Unmanned Systems

13 Jun 25. Today, the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has approved Operational Authority for leading independent drone advisors, Drone Major to conduct the UK’s first beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone flights over the UK’s Critical National Infrastructure marking a major breakthrough in the drone industry.

This is the first time long-distance approved BVLOS drones in non-segregated airspace[1] have been given the green light to fly over the UK’s critical national infrastructure and places the UK at the forefront of drone innovation.

This development will initially enable long-range drones to patrol over the UK’s rail networks. It marks an important step towards enabling more complex BVLOS operations across other areas of Critical National Infrastructure, with potential applications in sectors such as energy, utilities, defence, border management, and sensitive national infrastructure surveillance.

The approval was possible as a result of Network Rail enabling and funding this groundbreaking work, and now paves the way for possible imminent trials of the technology on a critical 12km route between Wolverhampton and Sandwell & Dudley Station in partnership with Network Rail. The trials have the potential to vastly improve the safety, speed, and efficiency of the UK railway service, while also delivering many millions a year in savings.

Testing of the project would demonstrate the potential to safely and reliably deploy drones at scale over critical national infrastructure. In partnership with Network Rail, Drone Major’s technology has already been tested along the rail corridor south-east of Wolverhampton station and the Severn Valley Railway lines, presenting an opportunity to significantly speed up the verification and interception of trespassers, thereby reducing delays to trains in a critical and very busy area, potentially also saving lives.

Flying over railways, these drones will operate in a carefully defined ‘safety corridor’, much like aeroplanes, using Drone Major’s advanced ‘Digital Tethering™’ concept to assure the safety of the aircraft’s flight behaviour, significantly minimising risks to those on the ground. The innovative Digital Tethering™ solution began in Wolverhampton before being trialled further afield to include tests, trials and surveys along the Severn Valley Railway. The drones are able to monitor the UK’s railways, transmitting visual data in real time to operators, providing vital detection and monitoring of trespassers.

The Digital Tethering™ system employs a range of world-leading onboard navigation and safety systems as well as innovative ground-based technology, together delivering a unique, cutting-edge capability to the project and enabling reliable autonomous navigation, providing real-time and precise position of the drones, particularly in areas along the railway where GPS/GNSS signals are unstable or inaccessible. Digital Tethering™ has been designed to significantly improve safety and increase the efficiency of UAS operations during monitoring and inspection tasks. As a leading advisor on the use of drones in critical national infrastructure, Drone Major plans to run additional trials with more Critical National Infrastructure organisations in the near future.

Sophie O’Sullivan, Director of Future of Flight at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: “We’re working with companies to make drone operations beyond visual line of sight a safe and everyday reality, contributing to the modernisation of UK airspace and enabling new technology into our skies.

“By supporting projects ranging from critical infrastructure inspections to consumer deliveries, we are gathering essential data to shape future policies and regulations, and support the growth of the aerospace industry.”

Robert Garbett, Founder and Chief Executive of Drone Major Group said: “The CAA’s approval of operational authority for trials of BVLOS flights marks a landmark moment for the drone industry. This milestone opens up new opportunities to unlock and transform the UK’s Critical National Infrastructure, especially in densely built environments where traditional methods often fall short. It sets a new benchmark for safety and efficiency, positioning the UK as a world leader in drone innovation while also unlocking innovation to support UK plc.”

 

11 Jun 25. Elistair Tethered Drone Integrated with USV for Maritime Surveillance Project. Elistair has integrated its tethered drone with a Maritime Robotics uncrewed surface vessel (USV), providing persistent aerial surveillance under the EU-backed SMAUG project Elistair is deploying its tethered drone on an autonomous vessel as part of the European project SMAUG (Smart Maritime And Underwater Guardian). This collaborative program, funded by the European Union with nearly €6 million, brings together 21 partners from 7 countries around a common goal: strengthening surveillance and protection of sensitive port and maritime areas. Elistair will integrate its latest-generation tethered drone aboard the consortium’s uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), creating a persistent airborne lookout over port zones. This innovative configuration enables the creation of a mobile aerial surveillance platform, capable of maintaining continuous visual coverage of port environments. Powered via a continuous electric cable and a secure data link from the vessel, the drone can remain airborne for several hours without interruption, while transmitting live, encrypted video feeds. This innovation provides authorities with a permanent “eye in the sky” to autonomously detect suspicious activities in real time.

SMAUG Project

The SMAUG project aims to enhance underwater detection capabilities by combining five technologies: hydrophones, high-resolution sonar, swarms of underwater drones, hull scanners, and tethered drones. Data gathered from these sensors will be analyzed by intelligent modules to detect anomalies or atypical behavior at an early stage. Initial tests carried out in May 2025 confirmed the successful deployment of Elistair’s tethered drone on a Maritime Robotics autonomous vessel in real-world conditions. This proof of concept validated the system’s performance under demanding maritime conditions, both stationary and in motion.

Following this success, the project partners are planning two large-scale demonstrations in 2025 and 2026 in the ports of Valencia (Spain) and Drammen (Norway).

Guilhem De Marliave, CEO & Co-founder of Elistair, commented, “This strategic project for the protection of European port infrastructure reflects the trust placed in Elistair and its technology. It embodies our vision of robotics serving the safety of people and critical sites. Integrating a tethered drone on an autonomous vessel marks a major step forward, providing continuous, mobile, and preventive maritime surveillance to stay ahead of emerging threats.” (Source: https://www.defenseadvancement.com/)

 

12 Jun 25. Ahead of the Paris Air Show, Airbus Helicopters has unveiled HTeaming, its brand new modular crewed-uncrewed teaming solution. HTeaming is a range of systems that allows helicopter crews to take full control of Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) in flight.  The first version of HTeaming can be used as a standalone solution or integrated into a helicopter mission system. During the Paris Air Show, Airbus Helicopters will showcase the standalone solution. It features a tablet for Human-Machine Interface and software to manage the UAS, a modem and four antennas to be installed on the helicopter. The system has been designed to be operated by a standard helicopter crew, with a reduced workload. HTeaming is a modular system and new features and functions will be developed in the future.  The system has already been tested in flight, including in May 2025 with a Spanish Navy H135 helicopter and an Airbus Flexrotor UAS. More flight trials involving other types of platforms are planned in the upcoming months.

“Buildling on our experience as both a helicopter and UAS manufacturer and our extensive know-how as system integrators, we are  offering a system that is both modular and agnostic,” said Victor Gerin Roze, Head of UAS at Airbus Helicopters. “HTeaming is a solution that has been developed to be easily integrated on any type of helicopter and to take control of any type of UAS, it will be available for helicopter operators from 2026,” he added. “We believe that UAS are force multipliers for helicopters. Using the sensors and effectors of uncrewed systems, rotorcraft crews will be able to conduct their missions more efficiently and in a safer way.”

Airbus Helicopters has been actively working on crewed-uncrewed teaming in the past years. Multiple flight tests on H135, H145 and H130 with different UAS up to the highest levels of interoperability paved the way to the HTeaming product launch. In parallel to the standalone solution showcased at Paris Air Show, integrated solutions will be incrementally introduced on the Airbus Helicopters product range.

 

11 Jun 25. Anduril plans footprint in Poland’s red-hot combat drone market. As the Polish military ramps up its Drone Force, U.S. defense-technology company Anduril Industries is working to expand its foothold in Poland.

“We’re still at an early stage of looking at things and different options,” Brian Schimpf, the co-founder and CEO of Anduril Industries, said at a June 9 press briefing in Warsaw. “There’s amazing software and manufacturing here, and lots of great people. We could potentially launch production in Poland with a partner.”

Anduril Industries’ portfolio includes the Altius multi-mission loitering munition, the Barracuda range of autonomous air vehicles, and the Copperhead family of autonomous underwater vehicles. The company says its solutions are run by Lattice, an AI-powered, open operating system designed to provide the drones with autonomy. Schimpf said one of the reasons Anduril Industries is evaluating a potential expansion in Poland is related to the country’s intense efforts to upgrade its military and gain new capabilities, and the government’s decisiveness in advancing new programs. Poland has accelerated its military modernization efforts in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of its neighbor Ukraine in February 2022. Launched in 2025, the Polish Drone Force will consist of unmanned aerial vehicles, and potentially other unmanned systems, of various sizes. The Polish ministry inked a framework agreement with local private defense company WB Group in May to acquire some 10,000 units of the Warmate loitering munition, with deliveries foreseen until 2035. In December 2024, Warsaw signed a deal worth some $310m to acquire a number of MQ-9B Sky Guardian drones from General Atomics that are to be delivered by the first quarter of 2027. (Source: Defense News)

 

10 Jun 25. MITRE and Gambit announced a strategic partnership to transform the deployment and safe use of autonomous ground and aerial vehicles for homeland security and national defense. The collaboration aims to enhance situational awareness, operational efficiency, and mission safety by integrating Gambit’s proprietary software solutions, capable of enabling groups of robotic systems to learn, adapt, and act on commands from a single operator, and MITRE’s deep expertise in advancing trusted, secure autonomous platforms. The partnership will test and prototype the usability of these systems in critical domains such as Department of Homeland Security operations while also exploring applications for Department of Defense (DoD) mission sets. Testing and development will leverage MITRE’s autonomous ground and air system teams at the MITRE MASE Lab and real-world simulations facilitated through the MITRE National Range.

“Autonomous systems have the power to reshape critical mission capabilities, from securing the border to supporting national special security events,” said Yosry Barsoum, vice president and director, Center for Securing the Homeland, MITRE. “Through our partnership with Gambit, we are advancing safe, reliable, and scalable autonomous solutions that serve as force multipliers—enabling a single operator to oversee multiple systems. Together, we aim to help meet the law enforcement community’s evolving operational needs while accelerating transformative technologies that strengthen the homeland security enterprise.

The Gambit-developed system enables single-operator oversight of coordinated multi-domain autonomous systems, including aerial drones and ground vehicles. For example, ground vehicles can safely transport and deploy aerial drones to areas of interest, offering improved surveillance, data collection, and situational awareness for ground vehicles operating in unknown territories. This is particularly impactful in applications such as:

• First responder operations: Overwatch of operational areas and enhanced officer safety during high-risk missions
• Border security: Comprehensive geographical analysis to strengthen border defense strategies
• Combat operations: Deployment of multiple autonomous platforms by a single operator, reducing manpower requirements

“With MITRE, we’ll redefine how groups of autonomous systems operate across multiple domains,” said Josh Giegel, founder and CEO, Gambit. “Our technology reduces operator load and seamlessly integrates ground and aerial systems, placing mission-critical autonomy learning within reach of both first responders and the DoD. Together, we’re setting a new standard in trusted autonomy.”

Both MITRE and Gambit are prioritizing the safe and ethical use of autonomous technology. The partnership fosters transparency and accountability while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and maintaining human oversight of deployment in sensitive scenarios. This partnership also reinforces MITRE and Gambit’s shared commitment to engage with stakeholders across government agencies, academia, and industry to maximize the potential of autonomous systems for broader applications in public safety, defense, and humanitarian missions. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

 

10 Jun 25. Red Cat Supports Executive Orders to Strengthen US Drone Manufacturing and National Security. Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: RCAT), a drone technology company integrating robotic hardware and software for military, government, and commercial operations, today issued a statement of support for a series of executive orders from the White House that advance U.S. leadership in uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) and reinforce the resilience of America’s domestic industrial base. The executive actions are expected to remove regulatory barriers and modernize federal approval processes to prioritize U.S.-manufactured drones. Additional provisions include expanded detection and mitigation authority, and streamlined regulations to accelerate the deployment of UAS across federal and commercial sectors.

“These executive orders send a clear signal that the U.S. is serious about enabling a secure domestic drone industry that supports mission-critical outcomes for the U.S. and its allies,” said Brendan Stewart, VP of Regulatory Affairs at Red Cat. “This level of policy alignment removes barriers to fielding trusted, American-made systems at scale. Red Cat stands ready to meet this moment with its proven, electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing systems that utilize advanced AI and computer vision solutions from partners including Palantir, Palladyne AI, Athena AI and Primordial Labs.”

This announcement follows Red Cat’s earlier show of support for the White House’s April 2025 executive order aimed at restoring America’s maritime dominance. In alignment with that national strategy, Red Cat unveiled its initiative to develop advanced uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) designed to enhance multi-domain situational awareness and autonomous mission execution across maritime environments. Red Cat’s Family of Systems is anchored by its advanced aerial platforms, led by America’s Drone, the Black Widow™, a secure, autonomous ISR drone delivering real-time intelligence at the tactical edge. The company’s vision is to build a holistic ecosystem of fully integrated autonomous platforms to support operations across air, land, and sea. This vision aligns with the Order to support the warfighter by expanding access to U.S.-manufactured high-performing drones. The company supports the White House’s coordinated approach to enabling American drone and maritime dominance through regulatory clarity, targeted investment, and streamlined authorizations. Clear federal guidance is essential to unlock broader operational use cases and promote American leadership in production, certification, and export of systems for use across all domains. (Source: ASD Network)

 

10 Jun 25. BVLOS Flight Is Scaling – Federal Leadership Is Driving the Next Era. Momentum in uncrewed aviation is accelerating. Following the newly proposed beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) rules from the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the administration has reinforced this progress with an Executive Order that further shapes the regulatory landscape. These decisive actions lay the foundation for scalable commercial operations, unlocking opportunities across logistics, infrastructure, and security. Safe BVLOS integration depends not only on a strong regulatory framework but also on dedicated infrastructure. While the DOT and FAA’s efforts establish critical operational pathways, achieving real scalability requires trusted, uninterrupted connectivity between aircraft and pilots. BVLOS expansion hinges on more than just policy — it requires purpose-built connectivity. AURA’s 450 MHz aviation-designated spectrum provides the reliability and scalability necessary to support commercial growth, ensuring seamless, secure pilot-to-aircraft communication in controlled airspace. A trusted command-and-control (C2) network is essential to scaling BVLOS operations. Secure, low-latency links — including pilot-to-air traffic control (ATC) voice communications — are critical to industry-wide adoption. As federal leadership advances the regulatory framework, dedicated connectivity solutions must evolve alongside policy to meet the industry’s needs. BVLOS flight is no longer theoretical — it’s happening now. The FAA and DOT’s rulemaking, alongside the administration’s latest executive action, mark a pivotal moment for uncrewed aviation. As the sector advances, aviation-dedicated spectrum will remain the backbone of safe, scalable commercialization, ensuring BVLOS reaches its full potential. (Source: ASD Network)

 

10 Jun 25.  All US military installations and ranges to operate drones. A new executive order will eliminate delays in fielding US-made drones, curbing Chinese domination of the global UAS supply chain. US president Donald Trump passed an executive order on 6 June 2025 to rapidly integrate uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) at all American military installations and ranges while eliminating any bureaucratic delays in the process. The decision to double down on drones comes as part of the administration’s attempt to strengthen the domestic drone industry using two methods. First, boosting the commercialisation of systems and second, publishing a Covered Foreign Entity List in the next 30 days that identifies companies which pose supply chain risks. According to GlobalData, a leading intelligence company, the global military UAS market is valued at $13.6bn in 2025 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 6.3% over the next decade. It is expected to reach over $25bn by 2035. Given the dual-use nature of the UAS industry, many systems are built within the commercial sector which Chinese companies have targetted through the adversary’s Military-Civilian Fusion strategy. This policy sees Chinese entities derive innovation from American companies with the aim of benefitting the People’s Liberation Army. In January 2025, the US Department of Defense listed familiar technology brands such as CATL, Huawei, and Tencent as such entities. China is also a leading exporter of UAS components. Russia has begun leaning on Chinese Garpiya loitering munitions, challenging the country’s longstanding reliance on Iranian Shahed drones. At the same time, China’s global UAS footprint is deep-seated, with components making their way to Ukraine’s armed forces as a cost effective alternative to Western systems. (Source: army-technology.com)

 

10 Jun25. A UK drone hub could be worth almost £40bn to the economy and support 600,000 jobs nationwide, GMB congress has said. [1]   The union, which represents thousands of workers in the UK’s defence manufacturing sector, passed a motion calling for the hub at its annual congress in Brighton. GMB’s submission to the Strategic Defence Review urged the UK Government to develop its own manufacturing capacity, in both military and civilian spheres and highlighted Lincolnshire as the ideal place to invest.   The county is already home to the RAF’s Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) fleet, a university with expertise in robotics, a strong engineering industrial base and an average age of 33, the union adds.

Martin Allen, GMB Union Regional Secretary, said:   “With Government support, Lincolnshire could become the centre for a UK drone manufacturing industry, a high-tech sector of growing importance to global economics and security.  We’ve seen the rapid rise in the importance of drone technology, but the UK is still too heavily reliant of non-domestically built drone systems.  In Ukraine and across the globe the importance of this technology has been laid bare; it’s essential that the UK is at the forefront of this industry.   That’s why we’re calling on the UK Government to take the bold steps required to create a built in Britain drone sector, right here in Lincolnshire”.

NUSTL Publishes Assessment Report on Blue UAS for First Responders in an Urban Environment

The National Urban Security Technology Laboratory (NUSTL) is a federal laboratory within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate. Located in New York City, NUSTL is the only national laboratory focused exclusively on supporting the capabilities of federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial responders to address the homeland security mission.

Executive Summary

Over the past decade, first responders have begun integrating small, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) as a resource for a variety of operational needs. UAS provide first responders with an aerial view of their environment and can be outfitted with various sensors tailored to address different applications. UAS, often referred to as “drones,” are used by first responders in support of public safety activities such as search and rescue, firefighting, and post-incident reconstruction. From November 18 through 21, 2024, the Systems Assessment and Validation for Emergency Responders (SAVER) program conducted an operational assessment of Blue Unmanned Aircraft Systems. The assessment took place at Bayfront Park and LoanDepot Park in Miami, Florida. Eight first responders (all experienced remote pilots) from various jurisdictions served as evaluators for this assessment. Evaluators assessed five products: the Ascent AeroSystems Spirit, Freefly Systems Astro, Parrot Drones ANAFI USA GOV, Skydio X10D, and Teal Drones Teal 2. During three operational scenarios, these products were assessed against 15 evaluation criteria on a scale from 1 to 5, where 1 means the product met none of their expectations and 5 means it exceeded expectations. Evaluators concluded that one of the products met all of their expectations, the Skydio X10D which scored the highest with a 4.0. The below table presents the overall scores as well as the category scores for each product, listed in order from highest to lowest overall score. The purpose of this assessment report is to provide emergency responders with information that will guide their agencies in making operational and procurement decisions. Emergency responder agencies should consider overall capabilities, technical specifications, and limitations of Blue UAS in relation to their agency’s operational needs when making equipment selections. Agencies should also consider impacts associated with integrating equipment into their information technology infrastructure, data management, concept of operations, and maintenance requirements. The full 54-page report can be accessed here: chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/2025-06/25_0604_st_blueuasar_0.pdf (Source: UAS VISION/NUSTL)

 

10 Jun 25. Britain Wants to Launch Large Drones from Transit Vans. The UK Ministry of Defence is seeking industry input for a new rapid-launch drone system under “Project VOLLEY”, aiming to field multiple mobile launchers capable of deploying five drones in under four minutes – with each drone launched at one-minute intervals. Described in a newly published Prior Information Notice, the MOD states the requirement is for the “rapid launching of multiple fixed-wing Uncrewed Air Vehicles (UAV), from a single launcher, including set-up, firing and recovery time.” The launcher must be able to “launch at least 5 reference UAVs within 4 minutes of the first UAV launch and recover within a maximum of 10 minutes from that first UAV launch, from a static and level position.” Notably, the MOD specifies that the UAVs will be unpowered during launch, and “will not make use of any rocket assisted take off (RATO) boosters or any other launch mechanism other than the Pj VOLLEY launcher.”

Key technical requirements include:

• Launching UAVs up to 125 kg in weight at speeds of at least 60m/s (200 km/h)
• Minimal setup and manual operation by ideally one person and no more than three
• Operation in temperatures ranging from -20 to +55°C
• Functionality in day/night, gloved, and NVG conditions
• Deployment from vehicles such as a “large body Sprinter truck” or “regular Transit van”
• The full system must not exceed 275kg

The MOD emphasises that the system must be “robust, simple to assemble and capable of launching numerous UAVs without replacement of high wear / perishable parts,” and able to “withstand jet efflux, fuel spills, handling damage,” and operate with a “minimal signature (acoustic, heat, visual)… hiding in plain sight.”

Moreover, “System launch angle must be easily adjustable to account for various UAV launch/take-off characteristics; assume minimum inclination of 8 degrees and up to a maximum of 30 degrees.” The Ministry is also clear about what it does not want. It excludes “autonomous launchers,” launchers “not operated by a human crew,” and any solution “that will not be ready for UK field demonstration / testing in October 25.” RATO-based solutions are also explicitly ruled out. While a complete system is welcomed, the MOD says it is open to partial solutions. “If your product answers part of this VOLLEY challenge problem statement, we encourage you to participate,” the notice adds.

The timeline for industry engagement is as follows:

• Industry Day: 18 June 2025
• “Dragon’s Den” competition: 1 August 2025
• Field demonstrations: October 2025
• First deliveries: No later than January 2026

Importantly, the notice signals that “a large number (>20) of launchers are anticipated to be needed approximately 6 months from Industry Day / launch of competition.” Each production launcher must be priced under £300,000 and “be produceable at scale.” The MOD adds that “a small number of proposals (2–5), subject to contract, will be provided funding to demonstrate the entire VOLLEY capability in Oct 25.”

International partners from NATO, Ukraine, and Five Eyes countries are also invited to participate. (Source: UAS VISION/UK Defence Journal)

11 Jun 25. Safety-Assured High-Speed Navigation for MAVs. A groundbreaking development by Professor Fu Zhang and researchers from the Department of Mechanical Engineering of Faculty of Engineering at the University of Hong Kong (HKU), has enabled drones and micro air vehicles (MAVs) to emulate the flight capabilities of birds more closely than ever before. Unlike birds, which navigate unknown environments with remarkable speed and agility, drones typically rely on external guidance or pre-mapped routes. The team has developed the Safety-Assured High-Speed Aerial Robot (SUPER), capable of flying at speeds exceeding 20 meters per second and avoiding obstacles as thin as 2.5 millimeters – such as power lines or twigs – using solely on onboard sensors and computing power. With a compact design featuring a wheelbase of just 280 mm and a takeoff weight of 1.5 kg, SUPER demonstrates exceptional agility, navigating dense forests at night and skillfully avoiding thin wires.

Professor Zhang describes this invention as a game-changer in the field of drone technology: “Picture a ‘Robot Bird’ swiftly maneuvering through the forest, effortlessly dodging branches and obstacles at high speeds. This is a significant step forward in autonomous flight technology. Our system allows MAVs to navigate complex environments at high speeds with a level of safety previously unattainable. It’s like giving the drone the reflexes of a bird, enabling it to dodge obstacles in real-time while racing toward its goal.”

The breakthrough lies in the sophisticated integration of hardware and software.

SUPER utilizes a lightweight 3D light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensor capable of detecting obstacles up to 70 meters away with pinpoint accuracy. This is paired with an advanced planning framework that generates two trajectories during flight: one that optimizing speed by venturing into unknown spaces and another prioritizing safety by remaining within known, obstacle-free zones. By processing LIDAR data directly as point clouds, the system significantly reduces computation time, enabling rapid decision-making even at high velocities. The technology has been tested in various real-life applications, such as the autonomous exploration of ancient sites, and has demonstrated seamless navigation in both indoor and outdoor environments.

“The ability to avoid thin obstacles and navigate tight spaces opens up new possibilities for applications like search and rescue, where every second counts. SUPER’s robustness in various lighting conditions, including nighttime, makes it a reliable tool for round-the-clock operations.” said Mr Yunfan Ren, the lead author of the research paper.

The research team envisions a wide range of applications for this innovative technology, including autonomous delivery, power line inspection, forest monitoring, autonomous exploration, and mapping. In search and rescue missions, MAVs equipped with SUPER technology could swiftly navigate disaster zones – such as collapsed buildings or dense forests – day and night, locating survivors or assessing hazards more efficiently than current drones. Moreover, in disaster relief scenarios, they could deliver crucial supplies to remote and inaccessible areas. (Source: UAS VISION/ The University of Hong Kong).

 

09 Jun 25. Underwater robot could improve pipeline and cable security. Dstl has trialled an underwater robot which can prevent adversaries from sabotaging undersea cables and pipelines by disarming or removing threats. An underwater robot could soon be saving lives at sea for the Royal Navy and prevent adversaries from sabotaging undersea cables and pipelines. A commercially available remotely operated vehicle (ROV) has been adapted by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) and industry partners to deal with sabotage threats and clear legacy unexploded ordnance. These present hazards to both vessels and divers deployed to deal with them. Dstl has incorporated or developed a number of systems to enable the ROV to detect unexploded ordnance and remotely place explosive charges to enable safe neutralization.

Dstl explosives engineer John said: “This technology would be a valuable toolset for keeping our Armed Forces safe whilst providing the public with value for money.

This unique capability with its sensors, tools and cameras will give operators a real time ability to deal with these underwater hazards in a safe, effective and efficient way.”

The robot can operate at depths greater than divers can reach, and it can also work there safely for much longer. The new technology and systems developed will work in partnership with other robots to scan the seabed for hazards and will be able to deal with them once one is spotted. The robot can be launched from a ship or a shoreline and is operated remotely, feeding video and sonar images back to the operators. They will then be able to remotely deal with underwater hazards in relative safety. The robot is not normally destroyed, which means it can be used multiple times giving the public better value for money in addition to the economic benefits of partnering with industry. This project supports numerous specialist jobs in industry. Our specialists work closely with Royal Navy specialists to develop tactics and techniques as well as technology.

Trials have taken place at:

• Horsea Island in Portsmouth
• Portland Harbour
• South Wales
• Norway

Alford Technologies, Atlantas Marine, Sonardyne and ECS Special Projects are among the industry partners involved. This Royal Navy funded project has developed a number of cutting-edge technologies that have been tested in successful trials. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)

 

06 Jun 25. US Army experiments with autonomous boat for river crossing.  The US Army experimented with an autonomous boat to support wet gap crossing operations during the Maneuver Support & Protection Integration Experiment 2025 (MSPIX 25), a defence industry executive told Janes recently. Held at Fort Leonard Wood from 12 to 15 May, MSPIX 25 featured Robosys Automation, in conjunction with Vector Controls and Persistent Systems (PS), demonstrating its Remote and Autonomous Control for Bridging and Rafting (RAC4BAR) solution. The experiment “examines capabilities and concepts that address modernization needs for MSP to inform future Army capability requirements”, according to a February army solicitation. For the demonstration Robosys adopted an open architecture approach utilising industry standards to retrofit an existing M30 Bridge Erection Boat (BEB) and enable remote command (RC) and autonomous operations of the vessel. The RAC4BAR system was designed to show various levels of command, autonomy, and monitoring from different ranges in order to avoid personnel being exposed to danger, Nigel Lee, Robosys chief strategy officer, told Janes on 22 May. For the experiment Vector Controls modified the vessel propulsion and steering controls to fly-by-wire Controller Area Network (CAN) Bus controls, enabling digital control via an internet protocol (IP) network. A MIL-STD computer was fitted to the vessel to host the Robosys Voyager artificial intelligence (AI) autopilot software, together with a mast-mounted PS MPU5 radio to provide network connectivity. Two remote piloting IP cameras were installed for situational awareness for the remote operators in addition to a GPS receiver and compass for position and heading information, Lee said. (Source: Janes)

 

09 Jun 25. Nato to demonstrate uncrewed vessels in Baltic Sea. The experimental activities are aimed at gaining insights on the optimal use of these vessels in critical maritime settings. Nato’s Standing Naval Forces will engage in a series of exercises in the Baltic Sea to enhance the integration of uncrewed vessels into their maritime operations throughout this month. These demonstrations are a precursor to the Dynamic Messenger exercise planned for autumn in Portugal and are part of Nato’s Task Force X innovation initiative. The initiative is a collaborative effort involving Nato’s Allied Command Transformation (ACT), Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM), the Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation (CMRE), and participating Allied nations. The Baltic Sea will host numerous experimentation activities aimed at garnering valuable knowledge regarding the optimal deployment of these uncrewed vessels in vital maritime settings.

Allied Maritime Command commander Royal Navy vice admiral Mike Utley said: “We remain focused on testing the alliance’s ability to trial and integrate uncrewed systems into a networked operational environment. “These trials are focused on operational output and enhancing the spiral development of both Nato’s innovation teams and the national initiatives of allies. Our objective is to deliver uncrewed systems to Nato’s Standing Naval Forces with speed and scale, in the most relevant operational environments, further building on the military advantage of the alliance.”

The partnership between ACT and MARCOM extends to delivering capabilities such as autonomous systems and AI. These technologies are intended to improve situational awareness of sea lines of communication and protect critical undersea infrastructure. Nato’s Task Force X initiative has been providing uncrewed vessels for experimentation and integration into Nato’s maritime forces. The initiative has gained momentum following recent cable disruptions, merging enhanced vigilance activities with advanced autonomous systems to support Allied Command Operations. Drawing from successful models like the US Navy’s Task Force 66, Task Force X employs maritime uncrewed systems for persistent surveillance and threat detection. It allows nations to contribute their capabilities while ensuring they fit within Nato’s overall framework. The CMRE will also participate with its deployment of the Nato Research Vessel Alliance, which is the organisation’s only scientific-research vessel designed specifically to support the alliance’s operational priorities at sea. Nato Allied Command Transformation is responsible for strategic warfare development, focusing on innovating and maintaining a warfighting edge to enhance the military effectiveness of the alliance. In May 2025, the UK Royal Navy contracted the Nato Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) to provide fuel and other port services on a global scale for the next ten years. (Source: naval-technology.com)

06 Jun 25. French Army Trials Mobile Micro Factory Producing FPV Drones on Front Line. According to information published by the French Army on the social network X on June 2, 2025, an unprecedented field trial is underway involving a mobile micro-factory capable of producing drones directly at the front line. This autonomous system, developed by the Périgueux-based start-up Per Se Systems, allows the production of an FPV (first-person view) drone in just three hours per 3D printer. With multiple printers operating simultaneously within the trailer-based facility, the system can deliver up to ten drones per hour, enabling a steady and localized supply without relying on traditional industrial logistics chains. Founded in 2023 by Paul Pelletier and Julian Faraut, Per Se Systems quickly positioned itself within the domain of lightweight combat technologies. Following a demonstration of their drone to the 3rd Marine Infantry Regiment, the two founders were contacted by the 17th Artillery Group to develop a mobile micro-factory designed to produce a target drone for training purposes. The SL450 prototype, developed within a few weeks, is capable of autonomous flight and simulating moving targets for live-fire exercises. The micro-factory, compact and mobile, was designed to operate in complete autonomy. Powered by a generator, it offers 19 hours of continuous operation. It includes features adapted to operational environments, such as integrated air conditioning, a smoke extractor to ensure safe working conditions, and a solar panel providing discreet lighting. The entire system is designed to be towed by a light vehicle, eliminating the need for heavy transport equipment such as trucks with hydraulic arms. Per Se Systems developed this solution with a focus on emergency use and operational resilience, enabling military forces or industrial partners to manufacture drones close to human and technical resources, independent of fixed infrastructure. A civilian version under study could be deployed in vehicles, urban locations, or temporary structures to meet immediate production needs. The company has filed several patents in France and abroad covering integration and guidance systems and states its intention to move away from Chinese-origin components used in initial prototypes by developing a fully modified, domestically sourced version. Currently collaborating with twelve French Army regiments and involved in four confidential development programs, Per Se Systems reflects an emerging trend in field-oriented tactical innovation. Supported by the command of the 17th Artillery Group, this initiative represents a shift in doctrine concerning military production under degraded conditions. It illustrates a strategic move toward mobile, modular, and rapidly deployable tactical manufacturing capabilities within high-intensity operational environments. This approach addresses a growing need in modern conflicts: fast, autonomous, and decentralized production of tactical drones, particularly FPV models considered single-use or expendable on the battlefield. The ability to print and assemble a drone within three hours, without dependence on vulnerable or saturated industrial supply lines, provides a clear operational advantage by ensuring continuity in action. It also shortens the gap between tactical need and equipment availability while enabling forces to respond to rapidly evolving conditions. The war in Ukraine has highlighted the scale of this phenomenon. In certain frontline sectors, forces reportedly consume several hundred FPV drones per day, reaching up to 10,000 units per month according to some estimates. Used for low-cost precision strikes against vehicles, personnel, or entrenched positions, these drones have become an essential tool in close combat. However, the intensity of their use has also revealed a structural limitation: the inability of centralized production systems to meet sustained demand. In response, many actors on the ground have turned to local, flexible, and improvised production methods, like the concept now being tested by Per Se Systems. In this context, the French micro-factory concept aligns with a distributed warfare model, where the ability to produce rapidly, anywhere, and independently becomes as strategically important as technological superiority. Nevertheless, if this solution were to be sustained long-term, production capacity would need to be significantly scaled up to meet the actual requirements of the armed forces. (Source: UAS VISION/Army Recognition)

 

06 Jun 25. Lockheed Martin and IBM’s Red Hat Team to Develop Smart Drone Swarms. When seconds matter, real-time software updates can make or break a mission. That’s why Lockheed Martin teamed up with Red Hat to accelerate the rapid deployment of swarm autonomy technologies, enabling software updates to make unmanned aerial systems smarter at scale in tactical environments. Lockheed Martin, using technologies from Red Hat, is creating swarms that can detect and respond to emerging threats in real-time with an open architecture approach that allows the best of commercial, defense, and non-traditional suppliers to build game-changing solutions into the system as new technologies become available. Lockheed Martin is combining Red Hat Device Edge’s (RHDE) containerization capability and lightweight modular architecture with Lockheed Martin autonomous swarm operations on the Skunk Works’s  Indago 4 Uncrewed Aerial System, a tactical quadcopter that provides 360-degree reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities. By adding new AI and machine learning to this trusted platform, customers can now deploy smarter swarms capable of multi-step tasking and mission re-tasking in complex environments. This work helps enable Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles to receive updated software modules on-the-fly, transforming the way we manage and update edge devices like UAVs. This approach allows the UAS swarms to travel farther and faster, strengthening deterrence and ensuring the security and best capabilities for the warfighter. By leveraging open architecture, Lockheed Martin can integrate capabilities from a wide range of collaborators, including Red Hat, to deliver a robust and adaptable defense system. Lockheed Martin’s advancements in UAS technologies, combined with the ability to deliver autonomy at scale, demonstrates the successful integration of multiple systems to provide our customer with solutions that are ahead of their need. (Source: UAS VISION)

 

06 Jun 25. RN Merlin completes ‘hybrid’ teaming trial with Puma UAS. The UK Royal Navy (RN) announced on 30 May that it has completed an initial trial designed to demonstrate manned/unmanned aviation teaming for the interdiction of suspect shipping. Performed from the tanker RFA Tidespring in the Atlantic during May, the trial involved a Merlin HM2 helicopter from 814 Naval Air Squadron (NAS) and a Puma AE unmanned aircraft system (UAS) operated by 700X NAS. Puma AE flights parented by 700X NAS are deployed on a number of RN warships but to date have been tasked independently, or only employed with other unmanned assets. For the purposes of the trial, the Merlin helicopter switched off its Blue Kestrel surveillance radar and instead relied on the Puma UAS and its controllers onboard Tidespring to ‘silently’ close on ‘suspect’ vessels. Manufactured by AeroVironment, the Puma AE is able to gather and relay electro-optical/infrared imagery for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). RFA Tidespring is part of the UK’s CSG25 carrier strike group deployment (Operation ‘Highmast’) to the Indo-Pacific. The trial was the first time that a small UAS had functioned as the ‘flying eyes’ for an RN helicopter on operations, the service said. (Source: Janes)

 

06 Jun 25. Kratos and General Electric formalise deal to build future UAV engines. Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) builder Kratos and engine manufacturer General Electric (GE) signed an agreement to build engines for “the next generation of affordable unmanned aerial systems and Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA)-type aircraft”, according to a 3 June announcement by Kratos. The contract formalises a memorandum of understanding (MOU) announced in 2024.

The contract covers design and manufacture of two engines, the GEK800 and GEK1500, intended to generate 800 lb (3.55 kN) and 1,500 lb (3.67 kN) of thrust respectively. Kratos has produced at least one GEK800 prototype, which underwent simulated high-altitude testing at GE’s engine test facility in Evendale, Ohio.

“We’re thrilled to continue our collaboration with Kratos and accelerate development across various classes of unmanned systems,” said Amy Gowder, president for Defense and Systems at GE Aerospace.

Kratos declined to specify whether the engines were intended to power a specific UAV design. The company is not participating in the ongoing US Air Force (USAF) CCA contest, which was in April 2024 downselected to the General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) YFQ-42A and Anduril YFQ-44A, but is likely to submit a design for CCA Increment 2, which is currently in the definition phase. Neither current CCA competitor has disclosed which engine powers their UAVs, but they are likely larger than the GEK series. Kratos told Janes on 4 June that its goal is to produce GEK-series engines for “somewhere in the range of roughly USD200,000 per unit”. Kratos is best known for building the XQ-58A Valkyrie, which is powered by a Williams FJ33 engine that puts out 2,000 lb of thrust. (Source: Janes)

 

05 Jun 25. PDW Advances Modular FPV Drone Technology for Tactical Operations. PDW has unveiled the AM-FPV, a modular, attritable drone designed to support front-line forces with rapid deployment and multi-mission capabilities. Performance Drone Works (PDW), a developer of rugged autonomous drones, is advancing small drone capabilities from a first-person view with its Attritable Multirotor FPV (AM-FPV). The AM-FPV was developed to meet the growing needs of front-line forces and first responders as they begin to adopt organic FPV assets. The system supports both kinetic and intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR) missions in a single flexible platform. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has underscored the importance of drones that can be deployed quickly. In response, the AM-FPV was designed for rapid assembly, under 120 seconds, without the need for tools or soldering. This allows operators to quickly build, repair, and redeploy in the field. Featuring swappable arms and a universal mount, the AM-FPV is a modular system designed for adaptability and mission flexibility. It is suited for precision strikes, with both anti-personnel and anti-material capabilities, even in harsh conditions and contested environments. Optimized for both daytime and nighttime operations, the system includes IR and LED illumination to provide a clear sight picture in various scenarios. The war in Ukraine has illustrated how cost-effective, weaponized drones produced at scale are influencing the battlefield. Many militaries are now seeking similar capabilities. PDW aims to manufacture attritable drone systems at scale and at a lower cost compared to conventional alternatives. This approach supports front-line forces that require reliable and adaptable tools for multi-domain operations.

Ryan Gury, PDW co-founder and CEO, stated, “In this new era of warfare, the name of the game is delivering increased lethality, manufactured at scale for minimal investment. We’re doing just that. As General Fenton recently testified to the Senate Armed Services Committee, Special Operations Forces are prioritizing attritable, affordable uncrewed systems that can be employed at scale. Current conflicts around the globe are shaping the way militaries view and use drones. As a result, drones have become a new form of artillery.

“To put it simply, our customers want quality, hardened, reliable systems at scale. It’s our duty to ensure we exceed these requirements. We’ve continually refined and flown our FPV to its limits to ensure failure isn’t an option when it gets in the hands of our warfighters.”

PDW, also known for the C100 sUAS, is applying its experience to the FPV domain with the AM-FPV, which builds on the design of the Drone Racing League (DRL) Racer Series FPV. With over a decade of design iteration and operational use in contested electronic environments, the AM-FPV reflects the input of experienced FPV engineers and U.S. Special Operations Forces veterans. The result is a tactical system intended to give military operators and first responders a practical advantage in high-stakes scenarios. (Source: https://www.defenseadvancement.com/)

 

03 Jun 25. US DIU’s Project GI targets rapid UAS deployment. The prize pool will be awarded across three design reference missions: FPV Effects, Kill Chain and Emerging problem set. The US Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) has launched Project GI, a new initiative aimed at accelerating the deployment of uncrewed systems (UxS) to fulfil immediate operational needs of today’s military forces. This initiative represents a streamlined approach designed to expedite the process of discovering, evaluating, refining, and ultimately incorporating “ready now” uncrewed technologies on a large scale. The focus of this project is primarily on uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) and their associated equipment.

DIU director Doug Beck said: “Today, warfighters lack the uncrewed systems needed to train for combat and prevail if called upon to use them. DIU is laser focused on getting best-of-breed technology in the hands of the warfighter today and scaling it for training, adoption, and readiness. Our team continues to partner with military operators for hands on testing, evaluation, and feedback. Doing this at speed will in turn help catalyse the necessary scaling and readiness through major acquisition and training efforts across the Services that will deliver strategic impact – and will simultaneously support the flywheel of American private sector dynamism in delivering against that strategic need.”

Project GI will build on existing acquisition programmes by integrating feedback from end-users and shortening traditionally long delivery schedules. The initiative will leverage high technical readiness level solutions from the small and medium uncrewed system industry, prioritising platforms that are readily adaptable to military requirements. Submissions for Project GI will be accepted until 31 December 2025. A substantial prize pool, totalling up to $20m, is set to be distributed across three design reference missions (DRM) namely, FPV Effects, Kill Chain and Emerging problem set. FPV Effects, the first DRM, addresses the operational need for deploying kinetic effects in environments where access is restricted or denied. The second DRM seeks to expedite the kill chain process for small, agile units operating in contested and denied areas.  Details regarding the third DRM are forthcoming and will be published as part of the project’s ongoing development efforts. According to DIU, proposals should include mature, mission-ready capabilities that can undergo live evaluations within three months of this solicitation’s issue date. The DIU plans to conduct a series of evaluations with each “iteration” targeting a distinct DRM. These iterations will consider the particular mission context, operational constraints, and desired attributes relevant to each DRM. To facilitate this process, each iteration will adhere to a three-phase competitive framework. In December 2024, DIU deputy director Aditi Kumar confirmed that the department is on schedule with its plan to deploy a vast array of autonomous systems across various combat arenas as part of the Replicator 1 initiative. (Source: airforce-technology.com)

 

03 Jun 25. UK SDR 2025: MoD focusing on new Digital Targeting Web.   The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) is in the process of developing a new digital battlefield system called Digital Targeting Web, based on lessons learned from Ukraine, Gaza, and other conflicts, a defence official told Janes on 2 June. The system aims to expand integration across all domains through a secure, cloud-based data system managed by artificial intelligence (AI) and supported by a common synthetic environment, according to the official. The principle behind this is to connect any sensor, whether it be in space, air, on the surface, or below the surface, to a full range of effectors. The UK’s Strategic Defence Review (SDR), published on 2 June, outlines the system as an integrated force between any “sensors, effectors, deciders, and the common data fabric”. Deciders analyse information including through human-machine teaming, and the common data fabric gathers and sends out information across sensors, deciders, and effectors, according to the SDR. An example of the battlespace system’s operation featured in the SDR describes how a sensor on a ship or in space could be used to identify a threat, then target and destroy it by using an aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicle or via a cyber operation. (Source: Janes)

 

03 Jun 25. New Technology to Wirelessly Power Drones in Flight. A research group led by Takayuki Matsumuro, a researcher at the Wave Engineering Laboratory of the Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute International (ATR) in Japan, has developed a new technology for wirelessly transmitting power to drones in flight. This technology forms a special beam called an “air-core beam” *1 ), which can supply power to drones without affecting their cameras and other equipment (Figure 1). In an experiment, the power transmitted using the air-core beam was converted to direct current, and the group succeeded in lighting only LEDs located away from the center of the drone (Figure 2). The fact that the central LED was not lit confirmed that interference had been avoided. This technology will be the foundation for supplying power to drones in flight while they carry out various missions, and it is expected that wireless power transmission will be put to practical use and applied to a variety of fields in the future. The results of this research will be exhibited at Wireless Japan x Wireless Technology Park (WTP) 2025, which will be held at Tokyo Big Sight from May 28, 2025.

Research Background

As drones are increasingly being implemented in society, they are expected to be used in a variety of fields, including watching sports, logistics, agriculture, and even collecting information and restoring communications during disasters. However, drones have a limited battery capacity and a short continuous flight time (approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour). To solve this problem, this study proposes a wireless power transmission system using microwaves. However, to transmit power wirelessly, a “rectenna” *2 must be installed at the bottom of the drone to receive the power. This causes problems such as radio and physical interference with the drone’s mission equipment, such as cameras.

Solution Method

In this study, we developed a wireless power transfer system that uses a special beam called an “air-core beam” to solve the interference problem during power transfer. First, we designed the amplitude and phase distribution required to form an air-core beam based on the transmission distance and the size of the transmitting and receiving antennas.  Based on this design, we developed a transmitting antenna with a diameter of 30 cm that can generate an air-core beam in the 24 GHz band. In addition, we developed a lightweight rectenna with a size of 5 cm square as the receiving side, and placed 19 of them in a flat shape on the bottom of the drone. Each rectenna was equipped with an LED so that the location where power was transferred could be confirmed by light. To evaluate the performance of this system, we installed a rectenna panel 1 m away from the transmitting antenna and conducted an experiment (Figure 4). As a result, we confirmed that the LEDs around the center of the drone were lit up without affecting the center of the drone (Figure 2 above). In the future, it is expected that the development of even larger transmission antennas will enable wireless power transmission over longer distances and with greater power.

Future Outlook

The results of this research showed that it is possible to create an area in the center of the beam where interference can be avoided in a wireless power transmission system. This technology will fundamentally solve the problem of interference between the power transmission and the camera and various mission equipment mounted on the drone. This technology is an important step towards realizing drones that can fly for long periods of time and perform various missions by transmitting power from the ground. It is also expected to be applied to various fields, including long-distance wireless power transmission.

Terminology

*1) Air-core beam: A special beam in which the intensity at the center where the radio waves are transmitted is zero. It has a swirling phase distribution and is also called the orbital angular momentum (OAM) mode or Laguerre-Gaussian mode.

*2) Rectenna: A device that receives microwaves and converts them into DC power. A portmanteau of “rectifying” and “antenna,” it is used as the power receiving side of wireless power transmission systems.

(Source: UAS VISION/Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute International)

 

03 Jun 25. UK/Latvia Led Drone Coalition Allocates $3BN to Support Ukraine – Turkey and Belgium to Join. On Wednesday, May 28, during the Drone Summit, Minister of Defence of Republic of Latvia Andris Sprūds announced that Turkey and Belgium have expressed their intention to join the international Drone Coalition led by Latvia and the United Kingdom in support of Ukraine.

Coalition member states have also committed to allocating €2.75bn (USD 3.1bn) this year to support Ukraine.

“The international Drone Coalition is becoming increasingly stronger – we will be able to deliver more drones to Ukraine while simultaneously strengthening the defence industries of Latvia, the EU, and NATO countries. Our strength lies in unity, so new allies joining the coalition will enable us to provide Ukraine with the much-needed support in its fight against the aggressor,” emphasized defence minister Sprūds.

The defence minister also noted that coalition member states have collectively contributed approximately €180 m to the UK-led joint Drone Coalition procurement fund. Fund is intended for centralized drone technology procurements alongside each coalition member state’s national support measures. Latvia’s planned support within the Drone Coalition this year is €20 m, allocated for drone purchases, with an additional €10 m earmarked for cooperation projects between Latvian and Ukrainian industries. Last year, Latvia also allocated €20 m for Ukraine support, delivering nearly 5,000 combat drones of various capacities. Since the Drone Coalition’s establishment on February 14, 2024, its member states have provided significant support to Ukraine – reaching €1.8bn in 2024 alone. In 2025, a total of €2.75bn is planned to be allocated for Ukraine’s support, meaning that over two years the coalition has allocated €4.5bn to Ukraine. Drone coalition consists of 18 official member states that have signed the Letter of Intent: Latvia, the United Kingdom, Australia, Czechia, Denmark, France, Estonia, Italy, New Zealand, Canada, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Ukraine, Germany and Sweden. According to the Drone Coalition’s memorandum of understanding, the admission of new countries must be agreed upon by existing coalition member states. With Belgium and Turkey joining, the Drone Coalition will encompass 20 countries. (Source: UAS VISION/Latvia MoD)

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29 May 25. New Expeditionary USV for Covert Maritime Surveillance & Special Forces Missions. FLANQ’s new Q-RECON USV delivers agile, man-portable maritime surveillance and interdiction capabilities, purpose-built for special forces and operations in littoral environments. FLANQ has launched Q-RECON, a compact, man-portable Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV) engineered to meet modern naval challenges in littoral and denied environments. Designed and manufactured in Europe, Q-RECON has been developed in response to an urgent operational requirement from a European defense customer and represents a new tier of expeditionary maritime capabilities tailored for special operations forces. The Q-RECON is a lightweight, two-meter-long platform optimized for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), tactical interdiction, and high-risk coastal missions. With its small form factor and two-person portability, the USV provides special forces with rapid deployment capabilities in austere and contested maritime zones. Its 30kg internal payload bay supports a diverse array of sensors including 360° night vision, multi-spectral imaging, and other advanced electro-optics, enabling discreet infrastructure inspection, beach reconnaissance, and environmental surveillance. Capable of both persistent and expendable operations, Q-RECON offers tactical flexibility across a broad spectrum of mission profiles.

Chief Technology Officer at FLANQ, Jannik Sauer, said, “Q-RECON has gone from concept to in-water testing in around 120 days – testimony to the speed of innovation in the European defence sector at the demand for affordable maritime autonomous systems. Our customer came to us with a very specific feature list, including price and portability and 100% European content. Q-RECON is our response to those challenges.”

Q-RECON is driven by dual vectored jet drives engineered in-house by FLANQ, delivering burst speeds of up to 30 knots and exceptional maneuverability in shallow or constrained waters. The vessel’s autonomous navigation suite incorporates onboard autopilot, GPS, Inertial Measurement Units (IMU), and optional dead-reckoning navigation, ensuring precise performance even in GNSS-denied environments. At the heart of Q-RECON’s operational flexibility is FLANQ’s proprietary Q-KONTROL and Q-MIND software-hardware stack. This mission system enables real-time reconfiguration of payloads and autonomous route planning, providing operators with critical adaptability during dynamic operations. (Source: https://www.defenseadvancement.com/)

 

28 May 25. European Defence Fund Commits Up to €10.09m to Advanced Long-Range UAV Project VANTAGE. A pan-European consortium, coordinated by Latvijas Mobilais Telefons (LMT), has secured substantial funding from the European Defence Fund (EDF) to launch the VANTAGE project – an ambitious initiative to develop the next generation of tactical unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for European defence. Awarded under the EDF’s 2024 call for collaborative defence research and development, the VANTAGE project brings together leading partners from across Europe. With an estimated total project cost of €10.88 m and a maximum EU contribution of €10.09m, this project marks a significant step forward in Europe’s pursuit of technological superiority and operational autonomy on the modern battlefield. The VANTAGE project will deliver a modular, long-range, vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drone platform, capable of executing a broad range of command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR) missions, as well as kinetic strikes. The platform is being designed for maximum adaptability, allowing for the seamless integration of new sensors and navigation systems to ensure optimal performance in diverse environments, including GPS-denied scenarios.

“The VANTAGE project goes beyond technological innovation; it marks a strategic leap that positions Europe at the forefront of defence development,” said Kaspars Pollaks, Director of the Defence Technology Department at Latvijas Mobilais Telefons. “By bringing together our unique experience, expertise, and resources from across borders, we are building a future-ready capability that will strengthen Europe’s security, enhance operational flexibility, and set new standards for cooperation within the defence industry. As we have seen in Ukraine, UAVs play a critical role on the modern battlefield. We are honoured to lead this visionary consortium and contribute to a safer, more secure Europe.”

Spanning 36 months, the VANTAGE project encompasses a comprehensive development lifecycle, from studies and system design to prototyping and rigorous testing. A key focus is on ensuring the system’s adaptability and interoperability, enabling rapid integration of new technologies and sustained effectiveness in the evolving threat environment.

About the Consortium:

The VANTAGE consortium brings together 8 renowned organisations from 7 countries across the continent and include: Latvijas Mobilais Telefons SIA (Coordinator), C&V Defence, CAVOK UAS, Centro de Observación y Teledetección Espacial SAU, Vegvisir, Institutul Național de Cercetare-Dezvoltare Aerospațială “Elie Carafoli” (INCAS București), M3 Systems Belgium, UAV Navigation – Grupo Oesía.

 

28 May 25. Accelerating Drone Research for Dutch Defence: The Strength of an Ecosystem. NLR has officially launched the Quick Response Drone Facility (QRDF). A new facility to conduct research quickly and effectively on uncrewed systems for defence. “Drones are playing an increasingly important role in aviation, for defence and also for civil applications,” says Bert Thuis, Vice President Aerospace Vehicles at NLR. Unmanned systems are playing an increasingly significant role in conflicts and warfare as is clearly evident in Ukraine. “It often involves small, relatively simple drones that swarm through the airspace in their tens or hundreds,” says Bert Thuis. This is just one of many examples of the deployment of uncrewed systems in the air. As a knowledge institution, NLR works closely with the Ministry of Defence. “We carry out research on new technologies for the deployment of new systems. Developments within the current forms of warfare are progressing faster and faster,” he continues. “For example, in Ukraine, you see that the opponent has found a way to disable the drones within a couple of weeks, for instance by jamming the systems (disrupting the signals). We need to able to respond quickly and provide support where necessary.”

Fast and reliable research

To accelerate innovation around unmanned systems, NLR opened the Quick Response Drone Facility (QRDF) on 21 May 2025. This facility brings together various people and resources within NLR. The goal: to make a drone operationally deployable within four to six weeks, based on a request from the Ministry of Defence. ”That’s easier said than done,” says Thuis. “A six-week timeline is very short for NLR. We often work on research projects with a duration of more than ten years, which is common in the aerospace sector because of the stringent safety standards.” Thuis emphasizes that these kinds of standards remain important even in short-term research projects, but a different approach is required. “From a technological perspective, it’s not really a challenge to work with a six-week deadline, as the technology is usually far enough advanced. We mainly need to adapt our way of thinking and operating. For example, consider procurement procedures, which often take several months. That obviously doesn’t work when a product needs to be delivered within six weeks.”

The approach to projects with shorter lead times also requires a shift within the organisation. “It’s essential that we become comfortable with failure,” he says. “We’re used to thoroughly examining everything in theory before testing it. But that’s not always possible with projects in the QRDF.” That’s why NLR uses the ‘fail fast’ principle in this facility. As a result, researchers proceed more quickly to testing, allowing them to gain insights into what works and what doesn’t in a relatively short timeframe. “If something doesn’t work, we move on to an alternative until we find a good solution,” Thuis outlines. This is also known as short-cycle innovation.

Collaborating with SMEs and start-ups

NLR is collaborating with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups to shape the workflow within the QRDF. Initially, these projects were mainly carried out internally, but Thuis wants to involve start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) even more intensively in the process. “These companies play a vital role in the development process, as they are well-suited to rapid adaptation and innovation. Ultimately, they will also be responsible for manufacturing the drones”. By combining NLR’s expertise in knowledge and technology with the agility and entrepreneurial spirit of SMEs and start-ups, Thuis aims to create a powerful partnership.

Centre of Excellence

The QRDF marks the beginning of NLR’s journey towards establishing a Centre of Excellence for Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS). This centre is to be situated near NLR’s office and research facilities in Marknesse, and will be a physical hub where the Ministry of Defence, research institutions, industry partners, and educational organisations can converge to drive innovation and advancement in the field. Thuis describes the centre as a “campus-like” setting, within walking distance of NLR’s facilities, where companies can rent offices and workshops, and gain easy access to NLR’s research facilities in Marknesse to further develop and test their products. “We will provide support from NLR wherever possible, and companies will have easy access to our facilities,” he explains.

NLR has a range of advanced facilities at their premises in the Noordoostpolder in the Netherlands that play a crucial role in the development of drones. For example, NLR has a restricted airspace that allows for the testing of non-certified experimental drones. At the same location, NLR also has the ACM3 technology centre, which focuses on the development of automated manufacturing techniques for composites and metals. This technology centre includes a “Pilot Plant”, a test factory where automated composite manufacturing technologies are developed for high Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs), with the aim of helping start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) bridge the “valley of death” (the period between the proof-of-concept (demonstrating that an idea works) and the commercial launch of a product or service). NLR also has a moving platform that simulates landing a drone on the deck of a ship. The organisation also collaborates with the Mobility and Infrastructure Test Centre (MITC), where a miniature version of a physical city is being developed to practice drone flights in an urban environment. This “city” is scheduled to be completed in 2026, providing a unique testing ground for drone manufacturers and operators.

“These facilities are incredibly important for the development of drones, but for relatively small companies, it’s often too expensive and complicated to arrange themselves,” Thuis explains. “By allowing them to use our facilities, these companies can innovate more quickly.” Once a company has completed its development and is ready for production, it can “fly out” of the facility, making way for new companies to take its place.

Everything under one roof

The QRDF and the Centre of Excellence are interconnected. The QRDF is where new drones are researched and developed, while the Centre of Excellence is where companies can then explore the possibility of rapidly scaling up production.

The Centre of Excellence takes it a step further. Thuis emphasizes that the campus is not just about the relatively simple drones from the QRDF, but also provides space for the development of highly complex systems with longer development times. “We can make a contribution at all levels,” he says.

Education is a crucial aspect

Education is an integral part of the centre’s mission, with NLR teaming up with Firda to launch a vocational training programme (MBO) that focuses on the design, production, and operation of unmanned systems. As Thuis explains, “By combining Firda’s educational expertise with NLR’s industry knowledge, we can provide students with the skills and training they need to succeed in this field, while also addressing the future personnel needs of companies and organisations like the Ministry of Defence. NLR will also provide support for practical training sessions during the course.”

Defence Strategy

The development of the QRDF and the Centre of Excellence is closely aligned with the Ministry of Defence’s Strategy, “Defence wants to make it easier for startups and scale-ups to access R&D facilities in the Netherlands, and that’s exactly what’s happening here,” Thuis explains. “Additionally, the strategy emphasizes the importance of scalability of innovations, meaning that they should be relatively easy and quick to produce.” To achieve this, Thuis notes that NLR works with commercially available equipment that is relatively easy to obtain.

Ultimately, Thuis hopes that the Centre of Excellence will play a key role in the development and production of complex unmanned systems in the Netherlands and Europe in the future. “This will increase the reliability and security of supply for the Ministry of Defence, making us less dependent on other countries that can suddenly change direction,” he says. “Ultimately, we’re working towards a European supply chain for technologies, materials, and products needed to preserve our freedom.” (Source: ASD Network)

 

27 May 25. British Army lean on drones in a new, three-layered formation. The service will likely initiate a concept demonstrator for this three-pronged approach soon. It is understood that the British Army will implement a new operational formation composed of disposable and attritable drone layers, preserving a more valuable third layer of conventional and crewed platforms. Army Technology learned that the service will likely initiate a concept demonstrator for this three-pronged approach during the Helicopter Technology Central and Eastern Europe conference on 22 May in Prague, Czech Republic. While the words ‘disposable’ and ‘attritable’ are sometimes used synonymously in describing uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), the two adjectives mean different things in this context. Disposable UAS – often termed ‘one-way-attack’ or ‘kamikaze’ drones – will make up the first offensive layer to engage the enemy. There is little to no expectation that these systems will be deployed more than once as the units are designed to carry a warhead and detonate on impact with a target. For this reason, they are typically cheaper than other UAS types. Whereas, it is hoped that attritable systems will return after use. These types of UAS can be used repeatedly for a range of missions, from conducting stand off strikes to intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.

Drone fodder: where does the concept come from?

This is not the first time that a military has considered deploying uncrewed systems in this way. For more than a year, the US Army has been vocal about its efforts to restructure the way they operate to adapt to the new methods of combat with peer rivals. Currently, the US Army are in the process of distributing thousands of small UAS across its Brigade Combat Teams at the company level. So far, the service has assigned between 300 to 400 systems. This decision is just one of many policies that constitute a change in the land forces by unburdening soldiers, aligning with a new Army mantra that they no longer want to trade blood for first contact. (Source: army-technology.com)

 

27 May 25. French Navy tests unmanned beach assault, expands drone tactics. The French Navy is stepping up drone use in the air and in the water, relying almost entirely on unmanned systems to recapture a beach in southern France in an amphibious operation during an exercise in March, according to the commander of the force. In the exercise to retake a stretch of shore in the Bay of Hyères on France’s Mediterranean coast, the Navy used aerial drones and underwater gliders for maritime surveillance, drones to assault enemies targeting the beach, and to counterattack hostile drones, Navy Chief of Staff Adm. Nicolas Vaujour told a parliamentary hearing last week.

“We did it almost entirely with drones,” Vaujour told the National Assembly’s defense committee. “We are in the experimental phase to see exactly how far we want to go with each of these things.”

In the exercise called Dragoon Fury, the French Navy used its amphibious helicopter carrier Tonnerre as a drone platform. Vaujour said drones don’t fully replace amphibious maneuvers, and the Navy will still be dropping off troops and piloted military equipment on beaches, “but we are fully invested in this concept of drone carriers.”

Vaujour said the Navy is “starting to achieve some interesting things,” for example using first-person view drones or tele-operated munitions to take out attacking unmanned surface vehicles.

Despite these advancements, a drone force today isn’t able to provide the power projection of an aircraft carrier strike group, Vaujour told lawmakers. “Being able to drop six 125-kilogram bombs 400 to 600 nautical miles from the aircraft carrier, that’s something a drone can’t do.” Drones are particularly well-suited for operations in confined areas such as the Baltic Sea, and can offer additional capabilities especially when operating near coastlines or a carrier platform, such as in the beach assault, said Vice Adm. Emmanuel Slaars, the French Navy commander in charge of operations, speaking after Vaujour. Still, don’t count on drones for all the solutions, he said.

“This is not high seas action, it is not the ability to fight against nuclear attack submarines,” Slaars told lawmakers. “We don’t yet have drones, either in the air or on the surface domain, capable of operating sustainably in contested environments – and I think it will still be a very long time before we do so in the surface domain.”

The Navy embarked around ten defense companies aboard the Tonnerre during Dragoon Fury in the first two weeks of March, to create a real-life laboratory for tactical and technological innovation. Participating companies included Alseamar with underwater gliders, Delair with several drones from its portfolio and Exail with its DriX H-8 unmanned surface vehicle. The French Navy has been experimenting with autonomous underwater gliders for several years, with the systems truly operational “for some time now,” according to Vaujour. The Navy works with Alseamar, which makes a 2-meter long underwater glider called Seaexplorer with an advertised 1,700-kilometer range and 110-day endurance. During last year’s Polaris 24 exercise, in which the French and Italian navies faced off in the Mediterranean, the French force deployed gliders that were able to detect a number of Italian vessels. The French then struck the opposing ships with carrier aircraft from “a very, very long way off,” leaving the Italians clueless to how they’d been localized, according to Vaujour. Locating the opposing vessels relied on “lots of artificial intelligence” to detect small signals in the data collected by the gliders, according to the admiral.

“So that was quite an interesting breakthrough that shows there’s a place for gliders,” Vaujour said. “On the other hand, with passive detection alone, you can’t detect everything.”

Gliders are “still a long way off” from being able to sniff out a nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, according to Vaujour. However, they will have their place in maritime surveillance, and passive swarms combined with artificial intelligence for data analysis are an interesting means of detection, he said.

“There’s still a lot of room for improvement,” the admiral said. “We’re developing these tools on a national level, with real capabilities, but also real limitations. The manufacturer who says they’re going to make the oceans transparent isn’t credible yet, let’s say.”

AI hasn’t yet been able to replace the human ear for analysis of acoustic signals, “even though a lot of money has been spent trying to do so,” Vaujour said. What the Navy needs are acoustic warfare analysts that understand the technology and “who will help the AI to help them,” he said. The Navy is taking an “iterative approach” to AI development, bringing aboard experts so they can see what the force needs, according to Vaujour. The Navy’s center for data services and AI developed an onboard data hub that was tested onboard the frigate Provence, with Vaujour describing the hub as “a huge computer” collecting all data from a ship, with subsequent analysis catching signals that would previously have gone unnoticed. The success of the test prompted the Navy to put four data hubs on ships taking part in a five-month deployment of the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier strike group, from late November to late April. The Navy also invited data scientists from French defense firms along for a month-long stint during the mission. Vaujour gave lawmakers a non-classified example of AI use on the Provence, in which algorithms tracked down the underlying cause of a diesel alternator valve failure, identifying a rising fluid temperature elsewhere in the system as the culprit. In another example, before passing a strait in Indonesia during the Charles de Gaulle deployment, the Navy used AI to analyze hundreds of possible locations for a Chinese submarine to work out the best tactical screen for the carrier, which Vaujour said “wasn’t entirely intuitive.” The Navy now needs to build up its AI skills, which must become generalized, and structure how the subject is approached from a human-resources angle, Vaujour said in the committee hearing.

“How do we inject artificial intelligence modules into all naval training, not to turn people into data scientists, but to create maritime experts in a field who can easily plug into artificial intelligence,” Vaujour said. “I’m not going to turn data scientists into acoustic experts. However, I can make acoustic experts compatible with data scientists. That’s the direction we’re headed.” (Source: Defense News)

 

28 May 25. Iran Army Unveils Three New VTOL Drones. The Islamic Republic of Iran Army has taken delivery of three new domestically-designed and developed vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drones, which are versatile for various missions and can also transition to fixed-wing flight for increased efficiency and longer range. The military hardware, dubbed Homa, Dideban (Watchdog) and Shahin-1 (Falcon-1) first-person view (FPV) suicide drones, were put on display during an unveiling ceremony at the Iranian Army’s drone and air base in the southeastern city of Zahedan last week. The Homa VTOL drone reportedly can operate at a maximum flight altitude of over 12,000 feet (3,657 meters). It is capable of successfully undertaking various reconnaissance missions in electronic warfare situations by utilizing its night vision capability, without the need for a runway. The Dideban drone, which will join the Iranian Army’s Ground Force, is also a lightweight and portable unmanned aerial vehicle that utilizes its day and night visibility and has the ability to pinpoint the precise location of the target. With a flight altitude of 6,000 feet, the drone can complete a variety of reconnaissance and target pinpointing missions in different electronic warfare situations. The distinctive feature of the Dideban drone is that it can be flown within a group and can monitor and target several areas simultaneously. The Shahin-1 FPV suicide drone is a new and modern one capable of confronting the dangers of future battles. Thanks to its distinctive features of flight continuity, operational range, and flight altitude appropriate to various operations, it is capable of hitting and destroying all fixed and mobile enemy targets with its maneuverability and high speed. (Source: UAS VISION/Islamic Republic News Agency)

 

23 May 25. Japan announces multirole combat support USV development. The Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA), the research, development and procurement arm of the Japan Ministry of Defense (JMOD) took the opportunity at the DSEI Japan 2025 exhibition to announce a new uncrewed surface vehicle (USV) development with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI). According to ATLA officials, the proposed USV development is aimed at supporting the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s (JMSDF) principal surface warfare ships, such as its guided-missile destroyers, during combat and other high-end operations. Officials also indicated that the length of the USV could be up to 50 m and feature an integrated sensor package comprising an electro-optic/infrared (EO/IR) camera and a radar to provide intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) data. For combat operations, the USV would be equipped with lethal payloads such as surface-to-surface missiles and torpedoes.

“The USV project is currently in detailed design and we expect a prototype to undergo at sea testing by the end of 2027,” said an ATLA official.

MHI has some experience in USV development, with its Maritime Unmanned Systems Development Department of the Naval Ship & Maritime Systems Division showcasing the multirole Whale USV at the previous iteration of DSEI Japan. MHI officials earlier told AMR that the Whale USV has also been used as a testbed for several types of unmanned systems, including unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) and rotary-wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), as well as expendable mine disposal (EMD) devices. The sea vehicle, which was displayed with a rotary-wing UAV, is managed by a proprietary command and control (C2) system called CoasTitan. According to MHI, CoasTitan is capable of managing simultaneous multiple UAVs, USVs, and UUVs for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations. Data transmission, collection, and exploitation is also performed autonomously to aid decision makers. The JMSDF has also earlier articulated a plan to procure up to 17 USVs for mine-countermeasures (MCM) operations. The MCM USVs will be integrated to the service’s new Mogami-class frigates to provide an organic, standoff MCM capability. The USVs will be equipped with indigenously developed EMD devices to neutralise mines, and will also be able to function as a ‘mothership’ to deploy and command UUVs. The UUV type is expected to be MHI’s own OZZ-5 UUV, which will serve as the search and identification component of the MCM system. The UUV measures 4 m long and 0.5 m wide with a weight of 900 kg and is based on a prototype developed by the Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics Agency (ATLA). The OZZ-5 is equipped with a dual-imaging sonar suite that enables it to discern buried objects at low frequencies while possessing the ability to perform high-resolution scans of exposed objects on the seabed. Development of the yet-unnamed JMSDF MCM USV has been undertaken since 2017 under its Outrange Mine Countermeasure Operation programme. (Source: AMR)

 

23 May 25. C-Astral Aerospace and Auterion Unveil Stealthy MWT (Medi Wing Tactical) Delivery Drone – C-Astral Aerospace and Auterion have announced their collaboration at AUVSI Xponential 2025. This partnership showcases the Red Dot: Best of the Best Design Award-winning SQA2 eVTOL blended wing body UAS, enhanced by Auterion’s trusted software platform for robotics and autonomous systems, alongside a revolutionary high-speed, radar-invisible MWT (Medi Wing Tactical) delivery drone. The SQA2 eVTOL, designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), offers a 3-hour flight endurance, a 40 km line-of-sight datalink range, new Atmolab REX-100 / REX-110 gimbal camera options and compliance with NATO standards, making it a top choice for the U.S. and NATO markets. Its battlefield-proven design, rapid deployment, and advanced aerodynamics ensure versatility for military, first responder, and civilian applications. Integrated with Auterion’s scalable software, the SQA2 delivers enhanced autonomy and seamless mission integration. C-Astral will also debut the game-changing MWT (Medi Wing Tactical) Delivery Drone at Xponential, enhanced by Auterion’s autonomous targeting capabilities and C-Astral’s proprietary datalinks. This high-speed, stealthy UAS, with anti-radar materials and GPS-independent operation, redefines tactical logistics for secure, rapid payload delivery in challenging environments.

“Our partnership with Auterion elevates the SQA2 and our new delivery drone to new heights, combining innovative hardware with flexible software,” said Nejc Trost, co-founder and head of strategic R&D of C-Astral Aerospace.

“These systems set a new standard for connected and interoperable UAS performance,” added Lorenz Meier, CEO of Auterion. (Source: UAS VISION/c-astral)

 

26 May 25. Poland, Romania lead a drone bonanza in Eastern Europe. As Poland’s military is developing the Drone Force, its latest military component that was launched earlier this year, the Ministry of National Defence recently signed a deal to purchase the largest number of unmanned aerial vehicles in the country’s history. The move comes as various Eastern European allies are advancing major drone purchases, drawing lessons from Russia’s war against Ukraine. On May 15, the Polish ministry signed a framework agreement with local private defense company WB Group to buy some 10,000 units of the Warmate loitering munition. The contract foresees deliveries until 2035.

“This is a large-scale investment – 10,000 Warmate drones are becoming a fact,” Władysław Kosiniak Kamysz, Poland’s deputy prime minister and defense minister, said at the official signing ceremony, as quoted in a statement.

“They will soon start being delivered to the Polish military. The next deals, which will be executive, will be signed in the near future,” he added.

WB Group has been expanding its portfolio of UAVs over the past years. Some of the latest additions to the company’s range include the Warmate TL-R reconnaissance system, FT5 mini tactical class drones in new variants, Warmate 20 loitering munition, and the extended-range Warmate 50. Warmate 20 has a range of “several hundred kilometers” and Warmate 50’s range exceeds that of Warmate 20, according to the company.

Remigiusz Wilk, the head of communications at WB Group, told Defense News that, since the war’s outbreak, the drone producer has observed a surge in interest in unmanned capabilities across the region.

“Drones are now considered an important protective measure for soldiers,” Wilk said. “When combined, they allow to create complex aerial systems.”

In the fighting between Ukraine against Russian invaders, sections of the front line have almost become devoid of human soldiers, with drones patrolling large swathes of land, ready to pounce on anything that moves.

“The more we push soldiers away from the battlefield and replace them with drones, the safer they are,” Wilk said. “Drones have the potential to protect many lives, and the military appreciates this now more than ever before.”

The Polish Armed Forces are showing an growing interest in buying new UAVs to develop their Drone Force, but WB Group is also using the company’s expanding manufacturing capabilities to unlock additional markets.

“WB Group is currently building new facilities to produce more drones,” the spokesman said, listing countries in Europe and Asia, including South Korea and Malaysia, as clients. “We have supplied drones to Ukraine’s military since 2015, so we are in an optimal position to draw lessons from the conflict and continue to enhance our unmanned systems to respond to the evolving battlefield requirements.”

At the same time, the Polish Drone Force will also comprise larger UAVs. In December 2024, the ministry signed a contract worth around $310 m to acquire an undisclosed number of MQ-9B Sky Guardian drones. The UAVs are to be delivered to Poland’s military by the first quarter of 2027. Meanwhile in Romania, the country’s economy minister, Bogdan Ivan, recently paid a visit to the factories of local drone manufacturers Carfil SA and IAR Ghimbav. During his visit to their facilities, Ivan announced Bucharest intends to use a significant portion of the European Union’s funds for defense acquisitions by member states to buy drones for Romania’s military. The Romanian minister was referring to the ReArm Europe plan, an initiative designed to bolster the EU’s defense expenditure and capacities. Mobilizing up to €800 bn ($906 bn) through various means, the program is to stimulate higher national defense budgets and finance a new loan instrument available to member states to facilitate equipment purchases. Romanian officials hope the rising domestic drone production capabilities will allow to ramp up the military’s unmanned capacities, but also enable local producers to sell a sizable share of their output abroad, according to the economy minister.

“When you have a production line that can make up to 3,500 drones annually, we will not only produce for the Romanian military,” Ivan said, as quoted by local daily Adevarul. (Source: Defense News)

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22 May 25. Launch of QRDF: Rapid Drone Innovations for Defence. The Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR) is launching the Quick Response Drone Facility (QRDF) in Marknesse today. This facility contributes to the broader ambition of Defence to become a pioneer in the field of unmanned systems, together with industry and knowledge institutions. The Minister of Defence, Ruben Brekelmans, was present to support the importance of the QRDF facility and reaffirm Defence’s ambition to innovate more quickly. For defence, unmanned systems (drones) are playing an increasingly important role in carrying out their tasks. The war in Ukraine demonstrates that they are being deployed on a large scale: it is no longer just a conflict between armed forces, but also a conflict between industries and innovation. A key factor on the battlefield is who can produce the most, innovate the fastest and sustain it the longest. To give the armed forces an edge in combat and maintain it, it is essential to quickly gain, share, and apply knowledge and experience. The Quick Response Drone Facility (QRDF) of NLR is a key initiative to achieve this by combining existing knowledge, expertise, and facilities with integrated collaboration between industry, applied knowledge institutions, and partners. This enables lessons from the field to be quickly translated into solutions. The goal of the QRDF is to make a new drone or drone functionality operationally available to Defence within four to six weeks, with the integrated collaboration at its core to ensure implementation and scalability.

QRDF as a driving force behind drone innovation

The location of NLR in the municipality of Noordoostpolder offers an optimal opportunity for the development of unmanned systems. There is a closed airspace where non-certified, experimental unmanned systems can fly above and around the NLR site. Additionally, there is a connection to the knowledge and test centre for smart mobility (MITC), and NLR has various facilities, such as the Drone Centre and the Automated Composites & Metal Manufacturing Technology Centre, to enable research and testing of innovative scalable solutions that Defence needs.

Bert Thuis, Vice President Aerospace Vehicles at NLR, states: “The QRDF is part of a broader R&D, test, and development environment in Flevoland, where we can make a new drone or functionality operational for Defence in a matter of weeks. As a strategic knowledge partner for Defence, we can quickly switch with parties at a strategic level. In drones, we see a much higher innovation pace than, for example, in aircraft, with smaller industrial parties leading the way. The QRDF offers an ideal opportunity to learn from each other and create space for short-cycle innovation.”

“Thanks to QRDF, we were able to develop essential drone functionalities to a high level within six weeks and subsequently demonstrate them operationally to the requirement setters of the Ministry of Defence. This project underlined the strength of collaboration between us as an industrial party and NLR as a knowledge institution – a valuable combination of expertise and test capacity. QRDF is an important step towards rapidly translating operational needs into commercial strength,” adds Lennart Bult, co-founder of Emergent Swarm Solutions.

Prior to the launch on 21 May 2025, several projects have been carried out:

• SYNERGY: NLR has developed a generic drone fleet, consisting of four multi-rotor systems and one fixed-wing system, in collaboration with Defence, to investigate operational and integration issues.
• MANTA: In collaboration with Defence, the MANTA project has expanded the functionalities of drones to enable faster testing and validation of PNT (positioning, navigation and timing).
• HIGH VOLTAGE: The HIGH VOLTAGE project has investigated how a drone can fly along a high-voltage cable and take measurements of the magnetic field.
• FORESIGHT: During the FORESIGHT project, together with Emergent Swarm Solutions and Defence, advanced autonomy software has been demonstrated on a drone platform, with applications such as obstacle avoidance and GPS-less localisation.
• NEWAYS: The NEWAYS project, in collaboration with Neways and Defence, has developed a tool to quickly determine what is needed to produce drone components from EU/allied-sourced supply chains.
• SMOOTH STONE: A 3D-printed fixed-wing drone has been developed in collaboration with Smooth Stone Dynamics and Defence to validate scalable production methods and form a business case.
• MUTE: The MUTE project has investigated how to reduce the noise production of drones using various techniques, including the use of special foil.

Much has been learned from these projects, and it has been proven that it is worthwhile to continue the QRDF organisation. It offers the opportunity to work even more integratedly; with industry, but also with Defence units and other knowledge partners.

Initially, it involves so-called Class-I UAS (a NATO classification for the relatively smaller drones under 150kg). In the long term, the new way of working can also be applied iteratively to the development of more advanced and larger drones, such as launched effects (LE) and autonomous collaborative platforms (ACP). (Source: ASD Network)

 

21 May 25. US special forces testing lethal Q-UGVs. US special operations forces (SOF) are considering the integration of various kinetic weapon systems on robotic dogs or quadrupedal-unmanned ground vehicles (Q-UGVs) to support land-based special operations, service officials announced recently. The US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) Program Executive Office-SOF Warrior (PEO-SW) disclosed “robotic dog-mounted systems” are being explored to support special operations, according to a presentation at SOF Week conference in Tampa, Florida, on 7 May.

“We are monitoring [Irregular Warfare Technical Support Directorate] efforts and Innate-Stabilisation for Precision Engagement by Robots user feedback,” a PEO-SW official stated.

The effort, which falls under ‘Echelon 0G (Ground)’ of the Ground Organic Precision Strike System (GOPSS) portfolio, includes a range of loitering munitions, according to the briefing. Echelon 0G is also understood be considering weaponising robotic and autonomous systems of different sizes, including nano-, micro- and mega-sized categories. It remains unclear exactly which category a quadruped robot would fall into at this stage. PEO-SW is considering ‘Havoc’ 40 mm grenade launchers and ‘Chaos’ 12-gauge shotguns, a spokesperson for USSOCOM confirmed to Janes on 7 May . The spokesperson could not confirm industry partners involved in the development. Multiple defence sources suggested to Janes both systems could feature revolving, multishot firing mechanisms, capable of firing up to 5 and 10 rounds respectively and weighing several kilograms each. Another defence source familiar with the GOPSS programme also told Janes the effort is being led within USSOCOM by Marine Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC). “Armed [wheeled and tracked] UGVs seem to be on a back burner,” the source said. (Source: Janes)

 

21 May 25. Saudi Arabia in talks to buy as many as 200 MQ-9 drones, General Atomics says.

“We have been in discussions with the government of Saudi Arabia and the White House for quite some time about a package that could include as many as 200 General Atomics aircraft,” a company spokesperson said.

General Atomics is in talks to sell Saudi Arabia up to 200 MQ-9 unmanned systems, according to a company spokesperson. The discussions are part of the $142 bn in defense deals claimed by President Donald Trump during last week’s visit to the Gulf. While the White House has not disclosed details of what was included in that proposed package, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) spokesman C. Mark Brinkley told Breaking Defense that the drones fall under that total.

“We have been in discussions with the government of Saudi Arabia and the White House for quite some time about a package that could include as many as 200 General Atomics aircraft,” Brinkley said, adding the deal would include some mix of MQ-9B SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian designs.

Brinkley later claimed, “An initiative of that size would create an estimated 46,000 new jobs in the United States and have a significant impact on the American economy.” Whether the deal will be made through a Foreign Military Sale or a Direct Commercial Sale is to be determined, he added.

Brinkley’s statement that the package “could” include “as many as” 200 drones leaves plenty of wiggle room, and he did not disclose a dollar estimate for the deal. But any major sale of drones to the Kingdom would mark a major win for General Atomics.

While the sale may be being billed as part of the Trump announcement, it has been in the works well before the trip was announced. GA-ASI President David Alexander told Breaking Defense in February that the company was discussing what he described as the “biggest potential international deal” in GA-ASI history with Saudi Arabia, but at the time didn’t disclose the number of unmanned aerial vehicles.

General Atomics got another win during Trump’s regional tour, with Qatar and the US signing a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) for eight MQ-9Bs in Doha. However the visit didn’t revive an MQ-9B deal to the UAE that was halted during the Biden administration.

Kristian Alexander, a senior fellow at the United Arab Emirate-based Rabdan Security and Defence Institute said that a request for such a large number “suggests Saudi Arabia is planning for a major doctrinal and operational transformation of its airpower and surveillance architecture.”

“This number far exceeds the needs of tactical missions alone and instead points to strategic ambitions: covering the kingdom’s vast territory, deterring regional threats, and developing a layered ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance) and strike network that integrates unmanned systems across all branches of its armed forces,” he told

Alexander added that the deal represents a geopolitical statement for the Kingdom, saying that it reinforces a pivot back toward US-built defense systems “at a time when the kingdom has flirted with Chinese Wing Loong drones and Turkish Bayraktar TB2s. It suggests Riyadh is doubling down on interoperability with U.S. and NATO systems, particularly as it pursues integration with regional security frameworks and potentially NATO partnerships.”

The sale to Doha and the potential big deal with Saudi Arabia comes at a time when the Reaper has struggled in the Gulf, with media reporting that seven Reapers, operated by the US, were shot down by Houthi forces in a six-week span.

Jacopo Maria Mazzucco, an independent researcher in Gulf security affairs, told Breaking Defense that given the vulnerability and operational context of the Gulf, “MQ-9 Reaper remains a valuable platform for Saudi Arabia, but with important caveats.”

While the system is good for low-intensity asymmetric warfare, the MQ-9 is vulnerable to “relatively basic anti-air systems, which the Houthis have exploited to partially blunt U.S. air superiority,” Mazzucco said. As a result, he stressed the need for upgrade with effective countermeasures.

“While the platform is still efficient, it requires upgrades — particularly self-protection kits and countermeasures — to remain viable in contested airspace. These should include enhanced defenses against radio frequency, infrared, and cyber threats,” he told Breaking Defense.

Analyst Alexander agreed with Mazzucco that MQ-9 losses due to Houthi attacks “while tactically significant, don’t negate the platform’s utility. They simply highlight that even high-end UAVs require protection in contested airspace, something true of all non-stealth drones.”

He didn’t expect Saudi MQ-9 to operate deep in hostile airspace without support.

“Saudi Arabia would likely use MQ-9s in layered operations: patrolling borders, cuing manned aircraft, directing ground units, or executing targeted strikes in coordination with coalition forces. In these roles, the MQ-9’s ability to loiter for hours, provide real-time targeting data, and carry multi-mode sensors is unmatched,” Alexander concluded. (Source: Google/Breaking Defense.com)

 

21 May 25. SEI Japan 2025: Japan’s navy tests long-endurance UUV. The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) is testing an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) prototype developed by Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), Janes learnt at the DSEI Japan 2025 show being held in Chiba from 21 to 23 May. An MHI official told Janes that the company has developed two prototype variants of the UUV. The first prototype is 10 m long, while the second prototype is 16 m long. The JMSDF is testing the 16 m prototype, the official said. The UUV is being developed to enhance the intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities of the JMSDF, the official added. The UUV is equipped with two sonars, an electro-optic/infrared (EO/IR) sensor, and a satellite communications (satcom) antenna to support ISR operations, the official said. The 10 m UUV prototype has a weight of 20 tons and a maximum endurance of seven days. The 16 m UUV prototype has a weight of 30 tons and an endurance of more than seven days, the official added. The official said the UUV is powered by lithium-ion batteries. The official declined to provide additional technical details about the UUV including its range and operating depth. (Source: Janes)

 

19 May 25. China to launch drone mothership. New high-altitude aircraft is designed to be capable of releasing a swarm of 100 attack drones. China is preparing to launch a new drone-carrying mothership capable of releasing 100 kamikaze unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) at the same time. The Jiu Tan, which means “high sky”, is a high-altitude long-range UAV that can transport weapons and equipment. Over the weekend, state media reported that the fourth prototype had completed its structural assembly and was undergoing installation and testing. It will set off on its maiden flight next month as China looks to boost its air force capabilities. The Jiu Tan was developed by Shaanxi Unmanned Equipment Technology and was first unveiled at the Zhuhai air show, the largest in the country, in November. The vehicle has a 25-metre wingspan and can fly for 12 hours, with a maximum range of 7,000 kilometres (4,350 miles). It has a take-off weight of 16 tons and a transporting capacity of six tons, which could be used to carry anything from surveillance technology to ammunition. However, the most noteworthy part of the new aircraft is its ability to launch large quantities of drones at once, making it difficult for a defender to respond. Video footage released by state media replicates what this could look like. Drone swarms can be hugely beneficial for intelligence gathering, surveillance and reconnaissance, which would be important in the event of an escalation in conflict between China and Taiwan. The aircraft can also carry cruise missiles and medium-range air-to-air missiles, such as the PL-12E. Its ability to reach high altitudes means it would be harder to detect from ground-based radar systems and could fly above many of the defence systems operational around the world. Drone warfare has become increasingly important in recent years because of its central role in Russia’s war in Ukraine. Since the Russian invasion in February 2022, Ukraine’s production of drones – specifically first person view (FPV) drones, which are capable of destroying tanks – has surged.

Pat Harrigan, a member of the US House of Representatives, said last month that FPV drones were responsible for 80 per cent of Russian casualties in Ukraine.

Ukraine has also developed a growing fleet of long-range drones, capable of hitting military bases and weapons storage facilities deep inside Russia. The Jiu Tan was developed by Shaanxi Unmanned Equipment Technology China already has a large drone capacity. Earlier this year, it tested the TP1000, the first unmanned transport aircraft capable of carrying more than a ton of goods. The country has also previously operated long-endurance drones, such as the WZ-7 drone and the TB-001 Scorpion drone, around contested islands in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait. The development of the Jia Tun could be the latest in China’s effort to expand its aerial capabilities to rival those of the US. Experts have said that the drone-carrying mothership will be a probable competitor to two American carriers, the RQ-4 Global Hawk and the MQ-9 Reaper. Neither the RQ-4 nor the MQ-9 are capable of the swarm strikes that make the Jia Tun a noteworthy addition to China’s arsenal. (Source: Daily Telegraph)

 

19 May 25. Anduril Industries UK today announced that it will lead a team for upcoming programmes, including to bid for future flight opportunities. Anduril UK, building on its existing partnership with aerospace company Archer, will receive additional support from Skyports Drone Services and AtkinsRéalis, two other leading technology companies.  Together, Anduril and its partners will explore civil and defence applications in the UK using Archer’s Midnight eVTOL aircraft. This includes explorations for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations, enabling low-emission, rapid-response logistics to support a wide range of UK-focused civil and military use cases, including cargo.  Anduril will serve as the lead systems integrator incorporating software-defined mission autonomy, communications, and command-and-control systems tailored for UK operational needs. Archer will act as the platform provider, adapting Archer’s Midnight platform for dual-use applications and continuing its work with Anduril on the planned hybrid aircraft.   This also marks Anduril bringing in Archer’s VTOL technologies to the UK market, furthering investment, job creation and competition to strengthen the UK’s capabilities in aviation and defence, and furthering Anduril UK’s commitment to UK Defence and wider economic growth. The group will also continue work together on Archer and Anduril’s previously announced hybrid-propulsion VTOL aircraft. This approach to air system design and development will be supported by AtkinsRéalis’ deep expertise in safely and efficiently incorporating novel aviation technologies into UK airspace – AtkinsRéalis was recently appointed as the Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA) first approved assessor of commercial drones.   Skyports Drone Services complements this with its own extensive operational experience, having delivered numerous beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) campaigns for major clients including the NHS and Royal Mail. In 2024, it took part in The Royal Navy Heavy Lift Challenge, showcasing the efficacy of dual-use aircraft.

By combining the latest advancements in eVTOL aircraft development, software-defined systems integration, regulatory expertise and operational delivery, this team is well-positioned to support the UK’s ambition to become a global leader in aviation technologies.

Dr Rich Drake, Managing Director of Anduril UK said, “The UK has clear ambitions both for innovation and growth, as well as to continue its leadership in advanced air mobility. This partnership brings together Archer’s leading eVTOL technology, Skyports’ infrastructure expertise and AtkinsRéalis’ safety systems in order to support future flight projects, accelerating VTOL and BVLOS developments. It also unlocks opportunities in defence and civil domains, including rapid, low-emission urban transport and surveillance capabilities for defence applications. Introducing Archer to the UK, alongside experienced local partners, marks a step forward in delivering integrated air mobility”.

Verity Richardson, Head of Business Development, UK, at Archer said, “This team marks the next phase of our partnership with Anduril. There’s an incredible amount of opportunity here in the UK and worldwide to deploy dual-use advanced aircraft and we look forward to making it a reality”.

Alex Brown, Director of Skyports Drone Services said, “The UK Government is making strong progress in enabling permanent BVLOS drone operations so partnering with Anduril and Archer is a natural step, as we onboard more advanced aircraft and increase our payload and range capabilities. Our first project on cargo services will lay the groundwork for other applications with significant value, such as surveillance and search and rescue”.

David Clark, Global Head of Aerospace & Defence, AtkinsRéalis, said, “Leveraging our experience in novel aircraft design and emerging regulatory frameworks, AtkinsRéalis will be supporting the team to safely integrate automated uncrewed aircrafts into the UK’s skies. The combination of local expertise with investment from industry leaders like Archer and Anduril will strengthen the UK’s position at the forefront of the future of flight”.

Anduril UK’s software-focused approach to product development enables it to deploy new systems on compressed timelines, fielding several dual-use military capabilities, most notably providing the Ghost autonomous uncrewed air system to the UK MOD. The programme would further demonstrate Anduril UK’s commitment to engineering and manufacturing scalable technologies in the UK, building on current approaches, and bringing further investment and job creation. Over the past two years, AtkinsRéalis and Skyports have been demonstrating the feasibility of an eVTOL ecosystem in the UK, as members of the Advanced Mobility Ecosystem Consortium, which is supported by the Future Flight Challenge Phase 3. This consortium is developing key technology and infrastructure, and exploring key aspects of the passenger journey, vehicle operation, airspace navigation, ground charging, and local stakeholder engagement.

 

16 May 25. Royal Navy name Project CETUS XLUUV, ‘Excalibur.’ Both the Royal Navy and MSubs have their own ideas for specified payloads which they plan to test on Excalibur in the coming months and years. In an unveiling ceremony at His Majesty’s Naval Base Devonport on 15 May, the UK Royal Navy marked the culmination of the three-year-long development of its extra-large uncrewed underwater vehicle (XLUUV) under what is known as Project CETUS. It is now confirmed that the experimental vessel (XV) has been named the XV Excalibur after the Arthurian legend, and an experimental high-speed submarine that the service trialled in the 1950s and 60s. The capability has a length of 12 metres (m), a width of 2m, and a displacement of 19 tonnes. UUVs make up 42% of the global military uncrewed maritime vehicles market, which is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 8.9% over the next decade, according to GlobalData intelligence. Since the Plymouth-based manufacturer, MSubs, delivered the autonomous platform to the Royal Navy earlier this year, the XLUUV has undertaken harbour and sea acceptance trials at Devonport. Now, Excalibur will join the Fleet Experimentation Squadron, a unit that was recently formed under the Disruptive Capabilities and Technologies Office, where it will join surface ship XV Patrick Blackett. As a demonstrator, the platform will not perform operational duties but will shape future concepts.

“The lessons learnt from this… programme will build on our experience from existing programmes, such as the Mine Hunting Capability programme, to inform more extensive use of these technologies in a mixed force of crewed and uncrewed systems,” said Commodore Marcus Rose, deputy director underwater battlespace capability.

It will serve as the testbed for emerging maritime technology, both exploiting the natural intelligence surveillance, reconnaissance and stealth aspects of the XLUUV, alongside its ability to carry bespoke payloads. To some extent, the integration of emerging sensing capabilities with the platform has already occurred. In 2022, during Nato exercise REPMUS, another British naval supplier SEA tested its sonar solution from another XLUUV – the S201 – built by MSubs in 2005, a precursor that the company recently described as the “spiritual predecessor” to Excalibur.

Excalibur development: internals

During the Undersea Defence Technology conference at Oslo in March, MSubs naval architect Callum McCullough dubbed the autonomous submarine as “a pick-up truck of the sea.”

For that reason, the payload bay is the particular focus to the design. It “breaks massively from convention,” he said, as the large bay uses a strong carbon fibre chassis, which can hold five tonnes of potential total mass, as well as nine cubic metres of volume. The modular design consists of ten sections, which reduces downtime. “When, inevitably, there is a fault – we all know that that will happen, and we’ve got to lift the vehicle out – we can quickly access everything that you need to access,” McCullough said. MSubs designed the battery system in-house. The main motor was designed by their engineers with other parts manufactured by suppliers across the country. Both the Royal Navy and MSubs have a few specified payloads they each plan to test on Excalibur in the coming months and years. (Source: naval-technology.com)

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BCB certainly has a rich history (1854) and an impressive portfolio of products designed to enhance the safety and effectiveness of NATO defence personnel in various environments.

The core competency of protecting lives in hostile environments, includes:

LAND:

BCB`s camouflage creams and camouflage nets have been standard issue to conceal generations of British and NATO forces.

Our newly developed MultiSpectral Cam technology, the MK8 Phantom, camouflages and protects people/vehicles/assets in the visual, IR and thermal (SWIR/MWIR/LWIR) spectrums.

FireDragon, our eco field cooking fuel, burns cleanly so can also be used in the confined space of a foxhole or tent. It is waterproof, easy to light, non-toxic and smokeless.

SEA;

Our patented Floating Body Armour is unique, versatile and sensibly protects both you and your life jacket, under the soft and hard armour. Designed to be low bulk, it`s massive 275 newtons of buoyancy is self-righting. We say it will “save your life twice”.

Our range of Boat Stopping Systems, provided a layered non-lethal stopping capability against all sizes of vessels, including unmanned threats. So you can stop and search, defeat pirates from boarding, prevent terrorists from getting near your vessel or close off quickly a waterway, port or maritime borders.

AIR;

BCB`s sister company UAVE have been manufacturing since 2013, the Dragon MK3, large, long range (1,000km) long endurance (12hours), versatile and mission-ready UAV. It is proven and operational from the polar regions to 45deg C heat in the Middle East and Asia. The larger of the 3 models, carries 25 kilos payload.

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Sponsored by BCB INTERNATIONAL

 

http: https://www.bcbin.com/

 

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15 May 25. Red Cat Expands Maritime Domain Capabilities with Battle-Tested Unmanned Surface Vessels. Strategic partnership with leading USV company enhances Red Cat’s multi-domain capabilities and capitalizes on rapidly growing global demand for autonomous, kinetic-capable platforms. Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: RCAT) (“Red Cat”), a leading provider of drone technology for military, government, and commercial operations, today announced the expansion of its multi-domain Family of Systems with a new line of Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs). This strategic move marks Red Cat’s official entry into the rapidly evolving maritime autonomy market and reinforces its position as a provider of comprehensive, interoperable unmanned systems for air, land, and sea operations.

Meeting the Demands of Modern Conflict

Red Cat’s entry into the maritime domain builds on existing inroads, including a partnership with Ocean Power Technologies to integrate its aerial drones with autonomous maritime platforms. Red Cat’s own line of kinetic-capable USVs marks a significant step forward. The decision is a direct response to rising geopolitical tensions and a shift in U.S. defense priorities toward re-asserting American maritime dominance globally. Red Cat is well positioned to deliver American-manufactured solutions that address these urgent operational needs of the U.S. and allied naval forces.

“This is a pivotal moment for Red Cat as we evolve from an aerial-first drone company into a true multi-domain defense provider,” said Jeff Thompson, Red Cat CEO. “This expansion into maritime platforms opens significant opportunities in a fast-growing and urgently needed defense sector. As the U.S. and its allies confront rising maritime threats, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, there’s a clear demand for powerful, proven, and scalable USVs made in America. With these USVs, we’re helping to shape the future of autonomous warfare and strengthening the foundation of U.S. defense manufacturing.”

Red Cat is bringing its line of USVs to market in partnership with a leading global manufacturer of USVs. The system is tested daily in actual combat and designed to operate either autonomously or in manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) configurations. The technology already has 10,000+ hours of operating time in live combat missions. Moving into production will accelerate Red Cat’s roadmap for USVs that integrate seamlessly with its existing family of ISR and unmanned aerial systems, supporting multi-domain and swarming operations.

“This system has been used day in and day out in the current conflict, accumulating tens of thousands of hours in real combat operations and achieving dozens of successful kinetic engagements against enemy assets, more than any navy since World War II,” Thompson stated. “By partnering with a company that has extensive proven experience and is well beyond the proof-of-concept stage, we gain a substantial competitive advantage as we enter this market.”

Red Cat is preparing to start production in Q3 of a seven-meter Expeditionary Multi-Role Craft developed to meet the demands of high-speed, long-range, kinetic maritime operations. It is built for larger payloads, extended endurance, and increased firepower. The version has enhanced range, payload capacity, and mission flexibility making it ideal for deep-strike missions, anti-ship warfare, and coastal interdiction in contested zones.

Leaders in Ship Building and Marine Innovation

Red Cat has assembled an elite team of master boatbuilders, drawing from industry leaders with centuries of collective experience. Renowned for pioneering advanced jet propulsion systems and crafting superior, American-made hulls, our team brings unmatched expertise to every vessel. Boatbuilding at scale demands profound knowledge and precision—qualities our proven professionals deliver with decades of hands-on experience, ensuring excellence in every detail. (Source: ASD Network)

 

15 May 25. Army explores ultra-long-range launched effects to spy from the sky. The U.S. Army is pursuing concepts to deploy ultra-long-range effects to surveil deep in the battlespace, according to the service’s Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance Task Force director.

“We may have to have standoff capability that we’ve not yet envisioned today,” Andrew Evans said Wednesday at the Army Aviation Association of America’s annual conference.

The Army is already focused on developing launched effects from both ground and air platforms for short, medium and long-range distances.

“What we’re going to do in the intel space is demonstrate what we call ultra-long-range launched effects,” Evans said.

“What we’re looking at doing is something that represents a thousand miles past the prime mover, so imagine a system that can deliver a launched effect that can get itself into a position of launch and then a thousand miles beyond that, which is over-the-horizon sensing. You’re getting into some game-changing capabilities.”

The ISR Task Force plans to conduct a user demonstration in 2026 exploring what this concept could look like using a commercial aircraft to then deploy a long-range launched effect.

“We believe industry has solved a lot of these problems already. What we have done is get all the right industry partners together to try to figure out how to build the ecosystem around that,” he said.

The Army’s approach will likely first focus on the “glide body itself, the propulsion vehicle,” Evans said, then the service will layer in sensing capabilities. Lastly, it will focus on “backhauling” or transporting the data off of the platform to the relevant command and control interfaces.

“The sensing and the backhaul are not trivial,” said Lawrence Mixon, special assistant to the Program Executive Officer for Intelligence, Electronic Warfare and Sensors at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland.

“Our integrated sensor architecture folks within the PEO have already been working in that regard with standards from data that should help in partnering with industry to get through that backhaul piece,” he said, adding, “it also ties back into next-generation command-and-control and standards there to enable that information to get to decision makers, to commanders.”

Earlier this year, the Army issued a call to industry looking for unmanned aircraft systems to launch from medium- or high-altitude platforms that would perform tasks like ISR, according to the notice posted to the federal business opportunities portal Sam.gov.

A demonstration of operational capability is planned for the fiscal 2026 timeframe. This effort will also help inform the work in which the ISR Task Force is engaged.

While the task force’s demonstration would not use the Army’s emerging high-speed spy jet called HADES, which is short for “High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System,” one concept for an ultra-long-range effect uses the long legs of that platform to deeply penetrate over enemy territory, followed by an even deeper journey using the launched effect. (Source: Defense News)

 

13 May 25. DZYNE Technologies is proud to announce the successful test flight of the Long-Range Grasshopper, the newest addition to the Grasshopper product line. This groundbreaking advancement marks a significant step forward in autonomous delivery technology. Building on the proven success of the original Grasshopper autonomous glider, the Long-Range Grasshopper introduces a turbine engine and advanced systems, enhancing its range capability while delivering a 500-pound payload. Designed as a cost-effective solution, this platform delivers high performance at a fraction of the cost compared to similar systems. “The Long-Range Grasshopper represents a game-changing capability for accurate and survivable payload delivery in contested logistics environments,” said Matthew McCue, CEO of DZYNE Technologies. “It is a testament to our unwavering commitment to breaking the traditional defense acquisition cost curve while safeguarding our country and its interests. Collaborating with AFRL/RSC on this project has been an incredible opportunity, and we are proud to partner with such a forward-thinking organization to advance innovative solutions for modern defense challenges.” Flight testing occurred in late 2024 at Dugway Proving Ground, Utah, and Pendelton UAS Range, Oregon—showcasing the Long-Range Grasshopper’s robust capabilities. During the test, the vehicle deployed and safely separated from the host aircraft, transitioned to fixed-wing flight, successfully air-started its onboard jet engine, flew under power, and executed a precision landing at the intended landing zone, demonstrating its ability to meet mission critical performance standards in contested environments.

DZYNE Technologies’ Executive Vice President of Programs, Ed Smetak, stated, “The Long-Range Grasshopper program exemplifies the innovative potential of low-cost manufacturing techniques to deliver game-changing cargo capabilities. The close collaboration between AFRL/RSC and DZYNE Technologies has accelerated the development timeline, enabling rapid flight testing and immediate user feedback. The Grasshopper product line addresses the logistical challenges of high-risk operational environments. Its contested logistics capabilities enable aerial suppliers from standoff distances to deliver critical payloads while keeping host aircraft safely out of harm’s way, making it an ideal solution for operations in contested areas. With scalable production and innovative design, the Grasshopper family supports a range of use cases, from emergency resupply to tactical deliveries, offering unmatched flexibility and reliability. In addition to its operational achievements, the company has scaled its manufacturing capabilities to meet growing demand. The company announced the opening of a new 125,000-square-foot facility in Irvine, California, in November 2023. This state-of-the-art facility, which consolidates UAS engineering, research, and manufacturing teams under one roof, ramping up production to meet the anticipated demand for the Grasshopper product line to support its anticipated demand. DZYNE remains a trusted partner in autonomous defense solutions, offering a diverse portfolio that includes the LEAP and ULTRA long-endurance ISR platforms and the Dronebuster®, Sawtooth, and Shield CUAS platforms. The Grasshopper family represents a significant leap forward in autonomous logistics, reinforcing DZYNE Technologies’ position at the forefront of the rapidly evolving defense industry as a disruptive solutions provider. (Source: PR Newswire)

 

14 May 25. US Army cancels Future Tactical UAS programme. The US Army has cancelled the Future Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System (FTUAS) programme, intended to replace the Textron Systems RQ-7 Shadow to provide brigade-level intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), the army told Janes on 13 May. The cancellation is part of a recently announced overhaul of army acquisition, which has included cancelling the General Dynamics Land Systems M10 Booker tank and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems MQ-1 Gray Eagle acquisition programmes, among others.

“We are changing the way we move forward with the integration of uncrewed aircraft systems based on [the] evolving battlefield,” the army told Janes. “We can’t get locked into long-term programmes of record as technology is rapidly evolving, and we need to bring in technologies that solve today’s problems.”

“We will first field every division with 1,000 drones, [and] after that we will experiment with those systems and see if we scale that larger or not,” the army continued. “Based off that use case of success is how we will delineate and request additional funding for additional units.”

Two FTUAS candidates – the Textron Systems Aerosonde Mk 4.8 HQ and Griffon Aerospace Valiant – wrapped up testing at the army’s Redstone Test Center, outside Huntsville, Alabama, in September 2024. The army had intended to select a contest winner in the fourth quarter of fiscal year (FY) 2025, and as recently as 30 April announced delivery of the first production Valiant for testing. Textron Systems referred questions to the army; Griffon Aerospace had not responded to Janes questions at the time of publication. (Source: Janes)

 

14 May 25. Patria and the Swedish company ACC Innovation have signed a cooperation agreement for the militarization of drones to NATO member country. In the first phase of the collaboration, the companies will develop a military variant of ACC Innovation’s Thunder Wasp GT quadcopter drone, which has a maximum take-off weight of approximately 800 kg.

“Patria’s strong background in research and development provides a good foundation for bringing new intelligent features to drone systems. Patria has wide expertise in developing and integrating the capabilities required for military use into the chosen platforms to achieve the desired performance. We see that the militarization of such a completely new type of capability has several potential applications in today’s constantly changing operational environment. We look forward to continuing our excellent cooperation with ACC Innovation”, commented Mikko Leino, Executive Vice President, Operations, Patria.

“We are proud to announce our collaboration with Patria, a partnership that represents a significant step forward in the development and deployment of advanced aerial platforms. Our expertise in high-performance quadcopter systems, combined with Patria’s vast experience in defense innovation, will allow us to explore new frontiers in autonomous and heavy-lift aerial technologies. While the applications are wide-ranging, we remain committed to ensuring that our technologies are developed and deployed responsibly, with a clear focus on safety, reliability, and mission effectiveness”, says Max Drougge, CTO, ACC Innovation AB.

For several years, Patria has been developing technologies and solutions to enable unmanned operations for military use, considering the highly demanding arctic operational environment of the Nordic countries. The activities have not been limited to platforms but have encompassed the entire chain required to complete the mission, including mission planning, navigation in exceptional conditions, payload management, ensuring communication links, and analyzing mission results. In general, Patria offers platform- and industry-independent solutions for integrating unmanned systems for use by military and security authorities.

 

13 May 25. Helsing: Lura, Fathom respond to underwater threats. In some cases, the surveillance capability has been able to differentiate ships of the same class. Helsing unveiled its Lura software platform and SG-1 Fathom autonomous underwater gliders, which together form a subsea surveillance network that will soon support the UK Royal Navy and two unspecified, allied navies defend their waters. Lura is a software platform that uses a large acoustic model – similar to large language models – trained on decades of acoustic data. The platform can identify and classify enemy acoustic signatures (sounds made by ships and submarines) with what the company considers unparalleled accuracy. SG-1 Fathom, an autonomous underwater glider – nearly two metres in length, with a diameter of 28 centremetres, and a top speed of two to three knots – integrates Lura, allowing the system to detect threats underwater. It then sends limited sets of the data to command and control when the glider surfaces. These gliders can reach to depths of 1,000 metres. The European defence technology company revealed additional details of the concept to Naval Technology in a briefing with a select group of the press on 13 May 2025.

Production and timeline

A constellation of Fathom gliders are required to operate together, not in isolation. This grouping can also include sensor systems from other naval suppliers too. The mass of systems enables location and identification methods such as triangulation. For this reason, Helsing’s gliders are said to be affordable and scalable. The company announced that it will establish a new facility in the UK where it will manufacture these attritable gliders on mass. Helsing initially anticipate delivery of hundreds of Fathoms, soon producing thousands. Depending on procurement times within the UK Ministry of Defence, Helsing expect to deliver in 12 months’ time.

Trade-off: covertness or comms?

Helsing did not design the gliders to communicate to each other, ensuring the Navy can maintain silence as much as possible during operations. This also adds credence to the glider’s design, reducing the acoustic signature of Fathom itself. (Source: naval-technology.com)

 

13 May 25. Evolve Dynamics launches Foxe and Wolfe: two new cutting-edge miniaturised UAS platforms for the defence market

In the week that Europe celebrated the 80th anniversary of VE Day, when World War II came to an end, Evolve Dynamics, a British designer and manufacturer of advanced Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS), today announced the launch of two new miniaturised platforms specifically engineered to meet the rigorous demands of modern warfighters.  The new platforms, Foxe and Wolfe, were spiral developed based on learnings from Ukraine battlefield deployment, and represent a significant leap forward in tactical intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, offering elevated resilience and performance in demanding environments. Foxe and Wolfe were launched at a special event for veterans of the UK armed forces hosted by Evolve Dynamics in Hampshire UK. Celebrating the 80th anniversary of VE Day, a select group of Royal British Legion members were invited to get an exclusive look at the new technology and experience flying the UAS, before touring the development and manufacturing facilities and enjoying a special themed afternoon tea.

FOXE: AGILE ISR FOR TACTICAL EDGE

Taking its name from the indomitable Arctic explorer Luke Foxe, Foxe is a sub-250g hand-launchable UAS designed for immediate ISR in dynamic, high-stakes scenarios. True to its namesake, Foxe embodies resilience, agility, and a spirit of exploration, pushing the boundaries of tactical ISR. This ultra-lightweight, pouch-deployable system ensures operators gain critical situational awareness swiftly and reliably.

Key features of Foxe include:

• Exceptional weather resistance: Operates effectively in wind up to 15.5 m/s (35 mph), rain, and rough coastal conditions (IP54 rated).
• Extreme temperature tested: Proven performance in temperatures ranging from -20°C to +55°C.
• Rugged and field-serviceable: Combat-ready design built for real world use and rapid redeployments, with key components repairable on the go.
• Extended endurance: Up to 35 minutes of flight time for persistent surveillance.
• EW-resilient radio: Frequency-hopping technology for reliable operation in contested environments.
• Fly without restrictions: Minimal training required – fast to learn, quick to deploy, built for real-world users.
• Rapid deployment: Ready to fly in under 90 seconds from pouch to air.
• Intuitive control: Designed for ease of use by non-specialist personnel.

WOLFE: ULTRA-RUGGED UAS FOR EXTENDED MISSIONS IN THE HARSHEST ENVIRONMENTS

Wolfe, named after the bold British military strategist General James Wolfe, is a sub-4 kg, ultra-rugged UAS built for extended missions in the harshest environments. Embodying strength, stealth, and intelligence, Wolfe is designed to endure and to reshape modern ISR tactics. Its exceptional stability in high winds and extended flight time make it an invaluable asset for persistent surveillance and reconnaissance.

Key features of Wolfe include:

• Unmatched wind stability: Handles sustained winds of up to 20 m/s (45 mph).
• Extended mission capability: Up to 60 minutes of flight time, with hot-swappable power for continuous operation and compatibility with the Infinity Tether for multi-day deployments.
• Superior weatherproofing: IP55 rated for reliable operation in rain, dust, and salt-laden coastal air.
• Ultra-rugged construction: Built to survive with a modular, field-repairable design for maximum uptime.
• Enhanced stealth and discretion: Low acoustic output for covert operations.
• Safe stand-off distance: High definition 3-axis dual-camera gimbal enables target recognition without detection risk.
• Versatile deployment: Lightweight (<4kg) and backpack deployable, ready to fly in under 90 seconds from any location.

BRITISH INNOVATION, BATTLE-TESTED TECHNOLOGY

Both Foxe and Wolfe are proudly designed and manufactured in the UK, incorporating battle-tested technology refined through real-world deployments of Evolve Dynamics’ existing systems, including in Ukraine.

Evolve Dynamics’ CEO Tom Redman commented:

“At Evolve Dynamics our mission is to push the boundaries of uncrewed systems to create a safer world, including equipping front line users with the most reliable and effective tools to ensure their safety and mission success. The launch of Foxe and Wolfe represents a significant milestone in achieving this mission. Born from a deep understanding of the critical needs within the defence sector, and drawing upon our battle-tested experience, these UAS platforms embody our commitment to British innovation, rugged design, and exceptional performance in the most demanding conditions. We are immensely proud to offer these cutting-edge capabilities to the defence market, empowering forces with unparalleled situational awareness and operational advantages.”

Evolve Dynamics launches Foxe and Wolfe:

two new cutting-edge miniaturised UAS platforms for the defence market

In the week that Europe celebrated the 80th anniversary of VE Day, when World War II came to an end, Evolve Dynamics, a British designer and manufacturer of advanced Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS), today announced the launch of two new miniaturised platforms specifically engineered to meet the rigorous demands of modern warfighters.

The new platforms, Foxe and Wolfe, were spiral developed based on learnings from Ukraine battlefield deployment, and represent a significant leap forward in tactical intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, offering elevated resilience and performance in demanding environments.

Foxe and Wolfe were launched at a special event for veterans of the UK armed forces hosted by Evolve Dynamics in Hampshire UK. Celebrating the 80th anniversary of VE Day, a select group of Royal British Legion members were invited to get an exclusive look at the new technology and experience flying the UAS, before touring the development and manufacturing facilities and enjoying a special themed afternoon tea.

FOXE: AGILE ISR FOR TACTICAL EDGE

Taking its name from the indomitable Arctic explorer Luke Foxe, Foxe is a sub-250g hand-launchable UAS designed for immediate ISR in dynamic, high-stakes scenarios. True to its namesake, Foxe embodies resilience, agility, and a spirit of exploration, pushing the boundaries of tactical ISR. This ultra-lightweight, pouch-deployable system ensures operators gain critical situational awareness swiftly and reliably.

Key features of Foxe include:

• Exceptional weather resistance: Operates effectively in wind up to 15.5 m/s (35 mph), rain, and rough coastal conditions (IP54 rated).
• Extreme temperature tested: Proven performance in temperatures ranging from -20°C to +55°C.
• Rugged and field-serviceable: Combat-ready design built for real world use and rapid redeployments, with key components repairable on the go.
• Extended endurance: Up to 35 minutes of flight time for persistent surveillance.
• EW-resilient radio: Frequency-hopping technology for reliable operation in contested environments.
• Fly without restrictions: Minimal training required – fast to learn, quick to deploy, built for real-world users.
• Rapid deployment: Ready to fly in under 90 seconds from pouch to air.
• Intuitive control: Designed for ease of use by non-specialist personnel.

WOLFE: ULTRA-RUGGED UAS FOR EXTENDED MISSIONS IN THE HARSHEST ENVIRONMENTS

Wolfe, named after the bold British military strategist General James Wolfe, is a sub-4 kg, ultra-rugged UAS built for extended missions in the harshest environments. Embodying strength, stealth, and intelligence, Wolfe is designed to endure and to reshape modern ISR tactics. Its exceptional stability in high winds and extended flight time make it an invaluable asset for persistent surveillance and reconnaissance.

Key features of Wolfe include:

• Unmatched wind stability: Handles sustained winds of up to 20 m/s (45 mph).
• Extended mission capability: Up to 60 minutes of flight time, with hot-swappable power for continuous operation and compatibility with the Infinity Tether for multi-day deployments.
• Superior weatherproofing: IP55 rated for reliable operation in rain, dust, and salt-laden coastal air.
• Ultra-rugged construction: Built to survive with a modular, field-repairable design for maximum uptime.
• Enhanced stealth and discretion: Low acoustic output for covert operations.
• Safe stand-off distance: High definition 3-axis dual-camera gimbal enables target recognition without detection risk.
• Versatile deployment: Lightweight (<4kg) and backpack deployable, ready to fly in under 90 seconds from any location.

BRITISH INNOVATION, BATTLE-TESTED TECHNOLOGY

Both Foxe and Wolfe are proudly designed and manufactured in the UK, incorporating battle-tested technology refined through real-world deployments of Evolve Dynamics’ existing systems, including in Ukraine.

Evolve Dynamics’ CEO Tom Redman commented:

“At Evolve Dynamics our mission is to push the boundaries of uncrewed systems to create a safer world, including equipping front line users with the most reliable and effective tools to ensure their safety and mission success. The launch of Foxe and Wolfe represents a significant milestone in achieving this mission. Born from a deep understanding of the critical needs within the defence sector, and drawing upon our battle-tested experience, these UAS platforms embody our commitment to British innovation, rugged design, and exceptional performance in the most demanding conditions. We are immensely proud to offer these cutting-edge capabilities to the defence market, empowering forces with unparalleled situational awareness and operational advantages.”

 

12 May 25. Number of drone patents granted worldwide jumps 18% in the last year.

• Innovation is partly being driven by R&D from the defence sector
• China accounts for 79% of drone patents filed worldwide last year

The number of patents granted in relation to drone technology has increased globally by 18% to 7,890 in the last year, up from 6,686 in the year previous, shows new research from leading intellectual property (IP) law firm Mathys & Squire.* Increased innovation in drone technology has partly been driven by greater investment in defence R&D as well as an increasing range of uses for drones in the broader economy. Manufacturers are rushing to corner as much of this rapidly growing market by registering patents to protect their R&D investments. Developments in AI have also driven the substantial growth in drone inventions as companies look to integrate the two technologies .

Andrew White, partner at Mathys & Squire says: “There is now an almost universal acceptance that drones are going to be an important part of defence sector investment and defence companies, conventional drone companies and universities are all looking to out-innovate their competition in order to secure part of that market. Innovations within the defence sector are also spilling over into the conventional drone sector – such as the use of AI to allow real-time data analysis, correction to navigation systems and object detection and avoidance”

6,217 Chinese patents were granted last year relating to drone technology, accounting for 79% of all drone patents granted last year. This was up from 4,859 or 73% of all drone patents the year before.

Notable Chinese filers of drone patents include drone manufacturer DJI, who filed 64 patents in the last year alone. The state-backed People’s Liberation Army National University of Defence Technology also accounted for 73 patents in the last two years.

Russia also remained in the top 4 filers of drone patents (behind China, the US and South Korea), and were granted 239 patents last year, a 78% increase from the 134 patents granted the year before.

Commercial applications continue to drive growth in drone innovation

Outside of military applications, the commercial use of drones has also expanded, notable emerging applications include:

• Advanced mapping and surveillance capabilities, e.g. for monitoring progress on large-scale construction, industrial or land surveying projects
• Using drones to establish an underwater radio communications system
• Method for drones to recharge from overhead power lines
• An automated, high-efficiency spraying drone for use in agriculture
• The use of drone technology in creating a highly-automated air traffic control system to direct commercial aircraft

*Source: Patentscope data from the Information Commissioners’ Office (year-end December 31)

About Mathys & Squire

Founded in 1910, Mathys & Squire is one of the leading full-service intellectual property law firms in Europe, with over 110 years of experience in the protection and commercialisation of IP rights.

The firm has more than 60 qualified attorneys and offices in London, Paris, Munich, Luxembourg, Cambridge, Oxford, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle and York as well as teams based in China, Japan and Belfast.

Mathys & Squire is highly ranked in leading legal and IP directories, including The Legal 500, Chambers UK, IAM Patent 1000 and WTR1000.

 

13 May 25. Kratos Develops Two Secretive Loyal Wingman Drones Aimed at European Market. Two new drone designs, Apollo and Athena, are in development at Kratos with a particular focus on collaborative operations with other crewed and uncrewed aircraft, and an eye toward sales in Europe. The modular Apollo and Athena designs are smaller than the company’s XQ-58 Valkyrie, and could be configured to carry weapons, electronic warfare systems, or additional sensors.

Steve Fendley, President of Kratos’ Unmanned Systems Division, shared details about Apollo and Athena in an interview with TWZ‘s Howard Altman on the sidelines of the annual Modern Day Marine exposition last week. In December 2024, Kratos confirmed to us that it secured contracts for both drones, but said it could not provide any additional information. During a quarterly earnings call in August 2024, Kratos CEO Eric DeMarco had disclosed the Apollo contract and said one for Athena was expected in the coming months. The company has yet to release imagery of either design.

“I can’t say too much, but they are high-subsonic systems,” Fendley told TWZ. “They’re quite a bit smaller than the [XQ-58] Valkyrie. So, much smaller footprint.”

Fendley also said that Kratos was targeting a sub-$5 m unit price for both Apollo and Athena, which have highly modular designs to allow them to be configured for multiple mission sets.

Per Kratos’ website at the time of writing, the company says the Valkyrie is 30 feet long, has a 27-foot wingspan, a dry weight of 2,500 pounds, and a maximum takeoff weight of 6,000 pounds. The drone also has a stated cruising speed of 0.72 Mach, a maximum speed of 0.85 Mach, and a maximum range of 3,000 nautical miles. In 2022, the company also announced it had developed a Block 2 version with a heavier overall weight, but did not provide a specific weight figure. A number of additional variants have been developed since then, but specific details about their configurations remain limited.

Kratos has also said in the past that its goal is to eventually drive down Valkyrie’s unit cost to around $2 m. However, last year, the company told TWZ that the price tag for a single XQ-58 was still between $4 and $6 m, depending on the exact configuration. In general, Kratos has historically focused on lower-cost designs and ones that can be manufactured relatively quickly.

Apollo and Athena “are designed to be hard to detect,” Fendley added, but did not elaborate on that. There are various ways to reduce an aircraft’s radar cross-section, as well as its infrared, auditory, and visual signatures. For instance, the external moldline, the shape and position of the engine intake and exhaust, and other features of the XQ-58 contribute to that design’s low-observability (stealthiness).

“The big focus” with both of the new drones “is interactive collaboration of multiple aircraft at the same time,” Fendley explained. “So multiple uncrewed aircraft at the same time, collaborating, [and] performing” missions with, “basically, any fighter or attack aircraft in the inventory, that’s the intent.”

“So joining those [Apollo and Athena] aircraft, or even Valkyrie, up with a fifth-gen[eration stealth] fighter, you have some capability to get to go out in front. You have some capability to basically light up the enemy,” he continued. “But what’s really interesting, when you combine it with a [non-stealthy] fourth-gen or even a third-gen system – which, of course, the U.S. doesn’t do much of that anymore, but the international customers do – what you really do is you substantially increase the capability of that third or fourth-gen system because now it has off-board capability that’s not adding risk to that system.”

“So let’s pick an F-16. The F-16 can have a Valkyrie or an Athena or Apollo doing part of a mission that it normally would do, but it would have to be within a risk area to be able to conduct that part,” he added.

Speaking in more general terms about drones with the kinds of capabilities that Athena and Apollo are expected to offer,

“one use case is a system that’s hard to detect … can, from a, let’s say, from an EW [electronic warfare] perspective, can detect potential threats or potential targets of interest without being detected itself, which again, brings a capability that you can’t do with a third or fourth-gen fighter system,” Fendley said. “The other use case is if you have a group of them [the drones] and a handful of them are configured for EW, and a handful of them are carrying actual weapons – either air-to-surface, air-to-ground, or air-to-air – the sensor system can identify the target, can point out the target, basically pass the coordinates, and then the weapons aircraft can conduct the termination mission.”

“One of the other things that allows us to be more cost-effective than others is we don’t put all that on one aircraft,” he continued. “Let’s just talk in rough numbers. Let’s say there are six useful mission systems. And, again, rough numbers. Let’s call three of them sensor-type systems, three of them weapon-type systems. We won’t put all six on any one aircraft. We’ll distribute that. It allows each aircraft to be much less expensive. It also allows you in a large mission, it allows you to distribute your risk and make it very hard for the enemy to decide ‘do I want to shoot down a sensor airplane or a weapons airplane?’”

In speaking with TWZ, Fendley also talked about how the modularity of the Apollo and Athena drones could allow them to be better tailored to a customer’s particular needs from a regional perspective.

“The European market is very different than the Pacific markets. The European market is more interested in, let’s call it, … sensor capability, weapons capability doesn’t need the long legs, the long endurance that you do for the Pacific,” he explained. “What that allows you to do is that allows you to really load that airplane up with more weapons, for example, than you would for an aircraft that’s going to the Pacific, but has to fly a long way, so it’s carrying fuel. So that’s kind of the trade there.”

Right now, Kratos is working on Apollo and Athena configurations “to focus more on that European market,” he added. (Source: UAS VISION/The War Zone)

 

12 May 25. American Startup Aims to Deliver Helicopter Performance at Drone Economics. A new drone company has exploded out of stealth mode in the USA with incredible claims about its first product, saying it’ll fly 4X longer, 10X further, 10X quieter and carry 5X more payload than leading competitors – while competing with China on cost. Silicon Valley-based SiFly has announced two industrially targeted models with some absolutely ludicrous stats attached. The smaller Q12 platform carries up to 10 lb (4.5 kg) of payload. It can hover for a remarkable two hours – or manage three hours in forward flight, for an operational range of 90 miles (145 km). The company says it’s radically quieter than anything in its class as well, and “nearly silent at 100 meters” (328 ft). Deliveries are slated to begin at the end of the year.The larger Q250 platform is built for heavy lift, and capable of carrying a 200 lb (90.7-kg) payload for 100 minutes of endurance. Set for launch in 2026, it’s designed for fire suppression, cargo missions and crop spraying at a fraction of what the usual helicopter would cost.

“Commercial drones have long forced organizations to compromise between flight duration, payload capacity, and operational range,” said Brian Hinman, Founder and CEO of SiFly, in a press release. “We eliminated those trade-offs. SiFly drones are transforming emergency response, infrastructure inspection, and logistics – delivering helicopter-class performance at drone economics.”

The company says it’s validated its performance claims in real-world operations, naming California’s Amaral Ranches as an early pre-launch deployment partner.

Annoyingly, there’s nothing particularly revolutionary-looking in the renders, and SiFly has yet to explain exactly how it’s achieved such a radical leap in performance – not to mention how it’s managed to design and manufacture in the USA at prices competitive with Chinese competition. Or indeed, what these prices are.

But former NASA Chief Technologist for On-Demand Mobility and current Whisper Aero CEO Mark Moore (who knows a thing or two about quiet propulsion systems at the very least) lends this group some third-party credibility in a LinkedIn post:

“SiFly’s reveal is kinda breathtaking in terms of capabilities,” he writes. “I’ve personally been able to see this drone develop through the years, and know the principals as serious players. The specifications they’ve achieved are really impressive, from the empty weight fraction to the cruise Lift/Drag – this is the best multicopter out there, by far. And while they don’t hype it up, they’ve designed this product to be affordable so that it can be used en masse as a swarming solution. Well worth a watch. Well worth the money. Awesome job!” (Source: UAS VISION/New Atlas)

 

09 May 25. UK Certifies Protector As 1st of Its Kind RPA. The UK’s Military Aviation Authority has issued a Military Type Certificate to the Royal Air Force’s Protector RG Mk1 uncrewed aircraft, also designated the MQ-9B, certifying that it has passed a rigorous airworthiness assessment and verifying it’s safe to operate without geographic restrictions, including over populous areas. This April 29 decision was a first-of-its-kind milestone for a large, unmanned aircraft system. It’s a huge accomplishment for the UK and a technological watershed in the history of unmanned aircraft systems. GA-ASI is the first manufacturer of large, unmanned aircraft to receive an MTC based on rigorous compliance with STANAG 4671, the NATO standard for unmanned aircraft system airworthiness. Obtaining the MTC has been a goal of GA-ASI since the inception of the MQ-9B in January 2014. The company took its proven UAS platform, the MQ-9A, and added performance enhancing features while ensuring that the design was capable of meeting NATO’s STANAG 4671 Edition 2 airworthiness requirements. To meet those rigorous requirements, the aircraft incorporates numerous enhancements not found on other large UAS. These include lightning protection, fire protection, anti-icing systems and a fatigue-and-damage-tolerant building block design approach. All flight critical software and related equipment was designed in compliance with the rigor of DO-178C/254. Mission software is rigidly separated from flight critical software. These features not only address the aircraft’s airworthiness but also enhance its reliability and operational flexibility to levels unmatched by other UAS.

“Earning an MTC for MQ-9B was a herculean effort and a seminal achievement for our company,” said GA-ASI CEO Linden Blue. “We invested over $500 m as part of an 11-year effort to develop an unmanned aircraft that meets NATO’s rigorous airworthiness standards. This included three flight test aircraft, full component and system-level environmental testing to DO-160G and applicable Mil-Standards, full scale static test airframe test to ultimate ground and flight loads, bird strike, hail protection and full-scale fatigue testing to three lifetimes (3x 40,000 notional aircraft flight hours = 120,000 hours total). Our engineers developed over 140,000 pages of detailed technical data verifying that the MQ-9B met those demanding requirements. I congratulate our team for this outstanding accomplishment, and I know our customers need this type certification, which will open civil airspace for their flight operations.”

The Royal Air Force continues to take delivery of new Protector aircraft at their home at RAF Waddington. The UK has 10 aircraft of the 16 it has ordered.

“Achieving the award of a first in class Military Type Certificate has required years of dedication and perseverance and is a testament to the hard work of all involved. It is a privilege to be the first to be awarded an MTC for the Protector Air System,” said Gp. Capt. Neil Venables, Type Airworthiness Authority and holder of the Protector Type Certificate.

MQ-9B is the world’s most advanced medium altitude, long endurance UAS. MQ-9B includes the SkyGuardian® and SeaGuardian® models as well as the Protector operated by the RAF. In addition to the UK, GA-ASI has MQ-9B orders from Belgium, Canada, Poland, Japan Coast Guard, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, Taiwan, India, and the U.S. Air Force in support of the Special Operations Command. MQ-9B has also supported various U.S. Navy exercises, including Northern Edge, Integrated Battle Problem, RIMPAC, and Group Sail. (Source: ASD Network)

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BCB certainly has a rich history (1854) and an impressive portfolio of products designed to enhance the safety and effectiveness of NATO defence personnel in various environments.

The core competency of protecting lives in hostile environments, includes:

LAND:

BCB`s camouflage creams and camouflage nets have been standard issue to conceal generations of British and NATO forces.

Our newly developed MultiSpectral Cam technology, the MK8 Phantom, camouflages and protects people/vehicles/assets in the visual, IR and thermal (SWIR/MWIR/LWIR) spectrums.

FireDragon, our eco field cooking fuel, burns cleanly so can also be used in the confined space of a foxhole or tent. It is waterproof, easy to light, non-toxic and smokeless.

SEA;

Our patented Floating Body Armour is unique, versatile and sensibly protects both you and your life jacket, under the soft and hard armour. Designed to be low bulk, it`s massive 275 newtons of buoyancy is self-righting. We say it will “save your life twice”.

Our range of Boat Stopping Systems, provided a layered non-lethal stopping capability against all sizes of vessels, including unmanned threats. So you can stop and search, defeat pirates from boarding, prevent terrorists from getting near your vessel or close off quickly a waterway, port or maritime borders.

AIR;

BCB`s sister company UAVE have been manufacturing since 2013, the Dragon MK3, large, long range (1,000km) long endurance (12hours), versatile and mission-ready UAV. It is proven and operational from the polar regions to 45deg C heat in the Middle East and Asia. The larger of the 3 models, carries 25 kilos payload.

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Sponsored by BCB INTERNATIONAL

 

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08 May 25. The UK’s Military Aviation Authority has issued a Military Type Certificate to the Royal Air Force’s Protector RG Mk1 uncrewed aircraft, also designated the MQ-9B, certifying that it has passed a rigorous airworthiness assessment and verifying it’s safe to operate without geographic restrictions, including over populous areas. This April 29 decision was a first-of-its-kind milestone for a large, unmanned aircraft system. It’s a huge accomplishment for the UK and a technological watershed in the history of unmanned aircraft systems. GA-ASI is the first manufacturer of large, unmanned aircraft to receive an MTC based on rigorous compliance with STANAG 4671, the NATO standard for unmanned aircraft system airworthiness. Obtaining the MTC has been a goal of GA-ASI since the inception of the MQ-9B in January 2014. The company took its proven UAS platform, the MQ-9A, and added performance enhancing features while ensuring that the design was capable of meeting NATO’s STANAG 4671 Edition 2 airworthiness requirements. To meet those rigorous requirements, the aircraft incorporates numerous enhancements not found on other large UAS. These include lightning protection, fire protection, anti-icing systems and a fatigue-and-damage-tolerant building block design approach. All flight critical software was designed in compliance with the rigor of Do-178/254. Mission software is rigidly separated from flight critical software. These features not only address the aircraft’s airworthiness but also enhance its reliability and operational flexibility to levels unmatched by other UAS.

“Earning an MTC for MQ-9B was a herculean effort and a seminal achievement for our company,” said GA-ASI CEO Linden Blue. “We invested over $500 million as part of an 11-year effort to develop an unmanned aircraft that meets NATO’s rigorous airworthiness standards. This included three flight test aircraft, full component and system-level environmental testing to Do-160 and Mil-Standards (system level environmental testing at Elgin and Pax River), full scale static test airframe test to ultimate ground and flight loads, bird strike, hail protection and full-scale fatigue testing to three lifetimes (3x 40,000 notional aircraft flight hours = 120,000 hours total). Our engineers developed over 140,000 pages of detailed technical data verifying that the MQ-9B met those demanding requirements. I congratulate our team for this outstanding accomplishment, and I know our customers need this type certification, which will open civil airspace for their flight operations.”

The Royal Air Force continues to take delivery of new Protector aircraft at their home in the North of England at RAF Waddington. The UK has 10 aircraft of the 16 it has ordered.

“Achieving the award of a first in class Military Type Certificate has required years of dedication and perseverance and is a testament to the hard work of all involved. It is a privilege to be the first to be awarded an MTC for the Protector Air System,” said Gp. Capt. Neil Venables, Type Airworthiness Authority and holder of the Protector Type Certificate. MQ-9B is the world’s most advanced medium altitude, long endurance UAS. MQ-9B includes the SkyGuardian® and SeaGuardian® models as well as the Protector operated by the RAF.

In addition to the UK, GA-ASI has MQ-9B orders from Belgium, Canada, Poland, Japan Coast Guard, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, Taiwan, India, and the U.S. Air Force in support of the Special Operations Command. MQ-9B has also supported various U.S. Navy exercises, including Northern Edge, Integrated Battle Problem, RIMPAC, and Group Sail.

 

07 May 25. Updated SKIRON-X Starts Production. Aurora Flight Sciences’ small UAS lineup has been upgraded to maximize flight performance and ease-of-use. Aurora Flight Sciences, a Boeing company, started production of the latest version of its SKIRON-X Group 2 uncrewed aircraft system (UAS). Now in its third generation, SKIRON-X received avionics and ground control station (GCS) upgrades, an improved nose cone design, and an optional long-range radio. These and other updates enhance user experience and flight performance for the platform. The SKIRON-X ground control station features Kutta Technologies’ Unified Ground Control Station (UGCS) software, which helps users more efficiently plan and execute missions and take advantage of SKIRON’s autonomy features. An intuitive interface and robust flight simulator simplify training and make the platform easy-to-use, even for non-specialist personnel. SKIRON’s highly capable, onboard mission computer enables implementation and integration of autonomous behaviors to support any payload or operation.

Other upgrades include:

• An improved nose cone design that allows for easier alignment of EO/IR payloads, while maintaining flexibility for quick in-field swaps and custom payload integrations.
• Extended flight time, increasing from 3.0hrs to 3.5hrs, for the battery-powered SKIRON-X.
• An available 10W radio and tracking antenna that provides a 47-mile C2 link range.
• A condensed GCS hardware package that reduces the total system footprint and simplifies GCS setup.

The fuel-cell-powered SKIRON-XLE is also now available. SKIRON-XLE includes all the latest features of SKIRON-X but is slightly longer to accommodate its hydrogen fuel cell and auxiliary battery. In 2024, SKIRON-XLE completed a successful seven-hour flight test equipped with an Intelligent Energy fuel cell, two five-liter hydrogen tanks, and a Trillium HD45 EO/IR payload. SKIRON-XLE landed at 7.0 hours with its hydrogen fuel tanks depleted and ample safety margin remaining on the battery.

“These new SKIRON aircraft deliver the longer flight times that customers are looking for while being even easier to deploy and operate,” said Jason Grzywna, senior director of products at Aurora Flight Sciences. “SKIRON-X and SKIRON-XLE represent Aurora’s commitment to continuous advancement, and I can’t wait to get these highly capable products into the hands of our customers.”

SKIRON-X combines the convenience of an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) configuration with the longer endurance of a fixed-wing design. It is compliant with U.S. FAA Part 107 and Remote ID regulations for sUAS operations, can be transported by standard truck or SUV with a two-person crew, and takes under 10 minutes to setup and launch. (Source: ASD Network)

 

08 May 25. Israel Aerospace to sell autonomous submarines to Greek Navy. State-run Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) (ISRAI.UL) said on Wednesday it signed a deal to sell its BlueWhale autonomous submarine system to the Greek Navy.

IAI did not disclose financial details.

BlueWhale is a large uncrewed underwater vehicle weighing 5.5 tons and can perform a wide range of covert maritime missions, including intelligence-gathering above the sea surface, submarine and underwater target detection, acoustic intelligence collection and searching for and detecting naval mines on the seabed, IAI said.

It said that the autonomous submarine can perform a significant portion of a crewed submarine’s operations for several weeks and that the system has been successfully deployed for thousands of diving hours.

As part of the partnership, the Hellenic Aerospace Industry (HAI) will take on a role in the production and technological evolution of BlueWhale. The HAI, IAI said, will have access to IAI’s technology, with opportunities for technology transfer and active involvement in projects of substantial operational significance. (Source: Reuters)

 

07 May 25. Teledyne FLIR Defense Unveils Multiple Upgrades to Black Hornet 4 Nano-Drone at SOF Week. Fifty percent greater comms range and easier-to-use Android tablet with twice the battery life are some of new user-driven features on Black Hornet unmanned aerial system. Teledyne FLIR Defense, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (NYSE:TDY), has announced a number of upgrades to its Black Hornet® 4 Personal Reconnaissance System to further boost operational effectiveness for warfighters. The enhanced features are being showcased at the Special Operations Forces (SOF) Week annual conference at the Tampa Convention Center, May 6 to May 8. In development over the past year, the series of improvements include a 50% increase in Black Hornet’s radio communications range from two to three kilometers (in optimal conditions). The BH4’s new android tablet, part of the ground control station, now has up to twice the battery life, plus a battery heater for charging in cold temps. The new tablet also features improved ergonomics, making it easier to use while wearing gloves. Black Hornet 4 can operate in 25-knot winds and rain, and extensive testing was performed to validate its already rugged endurance capabilities. The drone itself is now IP-52 rated, able to withstand 7.6 mm of rain per hour while in flight, while the ground control station boasts an IP-54 rating. All of the upgrades are being rolled out immediately.

“Since its inception, our team has focused on continually improving the Black Hornet UAS to ensure maximum mission effectiveness,” said Ketil Vanebo, vice president of Unmanned Systems-Norway at Teledyne FLIR Defense. “We’ve listened to feedback from operators at the tactical edge and incorporated their needs into these latest capabilities and features. We’re proud to make them available to Black Hornet 4 users worldwide.”

Black Hornet 4 represents the next generation of lightweight nano-drones, able to provide enhanced covert situational awareness to small fighting units. Its 12-megapixel daytime camera and high-resolution thermal imager deliver crisp video and still images to the operator. At just 70 grams Black Hornet 4 can fly for over 30 minutes and more than three kilometers. Flight performance is augmented by advanced obstacle avoidance capabilities and other features. Compared to quad-rotor drones, the single rotor Black Hornet 4 UAV has an extremely low visual and audible signature, enabling it to identify threats day or night without being detected. Able to launch in less than 20 seconds and well suited for missions in GPS-denied environments, Black Hornet 4 can be used to rapidly identify targets beyond visual line-of-sight and assess weapon effects in real-time. FLIR Defense has delivered more than 33,000 Black Hornet drones to military and security forces in over 45 countries. The U.S. Army began acquiring Black Hornet systems in 2018 for its Soldier Borne Sensor (SBS) program. Since then, it has placed orders under SBS and other vehicles totaling more than $300m. The award-winning Black Hornet is designed and built by Teledyne FLIR Defense in Norway. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

 

06 May 25. US call for low collateral C-sUAS under Replicator 2.   The US Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), an organisation within the Department of Defense, announced a solicitation on 5 May for low-collateral defeat (LCD) counter small uncrewed air systems (C-sUAS). DIU’s call out to commercial suppliers comes under the Replicator 2 initiative, seeking to counter the threat posed by small uncrewed air systems (sUAS) to installations and force concentrations. C-sUAS effectors have proven time and again to be an urgent requirement. Last year, the UK was unable to fully safeguard American airbases in Britain, such as RAF Lakenheath, which hosts four squadrons of US Air Force F-35 and F-15E fighters, from sUAS. Likewise, the formidable threat of such low-cost systems buzzing several feet above the surface have left North Korean troops supporting Russian forces in Kursk so fearful that they are said to be indiscriminately downing drones – Ukrainian and Russian. In response to the sUAS threat, Replicator 2 emerged on 27 September 2024 following the success of Replicator 1, which had scaled the production of sUAS across the joint force. The US Army alone has already assigned more than 300 sUAS to its brigade combat teams. Meanwhile, the systems that the military will procure under Replicator 2 will help to minimise risk to friendly forces, civilians, and infrastructure in the homeland and abroad. (Source: army-technology.com)

 

07 May 25. Cyberlux Corporation (OTC: CYBL), a leader in advanced unmanned aerial systems (UAS) technology, is proud to announce the development of its new Group 1 rotary wing UAS, specifically tailored for the U.S. Special Operations community. This cutting-edge platform is engineered to carry heavier payloads for longer durations, while maintaining optimal performance in dense electronic warfare (EW) environments. Leveraging recent advancements in low-latency, anti-jam communication capabilities, Cyberlux has embedded resilient waveform technology directly into the UAS architecture. These innovations allow for reliable First Person View (FPV) operations and seamless communication in highly contested environments, supporting critical mission execution in the most complex scenarios. The newly developed heavy lift UAS platform represents the culmination of Cyberlux’s internal R&D efforts and real-world mission insights, delivering an unparalleled solution for military and defense applications that demand high performance, payload capacity, and operational flexibility.

“We are excited to introduce this advanced UAS offering to support the U.S. Special Operations community,” said Mark Schmidt, CEO of Cyberlux Corporation. “This platform represents our commitment to pushing the boundaries of unmanned aerial technology and delivering tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of our defense partners. The integrated anti-jam capabilities ensure our UAS remains operational in the most demanding environments, making it an invaluable tool for special operations missions.”

The new Group 1 rotary wing UAS by Cyberlux is now available for operational deployment and is set to enhance the capabilities of U.S. Special Operations forces with its advanced payload capacity and cutting-edge technology. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

 

07 May 25. Euroatlas to begin sensor trials of Greyshark AUV. Germany’s Euroatlas has successfully completed propulsion tests for its Greyshark autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) and will now move on to carry out sensor trials of the equipment. Speaking to Janes at the IMDEX 2025 naval and defence exhibition in Singapore, Euroatlas’ overall project manager for the Greyshark project Niko Schmidt disclosed that these sensor trials will be carried out at sea to begin validating the various functions envisioned for the Greyshark AUV. These include mine warfare, monitoring of underwater infrastructure, intelligence gathering on vessel activities, and detection of potentially hostile underwater threats. The trials are presently scheduled to take place in May, Schmidt said. The Greyshark is an under-development AUV with a length of 6.5 m, a diameter of 1.5 m, and a weight of 3,500 kg. It currently has a depth rating of 650 m but the long-term goal is to increase this to 4,000 m. Given its non-metallic and non-pressurised hull, the Greyshark AUV is said to have a low own-sonar signature, which increases the accuracy of the various sensors that it can be fitted with. These include an electromagnetic sensor array (EMSA), a synthetic aperture sonar (SAS), a multibeam forward-looking sonar (FLS), a laser imaging and measurement system (LIMS), a multibeam echosounder (MBES), and a multispectral high-resolution underwater camera. To communicate with the operator and other units, the AUV is equipped with a telescopic antenna system with built-in military radio and an anti-jam global navigation satellite services (GNSS) system that assists the Greyshark in carrying out its autonomous sailing operations. (Source: Janes)

 

02 May 25. DZYNE Technologies, a leading innovator in autonomous defense solutions, announced today the delivery of multiple “Grasshopper” expendable aerial cargo glider vehicles to the U.S. Air Force. This delivery is part of a broader ongoing program to enhance contested logistics capabilities.

A Game-Changer in Contested Logistics

DZYNE Delivers New Autonomous Cargo Glider ‘Grasshopper’ to US Air Force

Designed for precision aerial logistics, Grasshopper offers a cost-effective, autonomous solution for delivering payloads in high-risk environments while minimizing operational risks for manned aircraft. Developed in response to a warfighter request for standoff cargo delivery, Grasshopper was created in collaboration with the U.S. Air Force to provide a low-cost logistics solution capable of reaching areas inaccessible to traditional aircraft.

“The delivery of Grasshopper is a testament to the success of our collaboration with the Air Force in developing an autonomous resupply solution that meets the demands of contested environments,” said Matthew McCue CEO of DZYNE Technologies. “By working closely, we were able to design and refine the Grasshopper product line into a cost-effective, high-performance aerial logistics platform. This milestone underscores the impact of this partnership, and the critical role Grasshopper will play not only in contested logistics but also in humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations, where rapid, precise, and unmanned delivery of critical supplies can save lives.”

The Grasshopper has transitioned from a research effort to a fielded capability in under 12 months due to close cooperation between the Air Force, DZYNE Technologies, and its users. This latest delivery is part of a broader initiative to modernize aerial resupply capabilities in contested environments.

“Grasshopper represents a transformative leap in autonomous resupply,” added Dr. Thomas Howell, Portfolio Lead at the Air Force Research Laboratory. “Its ability to deliver critical payloads from standoff distances while keeping our aircraft and crews out of harm’s way is a major advantage in modern operational environments.”

Expected Operational Value

• Delivering cargo from beyond enemy threat ranges into denied environments
• Supports humanitarian relief and logistics resupply missions
• Deployable from a variety of platforms

Scalable for Growing Demand

Building on the success of the short- to mid-range Grasshopper, DZYNE Technologies is actively developing a longer-range variant, expected to be available in early 2026, to further enhance autonomous logistics capabilities in contested environments. To accommodate rising demand for the Grasshopper product line and DZYNE Technologies’ UAS division— featuring flagship products ULTRA and LEAP—the company expanded its manufacturing footprint in late 2023. The new 125,000-square-foot facility in Irvine, California, is now ramping up Grasshopper production to fulfill current and future orders as part of the broader program. (Source: PR Newswire)

 

06 May 25. A new player has entered the tactical defense market. Helix DefenseTM today announced its official launch, unveiling STINGTM, a programmable, scalable, smart airburst interceptor that uses existing weapon systems to give dismounted warfighters a last-mile, decisive edge against unmanned aerial threats. Founded by defense veterans and MedTech innovators, Helix Defense fuses battlefield experience with precision engineering and scalability to tackle one of the fastest-growing challenges in modern combat: the threat of small drones to frontline formations.

“Warfighters at the tactical edge need tools that match their urgency, clarity and decisiveness,” said Eric Sanders, Chief Strategy and Growth Officer at Helix Defense. “STING is built for them–fast, modular and intelligent–to neutralize threats before they reach our forces.”

With STING, Helix Defense aims to set a new standard of survivability for frontline units–a shift from reactive defense to proactive threat denial at the edge.

STING is designed for rapid deployment across diverse operational environments–initially in the 40mm profile–and offers modular integration for a range of mission profiles. The company’s launch marks a step change in addressing the growing demand for agile, close quarters counter-UAS solutions.

 

06 May 25. Defence tech startup Origin Robotics has launched BLAZE, an autonomous counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) interceptor designed to neutralize fast-moving aerial threats with precision and speed. As drones become an increasingly dominant force on the modern battlefield, BLAZE offers a cost-effective solution to counter them, filling the gap between traditional gun-based air defence and high-cost missile interceptors. The interceptor is aimed to strengthen the defence capabilities of European countries amid rising threats and geopolitical uncertainty. Drones have reshaped modern warfare, dictating battlefield strategies and shifting the balance of power. Their widespread use, particularly in Ukraine, has demonstrated both their effectiveness and the high cost of countering them. In January 2025 alone, Russia launched over 2,500 drones into Ukrainian territory – an average of 80 drones per day. This escalation underscores the urgent need for advanced yet cost-efficient air defence solutions.

Agris Kipurs, CEO and co-founder of Origin Robotics, said, “In asymmetric warfare, drones are relatively inexpensive and widely deployed to overwhelm air defences and strike targets both at the frontline and deep behind it, making it challenging and costly to counter. We designed BLAZE specifically to address this threat—a fast, intelligent, and cost-effective addition to existing air defence systems. We remain committed to delivering cost-efficient and adaptable solutions to support Europe and NATO allies in addressing existing and future security challenges.”

BLAZE is a man-portable, rapidly deployable interceptor designed to defeat fast-moving aerial threats, including loitering munitions and hostile UAVs. The system combines radar-based detection with AI-powered computer vision, delivering autonomous target acquisition and operator-approved interception. Equipped with a high-explosive (HE) fragmentation warhead, it ensures precise and effective threat elimination, even in contested environments. The system autonomously detects, acquires, and locks onto targets using a combination of radar tracking and AI-powered computer vision. Upon operator confirmation, the system executes a precisely calculated attack—either destroying the target on direct impact or engaging it with an airburst fragmentation detonation.  BLAZE delivers high mobility, scalability, and cost-efficiency for modern armed forces. As an operator-supervised autonomous system, it ensures the operator retains final-stage control, including the ability to issue a wave-off command that directs the BLAZE to either return safely or self-destruct. This capability allows immediate deployment even in scenarios with uncertain target identification, significantly reducing the risks of friendly fire and minimizing collateral damage. The interceptor is designed for quick deployment and high-intensity operations. The first drone can be launched in under five minutes, with subsequent launches taking less than a minute. Compact and portable, BLAZE’s transport case doubles as a launch station and charging dock. Its tool-less setup ensures it is flight-ready in under ten minutes. Following the battlefield-proven success of its flagship drone system, BEAK, currently deployed by the Ukrainian and Latvian Armed Forces, Origin Robotics continues to develop scalable, next-generation technologies for modern warfare. Thanks to BEAK’s rapid deployment and proven capabilities, Origin has quickly earned recognition for its technology and built trust in its autonomous aerial systems—reflected in an R&D contract from the Latvian Ministry of Defence and a grant from the European Defence Fund.

 

02 May 25. Palladyne AI and Red Cat Announce Successful Completion of Cross-Platform Collaborative Drone Flight. Palladyne AI Corp. (NASDAQ: PDYN and PDYNW) (“Palladyne AI”), a developer of artificial intelligence software for robotic platforms in the defense and commercial sectors, and Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: RCAT) (“Red Cat”), a drone technology company integrating robotic hardware and software for military, government, and commercial operations, today announced a significant testing milestone in their ongoing collaboration—the completion of an autonomous, cross-platform collaborative flight involving three diverse heterogeneous drones. During this most recent testing, which leveraged Red Cat’s Teal 2 and Black Widow drones and the Palladyne™ Pilot AI software, each platform operated using onboard edge computing and constrained communication protocols without reliance on centralized infrastructure to communicate. The system enabled real-time, distributed detection and tracking of multiple dynamic and static ground objects—including humans and vehicles—in different regions of interest, providing a single operator with comprehensive situational awareness. The two companies previously announced a successful two-drone flight operation in January 2025, and Palladyne AI announced a single-drone testing scenario in December 2024 to autonomously identify, prioritize, and track terrestrial targets.

“This new testing milestone represents significant progress in our joint mission with Red Cat to enable multi-drone interoperability and autonomous collaboration for the defense sector,” said Matt Vogt, Chief Revenue Officer, Palladyne AI. “We are proud to have successfully completed this three-drone flight and believe our joint, cross-platform, autonomous solution will be a game changer for U.S. military personnel and drone operators. With this major step forward, we are excited about what Palladyne Pilot will bring to our government and defense customers as well as to our target non-defense civil customer base.”

“Successfully expanding from single to three-drone operations reflects not only the reliability of our drones and Palladyne’s AI software, but also the capability of onboard systems to independently handle complex missions,” said Geoff Hitchcock, Chief Revenue Officer of Red Cat. “For warfighters, this provides greater situational awareness while requiring fewer operators in the field to manage multiple assets. This latest test is a meaningful step toward making multiple, collaborative autonomous systems more practical and effective in real-world defense scenarios.” (Source: ASD Network)

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BCB certainly has a rich history (1854) and an impressive portfolio of products designed to enhance the safety and effectiveness of NATO defence personnel in various environments.

The core competency of protecting lives in hostile environments, includes:

LAND:

BCB`s camouflage creams and camouflage nets have been standard issue to conceal generations of British and NATO forces.

Our newly developed MultiSpectral Cam technology, the MK8 Phantom, camouflages and protects people/vehicles/assets in the visual, IR and thermal (SWIR/MWIR/LWIR) spectrums.

FireDragon, our eco field cooking fuel, burns cleanly so can also be used in the confined space of a foxhole or tent. It is waterproof, easy to light, non-toxic and smokeless.

SEA;

Our patented Floating Body Armour is unique, versatile and sensibly protects both you and your life jacket, under the soft and hard armour. Designed to be low bulk, it`s massive 275 newtons of buoyancy is self-righting. We say it will “save your life twice”.

Our range of Boat Stopping Systems, provided a layered non-lethal stopping capability against all sizes of vessels, including unmanned threats. So you can stop and search, defeat pirates from boarding, prevent terrorists from getting near your vessel or close off quickly a waterway, port or maritime borders.

AIR;

BCB`s sister company UAVE have been manufacturing since 2013, the Dragon MK3, large, long range (1,000km) long endurance (12hours), versatile and mission-ready UAV. It is proven and operational from the polar regions to 45deg C heat in the Middle East and Asia. The larger of the 3 models, carries 25 kilos payload.

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Sponsored by BCB INTERNATIONAL

 

http: https://www.bcbin.com/

 

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02 May 25. Prime Minister hails game changing UK-made RAF drones.

Hundreds of highly skilled jobs are being supported by the RAF’s new cutting-edge UK made drones.

• New British-made ‘StormShroud’ drones are at the cutting edge of defence combat air, taking advantage of learnings from countering Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine
• Brand new tech supports hundreds of jobs and shows investment in UK defence is driving economic growth, making communities better off, and bolstering national security by delivering on the Plan for Change
• Getting from the factory to the frontline at an unprecedented pace, the drones will fly alongside crewed aircraft as part of crucial RAF frontline missions, to knock out enemy air defences
• Tekever, who manufacture the drones, announce a further £400 million investment in the UK

Hundreds of highly skilled jobs are being supported by the RAF’s new cutting-edge UK made drones, known as ‘StormShroud’, which come into operation today (Friday 2 May), as the Prime Minister further bolsters UK national security.

It is the latest boost to the UK’s defence capabilities as the armed forces reap the benefits from Ukraine’s battlefield experience, and comes as the UK continues to play a leading role in peace negotiations, including building momentum in talks between leaders in Rome last weekend. The UK is also driving forward Coalition of the Willing planning as well as accelerating UK-Ukrainian defence industrial cooperation. The StormShroud drone is a groundbreaking first-of-its-kind drone that will make the RAF’s world-class combat aircraft more survivable and more lethal. The drones offer a step change in capability by using a high-tech BriteStorm signal jammer to disrupt enemy radar at long ranges, protecting our aircraft and pilots. In revolutionary new tactics, the drones support aircraft like Typhoon and F35 Lightning, by confusing enemy radars and allowing combat aircraft to attack targets unseen. This means for the first time, the RAF will benefit from high-end electronic warfare without needing crew to man it, freeing them up for other vital frontline missions.   The RAF is investing an initial £19 million into the cutting-edge drones, which are made in the UK and directly support 200 highly skilled engineering jobs at multiple UK locations already from West Wales to Somerset, with further opportunities expected in future. StormShroud is just the first of a family of next-generation drones – known as Autonomous Collaborative Platforms (ACPs) – being delivered to the RAF. The Tekever AR3 and AR5 have had extensive use on the frontline fighting Putin’s illegal war, racking up more than 10,000 hours of flight for Ukraine’s forces. The RAF is taking the next step by integrating best-in-class signal scrambling technology into the drones to boost the UK’s defences at home, as the Prime Minister steps up UK defence capabilities to counter complex threats in the face of global instability.  In a further vote of confidence in Britain’s defence industry, British-Portuguese tech company Tekever, who manufacture the drones in the UK, plan to invest a further £400 million over the next 5 years across the UK and create up to 1,000 more highly skilled jobs.  The Prime Minister will visit to a Leonardo UK site in the South East today to see first-hand the expertise that goes into manufacturing the drones, and meeting the staff involved in delivering it, including many engineering apprentices representing the next generation of British defence industry excellence. As well as stepping up to protect our interests on the world stage, this government’s commitment to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 means more secure, well-paid jobs for a generation that’s proud to keep our country safe.  Just last week, the Carrier Strike Group launched its eight-month deployment and will join exercises, operations and visits with 30 countries across the Mediterranean, Middle East, south-east Asia, Japan and Australia – led by the Royal Navy’s largest and most powerful aircraft carrier, HMS Prince of Wales. The deployment sends a powerful message that the UK and its allies stand ready to protect vital trade routes in the Indo-Pacific region.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “Investment in our defence is an investment in this country’s future.  Putting money behind our Armed Forces and defence industry is safeguarding our economic and national security by putting money back in the pockets of hard-working British people and protecting them for generations to come. Together with our allies, this government is taking the bold action needed to stand up to Putin and ruthlessly protect UK and European security, which is vital for us to deliver our Plan for Change and improve lives of working people up and down the country.  It is a privilege to meet and learn from the young minds driving innovation in defence technology, and we will continue to invest in the industries of the future to deliver security and opportunity for the British people through our Plan for Change.” (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)

 

01 May 25. Baykar and Leonardo Partnership Officially Exchanged at Turkey – Italy Intergovernmental Summit. The strategic cooperation agreement signed in March between Baykar, the leading company in the global UCAV market, and Leonardo, one of the world’s largest defence companies, was officially exchanged today at a ceremony held as part of the 4th Türkiye-Italy Intergovernmental Summit in Rome. The ceremony at Villa Pamphili Residence took place in the presence of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

Agreement Documents Exchanged

At the ceremony, the agreement documents concerning the memorandum of understanding signed on March 6, 2025, in Rome — aimed at combining the two companies’ capabilities in high technology — were mutually exchanged by Baykar Chairman Selçuk Bayraktar and Leonardo CEO and General Manager Roberto Cingolani.

Expansion into the European Market

The agreement, signed last month and officially exchanged today, brings together Baykar’s battle-proven unmanned platforms and superiority in artificial intelligence technologies with Leonardo’s expertise in mission systems, payload design, and European aviation certifications. The joint venture to be established by Baykar and Leonardo aims to seize opportunities in the European unmanned aerial vehicle market.

Strategic Synergy in Technology

The strategic cooperation between the two companies covers not only unmanned aerial vehicles but also areas such as electronic systems, payloads, C4I (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence), artificial intelligence, and integrated mission systems. Baykar and Leonardo aim to create synergy in European and international markets by ensuring the seamless integration of multi-domain ecosystems. The joint venture is poised to operate at several facilities across Italy –Ronchi dei Legionari, Torino, Roma Tiburtina, and Nerviano.

(Source: UAS VISION)

 

01 May 25. A British-made stealth plane has claimed a new world record for the longest continuous flight, spending 67 days in the stratosphere. The unmanned Aalto Zephyr, which was built in Farnborough, Hampshire, flew for more than two months from Kenya to Australia, before ditching in the Indian Ocean. The flight beat a record that has stood for more than 50 years for the longest duration plane flight. It bested a record set in 1959 when American pilots Robert Timm and John Cook flew a Cessna Skyhawk continuously for 64 days and 22 hours in Nevada. The Zephyr has a wingspan of 85ft, but weighs just 75kg and flies using solar power. The plane can operate as a spy plane, offering Earth observation and reconnaissance capabilities. It can also provide 4G and 5G communications, acting like a mobile mast in the sky. The aircraft’s longest previous mission was a 64-day flight in 2022. (Source: Daily Telegraph)

 

01 May 25. The CCA program represents a groundbreaking new era in combat aviation, and we remain on schedule to test and fly YFQ-42 in the coming months. Over the past three decades, GA-ASI has pioneered more than two dozen different unmanned aircraft types for the U.S. and its allies, including multiple unmanned combat jets flying today, and logged nearly 9 m total flight hours. Our work on YFQ-42 will further expand the field of unmanned aviation, and we remain excited for the future.

We congratulate the Beale AFB community on its selection to support this new era of air dominance, and we look forward to partnering with you as the program progresses. To that end, I’m pleased to announce that GA-ASI will give the Beale community a sneak peek later this summer, with an exhibition of our full-scale YFQ-42 model on display at the Beale Air and Space Expo beginning June 7.

 

01 May 25. British advanced maritime technology company SubSea Craft (SSC) has unveiled a new Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) capability, MARS, marking the company’s second product offering following the success of its VICTA diver delivery platform. Taken from concept to on the water in only 100 days, MARS offers a low-signature, mission-configurable design to maximise autonomy, survivability and operational disruption in contested environments. Its launch comes at a time of growing international demand for USV capabilities – something SSC has sought to respond to at pace to address the evolving requirements of the UK and its allies in distributed maritime operations. MARS encompasses the latest innovations in USV technology, with multi-role applications for a variety of force objectives including:

– Wingman support to minimise risk to manned deployments and provide a force multiplying effect at the vanguard of the fleet.

– Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities including long-range surveillance to increase the recognised maritime picture in environments with degraded communications.

– Multi-domain payloads and modular integration, allowing for both kinetic and non-kinetic effects on target. This includes the integration of Anduril’s ALTIUS.

Following its manufacture in the UK, MARS has undergone extensive testing and validation with AUKUS partners, including open water tests with the Australian Maritime College – which signed an R&D partnership with SSC in 2023.

The company has a growing series of multi-domain platforms offering high configurability, autonomy and ease of maintenance and MARS is a continuation of this, using the same open architecture digital control system as SSC’s dual-domain craft, VICTA.

Camilla Martin, CEO of SubSea Craft, said: “There is a clear global need for the responsive development of advanced maritime platforms that can meet evolving force requirements and objectives. At SubSea Craft we are proud to be representing the UK on the international stage in creating scalable technologies. These can be built and serviced in-country to boost both domestic maritime capabilities and the agility of our allies. The development of MARS represents another milestone on our international journey. Having been developed in the UK, tested in Australia and the US, we have been able to showcase our ongoing dedication to AUKUS objectives of interoperability and technological synergy between nations.”

Penny Mordaunt, Chair of SubSea Craft and Former UK Secretary of State for Defence, said: “MARS has emerged as a disruptive force for the modern battlespace. Its successful testing following an impressive turnaround from its ideation is testament to SubSea Craft’s cutting-edge approach to accelerated research, development and delivery.”

 

30 Apr 25. U.S. Army takes delivery of Valiant aircraft system, advancing future tactical programme. The U.S. Army’s Program Executive Office (PEO) Aviation has officially received the Valiant uncrewed aircraft system from Griffon Aerospace, marking a key milestone in the Future Tactical Uncrewed Aircraft System (FTUAS) programme. This delivery concludes an extensive development and testing phase, including technical, ground, and flight acceptance trials. The handover, formalised under the DD-250 process, transfers ownership of the Valiant system from Griffon Aerospace to the U.S. Government (USG). It represents a collaborative achievement between the vendor and the USG in the progression of rapid prototyping efforts. With the system now in government hands, New Equipment Training (NET) will begin to qualify instructors and operators from the Redstone Test Center. Following this, the FTUAS team will commence government-led developmental testing as the final stage of the prototyping programme. This testing phase will run alongside the evaluation of production proposals, with a contract award expected in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2025. The FTUAS initiative aims to equip Brigade Combat Teams (BCTs) with an organic reconnaissance and surveillance capability. The Valiant system is designed to enhance intelligence gathering, enabling BCT commanders to maintain operational advantage during Multi-Domain Operations. Its advanced features include vertical take-off and landing, on-the-move command and control, and field-level maintenance conducted by soldiers. The aircraft also utilises a Modular Open Systems Approach, allowing for rapid updates to match evolving technology. “The successful delivery of the Valiant system is a testament to the close collaboration between Griffon Aerospace and the U.S. Government,” a spokesperson for the UAS Project Office stated. PEO Aviation, based at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is charged with modernising the Army’s aviation fleet, encompassing both crewed and uncrewed platforms. (Source: Google/DIE)

 

30 Apr 25. Flying Heavy: How DASA-funded UAS Revolutionises Military Logistics. With the help of DASA funding, ISS Aerospace developed a 600kg heavy-lift unmanned aerial system (UAS) capable of carrying 250kg payloads.

• The innovation features a unique hybrid turbine generator power system that eliminates the need for complex electrical recharging infrastructure in the field
• DASA’s Defence Technology Exploitation Programme (DTEP) provided critical funding that enabled ISS to create this technology
• Successfully trialled in 2025, this project represents the first completed DTEP project

From Ship to Shore in Minutes

On naval vessels around the world, the same time-consuming scene plays out daily: crew members transfer supplies between ships or from ship to shore using small boats, manual labour, and helicopter support. This process can be slow, resource-intensive, and vulnerable to disruption from weather conditions.

Now picture a different scenario: an unmanned aerial system takes flight from a ship, automatically lands on a waiting pallet of supplies, autonomously secures its load without human intervention, and lifts off – delivering cargo to shore in a fraction of the traditional time – and then – heads back to the ship for more supplies.

With the help of DASA funding, this vision of automated logistics is becoming reality thanks to Newbury-based ISS Aerospace and their revolutionary heavy-lift drone system, funded through DASA’s Defence Technology Exploitation Programme (DTEP).

The Innovation: Power and Payload

ISS Aerospace’s system represents a significant leap forward in unmanned aerial capabilities. At 600kg total weight, it can carry a remarkable 250kg payload – equivalent to two fully-equipped soldiers – with flight times currently at 35-40 minutes.

“The innovation is three-pronged,” explains Ryan Kempley, CEO, and founder of ISS Aerospace. “First, it is a super heavy-lift UAS, which itself is quite unique. Second, we’ve brought across our heritage of super reliable, super safe systems. Third, and the main reason DTEP funded this project was because of our unique turbine power plant that powers the system”.

The innovation’s standout feature is its hybrid turbine generator power system. Rather than relying on traditional battery packs that require complex and frequent recharging infrastructure, ISS Aerospace developed a system that uses efficient aviation fuel.

“Our UASs fly around at 100 to 120 kilowatts, so they need a lot of power,” Kempley explains. “You can buy auxiliary power unit (APU) turbine generators off the shelf, but they’re extremely expensive – in the hundreds of thousands of pounds – and very heavy, around 100+ kilos.”

ISS’s solution repackages high-end micro gas turbines with hybrid battery technology to create their own 100-kilowatt generator at a fraction of the cost and weight of conventional systems.

Engineering Challenges and Breakthroughs

Creating this power system required solving complex engineering challenges. The team developed sophisticated control systems to maintain perfect balance between turbine power generation and battery usage.

“If we charge the battery too fast, problems happen. If we deplete the battery too fast, problems happen,” notes Kempley. “But we came out with something that essentially means if all the turbines die, we still keep flying. If the battery dies and the turbines are running, we still keep flying. If one or two turbines die, we still keep flying. It’s very robust in terms of resilience.”

This level of reliability is crucial for military logistics operations where failure could compromise mission-critical supplies.

The system already outperforms competitors in its class, but ISS has identified further enhancements. “We’ve already identified a new supporting turbine that takes us up to around 3-3.5 hours of flight,” Kempley notes.

Transforming Military Logistics

In the competitive landscape of heavy-lift drones, ISS has positioned itself in a unique category. Below their 250-300kg payload capability sits systems carrying 60-100kg, while above them are much larger single-rotor helicopters or fixed-wing aircraft that are around the size of shipping containers.

The potential military applications are significant, particularly for naval logistics. The system can be used for last-mile ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore transport, where Kempley notes “90% of stores between ships or even on last-mile logistics are below 150 kilos.”

Further enhancing its capabilities, ISS recently won another MOD contract under Project Morrigan to develop a universal payload release mechanism, allowing the drone to automatically pick up and deliver cargo without human intervention.

“You just land on top of your package on the deck and then take off again. You’re done. There’s no unloading or loading,” explains Kempley. “When you get to that stage, it’s many multiples quicker than current methods.”

DTEP: Making Innovation Possible

For ISS Aerospace, DASA’s DTEP funding was transformative. Founded ten years ago, the company has evolved from a small commercial business into a growing enterprise with 14 staff, projected to reach 22 by year’s end – all through organic growth.

“Developing that kind of turbine system and UAS is costly – raw materials alone are a couple hundred thousand pounds, plus hundreds of hours of man-time,” Kempley emphasises. “As a small company, we could never have afforded to just go out and decide to develop this UAS. It would have been impossible without DTEP.”

DTEP’s emphasis on commercialisation and post-project success has been particularly valuable for the SME. “There’s a lot more emphasis on commercialisation, what we’re going to do afterwards and how we’re going to make it successful”, Kempley notes.

From Concept to Flight

Funded back in September 2023, this represents the first completed DASA DTEP project, highlighting the programme’s ability to bring innovative concepts to reality quickly. The project recently culminated in successful test flights of the UAS, proving the design, and gaining valuable in-flight data, with a further demonstration planned to showcase the complete system to stakeholders. Next steps also include cosmetic additions to the platform, such as a cowling (a removable engine cover) and testing and improvement to the control and power systems before the V1 system is rolled out to end users later in 2025. For a company that began in commercial applications before gradually expanding into defence, DASA’s support has been instrumental in enabling growth and technological advancement. ISS now balances its business with approximately 60-70% defence work and 30-40% commercial applications. As drones continue revolutionising military logistics, ISS Aerospace’s innovation stands to transform how supplies move between ships and shore – making operations faster, more efficient, and ultimately more effective in supporting forces on the ground. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)

 

29 Apr 25. Brazilian EMGEPRON and TideWise eye Brazilian MCM requirement with the Suppressor 7 USV. The Brazilian state-owned company Empresa Gerencial de Projetos Navais (EMGEPRON) is looking to place the Suppressor 7 multi-purpose unmanned surface vehicle (USV) into a requirement of the Brazilian Navy for a mine-countermeasures (MCM) capability, the company’s special adviser André Gabriel Sochaczewski told Janes. The local USV specialist TideWise Engenharia e Serviços Navais is scheduled to launch the construction of the Suppressor 7 USV for the MCM role in June, Sochaczewski said. EMGEPRON has awarded TideWise a contract worth BRL18.3m (USD3.2m) in February 2024 to build the USV. The basic design project of the Suppressor 7 was carried out in 2024, and the detailed design project is being finalised, Sochaczewski said. As the Suppressor 7 USV is equipped with a range of sensors and effectors suited for the MCM role, it can meet the Brazilian Navy requirement for an MCM system. For more information about Brazilian MCM efforts, please seeKeel laid for first Macaé-class patrol ship with MCM capability . Sochaczewski pointed out that once the USV’s construction and sea trials are completed in 2026, it will be demonstrated to the Brazilian Navy. The 7.20 m-long and 2.4 m-wide USV, displacing 4,800 kg and offering a top speed of 24 kt and a 400 nm range, consists of a hull made of naval aluminium that mounts a mast equipped with sensors for communication, navigation and identification, and bays to deploy mission systems such as autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and multibeam sonar systems. (Source: Janes)

 

29 Apr 25. Saronic acquires Louisiana shipyard, unveils Marauder MUSV. Saronic Technologies has acquired Gulf Craft, a shipbuilder in Franklin, Louisiana, to serve as the “prototyping and production hub for its medium unmanned surface vessel (MUSV) fleet”, according to a company statement on 16 April. The acquisition has been completed, a Saronic spokesperson told Janes on 28 April, declining to disclose the terms of the deal. The acquisition provides Saronic with a “strategically located shipyard on the Gulf Coast with the infrastructure and workforce needed to develop, rapidly iterate, and scale production of its 150 ft Marauder product for both defence and commercial customers”, the spokesperson said. Gulf Craft has been building 100–200 ft aluminium hull ships for 60 years, including optionally manned vehicles, the spokesperson noted. “We will not continue to build manned vessels at the shipyard, nor does it have an existing backlog of vessels to produce. All capacity will be allocated to Saronic priorities, and the facility will serve as the prototyping and production hub for Marauder,” the spokesperson added. The shipyard will provide the “immediate capacity to meet urgent customer needs for larger autonomous vessels and the flexibility to scale to address emerging commercial and defence applications of these advanced systems”, while the company continues to look for a location for its larger, advanced Port Alpha shipyard, Dino Mavrookas, the CEO for Saronic Technologies, said in the statement. (Source: Janes)

 

29 Apr 25. Poland’s WB Group debuts unmanned surface vessel. WB Group unveiled a technology demonstrator of its first unmanned surface vessel (USV) during a presentation of ‘Polish-made’ unmanned systems for the Polish Ministry of National Defence on 24 April. A WB Group spokesperson told Janes that the demonstrator will be used as a testbed for the development of further solutions tailored for the Polish Navy’s requirements. The USV was designed for reconnaissance and strike missions. It will be capable of carrying other unmanned systems and exchanging data with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), as well as other manned and unmanned vessels. The WB spokesperson said the final prototype will be 9 m long, 3.2 m wide, and 2 m high to accommodate mission modules and to fit standard rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIBs) hangars on board the ships. The platform will be fitted with a radar, a sonar, loitering munitions, reconnaissance UAVs, remote-controlled weapons (small arms or artillery), and observation sensors. The total weight is estimated to be around 3 tonnes. The operating range is 270 n miles. This configuration will enable the USV to perform long-range patrols and critical infrastructure protection missions, accompanying manned platforms and other WB Group systems. (Source: Janes)

 

28 Apr 25. Silicon Valley’s Military Drone Companies Have a Serious ‘Made In China’ Problem. Pentagon leaders are calling for thousands of drones to prepare for war in the Pacific. But as Trump’s tariffs escalate tensions with China, they face an uncomfortable reality: Silicon Valley’s drone companies are addicted to Chinese components. It was the day after Mach Industries published a slick promotional video for Viper, its new military strike drone, and CEO Ethan Thornton had a problem. A few eagle-eyed viewers of the video, which Thornton had posted to social media proclaiming “Show, don’t tell,” had noticed that the drone used an engine with an uncanny resemblance to one made by a Chinese manufacturer. He’d vehemently denied that there were Chinese components in any of the company’s drones. But now Palmer Luckey, CEO of defense tech giant Anduril, had asked him a question with far less wiggle room to answer: “What about the airframe in the video?” Backed into a corner, Thornton conceded on X: “We feel comfortable blowing up Chinese components for testing purposes, Palmer,” he replied, confirming the engine’s country of origin. (Thornton told Forbes “all final production units ship without Chinese components”; Anduril and Luckey declined to comment on the exchange.) The conflict in Ukraine, rising tensions over Taiwan and the dominance of Chinese drone companies like market leader DJI have underscored the need for the U.S. military to source cheap and mass-produced drones from American and allied companies. But Thornton’s exchange highlighted an open secret in Silicon Valley: most drone companies answering the Trump administration’s America First mandate have a “Made in China” parts problem. China currently controls close to 90 percent of the global commercial drone market, and manufactures most of the key hardware used to build them – airframes, batteries, radios, cameras and screens, according to market research firm Drone Industry Insights UG. Because of its longstanding reliance on these parts, the U.S. is years behind building the manufacturing infrastructure that could come close to rivaling China’s. “We are almost completely reliant on our major adversary for them, and our ability to make them,” said Josh Steinman, who previously oversaw supply chain security at the National Security Council. It’s a reality that seems almost impossible to escape. When Vice President J.D. Vance attended a U.S. Marines drone demonstration for a photo opportunity at Quantico last month, pictures showed him wearing Chinese-made drone display goggles. (Major Hector Infante, who oversees training at Quantico, told Forbes the goggles “were not military-issued” and insisted they were provided “solely for viewing purposes”; the White House did not respond.) This addiction to Chinese parts has set off alarm bells among military officials. Several American drone companies with Pentagon contracts — including Skydio, one of the largest — are scrambling to rebuild their supply chains after Chinese sanctions cut off access to suppliers.

“China could shut [the drone industry] down globally for a year,”

Trent Emeneker, who leads a team at the Pentagon’s Defense Innovation Unit that approves drones for military use, told Forbes.

“It’s a national security issue, not just for the United States, but for the global West.”

Some drone companies told Forbes the Pentagon’s bureaucracy has stunted the American industry’s growth. But the presence of Chinese parts has dulled Pentagon enthusiasm to adopt them at scale. For example, military purchases from Orqa, a drone company that pitched itself as “DJI of the West,” were halted after allegedly banned Chinese components were found in its products.

“Most of the western drone companies still rely on Chinese components,”

Orqa’s CEO Srdjan Kovacevic told Forbes. (He said Orqa has moved its manufacturing inhouse.)

It’s the kind of stranglehold that President Donald Trump’s tariffs are seemingly designed to break, theoretically encouraging American companies to reduce their reliance on cheaper foreign supply chains and build their own at home. But doing so will take years of research and development and significant investment. Meanwhile, China’s retaliatory tariffs are set to make components American drone makers rely on even more expensive; plans to redraft a new export system are already halting shipments of magnets, which are essential for drone motors. But regulatory efforts to force the issue, by ending imports of all Chinese drones and parts, have faced strong opposition from Chinese manufacturers and American investors alike. Responding to a proposed Commerce Department measure that is considering banning or restricting Chinese-made drones and components, venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz — which has backed drone unicorns Anduril, Skydio and Shield AI — called for a more considered response with gradual restrictions on drone parts sales from China, while simultaneously allowing for U.S. companies to continue sourcing components from the country.

“Immediately removing all foreign adversary-based sources of supply for critical drone components would have a catastrophic effect on the American drone industry,”

chief legal officer Jai Ramaswamy wrote in response to the Commerce Department last month (the firm declined to comment further).

Such a catastrophe might be what’s needed, national security experts say.

“You are going to have to pull the bandaid off at some point,” said Steinman. “And either you are going to choose or [China] will.”

Troubled by China’s advances in drone tech, the Pentagon made drone acquisitions a major priority in 2023 and announced Replicator, an initiative to fast track production and deliver thousands of mass produced, cheap drones to counter China’s arsenal. But the initiative, which is expected to deliver its first drones by August, faces an uncertain future and is one of several that drone companies say don’t go far enough to spur adoption. The primary on-ramp to drone contracts is the Pentagon’s Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), which maintains a so-called Blue List of drones that are approved for military use. The list, which is updated annually, is overseen by half a dozen employees who test hundreds of products to ensure they are free of Chinese components banned under the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), like cameras, flight controllers, radios and ground control systems — mostly components that transmit a signal and could be tampered with. Companies big (Anduril) and small (Neros) have been included on the Blue List. But some drone manufacturers say it has become another bottleneck that stifles the industry. This year, just 23 companies were approved out of more than 300 submissions. San Antonio-based Darkhive was among the companies expecting to be included. After waiting for months, it learned its quadcopters hadn’t been approved when DIU issued a press release announcing the list in February.

“There was no follow up apart from, ‘try again next year,’”

CEO John Goodson told Forbes. (Darkhive maintains several Pentagon contracts through other mechanisms.)

Another company, BRINC, which has more than 700 law enforcement and public safety customers, and this month announced a $75 m funding round led by Index Ventures, was sanctioned by China last year after it attended a sales trip to Taiwan organized by the U.S. government. It didn’t make the Blue List either, and has now shifted away from its military business to focus on public safety contracts.

“It’s easier to get sanctioned by the [People’s Republic of China] than it is to get on the Blue List,”

said Andrew Cote, BRINC’s head of strategy and growth.

In December, the Pentagon halted use of drones sold by Croatia-based Orqa — which pitched itself as a Replicator solution and a “one-stop shop” for China-free components — after DIU discovered radio modules that were made in China and allegedly ran afoul of NDAA requirements, according to the company and multiple sources familiar with the matter. In addition, DIU was concerned about a Chinese company tied to Orqa through an acquisition in 2022.

“Until DJI is entirely banned, there’s not enough market to stand up a U.S. industrial base.”

Nathan Ecelbarger, U.S. National Drone Association

In response to questions, Orqa CEO Kovacevic acknowledged the modules were assembled in China, but claimed the underlying chips were made in Taiwan and Europe, and disputed that they were critical components; he said the company now makes its own modules. As for the China-based company, he claimed it wasn’t owned by Orqa but a member of Orqa’s leadership, and that its operations were moved to Europe — except for one product unrelated to drones that is still manufactured in China.

Orqa had all of its submissions to the Blue List rejected.

“What we previously thought were transparent rules, are obviously subject to very creative interpretations,” Kovacevic said. “There’s no transparency whatsoever to the process.”

The DIU’s Emeneker, who oversees the Blue List, isn’t having it.

“Companies don’t get to decide what is and is not legal under the law,” he noted. He added that the results of the recent list refresh were made in accordance with law. “There are always edge cases and hard decisions to make,” he said. “But the process was standardized and designed to provide the best options to the warfighter.”

The Pentagon bans on Chinese components don’t extend to parts like airframes, engines and batteries, but relying on them can still be risky. In October, America got a peek at what a worst case scenario might look like when China sanctioned military contractor Skydio, cutting off the battery supply for America’s largest small drone maker, which has raised more than $850m from investors like Andreessen Horowitz and Accel. The company said it wouldn’t be able to secure new suppliers until this spring, and would be forced to ration batteries.

“If there was ever any doubt, this action makes clear that the Chinese government will use supply chains as a weapon to advance their interests over ours,”

Skydio said in a statement at the time. Six months later, the company has yet to announce a new supplier; it did not respond to a request for comment.

More than a dozen other drone companies vying for Pentagon contracts — including Anduril, Shield AI, Firestorm, CyberLux and Neros — have now been sanctioned by China. Some say it hasn’t impacted their operations. Lily Hinz, a spokesperson for Shield AI, said the company doesn’t use Chinese parts, and isn’t “feeling the impact” of the sanctions. Dan Magy, the CEO of Firestorm, said his company’s drones don’t contain Chinese parts, and called the sanctions “a badge of honour.” Anduril spokesperson Shannon Prior said the sanctions had “no effect on our business” and that the company had eliminated all “direct spend from China.”

But other drone makers have had to make changes. CyberLux CEO Mark Schmidt told Forbes his company was “pro-actively shifting away from Chinese components…and scaling its North American suppliers on the production of critical parts.” He declined to comment on the related costs and timeline. Even California-based Neros, which designs and manufactures most of the critical parts for its $2,000 drones in-house, felt some pain from the December sanctions. Flush with a $35 m funding round backed by Sequoia, the company still relies on some Chinese parts.

“Getting these components has been more challenging,” said CTO Olaf Hichwa. “But this is a good forcing function to become completely free of Chinese parts.”

Military leaders, national security experts and the drone industry all seem to agree on one thing: building a China-free supply of drones relies on expelling DJI from the U.S. The Shenzhen-based company, which became the world’s largest drone maker thanks to heavy subsidies from the Chinese government and funding from American venture capital firms Accel Partners, Kleiner Perkins and the former China-based arm of Sequoia, is the most ubiquitous drone seller in America, and one of the largest suppliers of drones to farmers and police departments.

“Until DJI is entirely banned, there’s not enough market to stand up a U.S. industrial base,”

said Nathan Ecelbarger, chairman of the U.S. National Drone Association, which aims to speed up military adoption of drones.

But DJI has so far mounted a successful campaign to dodge efforts to ban its drones. It has protested the proposed Commerce Department rule to ban imports of Chinese drones and parts, calling it a move that would “significantly harm a number of U.S. stakeholders.” In October, it sued the Defense Department insisting it is not a national security threat, and it lobbied against a legislative measure that would have banned its products from entering the U.S., disclosures show. “DJI has been unfairly targeted due to its national origins,” the company said in a statement to Forbes.

In December, the legislative ban on DJI’s products was dropped from the annual military spending bill. DJI was free to continue shipping. In a statement at the time, the company thanked those who had supported its efforts to kill the ban — top among them, its American customers.

“Your support made a real difference,” DJI said. “Congressional offices paid attention and listened to what you had to say.” (Source: UAS VISION/Forbes)

 

28 Apr 25. BAHA UAV Officially Inducted into Turkish Land Forces Inventory! The Turkish Ministry of National Defense has announced that the Sub-Cloud Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) BAHA, which was procured in various quantities by the Land Forces Command, has successfully completed its inspection and acceptance procedures and has officially entered into the inventory of the Turkish Armed Forces. Developed by HAVELSAN and inducted into the Turkish Armed Forces’ inventory in 2024, BAHA marks a significant milestone through the journey of Digital Troops which was conceptualised first in 2021. Following the earlier induction of BARKAN, the first unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) of the Digital Troops, BAHA’s integration further strengthens the Turkish military’s modernization efforts. Anticipating the requirements of future operational environments, HAVELSAN has begun to deploy its unmanned systems domestically and internationally. BAHA, an important element of this vision, achieved export successes in Africa, Central Asia, and the MENA region in 2023 and 2024 and has now been made available for use by national security forces. Demonstrating its versatility beyond military operations, BAHA was also deployed during a disaster and earthquake drill coordinated by AFAD (Disaster and Emergency Management Authority) for rubble reconnaissance and surveillance missions.

Speaking at the Ministry of National Defense Weekly Press Briefing, Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk emphasized the growing capabilities of the Turkish Armed Forces through indigenous defense industry products, stating, “With our domestically developed defense industry products, which aim to enhance our national and international power and influence, the capabilities of the Turkish Armed Forces continue to grow day by day. In this context, inspection and acceptance procedures for the Sub-Cloud Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (BAHA) procured by the Land Forces Command have been completed, and the systems have been inducted into our inventory.”

General Specifications of BAHA:

• Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW): 28 kg (including payload)
• Wingspan: 4 meters
• Payload Capacity: 2 kg
• Data Link Range: Up to 50 km
• Cruise Speed: 43 knots / 80 km/h
• Propulsion System: Electric Motor
• Endurance: Up to 2 hours
• Ceiling Altitude: 10,000 ft
• Operational Altitude: 8,000 ft
• Wind Resistance Limit: 25 knots
• Operating Temperature Range: -10 °C / +50 °C

Key Features of BAHA:

• Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) and Runway-Independent Mission Capability
• Sub-Cloud Operational Capability
• Transport, Operation, and Maintenance by Two Technicians
• Day and Night Reconnaissance, Surveillance, and Intelligence Missions
• Operation in Jamming Environments
• Target Coordinate Estimation
• Telemetry Link Redundancy
• Autonomous Return and Landing in Case of Link Loss
• Integration with Various Mission-Specific Sensors
• Joint Operations Capability with Other Unmanned Systems

Developed with superior engineering solutions to meet the demands of modern armies, BAHA continues to enhance the operational capabilities of the Turkish Armed Forces and stands as a symbol of HAVELSAN’s commitment to technological excellence. (Source: ASD Network)

 

28 Apr 25. Heven Announces Acquisition of Zepher Flight Labs. Manufacturer of hydrogen-powered drones, Heven, has announced its acquisition of Zepher Flight Labs (ZFL). This acquisition represents a step forward in Heven’s strategy to enhance its technological portfolio and expand its ability to deliver mission-critical capabilities to customers across the globe. The integration of ZFL’s capabilities will add to Heven’s designs, allowing the company to broaden its vision of a drone fleet with 24/7 usability and modular adaptability. The integration of ZFL’s technology will also contribute to Heven’s ongoing commitment to providing highly flexible, durable, and efficient unmanned aerial systems (UAS) solutions.

“This acquisition strengthens our position in the market and underscores our commitment to providing the most advanced and reliable drone solutions,” said Bentzion Levinson, CEO of Heven. “With the addition of ZFL, Heven will be able to offer even more versatile systems tailored to meet the needs of our customers in defense, security, and commercial sectors.”

“We are excited to join the Heven family,” said Adam Stolz, CEO of ZFL. “Our complementary capabilities will allow us to accelerate the development of drone technologies, and together, we will continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in unmanned flight.”

The acquisition comes on the heels of Heven’s February launch of Raider, a new hydrogen-powered drone platform engineered to deliver flight endurance in excess of 10 hours and support payloads up to 50 lbs with minimal downtime. This spring, the company established a partnership with Mach Industries to scale its domestic production of drones. It also launched Heven Border Solutions, a comprehensive border security platform. ZFL’s team of engineers and designers will work alongside Heven’s existing team to integrate the two companies’ technologies and ensure a seamless transition. This collaboration will strengthen Heven’s anticipated product roadmap, leading to the creation of even more efficient and capable drones for both commercial and defense customers. (Source: UAS VISION)

 

28 Apr 25. AEVEX Aerospace announced its selection by the U.S. Army to participate in the Launched Effects-Short Range (LE-SR) Special User Demonstration (SUD). This initiative is designed to refine the Army’s integration of advanced uncrewed systems to enhance battlefield capabilities. During the demonstration, AEVEX will showcase the Atlas Group II launched effect, a lightweight and agile system built for precision missions directly supporting frontline troops. The Atlas system demonstrates AEVEX’s ongoing focus on developing innovative technologies that address evolving threats and mission needs.

“AEVEX Aerospace is honored to collaborate with the U.S. Army in demonstrating the capabilities of our groundbreaking Atlas system,” said Brian Raduenz, CEO of AEVEX Aerospace. “Our participation in the demonstration is a great opportunity to show the ops community the realm of the possible, and it underscores our commitment to advancing the precision, autonomy, and lethality technologies that they need in the fight.”

Soldiers from various Army units, including field artillery, infantry, and aviation, will test the Atlas system to refine tactics and procedures. Their feedback will help shape how the Army uses launched effects in the future, guiding requirements and operational strategies. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

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BCB certainly has a rich history (1854) and an impressive portfolio of products designed to enhance the safety and effectiveness of NATO defence personnel in various environments.

The core competency of protecting lives in hostile environments, includes:

LAND:

BCB`s camouflage creams and camouflage nets have been standard issue to conceal generations of British and NATO forces.

Our newly developed MultiSpectral Cam technology, the MK8 Phantom, camouflages and protects people/vehicles/assets in the visual, IR and thermal (SWIR/MWIR/LWIR) spectrums.

FireDragon, our eco field cooking fuel, burns cleanly so can also be used in the confined space of a foxhole or tent. It is waterproof, easy to light, non-toxic and smokeless.

SEA;

Our patented Floating Body Armour is unique, versatile and sensibly protects both you and your life jacket, under the soft and hard armour. Designed to be low bulk, it`s massive 275 newtons of buoyancy is self-righting. We say it will “save your life twice”.

Our range of Boat Stopping Systems, provided a layered non-lethal stopping capability against all sizes of vessels, including unmanned threats. So you can stop and search, defeat pirates from boarding, prevent terrorists from getting near your vessel or close off quickly a waterway, port or maritime borders.

AIR;

BCB`s sister company UAVE have been manufacturing since 2013, the Dragon MK3, large, long range (1,000km) long endurance (12hours), versatile and mission-ready UAV. It is proven and operational from the polar regions to 45deg C heat in the Middle East and Asia. The larger of the 3 models, carries 25 kilos payload.

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Sponsored by BCB INTERNATIONAL

 

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17 Apr 25.  Defense Innovation Unit seeks undersea drone capable of ‘long-range’ payload deployment. The new solicitation broadly outlines what Navy leaders for years have sought from unmanned vehicles: multi-purpose trucks capable of carrying any payload of their choosing. The Pentagon’s conduit agency to Silicon Valley is seeking a commercially available unmanned undersea vehicles capable of “deploying large payloads” across ranges further than 1,000 nautical miles.

“Current UUV capabilities present limitations in range and payload capacity, hindering the effective deployment of critical resources in certain operational scenarios,” according to a Defense Innovation Unit solicitation posted today dubbed the “Combat Autonomous Maritime Platform.” “The DoD seeks commercially available, demonstration-ready uncrewed systems that address these limitations, offering a scalable and cost-effective solution for long-range, high-capacity payload deployment.”

The UUV should be capable of employing payloads of varying sizes; conducting intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; operating in a GPS-denied environment as well as bathymetric surveys and mapping. In addition to the 1,000 nautical mile range, the solicitation also states a vendor’s solution should be able to dive deeper than 200 meters (656 feet) underwater and operate autonomously to navigate and avoid obstacles or collisions. Responses are due by May 1. The solicitation’s goal — seeking a multi-purpose unmanned system capable of carrying a variety of payloads — largely matches what US Navy leaders for years have repeatedly sought from industry as the service’s leaders tout the concept of a future hybrid fleet.

“The government understands that companies will likely not be able to meet all of the specifications in this solicitation, but encourage companies with demonstrable capability applicable to one or more of these specifications to apply,” the solicitation says.

For its part, industry as of late has been unveiling a spate of unmanned surface and subsurface vehicles — Leidos’ Sea Dart, Saronic’s Maruader, Anduril’s Copperhead. But while the service has experimented widely with different offerings through agencies like Task Force 59, only a select few vehicles have made their way into programs of record such as HII’s Lionfish or been broadly incorporated into fleet operations like Saildrone’s part in Operation Southern Spear. As a research agency, DIU’s function is to help the services find and assess technologies on the market. Whether the Navy chooses to invest time and money advancing a given product further into its fleet is a decision for service brass to make. (Source: Breaking Defense.com)

 

17 Apr 25. UK spells out Corvus UAS requirement to replace Watchkeeper. The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has revealed details of its requirement for a new Land Tactical Deep Find (LTDF) unmanned aircraft system (UAS) to succeed the British Army’s legacy Watchkeeper system across the Divisional and Corps Deep battlespace. In a prior information notice (PIN) published on 15 April, the MoD’s Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) organisation outlined the scope of the persistent surveillance capability – known as Project Corvus – and revealed a ‘stretch target’ of fielding a minimum deployable capability by the end of 2025. Industry engagement is intended to inform the acquisition strategy and identify potential tenderers ahead of starting a competitive procurement. The MoD in November 2024 announced that the Thales UK Watchkeeper intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) UAS would be retired by the end of March 2025. Operated by 47 Regiment Royal Artillery, the Watchkeeper system suffered significant attrition in service and was seen as increasingly obsolete. Project Corvus – valued at up to GBP130m (USD172m) over a five-year period – envisages the acquisition of a “modern, deployable, easily supportable, and cost-effective [LTDF] capability” from the end of December to replace the Watchkeeper. The initial requirement covers two task lines, each able to provide 24 hours of persistent surveillance, plus five years of support from minimum deployable capability. (Source: Janes)

 

17 Apr 25. Welcoming Hydra to the Canny family. We’re thrilled to announce Hydra as the newest addition to our client portfolio! This innovative British UAV technology business is revolutionising the heavy-lift drone sector with its hybrid jet-electric concept.  Founded in 2019, Hydra has developed remarkable technology, including the Hydra 400 – a heavy lift drone using hybrid propulsion technology. Compact and portable, the drone can be transported in the back of a Hilux and assembled ready for flight in just six minutes.   Powered by single spool jet turbines producing 500N (50kg) thrust, it provides a maximum lift of 400kg (882lbs) with unparalleled lift capacity, speed and range.  Canny will be working with Hydra on media relations – watch this space for exciting developments!

 

16 Apr 25. Vatn Systems, a leading defense technology company building autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) for the US military and allies, today announced a strategic partnership with Palantir Technologies to further digitize and scale its manufacturing capabilities. Vatn Systems and Palantir partner to scale manufacturing of autonomous underwater vehicles for national defense

“Partnering with Palantir enables us to move smarter and faster as we achieve our vision of becoming the platform-scale manufacturer of low cost and attritable autonomous underwater systems in the United States,” said Nelson Mills, co-founder and CEO of Vatn Systems. “Palantir’s technology gives us real-time visibility into our operations, strengthening our ability to anticipate challenges, optimize resources, and deliver critical systems to our customers with unprecedented speed and precision.”

The partnership leverages Palantir’s advanced software platform to digitize the manufacturing process and provide AI-driven insights that will accelerate the production of underwater vehicles for national security applications. The collaboration will enable Vatn to streamline its Supply Chain Management and build additional resiliency.

“Vatn is building exactly the kind of mission-critical capability that our software is designed to support,” said Palantir’s Louis Mosley. “Providing a digital, AI-powered backbone for the company’s operations, will help to build these AUVs faster, make them more adaptable and ultimately strengthen western deterrence.”

Since its founding in April 2023, Vatn Systems has progressed from concept to deployment, delivering its first AUVs in 17 months. The company is already actively testing in military exercises with key defense organizations including the U.S. Navy. With 12 vehicles now in the hands of government customers and more on order, the company is accelerating production in partnership with Palantir.  This collaboration marks an important milestone in strengthening the U.S. defense industrial base, modernizing how underwater systems are built, and combining the best software and hardware to develop the kinds of capabilities that can form the bedrock of Pillar 2 of the AUKUS defense and security partnership.

About Palantir Technologies Inc.

Foundational software of tomorrow. Delivered today. Additional information is available at https://www.palantir.com.

About Vatn Systems

Vatn Systems is a leading defense technology company building autonomous underwater vehicles that can be deployed at scale for the US military and allies. Founded in 2023 by a team of maritime experts and military leaders, Vatn Systems is on a mission to be the next underwater defense prime in a world where autonomous systems dominate naval battlefields. For more information, visit www.vatnsystems.com and follow the company on LinkedIn. (Source: PR Newswire)

 

16 Apr 25. Japan Announces Ship-Launched UAV Tender. Japan’s Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA), a department within Japan’s Ministry of Defence responsible for advanced and emerging technology procurement, recently announced an open competitive tender for the provision of a proof of concept for a ship-launched UAVs. Bidding will be held at ATLA’s Bidding Room at the Ministry of Defence’s Building D in Shinjuku at 1030 on 14 May, with applications via the Japanese government’s centralised Procurement Portal (GEPS) open between 7 and 13 May. Specification details and the specification document, both of which are subject to information security provisions, can be accessed by qualified parties via ATLA’s Department of Procurement Operations’ Aircraft Procurement Office. Bidding is restricted to companies that have attained a Unified Supplier Qualification ranking of A, B or C – a ranking based on factors including business capital and earnings. The ATLA tender is in line with Ministry of Defence plans to expand the role of unmanned assets. It also comes on the back of growing concerns that Japan’s maritime UAV capabilities are behind those of its neighbours, with some apportioning blame to drone procurement inefficiencies in Japan’s Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF). Japan’s Cabinet-approved late 2022 National Defence Strategy called for the expanded use of unmanned assets to reduce costs and minimise casualties, stating that their combined use with AI ‘can be a game-changer… enabling Japan to gain asymmetrical advantages’. These priorities were reflected in the concurrently released Defense Buildup Program, and were reinforced in last December’s Ministry of Defence 2025 Outline of Budgetary Appropriation Requests. Ship launched assets in particular have received growing attention in recent months, following increased emphasis on the security of the nation’s Ryukyu Island chain, which would be more exposed in the event of a Taiwan contingency.

During the Japan International Aerospace Exhibition in mid-October 2024 General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) displayed a rendering of its Gambit 5 drone being launched from an Izumo-class helicopter carrier, now being modified to accommodate Lockheed Martin F-35B short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) multirole combat aircraft. In January the JMSDF announced that it had agreed to purchase an undisclosed number of V-BAT intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) drones from US firm Shield AI, in what the company has touted as Japan’s navy’s first ship-launched ISR platform. That announcement came in the wake of scrutiny of the JSMDF’s decision in early December to procure 23 MQ-9B SeaGuardian surveillance drones from GA-ASI without having decided on their base location or payload. Criticisms of the JMSDF’s drone procurement procedures were voiced elsewhere in the leadup to the ATLA tender offer. In late December Shinichi Kiyotani, a prominent Japanese defence writer, claimed that the navy’s slow acquisition time-frames risked it being saddled with obsolete technology, that an absence of manufacturer contracts risked cancellations due to production discontinuation, and that an unwillingness to package training, parts and payload could result in new systems being retrofitted with legacy payloads. He claimed that such factors had contributed to the JMSDF becoming a maritime UAV “backwater”. Concerns that Japan’s maritime drone capacity has fallen behind have been amplified by recent developments among Japan’s neighbours. South Korea’s launched a General Atomics MC-1Q Gray Eagle multipurpose UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System) from a Dokdo-class amphibious assault ship in November. China has become a leading exporter of combat drones, and in January a Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) source confirmed that China’s Sichuan-class amphibious assault ship will serve as a drone carrier, with experts predicting that it will carry Hongdu GJ-11 Sharp Sword unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAV). In early March Japan’s Ministry of Defence stated that 2021-2024 saw a 700 per cent rise in JASDF assets scrambling to respond to Chinese drone incursions near the Ryukyu Islands. ATLA was formed in 2015 to advance technological superiority by expediting acquisitions of advanced military and dual use technology, and implementing a full life-cycle approach to scheduling, cost and performance management. In line with the priorities set out in the 2025 Outline of Budgetary Appropriation Requests, the last few months have seen the Agency make a number of drone-related announcements, including a 12 bn yen ($135 m) deal with the US Air Force for a contractor logistics support (CLS) package for long-endurance UAVs, a $170m (roughly $1.9m) deal with Japan’s ACSL to secure SOTEN light aerial photography drones, a competitive tender for research and prototype development on vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drone technology, and scoping studies for uncrewed underwater vehicles (UUV) and surface drones. (Source: UAS VISION/Australian Defence Magazine)

 

16 Apr 25. Chinese Hydrogen Drone Sets 30-Hour Non-Stop Domestic Flight Record. A 50-kilogram hydrogen-powered unmanned aerial vehicle developed by China recently completed a 30-hour continuous flight, setting a new domestic record for similar types of aircraft and reaching an internationally leading level in terms of endurance. The drone, jointly developed by the Chengdu Aircraft Industrial Group Co (CAIG) under the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), a state-owned aerospace and defense conglomerate, and Tsinghua University, achieved a breakthrough in the integrated design technology of flight, propulsion and control systems based on the output characteristics of hydrogen fuel cells, AVIC said in a statement. According to AVIC’s release, during takeoff, the aircraft innovatively adopted an autonomous integrated vehicle-mounted release method with an unmanned system consisting of an unmanned ground vehicle and an unmanned aerial vehicle. This system successfully demonstrated and validated its operational capabilities under non-standard runway conditions. During its flight, the drone equipped with an electro-optical payload is capable of effective ground patrol and surveillance. Meanwhile, by using a 5G onboard module and public network resources, the drone can transmit in real time the telemetry data and mission payload images to a remote platform, achieving dynamic remote monitoring, says the statement. This collaborative model combined with front-end inspection and back-end decision-making demonstrates great potential in areas such as emergency communications, environmental monitoring and border patrol. During natural disaster rescue missions, drones can remain airborne for extended periods and provide real-time imagery of affected areas. In terms of smart city management, they, combined with AI algorithms, can automatically identify violations and trigger response procedures, according to some industrial insiders. Industry insiders added that compared with traditional lithium battery-powered drones, hydrogen energy systems offer higher energy density, longer endurance and zero carbon emissions – perfectly aligning with the needs of green aviation development. The achievement of 30-hour continuous flight capability means that this drone can cover a wider operational range and perform more complex tasks, providing essential hardware support for the expansion of low-altitude economy application scenarios. Besides, the technical approach for aircraft hydrogen fuel cells differs significantly from hydrogen fuel cells used in automobiles, Shi Xin, an expert from the State Key Laboratory of Catalysis under Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, told the Global Times on Wednesday. He noted that the design of aircraft hydrogen fuel cells focuses on lightweight, high energy density, long endurance and performance in ultra-low temperatures Major global producers of hydrogen-powered drones include South Korean Doosan Mobility Innovation, UK’s ISS Aerospace, Japan’s Drone Works, and Israel’s Heven drones. The US’ AeroVironment company successfully built and tested the world’s first liquid hydrogen-powered drone in 2005. Attracted by the promising market prospects, several Chinese companies have already entered the research, development and production of the hydrogen-powered drone industry, experts said. CAIG believes that the 50kg-class hydrogen-powered drone will enhance the application scenarios of hydrogen-powered drones in the low-altitude economy, and play a positive role in advancing new business models in low-altitude economy and green aviation, according to the statement. (Source: UAS VISION/Global Times; Fuel Cell Works)

 

14 Apr 25. Thales celebrates first successful flight of SkyDrive’s eVTOL secured by its next-generation Flight Control System. SkyDrive, a leading eVTOL aircraft manufacturer based in Japan, made a historic breakthrough with the first successful demonstration flight of its three-seat electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft SkyDrive on 9 April at Expo 2025 Osaka in Japan. SkyDrive is powered by Thales’s next-generation flight control system, FlytRise, which is based on its 40+ years of proven experience in flight control solutions, and it is specially adapted to the requirements of unmanned aircraft: autonomy, lightweight design, and compactness. Designed for intra-urban flights, SkyDrive requires flight control solutions that ensure the safety of its flight path over populated areas. The flight control system is one of the critical elements of aircraft, essential for flight safety as it calculates and adjusts the position of the aircraft’s control surfaces and manages engine thrust. Thales pioneered electric flight solutions 40 years ago with the first installation on the Airbus A310. Since then, more than 13,000 aircraft have been equipped with Thales solutions.

“SkyDrive’s first flight in Osaka marks a historic milestone for autonomous aerial mobility,” said Florent Chauvancy, Vice President of Flight Avionics at Thales. “We are proud to be associated with this adventure alongside SkyDrive and to contribute with FlytRise to making flights ever safer and more sustainable.”

 

04 Apr 25. Anduril’s Fury unmanned fighter limited only by Australian ‘government policy.’ Anduril Industries president and chief strategy officer Christian Brose with the Fury at Avalon 2025. Anduril leadership have confirmed that their Fury autonomous fighter jet would only be limited by the agreed targeting policy of the Australian government. The high-performance, multi-mission autonomous fighter jet was displayed for the first time outside of the USA at the Avalon Australian International Airshow 2025 last week. Fury is designed to act as a force multiplier for crewed fighter aircraft, combining trusted collaborative autonomy, hyper-scale producibility, modularity, and affordability to expand the ability of US and allied forces to project combat airpower. In addition, the aircraft is designed to work with a commercially available engine as well as Anduril’s autonomous software. Anduril Industries president and chief strategy officer Christian Brose, speaking with Defence Connect at the air show, confirmed there had been significant interest in the aircraft.

“We’re super excited about the reception and I wouldn’t just focus on the aircraft. The other priority has really been what we call mission autonomy and how we think about the underlying sort of software and intelligence that’s making that aircraft something fundamentally different,” he said. “The ability to operate multiple systems simultaneously with a single commander and change that ability to very flexibly and adaptively add new software capability, new behaviours … I would argue is even more important than the aircraft. It is an autonomous system, which means that you can provide it sort of commander’s intent and then it has the ability to then organise itself or tasks for it to perform. (Targeting) that’s a policy decision and that’s something that governments are going to have to decide as a matter of governmental policy. But as builders of technology, we’re focused on providing the capability for them to be able to operate in the way that they want to in accordance with their laws and policies. (Source: Defence Connect)

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AIR;

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10 Apr 25. BAE Systems partners with Boeing on Ghost Bat autonomous vehicle management system. The landmark agreement strengthens the collaborative efforts of two of the nation’s key defence players, further solidifying BAE Systems’ role as a strategic partner in one of Australia’s most significant aviation programs. The VMS developed by BAE Systems is a critical component of the Ghost Bat, enabling the aircraft to fly autonomously and safely during complex operations.
The MQ-28A Ghost Bat, formerly Loyal Wingman, represents a historic milestone in Australian aviation. It is the first combat aircraft to be designed, manufactured, and flown in Australia in over 50 years. The program is a centrepiece of the Royal Australian Air Force’s push into uncrewed aircraft technologies and has garnered international attention for its innovation and potential export value.
BAE Systems has been involved in the MQ-28A program since 2017, drawing on over 40 years of experience in developing autonomous vehicle management systems. The company’s expertise plays a key role not only in the flight management software but in supplying components for the Ground Control Station and the Independent Flight Termination System – systems essential to the aircraft’s autonomous operations.
Kisa Christensen, director of Red Ochre Autonomy and Sensors at BAE Systems Australia, said: “BAE Systems is proud to be a strategic partner on this innovative sovereign program. We are excited to be at the forefront of future autonomous air capability to ensure Australia and its allies can generate the force required to continually meet their operational needs well into the future.”
The agreement also lays the groundwork for deepened collaboration between the two companies across future capability delivery efforts, supporting long-term sovereign industry growth and advanced defence capability for Australia.
The MQ-28A Ghost Bat is designed as an uncrewed teaming aircraft, intended to operate alongside crewed fighter jets as a “force multiplier” in multi-mission air combat scenarios. Equipped with a modular design and advanced sensors, it can undertake a wide range of missions, including reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and surveillance.
Its maiden flight occurred in February 2021, and the flight testing program continues to evolve, with further trials scheduled throughout 2025. The aircraft’s development is part of Boeing’s global push to deliver next-generation autonomous platforms and to position Australia as a hub for cutting-edge defence technology.

“BAE Systems Australia has been an important capability partner for our Australian industry team,” said Glen Ferguson, Boeing MQ-28 global program director. “Their contribution is vital as we continue to expand the capabilities and global potential of the MQ-28A.”
The Ghost Bat project is part of the Australian government’s broader investment in sovereign defence capability, aligning with the Defence Strategic Review’s focus on technological edge and operational agility in the Indo-Pacific region.
(Source: Defence Connect)

 

10 Apr 25. Leidos unveils ‘low-cost’ unmanned undersea vessel ‘Sea Dart.’ The Sea Dart starts at around $150,000, a Leidos official told Breaking Defense, and works with various payloads and software packages.
Defense and information technology company Leidos this week unveiled a new unmanned undersea vessel (UUV) called Sea Dart, what the company is advertising as a “low-cost,” versatile maritime weapon.
“The price of UUVs continue to escalate,” Jason Weed, the undersea subject matter expert in Leidos’ Maritime Systems Division, told Breaking Defense Tuesday. But, he said, with the Sea Dart starting at around $150,000 per unit, “we’re able to provide these at scale. You can build 600-700 Sea Darts with $100m.”
Leidos officially revealed the “low cost” Sea Dart on Monday, saying that it “currently comes in two different standard diameters, six and nine inches, and is transportable by one or two people. It is payload agnostic and compatible with the U.S. Navy’s preferred Underwater Vehicle software architecture as well as the U.S. Navy’s new non-propagating UUV battery design.” (The announcement said the 12-inch diameter version is “under consideration.”
Leidos says the UUV can travel down to 900 meters and can go as fast as 12 knots, and depending on the payloads attached, it has a battery life of up to 19 hours.
Weed said the first Sea Dart bought by a customer, who he declined to identify, went into the water in March. He also declined to say if the Navy was a current customer, but said Leidos “desired” for the Navy to use Sea Dart on a large scale.
He said that apart from being relatively affordable, the Sea Dart uses a commercial, off the shelf model, meaning buyers can purchase the vessel as it is but add any customizations — for example various sizes and types of payloads. It also has an open architecture model that can work with various software systems. So, depending on the payload and software package, Weed said the vehicle can perform counter-mine operations, battle space preparations, environmental sensing or undersea infrastructure monitoring, among other missions.
“There are a lot of concerns right now with underwater critical infrastructure like cables, so this can monitor those and report back if there are any changes,” Weed said.
Sea Dart is the latest collection in Leidos’ “Sea Systems” portfolio. It joins the small unmanned surface vessel Sea Archer and the medium unmanned surface vessels, Sea Hunter, Sea Hawk, Ranger and Mariner.
Unmanned maritime systems have been an emphasis at this year’s Sea Air Space show, with Anduril and HII announcing the delivery of new UUVs they’ve developed as well. (Source: Breaking Defense.com)

 

10 Apr 25. Nigeria Unveils Advanced Domestic Built Drones. The Nigerian military in partnership with Briech UAS, the largest drone manufacturers in the country, recently showcased its advanced drones, missiles, and bombs at its facility in Kuje, Abuja. Although the technical details were not revealed, Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa highlighted that the drone will act as a force multiplier, greatly improving the operational efficiency of the Nigerian military. The launch, which took place in the country’s capital, was a major turning point in the company’s efforts to fortify the nation’s security infrastructure.
The Chief of Defence Staff and event chairman, added that the event was a major step in enhancing national security capabilities and a turning point in Nigeria’s path towards defense technology self-reliance.
“As the precision and efficiency of drones are critical in gathering intelligence and executive decisive actions against threats, in an era where security threats are increasingly complex and asymmetric, these force multipliers will play a vital role in enhancing the operational effectiveness of our military and other areas,” he said.
“By manufacturing these drones locally, Nigeria reduces its dependence on foreign resources, ensures prompt acquisition, and strengthens its ability to respond swiftly to security threats.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria welcomes this development as it enhances our ability to acquire the much-needed assets without delays associated with the international procurement system.
“For us, this will significantly improve our professional readiness while ensuring long-term sustainability,” he added.

Caleb Mutfwang, the governor of Plateau state, speaking about the drone launch, underlined that recognizing and backing local products was essential to Nigeria’s development.
He also revealed that some of these domestically produced technology is currently being deployed in his state, as reported by PremiumTimes.
This is being done to combat insurgency. He made sure to highlight the fact that his administration was collaborating with regional drone and bomb producers such as Briech UAS.
“As a nation, we made a mistake by allowing non-state actors to acquire capabilities that nearly rival those of state actors,” the governor stated.
“We have entered into a partnership that has enabled the deployment of these facilities in our state,” he added.
Nigeria’s fleet has long been supported by foreign-made drones, such as the US Aerosonde and Chinese Wing Loong II. (Source: UAS VISION/Business Insider Africa)

 

09 Apr 25. SEAair’s ARROW Transforms Naval Missions with a Stealthy, Autonomous High-Speed Surface Vessel. At the SOFINS 2025 exhibition held at Camp de Souge near Bordeaux, the French company SEAair Solutions unveiled the ARROW vessel, a new-generation autonomous surface system designed for both military and civilian maritime missions. The project is based on a major innovation: the integration of retractable, autonomously controlled hydrofoils that allow the vessel to operate faster, over longer distances, and with significantly increased discretion. The ARROW (Autonomous Rapid Recognition Operation Warship) is intended for a wide range of maritime security and defense operations. It is suitable for missions such as surveillance, maritime security, search and rescue, electronic warfare deployment, and sea strike operations. The platform can support the rapid and discreet deployment of commandos over distances of up to 400 nautical miles. In its commercial version, ARROW is also adapted for tasks such as crew transfer to offshore wind farms or low-energy passenger transport, made more comfortable by its shock mitigation capabilities. SEAair has developed a 20-meter platform equipped with hydrofoils, placing France among the leading countries in the field of next-generation naval vessels. The ARROW is derived from this larger concept as a more compact and agile 12-meter version, which can operate autonomously or with a crew, and uses the same core technologies. These vessels reach an average speed of 35 knots, with peaks up to 45 knots, offering both extended range and improved operational discretion. They can carry other unmanned systems (UxVs), payloads, or crew members.
The concept is based on the innovative use of retractable foils, enabling the vessel to rise above the water surface, which reduces fuel consumption by 50% and doubles the range. The small wake and aerodynamic lines contribute to the vessel’s stealth profile. When needed, the foils can retract to allow for conventional navigation. Propulsion is provided by electric pods, enabling low-noise approaches. According to SEAair, ARROW is the world’s first Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) equipped with foils. (Source: Google/armyrecognition.com)

 

08 Apr 25. US Navy receives first two Lionfish SUUVs from HII. This delivery forms part of a multi-year programme that could see the US Navy acquire up to 200 SUUVs. The US Navy has taken delivery of the first two small uncrewed undersea vehicles (SUUVs) from Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) for the Lionfish system programme. This delivery is part of a multi-year programme that could see the US Navy acquire up to 200 SUUVs, with a potential contract value exceeding $347m.
Based on HII’s REMUS 300 platform, the Lionfish System is engineered for multi-mission adaptability through a modular, open-architecture design. The programme, developed in collaboration with the US Navy and the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), aims to accelerate the integration of dual-use commercial technologies into the Department of Defense’s operations. This initiative marks the Navy’s first transition from an other transaction prototype to full-scale production, with the Lionfish being the first and only cyber-compliant uncrewed underwater vehicle.
Mission Technologies uncrewed systems business group president Duane Fotheringham said: “This delivery represents a key milestone in the Lionfish programme.
“The success and on-time delivery of Lionfish is the product of close collaboration between the government and industry team that will put a critical mine hunting capability in the hands of sailors and marines in an operationally relevant time frame.”
Production of the Lionfish is currently underway at HII’s uncrewed systems facility in Pocasset. The Lionfish system programme contract was awarded to HII in 2023. The Lionfish supports vital undersea warfare needs, including mine countermeasures, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), anti-submarine warfare, and electronic warfare.
The REMUS family of UUVs is known for its significant contributions to modern naval operations, capable of operating independently or alongside crewed platforms, such as Virginia-class nuclear submarines. These capabilities enhance mission scope, minimise detection risks, and reduce personnel exposure. The open-architecture design of the REMUS allows for rapid payload integration, facilitating mission-specific configurations and future technology insertions, which are essential for maintaining operational relevance and cost efficiency over time.
HII has delivered more than 700 REMUS vehicles to more than 30 countries, including 14 Nato members. (Source: naval-technology.com)

 

09 Apr 25. Canada’s Independent Robotics Wins NATO Hackathon. Canada’s Independent Robotics has been named a winner in the inaugural NATO Innovation Hackathon, sponsored by NATO and the Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA). The competition – which took place virtually from March 11 to 18 – drew the participation of more than 60 companies globally, with the aim of accelerating the development and adoption of innovative defence technologies. Challenges presented during the event were drawn from those faced daily in war zones such as Ukraine.
The hackathon rewarded 10 companies for their proposed technological solutions in areas including AI, acoustic sensors, robotics and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) detection.
Independent Robotics – which took home a 20,000 EUR-prize and access to further collaboration with NATO’s DIANA network – impressed the panel with its AI-based data processing technology called AISRA. AISRA features advanced AI that understands video, sonar, and thermal imaging, and can automatically scan and analyze vast amounts of footage to identify objects of interest based on just a few samples. Given just a single image of a new type of armored vehicle, for example, it can rapidly detect the whereabouts of that vehicle in videos recorded by reconnaissance aircraft.
The AISRA system is based on Independent Robotics’ breakthrough “Insight Engine” technology, a software technology originally developed for civilian inspection applications in land, air and underwater environments. For example, one of the Insight Engine’s uses is analyzing footage collected by flying over a city’s roadways and automatically detecting and prioritizing potholes for repair, drastically reducing what would normally take months of manual analysis.
The Insight Engine uses the latest innovations in AI and robotics to process and understand vast amounts of data, much in the same way that ChatGPT can help people summarize large amounts of text. Today, robots are improving the processes for inspections of critical infrastructure such as runways or solar power arrays, allowing surveys to be conducted more economically, safely, and frequently. Taking advantage of this information, however, leads to a dramatic increase in the amount of data that humans need to process. Tools such as the Insight Engine address this issue by allowing human analysts to review summaries of data collected from any robot – from flying drones to autonomous underwater vehicles – rather than spend countless hours watching raw data.
“The world today is data-driven, but the burden on human analysts is unsustainable,” said Julian Ware, CEO of Independent Robotics. “Our goal isn’t to develop AI for its own sake – it’s to translate cutting-edge research into solutions that people actually need.”
Nick Dudek, the company’s Head of Software, emphasized that Independent Robotics’ solution “is built to help users regain control and understanding in situations flooded with data. Engaging with NATO defence experts reinforced the need for tools like AISRA.”
The NATO award isn’t the company’s first success. In 2022–23, Independent Robotics partnered with the Royal Canadian Navy’s dive team through a federal innovation accelerator to test AI-powered underwater robots (uncrewed underwater vehicles). The startup’s technology is also gaining traction in civil sectors – monitoring ship hulls, ports, bridge foundations, and even fish farms for maintenance or invasive species.
More recently, the company joined forces with Lone Drone Solutions, a Canadian company that is applying the technology to inspect civilian airports.
“With the Insight Engine’s ability to generate fast, high-confidence reports, demand for our solution is growing fast,” Dudek said.
Ware emphasized that this win isn’t just about Independent Robotics – rather, it’s about ensuring ethical, impactful AI reaches the people and organizations needing it most.
“The world is moving fast, and the challenges we’re addressing need solutions just as quickly,” Ware said. “As Canada strengthens its position as a global AI leader, our company’s success highlights the country’s expanding influence in defence innovation.” (Source: UAS VISION/Independent Robotics)

 

08 Apr 25. Shield AI Unveils V-BAT Block Upgrade Powered by Hivemind: Advanced Autonomy, SATCOM, and Heavy-fuel Engine Among New Features. Shield AI, the deep-tech company building state-of-the-art autonomy software products and defense aircraft, today unveiled the latest evolution of its combat-proven V-BAT. The latest V-BAT offers Group 4 and 5 capabilities in a Group 3 package. It’s purpose-built to solve the hardest operational problems facing the U.S. and its allies: finding and targeting threats in GPS- and communications-denied environments, securing borders, and enabling persistent maritime surveillance.
“The most forward-thinking militaries are swapping out their larger, more expensive ISR aircraft—which are too vulnerable for how much they cost — and accomplishing the same missions with smaller, more affordable drones, like V-BAT,” said Brandon Tseng, Shield AI’s President, Co-founder, and a former Navy SEAL. “V-BAT is built for the full spectrum of drone missions—from deep-penetration ISR-T where GPS and comms are jammed to border security, search and rescue, and drug interdiction. If there’s a mission out there, V-BAT can do it—faster, cheaper, and where others can’t.”
V-BAT now boasts a heavy-fuel engine optimized for JP-5, the most common maritime aircraft fuel, extending its endurance beyond 13 hours while ensuring seamless compatibility with naval and expeditionary operations. Enhancing its unmatched versatility, V-BAT now features a fully unassisted vertical launch and landing (VTOL) capability, eliminating the need for a human operator to assist in takeoff or recovery. It still requires no runway, catapult, or net recovery, and its patented ducted-fan design enables safe, precise landings on moving ships, rooftops, and confined areas—even in high winds and rough seas.
These capabilities have made V-BAT the unmanned aircraft of choice for maritime and expeditionary forces, deploying on nearly every class of U.S. Navy ship and with all seven Marine Expeditionary Units (MEUs). The U.S. Coast Guard recently selected V-BAT for a major ISR operations contract, and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) named it their first-ever ship-based ISR platform.
V-BAT is Hivemind Pilot-ready, enabling operators to integrate Shield AI’s AI-powered autonomy software for best-in-class perception and cognition. SATCOM integration also provides Beyond-Line-of-Sight (BLOS) command and control (C2), allowing operators to conduct missions from anywhere in the world. V-BAT supports multi-payload integration, including ViDAR-enabled passive wide-area motion imagery, synthetic aperture radar (SAR), and electronic warfare payloads, expanding operational flexibility across domains.
Visitors to the U.S. Navy League Sea-Air-Space Maritime Expo in National Harbor, Maryland, this week can see a special edition U.S. Coast Guard V-BAT model at Shield AI’s booth (#1101). Stop by to learn more about V-BAT and how Shield AI is advancing autonomous aircraft for maritime operations. (Source: ASD Network)

 

07 Apr 25. Technological gaps, industry barriers stall USV growth, report finds. The report notes that several critical obstacles remain before the industry can realise its full potential. A forthcoming industry analysis, the 2025 Janus Review, is poised to shed light on the technological shortcomings that are hampering the broader implementation and complete independence of uncrewed surface vessels (USVs).  Scheduled for release at the Sea, Air and Space Exhibition in National Harbor, Maryland from 6 to 9 April, the 2025 Janus Review will outline prominent trends, tackle essential challenges, and spotlight emerging applications and technologies influencing USVs. The review is an annual publication by Janus Marine and Defense, an American company specialising in marine autonomy.
The study suggests that a reluctance to share intellectual property, apprehensions about losing competitive edges, and the lack of universally accepted standards are impeding the collaborative efforts required to address these issues. The report points out that critical technologies, notably those in AI development which are crucial for advancing the USV industry, are still being actively researched. The report states that modelling, real-time data integration, and AI algorithms are essential—technologies that are still in development and largely untested in maritime settings. Specialised datasets and algorithms for reliable marine computer vision systems, real-time sonar data processing, and AI classification of underwater obstacles are also highlighted as technological barriers requiring further research and development.
The review underscores the transformative potential of intelligent self-diagnostics combined with adaptive mission-planning capabilities for USV autonomy. However, the integration of real-time diagnostics with autonomous decision-making hinges on highly advanced algorithms and robust onboard computing power—capabilities that are not yet fully matured or broadly accessible. Additionally, acoustic sensing technology faces challenges including high ambient noise levels and complex signal processing, necessitating ongoing research for reliable integration into autonomy algorithms. Securing skilled professionals is cited as a major obstacle impeding both innovation and expansion within the sector.
This year’s edition recognises USVs as having transformative potential for various maritime activities including defence, security, offshore exploration, and logistics.
Despite its dynamic nature and rapid development, Jack Dougherty—the owner of Janus Marine and Defense and editor of the report—notes that several critical obstacles remain before the industry can realise its full potential. One such challenge is what the report terms as the ‘Low Demand, Low Volume problem,’ which has substantial repercussions across different facets of the sector. Since USVs typically serve specialised markets like defence or offshore surveying rather than mass consumer bases, it becomes challenging for manufacturers to justify extensive production lines. This situation maintains high costs while stifling innovation. In addition, new entrants aiming to penetrate this market encounter considerable hurdles related to funding their operations and scaling their businesses effectively.
Dougherty said: “USV technology is at a crossroads. It is undoubtedly the future. But progress is slower than it should be. The reality is that developing a new USV requires heavy upfront investment in R&D, testing, and certification, costs that must be recouped over a small number of sales. Unlike automotive startups that can enter the market with well-established supply chains and contract manufacturers, USV companies often have to build their own infrastructure from the ground up, further increasing costs.
“Ultimately, the low-volume nature of the industry creates a cycle: high costs limit demand, limited demand discourages investment, and slow investment stifles technological progress. Until USVs become more widespread and production volumes increase, these challenges will continue to shape the industry’s growth.”
Jack added: “Many of the challenges facing USVs today aren’t about proving that autonomy works – it does. Instead, the real issues are about scalability, efficiency, and reliability.
“Whether it’s enabling intelligent fleet coordination, improving perception systems, or making USVs truly self-sufficient, there’s still a long way to go.” (Source: naval-technology.com)

 

07 Apr 25. Airbus Subsidiary Survey Copter Unveils New VTOL Version of Aliaca. At the Special Operations Forces Innovation Network Seminar (SOFINS) in Bordeaux (France), Survey Copter, an Airbus Defence and Space subsidiary pioneering the light tactical drone systems, presents a new version of its Aliaca drone in VTOL (Vertical Take-off and Landing) configuration. Several demonstration flights have already been successfully carried out in land and sea environments between the end of 2024 and the beginning of 2025. This new version completes the Aliaca range and is already available for sale to potential customers.
“Aimed at also meeting the requirements of land operations, this new configuration will benefit from the experience gained on the Aliaca and in particular from its reliability and robustness, which have been successfully proven at sea during numerous exercises and operations of the French Navy,” says Christophe Canguilhem, CEO of Survey Copter.
In VTOL configuration, the drone is equipped with four propellers enabling vertical take-off and landing while maintaining its fixed-wing propulsion mode during the mission. It has a maximum take-off weight of 27 kg and a wingspan of 3.5 m and length of 2.1 m.
The VTOL configuration is suitable for missions that require manoeuvrability in order to operate in confined spaces with no ground infrastructure. It also meets the need for flexibility for rapid interventions. The drone system is robust and easy to maintain, can be dismantled and transported in light vehicles such as pick-ups, and is quick and easy to deploy day or night with a low acoustic and visual footprint. Building on its success with the French Navy, the Aliaca VTOL will be able to carry out various types of demanding missions. On land, the aircraft can support special operations, tactical situation management through surveillance and reconnaissance, but also the transport of loads, without the need for launch-recovery equipment or infrastructure. Like the Aliaca in fixed wing configuration, this new VTOL configuration comes in 2 versions: one with an electric motor (Aliaca VTOL Evo) with a 3-hour autonomy for a range of 50km and a payload capacity of 2kg; and a thermal version (Aliaca VTOL ER) with a hybrid engine for 6 hours of endurance, a range of 80km and a payload capacity of 3kg.
The VTOL configuration retains the strengths of the Aliaca range: its avionics, its proven and robust data link, its control segment, its energy kit, its flight termination system and its GX5 camera designed and produced at Survey Copter.
This GX5 camera is a high-performance gyrostabilised electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) camera. For naval applications, the drone also carries an AIS (Automatic Identification System) for detecting ships within a range of several hundred kilometres. This dual-sensor configuration enables it to carry out intelligence and target tracking missions. But the Aliaca is also capable of carrying other payloads.
Identical for all products in the Aliaca range, the ground station has also been developed by Survey Copter. Easy to use and equipped with an automatic pilot mode, it allows the operator to monitor the automatic flight of the drone at all times, while receiving images and AIS data collected by the on-board sensors in real time, day or night. After being certified and qualified by the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) as part of the SMDM (Marine Mini Airborne Drone Systems) contract, the fixed-wing version of Aliaca was deployed on around twenty French Navy ships from 2022 onwards. (Source: UAS VISION/Survey Copter)

 

07 Apr 25. Anduril unveils torpedo-launching ‘Copperhead’ underwater drone. The announcement follows a flurry of similar industry product debuts focused on unmanned systems. Defense tech company Anduril today unveiled a new unmanned undersea vehicle, dubbed Copperhead, built specifically to be launched from larger underwater drones — and in turn, launch an associated torpedo dubbed Copperhead-M.
“Victory at sea will require large fleets of autonomous subsea, surface, and air vehicles capable of bringing advanced awareness and overwhelming adversaries with mass maritime effects,” according to a company statement. “With the Dive-LD and Dive-XL, Copperhead enables a comprehensive, intelligent maritime capability that allows operators to quickly respond to threats in the undersea battlespace, at a fraction of the cost of legacy options.”
Dive-LD and Dive-XL are both relatively large UUVs, also built by Anduril, that can carry and deploy the new Copperhead system — essentially an underwater version of the Air Force’s turducken-like LongShot system. The newer system comes in two models, Copperhead-100 and Copperhead-500, each a different size.
“UUVs are proliferating. USVs are proliferating. The picture, if you will, or the environment above and below the waves is completely changing,” Shane Arnott, senior vice president of programs and engineering at Anduril, told reporters ahead of the Sea Air Space exposition this week. “So, in order to address what is, candidly, a very wide waterfront — the fight against the [People’s Republic of China] in particular is primarily a water-based fight — these types of technologies and products are built to deal with that.”
Arnott declined to comment on Copperhead’s price or whether Anduril has secured contracts with the Defense Department or any foreign government for the product.
Anduril’s announcement comes at a time when numerous companies in the defense industrial base are releasing new models of unmanned vehicles. Defense start-up Saronic in October debuted the largest USV from its Corsair product line. Internationally, France’s Naval Group late last year also unveiled its own new USV, dubbed “Seaquest.” And Textron in January announced its “Tsunami” family of unmanned surface vehicles.
For its part, the US Navy has spent the last several years experimenting with a wide range of commercial-off-the-shelf unmanned systems, while slowly and arduously advancing the programs of record it hopes will one day make up its hybrid fleet’s most advanced capabilities. In general, Navy officials have expressed the most interest in unmanned systems that act like trucks — vehicles designed to carry wide varieties of other payloads and capabilities.
In the meantime, the Navy has also used partnerships with agencies such as the Defense Innovation Unit to select a handful of industry systems for transition into programs of record. (Source: Breaking Defense.com)

 

04 Apr 25. Eureka, Greenroom to unveil autonomous naval attack vessel. The AIRCAT Bengal MC, a 36m SES, will be revealed at the upcoming Sea Air and Space Exhibition in Maryland, US, from 6-9 April. US-based Eureka Naval Craft, in collaboration with Australia’s Greenroom Robotics, is poised to reveal a new autonomous naval attack vessel. The unveiling is scheduled for the upcoming Sea Air and Space Exhibition in Maryland, US, from 6-9 April 2025.
Dubbed AIRCAT Bengal module carrier (MC), the 36 metre (m) surface effect ship (SES) is the product of a joint development effort between Eureka and ESNA Naval Architects, with autonomy and AI software supplied by Greenroom.
Eureka Naval Craft CEO Bo Jardine highlighted the vessel’s capabilities, including its ability to carry a 40-tonne payload at speeds exceeding 50 knots, with a range of 1,000 nautical miles, depending on the payload.
He said: “This is a high-speed, hightech ship able to operate crewed and uncrewed. It is further bristling with lethality and can launch Tomahawk cruise missiles and anti-ship naval strike missiles (NSM). This ‘force projection’ capability is very important as it de-risks the reliance on much bigger, more expensive crewed warships to fire missiles.”
Additionally, the vessel will have a lower construction cost, noted Jardine. It can serve in various roles, including troop transport, landing support, electronic warfare, drone operations, and mine warfare.
He also confirmed that the AIRCAT Bengal MC will be marketed to the US Navy, US Marine Corps, and allied navies, including members of AUKUS and Nato, as well as nations such as Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam .
Greenroom Robotics CEO James Keane said that the vessel features autonomous navigation system and software tools designed to augment human capabilities throughout operational phases.
Keane said: “The AIRCAT Bengal MC will benefit from the proven Greenroom Advanced Maritime Autonomy (GAMA) Software system Greenroom have spent years developing and had validated on a 57m decommissioned Armidale-class patrol boat, Sentinel, known as the Patrol Boat Autonomy Trial (PBAT).”
The AIRCAT Bengal MC will expand Eureka’s fleet of AIRCAT vessels, which includes the Bengal, Lynx, Jaguar, and Panther models, each tailored for specific missions.
These vessels are designed with modularity in mind, allowing clients to customise based on operational requirements.
In September l2024, Greenroom Robotics and Austal Australia entered into a Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) to focus on collaborative efforts in the watercraft sector.
The SPA aims to develop boat products, services, and technologies that enhance safety, reduce crewing requirements, and enable remote and autonomous operation of vessels produced by Austal Australia.
(Source: naval-technology.com)

 

04 Apr 25. Congolese militia displays Estonian UAV. A UAV with EOS C written on it was displayed in a video by fighters whose spokesperson identified them as members of the Alliance of Patriots for a Free and Sovereign Congo (APCLS), a militia that operates in the Masisi area of North Kivu province against the Rwandan-backed March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group. The APCLS spokesperson, who may have been Janvier Karairi, the group’s commander, said the UAV was built in Estonia, operated by Rwanda, and shot down in Masisi on 30 March. He added that two other aircraft were shot down in the Walikale area, about 80 km to the west, during the previous week and called on the government to support the Wazalendo, a collective name for militias fighting M23. The UAV did not appear to have been hit by a weapon, raising the possibility that it crashed due to a malfunction. The EOS C is an electrically powered vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) surveillance UAV. Threod said it has a maximum take-off weight of 14.2 kg with a 1.1 kg payload, an endurance of up to 3 hours, and a communications range of 50 km. The one displayed by the APCLS appeared to be fitted with Threod’s eOPIC-5 electro-optic system, which has high-definition colour and long-wavelength infrared cameras. Ukraine was previously the only confirmed operator of the EOS C and Threod declined to comment on the recovery of one in the DRC. (Source: Janes)
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BCB certainly has a rich history (1854) and an impressive portfolio of products designed to enhance the safety and effectiveness of NATO defence personnel in various environments.
The core competency of protecting lives in hostile environments, includes:
LAND:
BCB`s camouflage creams and camouflage nets have been standard issue to conceal generations of British and NATO forces.
Our newly developed MultiSpectral Cam technology, the MK8 Phantom, camouflages and protects people/vehicles/assets in the visual, IR and thermal (SWIR/MWIR/LWIR) spectrums.
FireDragon, our eco field cooking fuel, burns cleanly so can also be used in the confined space of a foxhole or tent. It is waterproof, easy to light, non-toxic and smokeless.
SEA;
Our patented Floating Body Armour is unique, versatile and sensibly protects both you and your life jacket, under the soft and hard armour. Designed to be low bulk, it`s massive 275 newtons of buoyancy is self-righting. We say it will “save your life twice”.
Our range of Boat Stopping Systems, provided a layered non-lethal stopping capability against all sizes of vessels, including unmanned threats. So you can stop and search, defeat pirates from boarding, prevent terrorists from getting near your vessel or close off quickly a waterway, port or maritime borders.
AIR;
BCB`s sister company UAVE have been manufacturing since 2013, the Dragon MK3, large, long range (1,000km) long endurance (12hours), versatile and mission-ready UAV. It is proven and operational from the polar regions to 45deg C heat in the Middle East and Asia. The larger of the 3 models, carries 25 kilos payload.

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Sponsored by BCB INTERNATIONAL

 

http: https://www.bcbin.com/

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03 Apr 25.  Australia’s Ghost Bat CCA programme achieves new milestone. Boeing Defence Australia and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) took the opportunity at the 2025 edition of Avalon Airshow in Melbourne in late March to announce a major milestone in the MQ-28A Ghost Bat Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) flight test programme. According to Boeing, the programme has completed the 100th flight and a Ghost Bat adorned in the operational paint scheme was shown for the first time.

“This milestone demonstrates the maturity of our program in a growing market and is a testament to Boeing’s groundbreaking lead in developing collaborative combat aircraft capabilities for current and future applications,” said Boeing Defense, Space & Security interim President and CEO Steve Parker.

According to Boeing, the flight test programme will conclude by the end of 2025 with a MQ-28 aircraft teaming with RAAF crewed assets, such as the E-7 Wedgetail airborne early warning and control and F-35 joint strike fighter, to conduct operationally relevant missions. The Australian government earlier announced an A$399 million funding package intended to advance development of key systems for the Ghost Bat. The funding also calls for construction of three new next-generation Block 2 aircraft. Officials noted that the funding will enable further development on sensor and mission payloads, an integrated combat system and autonomous systems. The Ghost Bat is a joint development between Boeing Defence Australia and the Australian Department of Defence (DoD). The company has already been contracted to deliver 10 MQ-28A Block 1 aircraft for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). The Ghost Bat will have a range of more than 3,700 km and has been designed to fly as a partner with crewed RAAF platforms. As a groundbreaking project, it enables the DoD to investigate critical factors such as the level of automation and autonomy, use of artificial intelligence, and human-machine teaming concepts that meet Australia’s legal and ethical obligations. Around 55 Australian companies have contributed to the Ghost Bat programme, which is also the first military combat aircraft to be designed, engineered and manufactured in Australia in more than 50 years. Boeing is building a new production facility in Toowoomba, Queensland, to support the manufacture of the Ghost Bat. (Source: AMR)

 

03 Apr 25. Milkor busy with Milkor 380 production and deliveries as UAV project enters a new phase. Milkor continues to make strides with its Milkor 380 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), with the project now moving from its development phase to an industrial phase. This is according to Daniel du Plessis, Milkor’s Marketing and Communications Director. Speaking exclusively to defenceWeb, du Plessis said: “the project is now essentially moving away from a development phase. Up until 2023 we were still developing quite a few things in terms of software hardware and aircraft components, as well as testing.” This culminated in the Milkor 380’s first flight in September 2023, with du Plessis adding that “a very stringent flight-testing campaign has taken place since then.” Flight testing has primarily taken place at Air Force Base Overberg, co-located with the Denel Overberg Test Range (OTR), and overseen by the South African Air Force with which Milkor has a testing and evaluation agreement. The Western Cape facility is situated across 43 000 hectares with a 70 km coastline facing virtually unrestricted sea; the air base at Overberg provides runway and ground support services for all types of aircraft.

Du Plessis told defenceWeb “the project is essentially nearing the end of its maturity in terms of development but now more nearing more towards a finalised solution.” He added that, “we are expecting to see a rapid increase in the industrialisation cycle and also the manufacturing capabilities within the company to keep up with the demand for pending contracts that we’re expecting.”

Annual UAV production stands at eight per year, with plans to reach sixteen units a year by 2026. Last year Milkor had half a dozen Milkor 380s under construction at its Cape Town manufacturing facility. The Milkor 380 was developed from the earlier MA (Milkor Aeospace) 80, an 80 kg demonstrator which flew in 2017. As a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAV, the Milkor 380 boasts impressive specifications, having a wingspan of 18.6 meters and a maximum take-off weight of 1 500 kilograms, making it the largest such aircraft designed and built in Africa. It is built to carry out extended operations and boasts a maximum endurance of 30 hours (when flying at 60 knots and an altitude of 10 000 feet above mean sea level) and a range of over 4 000 kilometres, making it ideal for long-range missions such as border surveillance, maritime patrols, and combat operations. The UAV is equipped with dual redundant Line of Sight (LOS) communications systems that can maintain contact with its control unit for up to 250 km, with seamless transition between Line of Sight and Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) communications, such as SATCom. Milkor has partnered with leading companies, such as Germany’s Hensoldt, to integrate sophisticated sensor suites, including the ARGOS II HDT Airborne Observation System with laser designator capabilities. These sensors are designed for precision targeting in combat operations and enhance the UAV’s intelligence-gathering and electronic warfare capabilities. The Milkor 380 can carry up to 220 kg of payload, including munitions, communication pods and electronic warfare systems. The Milkor 380 is powered by a four-stroke, four-cylinder turbocharged Rotax 915iS engine developing 135 hp, which gives a maximum speed of 250 km/h and cruising speed of 110-150 km/h. Payload is 220 kg (excluding fuel), with each outer wing hardpoint able to accommodate 80 kg while each inner wing hardpoint can carry 150 kg. An underbelly station is designed to accommodate the largest payload and is rated to 400 kg. The aircraft’s nose is capable of housing several different electro optical/infrared and radar sensors. The Milkor 380 can be armed, and has already been displayed with Al Tariq X-series precision guided munitions, Halcon Desert Sting DS-16 guided bombs, and FZ602 laser-guided rocket launchers. A mockup of a Milkor-developed missile has also been shown under the aircraft, as Milkor is exploring in-house missile development. While the Milkor 380 is primarily designed for military use, Milkor envisions dual-purpose applications, particularly in the civilian and commercial sectors. For instance, it can be deployed for maritime surveillance, wildlife conservation and humanitarian missions. The company has partnered with Aerodata AG, a German firm specializing in maritime surveillance, to explore the UAV’s potential in monitoring special economic zones and conducting routine maritime patrols. This version is known as the AeroForce 380. The Milkor 380’s production phase has paved the way for an even larger follow-on project, the Milkor 780. This high-altitude, long-endurance UAV is expected to carry 2 700 kilograms of payload and have a flight time of 30–40 hours. Milkor hopes to unveil it at the 2026 edition of the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) exhibition. Milkor is participating in the LAAD 2025 exhibition currently underway in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 1 to 4 April, where it is showcasing its air, land, and sea solutions. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)

 

02 Apr 25. Hanwha Aerospace and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) have partnered to collaborate on the development and production of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) for the global defense market. The collaboration follows a successful flight demonstration in 2024 when the companies launched a GA-ASI MQ-1C Gray Eagle STOL(Short Take-Off and Landing) UAS from the South Korean navy’s amphibious landing ship ROKS Dokdo (LPH-6111) while underway at sea off the coast of Pohang, South Korea. This demonstration illustrated the ability of the Gray Eagle STOL to operate on many types of aircraft-capable ships, opening numerous new ways for the U.S. and its allies to support multi-domain operations.

“Hanwha Aerospace views unmanned systems as a strategic pillar for the future of defense. Through our collaboration with GA-ASI, we aim to strengthen sovereign defense capabilities, expand Korea’s presence in the global UAS market, and contribute to a more robust ROK-US alliance.” said Dong Kwan Kim, Vice Chairman of Hanwha Group.

“We’re excited to extend and deepen our business relationship with Hanwha,” said GA-ASI CEO Linden Blue, who supervised the November 12, 2024 at-sea demonstration. “Our test flight with Gray Eagle STOL was well-received by the Republic of Korea Navy and we know Hanwha is ready to invest to grow a UAS business with GA-ASI in Korea and the U.S.”

With this agreement, Hanwha plans to enter the unmanned aircraft systems market, which is projected to reach 5trn KRW globally by 2040.

Domestic Production and Investment

Hanwha Aerospace plans to invest more than 750 bn KRW in development and production facilities for Gray Eagle STOL and UAS engines, building research and development, and production infrastructure in South Korea as well as with GA-ASI in the U.S. The company plans to create jobs by recruiting talent in relevant fields and develop a domestic UAS industry ecosystem in Korea by identifying local component and material supplier companies. The companies aim to achieve first flight in early 2027, with a plan to expand to global markets.

Comprehensive Partnership for Advanced UAS Capabilities

The Gray Eagle STOL is the only medium-altitude, long-endurance aircraft of its kind with the ability to operate without a catapult or arresting gear from flight deck equipped warships such as aircraft carriers. It is also capable of operating effectively from unimproved surfaces such as roads, beaches, parking lots, etc. With a payload capacity of 1.6 tons, the Gray Eagle STOL can perform various missions including reconnaissance and attack operations, depending on the equipment configuration. Previously known by GA-ASI’s internal codename Mojave, Gray Eagle STOL leverages extensive commonality with the well-proven, in-production Gray Eagle 25M airframe. This provides a highly capable new aircraft at greatly reduced cost and technical risk compared to a clean-sheet design.

The aircraft has recorded numerous first-of-their-kind aviation milestones including the flight from ROKS Dokdo, launch and recovery aboard the British aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales (09), live fire tests at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona, and several others.

 

02 Apr 25. BMT has successfully partnered with ATLAS ELEKTRONIK UK (AEUK) to advance autonomous maritime navigation by utilising BMT’s proprietary Synthetic Environment Assurance Service (SEAS) testbed. This collaboration rigorously assessed AEUK’s cutting-edge autonomous navigation system, ARCIMS, delivering critical insights into its decision-making capabilities and compliance with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs). ARCIMS, a leading-edge maritime platform designed for modularity and adaptability, offers advanced capabilities for autonomous mine warfare and unmanned vessel operations. Leveraging its proprietary SEAS testbed, BMT evaluated the ARCIMS system’s ability to operate safely and effectively in complex and dynamic maritime environments. BMT’s SEAS testbed enabled the testing of AEUK’s system in detailed synthetic maritime environments, replicating complex operational scenarios under controlled, repeatable conditions. By providing robust assurance through this innovative approach, BMT has supported the system’s readiness for certification and deployment, advancing the safe integration of autonomous systems in real-world maritime operations. This collaboration addressed a pivotal challenge in maritime autonomy – ensuring that the autonomous navigation system meets the stringent requirements of COLREGs compliance. Using BMT’s SEAS platform, AEUK’s system was tested in a wide array of high-pressure scenarios designed to stress-test its algorithms and reveal actionable insights for refinement.

“BMT’s partnership with ATLAS ELEKTRONIK UK underscores the importance of simulation-based assurance in developing safe, reliable autonomous systems,” said Will Alexander, Campaign Lead for Maritime Autonomous Systems at BMT and a master mariner and hydrographic surveyor.  “Building trust in AI decision-making is equally vital. Trustworthy AI must be embedded into the foundation of autonomous systems, and this project exemplifies how that principle is part of the very DNA of our SEAS testbed, ensuring systems are not only compliant but also capable of making informed, seamanlike decisions in dynamic maritime environments.” BMT’s work in this collaboration also highlights its role in supporting the progress of maritime autonomous systems (MAS) compliance. BMT provides technical input into the UK’s Defence Maritime Regulator (DMR) guidelines and tools, maintaining positions on influential groups such as the Society of Maritime Industries Autonomy Council and the Maritime Autonomous Systems Regulatory Working Group. This commitment reinforces BMT’s influence in shaping the future of autonomous maritime safety and standards.

The SEAS testbed project delivered vital optimisation and value to AEUK, the UK Naval Authority Technical Group (NATG), and the broader maritime community. By using advanced simulation capabilities, BMT reduced the costs and risks associated with live testing and provided essential evidence for the system’s certification. The testing defined safe operational envelopes and identified areas for algorithmic refinement, ensuring confidence in the system’s deployment.

ATLAS ELEKTRONIK UK’s Principal Software Engineer for Command, Control, and Autonomy Systems, Ian Renton, reflected on the collaboration: “In my view, this type of exercise is an invaluable addition to our existing test procedures. Working with specialist navigators and running scenarios specifically tailored to catch COLREGs ‘edge’ cases allowed us to identify areas for improvement in future algorithm versions. I was pleased to hear it said several times that our vessel was making safe decisions and, in some cases, clever solutions, while maintaining COLREGs compliance and safe standoff from other vessels.”

Stephen Perry, from the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) Naval Authority and Technology Group (NATG) – Propulsion, Manoeuvring & Navigation Systems, then concluded: “Establishing the MASS SEAS assurance methodology has enabled the Naval Authority (NA), as the safety certifying body for MOD shipping, to delegate the assessment of the COLREG capability of innovate new platforms using cutting edge technology to a Recognised Organisation (RO). The RO provides an independent third-party report, compiled using an approved syllabus of tailored tests conducted in a Type-Approved high-fidelity synthetic environment, which enables the NA to define a safe operating envelope and certification for the MASS. MASS SEAS is one of the tools enabling the UK MOD to establish one of the world’s first frameworks for the certification of marine autonomy.”

BMT’s influence in maritime autonomy

Accelerating the safe introduction of MAS is a critical priority for the defence sector, and BMT is at the forefront of this transformation. With expertise in simulation, maritime engineering, and significant contributions to UK defence regulation and MAS compliance, BMT continues to be a trusted partner in advancing autonomous systems. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies, regulatory insights, and decades of maritime expertise, BMT ensures that MAS are developed and deployed with safety, efficiency, and the trust of operators and stakeholders at their core.

This partnership builds on BMT’s legacy of innovation, exemplified by its globally recognised REMBRANDT technology, which has set new benchmarks for navigation risk assessment and immersive simulation. Through this bilateral and unique combination of innovation and operational excellence, BMT remains a driving force in shaping the future of maritime autonomy.

 

31 Mar 25. Mayman Aerospace today announced the successful completion of test flights for the RAZOR P100, which will be the first commercial aircraft in the company’s family of autonomous UAS. The achievement marks a major milestone not only for RAZOR but for the company’s strategic vision and market position. The test program, conducted at the US Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center located at Twentynine Palms, CA validated 18 months of meticulous engineering and development efforts. Most notably, the tests included the successful inaugural untethered flights of the RAZOR P100, which operated with complete autonomy while executing complex flight maneuvers that demonstrated the sophisticated capabilities of RAZOR’s proprietary flight control software called SKYFIELD™. SKYFIELD, the company’s advanced AI-driven autonomous flight control system, will enable numerous RAZOR aircraft to navigate complex environments without human intervention, making critical adjustments in real-time based on operational conditions. This autonomous AI-driven decision-making capability will also allow the platform to adapt to changing mission parameters and environmental factors with precision and reliability.

“These flights represent the culmination of extraordinary engineering expertise and relentless dedication from our team,” said David Mayman, Founder & CEO at Mayman Aerospace. “What we’ve accomplished positions us at the vanguard of autonomous VTOL flight technology. There is simply nothing comparable to the RAZOR family of aircraft available in today’s market, and these successful tests validate our innovative approach to solving complex challenges in this domain.”

In addition to the P100’s series of tests, the program featured the first extended range flight of the RAZOR TBX, while successfully carrying a payload of 50 pounds. This fully autonomous beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) operation marked the 26th flight for the TBX platform, which continues to serve as both a reliable workhorse and an invaluable testbed for ongoing research and development initiatives.

“I couldn’t be more proud of the team’s accomplishments,” remarked company Chief of Staff, Daniel Fox. “The warfighter has been waiting for a solution that combines the versatility, autonomy, and reliability that RAZOR delivers. The success of these test flights demonstrates not only our technical capabilities but also our understanding of what operators truly need in the field. From an engineering perspective, what we’ve achieved in just 18 months is extraordinary,” explained Dr. Manu Sharma, the company’s Chief Engineer. “Our team has overcome significant technical challenges to develop flight control systems that enable unprecedented levels of autonomy and precision. The speed of our progress speaks to both the talent of our engineers and the effectiveness of our approach towards development. These achievements are setting the foundation for SKYFIELD, which will push the boundaries even further.”

SKYFIELD will transform onboard single-aircraft control into an autonomous AI-driven mission management system. It will enable seamless swarming, integrated with Battle Management Systems (BMS) offering commanders a unified airborne capability. Deploying a robust and secure zero-trust mesh architecture, SKYFIELD will enable flawless operation in GPS denied and heavily contested Electronic Warfare (EW) environments.

Looking ahead to the remainder of 2025, Mayman Aerospace will focus on expanding the operational envelope of both the P100 and TBX platforms, with particular emphasis on enhancing payload capabilities, extending flight range, and refining the SKYFIELD autonomous decision-making algorithms that set RAZOR apart from conventional UAS systems.

 

28 Mar 14. Airbus, Drone Forge sign LOI for Flexrotor UAS integration. Backed by the US Department of Defense, the Flexrotor has been used in numerous naval security drills. Australian aerospace company Drone Forge has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Airbus to explore joint efforts in implementing and integrating the Flexrotor uncrewed aerial system (UAS). This partnership also encompasses the procurement of Flexrotor systems. The Flexrotor is the latest addition to Airbus’ UAS portfolio. It is a vertical take-off and landing uncrewed aircraft with a maximum launch weight of 25kg.  It is designed to perform intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance missions for more than 12-14 hours in a typical operational setup.   Airbus finalised its strategic purchase of Aerovel and its Flexrotor UAS, in May last year.   The acquisition, which was agreed upon in January 2024, has since been subject to customary conditions and regulatory approvals.

Drone Forge CEO Thomas Symes said: “This partnership between Airbus and Drone Forge is a giant leap forward in the evolution and progress of the UAV industry. When we deliver a capability or product to a customer, they expect a proven solution, partnerships committed to safety, and teams that can provide world class support. This partnership will provide customers with all of these and more.  The Asia-Pacific region presents a significant opportunity for a UAV solution like the Flexrotor. Built on Drone Forge’s values of trust and performance, this partnership with Airbus aims to fully commercialise the Flexrotor across commercial, government, and defence sectors.”

The US Department of Defence has supported the Flexrotor, which has been contracted for use in various maritime security exercises. Airbus notes that the UAS can perform in environments that are harsh, high-threat, and where GPS is unreliable.

Additionally, it is being used for parapublic missions, including forest fire surveillance—and other mission needs such as ice navigation for naval vessels in the Arctic Ocean, law enforcement, and border patrol.

Airbus Helicopters Market Operations head William Sampson said: “This agreement outlines a shared commitment to explore opportunities for implementing innovative Flexrotor technologies in the region.   Designed as a force multiplier for diverse missions in defence and security applications, this partnership signals strong confidence in our Flexrotor capabilities and offers perfect crewed-uncrewed teaming possibilities for aircraft operators.”

Drone Forge is expanding its portfolio and has set up a UAS service centre in Perth, Western Australia.   The centre is dedicated to offering training, maintenance, and support services for a variety of UAS, including the Flexrotor.  (Source: naval-technology.com)

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BCB certainly has a rich history (1854) and an impressive portfolio of products designed to enhance the safety and effectiveness of NATO defence personnel in various environments.

The core competency of protecting lives in hostile environments, includes:

LAND:

BCB`s camouflage creams and camouflage nets have been standard issue to conceal generations of British and NATO forces.

Our newly developed MultiSpectral Cam technology, the MK8 Phantom, camouflages and protects people/vehicles/assets in the visual, IR and thermal (SWIR/MWIR/LWIR) spectrums.

FireDragon, our eco field cooking fuel, burns cleanly so can also be used in the confined space of a foxhole or tent. It is waterproof, easy to light, non-toxic and smokeless.

SEA;

Our patented Floating Body Armour is unique, versatile and sensibly protects both you and your life jacket, under the soft and hard armour. Designed to be low bulk, it`s massive 275 newtons of buoyancy is self-righting. We say it will “save your life twice”.

Our range of Boat Stopping Systems, provided a layered non-lethal stopping capability against all sizes of vessels, including unmanned threats. So you can stop and search, defeat pirates from boarding, prevent terrorists from getting near your vessel or close off quickly a waterway, port or maritime borders.

AIR;

BCB`s sister company UAVE have been manufacturing since 2013, the Dragon MK3, large, long range (1,000km) long endurance (12hours), versatile and mission-ready UAV. It is proven and operational from the polar regions to 45deg C heat in the Middle East and Asia. The larger of the 3 models, carries 25 kilos payload.

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Sponsored by BCB INTERNATIONAL

 

http: https://www.bcbin.com/

 

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25 Mar 25. Saronic aims to scale USV production with Port Alpha shipyard. Saronic Technologies has announced plans to construct an advanced shipyard to build unmanned vessels following a successful Series C funding round. Series C funding is typically focused on scaling a company and is commonly the last round of startup equity funding. The USD600m funding will support the development of the Port Alpha shipyard, which is intended to deliver “new classes of unmanned ships at the speed and scale needed to protect and defend the maritime domain”, according to a Saronic statement on 18 February. It will also enable the expansion of Saronic’s autonomous surface vessel (ASV) fleet into medium and large classes for defence missions, the statement said. The project will expand Saronic’s workforce, machinery, facilities, and manufacturing capabilities to support its existing family of ASVs and develop larger vessels, a Saronic spokesperson told Janes on 24 March. Saronic is actively looking for a US location for the shipyard, with plans calling for it to be operational within five years, the spokesperson said. The move will help address US shipbuilding capacity shortfalls as well as investing in the infrastructure needed to supply the range and volume of autonomous ships required by the US Navy’s planned hybrid fleet, according to Saronic. (Source: Janes)

 

26 Mar 25. US greenlights potential $1.96 bn MQ-9B drone deal for Qatar. The US government today approved a potential $1.96 bn sale to Qatar of eight MQ-9B unmanned aerial vehicles, which, if completed, would mark the first sale of the General Atomics-produced drones to the Middle East. The potential deal also includes hundreds of bombs along with scores of missiles, several radars, radios, satellite communication ground systems and related equipment, along with US technical support.

“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to improve the security of a friendly country that continues to be an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East,” the State Department said in its public notification. “The proposed sale will improve Qatar’s capability to meet current and future threats by providing timely intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, target acquisition, counter-land, and counter-surface sea capabilities for its security and defense.”

A spokesperson for General Atomics, C. Mark Brinkley, told Breaking Defense, “We’re very excited by the news, and ready to support Qatar in any way. MQ-9B strikes the perfect balance of affordability, versatility, and capability for airborne ISR missions worldwide. There’s nothing else like it anywhere.”

Qatari officials first requested armed drones in 2020, but became frustrated with the then-Biden administration for slowrolling the request, according to an October 2021 report by The Wall Street Journal. Today’s announcement comes just weeks after GA-ASI President David Alexander spoke to Breaking Defense at a defense conference hosted by Qatar’s neighbor, the United Arab Emirates, where he said he expected previously delayed arms sales would likely see a renewed push under a new Trump administration.

“They mean business now, and they want to see the business deals happen and where we’ve been, maybe stuck in policy and bureaucrats,” Alexander said Feb. 19 during the IDEX 2025 conference. “I think it’s going to move out quick, so I predict a lot of action in this area, and a lot of business growth for General Atomics

In the same interview, Alexander said he expected a long-stranded deal for MQ-9Bs for the UAE “to move” as well. That deal has been in limbo for years due to complications with a larger F-35 controversy. The MQ-9B, which comes in the SkyGuardian and maritime-equipped SeaGuardian variants, is designed to fly for more than 30 hours and as high as over 40,000 feet. (The announcement doesn’t say which variant Qatar could be acquiring.) As with any Foreign Military Sale, the dollar and unit figures involved are subject to change as negotiations progress, and it’s always possible a member of Congress could step into put a hold on the deal. (Source: Breaking Defense.com)

 

26 Mar 25. Airbus announces missile-slinging drone for air defense. Airbus unveiled a European-made anti-drone drone concept with elements of autonomy this week, piggybacking on a training dummy design from 20 years ago. With LOAD — short for Low-Cost Air Defence — the European aerospace giant seeks to address one of the main challenges in modern air defense: the massive cost of intercepting cheap threats. Executives announced the drone design at an unmanned systems trade show in Bonn, Germany, on March 26. It will be based on a platform from the early 2000s, the Do-DT25, an unmanned aerial system used for target practice. Because of that use case, it was designed to be both cheap and disposable, according to the manufacturer. The modified UAV will be able to carry three guided missiles. According to Airbus, its operational range will be 100 kilometers or about 160 miles, and it will be launched via catapult. After a successful mission, the drone is designed to return to base and land by parachute, ready to be reused. A prototype with two missiles will fly by the end of the year, the company said, with the final product ready two years from now, by 2027. While no details have been provided for LOAD specifically, the Do-DT25 on which it is built is 3.1 meters long and has a 2.5-meter wingspan. Its top speed is 300 knots, and it can stay airborne for about an hour. From Airbus’ promotional materials, it appears that LOAD will somewhat straddle the line between a loitering munition and air combat drone. The UAV will be “supervised from a ground control station,” the company’s press statement reads. It “coordinates the drones on the basis of radar data or air situation images and can therefore autonomously search for, detect and – following the approval of their engagement – combat enemy kamikaze drones.” For years, experts have raised concerns over growing autonomy in defense and questioned whether provisions to keep a human in the loop when making kill decisions — as Airbus promised in this case — will hold up when push comes to shove. The autonomous capability promised for LOAD likely builds on Airbus’s previous work with the Do-DT25 platform. In March 2023, the company demonstrated the autonomous guidance and control of several DT-25 drones from an A310 MRTT tanker aircraft, showcasing advances in precise relative navigation, in-flight communication and cooperative control algorithms. As a further step, Airbus plans to integrate LOAD with other unmanned airborne platforms, such as the company’s Eurodrone project. According to the company, this would allow LOAD to operate in regions “not yet fully covered by ground-based air defense radars.” In line with Europe’s push to decouple from a dependency on the United States, the new drone contains no U.S. technology, Airbus boasted in its press release. This means it will be ITAR-free, referring to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations imposed by Washington, leaving future export decisions solely to European user nations. (Source: Google/Defense News)

 

25 Mar 25. HII Tops 700 REMUS UUVs Sold, Strengthening America’s Undersea Advantage. HII (NYSE: HII), America’s largest shipbuilder and all-domain technologies and solutions provider, has sold more than 700 REMUS uncrewed underwater vehicles (UUVs) to customers globally, delivering the undersea advantage and expanding HII’s lead as the world’s largest producer.

“HII’s investment in advanced undersea autonomy is yielding promising returns, most notably in demonstrating to our customers how this technology can be integrated to support their evolving and critical mission needs,” HII President and CEO Chris Kastner said. “From mine countermeasures to anti-submarine warfare, REMUS continues to safeguard strategic waterways and enhance maritime security for the U.S. and its allies. The platform’s longevity and adaptability reflect HII’s dedication to providing reliable, cutting-edge solutions for global partners.”

The REMUS UUV family delivers critical advantages across modern naval operations, including intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), mine countermeasures, anti-submarine warfare, and electronic warfare. These autonomous systems can operate independently or teamed with crewed platforms — such as Virginia-class nuclear submarines — expanding operational reach while reducing detection risk and personnel exposure. More than 700 REMUS UUVs have been sold in over 30 countries, including 14 NATO members. Notably, over 90% of the vehicles delivered in the past 23 years remain operational, demonstrating the platform’s durability and adaptability to evolving technologies. HII is currently manufacturing small uncrewed undersea vehicles (SUUVs) for the U.S. Navy’s Lionfish System program. The contract, potentially growing to 200 vehicles over five years, is valued at more than $347 m. Based on the REMUS 300, the Lionfish System is a highly portable SUUV with open architecture, and modular payload options. In early 2022, REMUS 300 was the first Defense Innovation Unit competitive selection to transition to a program of record, selected as the U.S. Navy’s Lionfish next-generation SUUV.

Proven Performance in Global Operations

REMUS UUVs have been deployed in diverse operational environments, including mine clearance in the Persian Gulf, NATO exercises in the North Sea, and undersea surveillance in the Indo-Pacific. With advanced sonar and sensor technologies, these systems enhance situational awareness and provide naval forces with a tactical edge in contested environments. As undersea threats evolve, HII remains committed to delivering next-generation autonomous solutions that strengthen operational effectiveness and sustain maritime dominance. The more than 700 REMUS vehicles sold reinforces HII’s leadership in uncrewed systems and its role as a trusted partner in naval innovation.

Uncrewed Systems Enhancing Naval Operations

In mine countermeasures missions, REMUS is instrumental in ensuring safe passage for naval and commercial vessels. The U.S. Navy has deployed REMUS in strategic waterways, including the Persian Gulf, the Baltic and Black Seas, while NATO allies have used the platform in joint exercises across the Mediterranean, the North Sea, and above the Arctic Circle. Additionally, Uncrewed Systems state of the art production facility in Pocasset, Massachusetts utilizes modular and scalable manufacturing methods that will support an increased demand of multiple product lines. From the 300m SUUV to the 600m newly developed REMUS 620, both next generation modular UUVs were designed with ease of maintenance and payload swapping depending on the mission set. As global undersea challenges intensify, REMUS continues to be a force multiplier — enhancing endurance, improving operational effectiveness, and maintaining dominance in the underwater battlespace. These uncrewed systems represent a pivotal shift in naval warfare, ensuring a technological advantage in future conflicts. (Source: ASD Network)

 

25 Mar 25. China Certifies First Unmanned Helicopter. The TD550D coaxial unmanned helicopter system has received its type certificate from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), the first of its kind to have obtained such certification in China, its developer said last week. Its certification fills a gap in China’s airworthiness certification for unmanned helicopter systems, setting a reference standard for future unmanned helicopter certifications, said Tian Gangyin, CEO of the helicopter’s developer United Aircraft. The system’s airworthiness certification process began in late 2023. To ensure the aircraft’s safety and reliability, the company conducted testing and verification across multiple areas, including the rotor system, power system, avionics and flight control. The process involved 29 compliance verification tests and more than 2,600 preliminary test flights. According to the company, the TD550D boasts high payload capacity, long endurance, and strong high-altitude performance, making it well-suited for complex environments such as plateaus and islands. The helicopter has a maximum takeoff weight of 640 kg at sea level and 550 kg at an altitude of 5,000 meters. Its maximum payload capacity reaches 200 kg at sea level and 120 kg at 5,000 meters, demonstrating its versatility in high-altitude operations. The aircraft, designed for applications in emergency rescue, firefighting, and smart logistics, features emergency return, automatic landing, and forced landing capabilities in critical situations. The certification comes as the drone industry in China is entering a stage of rapid growth. According to Yang Jincai, chairman of Shenzhen Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Industry Association, the number of drone operating companies nationwide has surpassed 20,000, with an annual output value reaching approximately 210 bn yuan (about 29.26 bn U.S. dollars), reflecting a 39.5-percent increase over the previous year. As a major hub for the industry, Shenzhen is home to nearly 2,000 drone companies, contributing 107 bn yuan in output value for 2024, representing a 12-percent growth rate. (Source: UAS VISION/XINHUANET)

 

24 Mar 25. Kratos Reveals Secret Hypersonic Drone Program. Kratos is developing a hypersonic drone, adding to a growing portfolio of high-speed vehicles, CEO Eric DeMarco told Aviation Week in a March 18 interview. All further details of the project—including the design, performance and schedule—cannot yet be released, DeMarco said. The mystery vehicle can be supported by the Hypersonic System Indiana Payload Integration Facility (IPIF) that the company broke ground on in Crane, Indiana, on March 18. Asked if the IPIF would support only payloads for hypersonic glide vehicles powered by solid rocket motors, DeMarco said vehicles with air-breathing propulsion technologies also are possible. DeMarco previously has hinted at interest by Kratos in turbine-based hypersonic propulsion. In a 2019 press release announcing the acquisition of Florida Turbine Technologies (now Kratos Turbine Technologies, or KTT), DeMarco included a cryptic statement.

“Beyond traditional turbojet and turbofan engines, we are also focused on developing advanced, affordable engines for a new class of hypersonic propulsion system,” DeMarco said.

DeMarco has never elaborated on that statement. However, as its name implies, KTT specializes in air-breathing, turbine-based propulsion systems, not the solid rocket motors that boost hypersonic glide vehicles to hypersonic speed. Kratos already has built a hypersonic portfolio with a pair of hypersonic glide vehicles called Erinyes and Dark Fury. Both can be powered by Kratos’ new Zeus rocket, an offshoot from the company’s Oriole sounding rocket. Hypersonic technology—and air-breathing propulsion in particular—remains mainly at the developmental stage in the U.S. industrial base, with the operational Lockheed Martin/Leidos Long Range Hypersonic Weapon for the U.S. Army being the sole exception. Despite the advanced nature of the technology, Kratos remains committed to avoid crossing the “bleeding-edge” of capability in new products. The company prefers to work on fixed-price contracts, and the risk of overruns with inventing new technology are too high for Kratos, with its $1.1bn of annual sales, to bear.

“Bleeding edge—something that’s never been done before—those are the types of fixed-price contracts that we tend to stay away from because it’s never been done before,” DeMarco said at the McAleese Defense Programs Conference outside Washington on March 18. “We don’t have the size or the scale like a Boeing to be able to absorb and get the thing done for an amount of money. That’s just crazy. We just can’t do it.” (Source: UAS VISION/Aviation Week)

 

21 Mar 25. Japanese ground forces to test Elroy Chaparral VTOL UAV. The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) will test the US-made Chaparral vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) developed by Elroy Air for logistics operations between its islands, the service revealed on its social media accounts. According to the company, the Chaparral is hybrid-eVTOL UAV that is designed to carry a payload of up to 136 kg and travel distances of around 483 km to austere environments. The air vehicle is powered by a hybrid-electric propulsion system with eight vertical and four forward propellers for extended range operations, while advanced perception and robotics enable automated ground navigation and cargo handling for enhanced safety.

“We are moving forward with the initiatives necessary for the introduction of various UAVs that can perform missions such as information gathering around Japan’s coasts and transportation of supplies to units deployed on islands,” the JGSDF stated.

The JGSDF has also previously tested domestically developed UAVs for logistical operations in disaster response training exercises such as Nankai Rescue, which aimed to prepare for a potential earthquake along the Nankai Trough, located off the Pacific coast of central-southwestern Japan. These included Kawasaki Heavy Industries’ K-RACER-X2 VTOL UAV. Meanwhile, the JGSDF’s Ground Material Control Command (GMCC) earlier announced competitive tenders for concept demonstrations of two types of cargo UAVs. The GMCC has also actively invited bids for a diverse array of projects including capability upgrades for reconnaissance UAVs, concept demonstrations for a multi-role fixed wing UAV, as well as technical assessments related to communications for disaster response UAVs. The JGSDF is also testing the Fuji IMVAC E-5L fixed-wing UAV supplied by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) for reconnaissance operations. (Source: AMR)

 

21 Mar 25. HevenDrones and Mach Industries Partner to Manufacture Hydrogen-Powered Drones in the USA. Mach Industries, a leader in advanced defense manufacturing, has announced that it will partner with HevenDrones, a global player in hydrogen-powered drone technology. The partnership will integrate Forge, Mach Industries’ survivable manufacturing network, and HevenDrones’ advanced UAV technology to produce drone platforms. The first of these platforms, HevenDrones’ H100, H2D55, and Raider, will be produced in Forge Huntington, Mach Industries’ flagship factory. Through the production of these airframes, Mach Industries and HevenDrones will partner to further the Forge model with a focus on Heven-developed drones. The two companies will also commit to codeveloping critical UAV components, including avionics, radios, fuel sources, and propulsion systems, for use by HevenDrones and other companies that the partnership will serve In the U.S., the buildout of this ecosystem of vertically manufactured subcomponents will make Forge a critical player in building a secure unmanned system industrial base. Globally, the two companies will expand Forge into other countries, building overseas factories to guarantee sovereign production to U.S. allies. This collaboration leverages Forge Huntington’s state-of-the-art systems and capacity to drive full-scale production of Heven’s hydrogen-powered drones and ensure a resilient and agile U.S.-based defense supply chain. By utilizing Mach Industries’ vertically integrated approach, Heven can now scale production quickly and efficiently to meet growing demand for advanced drone technology. Additionally, Mach Industries will benefit from HevenDrones’ drone-focused technology. Through the partnership, the two companies look to provide an offset to the dominance of Chinese companies in the drone industry.

“We’re not just accelerating production, we’re creating the next generation of defense manufacturing,” said Ethan Thornton, CEO and Founder of Mach Industries. “With HevenDrones as our global partner, together we play a key role in empowering the defense sector with advanced, high-performance drones, strengthening domestic manufacturing infrastructure to keep our military safe and at the forefront of technology.”

This joint effort with HevenDrones will be the first of many fulfillment orders scheduled out of Mach Industries’ Forge Huntington location, where the company is providing a critical advantage to U.S. defense and allied forces. Its decentralized production network ensures continuous output, allowing Mach Industries to rapidly adapt.

“Our customers urgently need thousands, and eventually tens of thousands, of drones to be deployed in-theater,” said Bentzion Levinson, CEO of HevenDrones. “Our goal is to provide quick-turn, full-scale American manufacturing of the most versatile, reliable, and powerful platforms available to the warfighter.”

About Mach Industries

Founded in 2023, Mach Industries is a defense manufacturing company headquartered in Huntington Beach, California. The company is dedicated to ensuring the American advantage in defense technology by vertically integrating its manufacturing processes and accelerating the pace of innovation. Backed by leading venture firms, Mach specializes in the development of lethal systems that deter kinetic conflict and protect global security. Mach Industries is committed to advancing U.S. defense capabilities through cutting-edge technology and resilient manufacturing infrastructure.

About HevenDrones

Founded in 2019, HevenDrones is based in Miami, FL, and is recognized as a global leader in hydrogen-powered drone technology. Its drones are engineered for endurance, adaptability, and reliability in complex and demanding mission environments. Heven’s modular, runway-independent drones support a wide range of defense operations, providing the warfighter with the most versatile and powerful platforms available today. With a focus on innovation and rapid scalability, HevenDrones is committed to transforming the future of defense technology.

(Source: UAS VISION)

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BCB certainly has a rich history (1854) and an impressive portfolio of products designed to enhance the safety and effectiveness of NATO defence personnel in various environments.

The core competency of protecting lives in hostile environments, includes:

LAND:

BCB`s camouflage creams and camouflage nets have been standard issue to conceal generations of British and NATO forces.

Our newly developed MultiSpectral Cam technology, the MK8 Phantom, camouflages and protects people/vehicles/assets in the visual, IR and thermal (SWIR/MWIR/LWIR) spectrums.

FireDragon, our eco field cooking fuel, burns cleanly so can also be used in the confined space of a foxhole or tent. It is waterproof, easy to light, non-toxic and smokeless.

SEA;

Our patented Floating Body Armour is unique, versatile and sensibly protects both you and your life jacket, under the soft and hard armour. Designed to be low bulk, it`s massive 275 newtons of buoyancy is self-righting. We say it will “save your life twice”.

Our range of Boat Stopping Systems, provided a layered non-lethal stopping capability against all sizes of vessels, including unmanned threats. So you can stop and search, defeat pirates from boarding, prevent terrorists from getting near your vessel or close off quickly a waterway, port or maritime borders.

AIR;

BCB`s sister company UAVE have been manufacturing since 2013, the Dragon MK3, large, long range (1,000km) long endurance (12hours), versatile and mission-ready UAV. It is proven and operational from the polar regions to 45deg C heat in the Middle East and Asia. The larger of the 3 models, carries 25 kilos payload.

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Sponsored by BCB INTERNATIONAL

 

http: https://www.bcbin.com/

 

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20 Mar 25. Edge reveals Shadow 3 UAV test. The United Arab Emirates’ (UAE’s) Edge defence group released a video on 19 March showing the recently unveiled Shadow 3 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) being used as a ground-attack weapon. The promotional video was made up of a combination of computer-generated imagery (CGI) and footage of an actual Shadow 3 flying and hitting two stacked shipping containers, but not taking off. The Shadow 3 was unveiled during the International Defence Exhibition & Conference (IDEX) held in Abu Dhabi in February, where a model was displayed partially protruding from one of three vertical-launch canisters mounted on the back of an Ajban tactical vehicle. While the entire munition could not be seen, the Edge website has images showing it has two sets of cruciform wings. Unusually, electrically driven pusher and puller propellers are mounted on the ends of the smaller forward wings, enabling the UAV to take off vertically. The video included close-up footage of what appeared to be an actual Shadow 3 that showed that these wings are mounted on pivots to steer the UAV. The video also used CGI to show the larger rear wings folding back into flight position after launch. (Source: Janes)

 

19 Mar 25. China’s Large Cargo UAV TP1000 Completes Maiden Flight with One-Ton Payload. A large unmanned cargo aircraft, independently developed by Yitong UAV System Co, completed its maiden flight on Saturday at Laixi Dianbu Airport in Qingdao, East China’s Shandong Province, with a payload capacity exceeding one ton, marking another significant breakthrough for China in the field of high-end unmanned aviation equipment, Science and Technology Daily reported. Following the TP1000‘s successful maiden flight, the company has expanded its product portfolio to include two primary series: the TP (fixed-wing) and TR (tilt-rotor composite wing) models, as seen on a post from the company’s WeChat account. The TP1000 surpasses its predecessors with a payload capacity of up to 1,000 kilograms and an extended operational range of 1,000 kilometers. Weighing in at 3.3 tons, with a cargo hold volume of up to 7 cubic meters, this new model enhances the company’s comprehensive large cargo portfolio, specifically tailored to meet the rapidly growing demand for low-altitude freight transportation. With a spacious rear cargo hold, the TP1000 supports intelligent airdrops and enables fast loading and unloading of standard cargo pallets. Its design seamlessly integrates with land transportation systems, providing a comprehensive solution for extended logistics operations. In comparison to traditional air cargo planes, the UAV delivers enhanced flexibility and safety, positioning it as a versatile solution for both commercial and specialized applications. Its innovative design aligns with modern logistics needs, positioning it as a key player in the future of aerial cargo transport.

“Beyond cargo transportation, the TP1000, with excellent flight performance, payload capacity, and cost efficiency, allow for quick modifications to support ocean monitoring, scientific research, resource development, and regional infrastructure projects,”

said Jin Ge, general manager of Yitong UAV System Co.

The TP1000 has already received 30 orders from companies including ZTO Express and Asian Express Aviation. The aircraft’s certification configuration for airworthiness is scheduled to begin test flights by the end of 2025, with expectations to receive the Type Certificate (TC) for the aircraft from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) in 2026, according to the post. China’s low-altitude economy is expected to reach 1.5trn yuan ($209.09bn) by the end of 2025, potentially expanding to 3.5trn yuan by 2035, according to the CAAC. (Source: UAS VISION/Global Times)

 

18 Mar 14. Breakthrough technology delivers mission-critical command and control—even under relentless electronic warfare attacks. As electronic warfare escalates, Rampart Communications today introduced the Rampart StrataWave™ UAS Radio—the industry’s first drone communications radio engineered to operate without GPS, to resist jamming, and to enable virtually-undetectable transmissions in contested environments. Developed for Group 2 and 3 uncrewed systems, StrataWave™ UAS radio overcomes traditional vulnerabilities by ensuring persistent, secure connectivity even in the most hostile environments. Unlike conventional radios, which rely heavily on GPS and are highly susceptible to jamming, StrataWave™ UAS radio prioritizes stealth, resilience, and survivability—allowing UAS operators to maintain unwavering command and control (C2) even under direct electronic attack.

“Electronic Warfare is disarming battlefield drones at alarming rates, creating an urgent need for next-generation connectivity,” said Matt Ball, Chief Executive Officer at Rampart Communications. “StrataWave UAS is the first drone radio built to survive the most hostile electronic warfare—enabling mission-critical drones to stay connected and operational when adversaries attempt to disable them with sophisticated EW systems.”

Why StrataWave™ UAS radio is a technological leap forward:

* GPS-Independent Communication – Immune to GPS jamming attacks, ensuring uninterrupted mission connectivity.

* Unparalleled Electronic Warfare (EW) Resilience – Exceptional low probability of detection (LPD) and anti-jam capabilities for enhanced survivability in contested environments.

* Proven Core Technology – Our innovative physical layer technology is independently validated by over 10 technical and operational tests from top defense research institutions

Shaping the Future of Defense and Aerospace

As the U.S. military and allied nations rapidly expand their drone operations, StrataWave™ UAS radio fills a critical gap in resilient and secure battlefield communications. For defense leaders and their warfighters, it ensures uncompromised command and control (C2) in contested and/or GPS-denied environments. For drone manufacturers and system integrators, StrataWave™ UAS radio offers seamless integration and a distinct competitive advantage with its unique signature reduction capabilities, making their drones nearly impossible to fingerprint or identify.

StrataWave™ UAS radio is now available for purchase by defense and intelligence partners. To schedule a demo or interview with Matt Ball, contact Megan Wenholz at .

About Rampart Communications, Inc.

Founded in 2016, Rampart Communications, Inc. is a privately held, U.S. owned and operated, wireless technology company, based in Linthicum Heights, MD. Rampart has achieved fundamental breakthroughs in the mathematical and engineering foundations of communications technology, building a robust intellectual property portfolio in wireless communications and a growing base of independent third-party validations and customers in the defense sector. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

 

18 Mar 14. Booz Allen and Shield AI Partnership Brings New Autonomous Airborne Solutions to U.S. Military. Booz Allen Hamilton (NYSE: BAH) and Shield AI announced today that the companies are partnering to deliver a new era of AI-enabled, software-defined autonomous solutions for the U.S. government. The partnership will combine Booz Allen’s deep mission engineering expertise with Shield AI’s Hivemind Enterprise platform, initially focused on building solutions for the Department of Defense. The resulting collaboration will accelerate the development and integration of advanced AI control systems and autonomy into a wide variety of uncrewed systems, enabling their rapid deployment into threat scenarios to give the U.S. military essential decision advantage. The capabilities will give armed forces an edge over adversaries and help protect troops in complex, dynamic operational environments. Shield AI’s Hivemind software can pilot autonomous vehicles ranging from one-way attack drones to F-16s, and support swarming operations – even when GPS and communications are jammed. The technological collaboration also has potential applications across other high-priority national security missions.

“Our adversaries are evolving faster than ever, and Booz Allen is building, scaling and investing in autonomous systems to redefine how America fights and wins,” said Steve Escaravage, president of Booz Allen’s Defense Technology Group. “Shield AI is pioneering AI-powered autonomy, and this partnership catalyzes the capabilities of both teams to support our nation’s no-fail missions.”

“The best technology is useless unless it can be quickly and seamlessly deployed in real-life, high-stakes environments,” said Brandon Tseng, president and co-founder of Shield AI and a former U.S. Navy SEAL. “That’s why we chose to partner with Booz Allen. They know the technology, they understand what warfighters need, and they can see to it that we swiftly accomplish this mission — maintaining superiority over adversaries and protecting service members.”

Booz Allen recently made its largest corporate venture capital investment to date in Shield AI’s F-1 strategic funding round, designed to help expand the deployment of Hivemind Enterprise and empower the industrial base to build more autonomy products.

As the leading provider of AI and cyber to the federal government, Booz Allen moves rapidly to bring exceptional tech superiority to help the government drive results, save money, and ensure efficiency. The company invests and partners across the commercial technology ecosystem to jointly build and scale solutions that are essential for maintaining America’s security and technological supremacy.

Shield AI develops and deploys autonomy solutions and intelligent aircraft to help the U.S., and its allies maintain a decisive edge in contested environments. Operational since 2018, Hivemind Enterprise has powered AI-driven flight across Shield AI’s aircraft and other platforms. It enables developers and organizations to build, test, and deploy autonomy at scale, offering a multi-year head start with platform products and AI-driven toolsets.

“Our investment in Shield AI expands and accelerates state-of-the-art autonomy for the most important U.S. missions. This directly aligns with Booz Allen’s long-term commitment to using advanced technology to deliver faster, better outcomes for our nation,” said Booz Allen Chief Financial Officer Matt Calderone. “We remain focused on accelerating the next generation technologies that will transform our future.” (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

 

18 Mar 25. Northrop Grumman outlines Triton pitch to Norway. The MQ-4C Triton is being pitched to Norway for a requirement to deliver a high-altitude long-endurance unmanned intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capability over the High North. (Northrop Grumman) Northrop Grumman has outlined its MQ-4C Triton bid to Norway, leveraging existing capabilities and partnerships as the NATO country looks to field a high-altitude long-endurance (HALE) unmanned intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capability from 2029. Speaking at an event in the Norwegian Arctic town of Andenes that is set to host the capability at the adjacent Andøya Air Station, Northrop Grumman officials outlined the key capabilities of the Triton as they see them for the HALE ISR requirement within the context of Norway’s Long-Term Defence Plan (LTDP). At the same time, the officials highlighted how Triton interoperability with the newly acquired Royal Norwegian Air Force (RoNAF) Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime multimission aircraft (MMA) in particular, and the proposed establishment of a centre of excellence at the location, will be key selling points for the HALE unmanned aircraft system (UAS).

“When we talk about the long-term defence plan for Norway, there’s a discussion of large, long-range UASs,” Triton project manager Brad Champion said on 11 March, speaking at the event, which was focused on Norway’s aerial- and space-based contribution to the collective NATO security of the High North. (Source: Janes)

 

17 Mar 25. AV’s Cutting-Edge One-Way Attack UAS Secures DIU Backing Under Project Artemis. AeroVironment (AV), the leader in defense technology, has secured a contract with the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) to accelerate the deployment of next-generation autonomous precision munitions. As part of its strategic expansion into a new sector of the multi-bn-dollar defense market, AV has been awarded an Other Transaction Authority (OT) award by the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) as part of Project Artemis, an initiative launched to rapidly test and operationally evaluate long-range, one-way uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) for the Department of Defense (DoD). This strategic effort, sponsored by the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment (A&S), is driven by urgent congressional direction to accelerate the deployment of innovative precision-strike platforms in contested environments. This award aligns with Secretary Pete Hegseth’s directive in a memorandum issued on February 18, 2025, which exempts uncrewed systems from broad defense budget cuts and underscores the Pentagon’s commitment to advancing autonomous capabilities as a critical component of modern military operations. AV’s fully autonomous, GPS-denied, precision-strike, one-way attack UAS is engineered for mass production and designed to operate in disrupted, disconnected, intermittent, and low-bandwidth environments, ensuring unmatched resilience against advanced electronic warfare (EW) threats. With a software-defined architecture, scalable manufacturing capabilities, and advanced GNSS-independent navigation, AV’s platform rapidly delivers a next-generation solution for modern conflict. AV’s AVACORE™ autonomy software and SPOTR-Edge™ computer vision are critical components enabling these capabilities quickly and at scale.

“Project Artemis represents a major step in transforming how the DoD identifies, tests, and deploys asymmetric capabilities to the warfighter at speed and scale,” said Jeff Rodrian, AV’s senior vice president and general manager of MacCready Works. “AV’s next-generation software-defined autonomous one-way attack UAS is already in the hands of early adopters and is now part of the Blue UAS ecosystem. Through this DIU contract, we look forward to quickly expanding its deployment to meet the urgent needs of today’s battlespace.”

As part of this initiative, AV will participate in aggressive testing and integration efforts, to demonstrate prototype success by the end of May 2025. These evaluations will provide critical data to inform procurement decisions for the Services and Combatant Commands, delivering options years ahead of traditional acquisition timelines. The demand for long-range, autonomous precision strike systems has never been greater. AV is committed to delivering cutting-edge solutions that ensure U.S. and allied forces maintain an operational advantage in contested environments. (Source: ASD Network)

 

13 Mar 14. Janus Marine, Nexus to launch new uncrewed vessel ROC in UAE. The Quarterdeck is designed to serve as a hub for innovation in USVs and UUVs technologies. Janus Marine and Defense, a US-based marine autonomy specialist, alongside Nexus Remote Solutions, has revealed plans to launch a new remote operations center (ROC) for uncrewed vessels in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).  The centre will be dedicated to the testing, leasing, and maintenance of the vessels.   The ROC, named The Quarterdeck, will be situated at the Addax Tower on Al Reem Island in Abu Dhabi.  It is set to be the first facility of its kind in the Gulf region, accessible to both industry players and small to medium-sized enterprises.

Janus Marine and Defense owner Jack said: “We’re open to small to medium sized companies and surveyors who want to innovate USVs mainly in the oil and gas industry but also naval sector.”

The Quarterdeck is designed to serve as a hub for innovation in uncrewed surface vessel (USVs) and uncrewed underwater vessel (UUVs) technologies, catering to the needs of startups and growing businesses within the commercial and defence sectors.   The centre is poised to take advantage of the UAE’s stance on USV operations within its territorial waters.  This ROC will function similarly to a research and development facility, where improved equipment can be hired, and vessel trials conducted.   The setup will allow companies to manage USV operations not only within the Gulf but also in international waters.

The Quarterdeck will be equipped with soundproof pods, each containing three individual operator consoles, thereby accommodating various roles such as pilots, technicians, and payload operators.

Dougherty added: “Currently the UAE has three ROCs spanning the commercial and defence markets yet all three are privately owned and closed to external contractors. As a result the Quarterdeck will ‘fill a gap in the market’ giving private companies access to the same technology and facilities found in private ROCs.” (Source: naval-technology.com)

 

14 Mar 14. Saildrone, Palantir partner for advanced maritime AI. The company plans to leverage Palantir’s AI cloud infrastructure for rapid scaling across all areas of its operations. Saildrone has reached a strategic alliance?with Palantir Technologies to focus on quickly expanding the use of autonomous systems for advanced maritime AI solutions.  This collaboration comes at a moment when traditional naval platforms are limited and global threats are increasing, alongside a bottleneck in shipbuilding capabilities.   Saildrone says that the joint effort signifies a notable change in the approach to maritime security operations.  The company is set to incorporate Palantir’s advanced AI cloud framework to facilitate swift expansion across its range of operations.   This integration is said to improve Saildrone’s manufacturing, supply chain, and fleet management through the application of Palantir’s Warp Speed and assist in the AI-based coordination of autonomous units in operational settings.  Saildrone aims to use Palantir’s AI technology to provide new levels of insight for maritime intelligence, surveillance, and targeting functions.  A maritime defence and oceanographic survey company, Saildrone manages an extensive array of actively engaged uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs), delivering essential surveillance of maritime territories for the US Navy, Department of Homeland Security, and allies.   The company notes that the autonomous vessels are equipped with advanced, in-house developed AI/ML algorithms for real-time processing, tasked with observing surface and sub-surface activities at sea. They play a role in identifying various threats such as enemy submarines and other illegal activities.  Saildrone founder and CEO Richard Jenkins said: “Leveraging Palantir’s sophisticated manufacturing and AI tools will allow us to streamline manufacturing and radically enhance fleet capabilities. While others make promises about tomorrow’s technology, we face complex global threats today.

“This partnership with Palantir ensures we deliver solutions today that outpace tomorrow’s threats.”

Palantir’s Warp Speed is also being adopted by new clients including Epirus, Red Cat, Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC), Saronic, and Ursa Major.  Red Cat is accelerating the manufacturing and distribution of its products to meet the urgent needs of the US Department of Defense through the implementation of Warp Speed.  Saronic is leveraging Warp Speed to enhance its operational capabilities, initially concentrating on optimising material resource planning and refining engineering change processes.

SNC CEO Fatih Ozmen said: “Our partnership with Palantir and the use of Warp Speed brings the same speed and adaptability to managing our most complex programs. This ensures we continue to deliver mission-critical solutions that empower our customers at the speed today’s dynamic environment mandates.”

Ursa Major is using Warp Speed to boost its manufacturing efficiency in the digital space, thereby increasing its output of both solid and liquid rocket motors.  (Source: naval-technology.com)

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BCB certainly has a rich history (1854) and an impressive portfolio of products designed to enhance the safety and effectiveness of NATO defence personnel in various environments.

The core competency of protecting lives in hostile environments, includes:

LAND:

BCB`s camouflage creams and camouflage nets have been standard issue to conceal generations of British and NATO forces.

Our newly developed MultiSpectral Cam technology, the MK8 Phantom, camouflages and protects people/vehicles/assets in the visual, IR and thermal (SWIR/MWIR/LWIR) spectrums.

FireDragon, our eco field cooking fuel, burns cleanly so can also be used in the confined space of a foxhole or tent. It is waterproof, easy to light, non-toxic and smokeless.

SEA;

Our patented Floating Body Armour is unique, versatile and sensibly protects both you and your life jacket, under the soft and hard armour. Designed to be low bulk, it`s massive 275 newtons of buoyancy is self-righting. We say it will “save your life twice”.

Our range of Boat Stopping Systems, provided a layered non-lethal stopping capability against all sizes of vessels, including unmanned threats. So you can stop and search, defeat pirates from boarding, prevent terrorists from getting near your vessel or close off quickly a waterway, port or maritime borders.

AIR;

BCB`s sister company UAVE have been manufacturing since 2013, the Dragon MK3, large, long range (1,000km) long endurance (12hours), versatile and mission-ready UAV. It is proven and operational from the polar regions to 45deg C heat in the Middle East and Asia. The larger of the 3 models, carries 25 kilos payload.

———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Sponsored by BCB INTERNATIONAL

 

http: https://www.bcbin.com/

 

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12 Mar 25. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) conducted its first flight test series of the Gray Eagle Extended Range (GE-ER) Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) using a Proliferated Low Earth Orbit (PLEO) satellite constellation for aircraft communications. Contracted by the U.S. Army, the flight tests began in January 2025 and mark a significant milestone, making GE-ER the first U.S. Army aircraft to be controlled over the new satellite service. Gray Eagle is also the only U.S. Army UAS capable of leveraging Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO), Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and PLEO constellations for secure, inflight adaptable and resilient communication, navigation and data management. The initial testing focused on flight-critical operations, including core aircraft control functions as well as sensor and communications systems. To date, GA-ASI has conducted two GE-ER flights and a series of ground test events using PLEO. Future flight testing is in the planning stages and includes operations across the full flight regime. The Gray Eagle family of UAS is built on a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) design that includes standardized interfaces and protocols. This approach has enabled rapid integration of the PLEO constellation and other significant capabilities without major technical efforts or extended timelines for integration and testing so new capabilities can be fielded faster.

“The PLEO integration and flight testing continue to show that the current GE-ER open architecture is real. We are practicing rapid integration now which will prove critical to the platform’s survivability and mission success in Multi-Domain Operations,” said GA-ASI Vice President of Army Programs Don Cattell.

Building on the GE-ER, the Gray Eagle 25M (GE 25M), takes MOSA to the next level with a government-owned, government-controlled open architecture that enables plug-and-play capabilities to ensure the platform’s rapid, low-cost adaptability to changing threats. GE 25M incorporates open architecture with ground systems, advanced and modular datalinks, and an upgraded propulsion system. These powerful additions significantly enhance the platform’s ability to rapidly add new capabilities, provide resilience to electronic threats, and deliver expeditionary employment to austere locations. PLEO will be a baseline capability for the 25M system. The PLEO capability for the GE 25M is just one of several features of the system that maximizes the survivability of the platform. It also provides a low-cost opportunity to drastically increase the operational flexibility of both the Gray Eagle ER and Gray Eagle 25M. The 25M’s MOSA architecture enables use of the higher data rates available on the PLEO system and supports flight operations across the globe from pole to pole. These capabilities, combined with longer-range sensors, anti-jam navigation, and expeditionary ground control systems allow the Gray Eagles to operate outside the threat weapons envelope, but deliver effects hundreds of kilometers beyond the Forward Line of Own Troops, making GE 25M the most survivable aircraft in the Army inventory.

 

12 Mar 25. Introducing HELIUS – a 249g Coaxial Nano UAV from Ascent AeroSystems.

• All-new sub-250g Coaxial nano drone fills a durability and affordability gap in the 250g American-Made sUAS market
• A rugged, all-weather, NDAA-compliant option for law enforcement, emergency response and industrial enterprise operators

Ascent AeroSystems, the world’s leading manufacturer of compact, high-performance, aircraft-grade coaxial unmanned aerial systems, today introduced HELIUS™, the company’s first entry into the sub-250g UAV sector. Debuted at VERTICON (formerly HAI Heli-Expo), in Dallas, Texas, HELIUS is designed to be an affordable AI-enabled, American Made, NDAA-compliant option for law enforcement, emergency response, government, and industrial enterprise operators looking to upgrade or replace other systems.

“Bringing our coaxial propulsion technology to a sub-250g platform while maintaining the durability, performance, and reliability Ascent products are known for has been one of the most rewarding challenges we’ve undertaken,” said Peter Fuchs, Co-founder and CEO of Ascent AeroSystems.

“HELIUS delivers unmatched capability in its class at a competitive price. It is the drone we’ve wanted to make from the beginning; small enough to fit in your pocket but powerful enough to meet the rigorous demands of public safety, emergency response, and critical industrial missions.”

Ascent’s HELIUS features:

• Ultra-portable, ultra-light weight airframe
• 4G/LTE connectivity
• AI-enabled obstacle avoidance & object tracking
• 4K, 12.3MB Electro Optical, Ultra-low-light sensor with digital tilt, pan and zoom
• Field-swappable, rechargeable batteries
• Up to 45mph max speed
• 30+ min endurance

“We know that the future of aviation isn’t about choosing between crewed and uncrewed systems—it’s about teaming. Our acquisition of Ascent AeroSystems was a strategic move to lead that evolution, HELIUS is a key step in realizing that vision,” said David Smith, CEO of Robinson Helicopter Company.

With an MSRP of $4,499, HELIUS is available for pre-order now, with initial shipments expected to begin in Q4 2025. Customers can purchase directly from Ascent AeroSystems or through Robinson Helicopter Company dealers who are also authorized Ascent resellers.

“HELIUS expands our growing product line and sets a new benchmark for compact UAVs,” Fuchs added. “For operators demanding durability, portability, and next-gen technology in a secure, American Made sub-250g platform, this is the solution.” (Source: ASD Network)

 

10 Mar 25. Türkiye’s Bayraktar KIZILELMA drone completes flight test. The prototype, designated PT3 with tail number TC-OZB3, took off from the AKINCI Flight Training and Test Center. Türkiye-based Baykar has confirmed a successful aerodynamics system identification test of its Bayraktar KIZILELMA uncrewed fighter jet. The drone, funded entirely by Baykar’s own financial resources, continues to progress through its planned series of tests. The project commenced in 2021. The prototype, designated PT3 with tail number TC-OZB3, took off from the AKINCI Flight Training and Test Center in Çorlu, Tekirdağ, and executed a sequence of aerodynamic system identification tasks. Leveraging insights from earlier prototypes, Baykar notes that it has made several enhancements to the production prototype of Bayraktar KIZILELMA. These improvements encompass both structural and avionics architecture upgrades. Additionally, the aircraft has flown with an alternative engine equipped with an afterburner. Bayraktar KIZILELMA is outfitted with an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, which bolsters its situational awareness and equipping it to undertake complex missions, notes the company. The aircraft, bearing tail number TC-OZB, emerged from the production line on 14 November 2022 and was promptly dispatched to the AKINCI Flight Training and Test Center. Following rapid completion of ground tests, it embarked on its initial flight on the same day. On 1 May 2023, Bayraktar KIZILELMA joined a fleet formation flight with the F-16 fighter jet SOLOTURK and the Turkish Stars, comprised of F-5 aircraft, soaring over Istanbul. Baykar has used its own resources for its projects since its establishment and has seen 83% of its revenue stem from exports since starting its UAV research and development in 2003. In 2023, Baykar’s exports reached $1.8bn (TL65.8bn). The company has secured export agreements with 34 countries for the Bayraktar TB2 UCAV and with 11 countries for the Bayraktar AKINCI UCAV, bringing the total number of countries with agreements to 36. (Source: airforce-technology.com)

 

11 Mar 25. Schiebel CAMCOPTER S-100 Selected for UK Police Trials. The National Police Air Service (NPAS) has selected global manufacturer Schiebel to support its most ambitious trial so far of ‘Beyond the Visual Line of Sight’ (BVLOS) uncrewed aircraft operations. The trial – which, in 2024, successfully achieved a place in the Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA) BVLOS integration sandbox – will evaluate the feasibility of using uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) to work alongside crewed police helicopters and aeroplanes in support of policing operations across England and Wales.

David Walters, NPAS Head of Futures and Innovation, said the aim of the trial was to determine if advancements in aviation technology can bring future benefits to policing and, if they can, how they could be safely introduced into UK airspace. “We will be evaluating how we might integrate uncrewed aircraft into the existing NPAS operating model, under the current management of our CAA-approved Accountable Manager and Form 4 certificate-holders, who are qualified and accountable for the delivery of safe police air operations over England and Wales,” said David Walters.

Schiebel will be flying the CAMCOPTER S-100 in a carefully selected and controlled environment to assess the UAS capabilities, as part of the concept for a future blended fleet, operated by NPAS.

“The CAMCOPTER S-100 is being operated worldwide with over 40 customers so far, including the UK Royal Navy. With its unrivalled experience and outstanding capabilities, the S-100 is the ideal UAS for this trial,” said Neil Hunter, Head of Global Sales at Schiebel.

“Schiebel prides itself at being at the forefront of delivering UAS technology globally and is continually looking to support the expansion and growth of UAS, specifically in the commercial market. In Western Europe alone it has won contracts with the European Maritime Safety Agency, and with Bristow Group supporting their UK Search and Rescue operations. Being chosen to fulfil this exciting and ground-breaking NPAS trial is testament to the S-100 pedigree and maturity,” he added.

Schiebel will join the National Air Traffic Control Service (NATS) as part of the team supporting the NPAS Futures and Innovation team with the trial, which is funded by the Home Office and scheduled to see its first test flight in summer 2025.

After extensive consultation, an area in the Severn estuary, in South West England, has been selected for the trial flights, away from any built-up environments.

For the last 24 months, NPAS has been building a robust safety case, which has included testing a ‘detect and avoid’ solution, to ensure the trial can operate safely and with minimum disruption to the public and other airspace users.

Along with the potential capabilities for policing operations, the trial will also evaluate the effectiveness of the ‘detect and avoid’ solution.

“We cannot predict the outcome of the trial, but it is imperative we deliver the same, or improved, capability that we have today with our crewed aircraft. The desired outcome is to be able to offer police forces in England and Wales a way of supporting their operations in an even more flexible way, with a continued emphasis on public safety,” added David Walters.

The National Police Air Service was formed in 2012 as part of a collaboration between all police forces in England and Wales to deliver efficient, borderless air support. With an existing fleet of 19 helicopters and four aeroplanes, operating from 15 regional bases, the service responds to around 100 calls for service each day. Air support deployments most commonly range from high-risk missing people and vehicle pursuits to firearms containments, public order and crowd control, intelligence-gathering, counter-terrorism, major incidents and aerial searches. (Source: UAS VISION/National Police Air Service)

 

10 Mar 25. TEKEVER and USSOCOM Successfully Complete Operational Exercise. TEKEVER has successfully completed an operational exercise with U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) at Camp Roberts, California. The exercise demonstrated the effectiveness of TEKEVER’s cutting-edge technology in supporting special operations missions. The exercise highlighted the advanced capabilities of TEKEVER’s UAS platforms, combining highly reliable hardware with state-of-the-art artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms. This combination ensures superior situational awareness, rapid responsiveness, and enhanced resilience, even in highly contested electronic environments where secure communications and continuous intelligence gathering are critical. At the centre of the successful demonstration was the TEKEVER AR3 UAS, whose Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) capability allows it to operate without the need for additional launch or recovery equipment. This unique feature makes it particularly well-suited to supporting discreet, high-impact operations in remote and austere environments. With a low acoustic and visual signature, the AR3 ensures effective, covert surveillance and reconnaissance. The AR3’s interchangeable multi-sensor payload, which includes electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) cameras, radar, and Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) capabilities, provided real-time intelligence gathering across a wide range of operational scenarios. This flexibility ensures that forces on the ground receive actionable intelligence in even the most complex environments. Reflecting on the successful completion of the exercise, Paulo Ferro, TEKEVER Strategic Development Director, highlighted the company’s continued focus on innovation and operational excellence:

“By combining cutting-edge AI with highly reliable and field-proven hardware, TEKEVER provides special operations forces with the best tools to enhance their decision-making and effectiveness in the most challenging environments. This exercise demonstrated our ability to operate in electronically contested environments while ensuring reliable intelligence and secure communications at all times.” (Source: ASD Network)

 

10 Mar 25. Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company (NYSE: LMT) has successfully validated the advanced control laws to successfully fly a ‘rotor blown wing’ uncrewed aerial system (UAS) in both helicopter and airplane modes. Powered by batteries, the 115 pounds (52kg) twin prop-rotor prototype has demonstrated operational stability and maneuverability across all flight regimes, and the potential to scale the unique vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) design to larger sizes requiring hybrid-electric propulsion.

“Combining helicopter and airplane flight characteristics onto a flying wing reflects Sikorsky’s drive to innovate next-generation VTOL UAS aircraft that can fly faster and farther than traditional helicopters,” said Sikorsky Vice President and General Manager Rich Benton. “Our rotor blown wing platform is a prime example how we are leveraging the breadth of our 102-year aviation heritage to develop new designs that meet the emerging missions of commercial and military operators.”

Innovation Breakthrough

Sikorsky Innovations, the company’s rapid prototyping group, heads the effort to develop and mature the rotor blown wing design. In just over a year, Sikorsky Innovations has progressed through preliminary design, simulation, tethered and untethered flight to gather aerodynamic, flight control and quality data. Breakthrough was achieved in January 2025 with the 10.3-ft composite wingspan aircraft when Sikorsky Innovations successfully completed more than 40 take-offs and landings. Notably, the aircraft performed 30 transitions between helicopter and airplane modes, the most complex maneuver demanded of the design. In horizontal flight mode, the aircraft reached a top cruise speed of 86 knots. Simultaneous wind tunnel tests were conducted on a 1:1 scale model providing valuable validation of the newly developed control laws by correlating them with real-world experimental data.

“Our rotor blown wing has demonstrated the control power and unique handling qualities necessary to transition repeatedly and predictably from a hover to high-speed wing-borne cruise flight, and back again,” said Sikorsky Innovations Director Igor Cherepinsky. “New control laws were required for this transition maneuver to work seamlessly and efficiently. The data indicates we can operate from pitching ships decks and unprepared ground when scaled to much larger sizes.”

Applications of future UAS rotor blown wing aircraft include search and rescue, firefighting monitoring, humanitarian response, and pipeline surveilling. Large variants will enable long range intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and piloted drone teaming (crewed/uncrewed teaming) missions.

All rotor blown wing variants will include Sikorsky’s MATRIX™ flight autonomy system to navigate the aircraft during flight.

Family of Systems

The rotor blown wing design is one of a future family of systems in development by Sikorsky. The family will include winged VTOL UAS and single main rotor aircraft. Also in development by Sikorsky is a 1.2 megawatt hybrid-electric demonstrator (HEX) configured with a tilt wing and a fuselage to carry passengers or cargo across long distances. A HEX power system test bed is expected to demonstrate hover capability in 2027.

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BCB certainly has a rich history (1854) and an impressive portfolio of products designed to enhance the safety and effectiveness of NATO defence personnel in various environments.

The core competency of protecting lives in hostile environments, includes:

LAND:

BCB`s camouflage creams and camouflage nets have been standard issue to conceal generations of British and NATO forces.

Our newly developed MultiSpectral Cam technology, the MK8 Phantom, camouflages and protects people/vehicles/assets in the visual, IR and thermal (SWIR/MWIR/LWIR) spectrums.

FireDragon, our eco field cooking fuel, burns cleanly so can also be used in the confined space of a foxhole or tent. It is waterproof, easy to light, non-toxic and smokeless.

SEA;

Our patented Floating Body Armour is unique, versatile and sensibly protects both you and your life jacket, under the soft and hard armour. Designed to be low bulk, it`s massive 275 newtons of buoyancy is self-righting. We say it will “save your life twice”.

Our range of Boat Stopping Systems, provided a layered non-lethal stopping capability against all sizes of vessels, including unmanned threats. So you can stop and search, defeat pirates from boarding, prevent terrorists from getting near your vessel or close off quickly a waterway, port or maritime borders.

AIR;

BCB`s sister company UAVE have been manufacturing since 2013, the Dragon MK3, large, long range (1,000km) long endurance (12hours), versatile and mission-ready UAV. It is proven and operational from the polar regions to 45deg C heat in the Middle East and Asia. The larger of the 3 models, carries 25 kilos payload.

————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————–

Sponsored by BCB INTERNATIONAL

 

http: https://www.bcbin.com/

————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-

06 Mar 25. Italy’s Leonardo, Turkey’s Baykar to set up drone joint venture.

* Summary

* Companies

* Deal bridges Europe’s gap in drone industry

* Partnership provides EU foothold for Istanbul group

* Open to working for GCAP consortium, but not main aim

* Project compatible with EU’s MALE drone programme

Italy’s Leonardo and Turkey’s Baykar announced on Thursday they were setting up a joint venture to produce unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), as defence companies scramble to respond to the surge in European military spending.

The deal aims to address Europe’s weakness in the drone industry and will take advantage of a European UAV market that the two companies estimated at $100bn over the next 10 years.

“Europe has a gap in unmanned technologies… and in complicated times like the one we are living in it is fundamental to guarantee global security,” Leonardo Chief Executive Roberto Cingolani told a press conference.

Baykar Chairman Selçuk Bayraktar, the son-in-law of Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, said the deal was an “opportunity to build aerial supremacy”, given drones’ key role in the future.

The JV, headquartered in Italy, will use the two companies’ existing facilities, the executives said, adding that they had already started talking with their respective national military forces. (Source: Reuters)

 

05 Mar 25. ‘F’ for fighter: USAF combat drones get novel mission designation. The Air Force’s first two prototype collaborative combat aircraft have received their mission design series designations and will fly this summer, Chief of Staff Gen. Dave Allvin said Monday. The CCAs, which are being built by Anduril Industries and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc., are the first aircraft the Air Force has dubbed fighter drones. General Atomics’ CCA is now known as the YFQ-42A, and Anduril’s is the YFQ-44A, Allvin said in his keynote address at the Air and Space Forces Association’s AFA Warfare Symposium here. In Air Force nomenclature, fighter aircraft are given an F designation, and Q stands for drones. Prototype aircraft are also given a Y prefix, which these CCAs will drop once they enter production.

“For the first time in our history, we have a fighter designation in the YFQ-42 Alpha and YFQ-44 Alpha,” Allvin said. “It may just be symbolic, but we are telling the world we are leaning into a new chapter of aerial warfare.”

CCAs are autonomous drones that will one day fly alongside crewed fighters like the F-35, or perhaps the future Next Generation Air Dominance fighter the Air Force is considering. The Air Force is heavily investing in CCAs as a way to expand airpower and provide strike capabilities, conduct reconnaissance, carry out electronic warfare operations, or even act as decoys. Former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall said in 2023 that the service plans to have about 1,000 CCAs, but the exact number of the future fleet is not yet known. The Air Force awarded contracts to Anduril and General Atomics in April 2024 to build the first iteration of CCAs; further so-called “increments” are in the works. Until now, General Atomics has referred to its CCA drone as Gambit, and Anduril’s CCA has been called Fury. In his keynote address, Allvin said CCAs and their core technologies will be crucial for the Air Force to win wars to come.

“Embracing and leaning into human-machine teaming, understanding what autonomy can do for us,” Allvin said. “We know that’s got to be a part of our future.”

Anduril and General Atomics heralded their aircrafts’ designations as signs their work is bearing fruit.

“These aircraft represent an unrivaled history of capable, dependable uncrewed platforms that meet the needs of America’s warfighters and point the way to a significant new era for airpower,” said David Alexander, president of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc.

“The designation is evidence of the program’s progress, and we continue to work tirelessly to deliver a capability that will expand the United States’ ability to project combat airpower,” Jason Levin, Anduril’s senior vice president of engineering, was quoted as saying in a company statement. (Source: Defense News)

 

05 Mar 05. AEVEX Aerospace Disruptor – Precision. Autonomy.  AEVEX Aerospace, a leader in innovative defense technology, is showcasing its latest Group 3 UAS, Disruptor, during the 2025 tradeshow season. Attendees will be offered an in-depth look at groundbreaking advancements in loitering munition design and performance, with an exclusive opportunity to witness the future of modern combat technology. The Disruptor is combat proven and delivered to users through multiple U.S government contracts. Meticulously engineered for flawless precision in air, land, and sea scenarios, Disruptor boasts advanced autonomous navigation capabilities, further enhanced by state-of-the-art visual-based navigation systems. This powerful combination ensures highly accurate and reliable operations, even in the most challenging GPS-denied environments. The Disruptor operates autonomously and is capable of both pneumatic and with rocket assist launch. With a 50lb payload, it achieves a mission range of 600 km (carburetor) or 1,150 km (EFI). The airframe is crafted from lightweight carbon fiber and composite materials, ensuring an optimal strength-to-weight ratio. These capabilities, along with many others, will be on display at this year’s tradeshows. AEVEX Aerospace’s tradeshow season kicks off in April with Sea Air Space in National Harbor, MD, followed by Quad-A in Nashville, TN, SOF Week in Tampa, FL, and AUSA in Washington DC. For more details on AEVEX Aerospace and our extensive range of solutions, please visit our website at www.aevex.com.

About AEVEX Aerospace:

AEVEX Aerospace supports U.S. and partner nation security objectives by providing full-spectrum aviation and technology-based solutions. The company’s expanded capabilities include a wide variety of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), a combat-proven portfolio of loitering munitions, and a family of multi-mission Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USV). These additions complement AEVEX’s offerings in custom design & engineering, manned/unmanned aircraft modification & certification, sensor integration & sustainment, and other fielded solutions, including advanced intelligence analysis and tailored mission-system tools. AEVEX is headquartered in Solana Beach, California, with other major locations in Florida, Ohio, and Virginia. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

 

05 Mar 25. DARPA Unveils Unmanned Ship ‘Defiant’ Designed for Long-Duration Operations. The U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has launched the USX-1 Defiant, a medium-sized unmanned surface vessel (USV), as part of its No Manning Required Ship (NOMARS) program. In a press release, DARPA reported that the construction of the $25 m worth vessel, developed by Serco, was completed last month. The 180-foot, 240-metric-ton Defiant is designed to operate autonomously for long durations at sea. While the exact role of Defiant was not disclosed, larger USV concepts from Serco have been proposed as low-cost missile platforms supporting naval operations. Unlike previous USVs, which were converted from existing manned vessels, Defiant was designed from the ground up to operate without human crew members.  Serco’s design includes space for a BAE Adaptable Deck Launcher and a mission container, which could allow for weapons integration.  According to DARPA, the NOMARS program seeks to redefine traditional naval architecture by designing a seaframe (the ship without mission systems) from the ground up, with no provision or expectation for humans on board.  By eliminating human considerations from the design process, the program aims to showcase significant advantages, including reduced size and cost, enhanced at-sea reliability and improved hydrodynamic efficiency. According to DARPA, the Defiant has already been transported from the shipyard to the waters. It is scheduled for two months of in-water testing, both dockside and at sea before moving into its full operational demonstration in spring. It is unclear where the vessel is currently docked, but a recent post on Reddit reported that residents in Washington state observed the Defiant being towed by a tug through the Saratoga Passage in Puget Sound, just north of Seattle. (Source: https://www.sofx.com/)

 

04 Mar 25. Morocco Acquires Advanced Chinese TB-001K Combat Drone. Morocco has recently acquired the Chinese-made TB-001K drone, known as the ‘Twin-Tailed Scorpion’, as part of the country’s ongoing efforts to modernize its military capabilities and diversify its defense suppliers. The acquisition comes as Morocco, ranked 59th in global military power according to the Global Firepower Institute, continues to strengthen its aerial defense capabilities through partnerships with various international suppliers. Morocco’s drone fleet has proven to be a formidable force in military operations across the Sahara, relentlessly targeting and neutralizing separatist Polisario Front infiltrations, and ensuring an unyielding grip over the buffer zones. The TB-001K, manufactured by Sichuan Tengden, stands out for its impressive specifications and operational capabilities. The drone can carry up to 1.5 tons of munitions and boasts an exceptional range of 8,000 kilometers with a continuous flight endurance of 40 hours.  (Source: UAS VISION/Morocco World News)

 

05 Mar 25. Barracuda-500 Selected to Move Forward on the Enterprise Test Vehicle Prototype Project. The Air Force Armament Directorate (EB) and the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) have selected Anduril’s Barracuda-500 autonomous air vehicle (AAV) to move forward to the next phase of the Enterprise Test Vehicle (ETV) prototype project. The ETV program aims to create a highly-producible, modular, and affordable air vehicle that will serve as the baseline architecture for large-scale production of next-generation airborne platforms. Within seven months of being selected as part of the ETV effort, Anduril optimized the Barracuda-500 design to execute a successful flight test, demonstrating how Barracuda’s simple and modular design – as well as Anduril’s approach and commitment to developing capabilities ahead of a specific customer’s need – facilitates rapid development, testing, and deployment of disruptive capabilities to warfighters. Over the next phase of the effort, Anduril will demonstrate Barracuda-500’s autonomous teaming capabilities, further prove out the manufacturability of the system, and highlight the modular architecture that enables its adaptability to future mission needs. The goals of ETV – including its emphasis on autonomy, producibility, affordability, modularity, and speed of delivery – are squarely aligned with the design, development, and manufacturing philosophy that underpins Anduril’s Barracuda family of autonomous air vehicles. Anduril’s selection follows rigorous testing and evaluation of the Barracuda-500 AAV. In September 2024, Anduril executed a successful flight test of Barracuda-500 in close partnership with EB and DIU. The end-to-end flight test was representative of future operational employment of Barracuda-500 and encompassed pre-mission planning, successful vertical launch from a cell designed to emulate palletized employment from air-lift aircraft, autonomous navigation and flight for over 30 minutes, successful capture of a GPS coordinate target identified in Lattice, and autonomous terminal guidance to the target. Later this year, Anduril will execute a series of flight tests that demonstrate the collaborative autonomous capabilities of Barracuda-500, including simultaneous vertical launch of multiple Barracuda-500 systems, in flight system-to-system communications, and how Lattice for Mission Autonomy enables the execution of novel collaborative autonomous behaviors designed to increase effectiveness in contested environments. Anduril will also prove out the manufacturability and affordability of Barracuda-500 over the next phase of the ETV project, demonstrating how Barracuda-500’s simple design, minimal tooling requirements, and reliance upon commercial components enables hyper-scale production while meeting the program’s aggressive cost targets per round. Over the next several months, Anduril will produce a number of ETV Barracuda-500 units using manufacturing processes and equipment that are representative of future full rate production techniques, continuing development towards a production variant capable of rapidly scalable manufacture in 2026. With a design made up of a handful of common subsystems, Anduril’s Barracuda family of AAVs is designed from the ground-up for modularity. Over the next phase of the program, Anduril will demonstrate how Barracuda-500 adheres to Weapon Open System Architecture (WOSA) standards, enabling warfighters to rapidly integrate modular hardware and software capabilities into the system as mission needs change. Anduril remains committed to delivering capabilities at speeds and timelines that matter. We look forward to continuing our work with our partners at DIU and the Air Force Armament Directorate to deliver a highly-producible, modular, affordable, and capable Enterprise Test Vehicle solution. (Source: ASD Network)

 

04 Mar 25. Russians Lash FPVs Together to Make Frankenstein Heavy Lift Drones. Russian soldiers have found a novel way to get around their lack of heavy-lift drones: strapping four small drones to a frame to create a device known as “Vobla.” A wide variety of these unlikely contraptions have appeared in recent months, and they now carry supplies to the front. While inefficient, the improvised drones do provide much-needed capability. And they show how adaptable drone technology can be with a little imagination. Ukraine has made wide use of heavy multicopters carrying thirty pounds or more, with four, six or eight rotor blades. Some 2,000 are now in use for logistics, night bombing and minelaying missions. These are the feared Baba Yagas, and Russia has struggled to come up with an equivalent; they have even pressed captured Baba Yagas into service.

“There are several Russian domestic heavy quadcopter/multirotor equivalents undergoing testing and evaluation, but nothing so far that can be mass produced in sufficient numbers, “ Samuel Bendett, an expert on Russian drones and adviser to both the CNA and CNAS thinktanks told me. “So Russian soldiers are cobbling together a substitute.”

Russia made more than a m FPV attack quadcopters last year; these are in plentiful supply on the front line so they are being pressed into service. The Vobla consists of four FPVs attached to a frame with an additional central controller to manage the setup. Quadcopters change speed and direction simply by altering the speed of specific rotors under direction of a flight controller. In the Vobla concept, each quadcopter takes the role of a rotor blade in a super-quadcopter. (The name Vobla refers to a popular fish, eaten dried or salted – the connection with the drone is obscure). The arrangement is inefficient, with the additional weight of the frame and complexity of control, but it can work. Open-source analyst Roy has collected Vobla imagery from Russian sources and tracked their evolution.

“The first crude wooden Voblas looked somewhat ridiculous,” Roy told me. “But the concept has persisted and many efficient aluminum frame versions have emerged.”

In one demonstration a Vobla carries an anti-tank mine weighing 10 kilos / 22 pounds several kilometres, but Roy does not think mines will be the main payload. Ukrainian forces do not seem to have reported attacks by weird-looking bombers.

“I believe forward resupply is the first priority for the Vobla,” says Roy. “Ukrainian FPVs prevent any vehicles from approaching within 18 kilometres of the front in some sectors, so resupply of frontline units is very difficult. “

The Ukrainians use heavy drones to get supplies to forward positions. A recent report by UK defence thinktank RUSI noted that in some places military cooks even prepare fresh food which is flown out to the front line. Voblas will be playing a similar role, though likely with more urgent payloads like drinking water and medical supplies which often run critically short. Russian logistics are increasingly interrupted by Ukrainian drone attacks. No wonder Russian soldiers are converting their own FPVs into transports to help them stay alive rather than launching them at the enemy. Bendett says that the Vobla initiatives are very much a stopgap solution.

“Soldiers and volunteers themselves are turning to this Vobla design because they need such a heavy drone and can’t wait for the industry to test theirs,” Bendett told me. “It’s likely that the numbers of Russia’s own heavy quadcopters/multirotors delivered to the front will grow this year but unclear to what extent.”

He also notes that, in theory, the Russians could simply buy Chinese heavy agricultural/industrial multicopters off the shelf, as they buy other small drones like DJI Mavics. He says there could be a number of reasons why they have not done this.

“The primary one is likely the cost – these are more expensive purchases than getting FPV and quadcopter parts in bulk,” says Bendett.

Larger commercial multicopters are typically in the range of tens of thousands of dollars, and it looks as though the Russian bureaucracy imposes extra levels of control on them. Whereas FPVs are just a few hundred dollars and are easily obtainable.

“To put [a Vobla] together compared to purchasing a heavy agricultural hexarotor is a fraction of the cost,” says Bendett.

New Vobla designs are appearing all the time. Frames may be square, X- or H-shaped and batteries may be central or on the individual elements. At present there are a wide variety of configurations, but as with other drone types, there is likely to be a process of convergent evolution as the optimal designs are established.

“A few of the best designs will likely be settled on, and Voblas will likely increase in numbers and effectiveness,” says Roy.

While the existing Voblas all use four sub-drones, more ambitious versions carrying ever-greater loads are possible with more.

“There is no reason why six or eight quadcopters could not be used, and an example could emerge soon,” says Roy.

Larger sizes will get increasingly difficult to handle, but very large Vobla assemblies carrying heavy loads may appear.

Vobla Proliferation

Voblas may disappear when Russia does start mass producing its own heavy-lift drones. However, their success may inspire inventors in other parts of the world. At present, drone delivery is a relatively costly undertaking. With the Vobla approach, a developer with basic tools can build a delivery drone capable of carrying twenty pounds for less than the cost of a moped. This may be very appealing in parts of the world where roads are seasonal, or rough terrain makes ground transport slow and difficult and medical supplies cannot get through in time. This is a portable technology. Just as cellphones are common even in parts of the world where there is no reliable water supply, garage-made Vobla drones could be a real benefit to remote communities. They will also be misused by smugglers and other bad actors who need heavy lift capacity on the cheap and without leaving a trail. Necessity is the mother of invention. And this conflict is likely to continue throwing up bizarre-looking solutions with real practical value. (Source: UAS VISION/Forbes)

 

04 Mar 25. China’s Massive WZ-9 Divine Eagle Drone Now Operating from South China Sea Base. China’s deployment of its most advanced long-range surveillance drone to the South China Sea is a major challenge to US stealth aircraft and air superiority in the region, according to a Chinese military commentator. China’s large, jet-powered, twin-fuselage WZ-9 Divine Eagle drone has been operating, at least sporadically, out of an airbase on the highly-strategic Hainan Island at the northern end of the hotly contested South China Sea since at least Dec. 4. This is a new indication that this highly important aircraft is now at least in a semi-operational state. The jet-powered unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operates at altitudes of up to 25,000 metres (82,000 feet), can fly for up to 35 hours and its radars can see up to 500 km (310 miles) away, enabling constant surveillance across vast maritime regions. The WZ-9 is a high-altitude, long-endurance (HALE) uncrewed ‘sensor truck’ that carries multiple radars capable of spotting and tracking targets over vast areas. These include objects in the air and on the surface below, as well as producing high-quality map-like radar images. While the operational status of the Divine Eagle is unclear, operations from Hainan would make perfect sense for providing valuable broad-area early warning and surveillance coverage out into the South China Sea and potentially far beyond. A satellite image TWZ obtained from Planet Labs, seen below, shows the WZ-9 drone at Ledong Air Base, also known as Foluo Northeast Air Base, on Dec. 4, 2024. Ledong/Foluo is a People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) facility situated at Hainan’s southwestern end. Hainan is an absolutely critical location for the People’s Liberation Army that hosts multiple bases, including two sprawling naval facilities, one of which supports the country’s second strike nuclear deterrent and features a submarine cave complex. Details about the WZ-9, the development of which reportedly traces back at least to the early 2010s, remain limited and it’s unknown how many examples may currently exist. Imagery of the exotic-looking Divine Eagle that has emerged to date, along with renderings and models, show it has a very long high-aspect-ratio wing at the rear, as well as a smaller wing structure between the front ends of the two fuselages serving as a forward stabilizer. The drone is powered by a single jet engine mounted in a nacelle pod on top of the main wing between its two vertical tails. The span of the WZ-9’s main wing is around 147 feet (45 meters), but its overall length is just shy of 50 feet (15 meters). For comparison, the U.S. RQ-4 Global Hawk HALE drone has a wingspan of just under 131 feet (nearly 40 meters) and is almost 48 feet (14.5 meters) long. At least one model has previously emerged indicating that the WZ-9 has at least two large side-looking radars (SLARs), one in each fuselage facing outward. These radars may have ground moving-target indicator and air moving-target indicator (GMTI/AMTI) capabilities, as well as the ability to produce synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery. The aircraft were spotted at Ledong airbase, also known as Foluo Northeast Air Base, near other strategic sites, including Yulin Naval Base, which houses nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, the report said. Former People’s Liberation Army instructor Song Zhongping said the drone’s array of radars seriously challenged the US military’s reliance on stealth technology for air superiority and weakened US combat strength in the Indo-Pacific.

“Its twin-fuselage design incorporates domes in the front sections that support a range of advanced radar systems that are built to track stealth aircraft, warships, and submarines over vast distances,”

Song said. (Source: UAS VISION/The War Zone; South China Morning Post)

 

04 Mar 25. Iran’s ‘Conqueror’ Stealth Jet Returns, This Time As a Small Naval Drone. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has introduced the JAS 313, an unmanned jet-powered drone derived from the earlier Qaher-313 stealth fighter project. The announcement marks the latest evolution of Iran’s indigenous aircraft development efforts, though the project has long faced skepticism regarding its authenticity and operational capability. The Qaher, initially unveiled in 2013 as a manned stealth fighter, was widely questioned by defense analysts due to its unconventional design and obvious engineering flaws.  The aircraft’s unusually small cockpit, questionable aerodynamics, and lack of essential features such as properly sized air intakes and functional landing gear led many to doubt its viability as a fully operational fighter jet. By 2017, Iran displayed a modified version of the aircraft with a more realistic cockpit, but its flight capabilities were never verified, as it was never tested beyond a taxiing exercise. Iranian defense officials then announced in February 2023 that they were adapting the design into an unmanned platform named the Qaher 313, to better align with military requirements.  The effort eventually culminated in the JAS 313, which was revealed aboard Iran’s newly commissioned drone carrier, the Shahid Bahman Bagheri, a converted container ship designed to launch and recover UAVs. According to Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri, commander of the IRGC Navy, the JAS 313 comes in two scaled versions: one at 60% and another at 20% of the original aircraft’s size.

“The bigger version of JAS 313 is equipped with a jet engine that allows the aircraft to conduct missions at high velocities,” Tangsiri told Tasnim News Agency. The IRGC has positioned these drones for reconnaissance and bombardment operations.

Footage released by Iranian state media shows the JAS 313 taking off and landing from the Shahid Bahman Bagheri. While official specifications remain undisclosed, the smaller drone variation appears significantly smaller than the original Qaher-313 prototype, resembling a remotely piloted model.  The larger model is said to be powered by the Jahesh-700 engine, a domestically produced turbofan engine. However, details about this engine remain scarce, and experts have questioned whether it is entirely indigenous or based on foreign technology. Iran has a history of reverse-engineering Western and Russian military hardware, particularly jet engines. Some analysts speculate that the Jahesh-700 could be derived from the General Electric J85, an engine used in older American aircraft such as the F-5 Tiger II, which Iran has operated since before the 1979 Revolution. (Source: https://www.sofx.com/)

 

03 Mar 25. EnforceTac 2025: Baltic Viper presents fibre-optic-controlled FPV UAS. Lithuanian company Baltic Viper presented its Viper 10 Optical first-person-view (FPV) unmanned aircraft system (UAS) at the EnforceTac 2025 defence exhibition held in Nuremberg, Germany, from 24 to 26 February. With FPV UASs originally all radio guided, the notable feature of the Viper 10 Optical is that it is fitted with a 10 km fibre-optic cable spool. This is used to both control the UAS and transmit the video feed from its forward-facing camera. Mindaugas Varanauskas, technical director at Baltic Viper, told Janes that this configuration had several benefits. The first is that using a fibre-optic cable renders the drone immune to jamming and interception. Second, the lack of radio signals being emitted between the ground control station (GCS) and the drone means that the location of the GCS and pilot cannot be tracked using techniques like radio direction-finding. Third, since there is no risk of losing the radio signal link, either through jamming or line of sight (LOS), the Viper 10 Optical can be used to manoeuvre and strike targets inside structures. Finally, the fibre-optic cable allows for a low-latency, high-definition video stream for the pilot, ensuring that the video is not degraded or interrupted due to signal loss. (Source: Janes)

 

03 Mar 25. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) welcomes the U.S. Air Force’s designation for its Collaborative Combat Aircraft: the new uncrewed jet fighter will be called the YFQ-42A. The announcement on Monday followed an earlier USAF decision in 2024 that GA-ASI was selected to develop and build the YFQ-42A.

“We’re proud to get a new official aircraft designation,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. “YFQ-42A continues a long and distinguished history for GA-ASI that dates back to the 1990s and the debut of the RQ-1 Predator®, which later changed to MQ-1 Predator. That uncrewed aircraft gave way to the MQ-9A Reaper®, the MQ-20 Avenger®, our new MQ-9B SkyGuardian® and SeaGuardian®, and many others.

“These aircraft represent an unrivaled history of capable, dependable uncrewed platforms that meet the needs of America’s warfighters and point the way to a significant new era for airpower.”

The Air Force selected YFQ-42A as the Mission Design Series (MDS) for GA-ASI’s CCA prototype, representing the first in a new generation of unmanned fighter aircraft. YFQ-42A will be critical in securing air dominance for the Joint Force in future conflicts, leveraging autonomous capabilities and crewed-uncrewed teaming to defeat enemy threats in contested environments. The Air Force is developing Autonomous Collaborative Platforms to maintain its air superiority. Semi-autonomous aircraft, like YFQ-42A, will enhance flexibility, affordability, and mission effectiveness. YFQ-42A will enhance air superiority as a flexible, affordable force multiplier. It is designed to integrate seamlessly with current and next-generation crewed aircraft, expanding mission capabilities and ensuring continued air dominance. In short, YFQ-42A provides fighter capacity – affordable mass – at a lower cost and on a threat-relevant timeline. The YFQ-42A designation follows the Air Force’s decision to designate GA-ASI’s highly common predecessor aircraft as the XQ-67A Off-Board Sensing Station. The XQ-67A was ordered by the Air Force Research Lab to support the development of concepts necessary to implement the vision for CCA. In the Air Force system, an “X” plane is designed for testing and experimentation, while “Y” describes initial production-representative aircraft, usually ahead of a formal program. “F” is for fighter and “Q” designates an uncrewed aircraft. Once the production-representative aircraft moves into production, the “Y” will drop from the prefix.

 

03 Mar 25. UK Royal Navy Peregrine Helicopter Drone Conducts First Operation in Gulf. The UK Royal Navy has used its new mini-helicopter drone for the first time on drug-hunting operations in the Middle East. At just three metres (10ft) long, yet capable of sorties lasting up to five hours at ranges well over the horizon, Peregrine is the first remotely-piloted helicopter operated by the Royal Navy. It’s been launched from the flight deck of frigate HMS Lancaster, which is deployed to the Middle East on a long-term maritime security mission, during sweeps of the Indian Ocean and Gulf of Oman looking for smugglers and drug-runners on the so-called ‘Hash Highway’. Peregrine has been launched on sorties by day and night, scouring hundreds of square miles of ocean on every flight, feeding data, live radar picture and imagery directly into displays monitored in the warship’s operations room.

“Being part of the team that used Peregrine in our counter-narcotics operations was a fascinating experience,” said AB(AWW) Bradley Morris,

“The clarity of the images we obtained from miles away was impressive and highlighted the advanced capabilities we have at our disposal. It’s exciting to see how technology is enhancing our operations at sea.”

The drone is ideally suited to the long and demanding surveillance missions, preserving HMS Lancaster’s crewed Wildcat helicopter to conduct interdiction or strike missions. But the team from 700X Naval Air Squadron – the Royal Navy’s dedicated drone unit based at RNAS Culdrose in Cornwall – has also operated Peregrine concurrently with the Wildcat to unlock the potential of drones and crewed aircraft working together.

Commander Sam Stephens, Lancaster’s Commanding Officer, said the Peregrine operations with his ship marked “a key milestone in the evolution of the Royal Navy’s uncrewed capability. This is just the start, as we continue to unlock the game changing capability with every flight, gaining the advantage over smugglers and adversaries alike. Integrating this force-multiplier into the longest-serving operational Type 23 frigate whilst deployed on operations is a significant achievement. This is just the start, as we continue to unlock the game changing capability with every flight, gaining the advantage over smugglers and adversaries alike”.

Lt Cdr Rob Guest, in overall charge of both the Wildcat and Peregrine embarked on the frigate, added: “Combining the maritime expertise of the Wildcat Flight with the development and integration of uncrewed air systems has been a crucial catalyst in providing the Command team with additional assets that complement the existing capabilities – a combination that is producing promising results for the future.” Peregrine requires a pilot, flying the drone remotely from on board Lancaster throughout each mission. The mini helicopter is a Royal Navy-specific variant of the civilian Schiebel S-100, equipped with UK military tech: radar and an infra-red/electro-optical camera giving it the ability to ‘see’ at night and in poor visibility as it moves over the ocean at speeds up to 125mph.”

During its operational debut, Peregrine located and monitored several board and search operations as Lancaster’s Royal Marines boarded suspect dhows, seizing drugs and other contraband. Peregrine is not the only tech enhancement the veteran frigate has received. She is now the first ship in the Indian Ocean fitted with a new counter-drone system – particularly important in light of attacks by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea/Gulf of Aden over the past 18 months. Lancaster has recently completed a spell of maintenance in Bahrain which has seen upgrades to her weapon systems and sensors, and the complex task of replacing one of the frigate’s diesel generators, cutting a hole in the ship to crane the old engine out and a new one in. (Source: UAS VISION/Royal Navy)

 

28 Feb 25. Successful Tests for HUGIN to US Navy. Successful completion of acceptance testing for the HUGIN Superior AUV system by the Defense Innovation Unit and US Navy. Only one year after being awarded a 24-month frame contract for Large Diameter Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (LDUUV) by the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), KONGSBERG completed acceptance testing and delivery of the first HUGIN Superior Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) for this customer. This final testing was completed at the beginning of the year in Norway. The vehicle will now go on to provide real-world operational relevance and enhance the undersea capabilities of the U.S. Navy. The completion of this effort is a testament to DIU’s commitment to fulfilling its mission of accelerating the adoption of commercial technology for national security. In the last year, the DIU team performed a rigorous technology assessment which culminated in the order and delivery of a highly capable HUGIN AUV system in a short time.

“KONGSBERG is excited to be expanding our relationship with the U.S. Navy and provide the cutting-edge capabilities that come standard with our HUGIN Superior AUV system. We applaud the DIU team for enabling this transfer of capability to the warfighter at an accelerated pace and look forward to valuable operator feedback and continued partnership to further evolve our product line,” said Rich Patterson, Vice President of Sales, Uncrewed Platforms Division.

KONGSBERG’s HUGIN Superior is a proven AUV system that has been in active use by both commercial and military customers since 2019. It provides immediate operational capability for Subsea and Seabed Warfare (SSW), Intelligence Preparation of the Operational Environment (IPoE), Mine Countermeasures (MCM), and inspection of critical undersea infrastructure at delivery with no required modifications. With full ocean depth design, an endurance of over 70 hours, a navigational accuracy of <0.04% of distance travelled, and multiple mapping and imaging sensors, it leads the large AUV market in reliability and capability. KONGSBERG has an extensive history of developing AUVs. From the first HUGIN dive in 1993 to the record-breaking multi-week mission of HUGIN Endurance last summer, HUGIN continues to be the gold standard of AUVs on the market. HUGIN is tightly integrated with KONGSBERG acoustic sensors, autonomy, navigation, and battery technology resulting in a finely tuned system that produces the highest quality data. (Source: ASD Network)

 

28 Feb 25. IDEX 2025: Shahpar III UAV showcased before it hits the market. Pakistan’s defence conglomerate, GIDS, garners global interest in the Shahpar UAS family ahead of the release of the latest third variant. Global Industrial and Defence Solutions, or GIDS, Pakistan’s state-owned defence conglomerate, garnered wide-reaching interest in its Shahpar family of medium altitude long endurance (MALE) uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) during the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX). This comes as the third iteration of the fixed-wing Shahpar UAV completed taxi tests and is now entering the flight testing phase before entering the global drone market in the summer of 2025. Shahpar I first emerged in 2012 and the system was later replaced by the more prominent Shahpar II, a variant which has currently reached its second block. This second variant has a modular structure and an auto-pilot scheme for autonomous take-off and landing. Armed, the system can carry four weapons on its pylons, fly for 15 hours, and reach up to 22,000 feet. For surveillance purposes, the vehicle can fly 20 hours and go another 3,000 feet higher. However, the third Shahpar version due to be released this year can carry six weapons, fly between 16 to 30 hours at an altitiude of up to 35,000 feet. According to GlobalData intelligence, the military UAV market will expand by 6.3% over the next decade. Moreover, the data consultancy expects the leading segment to be MALE systems, accounting for as much as half of the total market share. This is a considerable demand signal; especially since the predominant American-made MQ-9 Reaper – also a MALE UAV – entered service more than 18-years ago. At the exhibition in Abu Dhabi on 19 February, a spokesperson revealed to Army Technology that several security services expressed interest in its family of systems, such as the Tanzania People’s Defence Forces among others. Principally, the spokesperson noted that “detailed discussions” are ongoing with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Navy. The host nation is said to have requested a quote for the Shahpar II and III variants, and they are said to have taken away certain specifications from this consultation. Currently, the Pakistan Army and Air Force use Shahpar I and II for surveillance missions. The exact number of systems in service is not known, however it is believed that every squadron has one. Both of Pakistan’s armed services intend to acquire the third Shahpar iteration when it becomes available but neither force has decided on the number of vehicles they intend to procure. It may be worth noting, however, that there is an investigation into a technical glitch with one of the Pakistan Air Force’s Shahapr II units, which crashed the Bhakkar district of Punjab last year. Nevertheless, the new interest still represents GIDS’ current client base in the Middle East and Africa. The conglmerate has engaged with Azerbaijan, Kenya, Nigeria, Türkiye, and the UAE in the past. Tapping into more diverse markets such as Europe will prove difficult given Pakistan’s close alignment with China and its markets and the West’s pronounced policy of decoupling in recent years. However, this is not impossible given Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to indigenise the construction of its defence products, particularly when it comes to shipbuilding and simulation trainer systems among others. (Source: army-technology.com)

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27 Feb 25. US Army assigns more than 300 UAS to BCTs so far., The changing calculus of the new Trump administration may expand America’s procurement of Army UAS well beyond current plans. So far, the US Army have assigned between 300 to 400 uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) among units within its Brigade Combat Teams (BCTs) in accordance with plans to reshape how the service operates in the future. As part of the restructuring, the force will phase out its legacy RQ-7B Shadow and RQ-11 Raven intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) UAS fleets – which entered service in 2002 and 2005 respectively – for the innumberable mass of tactical systems to come. Anduril’s Ghost X and the Performance Works C-100 quadcopter are among the new UAS models. The Army selected the two small, rotary systems in September 2024. These tactical UAS allow more manoeuvable companies to conduct multiple tasks with rapidly reconfigurable, attritable, modular payload capabilities to execute ISR and target acquisition missions. UAS accompanying mobile armoured forces provide a greater picture of the battlespace and threats as part of a crewed-uncrewed teaming model. According to GlobalData intelligence, the global military UAS market was valued at $14bn in 2024 and is projected to reach $26bn by 2034; this reflects a compound annual growth rate of 6.3% over the period. For now, the US Department of Defense operate more than 11,000 UAS across all three armed services. They are typically used to support domestic training and overseas contingency missions. Whereas, the Army’s new UAS will go onto to play a primary role.

Trump calculus will increase UAS procurement

Certain defence programmes will benefit from the US government’s ongoing divestment from Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion (DEI) structures and programmes, according to Pete Hegseth, the new US Defense Secretary. Upon entering government, Hegseth paused the Pentagon’s finances as the new administration undertakes a sweeping audit with the aim of filtering programmes and investment according to US President Donald Trump’s America First doctrine. While the crusade will diminish the value of having a diverse outlook across the military apparatus, Hegseth maintained the government will redistribute DEI costs towards more lethal programmes that he contends are “mission critical.” The Pentagon chief points to the proliferation of UAS as one of these priority areas for the Trump administration, including, among other policies, building an Iron Dome air defence network for America. The first iteration of the Replicator initaitive provides a sense of the scale for America’s UAS procurement across its armed forces. Established in August 2023 under the former Biden administration, the government is acquiring “multiple thousands” of systems across all domains by August 2025. Army Technology approached the DoD to ask what Trump’s plans are for the programme. Eric Pahon, a Pentagon spokesperson, assured that “there are no changes to announce regarding the Replicator 1 or Replicator 2 initiatives or timelines” at present. (Source: army-technology.com)

 

27 Feb 25. NATO trials naval drones in Baltic Sea demo. NATO showed off its underwater surveillance capabilities in an unmanned surface vessel demonstration in the Baltic Sea as part of alliance efforts to deter acts of sabotage against critical undersea infrastructure in the strategic area. The trials took place in waters near Denmark from Feb. 17 to 20 and involved integrating manned and unmanned assets in live-firing events and tactical maneuvers. Participating drone boats were fielded through the Task Force X initiative established earlier this month by the alliance’s top transformation branch as part of patrolling activities in Baltic waters.

“It provides a framework for all nations to contribute by enabling the deployment of their autonomous capabilities. … This collaborative effort will fill gaps in surveillance, particularly in areas not covered by existing systems like the Automatic Identification System,” Adm. Pierre Vander, commander of NATO’s Allied Command Transformation, said in a press release.

Additional ships from NATO’s Standing NATO Maritime Group 1, the Royal Danish and German Navies took part in the demonstration. In a recent interview with Defense News, as Vandier detailed plans for the alliance’s first fleet of naval surveillance drones, he hinted that it was likely to be equipped with proven platforms that would lean on experiments by the U.S. Navy’s Task Force 59. TF59 is a unit dedicated to integrating unmanned systems and artificial intelligence in the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet area of operations that operates out of Bahrain. However, according to an Allied Maritime Command press release, Task Force X will also leverage successful campaigns such as the U.S. Navy’s TF66, which experiments with uncrewed systems in the Europe-Africa area of responsibility. Established in 2023, the group is made up of civilian and military personnel that put a variety of unmanned maritime systems to the test in bodies of water faced with different challenges than in the Gulf region. Last year, it launched a pilot program centered on boosting maritime domain awareness, during which it tested the autonomous underwater and surface vessels of the Ocean Aero Triton platform, as reported by USNI News. (Source: Defense News)

 

27 Feb 25. South Korea’s Loyal Wingman Air Combat Drone Unveiled. South Korea on Tuesday unveiled a new stealthy loyal wingman-type drone, the Low Observable Unmanned Wingman System, or LOWUS, which it plans to operate alongside the locally developed KF-21 Boramae next-generation fighter. The new drone is part of a growing fleet of low-observable drones being developed in South Korea as the country seeks to introduce new uncrewed technologies for a range of missions. The first prototype of the  was rolled out at Korean Air’s Busan Tech Center in the southeast of the country. The drone was developed by Korean Air together with the Agency for Defense Development (ADD), a government body responsible for research and development in defense technology, funded by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA).  The LOWUS program was launched in 2021, with the research and development phase. A first flight of the first prototype is reportedly planned for the end of this year, leading toward the first manned-unmanned teaming flight tests by 2027. These will involve a piloted aircraft directly controlling the drone in flight. The new drone is being developed from the outset for manned-unmanned teaming, in which it will operate with a significant degree of autonomously alongside crewed combat aircraft. It is expected to undertake missions including reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and strike, in support of crewed fighters, including the KF-21. In terms of its design, the LOWUS has stealth features, including a reduced radar cross-section and a construction that makes use of radar-absorbent material (RAM). Superficially, the drone looks very similar to the XQ-58A Valkyrie, the stealthy, affordable uncrewed aircraft that has been developed by U.S. drone-maker Kratos. The LOWUS also has some visual similarities with the Airpower Teaming System loyal wingman drone, now known as the MQ-28 Ghost Bat, which was developed by Boeing’s Australian subsidiary, initially for the Royal Australian Air Force. (Source: UAS VISION/The War Zone)

 

27 Feb 25. US Treasury Targets Covert Iranian UAV Procurement Network. The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is targeting six entities based in Hong Kong and the People’s Republic of China (PRC), engaged in the procurement of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) components on behalf of OFAC-designated Iranian firm Pishtazan Kavosh Gostar Boshra (PKGB) and its subsidiary Narin Sepehr Mobin Isatis (NSMI). These entities operate as front companies and facilitate the purchase and shipment of key components for the benefit of PKGB and NSMI, which serve as key suppliers for Iran’s UAV and ballistic missile programs. OFAC previously designated a network of Hong Kong-based companies procuring sensitive Western-origin materials and technology for Iran’s UAV and missile programs on behalf of PKGB in February 2024. Today’s action, which supports President Trump’s maximum pressure campaign on Iran, targets efforts by PKGB to reconstitute its procurement network and continue the procurement of critical parts from foreign suppliers post-designation.

“Iran continues to try to find new ways to procure the key components it needs to bolster its UAV weapons program through new front companies and third-country suppliers,” said Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent. “Treasury remains committed to disrupting the schemes that enable Iran to send its deadly weapons abroad to its terrorist proxies and other destabilizing actors.”

This action was taken pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13382, which targets proliferators of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and their means of delivery. This action builds on August 28, 2019 and February 2, 2024 actions targeting PKGB’s covert procurement network benefitting Iran’s UAV and ballistic missile production. OFAC designated PKGB pursuant to E.O. 13382 on August 28, 2019 for being owned or controlled by Hamed Dehghan (Dehghan), PKGB’s chief executive officer and chairman, who was concurrently designated for his central role in facilitating the procurement of military-grade electronic components for Rastafann Engineering Company (Rastafann). Rastafann was designated pursuant to E.O. 13382 for having provided support to the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) and the Naval Defence Missile Industry Group. PKGB subsidiary NSMI was designated pursuant to E.O. 13382 on February 2, 2024 for being owned or controlled by, or acting or purporting to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, PKGB.

HONG KONG-BASED FRONT COMPANIES AND FACILITATORS

PKGB operates a network of Hong Kong-based procurement front companies that facilitate the purchase and shipment to Iran of aviation parts with UAV applications valued in millions of dollars. Since the February 2024 designations targeting PKGB’s Hong Kong-based front companies, PKGB has utilized new companies to continue its procurement activities. Dingtai Industrial Technology Co Limited (Dingtai) has procured U.S.-origin UAV-applicable items including valve assemblies, radio frequency (RF) connectors, and engines on behalf of PKGB. Yonghongan Trade Limited (Yonghongan) has been used by multiple PKGB front companies after the February 2024 designations, including OFAC-designated Advantage Trading Company Limited (Advantage), to procure Western-origin aircraft components. Yonghongan has also been used by OFAC-designated PKGB front company Duling Technology Limited (Duling) to purchase millions of dollars of Western-origin UAV-applicable aircraft parts, falsely listing Yonghongan as the purchaser of parts including vane turbines, vane compressors, blade turbines, and blade compressors. Hong Kong Tianle International Co Limited (Tianle) was used by PKGB to facilitate price quotes and the procurement of U.S.-origin electronic components for Rastafann. Tianle was also used by Advantage to procure thousands of micro servos on behalf of PKGB, falsely listing Tianle as the buyer.

Dingtai, Yonghongan, and Tianle are being designated pursuant to E.O. 13382 for having provided, or attempted to provide, financial, material, technological or other support for, or goods or services in support of, PKGB.

PKGB subsidiary NSMI has received shipments of UAV-applicable equipment from Hong Kong and PRC-based companies. NSMI was the consignee for engine shipments from Hong Kong-based DDC Develop Industry Hong Kong Limited (DDC Develop). PRC-based Shenzhen Zhiyu International Trade Co Ltd (Shenzhen Zhiyu) exported production and testing equipment to NSMI. Hong Kong-based JP Oriental International Holdings Limited (JP Oriental) exported shipments over the course of multiple years to NSMI.

DDC Develop, Shenzhen Zhiyu, and JP Oriental are being designated pursuant to E.O. 13382 for having provided, or attempted to provide, financial, material, technological, or other support for, or goods or services in support of, NSMI.

SANCTIONS IMPLICATIONS

As a result of today’s action, all property and interests in property of the designated person(s) described above that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons is/are blocked and must be reported to OFAC.  In addition, any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked. Unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC or exempt, U.S. sanctions generally prohibit all transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of designated or otherwise blocked persons. Violations of U.S. sanctions may result in the imposition of civil or criminal penalties on U.S. and foreign persons. OFAC may impose civil penalties for sanctions violations on a strict liability basis. OFAC’s Economic Sanctions Enforcement Guidelines provide more information regarding OFAC’s enforcement of U.S. economic sanctions. In addition, financial institutions and other persons may risk exposure to sanctions for engaging in certain transactions or activities with designated or otherwise blocked persons. Exports, reexports, or transfers of items subject to U.S. export controls involving persons included on the SDN List pursuant to E.O. 13382 may be subject to additional restrictions administered by the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security. See 15 C.F.R. section 744.8 for additional information. The power and integrity of OFAC sanctions derive not only from OFAC’s ability to designate and add persons to the SDN List, but also from its willingness to remove persons from the SDN List consistent with the law. The ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to bring about a positive change in behavior. For information concerning the process for seeking removal from an OFAC list, including the SDN List, please refer to OFAC’s Frequently Asked Question 897 here and to submit a request for removal, click here. (Source: UAS VISION/U.S. Treasury0

 

26 Feb 25.  HENSOLDT and QinetiQ Germany have strengthened their collaboration in the field of uncrewed aerial vehicles and systems, with ESG Elektroniksystem- und Logistik-GmbH serving as the prime contractor.  This strengthened alliance supports QinetiQ’s Global Threat Representation strategy, reinforcing its reputation as a global service provider for military exercises, from operational analysis to implementing new capabilities.

The expanded partnership focuses on three key areas including:

• Capability enhancement.
• Military uncrewed aerial vehicles of category IIa.
• Training and certified testing

This partnership builds on years of successful cooperation between, QinetiQ and HENSOLDT in Germany and Europe particularly in airborne radar systems using PC-12 test aircraft and the supply of reconnaissance technology for QinetiQ’s fleet.  With key locations in Bavaria and Schleswig-Holstein, QinetiQ and HENSOLDT are well-positioned to support the German Armed Forces and other security authorities in operating uncrewed systems.  HENSOLDT has been integrated as a certified body by the German Armed Forces Aviation Office for military uncrewed aerial vehicles of category IIa. This category encompasses drones used for flight target presentation, prototypes and system demonstrators.  HENSOLDT will also act as a recognised training and certified testing centre for remote pilots of civil uncrewed aircraft in QinetiQ’s category 2c, which includes drones that do not require prior approval. As a multi-certified body, HENSOLDT can provide comprehensive system support within this strengthened partnership.

Thorsten Heil, Head of Flight Operations at HENSOLDT in Germany, added: “As a reliable technology and innovation partner and an approved aviation company for both uncrewed and crewed aircraft, we are committed to developing specific, customer-oriented, and market-driven solutions that maintain our armed forces’ defence capabilities and enhance public safety. The intensified cooperation with QinetiQ is a critical step towards improving education and training for uncrewed aircraft and systems in Germany, contributing to the sustainable strengthening of our security.”

Matthias Grögor, Head of Strategic Business Development at QinetiQ in Germany, said: “Through our partnership with HENSOLDT, we demonstrate a proven collaboration with the German Armed Forces and other security authorities, backed by years of successful work, particularly with the German Air Force,” Matthias said. “Together, we aim to expand our services in uncrewed systems – from development and certification to education and training, around our Bavarian location in Augsburg, helping to establish Bavaria as a leading hub for drone technology.”

 

21 Feb 25. Havelsan’s New UAV: BULUT. Entering the field of robotic autonomous systems in 2019, HAVELSAN has built a platform ecosystem that includes unmanned aerial, ground, and naval vehicles. The company has now introduced another unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for use by security forces. Following the BAHA UAV, HAVELSAN has developed BULUT, a reconnaissance and surveillance UAV, in line with the project initiated under the leadership of the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB) and the requirements it defined. After undergoing development at HAVELSAN’s Robotic Autonomous Systems Center for some time, BULUT successfully met the tests and requirements set by the Acceptance Committee, which included representatives from users and the SSB. As a result, the UAV was added to the inventories of the Turkish Armed Forces and the General Directorate of Security. Equipped with an internal combustion engine, BULUT can stay airborne for six continuous hours and conduct reconnaissance and surveillance independently of GNSS. Designed to operate under light rain and snowfall, the BULUT UAV system can function in various operational conditions thanks to its advanced sensors and software. Currently in active use by security forces in operational areas, BULUT has a payload capacity of 5 kg and can share data over a range of up to 80 kilometers. BULUT employs an electric motor system for vertical takeoff and landing, while its reconnaissance and surveillance operations are powered by a gasoline internal combustion engine, allowing it to remain airborne for up to six hours. With advanced operational features such as moving object detection and avoidance, collision prevention, and anti-jamming capabilities, BULUT can be deployed for a wide range of missions, including border and coastal patrol, counter-smuggling and counter-terrorism operations, law enforcement and security tasks, narcotics detection, thermal imaging, wildfire response, post-disaster search and rescue, environmental pollution monitoring, agricultural applications, oil and gas pipeline security, energy infrastructure inspections, and search and rescue operations. BULUT is fully autonomous and capable of taking off and landing without the need for a runway. It is also equipped with an EO/IR/LRF integrated camera system and features a handover capability, allowing mission control to be transferred between ground control stations—an essential feature for security forces. Commenting on BULUT, HAVELSAN General Manager Dr. Mehmet Akif Nacar stated that they had developed a system that provides operational superiority in the field, fully aligned with the expectations of the Presidency of Defense Industries. He emphasized, “The SSB and our security forces played a significant role in the development of our new UAV, BULUT. The primary reason why BULUT quickly entered inventory and is now actively used in the field is our team’s rapid response to these expectations. I congratulate everyone involved in the project.”

HAVELSAN Deputy General Manager for Simulation, Autonomous, and Platform Management Technologies, Muhittin Solmaz, noted that BAHA was the company’s first UAV experience, and after three years of development, BULUT has further strengthened security forces. “BULUT, built upon the field experience of BAHA, will be a game-changer in its category. We wholeheartedly believe in this,” he said.

HAVELSAN Product Development and ELD Director Veysel Ataoglu highlighted that BULUT is actively used in operational areas and that the team continuously improves the product based on field feedback. He added, “Following BARKAN and BAHA, BULUT has successfully completed various acceptance processes by the SSB and security forces, officially joining the inventory. We are also working on different versions of BULUT.” (Source: ASD Network)

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BCB certainly has a rich history (1854) and an impressive portfolio of products designed to enhance the safety and effectiveness of NATO defence personnel in various environments.

The core competency of protecting lives in hostile environments, includes:

LAND:

BCB`s camouflage creams and camouflage nets have been standard issue to conceal generations of British and NATO forces.

Our newly developed MultiSpectral Cam technology, the MK8 Phantom, camouflages and protects people/vehicles/assets in the visual, IR and thermal (SWIR/MWIR/LWIR) spectrums.

FireDragon, our eco field cooking fuel, burns cleanly so can also be used in the confined space of a foxhole or tent. It is waterproof, easy to light, non-toxic and smokeless.

SEA;

Our patented Floating Body Armour is unique, versatile and sensibly protects both you and your life jacket, under the soft and hard armour. Designed to be low bulk, it`s massive 275 newtons of buoyancy is self-righting. We say it will “save your life twice”.

Our range of Boat Stopping Systems, provided a layered non-lethal stopping capability against all sizes of vessels, including unmanned threats. So you can stop and search, defeat pirates from boarding, prevent terrorists from getting near your vessel or close off quickly a waterway, port or maritime borders.

AIR;

BCB`s sister company UAVE have been manufacturing since 2013, the Dragon MK3, large, long range (1,000km) long endurance (12hours), versatile and mission-ready UAV. It is proven and operational from the polar regions to 45deg C heat in the Middle East and Asia. The larger of the 3 models, carries 25 kilos payload.

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Sponsored by BCB INTERNATIONAL

 

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18 Feb 25. Teledyne FLIR’s Black Hornet 4 Nano-Drone Selected as Winner of the Defense Innovation Unit’s Blue UAS Challenge. Award-winning Black Hornet unmanned aerial system is currently deployed in more than 45 countries. Teledyne FLIR Defense, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (NYSE:TDY), announced that its Black Hornet® 4 Personal Reconnaissance System has been selected as a winner of the Blue UAS Refresh.     In November, the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) hosted a Blue UAS Refresh event at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, California. Over three dozen military drone users tested more than 35 uncrewed aerial system (UAS) products and capabilities to support the DoD’s growing requirement for effective drone technology. Black Hornet 4 was chosen during the evaluation. Led by DIU, Blue UAS vets and verifies commercial drone technology for the Department of Defense and U.S. government. As a result of winning Blue UAS Refresh, Teledyne FLIR’s Black Hornet® 4 will begin the NDAA and cyber security verification process required to join the Blue UAS List with an Authority to Operate (ATO). The Blue UAS List gives users access to a range of approved, NDAA compliant commercial drone systems that can meet their diverse needs.

“Black Hornet 4 has been extremely well received by the warfighter since it was first introduced in late 2023,” said Dr. JihFen Lei, president of Teledyne FLIR Defense. “We are very proud to see Black Hornet 4 selected as a winner of Blue UAS Refresh and are confident this unique drone will continue to have a huge impact for all operators across all missions.

“Along with having already been selected for the U.S. Army’s Soldier Borne Sensor Tranche 2 program, this latest achievement will make Black Hornet 4 available to an even larger cohort of users,” Lei added.

Black Hornet 4 represents the next generation of lightweight nano-drones, able to provide enhanced covert situational awareness to small fighting units. Its 12-megapixel daytime camera and high-resolution thermal imager deliver crisp video and still images to the operator. At just 70 grams Black Hornet 4 can fly for over 30 minutes, more than three kilometers, and function in 25-knot winds and rain. Flight performance is augmented by advanced obstacle avoidance capabilities and other features. Compared to quad-rotor drones, the single rotor Black Hornet 4 UAV has an extremely low visual and audible signature, enabling it to identify threats day or night without being detected. Able to launch in less than 20 seconds and well suited for missions in GPS-denied environments, Black Hornet 4 can be used to rapidly identify targets beyond visual line-of-sight and assess weapon effects in real-time. FLIR Defense has delivered more than 33,000 Black Hornet drones to military and security forces in over 45 countries. The U.S. Army began acquiring Black Hornet systems in 2018 for its Soldier Borne Sensor (SBS) program. Since then, it has placed orders under SBS and other vehicles totaling more than $300m, including a $91 m contract for Black Hornet 4’s last October. The award-winning Black Hornet is designed and built by Teledyne FLIR Defense in Norway. (Source: ASD Network)

 

20 Feb 25. IDEX 2025: Edge Group unveils Jeer UAV. Edge Group unveiled a prototype of a medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) named Jeer at the International Defence Exhibition & Conference (IDEX) 2025 held in Abu Dhabi from 17 to 21 February. The company said Jeer is designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and ground attack missions. The prototype displayed at the event featured a Rutan design (canard configuration) and two Desert Sting 16 air-to-ground guided munitions, fitted to the two wing hardpoints (one each). Janes analysis indicates the UAV is powered by a horizontally opposed four-cylinder, turbocharged piston engine with a rating in the range of 100–120 hp and driving a three-blade propeller in pusher configuration. The airframe is constructed using composite material with sweptback high aspect ratio wings, a rectangular section fuselage, a shoulder-mounted complex delta-wing planform having winglets with control surfaces, and high-mounted canards. It has a dorsal air intake towards the aft section of the fuselage, and features a fixed tricycle landing gear configuration, with the main landing gear having spring steel legs.  The Jeer has multiple attachment points under the wings, which suggest it can be equipped with more pylons (as opposed to the two observed on the prototype). The UAV was also observed carrying a multisensor gimballed electro-optic (EO) turret under the front fuselage belly section. Given the role of the platform, the turret could have a daytime sensor, infrared sensor, laser rangefinder, and laser designator. (Source: Janes)

 

19 Feb 25. Defense Innovation Unit Updates Blue UAS List with New Framework Platforms and Capabilities Selected. After three days of flight demonstrations at the Blue UAS Challenge at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center 29 Palms, DIU Service evaluators selected 23 platforms and 14 unique components and capabilities for National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) verification and cyber security review. Over the coming months, as these selections complete the verification process, the Blue UAS List and Blue UAS Framework will expand with new additions. This challenge was the first of what is intended to be an annual competitive event for updating capabilities on the Blue List and Framework. In direct response to operator feedback, First Person View (FPV), Group 3, and tethered platforms were selected for potential addition to the Blue UAS List in response to emerging problem sets for end users. The addition of these new capabilities will provide Department of Defense (DoD) warfighters the ability to acquire these capabilities multiple years in advance of the current DoD program of record timeframes. As DIU completes the NDAA and cybersecurity verification process, updates to the Blue UAS List and the Blue UAS Framework will be published here. The Blue UAS List is a list of DoD approved drones providing options for the evolving mission needs of government users. These drones are compliant with section 848 of the FY20 NDAA , section 817 of the FY23 NDAA, and the 2024 American Security Drone Act, validated as cyber-secure, and are available for government purchase and operation. The Blue UAS Framework is a list of Interoperable, NDAA compliant UAS components and software that provide options for Government and industry partners. Framework provides advanced capabilities to sUAS developers and reduces risk for government customers. It includes critical components, sub-components, modules & software.

Platforms selected for verification and cyber security review for the Blue UAS List include:

• AeroVironment Dragon
• Anduril Ghost/GhostX
• Easy Aerial Sparrow
• Edge Autonomy VXE-30 Stalker
• Flightwave Edge 130
• Freefly Systems Astro
• Hoverfly Spectre
• Kraus Hamdani Aerospace K1000
• ModalAI Stalker
• Mountain Horse Solutions Rotron DT-300
• Neros Archer
• Parrot Anafi UKR
• PDW C100
• Quantum Systems Vector
• Shield AI V-BAT
• Skydio X10D
• Skyfall Vampire
• Skyfront Perimeter 8
• Teal Black Widow
• Teledyne FLIR Black Hornet
• Vantage Robotics Trace
• Zepher Flight Z1
• Zone 5 Paladin

Components and capabilities selected under the Blue UAS Framework rubric include:

• ARK Electronics Flight Controller
• Athena Artificial Intelligence Athena Computer Vision
• Auterion Government Solutions Skynode S
• Doodle Labs Wi-Fi transceivers
• Greensight UltraBlue and MicroBlue
• Locus Lock Global Navigation Satellite System receiver
• Mobilicom Skyhopper PRO / Pro Lite
• Pierce Aerospace B1 Remote ID Beacon
• Primordial Labs Anura
• RPX Technologies EmbIR camera
• SensorOps SynDOJO
• TILT Autonomy Lightweight Starlink PoE
• UVX Technologies Swappable Radio Module
• Vertiq Electronic Speed Control

The Neros Archer and the Hoverfly Spectre are the first platforms to receive an Authority to Operate (ATO) after completing the verification process. DIU has also added critical components from ARK Electronics, Locus Lock, Mobilicom, and Vertiq to the Framework list. All DIU ATO’s are globally applicable, allowing for use anywhere in the world, and all Blue components and capabilities are able to be used in a modular manner with any platform without additional paperwork requirements. Service evaluators focused on assessing key capabilities crucial for end-users. These criteria included ease of flight (control responsiveness, overall stability, and UI/UX intuitiveness for ease of operation); learning curve (how easily operators can plan and execute missions, the time required to achieve proficiency, and the setup and preflight process); flight performance (endurance, range, day/night operations, communication reliability, and latency); and capabilities (system’s payload capacity, mission flexibility, sensor performance for ISR missions, obstacle avoidance, and resilience to GPS denial and electronic warfare (EW) jamming). A total of 369 proposals from companies in the U.S. and 18 other countries (Ukraine, Israel, France, Norway, Denmark, Australia, Canada, Austria, Sweden, Croatia, United Kingdom, Lithuania, Switzerland, Vietnam, India, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Spain) applied to participate in the refresh challenge, showing growth and development in the commercial UAS market. Advocacy for many of these new and enabling technologies continues to be critical for getting capabilities to the warfighter and the Marine Corps Warfighting Lab was an important partner for ensuring key technologies, including FPV’s, were available for evaluation during this process. With the cycle for development of new capabilities in this space approaching three months, and current DoD timelines and processes for drone delivery lagging warfighter needs by multiple years, providing warfighters access to capabilities they need now through the Blue List and Framework is even more important. (Source: UAS VISION/Defense Innovation Unit)

 

19 Feb 25. General Atomics eyes ‘huge’ MQ-9 sale to Saudi Arabia. General Atomics is preparing to offer a package deal to Saudi Arabia to acquire a number of MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones, company executives said in an interview at the IDEX arms fair in Abu Dhabi.

“We are still in the very early stages but are pursuing this hard as there is a huge interest coming from Saudi regarding the MQ-9B — we expect they have significant requirements [for these drones] that could result in many of tens of thousands of jobs in the U.S. if we were to close that sale,” Dave Alexander, president of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, told Defense News.

While the executive was coy about specifics — the Kingdom has yet to commit to anything — he noted that the combo offer includes a “large number of aircraft” among other things, and would involve local involvement within the country.

The company declined to elaborate on what else would be contained in the deal.

Saudi Arabia has previously looked to China and Turkey as its drone manufacturers of choice, with the purchase of Chinese-made CH-4s in 2014 followed by more orders for the Wing Loong IIs.

In 2023, the Gulf country also acquired the Akinci combat drones from Turkish manufacturer Baykar, which the company’s chief executive Haluk Bayraktar called the largest defense deal in history between the two countries in an interview with Defense News.

In the last few years, a sense of frustration was somewhat palpable in the Gulf region regarding requests for U.S. defense equipment, which suffered from significant delays and came with several conditions stemming from Washington’s export control regime.

For example, in 2021, following the U.S. State Department’s decision to delay Qatar’s year-old request to buy MQ-9Bs, the Wall Street Journal reported that some Qatari officials were becoming irritated from not receiving any explanations behind the hold-up.

Alexander is optimistic that things will change under the new Trump administration when it comes to fast-tracking defense deals with regional allies that were previously halted or delayed.

“The future is bright with this new administration in that I think [Trump] will open up to a lot more pro-business in the area allowing us to move forward, treat our partners here like equals … and getting deals done and not making everybody mad with silly conditions,” he said.

Alexander added that he expects the sale of the SeaGuardians to the UAE will resume under Trump. The multi-year negotiation process to export 18 MQ-9Bs, which began in 2020 with the U.S. approval for the sale, has been chaotic, to say the least. The drone acquisition was previously linked to an additional deal where the Emiratis would receive 50 F-35s, which was eventually halted over concerns about the country’s use of Chinese technology. General Atomics’ offering is a stand-alone one that remains separate from any potential fighter purchase from Lockheed Martin.

“No more weighing us down with that — 2025 is going to be a big year for us in the [Gulf] region,” Alexander added.

Trump has expressed admiration for Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, the authoritarian ruler of Saudi Arabia, with whom he connects sizable business interests. Relations between the two countries were icier during the Biden administration because of Ryadh’s human rights record. (Source: Defense News)

 

18 Feb 25. Saronic unveils plans for autonomous shipyard. Texas-based Saronic Technologies announced Tuesday it raised $600 m in private funding to build an autonomous shipyard it’s calling Port Alpha. The company plans to use the facility to grow its fleet of medium- and large-class autonomous surface vessels amid demand from the Pentagon for more drones of all kinds, including ships.

“It is going to be the most advanced shipyard in the world,” CEO Dino Mavrookas told reporters. “We’re going to build it right here in America. We’re going to build it from the ground up.”

Saronic hasn’t yet picked a site for Port Alpha, but the company is working with state governments throughout the U.S. to find the right fit. Texas and the Gulf Coast are among the regions the firm is closely exploring, according to Mavrookas. The company declined to offer specifics on how much the project would cost, saying only that it planned to funnel “bns and bns of dollars” toward the effort over its lifecycle. Mavrookas would not commit to a timeline for when the facility would open its doors, but said he expects it to be operating “well within five years.”

“This is not something that we’re just thinking about,” he said. “Our goal is to get it open as fast as possible with shipbuilding production lines, rolling things out and into the water.”

Founded in 2022, Saronic has raised more than $850 m and is valued at $4 bn. In just three years, the firm has developed three uncrewed vessels: Spyglass, Cutlass and Corsair — a 24-foot-long boat that it unveiled last October.

The company sees its systems as a solution to the U.S. Defense Department’s push for more uncrewed systems and Port Alpha as a means for boosting the Navy’s shipbuilding capacity. The service’s latest 30-year shipbuilding plan calls for 381 battle force ships — an increase from its current fleet of 295 — and an additional 134 unmanned surface vessels over that time period, including 40 large-sized vessels. The service is also pushing toward a fully operational unmanned fleet by the mid-to-late 2030s. At the same time, the Navy’s shipbuilders are struggling to maintain cost and schedule requirements, many of them years behind on delivering due to a number of factors, including a shrinking workforce and a lagging supply chain. Asked whether he expects Port Alpha to put additional strain on that base, Rob Lehman, Saronic’s chief commercial officer, said the autonomous vessels the company is building won’t rely on the same manufacturing techniques, hardware and workforce that traditional shipbuilders developing manned platforms.

“We’re looking at a new class of vessels with a new way of building them, unburdened by some of the constraints that the current shipbuilding industrial base is hindered by,” he said. “We plan on approaching the Navy with ideas, concepts and capabilities rather than just waiting and being told what to do.” (Source: Defense News)

 

18 Feb 25. Spain’s SIRTAP prototype flight scheduled for August or September, says MoD. The first prototype of Spain’s SIRTAP unmanned aircraft system (UAS) is currently in production, and its first test flight is scheduled for August or September, Spain’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) told Janes on 17 February. SIRTAP (a Spanish acronym that loosely translates as Integrated System for High-Performance Unmanned Air System) is a medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) UAS. The system is “not yet” capable of carrying weapons, but it is “a growth capacity considered as part of the design”, according to an MoD spokesperson. The first production model delivery, which is a set of the system and a simulator, is scheduled for 2026. Each set includes three UASs and a ground control station. The project will be fully developed in 2030, according to a 2 January MoD press release. Spain purchased the Airbus SIRTAP UAS in a contract valued “close to” EUR495 m (USD518 m), with Airbus announcing the acquisition on 29 November 2023 for a total of 27 UASs, nine ground control stations, and two simulators. All of the UASs will be manufactured and assembled at the Airbus Defence and Space plant in Getafe (Madrid), said the press release. Previously, Janes reported that the UAS can carry a 150 kg payload and has a maximum take-off weight of 700 kg. SIRTAP is to be equipped with both a multimission radar (enabling overland and maritime roles) and an electro-optic/infrared (EO/IR) sensor turret. The UAS is 7.3 m long, almost 2.5 m high, and has a wingspan of 11.3 m, with a range of over 2,000 km, said the Spanish MoD press release. (Source: Janes)

 

13 Feb 25. Protector drone resumes flight tests with RAF. The remotely piloted aircraft is poised for official in-service declaration later this year. The UK’s Royal Air Force (RAF) has commenced Phase III of the flight-testing programme for the new Protector RG1 remotely piloted air system (RPAS).   This phase will see the Protector operate from RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire and engage in expanded flight activity.

Last month, UK Defence Procurement Minister Maria Eagle said: “Protector training has now transferred to the UK having completed four aircrew basic qualification courses in the United States. Further, four Protector air vehicles have now been delivered to RAF Waddington, where they are being maintained by 31 Squadron engineers. The required test and evaluation activity and UK training is underway, ahead of the planned platform in-service declaration later in 2025.”

Overseen by 56 (Test & Evaluation) Squadron, with support from 31 and 54 Squadrons, the second flight of the Protector on UK soil was successfully conducted by an entirely UK-based crew.   They operated from the newly constructed ground station at RAF Waddington.   This follows 2024’s inaugural flight of the RAF’s Protector RG Mk1 RPAS over the same base.  The Protector RG Mk 1 (MQ-9B), successor to the Reaper (MQ-9A), is a next-gen MALE aircraft designed for long-endurance armed ISTAR missions.   Its 40-hour flight capability enhances the RAF’s surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. (Source: airforce-technology.com)

 

17 Feb 25. IDEX 2025: Edge Group unveils HT-750 rotary-wing UAV. The United Arab Emirates’ (UAE’s) Edge Group unveiled its unmanned helicopter HT-750 at the International Defence Exhibition & Conference (IDEX) 2025 held in Abu Dhabi from 17 to 21 February. The HT-750 features a modular mission profile, and is developed by Switzerland-based autonomous air systems maker Anavia, an Edge Group entity. Speaking to Janes, Ishan Sahgal, the founder and co-CEO of Anavia, said that conceptual design work for the HT-750 began in the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2023, with official development work starting in Q1 of 2024. Jon Andri Jörg, founder and co-CEO, added that “the core systems like propulsion, avionics, electrical, and mechanical systems of the HT-750 are built into the exoskeleton frame. With the highly modular pod system the UAV [unmanned aerial vehicle] can be adapted for specific mission roles such as intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), logistic missions, medical evacuation (medevac), and troop insertion”. The fully autonomous UAV is powered by a single turboshaft engine, equipped with a 900 litre fuel capacity, and features a semi-rigid four-blade bearingless rotor system. In a medevac configuration, the HT-750 will be able to carry two stretchers in a side-by-side arrangement, Sahgal added. (Source: Janes)

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BCB certainly has a rich history (1854) and an impressive portfolio of products designed to enhance the safety and effectiveness of NATO defence personnel in various environments.

The core competency of protecting lives in hostile environments, includes:

LAND:

BCB`s camouflage creams and camouflage nets have been standard issue to conceal generations of British and NATO forces.

Our newly developed MultiSpectral Cam technology, the MK8 Phantom, camouflages and protects people/vehicles/assets in the visual, IR and thermal (SWIR/MWIR/LWIR) spectrums.

FireDragon, our eco field cooking fuel, burns cleanly so can also be used in the confined space of a foxhole or tent. It is waterproof, easy to light, non-toxic and smokeless.

SEA;

Our patented Floating Body Armour is unique, versatile and sensibly protects both you and your life jacket, under the soft and hard armour. Designed to be low bulk, it`s massive 275 newtons of buoyancy is self-righting. We say it will “save your life twice”.

Our range of Boat Stopping Systems, provided a layered non-lethal stopping capability against all sizes of vessels, including unmanned threats. So you can stop and search, defeat pirates from boarding, prevent terrorists from getting near your vessel or close off quickly a waterway, port or maritime borders.

AIR;

BCB`s sister company UAVE have been manufacturing since 2013, the Dragon MK3, large, long range (1,000km) long endurance (12hours), versatile and mission-ready UAV. It is proven and operational from the polar regions to 45deg C heat in the Middle East and Asia. The larger of the 3 models, carries 25 kilos payload.

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Sponsored by BCB INTERNATIONAL

 

http: https://www.bcbin.com/

 

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13 Feb 25. M1 Support Services (M1) has been approved for membership in the Vertical Lift Consortium (VLC), managed by Advanced Technology International. The Vertical Lift Consortium is a collaboration of traditional and nontraditional government contractors, small and large businesses, for-profit and not-for-profit entities, academic organizations, and their affiliated organizations to work collaboratively with the U.S. Government to develop and transition innovative vertical lift technologies to rapidly and affordably meet warfighter needs.

“The VLC is an important organization to foster collaboration between industry and the government,” said George Krivo, Chairman and CEO of M1 Support Services. “We look forward to working with the VLC to bring a full range of aviation solutions to U.S. Government agencies.”

Solicitations are issued to members of the VLC by the Aviation & Missile Technology Consortium (AMTC) using “Other Transaction Authority” (OTA), a streamlined vehicle that brings innovative research and prototypes, and other capabilities from industry to the Federal Government. OTAs enable fast acquisition of critically needed capabilities.

About M1 Support Services

M1 Support Services is a mission-first, force-multiplying partner solely dedicated to providing aviation solutions to the U.S. Department of Defense, Allies, and partner nations. Our complete spectrum of services includes Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO), flight operations, training, logistics, aircraft modifications and upgrades. The only aviation solutions company of scale focused solely on aviation maintenance excellence, we execute large, complex programs of National and International significance, supporting the most advanced military aircraft in the world. Learn more at www.M1services.com. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

 

13 Feb 25.  AeroVironment (AV), the leader in autonomous and intelligent multi-domain systems, today announced the establishment of FreedomWerx, a state-of-the-art advanced manufacturing facility in Salt Lake City, Utah. As part of AV’s distributed production strategy, FreedomWerx strengthens the company’s capacity to ensure uninterrupted delivery of precision-strike autonomous systems to government and defense partners. Unlike single-location, hyperscale facilities, AV’s distributed production model enhances national security by ensuring resilient manufacturing and sustained delivery of mission-critical autonomous systems. By maintaining multiple, strategically located production sites, AV mitigates risks from natural disasters, security threats, and geopolitical disruptions—fortifying supply chain resilience and operational readiness. This approach positions AV as a more reliable and sustainable defense partner, ensuring continuous support to the DoD and allied forces. Located just minutes from Salt Lake City International Airport, the facility offers strategic access to key transportation hubs, optimizing logistics and supply chain efficiencies. AV anticipates creating more than 500 high-paying jobs, driving economic growth, and advancing Utah’s position as a leader in defense innovation and advanced manufacturing. This announcement results from a collaborative effort between AV, the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO), Utah Inland Port Authority (UIPA), and the Economic Development Corporation of Utah (EDCUtah).

“AeroVironment’s autonomous precision-strike systems have revolutionized modern warfare, providing warfighters with the ability to neutralize high-value threats with unprecedented accuracy while minimizing risk to friendly forces,” said Wahid Nawabi, AV chairman, president, and chief executive officer. “This facility represents a critical step in our mission to expand manufacturing capacity, ensuring our forces have the technological superiority needed to deter and, if necessary, decisively defeat adversaries.”

“Utah is the ideal hub for advancing aerospace and defense technologies that are vital to national security and economic growth,” said Ryan Starks, executive director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity. “Strategic investments like this create jobs, accelerate innovation, and reinforce Utah’s leadership in aerospace and defense. Supporting companies like AV strengthens our state’s economy while driving cutting-edge advancements in the industry.”

“We’re thrilled to welcome AV to Salt Lake City,” said Scott Cuthbertson, president of EDCUtah. “As a leading defense technology company, AV’s expansion will not only bring high-quality jobs to the region but will also further solidify Salt Lake City’s position as a premier hub for advanced manufacturing and defense innovation. We look forward to the long-term contributions they will make to our economy and community.”

“AV’s expansion is a testament to Utah’s growing leadership in advanced manufacturing and aerospace innovation,” said Ben Hart, executive director of UIPA. “By leveraging our strategic infrastructure and economic incentives, we are helping to create high-quality jobs and support a cutting-edge industry that is critical to both national security and technological advancement. We look forward to seeing AV thrive in Salt Lake City and contribute to Utah’s dynamic economy.”

AV anticipates FreedomWerx will begin production in the second half of 2025, further scaling the company’s manufacturing capacity to meet evolving defense requirements. This expansion is a strategic investment in next-generation autonomous capabilities, ensuring U.S. and allied forces remain equipped with advanced, precision-strike solutions built for modern conflicts. As the global threat landscape shifts, AV remains committed to unmatched innovation, agility, and battlefield superiority. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

 

14 Feb 25. Indonesia, Türkiye sign MOU to produce Bayraktar, Akinci UAVs. Jakarta has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Turkish defence company Baykar that paves the way for the latter to manufacture its range of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in Indonesia. The MOU is one of 13 agreements that were inked between Indonesia and Türkiye in Bogor on the sidelines of a 12 February meeting between the leaders of the two countries, reads a statement released by the Indonesian president’s office on the same day. In addition to the MOU signed with Baykar, Indonesia and Türkiye also inked a general agreement to co-operate more closely in defence technology development. The 11 other MOUs pertain to matters in other sectors including education, media, and agriculture. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan met with his Indonesian counterpart Prabowo Subianto at the presidential palace in Bogor as part of the former’s series of diplomatic visits to the region. The MOU to manufacture UAVs was signed with Indonesian defence holding company Republikorp, which owns a portfolio of defence-related companies including an aeronautics firm. Janes has since verified with the media and information bureau of the Indonesian president’s office on 13 February that no contracts for the UAVs were signed at the event. Indonesia is known to have been eyeing the Bayraktar TB2 and Akinci lines of strike-capable UAVs since at least 2022. A source who spoke to Janes at the Indo Defence 2022 exhibition confirmed that talks between Indonesian officials and Baykar had taken place to discuss possible procurements of the TB2 and Akinci UAVs. (Source: Janes)

 

14 Feb 25. Russia steps up long-term domestic UAV production says Estonian Foreign Intelligence Service. The Russian government is advancing large-scale adoption of “drone technology” and its integration into the armed forces, the Estonian Foreign Intelligence Service said in a report published on 12 February. The domestic production of unmanned systems is seen as a “likely top priority for Russia”, particularly after the January 2024 launch of the National Project Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Bezpilotnye Aviatsionye Sistemy: BAS), according to the report. More than 400 Russian companies are working to create facilities for research, development, and manufacturing of unmanned systems as part of the project, according to a statement made by Russian President Vladimir Putin on 28 January 2025. At the time, he said 48 centres for large-scale production are planned to be set up within the next 10 years. “There are already 15 centres, but we can do better.” Russia plans to allocate on average EUR1 billion (USD1.03 billion) annually to this project, according to the Estonian intelligence report. The integration of private manufacturers of unmanned systems is part of the Kremlin’s plan to control the production and technology. The Estonian Foreign Intelligence Service also believes that this is part of Russia’s wider effort to reduce its dependency on foreign technologies and components. (Source: Janes)

 

13 Feb 25. Tata Elxsi and Garuda Aerospace Sign MoU at Aero India 2025 to Establish Indian UAV Centre of Excellence. Tata Elxsi, a global supplier of design and technology services, and Garuda Aerospace, a pioneering UAV manufacturer, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding at Aero India 2025, Asia’s biggest Airshow, being held from February 10th –14th. This partnership establishes a dedicated UAV design, engineering, and certification center to develop indigenous drone technologies specifically for Indian defence applications, along with agriculture, and smart cities, supporting the ‘Make in India’ initiative. Tata Elxsi and Garuda Aerospace are showcasing prototypes, designs, and operational UAVs at Aero India 2025. In addition, a demonstration of indigenised UAV components highlights India’s advancements in autonomous UAV technologies. Tata Elxsi will lead the design, development, testing, and certification of UAV subsystems, leveraging its expertise in avionics, miniaturisation, ground control systems, secured communication, and energy optimisation. Its proven capabilities in avionics certification, including compliance with DO-254 and DO-178C standards, will ensure regulatory adherence and safety. By integrating its proprietary autonomous and digital twin technologies, AI-driven solutions, and advanced propulsion and battery management systems, Tata Elxsi will enhance UAV efficiency, reduce energy consumption by 20%, cut costs by over 20%, and accelerate development cycles by up to six months. Garuda Aerospace, as an OEM with a strong presence in defence and other sectors, will lead business acquisition and delivery. The drones developed under this initiative will cater to multiple applications such as payload management, goods delivery, precision agriculture, and ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) missions, addressing critical operational needs across industries. The Indian defence forces and Border Security Force are expected to be key beneficiaries of this collaboration, gaining access to cutting-edge UAV capabilities. Additionally, this initiative will create new employment opportunities and contribute to workforce development in the aerospace sector.

Jayaraj Rajapandian, Head of Aerospace, Rail & Off-highway, Tata Elxsi, stated: “Our partnership with Garuda Aerospace marks a major milestone in India’s aerospace ambitions. By driving AI-powered UAV advancements, we are strengthening India’s defence ecosystem and reinforcing the country’s self-reliance in aerospace technologies.”

Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder & CEO of Garuda Aerospace, said, “This strategic collaboration with Tata Elxsi reinforces our commitment to indigenous innovation. Over the next three to five years, we will focus on fully indigenised production and supply of airborne and ground systems, strengthening India’s leadership in UAV technology.” (Source: UAS VISION)

 

13 Feb 25. Iran Unveils Hadid 110: Jet-Powered Suicide Drone Capable of Underwater Strikes. Iran has recently unveiled the Hadid 110, a jet-powered suicide drone capable of striking enemy targets from beneath the sea. Developed by the Ministry of Defense, the drone was showcased at the Eghtedar 1403 defense exhibition, where Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei reviewed Iran’s latest military advancements. The Hadid 110 features a triangular design and a jet engine, suggesting greater speed and sophistication than Iran’s previous Shahed-series drones. While its full capabilities remain undisclosed, reports indicate it is equipped with Artificial Intelligence to locate and engage targets. Military experts say this technology could allow Iran to strike from concealed underwater positions, making it difficult for traditional air defense systems to intercept. The launch of the Hadid 110 comes after Iran unveiled the Shahid Bagheri, the country’s first naval vessel designed to launch drones and helicopters. Iran has unveiled its latest weaponry as it braces for rising tensions with Israel and the United States under President Donald Trump. Following Trump’s return and the revival of his “maximum pressure” campaign on Tehran, Iran has ramped up its military displays. In recent days, its armed forces have conducted large-scale nationwide exercises and revealed underground military bases. (Source: https://www.sofx.com/)

 

12 Feb 25. Patria Introduces New Drone Range. Patria expanded its unmanned systems offering in the summer of 2024 by acquiring company Nordic Drones, a Finnish leading drone pilot trainer and manufacturer of drones designed for professional use. The acquisition is a milestone in promoting the export opportunities of the Finnish defense industry. Patria has extensive experience and strong expertise in unmanned systems (UAS) and aviation. From design to maintenance and training, Patria’s expertise is at the forefront of Finnish drone technology development.

Patria Drones

Due to acquisition, Patria Drones continue to be a significant part of the company’s portfolio, showcasing its innovation and excellence in the field of UAS with three state-of-the-art products: Patria SKY, Patria ONE and Patria GEO.

Patria SKY – Long Range Drone for Multipurpose Use

Patria SKY is a multi-mission long-range UAV system, designed in collaboration with professional security industry operators to meet the demanding needs of high-level security authorities. The advanced drone system has undergone rigorous manufacturing and maintenance inspections, receiving approval from Finnish authorities. Patria SKY is built to withstand challenging weather conditions.

Patria ONE – Data and Results from the Sky

Patria ONE is a versatile UAV with modular components and high safety standards. The modular design of Patria ONE allows for swappable radios, fiber optic control, swappable payloads (including explosives), swappable motor arms, and tether readiness. This flexibility makes it suitable for a wide range of missions. The UAV also features a three-step safety system for operator safety when handling explosive payloads. Patria ONE is easy to transport and can be fitted into a tactical backpack, making it highly portable.

Patria GEO – The BestPerformance in its Class

The Patria GEO drone is designed for terrain mapping. With a flight time of up to 74 minutes, it can map over 100 hectares in a single flight, making it a quick and easy solution to visualize, measure, and model different kinds of targets.The Patria GEO drone is equipped with a 42Mpx camera, providing a ground sample distance size of 2 centimeters when imaging at 150 meters.

Patria Strongly Involved in Co-Development

A national drone strategy has been prepared and published in Finland, with the core objective of ensuring the utilization of Finnish technological expertise to create new business opportunities and ensure societal security.

Patria contributes to achieving the goals of the national drone strategy by bringing together the strengths of innovative Finnish actors in the eALLIACE project and promoting European drone development through the ACTUS project.

Patria contributes to achieving strategic goals by bringing together the strengths of Finnish civil and defense sector actors in its eALLIANCE project. Patria also promotes European drone development and regulatory advancement through the ACTUS project (“Advanced capabilities & Certification for Tactical UAV Systems”) funded by the European Defence Fund. (Source: UAS VISION)

 

12 Feb 25. Finland’s Drone Strategy Announced – Best Country for Drone Business. Drones and the rapid development of related technologies will have a revolutionary impact on society as a whole. The strategy drawn up by key players in the Finnish drone industry defines the guidelines for the near future of Finnish drone operations from the perspective of national defense and accelerating economic growth. The strategy sets clear goals and guidelines on which the Finnish drone industry can build sustainable growth and international success. According to the strategy’s goals, in 2030:

– Finnish drone companies are among the world’s top companies,

– Finland is a good place to start a drone company,

– Finland has a low-threshold innovation environment for the development of drones,

– Finland is an interesting country for drone technology investments and

– Drone technology is widely used in Finland to enhance the efficiency of operations in various sectors.

The strategy describes development needs and principles for five different areas in order to achieve the goals.

The strategy project was initiated by MP Jarno Limnéll . The working group invited the country’s best experts and took into account the perspectives of business, authorities, science and research. The Defence and Aerospace Industry Association (PIA) facilitated the strategy work.

“Finland has a huge amount of drone-related expertise and the drone industry is a very strong growing sector globally. It creates an excellent opportunity to create economic growth in Finland,” says MP Limnéll.

“Finland’s strengths are agility and the ability to respond to rapidly changing challenges – characteristics that are crucial in the global technology competition,” says Lauri Kangas , CTO of the Finnish Defence and Aerospace Industries Association (PIA), which delivered the strategy , and continues, “drone technologies are key technologies of the future, on which significant innovations can be built.”

The strategy was published in the Citizens’ Information section of the Parliament’s Small Parliament on Monday, February 10, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. Speakers at the event included MP Jarno Limnéll , former Director of Research at the Defence Forces Jyri Kosola , Research Professor Eija Honkavaara of the National Land Survey of Finland , and Patria CEO Esa Rautalinko. (Source: UAS VISION/Finnish Defense and Aerospace Industries PIA)

 

11 Feb 25. Heven Drones, a company specializing in hydrogen-powered unmanned aerial systems designed for complex operational environments, is introducing the Raider. This new platform is tailored to provide extended endurance, versatile payload options, and field-ready modularity, addressing critical challenges faced by modern operators.

“The launch of the Raider reflects our mission to enhance operational capabilities for a broad range of missions,” said Benzion Levinson, Founder & CEO of Heven Drones. “The platform’s ability to deliver long endurance with a high payload capacity, combined with hydrogen-powered sustainability, opens new possibilities for reconnaissance, tactical operations, and logistics. The H2D family of drones have already been validated in operational environments, thus, the Raider is designed to provide reliable performance while offering operators the adaptability needed in today’s dynamic scenarios.”

The Raider is designed to address multiple mission requirements, offering a hydrogen-powered endurance exceeding 10 hours and supporting payloads up to 50 lbs (23 kg). The platform is equipped with a modular twin-fuselage design that enhances aerodynamic stability and allows for quick adaptation to various operational profiles without the need for extensive recalibration. Features such as vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) for deployment in diverse environments, fast assembly within 15 minutes, and a modular battery system for enhanced hovering capabilities further ensure its usability in the field. In addition to its performance metrics, the Raider offers near-silent operation with ultra-low thermal radiation and acoustic signatures, enabling discreet use in sensitive missions. Its ability to monitor large areas with multi-platform, multi-sensor configurations make it especially valuable for persistent surveillance, maintaining force protection. On-site hydrogen generation provides energy independence, ensuring continuous operations in remote or resource-limited environments. The Raider meets the needs of diverse mission profiles, from tactical ISR and contested logistics via multi sensor multi-platform CONOP to air-launch effects. Its engineering emphasizes efficiency and reliability, with over 1,000 operational hours between overhauls, reducing maintenance demands and improving operational readiness.

 

17 Feb 25. BlueBird Aero Systems unveiled its latest breakthrough: A field-proven operational Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) UAV, powered by a new PEM Fuel-Cell technology developed over the past several years by H3 Dynamics in the USA. This cutting-edge innovation redefines operational capabilities by delivering an electric VTOL UAV with unprecedented flight endurance of over 6 hours, unmatched reliability and a sustainable energy solution. The WanderB-VTOL is an electric VTOL Mini-UAS, designed for rapid deployment and operation in any environment. Combat-proven, it can effectively function in GPS-denied and spoofed conditions. The WanderB-VTOL is a mature and proven products, in service with over 25 global customers, with more than 350 platforms delivered to date. The hydrogen fuel-cell powered WanderB-VTOL has accumulated a considerable number of flight-hours that validated the system’s exceptional performance, including continuous operation for over six hours. BlueBird Aero Systems’ rigorous testing has demonstrated reliability and mission readiness. The fuel-cell enables up to 1000 operational hours (until maintenance round) and requires easy maintenance.

Bluebird Customer’s will be able to enjoy this extended endurance by upgrading their WanderB-VTOL systems with the new Fuel-Cell power source.

The WanderB-VTOL specifications:

Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW): 18 kg

Flight Endurance: Over 6 hours

Flight Ceiling: 16,000 feet

Payload Capacity: 1.5 kg

Operational Advantages of Fuel-Cells vs. Lithium Batteries

The fuel-cell provides much higher energy-density than Lithium Batteries, allowing the UAV to stay on target for significantly longer durations at the same weight, with significant operational advantages: reducing takeoffs and landings cycles to reduced strain and maintenance cost, longer and more efficient missions, less “dead” time on the way to the target’s area. For example, a mapping flight powered by a fuel-cell can cover a much larger area.

“This is a significant technological milestone for the tactical UAV industry” said Avi Elraz, VP R&D and Engineering. –Business Sensitive – Proprietary Information of Bluebird Aero Systems Ltd Department: – Reference: PR-20250207-WBFC-01 System: WanderB-FC Version: 01 Subject: PR

A Smarter, Greener Energy Solution

At the core of this revolutionary system lies a hybrid solution, combining a hydrogen fuel-cell with a backup battery. The fuel-cell provides a continuous, clean power source, generating electricity through an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, with water as the only byproduct. The backup battery ensures additional energy when needed and acts as an emergency source of energy.

BlueBird’s solution redefines sustainability in UAV operations, ensuring that environmental responsibility meets high performance. This breakthrough not only offers a significant leap in energy efficiency and mission longevity but also sets a new standard in eco-friendly innovation.

“Bluebird is already leading the VTOL UAV market with battle-proven, reliable and capable UAVs, and now, with WanderB-VTOL powered by Fuel-Cell, even more capable with unmatched endurance for a more effective missions” said Ronen Nadir, Founder and CEO of BlueBird Aero Systems.

With its high performance, high availability and comprehensive customer-support, BlueBird’s fuel-cell powered WanderB-VTOL is tailored to meet the demands of both military and civilian markets.

About BlueBird Aero Systems:

BlueBird Aero Systems is a dominant player in the tactical unmanned aerial systems industry, specializing in the design and production of mini and small tactical UAS with Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) capabilities as well as Loitering Munition Systems. Bluebird’s advanced solutions are combat proven since 2006, ideal for supporting open and urban scenarios and suitable for military ISTAR, peacekeeping, border security, disaster management, law enforcement, S&R, and commercial applications.

 

07 Feb 25. German Armed Forces Drone Flies Through European Upper Airspace for the 1st Time. On Monday, 3 February, a German drone with a wingspan of 26 metres belonging to the German Armed Forces flew from Germany to the Netherlands and back. The flight was the first in Europe to take place in upper airspace where commercial aircraft fly. The European MALE RPAS project is exploring the integration of uncrewed flights on overall air traffic, with the goal of ensuring safe and efficient coexistence between manned and unmanned aircraft. A German Heron TP drone of the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) has flown from Schleswig in Germany to Leeuwarden in the Netherlands and back again. The flight was the first in Europe to take place in upper airspace. It was conducted as part of a research project by the European Defence Agency (EDA), which aims to help enable remotely-piloted, unmanned aircraft to be guided through shared airspace when required. Alongside the Institute of Flight Guidance at the German Aerospace Center (Deutsche Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR), which is the primary contractor, participants included the Netherlands Aerospace Centre (Royal NLR) and the German Armed Forces. The German Heron TP is a large unmanned vehicle belonging to the German Air Force. It has a wingspan of 26 metres and can fly for more than 24 hours. The drone took off from Schleswig and made its initial ascent within military airspace. It was then handed over to German civil lower airspace control, Deutsche Flugsicherung (DFS), and EUROCONTROL Maastricht Upper Area Control Center (MUAC). Upper airspace, where commercial aircraft fly, begins at an altitude of 7,500 metres. During the flight, the drone climbed up to 8,500 metres in MUAC airspace. The route followed the German coastline and into Dutch airspace, reaching Leeuwarden before returning to Schleswig.

Considerations for integrating into civil airspace

As part of the ‘Accommodation and Validation of Medium Altitude Long Endurance Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems’ (MALE RPAS) project, researchers are also investigating how the integration of uncrewed flights into civil airspace effects overall air traffic. Up until now, empirical data on this has been scarce. It is possible, for example, that changes to air traffic control could be necessary or that drones will require additional capabilities. Project participants have agreed on procedures to minimise the disruption on normal air traffic. One challenge is the difference in speeds between aircraft, as the German Heron TP is slower than other aircraft at this altitude.

Preparing for a safe flight

Before the flight, the project team looked at the differences between crewed and uncrewed aviation, conducted risk analyses and evaluated the capabilities of the drone. On this basis, the air traffic control centres were able to assess the feasibility of a safe flight in civil airspace. Former study flights by EDA were limited to the lower airspace only.

A German Heron TP drone of the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) has flown from Schleswig in Germany to Leeuwarden in the Netherlands and back again.

A German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) drone has flown along the German coast into the Netherlands and back again as part of the ‘Accommodation and Validation of Medium Altitude Long Endurance Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems’ (MALE RPAS) project. The goal of the project is to enable drones like this to be guided through upper and lower airspace when necessary, considering both military and civil applications (credits photo: Bundeswehr / Lars Pötzsch).

Although the German Heron TP is a military aircraft, the project also considers future civil applications. The results of the project will provide a framework for comparable projects in Europe, highlighting the advantages and challenges of adapting and integrating unmanned platforms and identifying ways to close any safety gaps.

NLR’s role

As part of this project, NLR is focused on convincing Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) that operating an unmanned aircraft is not a deviation from the norm. NLR has developed a Conops (Concept of Operations) with a general safety case that outlines procedures for safe RPAS operation, including scenarios where the command and control (C2) link is lost. The Conops provides a framework for European ANSPs to understand the risks and benefits associated with RPAS operations and to develop strategies for mitigating potential risks. (Source: ASD Network)

 

07 Feb 25. Finnish tech firm reveals details of Steel Eagle ER UAV tested in Ukraine.  Finnish technology company Insta Group Oy has secured mass-scale production for thousands of its Steel Eagle Extended Range (ER) unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) per month, Teemu Sainio, director of communications at Insta, told Janes on 5 February. The UAV system includes a 15 inch carrier for its Insta Steel Burst Payload, relay UAV, and a transmitting ground antenna. The payload includes 3,000 steel or tungsten pellets with an effective aerial coverage of around 2,000 m2. According to Sainio, if the payload is detonated 20m above ground it is capable of 1.5 impacts per square metre. Each pellet is 3.7 mm in diameter and can penetrate around 2 mm of steel at 20 m range. While not revealing the UAV’s range, maximum speed, or what sensors or communication systems it carries, Sainio said its range is “multiples times” that of the previous model. Insta designed the UAV with an unnamed Ukrainian company. It was field tested and approved in Ukraine, said Sainio. “Our unique payload is specifically designed against soft targets on the battlefield. It’s very effective against infantry.” The UAV also has the “possibility of autonomous mission execution”, added Sainio. The Insta Steel Eagle ER UAV is currently available for the Ukrainian market, the company said, with ambitions to expand its offering to Europe and NATO countries. (Source: Janes)

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BCB certainly has a rich history (1854) and an impressive portfolio of products designed to enhance the safety and effectiveness of NATO defence personnel in various environments.

The core competency of protecting lives in hostile environments, includes:

LAND:

BCB`s camouflage creams and camouflage nets have been standard issue to conceal generations of British and NATO forces.

Our newly developed MultiSpectral Cam technology, the MK8 Phantom, camouflages and protects people/vehicles/assets in the visual, IR and thermal (SWIR/MWIR/LWIR) spectrums.

FireDragon, our eco field cooking fuel, burns cleanly so can also be used in the confined space of a foxhole or tent. It is waterproof, easy to light, non-toxic and smokeless.

SEA;

Our patented Floating Body Armour is unique, versatile and sensibly protects both you and your life jacket, under the soft and hard armour. Designed to be low bulk, it`s massive 275 newtons of buoyancy is self-righting. We say it will “save your life twice”.

Our range of Boat Stopping Systems, provided a layered non-lethal stopping capability against all sizes of vessels, including unmanned threats. So you can stop and search, defeat pirates from boarding, prevent terrorists from getting near your vessel or close off quickly a waterway, port or maritime borders.

AIR;

BCB`s sister company UAVE have been manufacturing since 2013, the Dragon MK3, large, long range (1,000km) long endurance (12hours), versatile and mission-ready UAV. It is proven and operational from the polar regions to 45deg C heat in the Middle East and Asia. The larger of the 3 models, carries 25 kilos payload.

—————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Sponsored by BCB INTERNATIONAL

 

http: https://www.bcbin.com/

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06 Feb 25. Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) successfully completed testing of Australia’s third MQ-4C Triton at the company’s Palmdale, California, facility. The company is preparing to ferry the aircraft to Naval Air Station in Patuxent River, Maryland, where it will join Australia’s second Triton for calibration testing before delivery of both aircraft to the Royal Australian Air Force. Robust flight testing and validation of these uncrewed high-altitude, long endurance aircraft are key milestones ahead of delivery to Australia this year. Australia’s air force is collaborating with Northrop Grumman and the U.S. Navy to field the most advanced maritime intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and targeting capability available today.

 

07 Feb 25. Iran has finally shown a drone taking off and landing on – in the latter case with the help of arresting gear – the deck of the country’s unusual new ‘drone carrier,’ the Shahid Bagheri. Newly emerged imagery also shows various drones and crewed helicopters on the flight deck, which has a ski jump at the bow end, including the appearance of ‘drones’ styled after the infamous Qaher 313. Officially touted as a sea base-like ship, Shahid Bagheri has now been shown launching a small missile boat and is armed itself with cruise missiles along with weapons for self-defense. The new pictures and videos of the Shahid Bagheri were released around a ceremony earlier today marking its formal entry into service with the naval arm of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The conversion of the ‘carrier’ from a commercial container ship reportedly started in May 2022, and it began sea trials in its new configuration in November of last year. The imagery from today’s ceremony includes footage showing a modified Ababil-3 drone with an arresting hook, which does not appear to retract or otherwise be capable of being stowed during flight, launching from the Shahid Bagheri‘s 590-foot (180-meter) flight deck. What is presumably the same drone is seen in another clip recovering on the deck by catching an arresting wire with its hook. The Ababil-3 also has two small turbojet engines installed, one under each wing, which could provide valuable additional performance for operations from a short flight deck without the aid of a catapult. How permanent the ‘carrier’ modifications to the Ababil-3 might actually be and whether a more refined design is in the works are unknown. At its core, the Ababil-3 is otherwise a well-established Iranian design in active service in Iran, as well as other operators in the Middle East, including Iranian-backed proxies in the Middle East. The drone is capable of performing surveillance and reconnaissance missions and employing small precision munitions. Video clips show small remote control plane-esque ‘drones,’ styled on Iran’s Qaher 313 aircraft taking off and landing on Shahid Bagheri‘s deck, as well. Larger drones, or mock-ups thereof, with a design in line with the Qaher 313 are also seen on the deck. There are unconfirmed reports that the larger and smaller types are 20 and 60 percent of the size of the original Qaher 313, respectively. Both are seen marked JAS-313 and one of them is seen in a clip being lifted up to the flight deck on an elevator. What actual capabilities they might have are unknown. (Source: News Now/https://www.twz.com/)

 

06 Feb 25. Dufour Aerospace Teams with Volatus Aerospace. Dufour Aerospace, the Swiss drone manufacturer, has signed a strategic teaming agreement with Volatus Aerospace Inc., a global supplier of aerial solutions. This partnership paves the way for the worldwide deployment of Dufour’s Aero2 drone—bringing smarter, more efficient aerial logistics, mapping, and surveillance solutions to industries and communities that need them most.

“This collaboration with Volatus Aerospace represents a pivotal step in advancing the deployment of our Aero2 platform,” said Sascha Hardegger, CEO of Dufour Aerospace. “Volatus’ extensive global reach and operational expertise make them the perfect partner to expand the availability of our VTOL technology in challenging and underserved areas, such as remote communities in Canada and Africa. Together, we aim to deliver efficient, sustainable, and mission-critical solutions that redefine possibilities in advanced aerial logistics.”

This announcement comes right on the heels of an exciting milestone for Dufour: the successful first flight of the Aero2 drone with an in-house-developed hybrid-electric engine. This flight demonstrated the Aero2’s ability to seamlessly transition from vertical takeoff to forward flight—an important proof of concept that will support the commercial and operational capabilities Volatus will help expand.

“Dufour’s Aero2 represents a leap forward in drone technology,” stated Glen Lynch, CEO of Volatus Aerospace. “Having witnessed its capabilities firsthand and meeting the exceptional team behind its development, I am confident that this partnership will significantly enhance our fleet and operational capabilities. With the Aero2, we can expand our service offering and accelerate the commercialization of our Operations Control Center and remote operations.” (Source: UAS VISION/Dufour Aerospace)

 

04 Feb 25. US Startup Develops Football-Sized Kamikaze Drone. The American startup company XDOWN recently announced details of a state-of-the-art, throwable tactical drone designed for quick and stealthy use. Known as the P.S. Killer (PSK), the unmanned aerial system (UAS) bears a strong resemblance to an NFL football, which is no mistake. According to XDOWN, the shape of the 3.7-pound PSK allows users to hand-launch the kamikaze drone like a quarterback from practically any location and gives the weapon heightened accuracy. XDOWN describes the PSK’s deployment process as simple: “Grab it – Switch it ON – Throw it.” The drone launches into operation within two seconds, much like a quarterback throwing a football. The kamikaze drone has a 40+ miles range and can reach 135 knots speed. In 1973, the US Army experimented with anti-tank grenades housed in Nerf footballs, leveraging soldiers’ familiarity with throwing footballs. XDOWN developed the PSK to enhance special operations forces’ ability to conduct high-value target (HVT) missions. The drone’s compact size, rapid deployment, and advanced swarm capabilities integrate seamlessly into mission planning, providing operatives with a tactical advantage in dynamic environments. For counterterrorism operations, the PSK offers precision strike capabilities, reducing collateral damage in urban environments. Its ability to neutralize threats quickly while minimizing risks to civilians and infrastructure makes it a viable alternative to conventional strike methods.

Why It Matters

Drones are becoming increasingly more important in military arsenals, and they are used extensively as weapons and for reconnaissance missions.

XDOWN, whose team is made up of military veterans, reported that the PSK is more cost-efficient than many drones, and it can be easily maintained and upgraded.

What To Know

The PSK’s design allows it be utilized for a diverse range of tasks aside from simply engaging in electronic warfare, and the drone can conduct surveillance and reconnaissance operations thanks to thermal imaging.

Simply replacing the warhead container on the drone can allow the drone to transport food and medical kits to remote locations, conflict areas or disaster zones.

“This exceptional adaptability solidifies the PSK as a crucial asset for military operations, ready to handle any mission with confidence and efficiency,” XDOWN said in a press release.

Other highlights of the PSK include the ability to take out multiple aerial light threats with a single launch, real-time data exchange with command control and systems designed to enhance situational awareness and coordination.

“By complying with National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) regulations, it showcases exceptional reliability and a steadfast commitment to upholding high defense standards,” XDOWN said. (Source: UAS VISION/Defence Blog; Newsweek)

 

04 Feb 25. Ukraine Defeats Russian Fiber-Optic-Controlled FPV Drones. A Ukrainian military drone unit said it has developed a way to counter an increasingly deadly weapon — Russian first-person view (FPV) drones that use fiber optic cables instead of radio waves to connect with their controllers, making them impervious to jamming and other forms of electronic warfare.

The Magyar Birds Brigade claims it has devised a system using mobile radars to provide early warning for incoming FPV drones several kilometers away. Once they detect the threat, the unit then launches its own drones to intercept the Russian ones before they can reach their targets.

“… the first options for [the] detection and destruction [of Russian FPV fiber optic guided drones] exist and are already being used” by the brigade, claimed its commander, Robert Brovdi, who uses the callsign “Magyar.”

Brovdi posted a video on his Telegram channel purporting to show one of his drones destroying a Russian fiber-optic-guided FPV drone. Notable is the large spool on the back of the Russian drone. It contains an extremely thin but strong wire linking the drone with its controller. This capability has turned an already fearsome weapon into something much harder to defeat. Because their communications are not degraded when flying very low to the ground or even in structures, they can also hunt just feet off the ground and into enclosed areas as long as their data cable stays intact.

While Brovdi touts the system, he does not specify what kind of mobile radar his unit is using. It is likely a microwave radar system, like those that operate in Ku-band for counter drone applications. The radar’s short wavelength is optimized to sport small, relatively slow-moving drones. The drawback is that they have very limited range measured in just a handful of miles. So these sensors are great for detecting and tracking drones, but they don’t provide much early warning and craft can move in and out of their detection range quickly. Still, if one of these radars can be pushed forward to the front, it could provide critical detection of incoming FPV drones over a defined area and a fix on where a rapidly reacting counter-FPV drone can find it.

The Magyar Birds’ system is the latest development in what has become a leap-frogging duel between Ukrainian and Russian FPV drones and countermeasures. As the FPV drones became more prominent on the battlefield, they now rival the importance of traditional artillery.

Both sides have also been using drones to take out other drones. This capability first emerged in the skies over Ukraine in October 2022 when a Ukrainian Mavic drone swatted down a Russian one. One of the first such battles was captured in this video you can see below.

FPV drones hunting fiber-optic FPV drones in part takes advantage of the latter’s greatest advantage and turns it into a vulnerability. While the cables prevent them from being jammed, the extra weight of the large spools needed to operate over long distances slows them down and makes them less maneuverable. That’s something the Magyar Birds noted in the video the unit posted.

In his Telegram post, Brovdi urged Ukraine to rush mobile radars capable of detecting small drones to the front lines.

“The army must promptly and massively re-equip with mobile versions of radars every 2-4 km of the front line and with calculations of conventional FPV fighters to destroy enemy FPVs intercepted by mobile radars on fiber optics,” he suggested. (Source: UAS VISION/yahoo!news)

 

04 Feb 25. INTRACOM DEFENSE Launches the ACTUS Project. INTRACOM DEFENSE (IDE) signed a €42m Grant Agreement (No.101168046 ACTUS–EDF-2023-DA) with the European Defense Fund (EDF), as the Coordinator of the cross-European consortium of the project ACTUS (“Advanced capabilities & Certification for Tactical UAV Systems”), after a competitive evaluation process involving leading European manufacturers. The ACTUS project with a duration of 48 months, in the framework of the EDF 2023 program, aims at the technological development of European Tactical Unmanned Systems (UAVs), LOTUS and PATROLLER, to meet the common operational requirements of the Ministries of Defense (MoDs) of six European Union member states (Belgium, Cyprus, Finland, France, Greece, Sweden), and also of Norway. The agreement includes the study, design, prototyping, testing, evaluation, certification and efficiency improvement of the European Tactical Remote Piloted Aerial Systems (T-RPAS). At the ACTUS Kick-off Meeting, held in Athens between 17-18 December 2024, the Chief Executive Officer of IDE, Mr. George Troullinos, stated that: “The project’s implementation will provide a step towards increased resilience of tactical UAVs, and significant improvements in airworthiness in demanding operational conditions, where their multiple capabilities combined with their reliability, make them cost-effective assets”. The Kick-off Meeting brought together involved MoDs and Consortium partners, and laid the foundations for the project’s successful implementation. All participants expressed their satisfaction with the outcome of the meeting, while work has already begun with full force. The ACTUS consortium consists of 23 partners from 9 EU Member States and Norway: Austria (AIT Austrian Institute of Technology), Belgium (ULPOWER AERO ENGINES NV), Cyprus (CY.R.I.C Cyprus Research & Innovation Center, GEOIMAGING, SIGNALGENERIX), Finland (Patria, Robonic), France (SAFRAN Electronics & Defense, THALES LAS FRANCE SAS), Germany (AES Aerospace Embedded Solutions, DIEHL DEFENCE, TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITAET MUENCHEN), Greece (ALTUS LSA Commercial & Manufacturing, DIADIKASIA Business Consulting, Hellenic Aerospace Industry, IDE, ISD, University of Patras, REALISCAPE), Spain (EMBENTION SISTEMAS INTELIGENTES), Sweden (SAAB AKTIEBOLAG), Norway (SAFRAN Sensing Technologies Norway, UBIQ Aeropsace). The Hellenic Ministry of National Defense, as well as the MoDs of Belgium, Cyprus, Finland, France, Sweden, and Norway, not only co-fund the project, but also will support its implementation in a very constructive way. The contribution of the Hellenic MoD to the above effort is crucial, as it will also be the Project Manager of the ACTUS project. (Source: ASD Network)

 

31 Jan 25. Norway’s Defence Research Establishment reports progress in UAV swarm technology. The Norwegian Ministry of Defence’s (MoD’s) Defence Research Establishment (Forsvarets forskningsinstitutt: FFI) has reported “significant progress” in information sharing between surveillance and attack unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) while in a so-called drone swarm, Rikka Amilde Seehus, research manager at FFI, told Janes on 29 January.

Seehus said the development was enabled partly by a software platform for autonomous UAV operations called Valkyrie. The FFI has been working with Norwegian technology company Six Robotics to develop the platform. “It allows autonomous assets to work together at scale, regardless of platform or mission type,” Christian Fredrik Eggesbo, founder and CEO of Six Robotics, told Janes on 30 January.

The past year has also seen new developments in Valkyrie’s user interface. “It has become easier for the operator to control the swarm, locate targets, and engage them,” Seehus said. Central to the system’s use is the hand-off of targets from surveillance to attack UAVs. When work started on the system in 2022, an interceptor UAV was used amid a team of surveillance UAVs as a quadcopter attack swarm. The operator would control the surveillance UAV, while the attack UAVs would follow autonomously.

“We thought it would be a good idea if a surveillance drone flew together with the attack drones. Then we play on the strengths and weaknesses of the two systems,” Seehus said in a 27 January FFI press release. Initially carried forward for testing with quadcopters, research continues to adapt the software for fixed-wing UAVs as well. (Source: Janes)

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BCB certainly has a rich history (1854) and an impressive portfolio of products designed to enhance the safety and effectiveness of NATO defence personnel in various environments.

The core competency of protecting lives in hostile environments, includes:

LAND:

BCB`s camouflage creams and camouflage nets have been standard issue to conceal generations of British and NATO forces.

Our newly developed MultiSpectral Cam technology, the MK8 Phantom, camouflages and protects people/vehicles/assets in the visual, IR and thermal (SWIR/MWIR/LWIR) spectrums.

FireDragon, our eco field cooking fuel, burns cleanly so can also be used in the confined space of a foxhole or tent. It is waterproof, easy to light, non-toxic and smokeless.

SEA;

Our patented Floating Body Armour is unique, versatile and sensibly protects both you and your life jacket, under the soft and hard armour. Designed to be low bulk, it`s massive 275 newtons of buoyancy is self-righting. We say it will “save your life twice”.

Our range of Boat Stopping Systems, provided a layered non-lethal stopping capability against all sizes of vessels, including unmanned threats. So you can stop and search, defeat pirates from boarding, prevent terrorists from getting near your vessel or close off quickly a waterway, port or maritime borders.

AIR;

BCB`s sister company UAVE have been manufacturing since 2013, the Dragon MK3, large, long range (1,000km) long endurance (12hours), versatile and mission-ready UAV. It is proven and operational from the polar regions to 45deg C heat in the Middle East and Asia. The larger of the 3 models, carries 25 kilos payload.

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Sponsored by BCB INTERNATIONAL

 

http: https://www.bcbin.com/

 

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23 Jan 25. Wescom Group acquires leading safety technology company BCB International Ltd. World-leading survival solutions manufacturer Wescom Group has expanded its influence in the safety technology market through the acquisition of Cardiff based, BCB International Ltd. A leading global supplier of safety equipment in the defence, outdoor and marine sectors. Wescom Group Chief Executive Officer, Ross Wilkinson comments, “Today we can announce the successful completion of the acquisition of BCB International Ltd., this partnership will further enhance Wescom Group’s core safety and survival product portfolio.  We are excited to work with the management team on growing the business through the Group’s extensive distribution network, whilst also having a strong focus on new product development programs.”

BCB International’s Managing Director Andrew Howell states, “This announcement is an exciting opportunity and the BCB team are energised to be joining with Wescom Group. This partnership will help us to deliver BCB’s innovative MSC technology and world beating FireDragon eco-fuel to a much wider international audience as well as our core products that are constantly evolving. We have known some of the Wescom team for many decades and it is invigorating to be working with them to help save lives and protect the protectors to a much larger scale.”

Background

The Wescom Group reached an impressive milestone in 2023, celebrating 150 years of expertise in the manufacture and distribution of survival solutions, with specialist manufacturing facilities across multiple sites in Germany, UK, Spain and Australia and over 450 employees worldwide. Wescom Group is globally recognised for supplying the very best in quality, performance, reliability, and safety.

Welsh based BCB International has for more than 160 years developed life-saving and protective equipment for the defence, outdoor and marine sectors in multiple countries world-wide. With wide ranging experience in product development, supply chain operations and manufacturing, BCB’s history of innovation is reflected in numerous awards, including two Queen’s Award for Export Achievement.

For information about Wescom Group, please go to www.wescom-group.com for information on the BCB International range learn more at www.bcbin.com

 

23 Jan 25. China Debuts ‘Feiyi,’ the First Drone Capable of Both Underwater and Aerial Missions. China has reportedly developed a new drone which is capable of operating both underwater and in the air. Named “Feiyi” by Chinese researchers, the amphibious unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is touted for its military potential, with capabilities in marine reconnaissance, surveillance, and strike operations.

The drone was developed by Northwestern Polytechnical University and the China Aerodynamics Research and Development Centre.

Feiyi is built with a rotary-folding arm mechanism, allowing it to fold its arms for underwater movement and extend them for aerial flight. The drone uses separate propulsion systems: a quad-rotor system for aerial operations and four underwater thrusters for precise navigation underwater.

It is equipped with Active Disturbance Rejection Control, a system that stabilizes the drone during cross-medium operations. It can shift from underwater navigation to aerial flight in under 10 seconds with high accuracy.

Trials showed that Feiyi performs smoothly in both environments. Underwater, it can hover, dive, and ascend at speeds of up to two meters per second. In the air, it flies at a top speed of three meters per second.

Analysts claim that the drone poses a threat to the U.S. military. According to the South China Morning Post, U.S.’ underwater drones must be transported to the surface in a torpedo-like tube and lack mobility underwater. Once deployed, they must remain in the air, making them more vulnerable to attack.

According to reports, Beijing also plans to develop various types of cross-medium weapons, some of which may feature solid-fuel ramjet engines for high-speed cruising in both aerial and underwater environments.

(Source: https://www.sofx.com/)

 

23 Jan 25. Avy and NLR Partner to Drive Drone Innovation. NLR has partnered with Avy, a Dutch company that develops autonomous fixed-wing drones tailored for humanitarian, health, and environmental missions, with a focus on creating a sustainable impact. NLR has acquired an Avy drone for testing and evaluation, aiming to drive innovation in aerospace applications. This collaboration supports the development of sustainable and cutting-edge drone technology.

Avy, a pioneer in autonomous sustainable drone solutions, has entered into a strategic collaboration with Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR), a leading authority in aerospace research and innovation. As part of this partnership, NLR has acquired an Avy latest generation Aera Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) for testing and operational evaluation. Additionally, NLR will leverage its expertise to help Avy audit and enhance its operational capabilities.

The Avy Aera, recognized for its emission-free and autonomous flight capabilities (Beyond Visual Line of Sight), will be integrated into NLR’s research programs. These programs focus on testing innovative aerospace applications, including emergency response, monitoring and urgent logistics. The Aera’s capabilities, such as long-range autonomous flight up to 100km, and advanced safety features, make it an ideal fit for NLR’s pioneering initiatives.

Simultaneously, NLR’s collaboration with Avy extends beyond product deployment. As part of its commitment to develop excellence in aerospace practices, NLR will conduct a comprehensive audit of Avy’s operations. This process aims to ensure Avy’s workflows align with industry-leading standards and guarantee optimal performance across product design, manufacturing, deployment, and regulatory compliance.

“Partnering with NLR is a significant milestone for Avy,” states Benjamin van der Hilst, CEO of Avy. “Their expertise in aerospace innovation and rigorous operational auditing will accelerate our mission to revolutionize UAV solutions while maintaining the highest standards of quality and sustainability.”

Michel Peters, CEO of Royal NLR, fully agrees: “It is a core objective of NLR to support the Dutch aviation industry in establishing a strong position in the UAM supply chain. Therefore, we’re very pleased to test the potential of this sustainable and innovative designed Dutch drone in various applications while supporting Avy in enhancing their operational frameworks.” (Source: ASD Network)

 

21 Jan 25. British Army exploring uncrewed “mules” to boost Apache lethality. With up to six “mules”, each carrying multiple payloads, the networked AH-64E Apache would be more capable than its predecessors.  The British Army is looking to integrate uncrewed “mules” with its new AH-64E Apache attack helicopters in a bid to provide new lethality, sensor, and protection capabilities for platform on the battlefields of the future. Detailing the concept at DefenceIQ’s International Armoured Vehicle (IAV 2025) conference on 21 January, Lt Gen David Eastman, Deputy Chief of the General Staff, British Army, said the service was exploring ways to integrate the mules, effectively uncrewed platforms, with the Apache gunship. The aspiration is to see the Apache helicopters acting as C2 nodes, controlling a flight of drones to various duties, depending on payload. Up to six “mules” could be assigned to each helicopter.

Eastman said the British Army was “exploring options to pair mules with Apache”, with each mule potentially carrying electronic warfare or radar detection systems, strike weapons, or indeed acting as a physical decoy for the parent platform.

In practice, the plan is not dissimilar to the notion of manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) concept being developed for fixed wing aircraft, with sixth-generation fighters thought likely to operate alongside one or more ‘Loyal Wingmen’ – drones under direct control of operators at the tactical level.

Much of the networking will be possible thanks to a new C2/sensor node positioned above the Apache’s rotors, which will enable direct control of the mules by the helicopter crew.

New UK Apache fleet broadly running to plan

By August 2024, the British Army had received 41 remanufactured AH-64E Apache helicopters from Boeing, out of 50 contracted. Delivering his presentation to delegates at IAV 2025, Eastman stated that the British Army had 44 Apache gunships, indicating that just six remained to be delivered. It was originally planned that all aircraft would be delivered by the end of 2024, but this will now extend into the first half of 2025 at the earliest, and possibly beyond. While more capable than the D model, the acquisition of the AH-64E will see a reduction in fleet size, dropping from 66 to 50 airframes. In May 2024 it was reported that the acquisition of 50 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters from the US appeared to be running to budget. (Source: army-technology.com)

 

22 Jan 25. Bayraktar TB3 Completes Firing Tests. The Bayraktar TB3 UCAV, which recently made history by taking off and landing on a short-runway vessel, has achieved another major milestone in its development by beginning munitions integration tests.

ARMED

On January 16th, the Bayraktar TB3 UCAV departed from the Baykar Flight Training and Test Center in Keşan, Edirne, with two Roketsan MAM-T munitions onboard. The aircraft successfully launched its first strike using Aselsan’s ASELFLIR-500 Electro-Optical Reconnaissance, Surveillance, and Targeting System, hitting its designated target with pinpoint accuracy. Now an armed unmanned aerial vehicle, the Bayraktar TB3 will continue its payload and munitions integration tests as part of its ongoing development process, in line with the predetermined timeline.

AVIATION HISTORY

One of Baykar’s indigenous and original products, the Bayraktar TB3 UCAV, successfully took off from the short runway of TCG Anadolu, which is equipped with a 12-degree ramp, on November 19, 2024. After completing a 46-minute test flight at the intersection of the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean, the aircraft landed back on the same short runway without any landing support equipment—an unprecedented achievement worldwide.

Shortly after, the Bayraktar TB3 continued its sea trials, completing a second takeoff and landing sequence aboard TCG Anadolu off the coast of Çanakkale, again without landing support equipment. Baykar’s indigenous UCAV, having passed all test parameters, successfully completed the test after cruising at an average altitude of 20,000 feet.

INDIGENOUS ENGINE

On June 25, 2024, the Bayraktar TB3 UCAV successfully passed its High-Altitude System Performance Test at the Baykar Flight Training and Test Center in Keşan, Edirne, reaching an altitude of 36,310 feet. Powered by TEI’s indigenous PD-170 engine, Baykar’s homegrown aircraft achieved yet another significant milestone. The Bayraktar AKINCI UCAV, also developed indigenously by Baykar, currently holds Turkey’s altitude record with a remarkable 45,118 feet.

887+ FLIGHT HOURS

To date, the Bayraktar TB3 UCAV has accumulated 887 hours and 23 minutes of flight time during its test flights. In a long-range flight test on December 20, 2023, the indigenous aircraft remained airborne for 32 consecutive hours, covering a total distance of 5,700 kilometers.

INDIGENOUS UCAV, INDIGENOUS CAMERA

The Bayraktar TB3 UCAV completed its first flight with Aselsan’s indigenous ASELFLIR-500 on March 26, 2024. During the test, the ASELFLIR-500 Electro-Optical Reconnaissance, Surveillance, and Targeting System— which outperforms its global competitors—was successfully integrated into the aircraft.

OVERSEAS FORCE MULTIPLIER

The Bayraktar TB3 UCAV will lead its class with its foldable wings and advanced capabilities. Equipped with beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) communication, this indigenous aircraft can be controlled from distant locations. With this capability, the Bayraktar TB3 will serve as a force multiplier for Turkey’s deterrence, enabling it to conduct reconnaissance, surveillance, intelligence, and strike missions against overseas targets using its smart munitions.

EXPORT CHAMPION

Since its establishment, Baykar has financed all its projects with its own resources and has generated 83% of its total revenue from exports since launching its UAV R&D program in 2003. In 2023, the company exported $1.8 bn worth of goods and services, ranking among Türkiye’s top 10 exporters across all sectors. Baykar received the prestigious Export Champions Award and led the Turkish defense and aviation sectors in exports in 2021, 2022, and 2023, according to the Defense Industry Agency (SSB) and the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TIM).

In recent years, more than 90% of Baykar’s revenue has come from exports, with the company single-handedly accounting for one-third of Turkey’s defense and aviation exports in 2023. Currently, 97.5% of Baykar’s contracts—now the world’s largest unmanned aerial vehicle company—are export-driven. To date, the company has signed export agreements with 35 countries, including 34 for the Bayraktar TB2 UCAV and 10 for the Bayraktar AKINCI UCAV. (Source: UAS VISION)

 

21 Jan 25. General Atomics Pitches Drone Launch System for US and Allied Warships. General Atomics unveiled concepts for the installation of a new drone launch system on a variety of vessels, including the Royal Navy’s Daring-class (Type 45) destroyer and U.S. Navy’s Expeditionary Sea Base. The company claims the “Electric Launch System for Unmanned Aircraft” is part of a broader effort to support the launching of drones in constrained environments both on land and at sea.

“As you know, with the proliferation of RPAS [Remotely Piloted Aircraft System] worldwide, whether on land or sea, we’ve been asked to look at the launch of RPAS in very small footprint from Navy vessels. It’s been looked at primarily Europe right now. Possibly over in the Indo-Pacific area too,”

Gary Hopper, Vice President of Strategic Development at General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems told Naval News.

The company stressed that the concepts shown on the show floor of the annual Surface Navy Association symposium were “entirely different” from the company’s Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System seen on the Ford-class aircraft carriers and the future French Navy PANG. According to Hopper, the concept prioritizes the launching of unmanned systems compared to the fighter and support aircraft launched from carriers. Compared to EMALS, the drone launcher requires a minimal footprint on a vessel. Company graphics claim that the launcher only needs a 4 foot by 2 foot installation area.

“It doesn’t have the same redundancy, same requirements you have for manned flight. So it’s a lot simpler system that (can be) put on, possibly some the British carriers or other vessels,” said Hopper.

Installation proposals on the Royal Navy’s Queen Elizabeth-class and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s Izumo-class carriers were also displayed. In addition, a rendering for a ground-based system in support of expeditionary missions was highlighted. Electromagnetic Systems also confirmed that Aeronautical Systems, a sister company, is examining this concept for the deployment of its Collaborative Combat Aircraft from land-based airfields.

Hopper noted that further designs were being examined by the company for other countries within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and characterized the broader effort as an initiative by the alliance to get unmanned aerial systems onto vessels beyond aircraft carriers.

“There are other we’re looking at some other examples, other NATO countries. I’d say it’s more of a NATO initiative to look at putting it on aircraft. So we use that particular vessel, but there are other vessels out there, again, similar, similar size. In fact, we’re talking about takeoff distance of 22 meters, not very long at all,” said Hopper.

General Atomics performed tests of its drones of HMS Prince of Wales (R09) and ROKS Dokdo (LPH-6111) in 2023 and 2024 respectively. The company told Naval News that it is working on a “very unique recovery plan” given the lack of space on surface combatants and support vessels to receive the drones. (Source: UAS VISION/Naval News)

 

21 Jan 25. Iran’s ‘359’ Loitering Drone Can Target AWACS and Refueling Tankers at High Altitude. Iran has taken a major step forward in its missile and drone capabilities with the official unveiling of the “359” Loitering SAM (Surface-to-Air Missile) UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle), a next-generation version of its 358 Loitering Munition system. Specifically engineered to engage and destroy high-altitude military aircraft, such as Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS) and aerial refueling tankers, the 359 represents a significant leap in Iran’s homegrown defense technology. The new ‘359’ loitering munition system has been developed to cover long-range targets. It can strike from distances over 150 kilometers with an impressive altitude of over 9,000 meters (approximately 30,000 feet). It reaches speeds of up to 1,000 km/h, enhancing its ability to intercept fast-moving aircraft with high precision. The unveiling of the 359 is the culmination of years of development, building on the success of the earlier 358 Loitering Munition. The 358 was successfully deployed in regional conflicts, notably in operations against American MQ-9 Reaper drones, which served as a demonstration of Iran’s growing UAV and loitering munition capabilities. The 358 had proven its effectiveness in disrupting high-value, low-flying targets, but the 359 represents a significant upgrade, especially in terms of range and altitude. While the 358 was more suited to countering drones and low-flying aircraft, the 359 is now capable of engaging much more robust targets, such as AWACS, refueling tankers, and other high-altitude surveillance and command aircraft. These are considered key assets for air superiority and strategic command in modern warfare. The 359 Loitering SAM UAV comes with several enhancements that mark a significant leap in terms of its operational effectiveness. With a range capable of engaging targets over 150 km, it greatly expands Iran’s ability to protect its airspace and attack aerial targets deep within enemy territory. The missile is also capable of operating at altitudes of 9,000 meters (30,000 feet), making it suitable for targeting high-altitude military aircraft that are typically out of reach for conventional surface-to-air missiles (SAMs). Additionally, the 359 can reach speeds of up to 1,000 km/h, enabling it to intercept and neutralize fast-moving aircraft.

Loitering munitions, like the 359, have become an increasingly critical asset in modern warfare due to their precision, flexibility, and ability to engage a wide variety of targets, both stationary and moving. For Iran, the development of such munitions offers several strategic advantages. First, the 359 provides the capability to target high-value aircraft that are crucial for enemy air superiority, such as AWACS and aerial tankers. These aircraft play a vital role in providing surveillance, intelligence, and logistical support, making them prime targets in any conflict.

Second, the 359 offers a cost-effective solution compared to more traditional air defense interceptors. In a region where Iran has faced technological constraints and economic sanctions, developing loitering munitions offers an affordable and efficient way to enhance its defense capabilities without the need for highly sophisticated, expensive systems. Loitering munitions are also highly versatile, enabling Iran to deploy them in a variety of conflict scenarios—whether for protecting critical infrastructure or engaging in offensive operations against adversary aircraft.

Furthermore, loitering munitions can be used in layered defense strategies. The 359 can complement traditional SAM systems, creating a more robust and flexible air defense network. With their ability to loiter over a target area and make real-time decisions about when and where to strike, loitering munitions offer advantages over traditional missile systems that require a predetermined trajectory and target lock-on.

The 359 is part of Iran’s broader strategy to enhance its indigenous defense capabilities, particularly in the face of regional tensions and technological asymmetry with more advanced powers. Iran has increasingly focused on developing a range of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and loitering munitions over the past decade. From the Shahed-131 and Shahed-136 to the 358, these systems have gained attention for their use in regional conflicts, including operations in the Middle East and in the ongoing war in Ukraine, where Russian forces have used Iranian-made drones. The 359 marks the latest phase in this ongoing effort. By improving its ability to target and engage high-altitude, high-value aircraft, Iran enhances its capacity to defend its airspace and disrupt the operations of foreign powers in the region. As loitering munitions continue to evolve, their role in modern warfare is expected to expand, and systems like the 359 will become increasingly critical components of a comprehensive defense strategy. The 359 Loitering SAM UAV underscores Iran’s growing capabilities in unmanned systems and advanced missile technology. With its long-range, high altitude, and precision strike capabilities, the 359 offers a strategic advantage in modern warfare, particularly in countering high-value airborne assets. As loitering munitions continue to redefine the air defense landscape, the 359 places Iran in a stronger position to challenge adversaries and maintain its air defense integrity. (Source: UAS VISION/Army Recognition)

 

21 Jan 25. India joins Eurodrone effort as observer nation. India’s interest in Eurodrone builds off a joint statement signed with Germany in October 2024 to deepen defense cooperation and which includes a “specific focus on technology collaboration, manufacturing/co-production and co-development of defence platforms and equipment.” today welcomed India to the multinational Eurodrone aircraft program, becoming the second Asia-Pacific country behind Japan to receive observer status. The agency said in a statement that Joachim Sucker, Director of OCCAR-Executive Administration (EA), had formally delivered the observer nation Letter of Approval to the Indian Embassy in Berlin.

“The OCCAR-EA Director congratulated the Government of India (GoI) on committing to commence this special relationship and expressed his hope that this first step will lead to a long, fruitful and mutually beneficial cooperation,” it added.

OCCAR oversees a number of high profile European defense projects including the A400M Atlas airlifter, Boxer armored utility vehicle, Tiger attack helicopter and Horizon Mid-life Upgrade (MLU)/FREMM multirole frigates.

India initially applied for Eurodrone observer status in August 2024 after Japan joined as an observer in November 2023. An observer nation typically receives access to technical information related to a given platform and can also place orders for it, but unlike full partners does not have a say over aircraft design, development or workshare decisions. The OCCAR statement did not disclose any details about the benefits India will gain, and the agency did not immediately respond to a request for comment. India’s interest in Eurodrone builds off a joint statement signed with Germany in October 2024 to deepen defense cooperation and which includes a “specific focus on technology collaboration, manufacturing/co-production and co-development of defence platforms and equipment.” Valued at an estimated cost of €7bn ($7.3bn) and first launched in 2016, the Eurodrone Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Remotely Piloted Air System (RPAS) program, is led by the four partner nations of France, Germany, Italy and Spain. France’s Airbus and Dassault along with Italy’s Leonardo comprise the major industry partners. The aircraft is under development to reduce European reliance on non-European solutions like the US MQ-9B. It is designed to support Intelligence, Surveillance, Targeting Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions, but has been troubled by delays and rising costs. Last year, a German Armed Forces annual armaments review criticized coordination difficulties between Airbus and Dassault, which it said caused delay to the drone’s preliminary design review. It remains to be seen if a first prototype aircraft flight, scheduled for 2027, will go ahead as planned. The development and production of 20 Eurodrone systems, split between 60 aircraft and 40 ground control stations, is tied to a “global contract” signed between OCCAR and Airbus in 2022. On its website, OCCAR notes that “delivery of serial items to PPS [Participating Partner States] is targeted by end of the decade” and the aircraft will become a “key enabler” for the French, German, Spanish-led Future Combat Air System sixth generation fighter program. (Source: Breaking Defense.com)

 

21 Jan 25. France retires Reaper Block 1 for Block 5 Extended-Range UAS. France retired its MQ-A Reaper Block 1 UAS (pictured) in favour of the MQ-9A Reaper Block 5 ER UAS on 21 January. (French Air and Space Force) France has retired its General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc (GA-ASI) MQ-9 Reaper Block I unmanned aircraft system (UAS) in favour of the MQ-9 Reaper Block 5 Extended-Range (ER) UAS. The French Air and Space Force (l’Armée de l’Air et de l’Espace: AAE) announced the transition on 21 January, noting the conclusion of 11 years of Reaper Block 1 operations at Cognac-Chateaubernard Air Base.

“Now it’s time for the Reaper Block 5 in its extended range version, a new step to go even further for longer,” the AAE said on its official X (formerly Twitter) account.

France had six Reaper Block 1 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that it is now replacing with 12 Reaper Block 5 ER UAVs, the first of which were delivered in 2020. The Block 5 ER builds on the Block 1 in that it features field-retrofittable capabilities, such as wingborne fuel pods and reinforced landing gear. It also features winglets and a four-bladed pusher-propeller in place of the standard three-bladed unit. These combine to give the Block 5 ER a 30 hour endurance (compared with 24 hours for the Block 1) and a range of 2,592 km (compared with 1,850 km). While the earlier Block 1 UAVs had been unarmed and used exclusively for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, the Block 5 ER UAVs are armed with GBU-12/49 Paveway precision-guided bombs and AGM-114 Hellfire air-to-surface missiles, and are equipped with a Foreign Military Sales (FMS)-acquired pod for electronic intelligence gathering. (Source: Janes)

 

20 Jan 25. How Robot Submarines Fight to Keep the UK’s Lights on in North Sea Drone Battle. As Russia likely deploys autonomous submarines to map and monitor vital data cables in UK waters, the “drone war” that has developed in the skies above the battlefields of Ukraine is slowly but surely moving to the seas.

Over a two-week period last month, a steady stream of senior naval officers made their way to the English south coast for a ringside view of an epochal arms race. At stake is the ability of Britain to defend critical seabed infrastructure – and in so doing, keep the nation functioning securely in the internet age.

What the military VIPs had come to see was Herne – a cutting-edge, British-made autonomous submarine about the size of a single-decker bus. The vessel is packed with the kit necessary to monitor and protect against threats to the thousands of miles of data cables and energy lines that connect the UK to the outside world and keep institutions running, from the financial markets to the NHS.

The uncrewed craft, which made its debut in front representatives from no fewer than 10 allied navies potentially looking to acquire the technology, is at the cutting edge of an unseen but growing underwater dogfight with adversaries such as Russia and China, which use fleets of robotic craft controlled by artificial intelligence to prosecute a silent conflict off the shores of Britain and beyond.

The “drone war” that has developed in the skies above the battlefields of Ukraine is slowly but surely moving to the seas.

Intelligence sources told The i Paper that Moscow’s highly-specialised “cable sabotage” force – the Main Directorate for Deep-Sea Research or GUGI – is “strongly assessed” to have deployed advanced uncrewed submarines in the Baltic and North Sea. In little-noticed remarks earlier this year, a UK government minister suggested it was likely that Russian autonomous systems built for “underwater warfare” have been active off the British coast.

Now, after longstanding criticism that Britain and Nato have been painfully slow to confront this threat, a race by the UK and its allies to field equivalent – or even superior – military technology is under way.

Once it is fully operational within the next 18 months, Herne, developed by UK defence giant BAE Systems, will have the ability to stealthily rove the North Sea for up to two months at a time, or lie dormant on the seabed for up to nine months. Using its advanced sensors it can detect incoming threats to fibre optic cables, electricity lines or gas pipe lines, and, in future, remotely destroy or disrupt whatever is responsible. (Source: ASD Network)

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10 Jan 25. Iranian Men Indicted for Providing Material Support to Foreign Terrorist Organization to Procure Sensitive US Technology Used in Military Drones. Two men who were arrested earlier in December 2024 have been indicted on charges related to a scheme to illegally export sophisticated electronic components from the United States to Iran.

Mahdi Mohammad Sadeghi, 42, a dual U.S.-Iranian national of Natick, Mass. and Mohammad Abedininajafabadi, A/K/A Mohammad Abedini (Abedini), 38, of Tehran, Iran, were each indicted on one count of conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act “IEEPA) and the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions (ITSR) regulations; and three counts of violation of the IEEPA and the ITSR. Abedini was also indicted on four additional counts of violation of the IEEPA and the ITSR; as well as one count of conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization resulting in death; and one count of provision and attempted provision of material support to a foreign terrorist organization resulting in death.

On Jan. 28, 2024, three U.S. service members were killed, and more than 40 others were injured, in a drone attack by IRGC-backed militants on a military base located in northern Jordan, known as Tower 22. According to court documents, analysis of the drone that was recovered from the site of the attack showed that the drone was an Iranian Shahed UAV and that the navigation system used in the drone was manufactured by Abedini’s company.

The defendants were charged by criminal complaint on Dec. 16, 2024 and were arrested on Dec. 16, 2024. Sadeghi was arrested in Massachusetts and remains in federal custody. Abedini was arrested in Italy by Italian authorities at the request of the United States and is pending extradition proceedings.

According to court documents, Abedini is the founder and managing director of an Iranian company, San’at Danesh Rahpooyan Aflak Co. (SDRA or SADRA), that manufactures navigation modules used in the IRGC’s military drone program. SDRA’s main business is the sale of a proprietary navigation system—known as the Sepehr Navigation System—to the IRGC, which the United States designated as an foreign terrorist organization (FTO) on April 15, 2019. The primary application of SDRA’s Sepehr Navigation System is for use in Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAVs) – also known as drones – as well as cruise and ballistic missiles.

Sadeghi was employed by a Massachusetts-based microelectronics manufacturer (U.S. Company 1) and was one of the founders of a Massachusetts-based technology company (U.S. Company 2) that specializes in wearable sensors that provide kinetic monitoring for fitness applications.

As alleged in court documents, Abedini, Sadeghi, and others conspired to evade U.S. export control and sanctions laws by procuring U.S. origin goods, services and technology from, U.S. Company 1 and causing them to be exported and supplied to Iran and, in particular, Abedini’s Iranian company, SDRA.

As further alleged, in or around 2016, Sadeghi traveled to Iran to request funding for U.S. Company 2 from the Iranian National Elites Foundation (INEF), which is an Iranian governmental organization whose main purpose is to recognize, organize and support Iran’s elite national talents. In exchange for funding for U.S. Company 2, which Sadeghi’s company ultimately received from the INEF, Sadeghi and others created a second company in Iran (Iranian Company 1). Shortly after forming Iranian Company 1, Sadeghi, through Iranian Company 1, entered into a contract with SDRA for the purchase of SDRA’s technology. It is also alleged that, since in or around 2016, on multiple occasions, Sadeghi has helped Abedini procure U.S. export-controlled electronic components for Abedini’s use in Iran.

Due to U.S. laws restricting exports to Iran, Abedini established a Switzerland front company for SDRA, Illumove SA (Illumove). According to court documents, with Sadeghi’s assistance, Abedini, through Illumove, entered into a contract with U.S. Company 1 to develop a mechanism to evaluate U.S. Company 1’s electronic components, including sophisticated semiconductors. It is alleged that Sadeghi and Abedini subsequently caused U.S.-origin goods, services and technology to be transferred to Iran, through Illumove, for the benefit of SDRA. Certain of the electronic components that Abedini allegedly obtained through Illumove were the same types of electronic components used in SDRA’s Sepehr Navigation System.

According to court filings, the same navigation system that was determined to be used in the drone that struck Tower 22 and caused the death of three U.S. service members.

Abedini is also charged with providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization, the IRGC Aerospace Force, which is a strategic missile, air and space force. Since at least in or about 2014, SDRA has had multiple projects with the IRGC Aerospace Force, including projects for guided rockets and integrated navigation systems. As alleged, between 2021 and 2022, approximately 99% of SDRA’s sales of the Sepehr Navigation System, which are used in IRGC one-way attack drones, were to the IRGC’s Aerospace Force.

Sadeghi and Abedini each face up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million fine on the charges related to violating the International Emergency Economics Powers Act. On the charges related to providing material support to a Foreign Terrorist Organization, resulting in death, Abedini faces up to life in prison, up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant United States Attorneys Jared Dolan and Alathea Porter of the District of Massachusetts’ National Security Unit; Trial Attorney Christina Clark of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section; and Trial Attorneys Katie Sweeten and David Smith of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs is providing assistance and is seeking extradition of Abedini from Italy.

This prosecution is being coordinated through the Disruptive Technology Strike Force, an interagency law enforcement strike force co-led by the Departments of Justice and Commerce designed to target illicit actors, protect supply chains, and prevent critical technology from being acquired by authoritarian regimes and hostile nation states.

Under the leadership of the Assistant Attorney General for National Security and the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Export Enforcement, the Strike Force leverages tools and authorities across the U.S. Government to enhance the criminal and administrative enforcement of export control laws.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. (Source: UAS VISION/U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Massachusetts)

 

10 Jan 25. UAV Corp Partners with Atlantic Industrial Group. UAV Corp had an outstanding 2024, marked by groundbreaking innovations, strategic alliances, and significant advancements in key markets. Looking to 2025 the company is focused on securing $1.5bn in contracts, unveiling innovations like the DART SA70-12, and expanding its state-of-the-art facilities, including the “SKY” hangar.

Building on this momentum, UAV Corp has announced a strategic partnership with Atlantic Industrial Group (AIG), integrating AIG’s newly acquired Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) technologies into Skyborne Technology’s cutting-edge facilities in Gulf County, Florida. This collaboration, supported by a licensing agreement, combines the strengths of both companies to develop next-generation VTOL systems.

Under the agreement, AIG will manufacture and develop its advanced airframes using Skyborne Technology’s manufacturing facility in Wewahitchka, Florida with future new Generation 3D printing systems and infrastructure. Concurrently, UAV Corp will advance its innovative platforms, ensuring seamless integration between AIG’s VTOL technologies and UAV Corp’s proprietary systems.

“This is an exciting step forward in UAV Corp’s mission to lead the aerospace industry with transformative technologies,” said Michael Lawson, CEO of UAV Corp. “Our collaboration with AIG enables us to leverage shared resources, including engineering expertise and advanced manufacturing capabilities. Together, we are creating a cohesive platform that will set new standards in VTOL innovation.”

AIG’s acquisition of VTOL technologies includes 20 years of research data, advanced airframes, and the renowned Verticopter, Converticopter, and Elytron vehicles, which have earned certificates of completion from NASA and Ames Laboratory. These technologies, combined with UAV Corp’s expertise, will produce the most maneuverable and efficient VTOL platforms on the market.

Engineers from both companies are working closely to integrate their respective systems, enabling interoperability and maximizing performance across platforms. This collaborative manufacturing approach will streamline production, ensure the highest quality standards, and accelerate the commercialization of these groundbreaking technologies.

In December 2024, the Board of Directors implemented a substantial reduction in the company’s authorized share count as part of its broader strategic objectives. Early next week, the Board will reconvene to deliberate on the potential for an additional reduction, underscoring its continued commitment to optimizing the company’s capital structure and acting in the best interests of its shareholders. This initiative reflects the company’s steadfast dedication to enhancing long-term shareholder value. (Source: UAS VISION)

 

18 Jan 25. First Visuals of China’s WZ-9 Divine Eagle AEW Drone Surface Online. A video has emerged of China’s unorthodox Wuzhen-9 (or WZ-9) “Divine Eagle” unmanned aircraft, which has been described in social media posts as an uncrewed AEW (Airborne Early Warning) aircraft. The drone has been seen previously in scale models and satellite images.

The sighting comes close on the heels of Beijing flying two new claimed sixth-generation aircraft – a regional stealth bomber and a smaller fighter jet. This also displays how the PLA is realizing its vision of a heavily “mechanized” and automated military, as advocated in its successive defense white papers.The unusual design integrates radar arrays in its booms, as well as satellite communication, which would allow the PLA to create a networked mesh of manned and unmanned AEW assets, offering redundancy and flexibility.

The massive UAV is seen flying overhead, clearly showing its unusual design. The aircraft is based around a twin-boom structure, with a smaller wing acting as horizontal stabilizer in the front and the main wing in the rear, and two vertical stabilizers. The main wing also connects the two booms/fuselages.

Scale models, concept renditions and satellite images posted on X earlier this year show that the drone is powered by a single jet engine, sitting atop the main wing between the two booms and vertical stabilizers.

The front part of both booms (or in this case the fuselages) have domes, as seen in the cutaway small-scale model bearing the Aviation Industry Corporation of China’s (AVIC) logo. One of the domes is carrying what looks like a satellite communication antenna dish.

While only one of the fuselages is shown carrying this antenna, it is possible they might be present in both of them, given the sheer size of the drone. This could serve as a fail-safe in case one malfunctions, but both might also function together for a stronger control signal to avoid jamming.

The sides of the fuselages seem to house the radar arrays. Another image, posted by leading Chinese military analysis profile ‘sugar_wsnbn’ on X, is a computer-generated illustration showing the WZ-9 in flight, sporting a yellow paint scheme. The scale model and this illustration appear exactly the same, with little discernible differences.

However, the aperture and sensors’ placement around the drone are not visible in the latest video of the overhead flight. Also, it is not clear if the drone has flown before or was only captured on camera for the first time. Whether the drone is fully or semi-autonomous, and eventually the degree of man-in-the-loop control, or other features like optical and electronic sensing devices also are not known.

Larger manned airborne radars today also have other functions like coordinating with ground-based air defense systems and even guiding BVR (Beyond Visual-Range) missiles fired from manned fighters. The Meteor BVRAAM, for instance, can receive target updates from friendly AWACS/AEW&C after leaving its launching aircraft. (Source: UAS VISION/The Aviationist)

 

08 Jan 25. Chinese UAVs finding a large market in Africa. If the United States have made unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs, or drones) mainstream through their extensive use of such armed aircraft in their wars in Afghanistan, Iraq or Somalia, among others, it is surprisingly not the States that commands the lion’s share of the market.

China has become the world’s biggest exporter of UAVs, both armed and unarmed. In the last decade, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) reported that CASC, CAIG and other important Chinese UAV manufacturers sold 282 combat drones to 17 countries, while the United States only traded 12 armed UAVs.

Beijing successfully usurped Washington in this domain, producing an extensive array of drones since the early 2010s. Affordable, often reliable and free from ethical constraints, they are starting to become a real best-seller in Africa. The continent has the perfect use for these systems, as many countries face armed rebellion, jihadist movements, gang wars and difficulties to control their large territories. Moreover, China has brought an interesting way of paying: as some African countries are struggling to stabilize their public finances, Chinese companies are also accepting natural resources for payment.

Chinese UAVs offer long ranges, a variety of sensors and weapons payloads, and most importantly, are very cheap. With a price tag of $1 m, the Wing Loong I can carry two munitions, usually guided-bombs or missiles, enabling governments to track, observe, and conducts strikes all over their territory.

In the last several years, and in Africa only, it was Algeria (24 UAVs), Morocco (14 UAVs), Democratic Republic of Congo (9 UAVs), Egypt (4 UAVs), Nigeria (3 UAVs) and Ethiopia (unknown) that have been seduced by Chinese UAVs.

It is often the cheaper CH-4 and Wing Loong I, comparable to the American Predator, which are purchased, the few more capable Wing Loong II present in the continent, deployed in Libya for example, are often donations from Gulf States. The only exception being the richer Nigeria, which opted for the latter UAV to participate in its fight against Boko Haram, a jihadist movement plaguing Africa’s most populated country. Abuja was one of the first to buy Chinese UAVs, starting with smaller tactical CH-3s before 2014.

As most armed groups are short on air defence, UAVs can sometimes have a decisive impact on a conflict, the best example being Ethiopia. In 2021, the Tigrayan defence forces were storming on the capital from their positions in the north, causing panic in Addis Ababa as the government declared a state of emergency. Foreign powers started to ask their citizens to evacuate when drones entered into action, destroying columns of pick-ups and tanks only 200 km away from the city. Although it appears the UAVs were also Turkish (Bayraktar TB2) and Iranian (Mohajer 6), and not only Chinese (Wing Loong I), they proved their value. The same Chinese drones have since been suspected to be operated by the army against civilians from the Omoro, Ahmara and Tigray ethnicities.

Ethiopia’s government has also been supported by Wing Loong II strikes made by Emirati drones based in a secret base in Eritrea, further increasing the impact of these systems on the outcome of the war.

For its part, Egypt is also stepping up purchases of Chinese drones, with rumours of a contract for 32 Wing Loong 1Ds in 2021. So far, only four Wing Loong I appear to be employed, with future 1D upgraded versions of the UAV able to stay in air for 35 hours while carrying double the amount of armament. Cairo is an old client of Chinese drones, as the country bought and builds under license smaller ASN-209 observation drones.

The Egyptians’ armed drones have since been extensively used in Sinai to fight against the local Daesh uprising and near the Gaza strip to spot and hit smugglers’ tunnels. Sign that the Al-Sisi’s junta is mainly purchasing these drones to fight in guerilla-style conflicts, the Chinese manufacturer CAIG has been asked to integrate synthetic aperture radar in order to use the Wing Loongs to spot improvised explosives devices and roadsides mines.

An article from Al-Jazeera published in January 2023 also underlines a major fact of Chinese drones’ success in Africa: America’s export controls. Having signed in 1987 the Missile Technology Control Regime, made to prevent countries from accessing technologies able to carry nuclear, biological and chemical weapons, the US hasn’t been totally free to sell its UAVs. China has taken advantage of this gap, as well as of the desire of some Southern capitals to distance themselves from Washington. Moreover, US drones can be as much as 15 times more expensive to purchase: going for made-in-China UAVs can therefore help to build a much larger fleet for the same money. Not mentioning the fact that the munitions equipping these systems are also probably less expensive when procured by Beijing.

The latest African country seduced by the Chinese proposal is the Democratic Republic of Congo, which face tens of different armed groups in its western region. Kinshasa ordered in 2023 no less than nine CH-4s, with the first three having already been delivered. They are also showing another groundswell, as drones are often as effective as manned aircraft for bombing of lightly armed forces in low-intensity conflicts. This fact will create a lot of changes on the continent.

Indeed, Russia has been the traditional provider of old ground attack aircraft to many African countries, whether they are old Mig-21, L-39, more elaborate Su-25 or Mig-23 and even sometimes Su-27 fighters. But these are expensive to buy, to operate and to maintain. They also involve complex mechanic: a jet-engine is both harder to obtain and to repair than a small turboprop, and training pilots is also complex for some countries.

Drones are, besides for aerial policing operations, quite effective: they are cheap, easier to maintain and more discrete. Hence the switch in the military procurement of African militaries, moving from Russian aircraft to Chinese UAVs, which could eventually lead to a modification in geopolitical affiliations for some countries. This change could even be quicker than expected, as Russia is facing important losses in Ukraine, probably putting under stress the supply chain of parts for some aircraft such as the Su-25.

China, on its side, is putting on the market more and more potent drones, with CASC developing the Rainbow family: the new CH-5 is said to be equivalent to the Reaper drone; the CH-6 is propelled by jet engines and the CH-7 is considered an equivalent to the stealthy X-47B. The WZ-7 and WZ-10, from the same manufacturer of the Wing Loong, are marketed as the Chinese equivalent of the American RQ-4 Global Hawk high-altitude, long endurance UAV. Far from simply copying American drones, China is now proposing a whole generation of low-cost, unrestricted UAVs to win over the emerging African market.

(Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)

 

07 Jan 25. Royal Navy to test submarine-hunting robot helicopter. Proteus drone is designed to locate enemy positions in complex warfare missions. A submarine-hunting robot helicopter designed to help the Royal Navy is to be trialled this summer. The autonomous Proteus drone, which has been developed by defence company Leonardo, is meant to be a low-cost jack of all trades. It weighs about three tonnes and will have a “modular mission bay” slot where a cabin would normally go, so that different payloads can be swapped out easily. This means it could potentially be used for a variety of operations by the Navy, from simple supply runs to more complex anti-submarine warfare missions. For example, the mission bay would be able to carry and drop “sonobuoys” – used to pick up engine and propeller sounds underwater – allowing one or multiple Proteus drones to help triangulate an enemy submarine’s position. Leonardo said the unmanned aircraft would also have the ability to swap its payload for fuel, adding: “The ability to plug in specific payloads for different missions aims to give commanders in the field a wide range of options from a single type of aircraft.

“This is both operationally useful and delivers value for money by avoiding the need to buy and maintain multiple different fleets of aircraft.”

On Tuesday, the company unveiled the “demonstrator” design of the aircraft and said it expected a flight test to take place in mid-2025. The aircraft will be used to pioneer cutting-edge manufacturing techniques, including the use of 3D printing and new composite materials, as well as autonomous flight software. It comes after the Navy awarded Leonardo a four-year, £60m contract to develop Proteus in 2022. If the design is taken forward, it would be manufactured at the company’s site on Yeovil, where the submarine-hunting Merlin and Wildcat attack helicopters are also made. The Navy is seeking to develop flexible, autonomous drones as a cheaper alternative to manned, highly specialised aircraft. It is hoped this will allow more of them to be produced, giving the armed forces low-cost “mass”. The Proteus programme is part of the Navy’s “maritime aviation transformation”, which runs to 2040. Leonardo said the test drone would “demonstrate the viability of large unmanned aircraft systems in the maritime environment and function as a test bed for the development and demonstration of autonomous capability”. (Source: Daily Telegraph)

 

07 Jan 25. A new partnership between maritime technology specialists EIVA and Tuco Marine will provide integrated autonomous systems for inspecting subsea assets, such as cables transporting renewable energy.

EIVA, a developer of software and equipment for surveying below the water’s surface and Tuco Marine, producers of unmanned surface vessels (USVs) have announced they are now working together to provide an integrated system solution.

The ProZero 8m Naval Intelligence USV by Tuco Marine sails to an area of interest and launches the remotely operated towed vehicle (ROTV) ViperFish by EIVA. ViperFish is a sensor platform for high-resolution seabed imaging, as well as mapping depth and magnetic signals to monitor subsea assets.

‘Leveraging the complementary nature of our technologies, EIVA is looking forward to working with Tuco Marine to offer the market a solution that we see a lot of demand for – a fully integrated system to autonomously survey subsea assets,’ explains Christian Thomsen, CEO at EIVA.

‘By combining a USV, like our ProZero, together with EIVA’s ROTV sensor platform and survey software, it’s possible to monitor the conditions of critical subsea infrastructure much more thoroughly and frequently than with conventional setups,’ explains Managing Director Jonas Pedersen from Tuco Marine.

Ensuring integration of technologies: tailored solutions and strong partnerships

A deciding factor for the safety and efficiency of autonomous systems is that all parts must be not only be reliable on their own, but also work well together through integration. Both EIVA and Tuco Marine have the internal competences needed to achieve this, as the companies are highly experienced in developing tailored solutions.

In addition, their technologies are well-proven within both maritime and defence industries. For example, EIVA’s sensor platform ScanFish is among the most used solutions worldwide for UXO surveys, while their ViperFish, launched in 2023, is designed for autonomous USV systems, based on customer inputs. Tuco Marine has delivered their reliable ProZero vessels for use in offshore wind farms, environmental surveys, defence and aquaculture.

The quality of data delivered with this system also benefits from positioning and imaging sensor technologies thanks to strong partnerships within the international Covelya Group. EIVA’s sister companies in this group include sensor providers Sonardyne and Wavefront Systems, as well as Forcys, which provides defence expertise for customers seeking to deploy this technology for mine countermeasures, rapid environment assessment and more.

 

07 Jan 25. Why UK’s Watchkeeper UAV Failed the Test of Time. The UK government’s decision to send its Watchkeeper uncrewed air vehicles (UAVs) into early retirement marks an ignominious end for a once-ambitious effort to boost the British Army’s airborne intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) capabilities.

Announcing the step among a tri-service package of decommissioning measures on 20 November, defence secretary John Healey said 46 Watchkeeper air vehicles would be removed from use in 2025, while describing them as “14 year-old army drones that technology has overtaken”.

“We are getting rid of Watchkeeper because that system has been in service since 2010 and, according to all the military chiefs, is out of date,” minister of state Lord Coaker added in the House of Lords on 25 November. “The Ukraine war has shown that we need to replace it with something else,” he adds.

Potential perceived shortcomings could include the type’s low operating altitude – it flies at a maximum of around 15,000ft – engine noise, vulnerability to hostile fire and sizeable logistics footprint for deployment and operation. The type also is not equipped with air-launched weapons.

Acquired as a replacement for the BAE Systems Phoenix – a less capable type which saw use as a reconnaissance asset over Kosovo and Iraq in the 1990s – the Watchkeeper platform is a further development of Elbit Systems’ Hermes 450 tactical UAV. It carries an electro-optical/infrared sensor and the Thales UK I-Master synthetic aperture radar/ground moving indication payload.

A combined development and production contract awarded to Elbit/Thales joint venture U-TacS in August 2005 and worth £700 m – at that time the equivalent of $1.25 bn – covered the delivery of 54 UAVs, plus ground control stations and other supporting equipment.

In advance of fielding the new type, the army contracted Elbit to provide Hermes 450s for use in Afghanistan and Iraq from 2007, under an urgent operational requirement activity dubbed Lydian.

Interim service using Hermes 450 air vehicles saw Elbit-supplied type operate from Camp Bastion in Afghanistan – Crown Copyright

The first flight of a Watchkeeper air vehicle took place in Israel in April 2008, with a UK debut completed two years later: a 20min sortie flown from the ParcAberporth test centre in west Wales.

Programme delays meant that the system was only deployed to Afghanistan in September 2014. Full operational capability was declared in November 2018, with a full release to service clearance made in April the following year.

Additional deployments included operating from Ascension Island, and the type was also flown in support of the UK Border Control service in late 2020 as the nation attempted to tackle illegal immigration by small boat across the English Channel from France.

Meanwhile, the 46-aircraft figure cited by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) indicates that 15% of the original fleet has been depleted within a decade, including during several training accidents.

Most recently, the army deployed Watchkeepers and more than 60 soldiers to Estonia to participate in the exercise Athena Shield, with sorties flown from near Parnu airport in the south of the country.

Operated by 47th Regiment Royal Artillery, the deployed aircraft recently underwent a sensor upgrade to enhance its ISTAR credentials.

“The training involved working with Estonian military and civilian authorities to plan and execute flying operations in different weather conditions,” the army says. “The flights also included conducting airspace deconfliction and interoperability with the Estonian control and reporting centre, part of NATO’s air defence system to monitor airspace across the Baltic region.”

47th Regiment Royal Artillery operated Watchkeeper in Estonia during recent exercise Athena Shield Watchkeeper in Estonia – British Army

“Exercise Athena Shield has proven a number of key assumptions for the army’s Watchkeeper regiment,”

says Colonel Richard Ball, commander of the service’s uncrewed air systems group.

“It has demonstrated the ability to deploy at relatively short notice to a new flying location overseas, conduct planning with the host nation… and shown the utility of the platform to perform the army’s land tactical deep find role.

“It has also demonstrated the army’s commitment to supporting the Estonian Defence Force and securing NATO’s Eastern Flank,” he adds.

No detail has been provided about a potential replacement activity, and it is unclear if this will be considered within the UK government’s Strategic Defence Review activity, which is due to report its conclusions in the first half of 2025.

Also unclear is whether the UK could consider gifting its redundant Watchkeeper air vehicles to Ukraine, or offering them for sale to other nations. London has previously made multiple donations of UAV equipment to Kyiv, involving smaller systems.

“While it is disappointing that Watchkeeper will be coming out of service in 2025, we are proud of Watchkeeper’s success in Afghanistan, support to Border Force and, most recently, being deployed in Estonia,” says Thales UK.

“Thales continues to work with the UK MoD on developing the next generation of uncrewed autonomous systems across domains, and Watchkeeper has provided valuable learnings that can be taken forward into future programmes,” it adds.

In addition to U-TacS’ production and support activities for the British Army, an export-version WK-X air vehicle also has been sold to NATO member Romania. Bucharest in June 2023 signed a deal with Elbit to acquire three systems, with the contract including technology transfer and local industrial participation. (Source: UAS VISION/FlightGlobal)

 

05 Jan 25. Spain advances SIRTAP programme: development of first fully indigenous tactical military drone. Spain’s Ministry of Defence has announced significant progress in the SIRTAP Programme (High-Performance Tactical Remotely Piloted Aircraft System), marking a milestone for Spanish aerospace innovation. The programme has maintained its planned schedule, with the first prototype and flight of the advanced drone expected in 2025, following the Critical Design Review achieved in June 2024. The SIRTAP will be Spain’s first fully domestically developed military aviation system in the Class II/III category. Designed to enhance the tactical capabilities of both the Army and the Air and Space Force, the drone will operate in demanding environments. It is equipped for advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions in day and night operations, withstanding extreme weather conditions, including high and low temperatures. The project envisions the production of nine systems, each comprising three unmanned aircraft, a ground control station, and two simulators. The first system and simulator are slated for delivery in 2026, with serial production to begin the following year and the project expected to conclude by 2030.

All aircraft will be manufactured and assembled at the Airbus Defence and Space plant in Getafe, Madrid. This facility serves as the programme’s industrial leader, integrating numerous Spanish companies through its Industrial Participation Plan. This initiative is expected to be a catalyst for growth in Spain’s aerospace sector.

The SIRTAP drone, measuring 7.3 metres in length, nearly 2.5 metres in height, and boasting a wingspan of 11.3 metres, has a range exceeding 2,000 kilometres. This state-of-the-art system underscores Spain’s commitment to advancing its defence capabilities while fostering domestic technological innovation. (Source: Google/Spanish Ministry of Defence/https://defence-industry.eu/)

 

03 Jan 25. BIS Publishes Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Regulating Unmanned Aircraft Systems – (90 Fed. Reg. 271) – The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) seeking public comment to inform the potential development of a rule to secure and safeguard the information and communication technology and services (ICTS) supply chain for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), or drones. BIS seeks public feedback on several matters outlined in the ANPRM, including: definitions of UAS and components, assessments of how potential classes of ICTS transactions integral to UAS may present undue or unacceptable risks to U.S. national security, evaluations of risk posed by different foreign adversaries, potential processes for the public to request approval to engage in an otherwise prohibited transaction, the economic impact such regulation could have on certain entities, and, where feasible, potential mitigation measures. This ANPRM is issued pursuant to BIS’s ICTS authorities established under Executive Order (EO) 13873, “Securing the Information and Communications Technology and Services Supply Chain.” EO 13873 authorizes the Department of Commerce to investigate and prohibit or impose mitigation measures on ICTS transactions that (1) pose an undue or unacceptable risk of sabotage to or subversion of ICTS in the United States; (2) pose an undue risk of catastrophic effects on the security or resiliency of U.S. critical infrastructure or the digital economy of the United States; or (3) otherwise pose an unacceptable risk to the national security of the United States or the security and safety of U.S. persons. Interested persons have until March 4, 2025, to submit their comments. (Source: glstrade.com)

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BCB certainly has a rich history (1854) and an impressive portfolio of products designed to enhance the safety and effectiveness of NATO defence personnel in various environments.

The core competency of protecting lives in hostile environments, includes:

LAND:

BCB`s camouflage creams and camouflage nets have been standard issue to conceal generations of British and NATO forces.

Our newly developed MultiSpectral Cam technology, the MK8 Phantom, camouflages and protects people/vehicles/assets in the visual, IR and thermal (SWIR/MWIR/LWIR) spectrums.

FireDragon, our eco field cooking fuel, burns cleanly so can also be used in the confined space of a foxhole or tent. It is waterproof, easy to light, non-toxic and smokeless.

SEA;

Our patented Floating Body Armour is unique, versatile and sensibly protects both you and your life jacket, under the soft and hard armour. Designed to be low bulk, it`s massive 275 newtons of buoyancy is self-righting. We say it will “save your life twice”.

Our range of Boat Stopping Systems, provided a layered non-lethal stopping capability against all sizes of vessels, including unmanned threats. So you can stop and search, defeat pirates from boarding, prevent terrorists from getting near your vessel or close off quickly a waterway, port or maritime borders.

AIR;

BCB`s sister company UAVE have been manufacturing since 2013, the Dragon MK3, large, long range (1,000km) long endurance (12hours), versatile and mission-ready UAV. It is proven and operational from the polar regions to 45deg C heat in the Middle East and Asia. The larger of the 3 models, carries 25 kilos payload.

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