Schiebel enters the combat drone market: S-101 and S-301 with missiles and AI

From intelligence to fire — how the Austrians armed their drones

At the DSEI 2025 exhibition in London, the Austrian company Schiebel applied to participate in the combat drone race. Previously, its Camcopter S-100 was known as a reliable reconnaissance platform. Now it turns into a shock system. The company introduced two new models, the S—101 and S-301, which are no longer just observers, but full-fledged fighters with missiles on board.

This is not a modification. This is a new era for Austrian defense exports.

S-301 with 8 missiles and laser guidance

The S-301 is a large version based on the S-300. It can carry up to eight LMM light missiles or ten 70mm shells from Thales (FZ605 with FZ275 MOD 4 LGR missiles). The latter are semi—active laser-guided, hitting targets at a distance of up to 7 km. That is, the operator highlights the target, and the rocket itself flies on the beam.

Such a drone is ideal for precision strikes: on cars, bunkers, mortar positions. At the same time, it remains compact and does not require a long takeoff.

Smart, tenacious, heavy — that's why armies will love these drones

Both devices received military control systems protected from electronic interference, which is critical in modern combat conditions. Even more important are the elements of artificial intelligence. They help with data processing, target recognition, and even decision-making when communication is lost.

The S-101 is almost like the old S—100: up to 10 hours in the air, with a payload of 50 kg. The S-301 is more powerful: up to 340 kg of useful weight, up to 24 hours of autonomy with light loading and speeds up to 220 km/h.

Production in Wiener Neustadt and deliveries from 2026

All work is concentrated in a new division, Schiebel Defense GmbH, created specifically for the development of armed UAVs. That's where new cars will be assembled and tested.

The first deliveries are expected in 2026. Schiebel is ready to integrate any weapon at the customer's request, from adjustable bombs to new types of missiles. This makes the platforms versatile and attractive for different armies.

Sources

1. Shephard Media — S-101 & S-301 weaponised UAVs overview, Thales missile armament
2. Aerospace Global News — Public debut of armed Camcopter variants at DSEI 2025
3. Overclockers.ru — Schiebel shows missile-armed helicopters at the expo
4. The Defense Post — Launch news of weaponised Camcopter versions
5. Unmanned Systems Technology — Camcopter S-101 / S-301 tactical UAS launch
6. Janes — DSEI 2025: Schiebel showcases next-gen Camcopters
7. Aviation & Defence Universe — Next-generation UAS Camcopter S-101 & S-301 unveiled

MBDA showed the OWL (H) Crossbow, a cheap kamikaze drone with a range of 800 km

Not a rocket or an airplane, but a one—time attack drone

At the DSEI 2025 exhibition in London, the European MBDA concern presented a new system called OWL (H) — One Way Effector (Heavy), which can be translated as a "one-time remedy". This is not just a drone, but a kamikaze drone: it flies to the target and destroys it with an explosion of its warhead. The ground version weighs 750 kg, of which up to 300 kg is the payload.

Such drones are an ideal compromise between expensive rockets and massive quadrocopters.

300 kg payload and wings like a glider

The OWL(H) is not a small drone with a propeller. It has a wingspan of 3 meters and a length of 5.3 meters. It moves at subsonic speed using aerodynamics, like a light aircraft or a glider. Thanks to this, a range of more than 800 km is achieved — many times more than that of most tactical drones.

The payload is modular. It can be either cumulative for armored targets or high-explosive for buildings. There are also options with non—kinetic effects, such as electromagnetic pulses.

Long-range combat without overpayment

The main advantage of OWL(H) is the price. According to MBDA, it is designed to strike particularly important static targets (for example, command posts, warehouses, radars) in a complex electronic environment, but it is significantly cheaper than a cruise missile.

This allows you to use it massively, without sparing technique. The army gets the opportunity to "shoot" drones where it would not have used a rocket before.

Why do armies need such drones?

In modern conflicts, targeted but inexpensive strikes are increasingly needed. OWL(H) is just such a tool. It can be launched from mobile installations, it is elusive for air defense, and its range allows you to work from a safe distance.

This is not a replacement for missiles, but an addition — a weapon for those cases when you need power, but you don't want to pay the price of a Tomahawk.

Sources

1. MBDA — Official launch of Crossbow™ One Way Effector Heavy at DSEI 2025
2. EDR Magazine — OWE profile: 500 km+ range, multi-role payload, mass-strike role
3. Hi-Tech Mail.ru — 500 km kamikaze drone unveiled at Paris Air Show 2025
4. Amalantra.ru — European “jet Shahed”: MBDA’s long-range strike UAV
5. KP.ru — MBDA plans for extended-range, heavy-payload loitering munition
6. Overclockers.ru — MBDA One Way Effector drones designed to suppress air-defence

DSEI 2025 showed a new British BMP — Ajax with a Lockheed Martin turret and a 40 mm cannon

Not just an upgrade — an elongated case and more space

At DSEI 2025 in London, General Dynamics Land Systems–UK, together with Lockheed Martin, presented a new version of the Ajax infantry fighting vehicle. It's not just cosmetics — the car has received an elongated body: 30 centimeters longer than the basic Ares model. This means more internal space, more convenient for the crew and paratroopers.

The vehicle is designed for three crew members and eight fighters. Now it will be easier for soldiers to move inside, and the equipment will be placed without compromising comfort.

A turret without a crew — and a cannon that hits further

The main innovation is a new uninhabited tower, developed in the UK by Lockheed Martin. It is completely enclosed, controlled remotely from inside the car. The crew keeps their heads down, doesn't take any risks, but at the same time sees everything through cameras and thermal imagers.

The turret is equipped with a 40 mm CTA (Cased Telescoped Armament) cannon, which has already been tested in other army projects. It is more powerful than the old 30mm and allows you to fire on heavy equipment, fortified positions and even light armored cars.

What does the 40mm CTA do and why do we need a missile bay?

40mm shells are a serious increase in firepower. They penetrate more armor, deal more damage to infantry, and can be used in urban combat. The cannon is compatible with smart ammo, which increases accuracy.

Another find is a separate compartment for anti—tank guided missiles. Now the infantry fighting vehicle can not only fire a cannon, but also launch missiles at enemy tanks without leaving cover.

Tracks, protection, and why it's important for the Army

The vehicle is equipped with composite rubber tracks from the Canadian Soucy Defense. They are quieter, wear out more slowly and do not damage roads — an important advantage when moving around the city or in the rear.

An active protection system has also been announced, which means Ajax will be able to repel ATGM and grenade attacks. All this makes the car not just a transport, but a full-fledged combat unit.

Sources

1. TopWar — Track or wheel: the eternal dilemma
2. TopWar — Which track is better?
3. MySeldon — News digest on tracked systems
4. Army Guide — Comparative review of track technologies
5. Army Guide — Track durability and maintenance analysis
6. Focus.ua — South Korea unveils upgraded K9A2 SP howitzer for British Army

Rheinmetall has revealed a new Skyranger 35 anti—aircraft tank - it will go to DSEI-2025

Not just an upgrade, but a serious leap in power

On September 4, Rheinmetall released a video showing a new version of its mobile anti—aircraft system, the Skyranger 35 (SR35), based on the KF41 Lynx combat vehicle. In a few days, from September 9th to 12th, the system will be presented at the DSEI 2025 international exhibition in London. This is not just a demonstration, but a signal to the NATO countries: we have a ready—made solution against drones, helicopters and tactical missiles.

And most importantly, it is already working on a tracked platform, which means it is keeping pace with the tanks.

Tracks, 35mm cannon, and next-level electronics

The Skyranger 35 is not just a turret with a cannon. This is a whole air defense unit on wheels (or tracks). The base is a 35mm automatic cannon capable of firing smart rounds AHEAD. They explode in front of the target, creating a cloud of damaging elements — ideal against drones and missiles.

Added to this are radar, IR sensors, laser targeting and a powerful fire control system. All this works in automatic mode: detected, identified, opened fire — in seconds.

Now the system is based on the KF41 Lynx tracked platform, which means it will not lag behind tanks in the mud, on slopes and under fire.

Why is NATO interested in this

The situation on the fronts in recent years has shown that the main threat is not fighters, but drones. Cheap, numerous, maneuverable. The old anti-aircraft guns can't handle it. And the Skyranger 35 is just what you need to cover columns, rear bases and forward positions.

Rheinmetall says bluntly: the system is becoming increasingly important for the collective defense of NATO. And these are not empty words. The alliance countries are already looking for mobile, fast and accurate solutions — and Skyranger suits them.

From tank to tower — how to put on different platforms

Interestingly, Skyranger can be installed not only on Lynx. Earlier, at Eurosatory 2024, Rheinmetall showed the same tower on the body of the old Leopard 2A4. That is, the idea is modular: there is one tower, and any platform. Even tracked, even wheeled.

This reduces cost and simplifies logistics. One complex is used for different needs. And quickly.

Sources

1. Building-Tech.org — Skyranger 35 high-precision mobile air-defence system with AI control
2. Overclockers.ru — Rheinmetall unveils Lynx Skyranger 35 air-defence system on Lynx KF41 IFV chassis
3. Invoen.ru — new KF41 Lynx IFV evaluated by Chinese specialists
4. Wikipedia — Lynx (IFV) overview

BMT unveiled the Ellida Strike concept, an amphibious assault ship of the future

The Ellida Strike Concept: from Theory to reality

On the eve of the DSEI 2025 international defense technology exhibition, the British company BMT presented the Ellida Strike concept, the most ambitious project in its line of amphibious assault ships. This multi-purpose attack ship is designed as a possible solution for the recapitalization and modernization of the Royal Navy amphibious fleet, demonstrating a vision for the future of expeditionary naval operations.

Ellida Strike combines advanced technology, flexible architecture and high combat effectiveness, offering an alternative to traditional landing craft.

Multi—purpose applications - from combat to humanitarian missions

One of the key advantages of Ellida Strike is its versatility. The ship is capable of operating effectively both in conditions of intense combat, as well as in peacekeeping and humanitarian aid operations. It can deliver infantry, armored vehicles, and helicopters to shore, providing force projection in coastal areas.

At the same time, if necessary, the vessel can be quickly converted to evacuate civilians, deliver cargo, or provide medical care, making it a valuable asset in crisis situations.

Technological innovation and marine versatility

Ellida Strike is designed using a modular architecture, which allows it to be adapted to various missions. It is expected that the ship will be equipped with modern fire control systems, electronic warfare, network—centric communications and the ability to integrate unmanned systems, both aerial and marine.

The power plant is likely to be hybrid or fully electric, which will increase fuel efficiency and reduce acoustic footprint, improving stealth.

Role in the modernization of the Royal Navy amphibious fleet

The British amphibious fleet is currently facing challenges related to the aging of the fleet and the changing geopolitical situation. The Ellida Strike concept offers a way to create a more flexible, technologically advanced and operationally efficient fleet.

Although it is still a concept, its presentation at DSEI 2025 may attract the attention of the Ministry of Defense and become the basis for a future development and construction contract.