Diehl Defence and Flanq unveil Q-Strike C-UAV USV

A model of Diehl Defence and Flanq's Q-Strike C-UAV USV, displayed at Euronaval 2026. (Andrew White)

Germany's Diehl Defence unveiled a new unmanned surface vehicle (USV) for counter-unmanned aerial vehicle operations at the Euronaval 2026 exhibition, held in Paris from 3-6 November.

A scale model of the ‘Q-Strike' C-UAV USV was exhibited at the event and promoted as a co-development with German maritime company Flanq, which manufactures a range of autonomous surface vehicles.

According to a company official, Q-Strike relies upon Flanq's Q-Recon 24 USV as a baseline craft, adapted to accommodate different mission payloads.

At Euronaval 2026, the model was showcased carrying 36 launch cells for Diehl's own Cicada interceptor UAV; a 7.62 mm M134 minigun; a fire-control radar; an electro-optical sensor mast; and an array of four radars to detect and track threats.

A Diehl representative told Janes the USV could be made available in “several” configurations, without providing details.

According to Flanq, Q-Recon 24 comprises a 7.3 m craft designed for intelligence-gathering, maritime security, anti-submarine warfare, and force protection. The USV has a top speed of 90 km/h and maximum range of 3,000 n miles, according to the company.

“Q-Recon 24 provides high-grade data collection, reliable target discrimination, and comprehensive maritime situational awareness.

Variants can incorporate a central moonpool to support the deployment and recovery of subsurface sensors, while the deck enables UAV launch and recovery, extending surveillance and effects beyond visual and line-of-sight constraints. An open architecture and autonomous control suite are designed for rapid mission reconfiguration,” Flanq data said.