Ultra-compact UAV laser designators and small VTOL ISTAR drone unveiled for Ukraine needs

European firms are fielding and scaling ultra-compact laser-designation payloads for small UAVs (e.g., a ~200g hand-sized designator) and unveiling a new small VTOL ISTAR drone integrating laser designation plus recon sensors. The novelty is pushing precision laser-guided support functions down to lightweight, tactical drones rather than heavy, expensive platforms, informed by operator feedback from Ukraine.