Schiebel Rolls out Strike-Capable VTOL Drones
Austrian defense manufacturer Schiebel has introduced two new unmanned air systems — the CAMCOPTER S-101 and S-301 — purpose-built for armed operations.
The announcement highlights the company’s push into the tactical strike drone market with dedicated aerial assault platforms designed for modern battlefield demands.
In a statement, Schiebel said the new vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft are “refined new designs” that bring weaponization to the forefront of its rotary-wing UAS portfolio. Developed under its new subsidiary, Schiebel Defence GmbH, the S-101 and S-301 platforms are engineered specifically for lethal roles, with features that support the integration of in-service guided munitions.
According to the company, both systems feature “advanced performance, military-grade systems integration, embedded AI and robust architecture.” The drones are optimized to operate in contested electromagnetic environments — a critical feature for missions in areas where communications and GPS jamming are widespread.
The CAMCOPTER S-101 and S-301 are a continuation of Schiebel’s CAMCOPTER family, building on the operational record of the S-100 — a platform already in use by naval and ground forces across multiple countries. But unlike its predecessors, the newly unveiled models are purpose-built for offensive missions, offering armed forces a mobile, rotary-wing airstrike capability.
“With the establishment of Schiebel Defence GmbH, we are positioning ourselves to respond directly to this demand,” said Hans Georg Schiebel, Chairman of the Schiebel Group. “The launch of the weaponised CAMCOPTER S-101 and S-301 platforms reflects our commitment to providing armed forces with advanced, reliable and mission-ready armed systems that meet the challenges of modern operations.”
The announcement comes as demand grows globally for unmanned systems capable of conducting precision strikes against asymmetric threats. Schiebel says the new platforms provide “a persistent and distributed lethality option” that enables tactical engagement at stand-off distances, without exposing manned aircraft or crews to enemy fire.
The new airframes were developed entirely by Schiebel Defence GmbH in Wiener Neustadt, a new subsidiary created to focus exclusively on combat UAS. The company described the move as a strategic response to “changing geopolitical challenges” and rising military interest in autonomous strike systems.
While detailed specifications were not released, both the S-101 and S-301 are expected to accommodate missile and rocket payloads adapted from existing military inventories. The systems will likely be configured for multi-domain use, including shipboard deployments and forward operating bases.
By unveiling dedicated unmanned air assault systems, Schiebel is entering a growing segment of the drone market — one that has gained urgency due to shifting battlefield dynamics and the increasing vulnerability of conventional vehicles and personnel to cheap kamikaze drones.
The weaponized CAMCOPTER family reflects an evolution from reconnaissance and surveillance toward offensive drone roles once reserved for larger, fixed-wing UAVs. With this shift, Schiebel positions itself among a small but expanding group of defense contractors offering helicopter-based strike drones that can loiter, observe, and engage — all within compact, mobile platforms.