3D printing, allowing the company to rapidly iterate the design based on test data and Soldier feedback.
Details of the Most Recent Test:
- When and where: Pendleton UAS Range, Oregon, Sept. 18, 2025
- Vertical launch from canister
- Transition to target area
- Extended loiter using tight figure-eight patterns over designated target
- Carried an inert warhead
- Flew more than 30 kilometers before engineers concluded data collection
- Flew at speeds of 80 meters per second (roughly 180 miles per hour)
- Landed with more than 50 percent fuel remaining, indicating potential maximum range exceeding 60 kilometers
- Results: All primary objectives achieved
This approach directly supports the Department of War’s initiative to unleash U.S. military drone dominance, using 3D printing to enable rapid production at lower cost.
About Hellhound
- Flexible speed: Documented top speed of 384 miles per hour enables it to chase and destroy Group 2 and Group 3 UAS.
- Mission flexibility: The modular design supports warhead, Electronic Warfare, and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance payloads.
- Soldiers can field-swap payloads in less than 2 minutes without tools.
- Affordable: Combines 3D printing and U.S. Department of War-approved commercial components to reduce production costs, simplify logistics and deliver advanced capabilities at lower costs than traditional systems.
- Manportable: All-up round (vehicle, launch canister and ground control system) weighs less than 25 pounds, allowing single-Soldier deployment and enhancing Infantry mobility.
- Proven performance: Achieved Technology Readiness Level 7 (TRL-7), demonstrating reliable performance in operationally realistic conditions.
- Manufacturing ready: Achieved Manufacturing Readiness Level 7 (MRL-7), with established production processes and capability.
On the horizon
In the coming months, Cummings Aerospace will:
- Continue flight testing to validate automatic target recognition algorithms.
- Continue developing hunter-killer concepts of operations for Hellhound.
- Conduct additional demonstrations for U.S. Army and Department of War customers across multiple mission sets.
Hellhound is a family of UASs with multiple specialized variants. The Hellhound S3 variant is a Group 1 UAS. The Hellhound S4 variant is a Group 2 UAS designed to support missions including gap-filling ISR coverage for Golden Dome. (Source: PR Newswire)
13 Oct 25. IAI and AEVEX to Announce the OmniRaider Next-Gen Vertical Take off and Landing Unmanned Aircraft System.
OmniRaider is the U.S. version of the new ThunderB-NG, representing the latest evolution in Group 3 (DOD) VTOL UAS platforms for the U.S. Army
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), a world-class aerospace and defense leader, with its subsidiary BlueBird Aero Systems and U.S. based partner AEVEX Aerospace, will be jointly debuting at AUSA 2025 this week, the OmniRaider, the U.S. version of the ThunderB-Next Generation (NG) Vertical Take Off and Landing (VTOL) Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). The OmniRaidar VTOL will be fully manufactured and fielded in the U.S. by AEVEX Aerospace, a Tampa-based UAS leader. This UAS represents the latest evolution in Group 3 (DOW) VTOL UAS platform from the ThunderB-VTOL family. The OmniRaidar VTOL system features a maximum take-off weight of 110 lbs and more than 20lbs in multi-payload configuration to support simultaneous missions from a single platform. The core strength of the OmniRaider is its mission-ready flexibility to carry multiple types of payloads. The legacy ThunderB platform was integrated with 11 different payloads to execute multiple distinct missions. These include pairing airborne intelligence (EO/IR) with Signal Intelligence (SIGINT), conducting mapping and reconnaissance in parallel or combining intelligence gathering with the ability to support strike capability. The system’s smart integration architecture enables operators to maximize operational output from every sortie, increasing mission effectiveness and flexibility in the field. The system offers endurance of 12–14 hours and a range of 100 miles, providing persistent Reconnaissance, Surveillance, and Target Acquisition (RSTA) support for brigade-level operations, ensuring survivability in contested environments, while capable of operations in GPS-denied environments and congested Electro-Magnetic Interference (EMI) airspace.
Boaz Levy, IAI’s President and CEO: “The OmniRaider brings a new level of operational flexibility to tactical UAS, combining multi-payload endurance with VTOL agility in a one platform, developed in close partnership with AEVEX. The system is manufactured in the U.S. as part of our strategy to combine advanced Israeli technology with U.S.-based production to meet the evolving needs of allied forces while contributing to local economic growth and job creation that supports the domestic U.S. defense industry.”
Bob Horky, AEVEX’s Chief Growth Officer: “AEVEX is proud to bring the OmniRaider to the U.S. Army. This platform offers a unique balance of endurance, payload flexibility and survivability – critical for today’s operational environment. The manufacturing of the OmniRaidar VTOL in America will support jobs in our Tampa-based facility and we look forward to fielding this latest evolution in the Group 3 (DOW) VTOL platforms for the Army Brigade”.
Based on the operational and field-proven ThunderB UAS already deployed by several customers worldwide and following ThunderB’s successful integration of 11 different payloads over the past two years, the new OmniRaider is built for RSTA missions, combining long endurance, multi-payload capabilities and operational flexibility for a broad range of mission requirements.
13 Oct 25. Sikorsky Converts BLACK HAWK® into U-Hawk™, A Battle-Ready Autonomous UAS.
S-70UAS™ U-Hawk™ helicopter is configured to lead and resupply air assault missions.
From concept to reality in 10 months, Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company (NYSE: LMT), has transformed a UH-60L Black Hawk® helicopter into the S-70UAS™ U-Hawk™, a versatile autonomous unmanned aircraft system (UAS) that has 25% more cargo space than a typical Black Hawk. Sikorsky replaced the cockpit section with actuated clamshell doors and ramp, and swapped conventional flight controls with a third-generation, low-cost, fly-by-wire system integrated with MATRIX™ autonomy technology.
The S-70UAS U-Hawk aircraft on display at this week’s Association of the United States Army exposition shows a larger cabin space to:
- Accept longer cargo, such as missiles,
- Drive on/off an uncrewed ground vehicle,
- Roll-on/off supplies,
- Launch swarms of reconnaissance or strike drones, and
- Carry internal fuel tanks for increased range or extended time on station.
“Sikorsky is innovating a 21st century solution by converting UH‑60L Black Hawks into a fully autonomous utility platform,” said Rich Benton, Sikorsky vice president and general manager. “We developed this prototype from concept to reality in under a year, and the modifications made to transform this crewed Black Hawk into a multi-mission payload UAS can be replicated at scale quickly and affordably. The U-Hawk continues the Black Hawk legacy of being the world’s premier utility aircraft and opens the door to new capabilities as a UAS.”
Redesign and structural modification of the UH-60L aircraft into its uncrewed U-Hawk configuration is led by rapid prototyping group Sikorsky Innovations. First flight is expected in 2026.
U-Hawk-enabled missions
By eliminating the cockpit and internal components, the U-Hawk has 25% more cargo space than the UH-60L Black Hawk.
Forward loading and additional useable cabin space of the U-Hawk aircraft now offers the flexibility to accommodate oversized loads up to the same maximum gross weight.
- Air-ground team — Drive on/off an uncrewed ground vehicle, such as the HDT Hunter Wolf 6×6 UGV.
- Cargo — Transport up to four Joint Modular Intermodal Containers (vs. two today).
- Missile transport — Carry a HIMARS pod of six rockets, or two Naval Strike Missiles.
- Launched effects — Deploy launched effects carrying sensors/munitions from quivers secured to the cabin.
- Endurance — Self-deploy over 1600nm or loiter for up to 14 hours without refueling.
Like a UH-60L aircraft, a U-Hawk variant retains the ability to load cargo from the side door, and externally lift 9,000 pounds (4,080 kg) using its cargo hook.
Operators – not pilots – fly U-Hawks
A tablet gives an operator full command of the U-Hawk aircraft from start-up to shut down.
At the touch of a button, the two clamshell doors open and a ramp lowers to allow easy cargo loading or drive-on capability. To prepare for flight, the automated sequence is reversed.
Once loaded, an operator inputs mission goals via the tablet. The MATRIX autonomy system automatically generates a flight plan, relying on cameras, sensors and algorithms to help navigate the U-Hawk aircraft safely to its destination.
Affordable utility UAS
By removing the cockpit, all seats and crew stations from the aircraft, the U-Hawk helicopter becomes the first fully autonomous Black Hawk utility helicopter.
“The U‑Hawk offers a cost‑effective utility UAS by leveraging commonality with the existing UH‑60 fleet, and its uncrewed nature reduces both operating and maintenance costs,” said Igor Cherepinsky, Sikorsky Innovations director. “We focused on efficiencies in the retrofit by designing and manufacturing vehicle management computers, actuation components and airframe modifications. We will incorporate those efficiencies into future modifications and manufacturing for our family of UAS products.”
For more information, visit https://lockheedmartin.com/uhawk.
13 Oct 25. Sensor solution provider HENSOLDT and AVILUS, a specialist in unmanned aerial systems (UAVs), announce their strategic partnership. The aim of the collaboration is the joint development and marketing of state-of-the-art sensor and ISR systems based on proven technologies and agile production capacities ‘Made in Germany’. The integration of powerful HENSOLDT sensors – including a high-performance electro-optical system, AMPS-M and the ‘PrecISR’ radar – with the innovative ‘MissMarvin’ mission operating system will result in scalable UAV platforms that meet both military and civilian requirements.
“With AVILUS, we have an agile UAV specialist at our side who can optimally leverage our state-of-the-art sensor solutions. Together, we are focusing on technological sovereignty and short paths from development to operational readiness – for powerful and resilient UAV expertise in Germany,” says Christina Canitz, Head of Division Optronics at HENSOLDT.
“AVILUS closes specific capability gaps in casualty evacuation, logistics and reconnaissance with robust, unmanned aerial systems. The focus is on operational proximity, reliability and rapid availability. Through close cooperation with HENSOLDT, we combine our platforms with state-of-the-art sensor technology, thus creating immediate added value for forces in the field,” says AVILUS CEO Ernst Rittinghaus.
The electro-optical system enables the detection, classification and tracking of objects thanks to multispectral sensor technology and AI-supported real-time processing. It combines HD thermal imaging, colour/low-light, SWIR and wide-angle cameras for comprehensive situation assessment – all sensors are available simultaneously and can be controlled via a high-precision 4-axis gimbal. AMPS-M combines a self-protection system with up to 16 intelligent decoy launchers and integrates various warning sensors and protective measures against missile, laser and radar threats. The platform benefits from high modularity, minimal maintenance and more than 700 systems in use worldwide with thousands of flight hours – tested in cooperation with NATO partners. PrecISR, a software-defined X-band radar with active electronically scanned array (AESA), detects and tracks more than 1,000 objects simultaneously, including ground, sea and air targets, regardless of weather conditions and at great distances. The system is easy to integrate, ITAR-free and, thanks to its scalability, suitable for a wide range of UAV platforms. With the Federal Aviation Authority’s approval for civil flights already granted and the ‘company owned, company operated’ operating model, the partners are addressing a wide range of application scenarios – from disaster control and critical infrastructure monitoring to national border security. The cooperation is part of HENSOLDT’s strategy to create innovative solutions in line with ‘software-defined defence’ through targeted partnerships. Initial demonstrations and pilot projects are already in preparation. The aim is to set new standards for ISR capabilities in unmanned aviation, both nationally and internationally.
About HENSOLDT
HENSOLDT is a leading company in the European defence industry with a global reach. Based in Taufkirchen near Munich, the company develops sensor solutions for defence and security applications. As a system integrator, HENSOLDT offers platform-independent, networked sensors. At the same time, the company is driving forward the development of defence electronics and optronics as a technology leader and investing in new solutions based on software-defined defence. In addition, the company is expanding its range of offers to include new service models and is extending its portfolio of system solutions. In 2024, HENSOLDT achieved a turnover of 2.24 bn euros. Following the acquisition of ESG GmbH, the company employs around 9,000 people. HENSOLDT is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange in the MDAX.
www.hensoldt.net
About AVILUS
AVILUS is a manufacturer and certified operator (EASA LUC) of a new class of unmanned aerial systems with take-off weights of up to one tonne. This closes an existing technological gap between small UAVs with limited range and payload on the one hand and manned aircraft or type-certified large drones on the other. Due to its high payloads, AVILUS’ new class of drones is suitable for casualty evacuation, logistics, reconnaissance and support missions. The portfolio includes the ‘Grille’, a fully electric multicopter for evacuation missions up to approx. 50 kilometres, the ‘Wespe’, a versatile rotary wing aircraft with a combustion engine for transport, casualty evacuation and support up to approx. 300 kilometres, and the Bussard, a fixed-wing aircraft with a range of up to 2,500 kilometres, 14 hours of flight time and a payload of 150 kilograms for strategic long-range reconnaissance and deep missions.
www.avilus.com
10 Oct 25. Kosovo inducts Skydagger quadcopters from Türkiye. The Kosovo Security Force (Forca e Sigurisë së Kosovës: KSF) has received “thousands” of Baykar Skydagger first-person view (FPV) quadcopters from Türkiye, acting Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, announced on 8 October. The shipment was received into Pristina International Airport on 8 October, Kurti said on his official Facebook account. Kurti posted images showing Kosovo’s newly acquired Rheinmetall MAN HX2 tactical military trucks loaded with drone containers which, he noted, were delivered three months ahead of schedule. There are three known and advertised Skydagger models. The smallest RTF 7 has a range of 10 km, speed of 130 km/h, and carries a 2 kg payload while having a maximum flight time of 20 minutes without load and 12 minutes loaded. The mid-sized RTF 10 has the same range as RTF 7 but is slower at 120 km/h, carries a 3 kg payload, and has a maximum flight time of 30 minutes unloaded and 12 minutes loaded. The biggest RTF 15 also has a 10 km range, 130 km/h speed, but carries a 5 kg payload achieving 36 minutes flight time without load and 14 minutes loaded. It is not clear what type of Skydagger quadcopters were delivered to Kosovo, although local media reports suggest delivery of the RTF 15. (Source: Janes)
———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-
EOS
Electro Optic Systems (EOS) is an Australian technology company with a global presence, delivering advanced solutions across defence and space. With operations in Australia, the United States, Europe, Singapore, the Middle East and New Zealand, EOS has been designing and manufacturing precision technologies for more than four decades.
In defence, EOS is a leader in remote weapon systems, with more than 2,500 delivered and proven in operational service with allied forces. The company designs, develops and manufactures highly accurate counter-drone solutions for force and asset protection. These include both kinetic and high energy laser options that defeat drone threats effectively and at a comparatively low cost per shot. In August 2025, EOS secured the world’s first export contract for a 100 kW-class high energy laser weapon, with delivery scheduled between 2025 and 2028.
In the space domain, EOS is internationally recognised for its expertise in space domain awareness and space control. Its ground-based optical systems track and characterise satellites and debris to support both defence and commercial operations worldwide. Through its New Zealand subsidiary, EOS also designs and manufactures precision optics for space and astronomy applications.
—————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————–