Drones, Data, Defence: Key Developments at Volatus Aerospace, Hensoldt, and Steyr Motors Offer Significant Upside

Volatus Aerospace: On the Path to Success

The Canadian company distinguishes itself from most competitors as an integrated provider of autonomous air operations, data analysis, training, and defence technologies. Recent conflicts have shown that drones play a crucial role and are central to reconnaissance, logistics, and target acquisition. At the same time, the need for countermeasures to detect and defend against unmanned systems is growing.

Volatus recently received significant validation of its technological capabilities. The company qualified for Phase II of the US Department of Defense's "Drone Dominance Program". The program has a total budget of more than USD 1 billion, making it one of the most significant procurement initiatives in the field of unmanned systems. Successful participation would certainly open the door to follow-on contracts.

However, a key growth driver lies in the software business. With the V-Cortex platform, Volatus is developing an AI-based architecture that integrates autonomous navigation, edge computing, and mission-specific decision-making. This is complemented by the proprietary SYKDRA cloud platform for detecting and countering enemy drones. Both areas offer significantly higher margins than the traditional hardware business and also provide recurring revenue.

A partnership with the Ukrainian UCan Brave Tech Centre was recently established, marking a strategically significant move. The goal is to build a bridge of innovation between Canada and Eastern Europe. The focus is on identifying and validating technologies developed in Ukraine and tested under real-world operational conditions, and subsequently industrializing them for Western markets.

The company recently announced the commissioning of its approximately 53,000 square foot manufacturing and systems integration facility at Montreal-Mirabel International Airport. This will significantly expand production capacity to meet the growing demand from NATO and partner nations. With its most recent, oversubscribed capital increase totaling CAD 34.5 million, the Canadian company now has significant growth capital at its disposal.

After generating revenue of approximately CAD 34 million in the previous fiscal year, the company has outlined a strong growth trajectory, with revenue targets of just under CAD 51 million for the current year and CAD 75 million for the following year.

At a current share price of approximately CAD 0.60, the company is valued at around CAD 430 million. Analysts have set price targets of up to CAD 1.25, implying potential upside of more than 100%. A comparison with industry peers also suggests that the stock is significantly undervalued.

Hensoldt: Pioneering Partnerships

Hensoldt is a specialist in radar and optical systems and develops sensors, electronics, and software for land, sea, air, and space forces, as well as for defending against cyberattacks. The stock has corrected from last fall's high of just over EUR 110 to its current level of EUR 71. CEO Oliver Dörre recently took advantage of this price level to make purchases. Analysts' average price target is EUR 91, which corresponds to upside potential of around 30%.

The company recently announced a strategic partnership with the Ukrainian weapons manufacturer Fire Point. The German company's radars are to be integrated into the air defence system developed by Fire Point to strengthen Ukraine's air defence capabilities. The goal is to establish an alternative and complementary solution to Western air defence systems such as the Patriot.

Recently, Hensoldt and Deutsche Telekom announced an extensive collaboration. The goal is to build a nationwide network to detect and defend against drones. Applications from other manufacturers are also to be integrated into the AI-supported platform.

Steyr Motors: Business Is Picking Up

The company is one of the world's leading manufacturers of high-performance engines for vehicles and boats, primarily used in the defence sector. The Austrian firm recently reported a landmark order in the rapidly growing unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) segment. Experts predict that the market will reach a volume of around USD 5 billion in 10 years.

However, the most recent quarterly figures were disappointing. Revenue grew only slightly to EUR 11.7 million. The company cited order delays from India and the Middle East as the reasons. The full-year guidance—which calls for revenue in the range of EUR 75 million to EUR 95 million with an EBIT margin of at least 15%—was confirmed. The order backlog currently stands at EUR 308 million. The market capitalization is currently around EUR 170 million and has room to grow.

The acquisition of the Danish BUKH Group will be included in the consolidated financial statements starting in the second quarter of 2026. With the acquisition of the marine diesel engine manufacturer, Steyr anticipates significant potential in tenders, cross-selling, and high-margin aftermarket opportunities.

Analyst estimates and comparisons with competitors clearly show that Volatus Aerospace is undervalued. The integrated provider's string of success stories shows no signs of slowing down. There is potential for a price increase of a good 100%. Hensoldt is also reaching important milestones both domestically and abroad. Analysts believe the stock has upside potential of around 30%. Steyr Motors is strengthening its position in the field of unmanned ground vehicles. The current price level is attractive given the growth prospects.