Drones and Unmanned Systems - Air, Sea, Land, Micro & Robot Systems

BRUSSELS - The European Commission has disbursed EUR1.2 billion ($1.3 billion) to support Ukraine's acquisition of drone and missile systems, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on October 7.

"Today's disbursement will help strengthen Ukraine's defense industry. And Ukraine's ability to defend itself. To protect people and infrastructure," von der Leyen said in a statement. "The money will be spent on drones, drone interceptors, drone ammunition, and missiles manufactured by Ukrainian entities."

The funding is part of the European Union's larger EUR90 billion loan to Ukraine, around two-thirds of which will be spent on Ukraine's defense needs through the end of next year. About EUR28.3 billion will be spent in 2026, the Kyiv Independent reported, and Ukraine has already submitted and received approval for those procurement plans.

Of that EUR28.3 billion tranche, about EUR15.4 billion has not been disbursed as of yet.

While the European loan financing is meant to acquire European or Ukrainian military systems, Ukraine received approval from the E.U. last month to spend a portion of its loans on U.S.-made Patriot air-defense interceptor missiles.

Source: The Kyiv Independent
Associated URL: https://kyivindependent.com/eu-provides-ukraine-1-2-billion-euros-for-drones-and-missiles/

SEATTLE, WA - Overland AI unveiled Ibex on Wednesday, a reconfigurable Autonomous Ground Vehicle (AGV) capable of shuttling thousands of pounds of material and designed for rapid relocation aboard V-22 Ospreys. The Seattle-based startup developed the Ibex in partnership with the U.S. Marine Corps, the U.S. Army, and Special Operations Command.

The all-terrain capable AGV is undergoing continued testing in central Washington with minor modifications and refinements expected later this year. Based on the Polaris MRZR Alpha platform, the Ibex can carry 2,000 pounds, travel at speeds greater than 35 mph, and has a range of 250 miles in full autonomy. Its modular design allows it to be used for various roles such as resupply, counter-UAS, breaching, and electronic warfare missions. Additionally, it can act as a power and communication node.

Source: Overland AI
Associated URL: https://www.overland.ai/news/overland-ai-unveils-ibex-a-new-autonomous-ground-vehicle-that-is-mission-ready-from-day-one

VILNIUS, Lithuania - The Lithuanian Army has taken delivery of its first batch of AeroVironment Switchblade 600s, the Ministry of National Defense announced on Wednesday.

"The system gives the Lithuanian Armed Forces a new long-range precision strike capability against armored targets," the Ministry of National Defense said in a press release. It was not stated how many drones arrived, or what unit will operate them.

The delivery is "clear evidence of the Lithuanian-U.S. partnership," Defense Minister Robertas Kaunas said.

Switchblade 600 is a one-way attack drone designed to hit targets up to 40 kilometers away. The drone can remain in the air for around 40 minutes while it searches for a target.

Lithuania previously ordered the Switchblade 600 in a December 2022 deal worth EUR45 million.

Over the past three years, Lithuania has signed procurement contracts worth about EUR2 billion with the U.S., the Ministry of National Defense noted. In addition to the Switchblade 600, Lithuania has ordered Javelin anti-tank weapons, Black Hawk helicopters, HIMARS multiple rocket launchers, and AMRAAMs for the NASAMS air-defense system.

Source: Lithuania Ministry of Defense
Associated URL: https://kam.lt/lietuvos-kariuomenes-sandelius-papilde-koviniai-dronai-switchblade-600/?csrt=1107513218087195446