Dronefare Weekly Drone Dispatch
Welcome to the Drone Dispatch, your dedicated source for staying ahead in the rapidly evolving world of drones and drone warfare. This newsletter brings together the latest developments in drones and drone warfare, from cutting-edge technology and tactical innovations to global military applications and policy shifts. Each dispatch is designed to provide a clear and concise overview of how drones are shaping modern conflict, international and domestic security, and strategy.
Executive Summary
Russia launched a major missile-and-drone barrage across Ukraine on 21 September 2025, causing 36 civilian casualties.
European authorities reacted to Russian cross-border drone incidents and fighter-jet airspace violations by opening talks on a layered “drone wall.”
Israel carried out strikes in Gaza and southern Lebanon on 21 September 2025, causing significant civilian deaths.
Drone Warfare
Russia launches large-scale missile and drone attack across Ukraine
On 20–21 September 2025, Russia launched a broad missile and drone barrage across multiple Ukrainian regions that left civilians dead and dozens injured. Ukrainian forces reported heavy intercepts and described the assault as part of a sustained campaign of mass drone launches.
Ukrainian strike on Russian drone storage and ammunition depot
On 22 September 2025, Ukrainian forces struck a storage and ammunition depot in eastern Ukraine that Kyiv said contained Russian drones and munitions. Kyiv reported that the strike destroyed significant materiel.
Ukrainian drones struck a resort area in Crimea
On 21 September 2025, Russian authorities said Ukrainian drones hit a resort area in Crimea, killing two people and injuring 15. Moscow condemned the strike as an attack on civilians. Independent verification remained contested.
Israel strikes targets in Gaza as ground forces advance
On 21 September 2025, Israeli strikes in Gaza killed at least 31 people as ground forces advanced in parts of the city, and medics reported high casualty counts from the operations. The strikes intensified already catastrophic humanitarian conditions.
Israeli drone strike in southern Lebanon killed civilians, including children
On 21 September 2025, an Israeli drone strike in southern Lebanon killed five people, including three children, Lebanon’s health officials said. Israel said it targeted a militant and acknowledged a formal review. The drone strike raised tensions along the Israel-Lebanon front.
Drone wreckage and incidents in Poland near Belarus border
On 18 September 2025, Polish authorities reported increased drone activity and found wreckage in border regions, which raised NATO concerns about stray or intentionally launched systems crossing into allied territory.
Multiple deadly drone strikes in Sudan, large civilian tolls
On 19 September 2025, Rapid Support Forces (RSF) forces in Sudan attacked a mosque in the city of El Fasher using a drone. The Sudanese army said the strike killed about 70 people. The strike killed at least 11 children, the UN children’s agency said.
Civilians found drone debris while mushroom foraging in Poland
On 21 September 2025, mushroom pickers discovered drone debris in eastern Polish forests, and the finds prompted military collection and analysis amid fears that Russian loitering munitions or damaged drones had crossed the border.
Iran’s role in enabling drone incursions into NATO-border states
On 19 September 2025, analysis from The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) found that Iranian assistance helped Russia mount extended drone operations that reached into Polish and Romanian airspace, and the piece traced supply lines and technical support. The report warned that foreign assistance significantly broadened the threat to NATO neighbors.
Drone Policy & Regulation
EU defence chief to convene talks on a “drone wall” to protect against Russia
On 18 September 2025, the EU defence chief Major General André Denk called for talks to design a layered “drone wall” of radars, jammers, interceptors, and cooperative counter-UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) systems to protect critical infrastructure and NATO’s eastern flank. Leaders framed the measure as an urgent, collaborative response to high-volume, low-cost drone attacks.
Estonia reported fighter jets entered its airspace amid regional tensions
On 19 September 2025, Estonia said Russian fighter jets entered its airspace. Allied capitals treated the incident as further evidence of spillover risks from the Russia-Ukraine war.
Copenhagen Airport closed after significant drone sightings
On 22 September 2025, Copenhagen Airport suspended takeoffs and landings after observers and police reported two to three large drones near the airfield. Authorities diverted at least 35 flights and opened an investigation.
Technology & Innovation
The Hottest New Defense Against Drones? Lasers
European militaries are increasingly exploring and deploying laser-based weapons to counter drones, utilizing directed energy beams as lower-cost, faster-reaction defenses. Potential benefits include precision and speed, though technical challenges like power supply and weather effects remain.
AI-Powered Drone Swarms Have Now Entered the Battlefield
Ukraine has begun routinely using small groups of AI-linked drones that can coordinate and autonomously decide to enact drone strikes, making their operations more efficient and less dependent on large numbers of pilots. These "swarm" attacks represent a new stage in warfare, raising questions about cost, reliability, and ethical limits of machines making lethal decisions.
Lockheed Skunk Works unveils five collaborative combat aircraft
On 21 September 2025, Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works revealed the Vectis, a Group-5 collaborative combat aircraft designed to operate alongside crewed fighters. The company stated that it expects a first flight in approximately two years and positioned the design as suitable for both air-to-air and air-to-surface roles.
China’s GJ-11 “Sharp Sword” poised for ship-based roles
In early September 2025, China showcased a Hongdu GJ-11 drone during its Victory Day parade, demonstrating its potential for ship-based and carrier-adapted roles. This suggests that Beijing has adapted the drone for naval operations and integrated it into longer-range, networked concepts.
Schiebel expands helicopter-drone lineup with armed variants
On 16 September 2025, Schiebel and partner Thales announced armed variants of the Camcopter series (S-101 and larger S-301) and said the systems would enter the market for naval and land users. These drones offer precision-strike options from vertical-takeoff UAVs.
Ukraine showcased long-range underwater strike drones
On 21–22 September 2025, Ukrainian reporting highlighted experimental underwater unmanned systems that Ukraine claimed could operate at long ranges and threaten maritime targets. Kyiv presented the capability as part of a broader effort to deny Russian naval power in the Black Sea.
Regional Developments
Taiwan
Taiwan demonstrated new naval drones and anti-drone systems at its defense exhibition and hinted at the future use of USVs (Uncrewed Surface Vessels) and counter-UAV equipment.
India
The Indian Army accelerated procurement plans for large numbers of surveillance and kamikaze drones amid regional security concerns.
Mexico
On 20 September 2025, Culiacán residents reported drone activity linked to Sinaloa cartel clashes.
Sudan
Multiple drone strikes in Darfur and el-Fasher in September 2025 killed dozens and hit a mosque and civilian gatherings, aggravating an already dire humanitarian crisis.
Outlook and Future Trends
Expect increased multinational efforts on layered counter-UAV “drone walls” and integrated sensor networks as Europe responds to cross-border drone spillover from Russia.
The maritime and undersea drone sector will become more significant. Anticipate more advancements in underwater drones and ongoing experimentation by China and Ukraine with naval drone systems.
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