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07 Aug 25. Nine C-UAS platforms named in British Army’s Project Vanaheim trials. The British Army tested at least nine counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UASs) during a trialling event as part of Project Vanaheim, a UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) source confirmed to Janes on 1 August. The C-UASs were deployed on Jackals, but they can also be used in a dismounted configuration, the MoD source said. The Supacat High Mobility Transporter (HMT) 400 is dubbed the Jackal by the British Army. Many of the C-UASs used during the trialling were integrated into the British Army network through the Android Tactical Assault Kit (ATAK). The British Army used a mixture of systems that can detect and effect, including utilising both hard and soft kills, as part of the C-UAS trials. The systems included electro-optical cameras, radars, smart sights, and acoustic sensors, according to the representative. “The RF [radio frequency] equipment had a mixture of effects, from disrupting the link between the drone and the ground control station to using CEMA [cyber and electromagnetic activities] effects to hijack the drone’s protocol to take control of it and give commands,” the defence ministry source said. According to the MoD source, the systems with electro-optical cameras could detect “anything that was in their field-of-view including fibre-optic drones”.(Source: Janes)
07 Aug 25. AV introduces solution for 2026 E-HEL competition. Defence company AV displayed a model of a new configuration of its Locust directed energy weapon at the 2025 Space and Missile Defense Symposium in Huntsville, Alabama. (Janes/Meredith Roaten) The next-generation system of Locust laser weapon system is being prepared for a future competition for the US Army’s Enduring High Energy Laser (E-HEL), Trip Ferguson, president of space, cyber, and directed energy at AV, announced on 6 August. The competition will kick off after a production decision, Lieutenant General Rob Rasch, director of the Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO), announced on 6 August. The new version of Locust will be based on cartridges that make the power scalable and more maintainable for soldiers, John Garrity, a vice-president at AV, a new company formed by a merger of AeroVironment and Blue Halo, told Janes in an interview on 6 August. The army will start procuring lasers “at scale, because we believe, based on what we’ve learnt, where that’s the sweet spot so far, that industry has shown us [and] that the technology has shown us where we can get the combination of reliability, affordability, and lethality for our soldiers”, Lt Gen Rasch said during a panel at the Space and Missile Defense Symposium in Huntsville, Alabama. AV has already been on contract to deliver systems to the army under the Palletized High Energy Laser (P-HEL) and the Army Multi-Purpose HEL (AMP-HEL), which is a laser on an Infantry Squad Vehicle. The company has delivered seven systems to the army. Feedback from testing with soldiers informed changes to Locust that will make their debut in the next-generation system, which has not yet been officially named, said Garrity. (Source: Janes)
06 Aug 25. Electro Optic Systems Holdings Limited (“EOS”) (ASX: EOS) has secured an order for a drone defence capability using a new 100kW high energy laser technology. EOS is already a global leader in counter-drone capability using traditional kinetic weapons to bring down drones. The new high energy laser builds on these core competencies and substantially extends them. The order is valued at €71.4m (approximately A$125m) and was placed by a European NATO Member State. It requires production and delivery of capability, as well as spare parts, training and documentation. The world-first export order will be fulfilled during 2025-2028 by EOS in Singapore. The laser system has undergone testing in close collaboration with customers. The system is mobile, for deployment on a truck. To ensure high performance, the system is supplied with algorithms, threat detection, target acquisition and beam locking systems. The system will be integrated into a multi-layered air defence system as part of the project.
EOS has created this new high energy laser capability to address the critical market need to defend against drone swarm attacks at an economical cost.
Dr Andreas Schwer, Chief Executive Officer at EOS, said: “In a world of geopolitical uncertainty and ongoing regional tensions, the ability to swiftly and accurately detect, track and defeat drones is paramount. This is the world’s first export order for a 100-kilowatt class laser defence system. The order follows extensive and ongoing marketing, sales and customer demonstration activity by the EOS team. Our new world-leading laser weapon system has the ability to engage targets instantly. The laser hits the target at the speed of light, unlike a bullet which can take a second or two to get there. The system is very accurate and has a very low cost-per-shot – less than 10 cents per shot. The high power level of this system means it can shoot down more drones faster. The system has been designed to shoot down 20 drones per minute.” The EOS team will be at the DSEI 2025 Defence Exhibition & Trade Show at ExCeL London, from 9-12 September. Our experts will be available to discuss our new high energy laser capability and how layered counter-drone solutions, with multiple types of weapon, are essential to counter rapidly evolving battlefield threats.
05 Aug 25. Cuashub.com said today that Taiwan plans historic purchase of 100,000 drones. Taiwan is dramatically expanding its UAS ambitions in what analysts are calling the most significant drone procurement initiative in the island’s history. Government agencies plan to acquire up to 100,000 drones in the near term, nearly doubling earlier projections and signaling a sweeping effort to fortify national defense and protect critical infrastructure.
The Ministry of National Defense’s Armaments Bureau recently unveiled a revised procurement target of 48,000 military drones over the next two years. In parallel, Taiwan’s Executive Yuan confirmed that it is actively considering an additional civilian-sector acquisition of approximately 50,000 drones, largely aimed at securing energy facilities, communications hubs and other high-value infrastructure sites.
Combined, the two programs would bring Taiwan’s near-term drone demand to an unprecedented 100,000 units, a scale unmatched in its previous defense procurement history and one that could catalyze lasting changes across the country’s aerospace manufacturing ecosystem.
Industry gears up for massive demand surge
The Armaments Bureau held an industry briefing last week, inviting both domestic and international firms to review specifications and timelines. The event attracted representatives from Taiwanese manufacturers as well as U.S. and French defense firms, reflecting the international interest surrounding the program. Suppliers from adjacent sectors, composite materials, communications systems and electronics, also participated, likely in anticipation of potential subcontracting opportunities. While the 48,000-unit military tender was the centerpiece of the discussions, the presence of officials from the Executive Yuan’s aerospace task force highlighted the government’s whole-of-society approach.
Their civil procurement effort, still under internal review, aims to deploy drones for public safety, infrastructure surveillance and emergency response.
Taiwanese firms to take the lead
Industry insiders believe local manufacturers are being positioned as preferred suppliers, with the government eager to bolster domestic capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign providers. The initiative is expected to provide stable demand for local drone makers for at least the next five years.
Coretronic, which secured contracts during earlier rounds, has already signaled its intent to rebid. Other contenders, such as Thunder Tiger, GEOSAT Aerospace & Technology and Taiwan UAV, are preparing new proposals. Evergreen Aviation Technologies Corporation is also reportedly weighing whether to enter the competition.
The announcement marks a dramatic turnaround for Taiwan’s drone sector, which has long suffered from a lack of domestic orders. Many firms had turned to international markets to stay afloat. Now, the government’s show of commitment is being hailed as a critical inflection point. According to industry analysts, the scale of the planned procurement represents a 30-fold increase over previous public-sector UAS orders, which were typically limited to pilot programs involving just a few dozen units. One model is expected to enter full-rate production at 26,000 units per year, requiring a monthly output of over 2,000 drones, a manufacturing threshold never before attempted in Taiwan. Officials are reportedly considering dual-track procurement strategies, either dividing contracts across multiple vendors or encouraging industry consortia to jointly bid, in order to avoid bottlenecks and ensure timely delivery. This surge in demand is being viewed by defense planners as a stress test for Taiwan’s drone industry. Executed successfully, it could set the stage for a more robust, integrated UAS manufacturing base in the years ahead.
Training capacity faces strain
Even as Taiwan prepares to dramatically expand its drone fleet, questions are emerging over whether it has the trained personnel necessary to operate and maintain it. The Army’s UAS training center, inaugurated in July 2024, currently has the capacity to train about 300 drone operators per year. However, internal defense ministry forecasts suggest that more than 1,000 qualified personnel will be needed annually starting in 2025 to meet operational demands. Experts warn that unless the training pipeline is rapidly scaled, drone availability may far outpace human capacity. Some are calling for a major investment in automation and AI, especially swarm control technologies that would allow a single operator to manage multiple drones simultaneously, easing manpower requirements. https://cuashub.com/en/content/taiwan-plans-historic-purchase-of-100000-drones/ (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
06 Aug 25. Cuashub.com said today that RUSI paper cautions NATO against overreliance on drones. A new paper by Professor Justin Bronk, published by the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), warns that NATO should not seek to replace traditional forms of military firepower with massed UAS, despite the high-profile role drones have played in Ukraine’s war against Russia. In the analysis, titled NATO Should Not Replace Traditional Firepower with ‘Drones’, Bronk argues that while Ukraine has used FPV drones and one-way attack (OWA) systems to considerable effect, these platforms are no substitute for the decisive power delivered by airpower, artillery and armored formations in high-intensity conflict.
“It would be a mistake for NATO forces to rely heavily on massed small UAS and long-range OWA drones to replace traditional weapons systems in pursuit of improved lethality,” Bronk writes.
He contends that Ukraine’s dependence on such drones is a product of battlefield necessity and not a scalable model for Western militaries. The paper highlights Russia’s rapid and effective development of counter-UAS capabilities. According to Bronk, only a small percentage of the vast number of drones launched by Ukrainian forces actually reach their targets, and an even smaller share cause meaningful damage. Russia’s layered electronic warfare, air defense and jamming architecture now limits the effectiveness of massed drone attacks, which will require NATO to be cautious in drawing lessons from Ukraine’s drone-heavy tactics. Bronk also points to structural and institutional barriers within NATO countries that would hinder any attempt to replicate Ukraine’s wartime drone innovation. Western defense procurement systems, export controls and peacetime regulatory constraints make it unlikely that NATO forces could match Ukraine’s speed or scale of drone development and adaptation. Rather than viewing drones as replacements for conventional systems, Bronk recommends NATO focus on integrating UAS to enhance the effectiveness of traditional platforms. Drones, he argues, are best employed as force multipliers, for example, by helping to suppress enemy air defenses, gather intelligence in real time or deliver electronic effects in support of manned aircraft and long-range fires.
“There are many ways that UAS can and already do contribute to NATO’s force structure and capabilities,” Bronk writes, “but generally they are most potent as a means to enable artillery and aircraft to strike targets responsively.”
While UAS are becoming indispensable tools across modern battlefields, Bronk cautions that their limitations, particularly in contested electromagnetic environments, must be fully understood before they are allowed to shape future force planning. As NATO continues to explore the role of emerging technologies, Bronk’s paper serves as a reminder that effective deterrence and combat power still depend on traditional arms, augmented, not replaced, by drones. https://cuashub.com/en/content/rusi-paper-cautions-nato-against-overreliance-on-drones/ (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
05 Aug 25. Experts following the Global Radar Systems market are optimistic about what AI can do to this market. According to a report from MarketsAndMarkets said that the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into radar systems is revolutionizing the way we perceive and interact with the world. From enhancing signal processing capabilities to enabling autonomous decision making, AI is transforming radar technology across various sectors, including defense, aviation, automotive, and weather forecasting. The Radar Systems Industry is driven by factors such as increasing adoption of radar systems in Defense & commercial aircrafts, marine vessels, weather stations, airport surveillance, unmanned vehicles, satellites, etc. The report said: “Traditional radar systems rely on predefined algorithms to process signals, which can be limited in dynamic environments. AI introduces adaptive signal processing techniques that enhance the radar’s ability to detect and interpret signals amidst noise and clutter. Machine learning models can learn from vast datasets to identify patterns and anomalies, improving target detection accuracy. For instance, AI algorithms can enhance the signal to noise ratio, enabling the detection of weak signals that might be overlooked by conventional methods.
Additionally, AI can facilitate real time clutter suppression, ensuring that irrelevant echoes do not hinder the radar’s performance. Adaptive thresholding using machine learning allows radar systems to adjust their sensitivity based on environmental conditions, further optimizing performance. Moreover, AI enhances Doppler signal interpretation, aiding in the accurate measurement of target velocity. By classifying radar echoes via neural networks, systems can differentiate between various objects, such as distinguishing a bird from a drone. Real time AI based pulse compression and interference mitigation ensure that radar systems maintain high resolution and accuracy even in challenging scenarios. Pattern recognition in complex environments and AI support in analog to digital conversion further underscore the transformative impact of AI on radar signal processing.” Active Companies in the markets today include VisionWave Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: VWAV), Archer Aviation Inc. (NYSE: ACHR), Rocket Lab Corporation (NASDAQ: RKLB), Joby Aviation, Inc. (NYSE: JOBY), Sidus Space (NASDAQ: SIDU).
MarketsAndMarkets continued: “In defense and security applications, the ability to autonomously detect and recognize threats is paramount. AI enhances radar systems by enabling automatic target recognition (ATR), allowing systems to identify objects without human intervention. Through machine learning, radar systems can differentiate between friend or foe, reducing the risk of friendly fire incidents. Neural networks facilitate multi target tracking, enabling the monitoring of multiple objects simultaneously. AI enhanced object classification in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery allows for detailed analysis of terrain and structures. Learning algorithms contribute to adaptive threat modeling, enabling systems to predict and respond to evolving threats. Contextual interpretation of radar scenes ensures that systems understand the environment, enhancing situational awareness. By reducing false positives in hostile environments, AI improves the reliability of threat detection. Combining Electro Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) and radar data using AI provides a comprehensive view of the battlefield. Predictive analytics for potential target behavior and real time tracking in dense threat scenarios further demonstrate AI’s role in enhancing radar-based threat detection and recognition.”
VisionWave (NASDAQ: VWAV) – Leading Live-Fire Radar Demonstration with Major Abu Dhabi Defense Partner Highlighting Next-Generation Technology and Showcasing Defense Capabilities – VisionWave Holdings Inc. ($VWAV), a next-generation defense technology company specializing in AI-powered sensing and autonomous threat response systems, today announced it plans to lead a high-profile live-fire demonstration of its super-resolution radar system in September 2025. The strategic trial will be conducted in collaboration with a leading government-owned defense contractor in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
The radar system—part of VWAV’s advanced sensing suite for tactical Active Protection Systems (APS)—was chosen following rigorous competitive evaluations against several top-tier global radar solutions. The upcoming live-fire event is designed to replicate a spectrum of complex aerial threat scenarios, varying in size, speed, and radar cross-section, to rigorously assess the radar’s detection and tracking performance under realistic battlefield conditions.
“This live-fire trial represents far more than a technical validation—it is set to become a defining milestone for VisionWave,” said Noam Kenig, Chief Executive Officer of VisionWave. “Our AI-powered super-resolution radar is engineered to detect, classify, and track high-speed threats with real-time precision. Being selected by a top-tier global defense partner for this live-fire demonstration underscores what we believe is VWAV’s technological advantage. At the core of our mission is a singular focus: saving lives by delivering accurate, dependable threat detection in the most challenging battlefield conditions.”
Confirming VisionWave’s Role in Next-Generation Defense – The radar systems slated for the demonstration were purchased directly by the Abu Dhabi defense partner as part of a broader integration and evaluation phase. During the live-fire exercise VWAV’s technology will be tested in operationally realistic, high-intensity scenarios to determine its effectiveness within layered defense architectures—where early detection is critical to enabling timely countermeasures deployment.
Backed by Strong Capital for Global Expansion – VisionWave has recently secured a strategic funding facility of up to $50 m, including an initial $5 m tranche commitment, strengthening the Company’s ability to access growth capital. With this enhanced financial foundation and public market presence, VWAV’s leadership believes the Company is well-positioned to accelerate development milestones, support large-scale defense programs, and meet the growing demand for next-generation defense technologies across the U.S., UAE, and allied nations.
Positioned for Strategic Growth in a High-Demand Sector – This initiative is a key step in VWAV’s strategic roadmap to become a mission-critical technology provider for AI-enabled battlefield autonomy and advanced defense systems. The Company’s super-resolution radar platform driven by proprietary AI algorithms is engineered to deliver real-time, high-precision detection, classification, and tracking of fast-moving threats, addressing critical requirements in next-generation active defense architectures. Continued… Read this full release and additional news for VWAV by visiting: https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/VWAV/news/
Other recent developments in the Defense & Military industries include:
Archer Aviation Inc. (NYSE: ACHR) recently announced the successful completion of an initial flight of its Midnight aircraft at Al Bateen Executive Airport in Abu Dhabi, marking a key milestone for its planned commercial deployment in the UAE and the expansion of its operations in the Middle East region.
With the support of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC), the flight was witnessed by senior leadership from the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), the Integrated Transport Centre, Abu Dhabi Aviation and Abu Dhabi Airports, along with representatives from Archer’s regional partners. Focused on evaluating the aircraft’s VTOL performance in UAE-specific conditions including temperature, humidity and dust exposure, the test flight allows Archer to validate readiness for commercial deployment.
Rocket Lab Corporation (NASDAQ: RKLB) recently announced the launch window for its next mission for multi-launch customer, Institute for Q-shu Pioneers of Space, Inc. (iQPS), a Japan-based Earth imaging company – marking Electron’s 69th mission to date and 11th launch this year.
The mission, named ‘The Harvest Goddess Thrives’, is scheduled to launch from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand during a launch window that opens on August 5, 2025 UTC. The mission will deploy QPS-SAR-12, nicknamed KUSHINADA-I for the Japanese goddess of harvest and prosperity, to a 575km circular Earth orbit to join the rest of the QPS-SAR constellation in providing high resolution synthetic aperture radar images and Earth monitoring services globally.
Joby Aviation, Inc. (NYSE: JOBY) and L3Harris Technologies (LHX) recently announced they are exploring opportunities to develop a new aircraft class for defense applications. The gas turbine hybrid vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft is designed for low-altitude missions and offers the versatility of being optionally piloted, enabling both crewed and fully autonomous operations.
The collaboration leverages Joby’s existing commercial aircraft development program and leading manufacturing capabilities, combined with L3Harris’ proven expertise on platform missionization including sensors, effectors, communication and collaborative autonomy. Flight testing is expected to start this fall with the companies planning to perform operational demonstrations during government exercises in 2026.
“The next-generation of vertical lift technology enables long-range, crewed-uncrewed teaming for a range of missions,” said Jon Rambeau, President, Integrated Mission Systems, L3Harris. “We share a vision with Joby to deliver urgently-required innovation by missionizing VTOL aircraft for defense needs.”
Sidus Space (NASDAQ: SIDU) recently announced the successful deployment of its new autonomous guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) software, SpacePilot and commissioning of the Attitude Determination and Control System (ADCS) on LizzieSat®-3 (LS3).
“Activating SpacePilot and commissioning the ADCS marks a critical milestone for LS3’s mission,” said Carol Craig, Founder and CEO of Sidus Space. “This software enables a higher level of autonomy, ensuring greater efficiency and mission resilience while reducing reliance on ground resources.”
The successful commissioning of the ADCS marks a critical step toward LS3’s full mission readiness. With the deployment of autonomous SpacePilot, the satellite can achieve accurate sun-pointing for maximum power generation, stabilize payload orientation for improved data collection, and maintain antenna alignment for reliable communications. This milestone also paves the way for more rapid commissioning of the remaining onboard technologies, including Sidus’s proprietary sensor suite. (Source: PR Newswire)
06 Aug 25. Pierce Aerospace Showcases Remote ID in DHS C-UAS Demonstration. Pierce Aerospace participated in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) technology demonstration, held July 24–25, 2025, at the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Unmanned Technology Operations Center in Summit Point, West Virginia. The event brought together senior leadership, including DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, component heads, senior government executives, and select industry representatives, for a high-level executive roundtable. This demonstration underscored DHS’s continued commitment to addressing the growing national security risks posed by unauthorized drone activity and showcased cutting-edge technologies under evaluation for deployment.
“It was an honour to participate as the only dedicated Remote ID Provider to the DHS C-UAS Industry Day,” said Aaron Pierce, CEO of Pierce Aerospace. “Secretary Noem and DHS Leadership took the time to engage with us and learn about how we’ve utilized our Remote ID systems as a critical and fundamental layer to achieving success in the C-UAS mission. Our ability to provide target discrimination is vital, and we successfully demonstrated the value of our capabilities to senior executives alongside some of our C-UAS teammates. We’ve been developing these capabilities since 2017 and this event marked a dramatic escalation in the seriousness with which senior government leaders are taking C-UAS. We applaud DHS executives for dedicating an entire day in the field learning how these technologies work.”
Secretary Noem has been a strong proponent of expanding C-UAS capabilities across the Department of Homeland Security, recognizing the escalating threat posed by malicious drone activity across multiple domains. This demonstration closely follows the release of two drone-focused Executive Orders “Unleashing American Drone Dominance” and “Restoring American Airspace Sovereignty.” These Executive Orders underscore the critical role of Remote ID in supporting State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial (SLTT) law enforcement and mandate the development of federal grant programs to assist SLTTs in acquiring detection, tracking, and identification (DTI) technologies, including solutions like Pierce Aerospace’s Remote ID sensors and software.
“Law enforcement can utilize our Remote ID solutions today. Our sensors and software are core DTI technologies with widespread application in law enforcement, private security, public venues, airports, critical infrastructure, stadiums, and more,” said Pierce. “Our capabilities aid law enforcement with the interdiction of unauthorized drone operators. And we can do that at low risk without any cumbersome regulations. In the C-UAS stack, our ability to detect both drones and their operators is the primary and most common means of mitigating concerning drones and their operators. We can also help characterize airspace risks, enabling authorized end users to mitigate threat drones via complementary integrated C-UAS technologies. Our Remote ID capabilities are the foundation for C-UAS.”
A June 2024 Government Accountability Office report (GAO-24-106158) found, “DHS officials said that Remote ID is a key piece of counter-drone technologies as it enables law enforcement to gain additional threat discrimination around critical infrastructure.” This report, along with the DHS’s C-UAS Industry Day, reflects DHS’s view that Remote ID is integral to C-UAS strategies, providing law enforcement with actionable drone identification to distinguish between benign and suspicious UAS activity. In 2024, DHS awarded Pierce Aerospace a $10M sole source SBIR Phase III Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract for Remote ID technology and began deploying Pierce Aerospace’s solutions, including YR1 Remote ID Sensors, in support of U.S. National Security. (Source: UAS VISION)
06 Aug 25. Hanwha Systems has completed the rollout of the first mass-produced active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar for South Korea’s next-generation KF-21 fighter jet, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s drive to develop advanced fighter avionics domestically. The rollout ceremony, hosted by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) and organized by Hanwha Systems, was held on August 5 at the company’s Yongin R&D Center. The event brought together more than 50 attendees, including senior officials from the Republic of Korea Air Force, DAPA, the Agency for Defense Development (ADD), and other key government and defense institutions. Following an initial production contract signed last year, Hanwha Systems finalized the full agreement earlier this year. Under the program, the company will deliver 40 AESA radar units between 2025 and 2028 for integration into the KF-21. Often referred to as the “eyes” of a fighter jet, AESA radars provide simultaneous multi-mission capabilities, including tracking airborne, ground, and maritime targets. Compared to legacy mechanically scanned radars, AESA technology enables faster target acquisition, broader coverage, and enhanced survivability by simultaneously engaging multiple threats. Hanwha Systems began developing the radar in 2016 and unveiled its first prototype in 2020—just four years after development commenced—demonstrating its indigenous radar capabilities to the global defense market. With the start of mass production, the radar is now ready for integration into the KF-21. The rollout took place at a newly completed antenna testing facility at the Yongin R&D Center. Completed in late 2024 specifically for AESA radar development, the facility includes a Near-Field Chamber capable of testing up to four airborne radar systems simultaneously. It is equipped to evaluate core performance metrics and signal characteristics of AESA antenna arrays, each consisting of approximately 1000 transmit/receive (T/R) modules.
“Hanwha Systems is the one and only company in Korea to successfully develop, mass-produce, and export AESA radar systems,” said Hyuk Park, Head of Hanwha Systems’ Defense Electronics (DE) Division. “We are expanding our global reach with scalable radar solutions tailored to a wide range of platforms—from light fighters to unmanned aerial vehicles.”
In May 2024, Hanwha Systems signed its first export contract for AESA radar antennas with Leonardo, a leading European defense and aerospace company. The agreement covers radar systems for light attack aircraft, marking the start of Korea’s radar exports.
06 Aug 25. Anti-drone system propels Greek plans for home-grown defence industry.
- Summary
- Greece to spend hundreds of ms of euros on defence innovation
- Three anti-drone systems to enter mass production in 2026
- Drone technology will be used to protect troops, ships near Turkish border
It took just minutes for a new Greek-made anti-drone system to show what it is capable of. On its first test run with a European Union patrol in the Red Sea a year ago, the Centauros system detected and swiftly brought down two aerial drones launched by Yemen’s Houthis, who have been attacking merchant vessels in the busy shipping lane. Make sense of the latest ESG trends affecting companies and governments with the Reuters Sustainable Switch newsletter. Sign up here. Another two drones swiftly retreated: Centauros had jammed their electronics, said Kyriakos Enotiadis, electronics director at state-run Hellenic Aerospace Industry (HAI), which produces the anti-drone system.(Source: Reuters)
02 Aug 25. US Army assesses C-UAS capable autonomous tactical vehicle. The US Army has assessed the Overland AI ULTRA Fully Autonomous Tactical Vehicle prototype during exercise Agile Spirit 25 at the Combat Training Center in Georgia. Autonomous vehicles can be deployed in harm’s way instead of service members to save lives. The ULTRA is modular and the company is actively developing variants that support counter-uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS) requirements as well as other features. Later this month, Overland AI personnel will demonstrate a C-UAS and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR)-enabled ULTRA for Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering as well as the Army and United States Special Operations Command. Military teams have complete oversight of the ULTRA as long as it has connectivity and a re-transmitting signal via the internet and/or satellites. Teams can also pre-select commands for the ULTRA, including travelling in certain patterns or to precise locations. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
31 Jul 25. US Army shares lessons learned on C-UAS as Project Flytrap concludes. The US Army has shared lessons learned from the Project Flytrap counter-uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS) exercises during a media round table on July 30.
“[C-UAS] are essential to success on the modern battlefield,” said Lt. Gen. Charles Costanza, commanding general of V Corps. “US and allied forces must rapidly transform to the very real threat of unmanned drones by testing, adjusting and ultimately integrating the best C-UAS platforms in the world to protect our forces. Project Flytrap is a key component of V Corps’ transformation strategy.”
Project Flytrap 4.0 runs from July 27-31, 2025, at Bemowo Piskie Training Area, near Ełk, Poland. It is the final iteration of the C-UAS training events where soldiers from the US Army’s 2nd Cavalry Regiment and those from the 1st Royal Yorkshire Regiment, United Kingdom, test new C-UAS capabilities in combined exercises in order to develop and inform the future of anti-drone tactics and technologies. More than 40 organizations, 400 representatives across industries, and allies and partners from four different countries including U.K., Poland and Australia, participated. The first phase of Project Flytrap began in March and was launched to identify and test C-UAS solutions. This included considering lessons learned from the war in Ukraine. The second phase included installing these systems into various platforms within the US and UK formations. The third phase focused on conducting squad and platoon-level C-UAS exercises. Theories and best practices were further developed through real-world data. The fourth and last iteration concludes today, July 31 and has implemented battalion-level operations, with defensive and offensive operations around the clock. Infantry soldiers took eight-hour courses over three days next to industry experts, learning to build almost 300 UAS with about a dozen models, including fibre optic and ‘jam-resistant’ drones, and how to counter them in the field. Industry partners went out in the field and worked side-by-side with the soldiers, to fix issues such as battery drainage and equipment compatibility across allied platforms.
“There’s no one system or one solution to counter-UAS,” said Col. Donald Neal, Jr., regimental commander, 2nd Calvary Regiment, Grafenwoehr, Germany. “The counter-UAS capability we’ll have in the future is going to have to be an integrated, multi-system solution.”
The layered effect during Flytrap included a Stryker infantry formation, soldiers wearing technology with radio frequency detect and defeat capability to jam UAS, soldiers with M4s to shoot down enemy drones and soldiers who were manning the drones from the other side.
“At each echelon, you need the ability to handle that type of data on the systems we use to communicate with,” Neal said. “You have two options: you have the ability to do assault kills, which means you’re altering the flight path without a projectile in the air that shoots it out of the air. Or a hard kill, which means you’re altering the flight path with projectiles. So, it’s neutralised or destroyed.”
Col. Matt Davis, transformation chief and exercise director of V Corps, Project Flytrap, said using diversified drones helped with the layering effects. “If we flew the fiber optics, the RF detect systems we were using, they weren’t going to detect them,” he said. “We had to rely on acoustics or an optical, for example.” (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
29 Jul 25. ParaZero reports “successful completion of net turret C-UAS launcher system.” ParaZero Technologies has announced the successful completion of a field trial for an enhanced variant of its DefendAir system, “marking a significant expansion of the company’s multi-layered drone defense capabilities,” said the company in a press release.
“The trial, conducted in Israel, tested a new stationary net turret launcher system to provide 360 perimeter defense against hostile drones. The DefendAir system’s turret variant is integrated with an advanced optical detection and tracking system. This integration enables a fully autonomous operation—from threat detection and tracking to successful interception—representing a notable leap in the system’s overall autonomy and performance.
“The enhanced net launcher layout allows the deployment of a significantly larger net, providing broader area coverage and improved effectiveness against faster and larger drone threats. This capability is designed to secure high-value sites such as critical infrastructure, government buildings and other valuable assets against complex drone attacks.
For more information: https://parazero.com/2025/07/28/parazero-successfully-completes-field-trial-of-new-configuration-of-the-defendair-system-offering-a-comprehensive-counter-drone-solution/ (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
05 Aug 25. Cuashub.com said today that Northern Strike 25-2 to sharpen joint force readiness with C-UAS training across Michigan. One of the Department of Defense’s largest readiness exercises for reserve components, Northern Strike (NS) 25-2, will take place across Michigan from August 2 to 16, 2025. Sponsored by the National Guard Bureau, the exercise will bring together more than 7,500 participants from 36 US states and territories and 9 allied nations. Hosted at Michigan’s National All-Domain Warfighting Center (NADWC), the exercise will focus on enhancing capabilities in Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control (CJADC2), Combined Arms Live-Fire Exercises (CALFEX), Cyberspace and Electromagnetic Activities (CEMA), Defensive Cyberspace Operations (DCO), contested logistics, and expeditionary skills. This year’s summer iteration will also include homeland security scenarios and defense against UAS, supported by over 30 fixed-wing aircraft conducting force protection, support, and refueling missions.
“This year’s schedule of NS training events reflects the unique capabilities of Michigan and the NADWC to support Department of Defense objectives,” said US Army Major General Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. “We take pride in continuously improving exercise design by integrating innovative technologies, including the testing and evaluation of counter-UAS systems, into dynamic, multi-domain training that meets the evolving needs of commanders across the force.”
Since its inception in 2012, Northern Strike has grown into a scalable, cost-effective, and mission-focused exercise that allows units to complete essential training and readiness tasks. It is sponsored by the Army National Guard and accredited as a Joint National Training Capability (JNTC) exercise.
“NS is unique, not only because of its integration of defense innovators and academia, but because it fully reflects the realities service members are facing on today’s modern battlefield,” said Colonel Todd Fitzpatrick, land exercise director for NS.
“Recent global events have shown just how devastating cruise missiles and small UAS can be to both military and civilian infrastructure. Detection, identification, intercept and destruction of these threats are no-fail missions and NS provides the operational environment to rigorously train for them.”
Echodyne, Strongwatch, Picogrid, Persistent Systems, and Bren-Tronics International Solutions are all participating in the C-UAS aspect of the upcoming exercise.
Beyond its military value, Northern Strike also delivers a significant economic impact, contributing an estimated $38m annually to Michigan’s economy through military pay, travel, and local spending in northern lower Michigan.
Northern Strike 25-2 to sharpen joint force readiness with C-UAS training across Michigan
(Source: https://cuashub.com/)
05 Aug 25. Cuashub.com said today that Taiwan may be developing new variant of Tengyun UAS. Taiwan is reportedly moving toward the development of an electronic intelligence (ELINT) variant of its domestically produced Tengyun UAS, according to new details published in the Liberty Times and based on official procurement documents. Under the Ministry of National Defense’s list of controlled military items, published in accordance with Taiwan’s Defense Industry Development Act, the government plans to allocate NT$60 m (US$20.08 m) in 2027 and 2028 for the purchase of two “large composite airframes.” An additional NT$55m is designated for acquiring two “electronic signals intelligence receiver module systems,” suggesting a push to equip the indigenous drone platform with advanced surveillance capabilities. The original Tengyun UAS was introduced in 2015 by Taiwan’s National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST), followed by the unveiling of the improved Tengyun II in 2019. The upgraded version is designed for medium- to long-range reconnaissance missions and is capable of operating in all weather conditions. Its primary mission focus has been intelligence gathering over and around the Taiwan Strait. To date, four Tengyun II prototypes have completed combat evaluations, though Taiwan’s Air Force has not yet placed a full production order. The new procurement plans indicate a continued investment in refining the platform’s capabilities, potentially with a specialized role in signals intelligence. If developed, an ELINT-configured Tengyun II would represent a significant expansion of Taiwan’s indigenous UAS capabilities. It would also complement Taiwan’s growing fleet of U.S.-made drones. Taipei is expected to receive four MQ-9B SeaGuardian UAS from the United States in 2026 and 2027, platforms known for their long-endurance maritime surveillance and ISR capabilities. Analysts suggest the pairing of the SeaGuardian and an ELINT-equipped Tengyun II could give Taiwan a more comprehensive early warning network, improve situational awareness and enhance the coordination of joint force deployments in the event of a regional crisis. While the Ministry of National Defense has not publicly confirmed the ELINT variant, the budget allocations and procurement language indicate a clear trajectory toward expanding Taiwan’s unmanned surveillance and signals collection capabilities.
(Source: https://cuashub.com/)
01 Aug 25. Cuashub.com said today that Project Flytrap Concludes: U.S. Army V Corps Strengthens NATO Counter-UAS Readiness. On July 31, the U.S. Army V Corps concluded Project Flytrap 4.0, the final iteration of a multinational training initiative designed to enhance counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) capabilities and interoperability with NATO allies. The exercise, which began on July 27 at the Bemowo Piskie Training Area in Poland, brought together U.S. and UK forces to test and refine emerging C-UAS technologies in a live operational environment. The training emphasized the integration of C-UAS platforms into combined arms operations and improving battlefield survivability against aerial threats. It also served as a proving ground for NATO-aligned forces to evaluate how rapidly evolving drone threats can be countered through joint experimentation and tactical innovation.
“Counter-unmanned aerial systems are essential to success on the modern battlefield,” said Lt. Gen. Charles Costanza, commanding general of V Corps. “U.S. and allied forces must rapidly transform to the very real threat of unmanned drones by testing, adjusting, and ultimately integrating the best C-UAS platforms in the world to protect our forces. Project Flytrap is a key component of V Corps’ transformation strategy.”
The exercise is part of the Army’s broader Transformation Initiative, which seeks to modernize force posture and capabilities across the European theater.
Project Flytrap has evolved into a critical venue for validating C-UAS concepts in real-world scenarios, particularly in coordination with NATO partners.
“Developing, testing, and fielding C-UAS technologies together with our NATO Allies and partners enhances our deterrence capability,” said Col. Donald Neal, Jr., commander of the 2nd Cavalry Regiment. “Training and experimentation with our Allies and partners serve to build capacity and increase European leadership in European security, effectively strengthening the NATO Alliance.”
“We’re uniquely positioned in Europe, where we can work with Allies and partners to provide opportunities for innovation with the latest emerging technology and capabilities,” added Col. Matt Davis, V Corps transformation chief and exercise director. “Project Flytrap is one of those.”
In total, 400 representatives joined from over 40 organizations across industries. The US, Allies and partners from four different countries including UK, Poland, and Australia all took part in what over 4 iterations has been one of Europe’s flagship C-UAS training exercises this summer.https://cuashub.com/en/content/project-flytrap-concludes-u-s-army-v-corps-strengthens-nato-counter-uas-readiness/ (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
01 Aug 25. USAF Boeing E-7 Wedgetail saved? Senate blocks DoD plan to scrap radar jet for space-based alternatives. Why the Senate thinks its too early to move all AEW&C roles into space and is moving to compel the Air Force to purchase the E-7 Wedgetail. The Senate Appropriations Committee has released its fiscal year 2026 Defense Appropriations Bill, which includes $647 m to continue development of the E-7 Wedgetail early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft. The move blocks a Pentagon plan to cancel the radar jet in favour of space-based surveillance.
Senate draft bill restores funding for E-7 Wedgetail
The Senate Committee has approved and released its FY 2026 Defense Appropriations Bill that includes $647 m in funding for the Air Force’s E-7 Wedgetail AEW&C aircraft. The text states it includes an “increase of $647m to continue the E-7 Wedgetail early warning and control and battle management mission aircraft.”
While the aircraft has been in service in Australia since 2012, the Department of Defense stated in June that the radar plane is suffering from “significant delays with cost increases from $588 m to $724 m per aircraft and survivability concerns in a contested environment.” The DoD revealed plans to cancel the E-7 Wedgetail, purchase naval E-2 Hawkeyes as an interim measure, and focus on space-based assets. In all, the draft bill includes $59.8 bn for Air Force procurement and $49.3 bn in R&D funding. Other notable increases in funding include $1.5 bn for eight C-130J Super Hercules, $800 m to “continue a high priority classified program,” $619 m for two EA-37B Compass Call aircraft, and $2.6bn for the Sentinel ICBM program.
An existing solution for the USAF
Despite Pentagon hesitation, many in Congress see the Wedgetail as a viable stopgap solution.
The Wedgetail is to partially replace the ageing E-3 Sentry radar plane, which is readily identified by its larger mounted rotating antenna. The E-7 was originally developed by Boeing for the Royal Australian Air Force and has since been selected by other US allies. The aircraft is also in service, or has been ordered by Turkey, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and NATO. The Air Force selected the E-7 as a ready-made replacement for its ageing AWACS aircraft. Boeing has been contracted to rapidly provide representative prototypes adapted to USAF requirements, with plans to bring the aircraft into initial service in 2027.
E-7 Wedgetail is partially replacing the E-3 Sentry
In 2015, the Air Force had 36 E-3 Sentries in service, and now it has around 22. The Air Force had plans to procure 26 Wedgetails to partially replace the Sentries, with some of the E-3 roles being taken over by space-based assets. The United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force has already retired its fleet of E-3 Sentries and is now preparing to receive the first of five planned E-7 Wedgetails. The Pentagon feels that AEW&C aircraft will be too vulnerable in future wars. Indeed, the Russian Air Force has seen two of its seven to eight upgraded Beriev A50U AEW&C shot down while they were thought to be operating at a safe distance from the Ukrainian frontline. The debate in Washington is not so much whether the Wedgetails are capable as whether they will be too vulnerable. The DoD wants to move the roles into space, but critics fear that those capabilities are not yet sufficiently mature to completely replace conventional radar planes. Whether the Wedgetail ultimately flies in US colours now hinges on whether lawmakers’ concerns about space-based vulnerability outweigh Pentagon ambitions for orbital dominance. (Source: Google/https://aerospaceglobalnews.com/)
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Echodyne is a U.S. designer and manufacturer of advanced commercial radar solutions for defense and national security applications. The company’s proprietary metamaterials electronically scanned array (MESA®) architecture, a rare breakthrough in advanced radar engineering, leverages a physics-design approach to adapt conventional materials and deliver unexpected and beneficial behavior. The result is a solid-state, low-SWaP unit coupled with advanced software capabilities that delivers superior radar performance and unparalleled data integrity, radically improving system performance and enhancing safety for people and machines. With leading positions in counter-UAS, force protection, base security, and portable ISR, Defense Agencies and Suppliers rely on Echodyne radar for extraordinary accuracy and consistent, reliable operation.
For more information, please visit: Echodyne.com.
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