May land forces roundup: counter-drone systems move up the agenda
RDC Robotics Raven was used to take down a drone. (Photo: Latvian MoD)
There has been a drive towards uncrewed aerial systems and defeating them in recent weeks, with NATO exercises addressing the danger, new systems unveiled and a new Latvian counter-drone unit stood up following recent incursions.
Two major uncrewed aerial system (UAS) incursions took place on Europe’s eastern flank in May 2026. The first was on 7 May in the Latvian districts of Balvi and Ludza when two drones crashed after entering Latvia, while a third exited, with all incursions blamed by the country on Russia. In response to the detected threat, NATO Baltic Air Policing aircraft were deployed to patrol Latvia’s eastern border for several hours
In mid-May, fighter aircraft were scrambled after UAS platforms entered Romanian airspace and on 29 May a UAS damaged an apartment block in the country’s east, with both events blamed on Russia by
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Eurosatory 2026: GDELS and Thales combine proven tech to create reduced-risk CUAS]()
Eurosatory 2026: GDELS and Thales combine proven tech to create reduced-risk CUAS
Both Thales and GDELS shone a spotlight on their uncrewed and counter-drone efforts at Eurosatory 2026, highlighting the integration of mature technologies with stable C2 systems that are open to agnostic additions and expansion.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: IDV expands with new Viking and CL2X UGV]()
Eurosatory 2026: IDV expands with new Viking and CL2X UGV
At Eurosatory 2026, uncrewed ground vehicles (UGVs) are front and centre of IDV’s display, with a new variant of the Viking and the new CL2X on show.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Recovery, reconnaissance, autonomy and air defence shape land systems developments]()
Eurosatory 2026: Recovery, reconnaissance, autonomy and air defence shape land systems developments
New recovery vehicles, reconnaissance platforms, autonomous fire-support systems and short-range air-defence capabilities on display at Eurosatory 2026 highlighted how land forces are adapting to evolving battlefield requirements.
