Diehl Defence and Elbit Systems conduct live demonstration of Skystriker loitering munition in Germany
Diehl Defence and Elbit Systems completed a live demonstration of the Skystriker loitering munition in early September, following a cooperation agreement signed at ILA Berlin in June. The test focused on the system's range and hand-over functionality, allowing target handoff between operators. No details on the customer or procurement timeline were disclosed.
Ukrainian drone operators inflict 70% of US armored brigade casualties in first three days of German exercise
Ukrainian drone operators playing opposition forces in a US Army training exercise in Germany caused approximately 70% of an American armored brigade's casualties in the first three days, according to an account published in Military Review by the brigade's own commander and staff. The exercise demonstrated the lethality of small commercial drones against conventional armored units. Defence Blog reports the Ukrainian unit operated a mix of FPV and reconnaissance drones.
Why it matters: A Ukrainian OPFOR just gave the US Army the same lesson Russia learned in 2022 — heavy armor without counter-drone infrastructure is a target, not a force.
German firm Quantum Systems claims 483 mph speed record for battery-electric drone with Apex Recordhunter
Quantum Systems announced its Apex Recordhunter experimental battery-electric drone flew at 777 km/h (483 mph) in a record attempt, faster than any battery-powered drone previously flown and exceeding the speed of Russia's jet-powered Shahed attack drones. Martin Karkour, the company's chief revenue officer, announced the flight. The platform is distinct from Quantum's operational military drones.
Why it matters: Electric propulsion just matched the speed of jet drones without the logistics tail — if the range holds, interceptors got simpler and cheaper.
Elbit Systems wins $235 million European contract for PULS launchers and EXTRA-MR rockets
Elbit Systems has secured a contract worth approximately $235 million to supply PULS rocket artillery systems and EXTRA-MR precision-guided rockets to an unnamed European customer. The deal includes integrated logistics support. Neither the customer identity nor quantities were disclosed.
Why it matters: A European army is buying Israeli long-range strike quietly—likely a NATO member hedging on U.S. HIMARS delivery timelines or looking for shorter-notice procurement outside the Patriot queue.
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UK and Germany strengthen defence ties in London talks
UK and German officials held defence talks in London, the UK Ministry of Defence announced 16 October. No details on topics or outcomes were disclosed.