Ukrainian defence companies Culver Aerospace and GLEFA have unveiled the Behemoth, a new medium-range strike drone that has already been deployed in combat. Details of the new system, which bears visual and operational similarities to the Iranian-designed Shahed loitering munitions used extensively by Russia, emerged on May 21.
The Behemoth is capable of hitting targets up to 300km (185 miles) away and carrying a payload of up to 75kg (165lb). The drone is equipped with a tandem warhead that combines an explosively formed penetrator—also known as a shock core—with a thermobaric charge. Designed to fly at low altitudes to reduce the likelihood of detection by enemy air defences, the Behemoth can operate autonomously or in FPV mode, using the Starlink system for communication.
The development comes as Ukraine surpasses Russia in the number of long-range drone strikes conducted in a single month. Ukrainian deep-strike drones have increasingly targeted Russian oil refineries, naval infrastructure, airbases and military facilities deep within Russian territory. The developers also introduced a separate Behemoth Deepstrike version, though technical specifications for this variant have not yet been publicly disclosed.
Production and development of such systems are being significantly bolstered by international partnerships. In April, Culver Aerospace signed a cooperation agreement with the German defence firm Helsing to jointly develop and produce drones at a factory in Germany, a project funded by the German government.
Furthermore, on February 24, Culver Aerospace concluded a five-year agreement with Denmark’s Copenhagen Global A/S. This partnership, part of a broader €800m package of accords between Ukrainian and European defence manufacturers, will focus on medium-range systems of up to 400km (250 miles) and long-range strike systems capable of reaching 2,500km (1,550 miles)
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Terra Drone Corporation, a leading drone and Urban Air Mobility (UAM) technology company headquartered in Japan, is pleased to announce that it has entered into a capital and business alliance agreement and made a strategic investment in Amazing Drones LLC (hereinafter “Amazing Drones”), a company that develops and manufactures interceptor drones in Ukraine, through its subsidiary Terra Inspectioneering. In addition to expanding operations within Ukraine, Terra Drone will launch the interceptor drone “Terra A1” with Amazing Drones, promote the practical application of technical expertise cultivated in the country, and accelerate business development for global expansion.
In recent years, the global security environment has reached a major turning point. Particularly in the war in Ukraine, low-cost drones that can be deployed at scale have become a decisive factor on the battlefield, bringing about a significant transformation to conventional weapon systems characterized by high costs and small quantities. For example, there is an increasing number of cases where drones costing several hundred thousand yen neutralize weapons worth hundreds of millions of yen, fundamentally reshaping the economics of defense.” Under these circumstances, “countering low-cost threats with low-cost means” is becoming a new basic principle of defense.
Against this background, Terra Drone announced its full-scale entry into the defense equipment market on March 23, 2026 (*1), with the aim of contributing to the construction of a sustainable, next-generation defense foundation by utilizing the technology and operational expertise it has cultivated in the drone field worldwide.
Purpose of the Investment
Amazing Drones, the recipient of this investment, develops interceptor drones that can be deployed quickly and at low cost in the real combat conditions of Ukraine, where electronic warfare and communication jamming are commonplace, and possesses high technical capabilities and knowledge gained through actual combat. Through this investment, Terra Drone aims to incorporate these technologies and operational know-how and to establish solutions in the defense sector at an early stage.
Features of the New Interceptor Drone “Terra A1”
The new interceptor drone “Terra A1” is attracting attention as a new means of defense to replace conventional, expensive interceptor missiles, and features low cost, mass production capability, and quick response capability. It covers a range of 32 km at a maximum speed of 300 km/h, exceeding the typical 200 km/h speed of Shahed drones. By utilizing high stealth capabilities (low noise and low heat signature) through electric propulsion and achieving a flight time of 15 minutes, a single unit can complete the entire process from airspace surveillance to target detection and neutralization.
Terra Drone’s Future Outlook
Leveraging its mass-production technology and global expansion capabilities cultivated to date, Terra Drone will accelerate the development and supply of diverse unmanned assets, including interceptor drones, FPV drones, reconnaissance drones, and unmanned surface vessels (USVs).
Furthermore, in collaboration with partners in Japan, Europe, the United States, and other regions, the company will rmeet international defense demand and contribute to the improvement of security capabilities.
Terra Drone views the defense industry as an “industry that generates technological innovation and economic growth.” By building upon drone and AI technology, the company aims to construct a new social infrastructure by simultaneously achieving the strengthening of national security, the enhancement of industrial competitiveness, and the civilian application (spin-off) of technology.
Representatives’ Comments
Toru Tokushige, CEO of Terra Drone Corporation
“The exchange of UAVs seen in recent situations such as in the Middle East indicates that, in modern defense, securing defense drones that neutralize threats such as loitering munitions (suicide drones) is a top priority for the security of the international community.
Seeking an effective solution to this challenge, I have personally visited wartime Ukraine numerous times to engage in repeated dialogue with local engineers and relevant authorities. In that process, I gained confidence in the superior development capabilities of Amazing Drones, its ability to rapidly incorporate feedback from harsh combat environments into their aircraft, and we have built a strong relationship of trust.
Merging the knowledge Amazing Drones has cultivated in actual combat with the mass-production technology and quality control know-how possessed by Terra Drone is an extremely significant step toward building a next-generation defense foundation. Through this partnership, we will supply highly reliable solutions verified in combat environments to the world, contributing to the stability of the international community and strengthening deterrence.”
Maksym Klymenko, CEO of Amazing Drones LLC
“What began as a volunteer initiative by engineers and soldiers has now evolved into a manufacturing hub dedicated to defending our nation. Partnering with an international company like Terra Drone is an essential factor in elevating our operations from prototyping to reliable product supply. We look forward to Terra Drone’s global reach under Mr. Tokushige’s leadership and to advancing mass production together. I am confident that Terra Drone will be the pillar that brings our technology to the world. Through this partnership, we hope our innovations will help protect more lives.”
Terra Drone will continue to drive innovation in the defense sector and contribute to global stability and peace.
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Finnish authorities are investigating reports that one or two unmanned aerial systems have
crashed in southeastern Finland, near the town of Kouvola. The incident, which occurred
80km’s from the country’s eastern border, has raised immediate security questions, although
officials have so far refrained from confirming the origin or purpose of the aircraft.
Early speculation suggested the drones may have been Russian, but those claims were
quickly dismissed due to a lack of verified evidence. Authorities have emphasized that the
situation remains unclear and that attribution at this stage would be premature.
The incident comes amid heightened drone activity in the region linked to the ongoing war in
Ukraine. In recent weeks, Ukrainian forces have conducted long-range drone strikes against
targets inside Russia, including the strategically significant Ust-Luga Port, located relatively
close to the Finnish border. These operations have demonstrated Ukraine’s growing capability
to project unmanned systems deep into contested territory.
Given this context, one line of inquiry being considered is whether the drones found in
Finland may have been part of a wider operation targeting Russian infrastructure. While
unconfirmed, it is possible that the aircraft were intended for targets such as Ust-Luga but
were diverted off course.
Experts note that electronic warfare plays an increasingly significant role in modern drone
operations. Jamming and spoofing systems can interfere with navigation, particularly for
drones relying on satellite guidance. If such interference occurred, it could have caused the
drones to lose their intended trajectory and drift into Finnish airspace before ultimately
crashing.
Unverified reports have suggested the drones may be of the AN-196 type, a one-way attack
platform designed to strike targets and detonate on impact. These systems are typically used
for long-range missions and are not intended to return to their launch point, making them
more vulnerable to navigational disruption if countermeasures are encountered.
Despite the emerging theories, Finnish authorities have stressed that the investigation is
ongoing and that no definitive conclusions have been reached. Security officials are working
to recover and analyze any debris, which may provide critical insights into the drones’ origin,
flight path, and intended mission.
The incident underscores the increasingly blurred lines of modern conflict, where unmanned
systems can traverse vast distances and unintentionally cross into neighboring territories. For
Finland, a NATO member sharing a long border with Russia, such events highlight the
challenges of maintaining airspace security in a rapidly evolving threat environment.
Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses and more information becomes
available.
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British drone manufacturer Evolve Dynamics has appointed former Dyson product leader Paul Finn-Kelcey as its first Chief Product Officer, strengthening the company’s focus on scaling sovereign uncrewed aerial systems for military use.
The appointment reflects Evolve Dynamics’ ambition to drive the industrialisation of high-performance small UAS for the British Armed Forces and allied militaries. As demand for uncrewed systems accelerates across NATO, the company is investing in the design, manufacturing and supply chain capabilities required to deliver resilient systems at scale.
Finn-Kelcey brings several decades of experience leading complex product development programmes, including senior product leadership roles at Dyson and Vax. Across these roles he led multidisciplinary engineering organisations responsible for taking advanced technologies from concept through to high-volume production.
At Evolve Dynamics, he will lead product development across the company’s core platforms – FOXE, WOLFE and SKY MANTIS 2 – ensuring they can be produced reliably, rapidly and at the mass required for modern military operations.
The role will focus on strengthening design for manufacture, quality management and sovereign resilience, while enabling faster iteration of operational systems informed by Evolve Dynamics’ close engagement with frontline users.
Tom Redman, CEO of Evolve Dynamics, said: “Modern militaries require uncrewed systems to be capable, produced rapidly and available at significant scale. Paul brings deep experience in industrialising complex engineering products, and his leadership will help ensure our platforms can be delivered reliably at the volumes modern armed forces require.”
Finn-Kelcey added: “Evolve Dynamics is building highly capable systems for a mission that matters. I’m excited to work with the team to strengthen the product foundations that will allow these platforms to scale and support armed forces in their adoption of uncrewed systems.”
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Ukrainian-born aviation production holding Skyeton has integrated a radiation sensor payload into its Raybird unmanned aviation system (UAS), expanding the platform’s capabilities for environmental monitoring, emergency response, and post-incident assessment missions.
The new payload enables real-time aerial radiation detection, mapping, and data transmission over extended distances, combining Raybird’s long-endurance performance with advanced sensing capabilities. The gamma radiation detection module is installed inside the UAV’s fuselage, ensuring aerodynamic balance, structural protection, and stable operation during long-duration missions. The system has been tested in the Chornobyl exclusion zone in Ukraine, validating its operational stability and measurement accuracy in a high-risk environment.
In 2025, Skyeton developed and delivered the first radiation sensor-equipped Raybird system to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine. Since then, the system has been on full operational duty, supporting continuous monitoring tasks and strengthening national emergency response capabilities.
Roman Knyazhenko, CEO of Skyeton: “Raybird has demonstrated its reliability in the most hostile conditions. We rely on it to help make our home safer, and the integration of radiation monitoring capabilities was driven by that very need. Today, it is part of the national emergency response system.”
The radiation sensor module is fully integrated into the aircraft’s onboard systems and ground control interface, enabling operators to receive real-time radiation data alongside standard flight telemetry.
Operational testing in the Chornobyl zone confirmed the system’s ability to:
- Conduct wide-area radiation reconnaissance
- Perform targeted hotspot detection
- Maintain stable data transmission over long-duration flights
- Operate reliably in varying temperature conditions
Beyond emergency response, the radiation monitoring configuration applies to disaster management, industrial safety oversight, infrastructure inspection, and post-incident environmental assessment.
Combat-proven in Ukraine with over 350,000 accumulated flight hours, Raybird continues to evolve as a modular airborne system capable of integrating high-value, mission-specific payloads while preserving its core operational advantage: long endurance combined with reliability.
About Raybird UAS:
Raybird is a small tactical unmanned aviation system designed for long-duration ISR and ISTAR missions.
Key characteristics (ICE version):
- Flight endurance: 28+ hours
- Maximum flight range: 2,500+ km
- Operating ceiling: 5,500 m
- Real-time data link: 220+ km, or unlimited with SATCOM integration
- Propulsion: EFI four-stroke gasoline engine
- Operating temperatures: -35°C to +55°C
- Deployment time: Up to 25 minutes
Raybird supports a wide range of interchangeable payloads, including multisensor EO/IR gimbals, aerial cameras, SAR systems, radio frequency locators, and specialized mission sensors such as radiation monitoring modules.
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German drone pioneer Wingcopter and Ukraine’s largest producer of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) TAF Industries have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the intent to establish a joint venture. The MoU was formally signed today at the 62nd Munich Security Conference in the presence of government representatives from both Ukraine and Germany.
The joint venture is designed to strengthen the resilience of critical defence production for Ukraine, ensure continuity of supply under wartime conditions, and diversify industrial risks by expanding manufacturing capacity into a safer and more resilient industrial environment in Germany. At the same time, it establishes a long-term framework for German–Ukrainian industrial cooperation in defence technologies that are already proven in real combat conditions. This partnership will be formed under the „Build with Ukraine“ framework.
Under the joint venture, TAF Industries will provide licensed designs and operational expertise for its reconnaissance UAV systems that have been extensively used in real operational environments. Wingcopter will contribute industrial infrastructure, manufacturing expertise, and engineering capabilities to enable rapid scaling of production in Germany.
In this context, Wingcopter’s expansion into the security and defence sector through its newly established Wingcopter Security & Defence (WSD) unit provides a strong industrial and technological backbone for the joint venture. WSD complements Wingcopter’s existing commercial delivery and surveying activities with ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) and cargo applications, unlocking the full potential of Wingcopter’s proven dual-use platform and intellectual property.
Beyond current systems, the partners plan to jointly develop and localize future UAV platforms for the European and NATO markets with the aim of further strengthening Europe’s defence industrial base and enhancing overall security and resilience.
Volodymyr Zinovskyi, CEO of TAF Industries, said:
“This cooperation is about responsibility, resilience, and strategic growth. For TAF Industries, scaling the production of systems already saving lives on the frontline is a top priority. This joint venture combines our battlefield-proven innovation with Germany’s industrial strength, turning operational expertise into scalable manufacturing. We are ready to share our unique combat-driven experience with our partners to strengthen collective resilience and build a stronger defense ecosystem together.”
Tom Plümmer, Co-Founder and CEO of Wingcopter, added:
“Wingcopter has been developing leading drone technology and in-depth know-how for more than ten years. We are proud to partner with one of Ukraine’s strongest defence tech companies to leverage these powerful skills to support Ukraine’s fight for freedom – at an industrial scale. Together with TAF Industries, we are building a sustainable industrial bridge between Germany and Ukraine. Importantly, this will also secure and create jobs across Germany as well as contribute to Europe’s security and resilience.”
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| Agreement builds foundation for industrial partnership in the Baltic region for unmanned systems operations in Lithuania and along the Eastern Flank.
Vilnius, 25 November 2025 – Quantum Systems, the European leader in intelligent unmanned systems, and ADV Defense UAB, a Lithuanian defence technology company and part of Teltonica IoT Group, today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the German-Baltic Defence Industry Conference 2025 in Vilnius, Lithuania.The MoU deepens German–Lithuanian industrial cooperation in the field of defence technology and innovation. Both companies commit to fostering long-term collaboration focused on market expansion, localization, and joint research and development. The partnership aims to combine German and Lithuanian excellence with innovation to deliver mission-proven unmanned systems and strengthen the region’s defence industrial base.This agreement reinforces Quantum Systems’ long-term strategy to build a strong industrial presence on NATO’s Eastern Flank and to support the German Combat Brigade, stationed in Lithuania. By establishing cooperation with ADV Defense, Quantum Systems continues to invest in partnerships in Lithuania that contribute to resilient supply chains, capability development, and European technological sovereignty. |
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| “This partnership embodies what we believe in — cooperation, trust, and local value creation,” said Donatas Sirgedas, Managing Director of Quantum Systems Lithuania. “We are entering the Lithuanian market as a Lithuanian company – one that develops Lithuanian capabilities, and contributes to Europe’s collective security. Germany’s commitment to Lithuania’s defense is our foundation, and together we represent the best of both nations.” |
| “This MoU is about shared purpose and lasting impact,” added Martin Karkour, Chief Revenue Officer of Quantum Systems GmbH. “Our cooperation with ADV Defense will help accelerate the ability of deterrence at NATO’s Eastern Flank and deliver real capability to our partners on the ground. It’s a partnership of equals, rooted in trust and built for the long term.” |
| The signing of this MoU underscores the shared commitment of both companies to contribute to Lithuania’s defense ecosystem and to strengthen European defense cooperation. It builds upon the spirit of collaboration promoted by the German-Baltic Defence Industry Conference, reflecting the unity of purpose that defines the motto “United for Security.” |
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The Norwegian Army has selected Valkyrie, the autonomous drone swarm system developed by Six Robotics for a pilot program focused on concept and technology development, to be run across multiple Army units.
Oslo, Norway, Six Robotics today announced that the Norwegian Army has selected the Six Robotics Valkyrie autonomous drone swarm for a pilot program focused on concept and technology development, to be run across multiple Army units. This contract represents a significant milestone in the Army’s modernization efforts, ensuring robust situational awareness and operational resilience in complex and contested environment.
“Future conflicts will hinge on autonomy and speed. Valkyrie reflects Norway’s commitment to innovation and collaboration across defense and industry.”
Christian Fredrik Eggesbø, Chief Executive Officer
The Valkyrie drone swarm will be fielded to support training and exercises with advanced unmanned systems, preparing soldiers for future combat environments defined by autonomy and speed. Valkyrie provides a scalable and intelligent swarm of drones designed for complex missions, including intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). By combining advanced autonomy, swarm coordination, and integration with existing systems, Valkyrie delivers unmatched swarming capabilities.
The Norwegian Army has successfully demonstrated the Valkyrie system in joint exercises with Norway, Sweden, and Finland. Developed in close collaboration with FFI, Valkyrie highlights the strength of this partnership, ensuring that research translates into deployable, field-proven technology.
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The move consolidates the company’s long-term commitment to the country, where it has been operating since 2022, and reinforces its strategy of developing innovation hand-in-hand with the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
TEKEVER, Europe’s leading developer of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), today announced the appointment of Kateryna Bezsudna as Director of TEKEVER Ukraine. The move consolidates the company’s long-term commitment to the country, where it has been operating since 2022, and reinforces its strategy of developing innovation hand-in-hand with the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Since its arrival in Ukraine, TEKEVER has flown thousands of missions with its AR3 and AR5 systems, accumulating over 10,000 AR3 flight hours. Continuous feedback from the front line has driven more than 100 incremental evolutions of the AR3, culminating in the unveiling of the AR3 EVO in September 2025 – a system born out of battlefield experience, and designed to deliver unmatched flexibility across land and maritime environments.
“Ukraine is the world’s most important defence innovation lab today. TEKEVER has been here from the start – testing on the front line, listening to feedback, and rapidly transforming those lessons into operational systems. The AR3 EVO is proof of that process: born in battle, designed for any mission, in any environment,” said Karl Brew, Head of TEKEVER Defence.
Kateryna Bezsudna, co-founder of the Defence Builder accelerator and a recognised figure in Ukraine’s defence tech ecosystem, will lead the next phase of TEKEVER’s Ukrainian operations:
– Scaling the local presence and consolidating the Kyiv office opened in April 2025;
– Building a strong R&D hub in Ukraine, fully integrated with TEKEVER’s centres in Portugal, France and the UK;
– Accelerating the integration of Ukrainian startup innovations into TEKEVER’s systems;
– Strengthening the bridge between frontline end-users and engineering teams, ensuring faster innovation cycles.
“I believe we must replace people with technology wherever lives are at risk. Ukraine needs solutions that can be tested directly with combat units and then scaled globally. With TEKEVER, we are demonstrating that from the Black Sea to Donetsk our AR3 and AR5 drones are already delivering intelligence, protecting lives, and paving the way for the next generation with the AR3 EVO,” said Kateryna Bezsudna.
Since 2022, TEKEVER drones have supported frontline operations both in the Black Sea and across the Donetsk front, enabling Ukrainian units to detect enemy assets, sustain persistent surveillance, and save lives.
“By appointing Kateryna, we gain not only local leadership but also a strategic vision to turn Ukraine into a global hub for autonomous systems innovation. Above all, our mission is clear: every TEKEVER system deployed in Ukraine is built to protect people and save lives,” added Brew.
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Vorax 7 is a counter UAS platform based on common FPV architecture. Vorax 7 can carry up to 1,2Kg warhead up to 50km distance. It greatly enhances the performance of existing FPV counter UAS solutions. Modular design allows operators to stay on top of electronic warfare game.
- Max payload: 1,2Kg
- Max range: 50km
- Max flight time: 45min
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