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14 Aug 25. US Army Conducts First Air-to-Air Drone Kill with Armed FPV. A SkyRaider quadcopter armed with a Claymore mine recently downed another unmanned aerial system (UAS) in a U.S. Army test, marking the service’s first successful air-to-air kill using a weaponized first-person-view (FPV) drone. According to a news release, the test was conducted at Fort Rucker, Alabama, ahead of the U.S. Army Unmanned Aircraft Systems Summit. The demonstration involved the 173rd Airborne Brigade, the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, and the Army’s Combat Capabilities Development Command Armaments Center. The Army said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Nate Shea piloted the Skyraider while Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Topits operated the opposing UAS in a “dogfight” over Tabernacle Field. Footage uploaded by the 173rd Airborne Brigade does not clearly show how the Claymore was mounted on the quadcopter or what type of firing mechanism was used. The operator appears to have manually detonated the mine after steering the drone close to the target. (Source: https://www.sofx.com/)
14 Aug 25. CobraJet Fighter Drone and Interceptor Offers Low-Cost C-UAS Solution. SkyDefense LLC, headquartered in Brighton, CO, unveiled its advanced AI-powered eVTOL fighter drone and interceptor, the “CobraJet.” This tactical, battery-powered autonomous aircraft is engineered to detect, track, identify, and neutralize enemy drones at high speeds exceeding 200 mph (320 km/h). Designed primarily for security applications, CobraJet defends against drone threats to critical infrastructure, borders, military bases, and public venues. Scalable and available in three trijet versions, V4 and V6 (Group 2), and V8 (Group 3), CobraJet features a 3D printed carbon fiber composite airframe inspired by the 5th-generation Lockheed F-35B and F-22 jets, and the future 6th generation F-47. Equipped with vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capability and thrust vectoring nozzles, the jet delivers exceptional agility and the ability to neutralize multiple fast-moving, evasive UAS with its on-board air-to-air weapons stored in its weapons bay or mounted underbelly. CobraJet is also capable of performing strike missions against ground or naval targets utilizing its present munitions or other air-to-surface weapons such as smart glide bombs. The interceptor’s propulsion relies on electric duct fan (EDF) motors and Amprius solid-state batteries, while its Auterion AI-enabled autopilot and additional NVIDIA compute power, along with Teledyne FLIR NDAA-compliant cameras, ensure autonomous operations day and night. CobraJet can deploy from mobile platforms such as trucks, ships, or aircraft, adding flexibility to its operations. SkyDefense’s Command System, known as VRAM (Visual Realtime Area Monitoring), combines AI-powered data analysis with a control interface that keeps human operators in the decision-making loop. This system enables CobraJet™ to operate seamlessly in contested electromagnetic environments, thanks to AI-assisted visual navigation SmartVision™ and other anti-jam technology. VRAM can also integrate with other Command-and-Control (C2) systems.
“Our USA-made CobraJets can communicate and coordinate as a flight team enabling them to operate as an AI-powered unmanned Air Force,” said Nick Verini, President of SkyDefense LLC. “This team approach increases the effectiveness of the squadron while also significantly reducing the costs of destroying a swarm of enemy drones.”
For Law Enforcement, Homeland Security, and US Military applications, SkyDefense offers a mobile configuration where its command system is housed in tactical or armored BEVs. This platform is designed for extreme environments, boasting low acoustic and thermal signatures to evade enemy detection. Counter-UAS tests with CobraJet and VRAM are planned at the Pendleton UAS Test Site later this year. (Source: UAS VISION/SkyDefense)
14 Aug 25. Coyote Loitering Drone Interceptors Have Arrived on US Navy Destroyers. A recently released picture of the Arleigh Burke class destroyer USS Bainbridge offers a good look at new launchers for Coyote counter-drone interceptors installed on the ship. Earlier this year, the U.S. Navy announced that destroyers assigned to escort the supercarrier USS Gerald R. Ford would be armed with Raytheon Coyote and/or Anduril Roadrunner-M counter-drone systems. In addition to being lower-cost than traditional surface-to-air missiles, Coyote and Roadrunner-M have loitering capabilities that allow them to be more dynamically employed against incoming uncrewed threats. The Navy released the picture of Bainbridge sailing in the Ionian Sea between Italy and Greece over the weekend, but it was taken on July 27, 2025. It is one of three Arleigh Burke class destroyers currently assigned to the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, the others being USS Winston S. Churchill and USS Mitscher. The Winston S. Churchill is serving as the strike group’s air defense commander, a role that certain Arleigh Burkes have increasingly been taking over from a dwindling fleet of aging Ticonderoga class cruisers. The new counter-drone interceptor launchers are installed on the port side of Bainbridge‘s aft superstructure near the ship’s rear Mk 41 Vertical Launch System (VLS) array. A further review of other pictures the Navy has previously released of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group since its current deployment began in June shows the same launcher installation onboard the Winston S. Churchill. Whether or not it is present on the Mitscher is unclear from the imagery available now. Mitscher is notably an older Flight I Arleigh Burke, while Bainbridge and Winston S. Churchill are both newer Flight IIA sub variants, but whether this has any bearing on the fielding of the new counter-drone capabilities is unknown. All Arleigh Burke class destroyers feature Mk 41 VLS arrays, but with differing numbers of cells depending on the subvariant. These can be loaded with a variety of surface-to-air and surface-to-surface missiles, including Standard Missile (SM) series, Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles (ESSM), and Tomahawk types. Some versions have additional launchers for Harpoon or Naval Strike Missile (NSM) anti-ship cruise missiles. Depending on the particular version, Arleigh Burkes have RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) launchers or 20mm Vulcan cannon-armed Mk 15 Phalanx Close-in Weapon Systems (CIWS), or both in some cases, for close-in defense against aerial threats, including drones. The Navy is now moving to replace the Phalanxes on all of its destroyers with RAM launchers. The 5-inch main gun in a turret on the bow of each of the destroyers can also be employed against aerial, as well as surface targets. (Source: UAS VISION/The War Zone)
12 Aug 25. Leonardo DRS, Inc. (NASDAQ: DRS) announced today that is has successfully completed its first series of open-water demonstrations of its advanced maritime Mission Equipment Package (MEP) for counter‑UAS (C‑UAS) naval fleet protection. The DRS maritime MEP is a scalable C-UAS system based on DRS’s proven land-based mobile short-range air defense and C-UAS systems. This system is designed to be mounted on a range of small uncrewed surface vessels providing remote ship protection at varying distances, providing a real solution as the Navy looks to autonomous surface vessels to protect ships from air and surface threats. The initial demonstrations were conducted under realistic sea conditions and demonstrated the MEP’s core integrated systems performance – the detection, identification and tracking of a UAS threat and counter-surface ship tracking. The mission equipment package used in the demonstration included a suite of DRS sensors and command-and-control technologies including the BlackLab passive radio frequency (RF) detection system, STAG electro-optic/infrared (EO/IR) gimbal with advanced thermal cameras, and a tactical data management system using DRS’s sensor fusion operating system and AI to support fusion and target recognition using RF and Optical modalities.
“The U.S. Navy faces the same evolving drone threats as our land forces, and we recognize the urgency of delivering a reliable solution to protect the lives of sailors,” said Cari Ossenfort, senior vice president and general manager of the Leonardo DRS Naval Electronics business unit. “By leveraging our proven expertise in mobile ground-based counter-UAS and short-range air defense systems, we have rapidly developed and demonstrated a maritime force protection capability that provides sailors with full-spectrum situational awareness and the tools to detect, track, and defeat threats at the tactical edge.”
The DRS Maritime MEP is designed for mission-flexibility through modularity and platform agnosticism. It is able to integrate advanced active and passive RF, EO/IR sensors, 4G/5G electronic‑warfare systems, and scalable kinetic or non‑kinetic effectors using its MOSA open system architecture embedded in the Leonardo DRS operating system. The development and integration of the maritime Mission Equipment Package is an example of DRS’s deep experience as a leading innovator and integrator supporting a wide range of missions for the U.S. military and allies around the world. The company’s integration capability extends across all domains to support force protection, computer networking and C5I, as well as naval power and propulsion systems.
13 Aug 25. Cuashub.com said today that US Army advances AI-enabled drone target recognition. U.S. Army researchers are developing an aided target recognition (AiTR) capability for small UAS, aiming to speed up squad-level target detection and boost lethality on the battlefield. Currently, soldiers must manually monitor live drone feeds, scanning large, complex areas for threats, a task that can be time-consuming and fatiguing in dynamic environments. The new approach, led by the Army’s Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) Center in partnership with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, integrates autonomy and threat detection directly into small UAS. The system uses “Smart Search” behaviors to autonomously scan terrain, detect and track high-priority targets, and feed information back to Soldiers in real time.
“Soldiers will have greater lethality, survivability and maneuverability,” said Mathew Wilson, program lead at the C5ISR Center.
While AiTR has previously been focused on ground platforms, applying it to small organic Army drones represents a new direction in Department of Defense research. The aim is to reduce cognitive load, improve situational awareness, and enable faster, more accurate decisions without requiring constant manual drone control. During Project Convergence Capstone 5 at Fort Irwin, California, forward observers used the system to search beyond line-of-sight for threats. Sgt. Brian Ward of 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, called it “a game changer,” adding that autonomous tracking could make it easier to prioritize and engage targets. AiTR data is integrated into the Army’s existing Android Tactical Assault Kit and Nett Warrior devices, allowing autonomous UAS control without new hardware. In testing, the system autonomously launched, flew to target areas, and returned detections without further human input. Although not yet fielded, officials say the technology could keep more Soldiers in the fight by turning vast amounts of drone sensor data into actionable intelligence. https://cuashub.com/en/content/us-army-advances-ai-enabled-drone-target-recognition/ (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
12 Aug 25. DroneShield, a global leader in counter-uncrewed systems (CUxS) technology, proudly announces the launch of SentryCiv, its latest solution designed specifically for critical infrastructure protection. With an advanced, yet cost-effective approach, SentryCiv empowers non-military sectors to safeguard critical assets against rising drone threats. The solution delivers an innovative, non-emitting new layer of security to airports, utilities, data centers, venues and stadiums, government buildings, correctional facilities, and other high-risk sites. As drone threats continue to proliferate worldwide, critical infrastructure is increasingly vulnerable to malicious and unauthorized drone activity. SentryCiv offers a comprehensive, scalable solution that provides real-time detection, and situational awareness. This next-gen technology is engineered to seamlessly integrate into existing security frameworks, enabling a rapid response to potential threats without disrupting operations.
Key Features of the SentryCiv Counter-Drone Solution:
- Integrated Command & Control
Seamless connection to Sentry-C2 Civ platform provides operators with real-time alerts, threat prioritization, customizable zones, data logging, and integration with third-party systems.
- Drone Signal Detection and Identification
- Proprietary DroneLocator technology enables “dot-on-a-map” tracking of threats and operators, beyond RemoteID.
- Detection Without Disruption
Encrypted RF Threat Detection-RFAI™ engine identifies over 150 common drone models without disrupting existing communication systems.
Future-Proof Technology
Quarterly software updates expand the drone detection library, improve performance, and introduce new features to stay ahead of UxS developments. Critical infrastructure providers face unique challenges in securing vast areas against aerial threats. Traditional defense systems are often too complex or costly for non-military environments. SentryCiv is different. By leveraging DroneShield’s proven CUAS technology, SentryCiv provides intuitive, on-the-ground detection capabilities, including drone detection and identification all within the SentryC2-Civ, a user-friendly platform tailored for civilian use.
“Airspace security for critical infrastructure and public safety has never been more urgent,” said Tom Adams, Director of Public Safety at DroneShield. “SentryCiv represents our commitment to making advanced counter-drone solutions accessible and affordable for non-military sectors. This solution is a game-changer for industries like law enforcement, corrections, aviation, and utilities, providing cost-effective, reliable means of protecting critical assets from evolving drone threats.”
As part of its broader strategy, DroneShield is committed to continuously enhancing its product offers, ensuring that critical sectors are equipped with the most advanced, yet accessible tools to stay ahead of emerging security threats. SentryCiv is poised to set a new standard in the industry, providing an affordable, reliable solution for sectors that must ensure both public safety and operational continuity.
11 Aug 25. SkyDefense LLC, headquartered in Brighton, CO, unveiled its advanced AI-powered eVTOL fighter drone and interceptor, the “CobraJet™.” This tactical, battery-powered autonomous aircraft is engineered to detect, track, identify, and neutralize enemy drones at high speeds exceeding 200 mph (320 km/h). Designed primarily for security applications, CobraJet™ defends against drone threats to critical infrastructure, borders, military bases, and public venues. CobraJet eVTOL AI-Powered Fighter Drone and Interceptor Armed with VIPER Air-To-Air C-UAS Rockets Scalable and available in three trijet versions, V4 and V6 (Group 2), and V8 (Group 3), CobraJet™ features a 3D printed carbon fiber composite airframe inspired by the 5th-generation Lockheed F-35B and F-22 jets, and the future 6th generation F-47. Equipped with vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capability and thrust vectoring nozzles, the jet delivers exceptional agility and the ability to neutralize multiple fast-moving, evasive UAS with its on-board air-to-air weapons stored in its weapons bay or mounted underbelly. CobraJet™ is also capable of performing strike missions against ground or naval targets utilizing its present munitions or other air-to-surface weapons such as smart glide bombs. The interceptor’s propulsion relies on electric duct fan (EDF) motors and Amprius solid-state batteries, while its Auterion AI-enabled autopilot and additional NVIDIA compute power, along with Teledyne FLIR NDAA-compliant cameras, ensure autonomous operations day and night. CobraJet™ can deploy from mobile platforms such as trucks, ships, or aircraft, adding flexibility to its operations. SkyDefense’s Command System, known as VRAM (Visual Realtime Area Monitoring), combines AI-powered data analysis with a control interface that keeps human operators in the decision-making loop. This system enables CobraJet™ to operate seamlessly in contested electromagnetic environments, thanks to AI-assisted visual navigation SmartVision™ and other anti-jam technology. VRAM can also integrate with other Command-and-Control (C2) systems.
“Our USA-made CobraJets can communicate and coordinate as a flight team enabling them to operate as an AI-powered unmanned Air Force,” said Nick Verini, President of SkyDefense LLC. “This team approach increases the effectiveness of the squadron while also significantly reducing the costs of destroying a swarm of enemy drones.”
For Law Enforcement, Homeland Security, and US Military applications, SkyDefense offers a mobile configuration where its command system is housed in tactical or armored BEVs. This platform is designed for extreme environments, boasting low acoustic and thermal signatures to evade enemy detection. Counter-UAS tests with CobraJet™ and VRAM are planned at the Pendleton UAS Test Site later this year. For further details visit www.skydefensellc.com or call Nick Verini at 720-339-4972. (Source: PR Newswire)
12 Aug 25. Dedrone by Axon Takes Flight in Project VANAHEIM. Battlefield innovation is taking place at unprecedented speed. Military and government leaders recognise they must act quickly to counter new, unprecedented threats. For these reasons, it has become impossible to test solutions in a lab or to spend months on costly RFPs or product iterations. The pace of modern military innovation requires counter-drone technologies to be demonstrated in the field — under pressure, in real conditions, with no room for error. It is this awareness that gave Project VANAHEIM its start. A joint initiative between the British and US Army, VANAHEIM is a rapid procurement program designed to put promising Counter Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) technologies through their paces in real-world operational environments. The project’s Request for Information drew significant interest from the counter-drone community, and Dedrone by Axon was amongst a few invited to prove our tech in the field.
The purpose of Project VANAHEIM
VANAHEIM’s mission is clear: to evaluate how well different systems can detect, track, identify, and defeat Class 1 UAS threats, including FPV drones, in the kind of challenging conditions soldiers actually face. This isn’t “best case scenario”environment testing. This requires proving capabilities under extreme heat, heavy storms, rough terrain or any other challenge commonly encountered on the battlefield. In June 2025, Dedrone by Axon joined VANAHEIM 3.0 in Germany with our Dedrone OnTheMove (OTM) system, a passive, vehicle-mounted RF solution. When the dust settled, DedroneOTM was the only vehicle-mounted RF system to detect all known drone threats in the event. That result didn’t just speak to our detection accuracy, it showed how our platform-agnostic, open-architecture approach integrates seamlessly with both TAK and SAPIENT systems, giving operators on both sides of the Atlantic real-time situational awareness and enabling faster, more coordinated responses across joint operations. By aligning with standards like SAPIENT, Dedrone is helping lay the foundation for multinational C-UAS collaboration at scale. As SAPIENT continues its ratification process within NATO, it opens the door for other NATO member nations to access and act on Dedrone’s DTI (detect, track, identify) data in real time. Built to scale across coalition partners, DedroneOTM offers a common operational picture and faster threat response across the alliance.
Poland: Raising the Stakes
Our showing in Germany resulted in an invite to VANAHEIM 4.0 in Poland, where we had the opportunity to prove our technology in tougher environments, with higher temperatures, sudden storms, and even more demanding terrain.
Through it all, DedroneOTM hardware and software never faltered. No performance loss. No downtime. Just continuous detection and tracking, giving soldiers an operational edge they could count on.
Project VANAHEIM offers a glimpse into the future of collaborative defence innovation. By bringing together the UK, US, and other partners in a shared testing environment, it accelerates how quickly effective solutions get into the hands of those who need them most and it allows us to demonstrate that our technology isn’t just cutting-edge, it’s combat-ready.
Learn more at DSEI 2025
Come see DedroneOTM in action September 9-12 at DSEI 2025 in London, mounted on vehicles like the Thales Bushmaster, Supacat HMT, and Polaris MRZR. Dedrone also offers a range of additional C-UAS solutions, including FixedSite, Portable, and Tactical systems, as well as the DedroneDefender, a new handheld smart RF jammer. We work closely with our defence partners to support the procurement and deployment of scalable C-UAS solutions.
To schedule a meeting during DSEI, or learn more about our C-UAS solutions, contact our team today.
12 Aug 25. Cuashub.com said today that Skylark Labs showcases ground-breaking detection of RF-Silent “dark drones” at Camp Atterbury. Skylark Labs announced this week a significant advancement in autonomous aerial threat detection, following a successful live demonstration of its Aerial Reconnaissance and Elimination System (ARIES) at Camp Atterbury, Indiana.
The demonstration, part of a multi-agency exercise, highlighted ARIES’ ability to identify, monitor, and categorise a new class of small, non-emitting unmanned aerial systems, commonly referred to as “dark drones.” These drones, which operate without emitting radio frequency (RF) signals or electronic signatures, have posed a considerable challenge to conventional detection technologies and are increasingly prevalent in modern conflict zones such as Ukraine.
During the evaluation, ARIES was tested alongside a range of commercial and military-grade sUAS detection systems. It consistently outperformed expectations by using high-resolution optical sensors, radar, and proprietary artificial intelligence algorithms to autonomously detect and track multiple “dark” drone types in real time. ARIES is capable of recognising known drone models as well as entirely new shapes and configurations without relying on pre-existing profiles or signatures.
Designed for versatility, ARIES can operate as a standalone counter-sUAS solution or be integrated into existing defence platforms, helping to close critical gaps in aerial threat detection. The system is deployed via Skylark Labs’ Scout MK1 Towers, which are equipped with onboard sensors for continuous threat monitoring. All data collected is transmitted to a central command hub, enabling immediate situational awareness and swift response.
“This is a pivotal advancement in the global counter-UAS mission,” said Dr. Amarjot Singh, CEO of Skylark Labs. He continued, “ARIES is designed to detect the undetectable—those drones that fly under the radar, both literally and electronically. This demonstration validates our vision: to build adaptive, AI-powered systems that thrive in the complexity of real-world combat and security scenarios.”
The successful deployment at Camp Atterbury demonstrates that non-emitting aerial threats can be reliably identified using a sensor-agnostic AI fusion approach, without dependence on RF, thermal, or GPS data.
Skylark Labs showcases ground-breaking detection of RF-Silent “dark drones” at Camp Atterbury
(Source: https://cuashub.com/)
12 Aug 25. Cuashub.com said today that AeroVironment and SNC announce strategic partnership to deliver Golden Dome C-UAS architecture. AeroVironment (AV) and Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) have announced a strategic partnership to develop the Golden Dome for America (GDA), a next-generation limited-area defence architecture designed to counter evolving aerial threats. The collaboration aims to align multi-domain capabilities and deliver an integrated, open-architecture air and missile defence system focused on protecting high-value U.S. infrastructure. The GDA programme is intended to provide a last line of defence against current and emerging threats, including unmanned aerial systems (UAS), advanced cruise missiles, and other next-generation aerial platforms. AV and SNC are building a layered defence solution capable of shielding specific sites such as bases, ships, airfields, and critical infrastructure. The system is designed to expand its coverage as new sensors and interceptors, particularly space-based assets, are brought online.
“The Trump Administration understands what has been a long-held belief within the defence industry – there is an immediate and critical need for a layered system that provides a last line of defence,” said Wahid Nawabi, AV Chairman, President and CEO. “Together, AV and SNC can rapidly provide novel and affordable defensive solutions, ensuring unmatched limited-area ‘under-dome’ protection.”
The architecture will integrate passive and active sensing, radio frequency detection, directed energy, kinetic interceptors, electronic warfare, and cyber capabilities. These components will be aligned to address the full kill chain required to neutralise Group 1–4 UAS and other aerial threats. The system is being built on open standards to ensure interoperability and rapid scalability.
“This is an ambitious, next-generation shield designed to protect the American homeland from increasingly complex threats,” said Fatih Ozmen, SNC CEO. “Meeting that challenge demands industry ingenuity and collaboration on par with the Manhattan Project. We’re proud to bring together complementary capabilities and cutting-edge technologies with AV to make Americans safer.”
SNC’s sister company, Sierra Space, is also exploring collaborating with AV to support the space-based layer of the GDA system.
AeroVironment and SNC announce strategic partnership to deliver Golden Dome C-UAS architecture
(Source: https://cuashub.com/)
05 Aug 25. Ondas completes Iron Drone Raider pilots in Europe and Asia. Ondas has announced the successful completion of pilot programmes conducted with governmental homeland security agencies in Europe and Asia. These programmes have tested the Iron Drone Raider system in a range of operational scenarios, including GPS-denied environments, interception of various maneuvering aerial targets, and the use of net-and-parachute capture technology to minimise collateral damage. One of the programmes also included integration with third-party command-and-control (C2) and drone detection systems. “Both pilot programmes concluded with the Iron Drone Raider receiving excellent performance evaluations, validating its capabilities in real-world operations and setting the stage for scaled, long-term deployments.” the company said. During the programmes, the Iron Drone Raider system was demonstrated and achieved mission success in several distinct operational scenarios, including engagements with fast and unpredictable targets, autonomous interception in signal-contested conditions, and full-cycle recovery and redeployment from its base station. Iron Drone Raider’s core interception approach uses a physical net-and-parachute capture method, guided by onboard AI decision-making and real-time manoeuvring capabilities. This combination is designed to enable the Raider to neutralise a range of hostile drones-including autonomous and evasive targets-while ensuring zero collateral damage to people or infrastructure. The system is fully autonomous, AI-powered, and designed for continuous operation. Ondas is now working to convert these pilots in Europe and Asia into long-term infrastructure deployment programmes. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
12 Aug 25. Cuashub.com said today that the US Army targets 2026 for scalable high-energy laser program. The U.S. Army is aiming to secure funding in fiscal year 2026 to launch a competition for a high-energy laser weapon system, with an initial focus on countering drones, senior officials confirmed at the Space and Missile Defense Symposium. The planned “Enduring High Energy Laser” program marks a shift from years of rapid prototyping toward a scalable, field-ready capability. Over the past five years, the Army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) has built 17 directed-energy prototypes, ranging from 10-kilowatt palletized systems for fixed sites to 50-kilowatt lasers on Stryker-based Maneuver Short-Range Air Defense (M-SHORAD) vehicles. Eleven of those prototypes, including four M-SHORAD systems, have been deployed to U.S. Central Command. Operational testing has shown promise for directed-energy weapons, which offer low cost per shot and deep magazine capacity, but the Army says reliability, maintainability and production scalability remain obstacles.
“We can’t get by with the thought of having clean rooms out in combat,” said Lt. Gen. Robert Rasch, RCCTO director.
To address these issues, the Army plans to issue initial capability documents to industry within 60 days and update its broad agency announcement later this year. The service is seeking modular designs with line-replaceable units that soldiers can swap in the field, particularly for high-failure components like optics. Col. Adam Miller, who leads RCCTO’s directed-energy programs, said the new approach will separate vehicle integration from laser development, allowing systems to be adapted for platforms from Strykers to robotic vehicles. Industry representatives echoed the need to prepare for rapid production, warning that current supplier capacity is not ready for the anticipated demand. If funded, the 2026 competition could mark the Army’s first major push to deliver high-energy lasers in quantity, moving the technology from “onesies and twosies” toward a scalable counter-drone capability.
(Source: https://cuashub.com/)
05 Aug 25. Ukraine’s Technari “developing re-usable C-UAS interceptor to shoot down Shaheed drones.” Defender Media, a Ukrainian media company reporting on new defence technology, reports that Ukranian company Technari has developed “the Mongoose” a jet-propelled reusable drone with an automatic homing system aimed at combatting jet-propelled Shaheed drones. “According to the developers, it will fly up to the “Shaheeds”, fire a fragmentation charge at the engine or propeller of the enemy drone, and then continue the mission or return for refueling and reloading,” said the report. According to Technari CEO Gennady Suldin, quoted in the story, almost all interceptor drones currently used to shoot down the Shaheds or being developed for this task will soon lose their relevance. “The vast majority of them have a maximum speed of no more than 250 km per hour,” he said. “If the Russians start putting more powerful internal combustion engines on the Shaheds, not to mention jet engines, then the current interceptor drones will not be able to catch up with them. Another problem with such interceptors is that you need to simultaneously keep as many pilots and crews on standby as the enemy will launch the Shaheds at a specific time, because a kamikaze can only hit one enemy drone per mission. The third issue that worries Suldin is production capacity. Ukraine’s need for “anti-Shahed” drones is about 200,000 units per year, and no company on the market can produce such a quantity of the necessary equipment in a short time. In his opinion, these three problems can be solved if the Shahed interceptors are reusable and can shoot down several enemy aircraft in one mission.
The Mongoose jet engine allows it to reach speeds of 300-310 km per hour – according to Suldin, this will be enough to easily catch up with even future iterations of the Shahed. The maximum flight altitude is 5,000 m, and the combat radius is about 12 km.
For more information
https://www.technary.com.ua/en/#projects (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
06 Aug 25. Canada, Mexico and US form trilateral effort to protect FIFA World Cup from drone threats. The governments of Canada, Mexico and the United States of America have convened a three-day Subject Matter Expert Exchange to foster collaboration among government officials*, industry leaders and security professionals to discuss joint efforts in countering uncrewed aerial system (UAS) threats to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. “Through these last three days, experts from the partner nations shared relevant best practices, fostering a productive exchange that advanced our collective efforts to ensure a secure World Cup,” a joint statement reads. As part of the trilateral effort, the countries will strengthen public-private coordination and address policy and technology gaps that may impact their ability to respond effectively to joint challenges. The exchange included an industry roundtable that provided a platform for dialogue and innovation, enabling the three governments to identify lessons learned, explore solutions and enhance preparedness to confront evolving threats. The collaboration over these three days is the first of a series of events that reflect the shared commitment to regional security and developing strategies to use and mitigate threats posed by emerging technologies.
*Present at the meeting were the Secretary of Foreign Affairs of Mexico, Dr. Juan Ramón de la Fuente; the Government of Mexico’s Representative for the FIFA World Cup, Ms. Gabriela Cuevas; the Executive Director of the White House Taskforce for the FIFA World Cup, Mr. Andrew Giuliani; Mr. Paul Watzlavick, Senior Official of the Bureau of Arms Control and Nonproliferation at the U.S. Department of State; Mr. Michael Jensen, Senior Director for Western Hemisphere Affairs at the U.S. National Security Council; His Excellency Cameron MacKay, Ambassador of Canada to Mexico; Mr. Roberto Velasco, Head of the Mexican Foreign Ministry’s North America Unit; and Mr. Alfonso Zegbe, Head of the Mexican Foreign Ministry’s Interagency Coordination and Public Diplomacy Unit. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
07 Aug 25. Lithuania asks NATO for help in strengthening C-UAS capabilities. The Lithuanian government has asked NATO to help strengthen its air defences after a drone carrying 2 kilograms of explosives entered the country’s airspace from Belarus and crashed in a military training area. According to multiple media reports, defence minister Dovilė Šakalienė and foreign minister Kęstutis Budrys have sent a letter to NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte to request the deployment of additional, “even experimental,” counter-UAS and wider air defence capabilities. The drone crossed the border on July 28. On July 10, a Russian military drone crashed about a kilometer inside Lithuania’s territory after entering from Belarus, say media reports. Lithuania is a key partner in the East Shield and Baltic Defence Line, two interconnected initiatives aimed at strengthening NATO’s eastern flank and deterring potential adversaries. The Baltic Defence Line is a joint project involving Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, while East Shield is a programme with Poland’ to bolster its eastern border. Lithuania plans dedicating EUR 1.1 bn over the next 10 years to strengthen its “counter-mobility arsenal”, say government reports. An investigation into the rogue drone incursion is underway.
For more information:
https://www.politico.eu/article/lithuania-nato-air-defense-drone-belarus-russia/
https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/lithuania-asks-nato-more-air-defences-after-drones-land-its-territory-2025-08-05/
https://kam.lt/en/lithuania-and-poland-invest-in-countermobility-military-mobility-and-fuel-reserves-together/ (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
08 Aug 25. Cuashub.com said today that Belgium implements permanent drone detection in city of Hasselt. Since early July, police in the Limburg Regio Hoofdstad zone have begun using a permanent drone detection system to monitor and respond to unauthorized drone activity in the city of Hasselt. The technology, provided by SkeyDrone, marks the first time a Belgian city has deployed such a system on a permanent basis. The system is designed to improve public safety by enabling law enforcement to detect, track and respond more effectively to drone-related violations. With a coverage radius of more than five kilometers, the detection network monitors activity across Hasselt’s urban airspace, which includes restricted and no-fly zones such as those around public events and Kiewit Airport. According to the police, they receive around 100 drone-related reports from residents each year, mostly tied to privacy concerns or suspicious activity. There have also been incidents involving drones dropping objects and other forms of criminal use. Enforcement has been difficult without the ability to locate drone operators in real time. The new detection capability addresses this gap. During a trial phase in 2024, the system demonstrated its ability to identify the position of drone pilots, enabling police patrols to intervene while a flight is still underway. This operational success led to the decision to fully deploy the system. In addition to detecting unauthorized activity, the system also supports police and emergency drone operations by showing the positions of all nearby drones, helping reduce the risk of mid-air collisions. Since going live, the system has detected 244 drone flights. Of those, 168 were from authorized sources such as the police and fire brigade. However, the system also recorded a number of infractions, with twelve drones exceeding the legal altitude limit of 120 meters, including one that reached 406 meters and entered the approach path of Kiewit Airport while it was active. SkeyDrone, a joint venture between skeyes (Belgium’s air navigation service provider) and Brussels Airport Company, develops airspace monitoring and drone management solutions. The company is involved in supporting U-space implementation in Belgium, which aims to establish a regulated framework for drone operations across European airspace. Authorities in Hasselt say the deployment could serve as a model for other cities facing similar challenges from increasing drone activity. https://cuashub.com/en/content/belgium-implements-permanent-drone-detection-in-city-of-hasselt/ (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
08 Aug 25. Cuashub.com said today that Anduril strengthens ties with Indo-Pacific with latest UAS agreements. Anduril Industries is accelerating its push into the Asian defense market through two major partnerships in South Korea and Taiwan. The company recently formalized a partnership with Korean Air to co-develop next-generation UAS for the Asia-Pacific region. In parallel, Anduril announced a significant expansion in Taiwan, including the delivery of loitering munitions, the launch of a new regional office and a deeper collaboration with Taiwan’s leading defense research institute. On August 7, Anduril and Korean Air signed a Technical Agreement in Seoul, building on a Memorandum of Understanding signed in April. The collaboration aims to develop a “Korean-style UAV” based on autonomous mission systems and AI surveillance technologies. The companies are exploring licensed production of Anduril systems in South Korea and establishing a potential local production facility, tentatively titled “Arsenal South Korea.” Korean Air stated the partnership represents a strategic step in enhancing Korea’s future defense posture.
“This collaboration goes beyond co-development – it has the potential to reshape the global UAV market and enhance the operational efficiency of our military’s unmanned forces,” a company spokesperson said.
For Anduril, which has quickly emerged as a key U.S. defense supplier with contracts across the Department of Defense and the Australian Ministry of Defence, the Korea initiative is a continuation of its focus on software-first, scalable defense systems built for real-world use.
Taiwan expansion and loitering munition deliveries
Meanwhile, Anduril is also deepening its presence in Taiwan with the delivery of Altius loitering munitions, the first tranche of such systems to arrive on the island. The delivery was completed within six months of contract signature, significantly faster than most traditional foreign military sales timelines. According to the company, the munitions were built “at financial risk” to meet urgent operational needs.
“This is an enormously consequential moment for Anduril and for the free world,” said company founder Palmer Luckey during a visit to Taipei. “We produced Altius at risk because Taiwan needs defense capabilities now, not years from now.”
Altius is an autonomous, long-endurance platform designed for both surveillance and precision strike. It is modular and attritable, making it well-suited for contested environments where high-value assets would be at risk. In support of these deliveries, Anduril launched a new Taiwan branch office to facilitate local engineering, supply chain coordination, and program execution. The company is also expanding its cooperation with Taiwan’s National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST), including ongoing integration of its Lattice AI platform with Taiwanese unmanned systems. These technologies are expected to appear in an upcoming live-fire exercise and at the Taiwan Aerospace and Defense Technology Exhibition in September. Speaking to a group of Taiwanese engineers at National Taiwan University, Luckey emphasized the long-term vision:
“Taiwan is on the verge of a techno-industrial renaissance for its national defense. It has the highly skilled people and the workforce. It has the world-class technology and the hardware available. It has government officials and private capital ready to support these efforts,” Luckey said during his remarks.
“But this moment demands that we all step up in support of this goal. You have the opportunity to put your extraordinary talents to work in defense of your nation.”
Together, these developments suggest that Anduril is positioning itself as a key defense technology partner for allies across the region, not just as a supplier of American systems, but as a co-developer and long-term participant in local ecosystems.
https://cuashub.com/en/content/anduril-strengthens-ties-with-indo-pacific-with-latest-uas-agreements/ (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
07 Aug 25. US Army readies to launch 2026 competition for counter-drone laser weapon. The U.S. Army is counting on funding in fiscal 2026 to hold a competition to pursue a high-energy laser weapon system focused first on countering drones, according to service officials. Over the course of the last five-plus years, the Army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office, or RCCTO, has built a wide variety of directed energy prototypes, from 10-kilowatt palletized systems for fixed sites to 20- to 30-kilowatt lasers mounted on small tactical vehicles, to 50-kilowatt systems on the Army’s Maneuver-Short-Range Air Defense Stryker-based vehicles. The office also continues to develop a 300-kilowatt laser, as well as high-power microwave capabilities, to counter a variety of threats like drones, artillery and cruise missiles. Out of the 17 prototypes developed through the office, the Army has deployed 11 of them, including four Directed Energy M-SHORAD systems to the U.S. Central Command area of operations. Through operational experimentation, the Army has concluded there is great potential for directed-energy weapons, particularly because of their extraordinarily low cost per shot and naturally high magazine depth. But currently, the ability to sustain the systems in the rough and dirty environments of the battlefield needs work — and industry is not yet poised to manufacture them at scale. The Army decided to pursue what it is calling its Enduring High Energy Laser program to tackle those specific challenges and steer the capability from prototypes to systems that can be fielded.
“We have to continue to work harder, we have to continue to work with the soldiers. We have to continue to work with industry to develop our directed-energy platforms and focus on the areas of reliability,” Lt. Gen. Robert Rasch, the RCCTO director, said Wednesday at the Space and Missile Defense Symposium.
“We’ve got to work on maintainability because … we can’t get by with the thought of having clean rooms out in combat,” he said.
After years of prototyping, the Army’s Enduring High Energy Laser effort will also be designed to be delivered at scale “at more than onesies or twosies,” Rasch said.
The Army plans to release initial capability documents to industry within the next 60 days and is also planning to update its broad agency announcement, which was first released in the summer of 2024. The service is looking at a modular approach for components and is asking industry to design the system with line-replaceable units, meaning components that can be swapped in and out by soldiers in the field in a non-sterile environment. The experimentation in operational scenarios has led to a deep understanding of what components and parts of the laser systems have high failure rates, Col. Adam Miller, who is in charge of directed-energy programs within RCCTO, said at the symposium.
“The optics on these systems are one of the high failure rate items and one of the challenges that we have,” he said. “So as we look to design the beam director … we wanted to insert a touch point opportunity, an integration and a learning event for those soldiers to actually repair that optic and to demonstrate that.”
The system should also be interoperable in the sense that laser providers will not be asked to be vehicle integrators, like many were tasked to do in prototyping.
“We have decoupled the vehicle from our lasers,” Miller said.
“So, if the Army wants to put it on a robot or a Stryker or a [Joint Light Tactical Vehicle],” it can be done with some modifications and size, weight and power adjustments, he said.
The service is also looking to ensure the user interface is common and open, Miller added. The program will also challenge industry to design the systems to be ready to be manufactured at scale.
“Both industry, and on the government side, fully expect directed energy to go up like a hockey stick from the demand perspective, as well as the need to build these systems rapidly,” John Garrity, vice president at BlueHalo, now an AeroVironment company, said at the symposium.
“Not a single component of material suppliers is probably situated to meet that demand today, so our focus has been on building that coalition and team … to make sure that we are ready to actually produce those systems at scale and at volume.” (Source: Defense News)
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