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09 Oct 25. Aurora Flight Sciences and Uvision USA Unite to Offer Advanced Launched Effects Solutions. The collaboration establishes a fast path to fieldable launched effects that reliably support and extend the operations of manned platforms. Aurora Flight Sciences, a Boeing company, and Uvision USA have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at advancing Launched Effects (LE) solutions to enhance operations for the U.S. Army. This MOU brings together Aurora’s expertise in collaborative autonomy, modular open systems, and mission integration with Uvision’s proven loitering munitions and launch mechanisms to create a field-ready solution that meets modern warfare requirements. In an April 2025 memo, the U.S. Secretary of War directed the U.S. Army to field launched effects in every Division by the end of 2026. Launched effects represent a critical pillar of a capability-based approach by providing commanders with collaborative air and ground systems that extend reach, accelerate kill chains, and integrate seamlessly across the joint force. The systems’ enhanced reconnaissance, targeting, situational awareness, and precision strike capabilities give warfighters a decisive edge in complex operational environments. Aurora Flight Sciences has previous experience as the lead systems integrator for the U.S. Army’s Air-Launched Effects (ALE) program, where the company played a critical role in design, integration, and flight testing. The program required a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA), which Aurora continues to employ to create flexible LE technologies that integrate into existing Army networks and are capable of scaling to increasingly advanced systems. Uvision’s HERO family of loitering munitions and launch mechanisms have already been deployed in operational environments worldwide. These systems offer combat-proven capabilities, reliability, and adaptability, making them ideal for launched effects integration. By leveraging the American-made HERO 120 system as the foundation, the team can fast-track deployable short-range LE solutions, while also developing the option to incorporate longer range munitions in future capability offerings.
“UVision’s loitering munitions are known for their precision, effectiveness, and scalability,” said Jarmin “JB” Blanton, vice president of Marketing, BD & Sales at Uvision. “Working with Aurora allows us to integrate our proven air vehicles and launch mechanisms into advanced LE solutions. We are leveraging each of our organizations’ strengths to offer reliability and rapid deployment to the U.S. Army.”
“Aurora and Uvision are committed to advancing the Pentagon’s call to action,” said Graham Drozeski, chief technology officer at Aurora Flight Sciences. “Pairing Aurora’s expertise in autonomy and systems integration with Uvision’s combat-proven platforms creates the most fieldable short-range LE system in the market. We will deliver systems that are adaptable, resilient, and interoperable to ensure overmatch in contested environments.” (Source: ASD Network)
09 Oct 25. Red Cat Introduces FANG – A Low-Cost, NDAA-Compliant Line of FPV Drones. Red Cat Holdings, Inc., a U.S.-based provider of advanced all-domain drone and robotic solutions for defense and national security, today announced the launch of its FANG line of NDAA-compliant First Person View (FPV) drones, starting with the 7-inch FANG F7. Initially developed through a U.S. military lab program, FANG has progressed from concept to field-ready, providing secure, retrievable FPV systems that meet federal procurement requirements. The FANG line, part of Red Cat’s Arachnid Family of Systems, provides operators with secure, American-made FPV drones that combine performance with significant savings. The FANG F7 features a 7-inch carbon fiber frame engineered for durability and stability, paired with a retrievable design that makes it reusable and cost-efficient. This balance of rugged construction and affordability ensures the drone is equally effective as a training tool and as a mission-ready asset. The FANG line was created to strengthen domestic drone production by reshoring manufacturing and replacing components traditionally sourced from China. Built to meet federal purchasing requirements, FANG offers NDAA-compliant solutions for defense, public safety, and other government agencies. All critical components are independently certified and listed on the DIU Blue UAS Framework, with the full system pending inclusion on the Blue UAS cleared list.
Setting a New Standard for FPV Drones
- Unmatched Affordability: The FANG line is designed as the lowest-cost family of NDAA-compliant FPV drones on the market, addressing demand for attritable systems for training and practice.
- Retrievable & Reusable: Unlike one-time-use loitering systems, FANG drones are recoverable, reducing total cost of ownership.
- Training Advantage: Enables operators to build proficiency and mission readiness through repeated, cost-efficient practice.
- Precision Effects: Dual-use design supports ISR (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance) and precision effects missions, broadening tactical flexibility.
- Ecosystem Integration: Future models in the FANG line will integrate with Red Cat’s Arachnid ecosystem and UAS Tool (ATAK) command-and-control environment.
- NDAA-Compliant Components: FANG drones incorporate UMAC-manufactured motors and other key parts, ensuring trusted, U.S.-sourced components.
Availability
The FANG F7 is now available for purchase by defense, public safety, and government agencies operating under NDAA restrictions. Red Cat will fulfill orders directly and through authorized procurement channels. Technical specifications and ordering details are available here.
Event Debut
FANG was announced at the Premier Drone Competition in Cumberland County, North Carolina, hosted by the Fayetteville Cumberland Economic Development Corporation (FCEDC). (Source: UAS VISION)
08 Oct 25. Today, Seguritech, a leader in advanced security technology integration, announced a strategic partnership with Technicalis, the developer of Overflight™, the world’s leading Drone-as-First-Responder (DFR) software platform. Together, the companies will deliver cutting-edge drone-enabled public safety solutions across the United States, with planned expansions into Mexico and Colombia. This collaboration brings together Seguritech’s deep expertise in complex public safety systems and Technicalis’ advanced drone operations technology, including FAA-compliant BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) capabilities, mission management, and regulatory frameworks.
Strategic Collaboration Highlights:
- Joint Market Pursuit: The companies will pursue government and commercial opportunities for drone-enabled security and safety solutions in the U.S.
- Showroom Demonstration Sites: Integrated solutions will be showcased at demonstration sites to drive market adoption and serve as trusted reference points.
- End-to-End Value Delivery: From sales outreach and solution design to FAA-compliant deployment, training, and long-term support.
- Technology Integration: Overflight™ will be embedded into Seguritech’s broader technology stack, creating a comprehensive next-generation public safety platform.
The partnership positions Seguritech and Technicalis at the forefront of next-generation systems to improve public safety, where drones, AI, and integrated platforms converge to create smarter, safer communities. By combining Seguritech’s integration and client relationships with Technicalis’ technology and compliance expertise, the companies aim to accelerate the adoption of drone-based emergency response solutions.
“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to innovation and real-world impact,” said Ariel Picker, CEO of Seguritech. “Together, we’re redefining what’s possible in public safety.”
About Seguritech
Seguritech is a pioneer in the integration of advanced security technologies, with over 30 years of experience transforming and evolving to become a benchmark in the industry. The company delivers comprehensive, innovative solutions that combine surveillance, communications, and data systems to support residential, institutional, and governmental clients. Seguritech is recognized for its commitment to performance, reliability, and the development of smart, integrated safety systems that help create safer, more resilient communities. (Source: PR Newswire)
25 Sep 25. During the Estonian Defence Week, Defsecintel Solutions (Estonia) and Origin Robotics (Latvia) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) confirming the launch of a partnership that will offer a significant contribution to the Drone Wall—Europe’s first operational, cross-border system purpose-built to detect and defeat hostile drones. The rapidly growing threat of hostile drones requires mobile and cost-effective C-UAS systems capable of detecting and neutralizing different types of UAVs with a wide range of countermeasures and various effectors. Defsecintel Solutions, drawing on operational insights from Ukraine, has developed and manufactures the EIRSHIELD system – a modular, turn-key C-UAS platform that integrates advanced technologies from leading European companies with combat-proven performance.
“Politicians have called for a Drone Wall. We are ready to build it,” said Jaanus Tamm, CEO of Defsecintel Solutions. “This is not a concept. This is a live, integrated system that’s ready today and already protecting Europe’s eastern flank. This is not a roadmap or a PowerPoint. We offer European end-users a turnkey C-UAS solution with the best available combat-proven effectors in the Baltic region against low-flying hostile drones.”
Together, the companies offer a system providing long-range radar and signal disruption with autonomous aerial interceptors to deliver a fast, modular, and scalable defence against unmanned threats. The system is specifically designed to counter:
- Loitering munitions
- Fixed-wing reconnaissance UAVs
- Swarming drone tactics
It is fully operational, built on combat-proven platforms, and designed to adapt to fast-changing threat environments.
Defsecintel Solutions, the developer of the EIRSHIELD system, brings advanced long-range detection, electronic warfare (EW) capabilities, and multi-layer sensor fusion—refined through active deployments in Ukraine. Origin Robotics contributes its autonomous drone interceptor, BLAZE, a man-portable, operator-supervised platform that can track, identify, and destroy high-speed aerial targets using onboard AI and computer vision. BLAZE has been engineered to counter drones that evade conventional air defense systems. Equipped with an HE fragmentation warhead, it ensures precise and effective threat elimination, even in contested environments.
“The need for a system like BLAZE is immediate; it’s driven by real-world operational demands that are unfolding right now,” said Agris Kipurs, CEO of Origin Robotics. “It delivers fast-launch interception at a fraction of the cost. No theory—this is already in the hands of real users.”
This cooperation is a direct response to the increasing scale and complexity of aerial threats in the region, especially along Europe’s eastern border. With UAV attacks now a daily feature of modern warfare, nations cannot afford to wait for traditional procurement timelines. The Baltic Drone Wall concept is launched by Defsecintel Solutions and Defence Estonia Cluster with partners from other Baltic States.
08 Oct 25. China’s CH-3D Challenges Turkey’s Bayraktar TB2. China is advancing efforts to challenge one of the world’s most widely exported combat drones, the Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2, with a new domestically developed system undergoing flight testing. At the AVIC test range, engineers are putting the CH-3D combat drone through a series of evaluations. The aircraft, developed by China’s state-owned aviation giant AVIC, is designed to compete in the same class of medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicles where the Bayraktar TB2 has established itself as a global leader. The TB2 gained wide recognition after a string of combat successes in Syria, Libya, Iraq, Nagorno-Karabakh, and, most notably, Ukraine. Its battlefield record and relatively low cost have made it one of the most sought-after UAVs on the international arms market. While many manufacturers from other countries have attempted to replicate the Turkish drone’s success by producing near-identical copies, AVIC is pursuing a different strategy. The CH-3D introduces several technical advancements intended to give it an operational edge over the TB2, particularly in scenarios requiring extended range and beyond-line-of-sight control. One of its most notable features is a satellite communications (SATCOM) antenna system, which enables the CH-3D to operate over long distances without relying on line-of-sight radio links. This capability allows operators to maintain control and conduct missions in environments where conventional communications would be limited or ineffective — a feature that could offer a decisive advantage over the Bayraktar TB2 in certain operational contexts. The CH-3D also incorporates retractable landing gear, a design element that improves aerodynamic efficiency. The result is longer flight endurance and an expanded operational radius, extending the drone’s reach and mission duration. According to available specifications, the CH-3D can remain airborne for up to 20 hours, with a maximum service ceiling of 7,200 meters and a cruising speed of around 280 kilometers per hour. It has a maximum takeoff weight of 700 kilograms and is capable of carrying a range of precision-guided munitions, including air-dropped bombs and guided missiles. The platform’s payload flexibility positions it as a versatile strike asset suitable for reconnaissance, close air support, and precision strike missions. The combination of extended endurance, improved communication systems, and a heavier weapons loadout suggests that AVIC is seeking to capture market share not just by imitating the TB2, but by offering a more capable and adaptable system. China’s push into this segment comes as global demand for armed drones continues to grow, with many countries seeking affordable yet capable alternatives to U.S. and Israeli-made UAVs. The Bayraktar TB2’s success has set a high benchmark, forcing new entrants to either match or surpass its operational capabilities to compete effectively. For Beijing, the CH-3D is more than just another drone — it represents an attempt to expand China’s presence in the lucrative UAV export market and challenge Turkey’s dominance in a category that has reshaped modern warfare. (Source: UAS VISION/Defence Blog)
09 Oct 25. REMUS 620 Conducts 1st Torpedo Tube Recovery and Swimout.
Joint Team Hits Key Milestone in Submarine-Launched UUV Ops
A joint team from HII (NYSE: HII), Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), and the U.S. Navy’s Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport (NUWC Division Newport) has successfully completed the first recovery of a second-generation REMUS 620 into a Virginia-class submarine torpedo tube and shutterway test fixture at Seneca Lake, New York. This milestone, achieved less than seven months after integrating WHOI’s Yellow Moray torpedo tube launch and recovery (TTL&R) technology into the next-generation REMUS 620 medium unmanned undersea vehicle (UUV), marks a major step forward in the U.S. Navy Submarine Force’s efforts to launch and recover autonomous undersea vehicles from submarine torpedo tubes. An in-water test by the joint team confirmed the ability of REMUS 620 to conduct complex autonomous navigational and communication protocols in safely docking with the shock and fire enclosure capsule (SAFECAP) loaded into a submerged Virginia-class submarine fixture. The REMUS 620 also successfully demonstrated reverse swimout launch and safe separation during this test period.
“This successful docking validates the research and development investments and efforts of HII; specifically the REMUS 620 engineers working in close cooperation with our WHOI teammates. We leveraged WHOI’s previous three years of TTL&R work, lessons learned, and expertise to greatly accelerate our progress in successfully getting to this important milestone,’ said Duane Fotheringham, president of the Unmanned Systems group in HII’s Mission Technologies division.
Carl Hartsfield, director and senior program manager at Oceanographic Systems Lab (OSL) of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, stated: “Despite a highly compressed schedule, our teams rapidly conducted testing runs, quickly evaluated the data, and made substantive adjustments to the vehicle. This is a real testament to the teamwork and professionalism between our three organizations. The REMUS 620 team’s thorough preparation working hand in hand with our technical experts at the OSL in advance was clear during all phases of the successful testing. We were also extremely impressed with the Seneca Lake NUWC support provided throughout the test schedule.” (Source: ASD Network)
07 Oct 25. Allient Inc. (Nasdaq: ALNT) (“Allient” or the “Company”), a global designer and manufacturer of specialty Motion, Controls and Power products and solutions for targeted industries and applications, today announced its expanded capabilities and commitment to the drone market. Building on its proven track record and leveraging advanced technologies and a global network of engineering and manufacturing facilities, Allient is expanding its capabilities to meet the evolving needs of drone manufacturers worldwide. Allient brings decades of engineering expertise and high-volume U.S. manufacturing to the forefront of drone system requirements. We are expanding our robust technology foundation to deliver advanced motion and power solutions for unmanned aerial systems (UAS), starting with COTS propulsion motors and extending to ESCs, gimbals, propellers, mission-ready kits, and power/electronic solutions. Allient has an unmatched track record for providing motors and electronics for mission-critical applications, manufacturing more than 5 m motors annually, with drone market-specific solutions that includes:
- Minimized weight, high efficacy and high torque Motors from 43mm to 148mm in diameter with rugged and reliable bearing designs based on proven Allient motors made globally
- Motor winding options from 3Strand to 12Strand and optimized cooling for thrust applications
- Designed with or without electronic drive and control capabilities
- Lightweighting technology with superior weight-to-strength ratios, no weld joints or seams, and embedded EMI shielding while supporting extreme environmental conditions, including defense applications
- Efficient and lightweight drive electronics with sensorless- and sensored-FOC manufactured in the USA, enabling longer flight times and quieter operation
- Intelligent diagnostics, including voltage, current, temperature, vibration, throttle-loss, and battery current
- High-performance autopilot communication, including DroneCAN, Ardupilot, Piccolo, Veronte, and Single Pair Ethernet (SPE)
Designed, built, and supported in the USA, our components meet the demanding standards of Defense applications. What sets us apart is not only the performance and availability of our products, but our ability to customize and optimize them for each application, including military drone platforms, special KV, and mechanical features.
Multiple Allient Technology Units work together to provide BLDC inner/outer rotor, axial air gap, and custom motor and actuator solutions for propulsion and gyro applications. Additionally, Allient structural composite technologies are deployed in nest designs to house and launch multiple drones from a platform.
“Allient is uniquely positioned to provide the technology, design expertise, and global manufacturing capabilities needed to meet the evolving demands of the drone market,“ said Richard S. Warzala, Chairman of the Board, President and CEO at Allient. “By delivering tailored solutions, we enable our customers to achieve their next breakthrough in drone applications.”
For more information about Allient’s comprehensive range of solutions for the drone market, visit https://allient.com/drone-capabilities/
06 Oct 25. Less than a year after proving the flight efficiency and reliability of a novel rotor blown wing vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS), Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company (NYSE: LMT) is unveiling its Nomad™ future family of aircraft. The twin proprotor design combines the versatility of a helicopter with the speed and range of a fixed-wing airplane. A Nomad aircraft can take off, hover, and land vertically, plus cruise on the wing for extended periods. Nomads are operated via Sikorsky’s MATRIX™ autonomy technology and predominantly use hybrid-electric propulsion, while larger variants will feature a conventional drivetrain.
“We use the term ‘family’ to point to a key attribute of the design; its ability to be scaled in size from a small Group 3 UAS to the footprint equivalent of a Black Hawk helicopter,” said Rich Benton, Sikorsky vice president and general manager. “The resulting Nomad family of drones will be adaptable, go-anywhere, runway independent aircraft capable of land and sea-based missions across defense, national security, forestry and civilian organizations. Nomads are a force multiplier, complementing the missions of aircraft such as the Black Hawk to retain the strategic advantage in the Indo-Pacific and across broader regions.”
Sikorsky announced in March 2025 the successful extended flight test of its 10.3-ft wingspan prototype Nomad 50 aircraft. Today, Sikorsky is building its Nomad 100 aircraft. This is a Group 3, 18-ft wingspan variant with first flight expected in the coming months.
Nomad VTOL UAS
- Nomad UAS are designed for reconnaissance, light attack, contested logistics and more.
- The Nomad family can be scaled from a Group 3 UAS (56 pounds to 1,320 pounds) to Group 4/5 (1,320 pounds and up). The Nomad family is powered by fuel-efficient hybrid-electric drivetrains, with larger variants featuring a conventional drivetrain.
- MATRIX technology, developed by Sikorsky Innovations and DARPA, is an open system, which allows seamless integration with rotary and fixed-wing aircraft. MATRIX has already been demonstrated across a range of applications, including aerial firefighting, logistics resupply, and advanced aerial mobility.
“Nomad represents new breakthroughs for Sikorsky and the next generation of autonomous, long-endurance drones,” said Dan Shidler, director of Advanced Programs. “We are acting on feedback from the Pentagon, adopting a rapid approach and creating a family of drones that can take off and land virtually anywhere and execute the mission – all autonomously and in the hands of Soldiers, Marines, Sailors and Airmen.” For more information, visit https://lockheedmartin.com/Nomad.
06 Oct 25. UK’s Project Vanquish sets sights on ACP carrier demonstration. The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has outlined plans to test a Fixed-Wing Short Take Off and Landing Autonomous Collaborative Platform (FW STOL ACP) from a Royal Navy (RN) aircraft carrier before the end of 2027. In a request for information (RFI) released on 3 October, the MoD said the technical demonstration – known as Project Vanquish – was intended to inform capability and procurement options for a carrier-capable ACP able to operate as part of a future hybrid crewed/uncrewed carrier air wing. The move comes less than a month after First Sea Lord General Gwyn Jenkins revealed the ambition to fly an ACP from a Queen Elizabeth-class (QEC) aircraft carrier as soon as 2026. Under the Maritime Aviation Transformation (MATX) strategy, the RN is developing a road map for the transition of the Fleet Air Arm to a largely uncrewed aviation force by 2040. The RN’s ambition is to have the bulk of airborne logistics; strike; and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) roles uncrewed by this point. Speaking at the DSEI 2025 exhibition on 10 September, Gen Jenkins set out his intention to begin the transition to a hybrid air wing by the end of this decade. “We intend to launch the first jet-powered collaborative platform drone as a concept demonstrator off a Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier as soon as next year,” he added. (Source: Janes)
06 Oct 25. Roboteam, a leading developer and manufacturer of tactical unmanned solutions for defense and security missions, today announced the launch of Roboteam HUB, a centralized command-and-control platform designed to manage autonomous robotic operations across domains. This new platform represents a significant evolution in the deployment and coordination of unmanned systems, enabling defense, homeland security, and commercial users to control diverse robotic fleets through one intelligent, mission-ready interface. Roboteam HUB brings together multiple advanced robotic platforms under a single, unified operational environment. By integrating real-time command with AI-powered autonomy, it provides users with a seamless, scalable solution to execute complex missions with precision and speed. The platform supports joint-force interoperability and is designed for tactical environments where rapid, smart, and data-based decision-making is critical. Roboteam HUB is already fully integrated across Roboteam’s portfolio of unmanned systems, ensuring immediate compatibility and operational continuity. Platform-agnostic and capable of supporting third-party systems, Roboteam HUB enables users to command and control mixed fleets through a single, unified interface. With robust capabilities for secure communications, real-time monitoring, and autonomous coordination, Roboteam HUB gives operators full situational awareness and control over multi-robot operations. Driven by advanced AI, the platform continuously interprets the operational environment, prioritizes mission objectives, and autonomously directs robotic assets. By doing so, it reduces operator workload and increases mission efficiency across diverse scenarios.
“Roboteam HUB is not just a technological advancement. It’s a shift in how robotic systems are deployed and coordinated across missions,” said Yossi Wolf, CEO and Founder of Roboteam. “With Roboteam HUB, we advance beyond standalone systems to deliver a cohesive ecosystem that reflects the realities of modern, multi-domain operations. By consolidating control into one intelligent platform, we enable our users to scale and streamline robotic deployments with greater confidence and operational effectiveness.”
Roboteam HUB addresses the operational challenges of defense and homeland security missions with capabilities such as secure mission dispatch and coordinated control of robotic assets. Additionally, it is well-suited for commercial sectors like energy and logistics, due to its ability for multi-site deployment, real-time alerts, and seamless integration with third-party systems. Roboteam’s family of unmanned systems – ranging from lightweight 1.5 kg units to 1.2-ton platforms – has been fielded by Tier-1 defense and law enforcement agencies in over 30 countries. These systems are currently deployed by the U.S. Marine Corps, the Israel Defense Forces, and defense and security forces worldwide. For additional information, visit www.robo-team.com
03 Oct 25. Kratos/Taiwan Jet-Powered Kamikaze Drone to Fly Next Year A long-range kamikaze drone that U.S. firm Kratos is working on together with Taiwan’s National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST) is set to make its maiden flight early next year. The jet-powered Chien Feng IV (Mighty Hornet IV) will feature artificial intelligence (AI) enabled systems and is being developed with a particular eye toward use as an anti-ship weapon. It could also be employed against targets on land and act as a decoy.
Steve Fendley, president of Kratos’ Unmanned Systems Division, offered new details about the Chien Feng IV while speaking with TWZ‘s Howard Altman on the sidelines of the Air & Space Forces Association’s 2025 Air, Space, and Cyber Conference yesterday. A model of the design, which is derived from Kratos’ MQM-178 Firejet target drone, was shown to the public for the first time last week at the biennial Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Exhibition. NCSIST is a government-run organization in Taiwan charged with conducting advanced military research and development and test and evaluation work.
Chien Feng IV will fly “soon, early next year,” Fendley said. “The basic aircraft exists. So what we’re doing is we’re integrating mission capability. Our Fire Jet performance characteristics are public, and it’s [Chien Feng IV] a little bit better, pretty much in every category, a little bit more speed, a little bit more altitude, a little bit more endurance,” Fendley added. The modified MQM-178’s high-speed capabilities, including a speed of Mach 0.8, high G maneuvering, and a service ceiling of greater than 35,000 feet, make it an ideal base platform for this transformation,”
At the time of writing, the company’s website also says the MQM-178 can fly at altitudes anywhere between 20 and 35,000 feet, can pull turns down to -2 and up to +9 Gs, and carry around 70 and a half pounds of payload internally, as well as 35 pounds more under each wing and an additional 20 pounds in pods on each wingtip. Range and endurance figures for Firejet are not provided, but are offered for an existing derivative called Airwolf, which is configured for tactical mission sets, including acting as a ‘loyal wingman’ for crewed aircraft. Airwolf, also known as Tactical Firejet, has a stated maximum range of 400 nautical miles and a maximum endurance of 1.3 hours. Both Firejet and Airwolf are designed to be launched via pneumatic catapult, and the latter design at least can be recovered at the end of a mission via parachute.
The Chien Feng IV is “our aircraft and NCSIST, so the Taiwanese government, [their] mission systems and warhead,” Fendley said, and deferred to the Taiwanese side for more details about the latter components of the drone’s design.
A brief video on the Chien Feng IV that NCSIST released around the Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Exhibition, seen below, highlights an electro-optical/infrared camera system (EO/IR) in the nose, as well as an AI-driven computer and datalink, as being among the design’s features. In terms of terminal guidance, an EO/IR system would make sense as it is immune to electronic warfare and is passive in nature, meaning it doesn’t pump out signals that can alert the target to the incoming threat. The Chien Feng IV model shown at the exhibition in Taipei was fitted with small underwing pods, which might be able to hold defensive countermeasures or other equipment, or even just more fuel. It also had an opaque nose cone, which could point to additional sensor options, such as a radar seeker. The NCSIST video also mentions at least a degree of swarming capability, though it is unclear if Chien Feng IVs will be able to operate in a fully networked collaborative manner. (Source: UAS VISION/The War Zone)
30 Sep 25. AeroVironment, Inc. (AV) today announced the launch of capability enhancements for its Puma LE small unmanned aircraft system (SUAS): an integrated Laser Target Designator payload and Universal Gimbal Kit enabling rapid, field-swappable payload configurations. The new Laser Target Designator Kit transforms the Puma LE into a cutting-edge precision targeting platform while the Universal Gimbal Kit further enhances operational flexibility by allowing operators to rapidly integrate a variety of gimballed payloads. With these upgrades, Puma LE evolves beyond intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) to support multi-mission operations—delivering unmatched portability, modular adaptability, and precision targeting in a compact Group 2 UAS platform
“With a laser target designator now integrated into the Puma LE, we are delivering a significant tactical advantage,” said Trace Stevenson, president of Autonomous Systems at AV. “Operators can now seamlessly transition from reconnaissance to precision target designation using the same lightweight, man-portable system – a capability previously reserved for larger, more complex platforms.”
Featuring Trillium Engineering’s HD59 Laser Target Designator payload, this advanced lightweight electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) gimbal system delivers unmatched capability in the 2kg payload class. The system integrates a 50mj STANAG 3733-compliant laser designator, an EO camera, mid-wave infrared (MWIR) sensor, long-wave infrared (LWIR) sensor, and short-wave infrared (SWIR) sensor with See Spot, allowing for long range identification and prosecution of targets during day and night. These features give small units the ability to independently identify and designate targets, dramatically accelerating find-fix-finish timelines and enhancing mission autonomy.
“We are proud to partner with AV on the integration of our HD59 Laser Designator payload for the Puma LE,” said Matt Carreon, Vice President of Business Development at Trillium Engineering. “This collaboration brings a powerful, lightweight, multi-sensor EO/IR gimbal system to the field, enabling precision laser designation, something previously confined to larger platforms. The lightweight and versatile design of our payload, combined with Puma LE’s unmatched portability, will empower tactical teams to identify and designate targets, dramatically enhancing their operational independence and effectiveness.”
The Universal Gimbal Kit further enhances operational flexibility by allowing operators to rapidly integrate a variety of payloads – including advanced EO/IR gimbals, laser designators, and other specialised gimbal sensors – directly onto the Puma LE airframe in the field without depot-level support.
“Battlefields are dynamic, and mission requirements can change within minutes,” said Jason Hendrix, vice president and general manager of Small Uncrewed Aircraft Systems at AV. “The Universal Gimbal Kit ensures Puma LE remains mission-relevant by enabling payload reconfiguration in minutes, empowering forces to deploy the right sensor for any tactical need.”
Puma LE is a rugged, ultra-lightweight Group 2 aircraft suitable for operations in the harshest environments. With the Trillium HD59 payload, it provides over 3.5 hours of flight endurance to enable dynamic, multi-domain missions – perfect for dismounted troops, Special Operations Forces, and militaries worldwide. (Source: joint-forces.com)
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EOS
Electro Optic Systems (EOS) is an Australian technology company with a global presence, delivering advanced solutions across defence and space. With operations in Australia, the United States, Europe, Singapore, the Middle East and New Zealand, EOS has been designing and manufacturing precision technologies for more than four decades.
In defence, EOS is a leader in remote weapon systems, with more than 2,500 delivered and proven in operational service with allied forces. The company designs, develops and manufactures highly accurate counter-drone solutions for force and asset protection. These include both kinetic and high energy laser options that defeat drone threats effectively and at a comparatively low cost per shot. In August 2025, EOS secured the world’s first export contract for a 100 kW-class high energy laser weapon, with delivery scheduled between 2025 and 2028.
In the space domain, EOS is internationally recognised for its expertise in space domain awareness and space control. Its ground-based optical systems track and characterise satellites and debris to support both defence and commercial operations worldwide. Through its New Zealand subsidiary, EOS also designs and manufactures precision optics for space and astronomy applications.
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