The American company Auterion, which specializes in developing software for UAVs, announced the successful completion of the Artemis project to create a deep strike drone with a range of 1,600 km, a combat weight of 45 kg, and visual targeting using artificial intelligence algorithms.
This drone was developed in collaboration with a Ukrainian company that remains unnamed for security reasons. It has already undergone comprehensive testing, which "included ground launch, GPS and GPS‑denied navigation, long-range transit, and terminal engagement."
Read more: Puma LE Reconnaissance UAVs Get Integrated Laser Target Designator, Universal Gimbal
The main feature of Artemis is Auterion's Skynode N mission computer and Visual Navigation system. As stated, it "enables the drone to navigate and strike targets even when satellite-based navigation is disrupted" and "ensures pinpoint accuracy in the final stage of flight."
Artemis also published a single image of the drone, which is labeled as the Artemis ALM-20 deep strike range. Its aerodynamic shape resembles the Shahed‑136, but the design dates back decades — the German DAR is often cited as the Shahed's ancestor. Notably, the Artemis ALM‑20 features a nose‑mounted camera, additional antennas, and an electric motor — a relatively uncommon choice for long‑range drones.
Based on available data, the navigation and guidance system is incorporated into a series of drones with different operational ranges. Auterion is prioritizing the long-range variant, set to enter mass production.
"Auterion is entering the scale-up phase with the Department of War and allied partners to work towards co‑production at mass scale," the company states. Production lines are being built in Ukraine, the U.S., and Germany. Well-established collaborations with manufacturers support ongoing production scaling.
Auterion unveils a mass-produced autonomous long-range drone, reportedly proven in strikes tied to the russian federation — indicated by its "long-range transit and terminal engagement." Moreover, smaller variants of this drone have already been publicly demonstrated in Ukraine.
During German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's visit to Ukraine in early December 2024, a drone closely resembling the Shahed was unveiled for the first time. Its dimensions hardly allow it to fly 1,600 km with a 45 kg payload, but perhaps it is a "younger" member of the Artemis drone family.
In March, the combat use of these small drones was first demonstrated by the 12th Special Forces Brigade Azov. A video released then showed the drone in action, highlighting its full autonomy, in line with Auterion's design.
The name of this kamikaze drone was also revealed—UAS SETH. The first batch is reportedly being delivered thanks to the Come Back Alive fund. In the context of its use, another phrase from Auterion's official statement can be quoted: "Government evaluators have signed off on the program after operational flight tests in Ukraine."
Therefore, it is likely that the Artemis ALM‑20 was developed based on the UAS SETH, but significantly enlarged, since the original Shahed already has impressive dimensions — approximately 3.5 meters in length and 2.5 meters in wingspan.
Read more: Ukraine's FP-1, Liutyi, and E-300 Drones Have Come Under Fire from russian Interceptor UAVs
