Ukraine develops new ISR drones with German electronic systems

Ukraine’s Pegasus Arms has signed a memorandum of understanding with Germany’s Rohde & Schwarz to jointly develop new airborne reconnaissance and electronic support systems for military drones, the companies announced.

According to the companies, the partnership will combine Pegasus Arms’ drone platforms with Rohde & Schwarz technologies to expand the operational capabilities of unmanned systems used in combat. The focus includes airborne reconnaissance and radio-electronic support functions designed to identify threats before engagement.

The memorandum outlines initial steps that include joint development and testing of a proof of concept, pilot system configuration, and validation of the resulting solutions. These phases are intended to move the cooperation from concept to operational deployment.

Pegasus Arms Director Illia Samoshkin said the integration of German systems would expand the functionality of the company’s drones. “Integration of world-class solutions from Rohde & Schwarz opens completely new possibilities for our unmanned systems,” he said. “Equipping with advanced systems from Rohde & Schwarz will expand the capabilities of our drones. For example, Pegasus Arms 25 will now not only carry payload from point A to point B, but will also receive new functions that will become an unpleasant surprise for the enemy.”

The Pegasus Arms 25 is a heavy strike unmanned aerial vehicle designed for logistics, strike missions, and other battlefield roles. With the planned integration, the platform is expected to gain additional functions related to detection and electronic support, although specific technical details were not disclosed.

The company said its systems are already widely deployed, with more than 1,500 heavy drones currently operating on the battlefield. According to Pegasus Arms, these systems are used by a large portion of Ukrainian defense units and have been employed in operations targeting armored vehicles and other military assets.

The cooperation with Rohde & Schwarz is expected to extend the operational role of these drones beyond strike and logistics missions. By integrating advanced sensing and electronic support capabilities, the platforms may be able to perform reconnaissance tasks and contribute to situational awareness.

From a technical perspective, airborne reconnaissance systems on drones can detect and track signals, identify targets, and provide early warning of threats. Electronic support measures typically involve monitoring electromagnetic emissions, allowing forces to identify enemy systems such as communications or drone control links.

The integration of such systems into unmanned platforms allows these capabilities to be deployed closer to the battlefield, increasing responsiveness and reducing reliance on larger, more vulnerable assets.

The partnership reflects a broader trend in modern warfare, where drones are increasingly used not only for strike missions but also for intelligence gathering and electronic warfare roles. Combining these functions in a single platform can improve operational flexibility and efficiency.

The agreement also aligns with Pegasus Arms’ previously stated plans to develop new technologies aimed at countering enemy drones and improving control of the airspace. The company has indicated that expanding drone functionality is a key priority for 2026.

Rohde & Schwarz, known for its expertise in electronic systems, will contribute technologies that support signal detection, analysis, and integration into existing platforms. The collaboration represents a combination of Ukrainian operational experience and German technical capabilities.