defense - Insights from Across Europe’s Drone Ecosystem (Page 6)

A small drone flying at night over a residential neighbourhood.

central-eastern-europe

Seven drones cross into Moldova; one crashes into home amid Russian attack

Seven drones crossed into Moldova during an overnight Russian attack on Ukraine and one crashed into a residential home on Moldovan soil.

FPV quadcopter being deployed from a transport aircraft cargo ramp during an aerial test.

defense

France Drops FPV Drones from A400M; Fixed‑Wing Seen as Better Option

France tested dropping FPV quadcopters from an A400M transport aircraft but analysts argue fixed-wing drones would provide greater range, endurance, and survivability.

defense

Orqa Initiates FPV Training Integration for Croatian Armed Forces

Orqa begins 'train the trainer' FPV drone programs for the Croatian Army to institutionalize tactical UAV skills.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz meeting in Rome as flags stand behind them.

defense

Berlin–Rome back Hybrid CoE after US exit, signalling EU self-reliance on hybrid defence

Germany and Italy pledged to strengthen Hybrid CoE and boost EU hybrid-intelligence fusion as the US exits the centre, signalling Europe-led continuity in counter-hybrid defence.

Parrot ANAFI micro-UAS in flight used for tactical reconnaissance.

industry

Parrot secures multi-year deal to supply ANAFI UKR micro-UAS to European force

Parrot has been awarded a multi-year contract to deliver its ANAFI UKR micro‑UAS to a European Defence Force to enhance frontline reconnaissance and situational awareness.

European Union and United States flags beside a map of Ukraine, symbolising a joint reconstruction financing plan.

defense

EU-US $800B Ukraine Recovery Pitch Hinges on Ceasefire and Investor Risk

An EU-U.S. document pitches mobilising ~$800B for Ukraine’s recovery through 2040, but private capital remains constrained by ceasefire and security-guarantee requirements.

Parry Labs mission module alongside an AV P550 unmanned aircraft, illustrating a MOSA-based mission system integration.

industry

Parry Labs Advances Modular Mission Systems in AV’s P550 for Army LRR

Parry Labs integrated its mission computing and MOSA-based architecture into AV's P550 to support the US Army's LRR programme.

An unmanned surface vessel (naval USV) at sea conducting maritime surveillance with sensors visible on deck.

uk

UK starts mass production of SG-1 Fathom naval drones for undersea surveillance

The UK has begun mass production of the SG-1 Fathom naval drone to expand Royal Navy undersea surveillance and maritime domain awareness.

Quantum Systems vertical take‑off fixed‑wing drone flying over varied terrain.

industry

Quantum Systems triples valuation after €180M Series C extension

Quantum Systems raised a €180 million Series C extension, bringing 2025 fundraising to €340 million and lifting its valuation above €3 billion.

Babcock and Frankenburg partnership concept: logos with silhouette of a naval vessel representing a maritime air-defence collaboration.

uk

Babcock and Frankenburg sign MoU on maritime air-defence system

Babcock and Frankenburg Technologies signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore a maritime air-defence system for naval vessels.

industry

Fotokite and AeriaOne unveil SEGI — AR‑linked tethered UAS at Milipol

Fotokite and AeriaOne launched SEGI at Milipol Paris, linking Fotokite's tethered UAS with AeriaOne's Falcon Lens AR to deliver hands‑free swarm FPV and AI‑tagged overlays for European security users.

Partnership graphic showing Second Front Systems and StirlingX with a drone silhouette representing sovereign UK drone deployments.

uk

Second Front Systems, StirlingX partner to deliver sovereign UK drone deployments

Second Front Systems and StirlingX announced a partnership to deliver secure, sovereign drone deployments for the UK government by combining systems integration with sovereign edge compute.