Auterion has successfully completed the development of the Artemis long-range strike drone as part of a project initiated by the US Defense Innovation Unit (DIU). This innovative platform is designed with a striking resemblance to Iranian-made Shahed drones, which have been deployed by Russia in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The Artemis drone boasts an impressive operational range of 1,000 miles (1,609 kilometers) and is capable of carrying a warhead weighing approximately 40 kilograms (88 pounds). It incorporates advanced technology, including the Skynode N mission computer and a Visual Navigation System, which allows for effective operation even when satellite navigation is compromised. Additionally, the drone features a terminal guidance system that provides visual targeting, ensuring precise strike capabilities.
One of the defining aspects of the Artemis system is its open architecture, which facilitates seamless integration with existing defense platforms while also allowing for future upgrades to enhance performance and capabilities.
Collaboration has been key to the drone’s development, with significant testing conducted in Ukraine alongside a yet-to-be-disclosed local hardware manufacturer, ensuring operational security. This initiative builds upon Auterion’s previous contributions of AI-enhanced strike kits to Ukraine. US government evaluators conducted a series of operational flight trials that covered various scenarios, including ground launches, navigation in both GPS-enabled and GPS-denied environments, long-range transit flights, and terminal engagement exercises. The insights gained from these trials have informed refinements to the system to align with the operational needs of US forces and their allies. Currently, production lines for the Artemis drone are being established in the US, Ukraine, and Germany.
Lorenz Meier, CEO of Auterion, emphasized the transformational impact of software-driven autonomy on modern deterrence strategies. He articulated a vision for the Artemis drone as not just a technological innovation but a key asset for rapid deployment and mass production, equipping partner nations with resilient autonomous strike capabilities at scale. Meier highlighted the urgency of building a long-range deterrence force to meet emerging challenges, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.
The Artemis program falls under the DIU’s broader initiative to advance new technologies that respond to evolving threats. In May, the DIU selected four US-based companies, including Auterion, as part of an effort to develop long-range one-way drone prototypes. The selected companies, including AeroVironment and Dragoon, are now contracted to produce systems aimed at operational testing and evaluation, showcasing a significant step toward enhancing US defense capabilities in coordination with international partners.
