Austrian defense firm Schiebel has launched two new vertical take-off and landing drones, the Camcopter S-101 and S-301, built for armed missions. Derived from the well-known S-100, these systems are tailored to meet rising global demand for weaponized unmanned platforms. The S-301 is based on the S-300, which itself expanded on the original S-100 with enhanced payload and performance. The S-300 supports up to 250 kilograms, a substantial increase compared to the S-100’s 50-kilogram limit. The new armed versions are designed to integrate rockets and missiles suited for tactical rotary systems, allowing forces to counter asymmetric threats from safe stand-off distances. Schiebel established a new unit, Schiebel Defence GmbH, to lead this effort, ensuring robust integration and operational resilience in contested electromagnetic environments. Chairman Hans Georg Schiebel said the move reflects a commitment to deliver advanced, mission-ready armed drones that respond to the rapidly changing security environment worldwide.
