Rheinmetall, Auterion Collaborate to Develop Unified Drone Operating Systems

Rheinmetall and drone operating system provider Auterion have announced a strategic partnership to develop standardized software components for unmanned systems.

The collaboration will involve joint product development and sales activities targeting unmanned platforms. The companies aim to simplify drone operation and training, addressing interoperability challenges faced by militaries. This initiative will allow for more scalable and efficient use of drones, eliminating the need for system-specific training and integration into broader networks.

Dr. Timo Haas, Chief Digital Officer at Rheinmetall, highlighted the operational difficulties currently faced in Ukraine, where over 200 different airborne unmanned systems are deployed. "Training and system interoperability remain major challenges. A uniform operating system will streamline operations and reduce costs, enabling more seamless integration of drones into military networks," he explained.

Rheinmetall’s experience with drone platforms such as the Luna NG and Aladin systems will contribute to the development process. These systems have been operational in the German armed forces for years and are currently deployed in Ukraine, providing critical insights into field requirements.

Auterion, known for its open-source AuterionOS, brings a software platform to the collaboration. According to Lorenz Meier, CEO of Auterion, "Drones, like computers and smartphones, need a common operating system to handle large-scale deployment. AuterionOS provides a tested solution for integrating drones from various manufacturers into a shared architecture, enabling software-defined defense capabilities."

The new operating system aims to unify drone operations across air, land, and sea domains, setting a new standard for unmanned systems in military applications. With growing reliance on drones for surveillance, logistics, and combat support, this initiative could reshape the defense sector's approach to unmanned technologies.