Ukraine's 'Shahed'-Like Drone, Artemis ALM-20, Developed With US Firm, Successfully Tested Against Russia

New Drone, 'Artemis ALM-20,' Developed With Ukrainian Firm, Tested Against Russia

A new long-range unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), dubbed the Artemis ALM-20, has emerged from a collaboration between American company Auterion and an undisclosed Ukrainian firm. This drone, which bears a striking resemblance to the Russian "Shahed" (often referred to as "Geran"), is slated for production in Ukraine, Germany, and the United States, signaling a significant development in autonomous strike capabilities.

Impressive Capabilities and Design Parallels

The Artemis ALM-20 boasts an impressive payload capacity, capable of carrying up to 40 kilograms of explosive material, putting it on par with its widely publicized Russian counterpart. Its operational range extends to a remarkable 1600 kilometers, allowing for deep penetration strikes. What sets this drone apart is its sophisticated targeting system, which combines visual recognition with artificial intelligence (AI), enabling it to identify and engage targets with exceptional precision, even in GPS-denied environments. This AI-powered navigation is facilitated by Auterion's own Skynode N onboard computer, a testament to the integrated nature of their technological offerings.

Field-Tested and Ready for Mass Production

Crucially, the Artemis ALM-20 has not remained solely on the drawing board. It has successfully undergone rigorous testing, including simulated combat scenarios. These trials encompassed various challenging operational conditions, such as navigation with and without GPS, extended flight maneuvers, ground launches, and even a "ground detonation" capability. This extensive validation process underscores the drone's readiness for deployment and its robust design, capable of withstanding the rigors of real-world application. The inclusion of an electric motor, a somewhat unconventional choice for this class of drone, along with a nose-mounted camera, further distinguishes its design.

Strategic Implications and Future Outlook

The visual similarity to the "Shahed" is notable, though the article points out that the design lineage of Iranian drones may trace back even further, to the German DAR drone of the 1980s. Auterion's CEO, Lorenz Meier, emphasized the drone's strategic importance, stating, "Artemis is designed for mass production and rapid deployment, enabling partner nations to build resilient, autonomous, long-range offensive capabilities at scale. We are ready to establish the long-range deterrence forces necessary to address evolving challenges." Auterion, in conjunction with the Ministry of Defense and allied partners, is now moving into the crucial scaling phase for mass production, as reported by Hartpunkt. This advanced, long-range UAV is part of a broader suite of Auterion's expendable strike drones, covering both short- and long-range applications, painting a picture of a comprehensive approach to modern aerial warfare.