Insights into the global and European drone sector, covering manufacturers, supply chains, and evolving market dynamics.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Germany is advancing its defense capabilities against small drones by experimenting with faster and smarter interceptors. These developments aim to enhance the country's ability to counter threats posed by unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in various operational environments.
industry
The International Drone Show 2026 in Denmark will gather global manufacturers, start‑ups and policy‑makers to showcase unmanned systems advances and discuss certification, BVLOS integration and counter‑UAS challenges.
funding
The European Commission has initiated a series of grant agreements under the European Defence Fund, awarding funding to 62 collaborative R&D projects aimed at enhancing Defence Readiness by 2030. This initiative underscores the EU's commitment to strengthening its defense capabilities.
Local Players
Rheinmetall has partnered with Varjo to enhance military training through advanced mixed-reality technology, aiming to improve operational readiness and effectiveness.
Local Players
TEKEVER has secured a two-year agreement with EMSA to deploy its AR5 fixed-wing UAS, enhancing maritime surveillance capabilities across European waters. The deal includes the provision of two complete systems, each with dual UAS, aimed at supporting various maritime missions.
Local Players
Volocopter is set to launch Europe’s first eVTOL sandbox in 2026, aiming to enhance the certification and operational readiness of its electric aircraft, VoloCity and VoloXPro. This initiative will facilitate near-commercial flight trials to simulate real-world ops and validate point-to-point.
eu
Drone sightings that disrupted Danish airport operations have pushed European governments and industry to accelerate counter‑UAS procurement and cross‑border coordination.
Local Players
Fotokite and AeriaOne have launched a partnership at Milipol Paris 2025, introducing Swarm-Enabled Ground Intelligence (SEGI). This collaboration integrates autonomous aerial systems with augmented-reality interfaces, enhancing real-time intelligence for tactical units. The system aims to improve si
Local Players
Parrot has been awarded a multi-year contract to supply its ANAFI UKR micro-UAS to a European Defence Force, enhancing tactical reconnaissance capabilities. This decision follows a competitive procurement process aimed at modernizing frontline operational tools.
eu
France and Spain reaffirmed support for Europe’s Next‑Generation Fighter while Germany declined to comment, creating uncertainty that could affect programme timelines and industrial cooperation.
Local Players
French startup Rift has successfully raised €4.6 million to develop a real-time drone surveillance network aimed at enhancing border security and monitoring critical infrastructure across Europe. The funding round was led by AlleyCorp, with additional support from OVNI Capital.
Local Players
Nokia has upgraded its 5G drone platform by integrating Amprius SiCore batteries, aiming to enhance operational efficiency and flight duration. This development underscores the growing importance of advanced battery technology in the drone sector.