European Companies Develop Advanced Aerial Drones and Ground Robots to Meet NATO Needs.

Unmanned aerial systems, armed ground robots and AI-assisted counter-drone technology displayed at Euro Defence Expo (EUDEX) 2026 in Essen, Germany, highlighted new approaches to battlefield reconnaissance, frontline support and protection against aerial threats. DeltaQuad’s Evo-LE reconnaissance drone, EUROBOTICS’ tracked armed robotic vehicle, ARX Robotics’ GEREON unmanned ground vehicle and the PERDIX counter-drone demonstrator illustrated how manufacturers are addressing missions that expose soldiers to detection and attack.

European defense companies showcase advanced aerial drones, ground robots and counter-drone technologies at EUDEX 2026 in Essen, Germany, highlighting new capabilities for reconnaissance, frontline support and force protection. (Picture source: Army Recognition Group)

Held in September 2026 at Messe Essen, EUDEX brought together defense technologies at different stages of maturity. The coverage featured systems ranging from newly introduced equipment and development demonstrators to ground robots already deployed with Ukraine’s defense forces, making operational status an essential distinction when assessing their military significance.

Dutch manufacturer DeltaQuad introduced its Evo-LE electric fixed-wing vertical take-off and landing unmanned aircraft, designed to extend intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance missions without requiring runway infrastructure. Its combination of vertical launch and efficient fixed-wing flight is intended to support persistent observation over large areas while retaining flexibility in deployment locations.

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Explore the latest aerial drones and ground combat robotics at EUDEX 2026 in Essen, Germany. Discover DeltaQuad’s Evo-LE VTOL reconnaissance drone, EUROBOTICS’ tracked armed robot, ARX Robotics’ GEREON UGV deployed in Ukraine, and irisnet and tms’ PERDIX AI-assisted counter-drone demonstrator. (Video source: Army Recognition Group)

According to DeltaQuad, the Evo-LE offers up to eight hours of endurance and a flight range of up to 480 km, depending on payload, mission profile, and operating conditions. The manufacturer lists a radio communications range of up to 120 km, a maximum take-off weight of 13 kg, and a payload capacity of up to 1.5 kg.

The Evo-LE uses a dual-battery configuration, a redesigned electrical architecture and an upgraded vertical-lift drivetrain to prioritize endurance. For reconnaissance units, longer flights could reduce interruptions caused by aircraft rotations and provide greater continuity when monitoring an area of interest. DeltaQuad also identifies communications relay and border surveillance as intended missions, with secure communications, anti-jamming, and autonomous navigation options available depending on configuration.

Ground combat robotics formed another element of the exhibition coverage, with EUROBOTICS presenting an armed robotic vehicle mounted on a tracked chassis. The configuration illustrates the potential to position weapons and sensors in exposed areas while allowing personnel to operate from a more protected location. However, the information available for this report does not establish the displayed vehicle’s weapon caliber, engagement range, operational deployment, or autonomous engagement capability.

EUROBOTICS describes its development approach as combining unmanned vehicles, sensors, command-and-control architectures and mission software. This approach is operationally relevant because it connects the robot to the wider force, enabling information exchange and coordinated tasking. For an armed ground vehicle, communications reliability, observation quality and operator control remain central to its practical military value.

German manufacturer ARX Robotics displayed its GEREON unmanned ground vehicle, a modular robotic system already deployed in Ukraine, according to the company. Its operational relevance extends beyond armed configurations: transporting ammunition, supplies, and casualties through threatened areas can reduce the number of soldiers needed for dangerous movements.

In its GEREON technical information, ARX lists a payload capacity of up to 500 kg, a maximum speed of 15 kM/h, a travel range of 40 km and a control range of up to 4 km. The manufacturer describes manual operation and supervised autonomy, with interchangeable equipment supporting logistics, reconnaissance, casualty evacuation and combat support. These specifications concern the advertised GEREON RCS and should not be assumed to apply identically to every deployed configuration.

ARX’s identifies logistics, resupply and casualty evacuation as principal missions. This deployment provides an operational reference for the growing role of ground robotics, while individual mission outcomes and performance depend on terrain, communications, and battlefield conditions.

Counter-drone technology was represented by PERDIX, developed jointly by irisnet GmbH, associated with the airisnet brand, and Germany’s technisch-mathematische studiengesellschaft, or tms. The system combines AI-assisted detection and tracking at a ground station with the PX75 rocket-propelled kinetic interceptor to counter low-flying attack drones.

Irisnet contributes real-time visual recognition technology, while TMS develops the interceptor. This distinction matters: the published information establishes an AI role in ground-based detection and tracking, rather than showing that Irisnet software independently controls every stage of the rocket’s guidance.

The developers presented PERDIX as a technology demonstrator intended to contribute to the lowest layer of air defense. The company emphasizes the objective of economically sustainable interception against inexpensive drones. However, the reviewed material does not establish independently verified interception ranges, success rates, or operational fielding.

Together, the systems featured at EUDEX 2026 demonstrate complementary directions in unmanned military technology: extending aerial observation, moving equipment and casualties with reduced personnel exposure, and improving protection against small drones. Their wider adoption will depend on whether manufacturers can translate exhibition capabilities into reliable operation under electronic warfare, difficult terrain, and sustained battlefield use.

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Written by Alain Servaes – Chief Editor, Army Recognition Group
Alain Servaes is a former infantry non-commissioned officer and the founder of Army Recognition. With over 20 years in defense journalism, he provides expert analysis on military equipment, NATO operations, and the global defense industry.