US Army units in Europe will receive unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from Czech drone manufacturer U&C UAS under a new contract aimed at supporting scouting and base-protection missions amid rising regional security concerns.

The award follows months of military exercises simulating high-intensity conflict scenarios, during which the platforms reportedly demonstrated strong reliability and resilience against electronic warfare in near-combat conditions.

“Our UAV system is a versatile reconnaissance tool and a robust solution, capable of meeting the rigorous demands of modern military missions,” said David Jirman, CCO of U&C UAS, in a LinkedIn post.

The development comes shortly after the US Air Force awarded an $18.5 million contract for autonomous one-way attack drones, including engineering and field-support services.

Europe drone expansion

The company confirmed the agreement in a LinkedIn post, stating that it is designed to “reinforce allied defence capabilities” and improve security across Europe as modern drone systems become increasingly important for deterrence and protection, reports Army Technology (AT).

The contract will be executed in collaboration with Illinois-based government contractor ATP Gov, which will support the delivery and integration of the systems for US Army units operating in Europe.

According to the company, the new UAVs are expected to enhance ISR operations by providing long-endurance surveillance and real-time intelligence transmission, helping improve situational awareness and operational decision-making in a rapidly evolving security environment.

The agreement follows a series of military evaluations of U&C reconnaissance drones during exercises designed to replicate high-intensity modern warfare. The systems were assessed for reliability, operational efficiency, and performance in combat-representative conditions.

Following the exercises, US Army representatives reportedly noted that the new UAV systems expand existing ISR capabilities by delivering “long-endurance surveillance” and live intelligence feeds, which are considered critical for maintaining situational awareness and supporting fast, informed operational decisions within the current European security context, reports AT.

The announcement also comes as NATO forces increase investments in counter-drone operations. Recent reports highlighted Project Flytrap 5.0, a US Army V Corps exercise conducted during Saber Strike 26 in Lithuania, where troops tested more than 50 counter-UAS technologies — including radars, interceptors, and RF systems — against live drones operated by US and UK forces.

ISR strike ecosystem

U&C develops a range of reconnaissance and strike drones for military and security operations.

Its flagship ISR platforms include the Stork LR and Stork 1000 systems. The Stork LR is designed for long-range reconnaissance, patrol, mapping, border security, and artillery fire-correction missions, while supporting day-night operations and resilience against electronic warfare.

The larger Stork 1000 extends reconnaissance range and terrain-mapping capabilities for operations in high-intensity environments.

For offensive missions, U&C produces the MACE loitering munition UAV, a precision-strike platform designed to target enemy infrastructure, armored vehicles, and other high-value assets. The system can operate alongside reconnaissance drones for coordinated targeting and battlefield awareness.

The company is also developing additional systems such as interceptor-class drones aimed at countering hostile UAVs, reflecting a broader shift toward layered drone warfare capabilities.

Together, the platforms form a modular ecosystem covering ISR, strike, and counter-UAS missions under modern electronic warfare conditions.