Schiebel showcases weaponised CAMCOPTER S-101 and S-301 for the first time at DSEI 2025
Schiebel has used the global platform of DSEI 2025 in London to unveil two significant additions to its unmanned aircraft portfolio-the CAMCOPTER S-101 and S-301.
Officially launched on 9 September, the new systems are being presented to the public for the first time this week, signalling Schiebel’s entry into the weaponised tactical rotary-wing UAV space.
These next-generation platforms mark a step change in capability from the company’s well-established CAMCOPTER S-100, long in operational service with navies and armies worldwide.
With the S-101 and S-301, Schiebel introduces a new class of armed unmanned helicopters purpose-built for multi-domain operations, offering persistent surveillance, precision strike and reliable performance in highly contested environments.
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The development and production of these systems is being spearheaded by Schiebel Defence GmbH, a newly formed subsidiary based in Wiener Neustadt, Austria. The dedicated military unit has been established to respond directly to the growing global demand for armed unmanned systems.
“The worldwide security landscape is shifting rapidly, and we are seeing a significant increase in demand for armed unmanned platforms and systems,” said Hans Georg Schiebel, Chairman of the Schiebel Group. “With the establishment of Schiebel Defence GmbH, we are positioning ourselves to respond directly to this demand.”
This subsidiary’s launch, along with its first two products, comes as militaries accelerate procurement of unmanned systems that can operate autonomously and deliver lethality from stand-off ranges. The S-101 and S-301 are designed specifically for this operational context.
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Unlike the legacy S-100, which has been integrated widely for ISR missions, the S-101 and S-301 introduce integrated weapons capabilities with support for in-service missiles and rockets.
The two systems are aimed at countering asymmetric threats through distributed, persistent strike capabilities, enabling a flexible response across land and maritime domains.
The new aircraft features embedded artificial intelligence, military-grade systems integration, and assured performance in contested electromagnetic environments, an increasingly vital requirement as peer adversaries develop sophisticated electronic warfare capabilities.
These platforms are not simply armed variants of existing models but reflect an evolution in both platform design and mission concept. The introduction of optional payloads and enhanced survivability tools aims to give commanders reliable, mission-ready assets that can adapt to the fluid dynamics of the modern battlefield.
At DSEI 2025, Schiebel is showcasing both the S-101 and S-301 as operationally mature concepts, highlighting their relevance to current defence priorities.
With many nations investing in unmanned combat systems to extend the reach of manned forces and reduce risk to personnel, the CAMCOPTER duo positions Schiebel squarely within this evolving landscape.
As armed forces continue to pursue multi-domain capabilities, from littoral strike operations to urban close support, the S-101 and S-301 are being pitched as cost-effective, rapidly deployable options that can deliver tactical advantage when time and flexibility are critical.
