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30 Oct 25. Lockheed Martin Sikorsky’s [NYSE: LMT] Optionally Piloted (OPV) Black Hawk helicopter, powered by MATRIX™ technology. For the first time, a U.S. soldier—not a trained aviator—planned and executed real-world missions in military exercises with Lockheed Martin Sikorsky’s [NYSE: LMT] Optionally Piloted (OPV) Black Hawk helicopter, powered by MATRIX™ technology. In partnership with the Joint Personnel Recovery Agency and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Association (DARPA), Sikorsky fielded the OPV Black Hawk aircraft at Northern Strike 25-2 in August to demonstrate, in an operational environment, how an autonomous Black Hawk can expand mission reach and reduce risk to soldiers. A U.S. Army National Guard Sergeant First Class, trained in less than an hour became the first soldier to independently plan, command and execute OPV Black Hawk missions using the system’s handheld tablet. He directed the payload to a location 70 nautical miles away and commanded multiple precision airborne drops, marking the first time OPV Black Hawk operated fully under the control of an actual warfighter, instead of a trained test pilot or engineer.
That wasn’t the only first of the exercise.
At Northern Strike, OPV Black Hawk demonstrated three types of cargo delivery, including internal carry, external sling load and precision parachute drop, as well as a MEDEVAC exercise.
Firsts in Flight
- Exercise 1: Parachute Drops and Logistics Recovery
o From a Coast Guard boat on Lake Huron, a soldier planned and executed a Class 1 resupply mission from 70 nautical miles away. After the cargo was unloaded, he used the tablet interface to direct the OPV Black Hawk in racetrack patterns over the lake while soldiers onboard completed two precision parachute drops at different altitudes. It was the first time the OPV Black Hawk performed precision logistics and airborne drops entirely under soldier control.
- Exercise 2: Water Buffalo External Sling Load
o OPV Black Hawk completed its first-ever autonomous hookup of an external load while airborne. Using its hover stability capabilities, the aircraft held position while soldiers quickly and efficiently attached a 2,900-pound water tank without pilot intervention. The demonstration showed that a MATRIX-equipped aircraft can perform complex aerial resupply missions in the field.
- Exercise 3: HIMARS External Sling Load and MEDEVAC Recovery
o OPV Black Hawk completed six autonomous hovering hookups to transport HIMARS launch tubes to an alternate landing zone. A soldier then used OPV Black Hawk to conduct a simulated personnel recovery, including a tail-to-tail patient transfer to a piloted Black Hawk at an unimproved landing site. This was the first time an untrained soldier commanded an autonomous MEDEVAC recovery from inside the OPV Black Hawk aircraft.
“With lives on the line, Sikorsky’s MATRIX flight autonomy system can transform how military operators perform their missions,” said Rich Benton, vice president and general manager of Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company. “An optionally piloted Black Hawk aircraft can reduce pilot workload in a challenging environment or complete a resupply mission without humans on board. In contested logistics situations, a Black Hawk operating as a large drone offers commanders greater resilience and flexibility to get resources to the point of need.”
MATRIX technology, leveraged to support DARPA’s Aircrew Labor In-cockpit Automation System (ALIAS), gives operators control of advanced aviation, a capability once reserved for trained pilots, enabling resupply, personnel recovery and contested logistics missions in dangerous or low-visibility areas without putting human life at risk. As a pressure-tested mission partner to the joint services, Sikorsky is committed to delivering dependable, future-ready solutions that expand warfighter capabilities and set the standard for autonomous aviation. This first-of-its-kind success at Northern Strike further proves how Sikorsky is innovating with intent on shaping the next generation of agile, adaptable aircraft systems.
30 Oct 25. Sweden unveils small USV concept demonstrator project. Sweden’s Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) revealed on its website on 27 October the details of an unmanned surface vehicle (USV) concept demonstrator programme designed to grow understanding of how a small-/medium-size USV could contribute to future maritime operations. The FMV said the Norwegian-built craft – named Ran after the Norse goddess of the sea – is now entering the last 12 months of a three-year test programme. Although the platform type was not disclosed, Janes has identified it as a Mariner USV built by Trondheim-based Maritime Robotics. Acquired off-the-shelf, the Mariner vehicle is 6 m long, weighs 2,000 kg, has a maximum speed of 24 kt, and can carry a payload of up to 400 kg. Situational awareness is derived through a camera, an automatic identification system (AIS) class B receiver, and radar, with high bandwidth connectivity provided by 4G LTE broadband wireless communications. According to the FMV, the inherent flexibility of the Mariner USV means the Ran demonstrator can be used to explore different platform types and use cases. Examples include inter-island resupply, force protection, and seabed survey. During the tests, the USV is remotely controlled and monitored by a pilot on board a support boat. Ran can also follow a pre-programmed route and incorporates a level of ‘sense and avoid’ functionality to prevent collisions at sea. (Source: Janes)
30 Oct 25. Pentagon’s DOGE unit to revamp military drone program, sources say.
- Summary
- DOGE unit aims to streamline procurement and expand drone production
- DOGE unit’s leader was marine and Goldman Sachs trader
- Trump, Hegseth have made expanding drone industry a military priority
The Pentagon’s DOGE unit is leading efforts to overhaul the U.S. military drone program, including streamlining procurement, expand homegrown production, and acquire tens of thousands of cheap drones in the coming months, according to Pentagon officials and people with knowledge of the matter. In July, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth pledged, opens new tab to cut red tape and assert U.S. drone dominance by approving hundreds of American-made drone models and launching training programs to prepare units for ‘drone wars’ – a response to the widespread use of drones on Ukraine’s battlefield, which have exposed U.S. drone limitations. (Source: Reuters)
30 Oct 25. Royal Netherlands Navy Opens Innovative Drone Workplace at NLR Marknesse. The Royal Netherlands Navy officially opened a new drone workshop on the site of the Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR) in Marknesse on Monday, October 20. The workshop marks a significant step in strengthening the cooperation between the Ministry of Defence and NLR in the field of unmanned aerial systems and maritime technology. The new facility provides space for joint research projects, prototyping, and operational testing of drones that contribute to maritime safety, logistics, and observation at sea. By combining the technical and operational expertise of the navy with the research and development capabilities of the NLR, a unique environment is created where innovation can be directly translated into deployable applications. Innovator at the Royal Netherlands Navy, Commander Dr Pieter Blank emphasised the importance of this cooperation during the opening: “By working together with knowledge institutions such as NLR, we accelerate technological innovation and increase our operational effectiveness. This workshop is a tangible step towards the navy of the future.” NLR Drone Centre coordinator Jasper van der Vorst underlined this: “With this collaboration, we combine knowledge and technology, and strengthen the testing ground for innovation that puts the Netherlands on the international map in the field of unmanned aerial systems.” The workshop will be used for the development, maintenance, and testing of drones specifically designed for maritime missions, including inspections, reconnaissance, and relief operations. Within the programme, emphasis is placed on sustainability and the development of safe, reliable systems that fit into Dutch airspace and international regulations. The opening marks the increasing interconnection between the Ministry of Defence and the emerging national drone industry, with NLR fulfilling a bridging function. This strengthens cooperation, leading to accelerated innovation and contributing to national security. (Source: ASD Network)
30 Oct 25. Redwire Announces Partnership Between Edge Autonomy and UXV Technologies to Advance European Defense Innovation for UAS Capabilities. Redwire Corporation (NYSE: RDW), a global leader in aerospace and defense technology solutions, today announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Edge Autonomy, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UXV Technologies to strengthen cooperation in the field of uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), marking an important step in advancing long-range uncrewed autonomous capabilities. UXV Technologies offers a portfolio of ground control stations (GCS) including the Soldier Robotic Controller (SRoC) series, a multi-domain GCS with a modular, rugged design and state-of-the-art features that ensure optimal operation across diverse mission profiles. This can be easily integrated into Edge Autonomy’s uncrewed aerial platforms, including the Stalker uncrewed aerial system (UAS).
“Edge Autonomy has proven expertise in long-range, long endurance UAS built with a focus on a modular open systems approach,” said Steve Adlich, President of Edge Autonomy. “We are excited to partner with UXV Technologies on the integration of their advanced ground control solutions. This will further enhance our intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities.”
The collaboration aims to enhance interoperability and aligns with the European Union’s ambition to strengthen its defence industrial base through cross-border industrial cooperation. Implementing the MoU underscores both companies’ shared commitment to advancing European defense innovation and fostering closer collaboration between leading defense technology providers. The MoU was signed in Riga, Latvia during the official Danish-Latvian Industry Days, in the presence of senior industry leaders and government representatives from both Denmark and Latvia.
“We are proud to expand our collaboration with Edge Autonomy to accelerate the delivery of modular, mission-ready, and cost-effective solutions and capabilities to allied forces” said Frederik Bergenfelt Friis, Chief Strategy Officer at UXV Technologies. “This partnership also reflects a strong commitment to strengthening allied interoperability and delivering technologies that support the strategic priorities of NATO and the European Union.”
Edge Autonomy, a wholly owned subsidiary of Redwire, specializes in delivering innovative uncrewed systems, advanced optics, and resilient energy solutions that are being used by the DoD, U.S. Federal Civilian Agencies, and allied governments. With nearly three decades of technology heritage and manufacturing expertise, Edge Autonomy’s experienced team delivers proven solutions based on real-world mission needs. (Source: ASD Network)
30 Oct 25. French Army Shows Off Next-Gen, Soldier-Made Tactical Drones at Paris Event. At the 2025 Army Presentation event (Présentation de l’armée de Terre 2025), held on October 15 and 16 at the École Militaire in Paris, the French Army’s 40th Artillery Regiment highlighted its evolving capabilities, focusing on new-generation unmanned aerial systems. The event, referred to as PAT25, is a major outreach initiative by the French Army, offering a platform for military units to interact with French and foreign authorities, parliamentarians, defense students, and members of the Institut des hautes études de défense nationale (IHEDN). According to the French Army, the 40RA was represented by soldiers from both the Surveillance and Acquisition Battery and the Command and Logistics Battery. The regiment used the opportunity to present its modern artillery systems, including two tactical drones now in use: the DT46 and the SL450. The DT46, developed by Delair, is a tactical drone designed to replace the older SMDR platform. It is described by the service as part of a new generation of unmanned systems aimed at supporting frontline units and adapting to current operational threats. The platform is intended to enhance the regiment’s reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities, providing direct tactical support. The SL450 (developed by Per Se Systems), also featured at the event, is a drone developed in-house by the 17th Artillery Regiment (17RA) and manufactured at the unit level. It is used as a target drone to support counter-drone training for artillery units. The 40RA highlighted this system as a key asset in preparing personnel to engage and neutralize hostile UAVs. The French Army said in a release that the event allowed for open dialogue between the armed forces and national defense stakeholders. It provided insight into the role of advanced drone systems in the future structure of French artillery units and emphasized the Army’s efforts to integrate evolving technology into operational training and deployment. The Army’s use of both the DT46 and SL450 reflects an approach that incorporates advanced ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) capability and counter-UAV preparedness within artillery regiments. These developments align with broader modernization efforts outlined in France’s military planning law. The presentation comes at a time when NATO and European land forces are increasingly adapting their tactical formations to include drone systems capable of both real-time surveillance and battlefield threat simulation. France’s investment in in-house development and deployment of these systems marks a clear emphasis on autonomy and operational readiness. (Source: UAS VISION/ Defence Blog)
29 Oct 25. Quantum Systems Transforms Reliant UAS into Advanced Mothership for the US. Originally developed by the German drone manufacturer Quantum Systems as a long-range reconnaissance drone, the Reliant is apparently being developed into a drone carrier. This is at least suggested by an exhibit from Quantum Systems (QS) at AUSA. In addition to the QS reconnaissance drones Reliant, Vector, and Twister, the FPV drone Archer from the US manufacturer Neros is also on display there. An information panel is attached below the Archer, explaining that the FPV drone can be carried using the attachment points attached to the Reliant’s wings, thus expanding the Reliant’s range of applications with an organic component. According to a LinkedIn post by the US managing director of Quantum Systems, the Reliant will have one attachment point per wing. This means that the company has unveiled a second “drone carrier project” within just a few months. Just a few months ago, the Sparta, a mothership drone, was publicly unveiled, which is expected to reach series production by the end of the year, hartpunkt reported. Unlike the Reliant, however, the Sparta is not a VTOL drone capable of vertical takeoff and landing, and it is also about 10 kg lighter. When asked by hartpunkt, the company confirmed this development intention, which is apparently limited to the US market at this time.
“The integration of mounting points into the intended European market is not currently planned,” the QS spokesperson told hartpunkt. “However, if successful and there is sufficient interest, we would also consider equipping European Reliants with such mounting points.”
The company declined to provide further details on the matter. The reasons for the focus on the US market could be due to the respective requirements of the armed forces. While US armed forces may require reconnaissance and combat capability in a single system, the current requirements of European armed forces for such systems appear to be limited to pure reconnaissance capability. From a purely tactical perspective, the ability to carry combat assets offers both advantages and disadvantages. For example, the additional weight and drag of the drones carried on board have a negative impact on the flight characteristics of the reconnaissance drone, which is likely to reduce both its flight speed and its flight duration, which, however, is comparatively generous for the Reliant at over 10 hours. The tactical advantages of drone carrier capabilities are obvious. Such a reconnaissance drone could not only report on detected point targets but also engage them directly. However, the combat capability of the carried combat drones would be limited to individual vehicles or personnel. Nevertheless, time-critical targets, in particular, can be engaged much more effectively. Since the Reliant is equipped with a laser pointer in addition to its reconnaissance optronics, even “dumb” and comparatively simple drones could be guided precisely to their targets, even without any AI capabilities. In the future, it would certainly be conceivable to carry small interceptor drones, which could protect the long-range reconnaissance drone from enemy interceptor drones until the reconnaissance Reliant can leave the danger zone. However, such considerations are currently purely theoretical. Such a scenario has not yet been documented in action.
Reliant
According to QS, the Reliant is a fixed-wing drone capable of vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) and offers an endurance of over 10 hours. The system can be transported in two cases and can be deployed in less than 10 minutes without the need for tools. A second payload bay allows the integration of additional sensors – such as radar, SIGINT equipment, CRPA antennas, or jamming systems – thus contributing to the drone’s greater mission versatility. The drone was first publicly demonstrated at the US Special Forces Exhibition (SOFIC) in May 2024. According to the manufacturer, the 4.3 m wide and 2.38 m long Reliant is capable of autonomous flight at a maximum operating altitude of 4,500 m. Depending on the power supply, the flight time is seven hours (Li-Po battery) or over 10 hours (hybrid electric drive with combustion engine). Using a so-called long-range tracking antenna, the drone can receive and transmit signals (control and video) over distances of more than 160 km. The maximum takeoff weight is specified as 25 to 33 kg, including a 3 kg payload. According to the report, the Reliant QS uses a Trillium HD55-MVS-LD electro-optic system as its primary sensor. The optronics weigh approximately 2.7 kg and feature three cameras (daylight, MWIR, and SWIR), as well as a laser rangefinder and laser pointer. The secondary sensor is a NextVision Raptor electro-optic system with 40x optical and 2x digital zoom. (Source: UAS VISION/hartpunkt)
29 Oct 25. Hanwha announced that it is exploring strategic cooperation with U.S.-based artificial intelligence and autonomy specialist HavocAI to accelerate its expansion into the global unmanned maritime systems market, including the United States. On October 28, Paul Lwin, CEO of HavocAI, and members of his research team visited Hanwha Ocean’s Geoje Shipyard to review Hanwha’s shipbuilding and maritime-systems capabilities. HavocAI then conducted a live demonstration, in which a HavocAI-equipped unmanned surface vessel (USV) off the coast of Hawaii was remotely operated from Geoje, Korea. Hanwha views this engagement as an important first step toward concrete collaboration and a foundation for proactive entry into the fast-growing global market for autonomous maritime and naval systems. Building on Hanwha Group’s established presence in naval shipbuilding and defense electronics, Hanwha Ocean and Hanwha Systems have already strengthened their foothold in the U.S. market through the acquisition of Philly Shipyard in 2024. The two companies now plan to pursue deeper collaboration that merges Hanwha Ocean’s shipbuilding expertise with Hanwha Systems’ platform-integration and advanced naval systems capabilities—including the Combat Management System (CMS), Engineering Control System (ECS), and Condition Based Maintenance System (CBMS)—alongside HavocAI’s proven autonomous-operation software. In addition, they aim to develop practical, scalable solutions that enhance both defense and commercial maritime operations, improve lifecycle efficiency, and reduce maintenance costs. By combining Hanwha Group’s naval-systems expertise with HavocAI’s autonomy technology, we can extend the operational life and value of existing vessels while enabling faster deployment of new unmanned systems,” said Paul Lwin, Co-founder and CEO of HavocAI.
“Leveraging Hanwha Systems’ maritime-integration capabilities and the synergies of Hanwha’s affiliated companies, we will work closely with HavocAI to achieve tangible progress in entering the global market for autonomous maritime systems,” added Ryu Moon-Ghee, Head of the Naval Business Division at Hanwha Systems.—
28 Oct 25. XTI Aerospace and Valkyrie AI Announce Vanguard Platform Advancing TriFan 600 Next-Generation VTOL Aircraft for Commercial and Defense Applications, AI, advanced materials and mesh intelligence for aerospace
XTI Aerospace, Inc. (“XTI” or the “Company”) [NASDAQ: XTIA], advancing scalable vertical flight technologies, and Valkyrie Sciences (“Valkyrie”), a leader in enterprise solutions by the integration of artificial intelligence and advanced materials, announced the Vanguard Platform, an intelligent technology system for the next generation of vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft. The Vanguard Platform will apply Valkyrie’s experience with graphene and composite materials, battery technology, and smart systems architecture to XTI’s Tri Fan 600 program. The alliance between XTI and Valkyrie includes a strategic investment by XTI in Valkyrie as well as a services agreement between XTI and Valkyrie Intelligence. The collaboration expands upon Valkyrie Founder Charlie Burgoyne’s service on XTI’s Corporate Advisory Board, announced in July 2025. Mr. Burgoyne has served as the applied sciences advisor to several military and intelligence commands, where he contributed his expertise to decisions of national importance. His extensive experience deploying real-world application of AI comes from his leadership roles in government, industry and academia. Notable contributions include his work at LANL, DOE, DARPA, NASA, CENTCOM, SOCOM, and other various organizations. Valkyrie has earned industry recognition from a leading global automotive manufacturer for its mesh network design. Valkyrie’s experience in mesh intelligence, development of digital-twin systems for Fortune 100 companies and supporting racing operations provides a foundation of capabilities for leveraging the Vanguard Platform to advance capabilities of the XTI TriFan 600 aircraft.
“This alliance supports our technology-first objectives at the leading edge of emerging aerospace technologies,” said Scott Pomeroy, CEO of XTI Aerospace. “Applied AI will be one of the most significant differentiators in this next era of aerospace and defense. Valkyrie’s expertise will assist us in accelerating opportunities across our portfolio, from vertical flight to unmanned systems and beyond; we believe this is a first-of-its-kind approach.”
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“The Vanguard Platform, combining Valkyrie’s applied AI technology for aerospace and XTI’s VTOL engineering, is designed to streamline aircraft development,” added Charlie Burgoyne, CEO of Valkyrie. “Central to this vision is Valkyrie’s work to develop the Vanguard chassis, which integrates Valkyrie’s distributed mesh intelligence—a networked, onboard computing framework intended to enable real-time coordination across aircraft systems. Production methods and engineering processes will emphasize lean, data-driven development across both teams and opportunities for integrating intelligent systems directly into aerospace hardware. We could not be more enthusiastic about our shared vision with Scott and the team at XTI.” (Source: ASD Network)
27 Oct 25. Hyundai Rotem Signs Technology Development MOU with US Shield AI. On October 23, at KINTEX in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, during the ‘2025 Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition (ADEX)’, Hyundai Rotem announced that it had signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with U.S. AI solutions company Shield AI to jointly develop defense AI-based multi-purpose drone operation technology. This MOU focuses on applying autonomous mission technologies, capable of responding to asymmetric threats on the battlefield, to Hyundai Rotem’s next-generation manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) ground weapon systems. Modern warfare is seeing the spread of ‘asymmetric warfare’, where the distinction between frontlines is blurred due to early enemy detection using drones and the expansion of guerrilla warfare. Hyundai Rotem plans to utilize Shield AI’s AI-based autonomous combat software platform, Hivemind Enterprise (HME), through a phased approach of research and development to advance autonomous combat mission technologies tailored for unmanned systems. Shield AI’s HME is a tool for developing autonomous mission execution technology that enables collaboration and task allocation between platforms without human intervention. It is especially optimized for implementing core functions of MUM-T weapon systems, such as battlefield situational awareness, information sharing, autonomous decision-making and control, and cooperative strike missions. This software is mainly used in the introduction of next-generation unmanned strategic assets, such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and unmanned underwater vehicles (UUV), in the U.S. and Australia. Hyundai Rotem will first develop technology to equip next-generation ground weapon lineups with drones capable of autonomous missions. Subsequently, autonomous mission execution and swarm control systems for unmanned platforms, such as the multi-purpose unmanned vehicle HR-SHERPA or legged robots, will be devised. Swarm control is a technology that enables many unmanned systems to cooperate and move as a single group on the battlefield and is an essential element for the organic operation of MUM-T weapon systems. In the final stage, Hyundai Rotem aims to develop technology that enables integrated command and control of various types of MUM-T weapon systems, based on the advanced AI technologies developed earlier, to prepare for future battlefields. The project is planned to be carried out in cooperation with Quantum Aero, Shield AI’s exclusive partner in Korea. Hyundai Rotem plans to diversify its global technology cooperation network through ‘open innovation’, actively adopting various defense AI and advanced technologies to flexibly respond to technological advances and market changes. A Hyundai Rotem official stated, “We plan to proactively evolve next-generation ground weapon systems in line with rapidly changing global battlefield trends,” and added, “We will continue to strive to contribute to Korea’s leap forward as an ‘AI-strong military’.” (Source: ASD Network)
27 Oct 25. STM’s kamikaze UAV ALPAGU enters local service in Türkiye. ALPAGU can fly for an estimated 15 minutes, following its target using an image processing system enhanced by AI. STM developed ALPAGU using only national resources. Credit: © STM. Türkiye-based Savunma Teknolojileri ve Mühendislik (STM) has completed domestic deliveries of the indigenously developed ALPAGU drone system. Publicly known as the ‘kamikaze Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)’, ALPAGU comprises three components. These include a fixed-wing attack UAV platform, a launcher, and a ground control station. The lightweight framework system is equipped with electro-optical and infrared camera technology and can operate during day or night. Once launched, ALPAGU can fly for nearly 15 minutes, tracking targets with an AI-enhanced image processing system. The system has an 8km range and is ideal for diverse roles including counterterrorism, cross-border operations, and urban warfare. Its under-the-radar operation capacity and compact size allow it to strike targets precisely without detection. ALPAGU also complies with MIL-STD-331 standards and features an electronic proximity fuse alongside mission abort and self-destruction capabilities. A single soldier can carry, set up, and launch the UAV within a minute in a combat zone, thereby maintaining the element of surprise. ALPAGU distinguishes itself from similar drones through its ability to integrate onto diverse platforms such as land, sea, and air vehicles. Its network-based communication architecture allows simultaneous multi-mission operations via single ground control functionality. Weighing less than 2kg, ALPAGU navigates autonomously under the guidance of a mission computer crafted by STM engineers and operates based on a “man-in-the-loop” principle for target detection and destruction.
STM general manager Özgür Güleryüz said: “Our family of tactical UAVs, developed with our advanced engineering capabilities to meet the needs of our country, continues to strengthen operational effectiveness in the field. Following our surveillance, loitering, and ammunition-drop UAVs, we are now continuing deliveries with our fixed-wing loitering munition system ALPAGU. We believe that ALPAGU will further enhance our operational effectiveness in the field.”
ALPAGU had its first export success in 2023 prior to entering local use. The drone derives its name from an ancient Turkish phrase which translates to “Brave man who attacks the enemy alone”. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
27 Oct 25. Royal Navy to spend £150m on mine-hunting drones to counter Russia threat. A fleet of cutting-edge vessels could be used for clearing mines in conflict zones such as the Black Sea. Britain will acquire a fleet of underwater drones for minehunting as part of a £150m upgrade of the Royal Navy amid growing threats from Russia. mThe cutting-edge vessels could be used for clearing mines in conflict zones such as the Black Sea, off the coast of Ukraine, or protecting underwater cables and gas pipelines from sabotage, The Telegraph understands. Up to 24 will initially be acquired by the Ministry of Defence, though more could potentially be ordered on top of this, according to a newly-advertised contract. It was not immediately clear what type of drone defence officials were seeking, at a time when the Navy has been trialling various devices from small underwater gliders to larger, uncrewed submarine-like vessels. However, the contract’s value implies each one could cost as much as £6m each. The purchase is being made as part of the Navy’s mine hunting capability programme. Mine hunting has traditionally involved crewed ships equipped with high-definition sonar for detection and divers or remotely-controlled vehicles for defusing bombs. But with the Navy set to retire most of its mine-clearing ships this decade, drones are gradually being introduced to do the job instead.
‘Leading edge of defence’
A defence source said: “Whether it’s hunting down deadly mines left by Putin’s forces or catching hostile activity near critical infrastructure, underwater drones are a vital part of modern warfare.
“We’re calling on the defence sector to bring their best innovations to ensure Royal Navy sailors have the most advanced underwater technology ready to deploy from the North Sea to Nato operations.
“This is putting the UK at the leading edge of defence innovation and delivering on our strategic defence review.”
It is understood that the main focus of the drones will be to covertly detect underwater mines in conflict zones. Extensive mine-laying has been seen in the war between Ukraine and Russia, including in the Black Sea where both sides have sought to deny each other freedom of manoeuvre. However, the British drones will also be used to patrol UK and Nato waters for suspicious activity on the seabed. It follows concerns about activity by Russian vessels near critical infrastructure. Last year, Nato forces were placed on high alert following a string of cable and gas pipeline outages in the Baltic Sea. The incidents were later linked to an oil tanker that was suspected to be part of Russia’s “shadow fleet”. The Royal Navy has been trialling various uncrewed vessels as part of its switch to a “hybrid fleet”, including both drones which float on the water and those underwater. These include the “Excalibur” submarine drone developed by Plymouth-based MSubs and autonomous underwater gliders developed by Anglo-German start-up Helsing. The Navy’s new mine hunting fleet will include a “mothership”, HMS Stirling Castle, coupled with various uncrewed vessels. Uncrewed vessels are “quicker and provide greater precision than crewed mine hunting vessels”, according to the Ministry of Defence. (Source: Daily Telegraph)
24 Oct 25. Fincantieri Launches the 1st Integrated Underwater Drone System. Today, at the Naval Support and Experimentation Center of La Spezia, Fincantieri launched its first “DEEP” underwater drone system during a demonstration mission. The event marks a fundamental milestone for Fincantieri in the field of underwater technology, confirming the Group’s leadership in the underwater sector and consolidating a clear and advanced path of industrial growth. The event was attended by the Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Defense, Hon. Matteo Perego di Cremnago and Fincantieri’s CEO and Managing Director, Pierroberto Folgiero. Also present were the Mayor of La Spezia, Pierluigi Peracchini; representing the Liguria Region, the Chief of Staff, Massimiliano Nannini; the Chief of the Italian Navy, Admiral Enrico Credendino; the President of the National Foundation for the Underwater Dimension, Senator Roberta Pinotti; and, for Fincantieri, the Chairman, Biagio Mazzotta, and the Director of Naval Vessels Division, Eugenio Santagata, and Executive Vice President Underwater, Gabriele Maria Cafaro. The DEEP system is a cutting-edge integrated solution for the protection, development, and maintenance of critical underwater infrastructure and port areas, also performing monitoring and environmental protection activities. The system was designed from the outset with a dual purpose, capable of responding to both civil needs and defense and security applications. This versatility allows DEEP to operate in diverse contexts, offering high value-added solutions for environmental and infrastructure protection, as well as operational support. The platform consists of a network of underwater sensors for early warning (Early Warning System), a Command and Control Center for real-time operational management, a team of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) capable of conducting missions at different levels of autonomy, cooperation, and coordination, and an AI-based system dedicated to data analysis and processing. The launch of DEEP is part of Fincantieri’s strategy to consolidate its underwater sector, where the Group stands out for its ability to offer integrated, high value-added solutions, thanks to a unique industrial supply chain and cross-functional expertise brought together within the Underwater Technology Hub, which coordinates all activities related to civil, military, and dual-use systems through a unified management approach. Thanks to this integrated approach, Fincantieri is able to oversee markets and respond to the most complex needs of private and institutional clients, consolidating its pioneering and reference role in technology and industry in the international underwater landscape. Today, the underwater domain is a key area for security, energy, environmental monitoring, and underwater communications, with a global reference market estimated at around 50 bn euros per year and an accessible component for Fincantieri of about 22 bn euros annually. Fincantieri aims to be a leading player in the development of this new strategic infrastructure, leveraging its ability to integrate complex expertise and high-tech industrial assets.
Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri, stated: “The launch of DEEP is tangible proof of our commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation ever deeper. Today we have validated an integrated unmanned underwater drone system that represents an innovative and concrete solution to the challenge of protecting critical infrastructure by using the best technologies available. This achievement is the result of the work of an outstanding industrial supply chain that enables us to anticipate market needs and position ourselves for the future. We are proud to lead this transformation, which makes a real contribution to the security, growth, competitiveness and technological autonomy of our national system, while also projecting us toward global leadership in the underwater economy”. (Source: ASD Network)
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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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