Auterion Wraps Up Artemis Long-Range Drone Under DIU Project
Auterion has completed development of the Artemis long-range strike drone under a US Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) initiative.
The platform’s design resembles Iranian-made Shahed drones used by Russia against Ukraine.
It has an operational range of 1,000 miles (1,609 kilometers) and can carry a warhead of roughly 40 kilograms (88 pounds).
It features the Skynode N mission computer, a Visual Navigation System that enables operation when satellite navigation is degraded, and a terminal guidance system that provides visual targeting for precise impact.
The system’s open architecture supports integration with existing defense platforms and allows for future upgrades.
Tested in Ukraine
Artemis was developed and tested in Ukraine in collaboration with a Ukrainian hardware manufacturer, whose identity has been withheld for operational security, and builds on Auterion’s previous deliveries of AI-enabled strike kits to Kyiv.
US government evaluators completed operational flight trials that included ground launches, navigation in both GPS-enabled and GPS-denied conditions, long-range transit flights, and terminal engagement tests.
Findings from the trials were used to refine the system to meet the requirements of US forces and allied partners, with production lines now being established in the US, Ukraine, and Germany.
“Software-driven autonomy is changing the nature of deterrence,” said Lorenz Meier, CEO of Auterion.
“Our Artemis entrant is designed for mass production and rapid deployment, enabling partner nations to field resilient autonomous strike capabilities at scale. We are ready to build the long-range deterrence force needed to tackle new challenges, especially in the Indo‑Pacific.”
Defense Innovation Unit Program
The Artemis program is part of the DIU’s efforts to develop new technologies that address emerging threats.
In May, the DIU selected four US-based companies, including two working with Ukrainian partners, to produce long-range one-way drone prototypes under the Artemis program.
The companies selected were AeroVironment, Dragoon, Swan, and Auterion, which were contracted to produce systems for operational testing and evaluation.
