DK UNITY and S.CARFIL S.A Successfully Integrate Warhead into NS3 Interceptor and Pastnieks10 Loitering Drone
Latvian-Romanian defence partnership combines advanced counter-UAS technology with established ammunition manufacturing expertise, paving the way for industrialization and further European defence cooperation.
Latvian defence technology company DK UNITY Ltd. and Romanian defence manufacturer S. CARFIL S.A., a subsidiary of C.N. ROMARM S.A, have successfully completed the integration of a S. CARFIL S.A-developed warhead into DK UNITY's NS3 interceptor and Pastnieks10 (P10) loitering drone, marking a significant milestone in the development of a jointly integrated European counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) solution.
The cooperation combines DK UNITY's expertise in unmanned aerial systems and interceptor technology with CARFIL's established capabilities in ammunition development, warhead engineering, and defence manufacturing.
The integration programme, carried out in Romania between 27 September and 1 October 2026, brought together engineering teams from both companies to validate a dedicated warhead solution compatible with the NS3 interceptor platform.
The integrated configuration successfully completed ground-based and in-flight functional testing, confirming the compatibility and intended operation of the combined system under the evaluated conditions.
The partnership also resulted in the successful integration of a S.CARFIL S.A-developed payload into DK UNITY's P10 unmanned aerial platform, demonstrating the potential for broader cooperation across different unmanned systems.
A Jointly Integrated European Counter-UAS Solution
At the centre of the cooperation is the integration of CARFIL's specialised warhead technology with DK UNITY's NS3 interceptor platform, designed for counter-UAS applications.
The S.CARFIL S.A-developed warhead incorporates an electronic safety and arming system and has been adapted to the interceptor's existing configuration.
The joint development process also demonstrated the value of close collaboration between platform developers and payload manufacturers, enabling both companies to align their respective technologies around common integration and manufacturing requirements.
Unlike a conventional approach of combining independently developed components, the two companies worked closely together to adapt the payload specifically to the NS3 architecture, addressing mechanical compatibility, electronic interfaces, safety systems and operational integration. This demonstrated the value of close collaboration between platform developers and payload manufacturers.
Safety, Integration and Industrialization
The warhead and its integration comply with NATO safety standards. This gives defence customers a solution built to the safety requirements their forces already work with.
An electronic safety and arming system allows operators to arm and disarm the warhead securely, both on the ground before launch and in flight. If a mission is aborted, the drone can be made safe at any point, which protects personnel during handling, transport and recovery.
The two companies did not combine separate off-the-shelf components. They engineered the platform, warhead and safety system together as one integrated solution. Every element is tailored to the NS3 and P10 architectures, which gives the system maximum operational efficiency and makes it ready for industrial production.
With integration validated, DK UNITY and CARFIL are now preparing for industrial production, setting up a commercial framework and planning military evaluations with defence customers.
Strengthening European Defence-Industrial Cooperation
The DK UNITY-S. CARFIL S.A. cooperation demonstrates how complementary capabilities within Europe's defence industry can be combined to develop integrated technologies addressing.
Commenting on the achievement, a DK UNITY representative stated: “The successful integration of CARFIL's warhead technology into our NS3 interceptor represents an important milestone in the development of our counter UAS solutions. This cooperation demonstrates how combining innovative unmanned systems with established European defence manufacturing expertise can deliver integrated solutions that meet real operational requirements. The successful validation of both NS3 and Pastnieks10 configurations confirms the value of our joint engineering efforts. We now look forward to building on this achievement, advancing industrialization, and making these solutions available to defence customers.”
Commenting on the achievement, the General Director of S.CARFIL S.A. stated: “This project represents an important step in strengthening European defence industrial cooperation and demonstrates the value of combining complementary expertise. At S.CARFIL S.A., we are committed to apply our experience in ammunition manufacturing and defence engineering to collaborative projects that respond to evolving operational requirements. The successful integration work carried out with DK UNITY reflects the professionalism of both teams and the importance of close technical cooperation throughout the development process. We look forward to continuing this partnership and advancing the next stages of industrialisation and evaluation.”
About DK UNITY
DK UNITY is a Latvian dual use technology company specializing in the development of unmanned aerial systems and counter-UAS technologies. Its portfolio includes the NS3 interceptor drone and the Pastnieks10 unmanned aerial platform and swarm solutions. The company focuses on developing adaptable unmanned technologies for modern defence and security applications. Website: https://dk-nejet.eu/
About S. CARFIL S.A.
S. CARFIL S.A., headquartered in Brașov, Romania, is a subsidiary of C.N. ROMARM S.A., Romania’s national defence industry company. With established experience in the Romanian defence industry, S. CARFIL S.A. specialises in armaments and ammunition manufacturing, defence engineering, and related military technologies. The company combines industrial production capabilities and technical expertise with a focus on quality, reliability, and the development of solutions suited to contemporary defence requirements. Through cooperation with national and international partners, S.CARFIL S.A contributes to the development and integration of defence technologies and to strengthening European defence-industrial collaboration. Website: https://www.carfil.ro/en/