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13 Nov 25. China’s Stealthy GJ-11 ‘Mysterious Dragon’ Appears on TV. On November 11, 2025, China marked the 76th anniversary of its air force with the release of a short film titled “Far-Reaching Dreams” showing for the first time its GJ-11 Sharp Sword stealth drone (now renamed Dark Dragon) flying in formation with the J-20 fighter jet and J-16D electronic warfare aircraft. The footage begins with the GJ-11 taxiing out of a hangar, taking off, and joining the two manned aircraft in formation. It represents the first publicly available imagery of these three aircraft operating together in a coordinated mission sequence. In this video, the GJ-11, which was previously nicknamed Sharp Sword, bears the name Xuanlong, meaning Dark Dragon, while the J-20 carries the established title Weilong, or Mighty Dragon, reflecting their integration within the same stealth-oriented operational framework. The J-16D’s participation emphasizes an electronic attack component complementing the stealth aircraft. Additional sequences include a J-20 launching an air-to-air missile and the firing of an HQ-20 surface-to-air missile from a ground platform, suggesting coordination between air and missile defense assets. The film combines these elements into a single operational depiction of modernized air combat capabilities, portraying the increasing synchronization of Chinese reconnaissance, strike, and electronic warfare aircraft. For China, the combination of these three aircraft highlights a transition toward manned-unmanned teaming and coordinated mission execution. The GJ-11’s configuration implies multiple potential roles, including deep-penetration strike, surveillance, and decoy operations against advanced air defense networks, while the J-16D’s electronic warfare equipment, believed to include wideband jammers and radar detection pods, can suppress enemy radar emissions to protect stealth aircraft such as the J-20 and J-35. The flight sequence demonstrates a possible structure in which crewed fighters (such as the J-20S) manage UCAVs through encrypted data links, allowing one pilot to control or coordinate several drones, mirroring other air forces pursuing loyal wingman drones. The GJ-11’s position alongside a J-20 and J-16D also implies the creation of strike packages where stealth aircraft conduct attacks, airborne jammers degrade defensive sensors, and drones extend engagement range. Together, they could form a combined unit optimized for breaching integrated air defense systems and sustaining operations in heavily contested airspace. For instance, the GJ-11’s flying-wing configuration minimizes radar returns by eliminating vertical stabilizers and smoothing the airframe profile. The drone is approximately 14 meters in wingspan and 12 meters in length, with two internal bays estimated to hold four to six small-diameter precision glide munitions or electronic payloads. The shielded exhaust outlet reduces infrared signature, while the serrated bay doors and composite materials limit radar reflection. The platform likely uses a single turbofan engine generating around 50 kilonewtons of thrust, providing subsonic cruise speeds with a combat radius possibly exceeding 1,200 kilometers.
Estimated endurance ranges from 4 to 6 hours, depending on payload configuration. Such specifications support long-duration reconnaissance and precision attack missions while maintaining low observability. The overall structure corresponds to an aircraft capable of operating independently or under remote guidance in complex electronic environments. Activity recorded over the past two years shows the GJ-11, also nicknamed Sharp Sword, moving from concept validation to sustained testing and limited operational use. Multiple units have been observed conducting coordinated flights at major test facilities such as Dingxin and Malan, indicating formation control and mission sequencing exercises. Operations from high-altitude airfields on the southwestern frontier suggest adaptation to thinner air and terrain challenges, important for missions across plateau regions. These deployments imply ongoing evaluation of range performance, radar signature behavior, and communication stability at extended distances. Patterns of repeated sorties and simultaneous airframes indicate that coordinated mission sets, potentially simulating autonomous swarming, are being tested. Endurance assessments, weapon separation trials, and data link integration likely continue as part of the combat readiness evaluation. While official confirmation of operational service has not been issued, the frequency and distribution of activities point to an advanced test phase preceding limited squadron introduction.
The Chinese Air Force film also serves to illustrate a wider modernization drive that incorporates artificial intelligence, simulation, and digitalized training. Other videos released the same day describe a hybrid training network that connects live aircraft, advanced simulators, and AI-driven “digital forces.” According to these videos, such a network enables mixed-reality exercises where algorithms evolve tactics dynamically during mock engagements. For Chinese pilots, such environments allow operators to refine coordination between manned and unmanned aircraft without a large expenditure of flight hours or exposure to risk. The AI-driven component supports real-time decision modeling, adaptive threat replication, and mission debrief automation. These functions accelerate the development of new air combat doctrines centered on human-machine integration. By merging simulated and live data, China’s air force claims that it can test command hierarchies for controlling multiple UCAVs, experiment with distributed sensor fusion, and evaluate resilience under electronic interference. The model also allows efficient resource use while maintaining training frequency at a high tempo. Technical assessments suggest that the GJ-11’s internal bays may carry small precision-guided bombs, electronic warfare pods, or reconnaissance sensors, and a naval configuration could include anti-radiation or anti-ship munitions. The airframe’s modularity implies flexibility between intelligence-gathering and strike functions. Communication links likely operate on encrypted Ku- and Ka-band frequencies compatible with existing fighter data networks. The onboard mission computer is expected to feature semi-autonomous navigation and threat response capabilities, enabling independent operation if disconnected from command input. Flight control systems based on fly-by-light or fiber-optic transmission would improve resilience to jamming. Structural analysis of the composite wing suggests limited radar returns in the 3–18 GHz spectrum. Overall, these attributes reflect an attack drone designed for persistent operation within contested zones and adaptable to multiple mission roles.
A navalized variant of the GJ-11 appears increasingly plausible within the trajectory of China’s carrier aviation development. Modifications for shipboard use would include folding wings, reinforced landing gear, and corrosion-resistant coatings suitable for deck operations. Launch and recovery might rely on electromagnetic catapults and arresting gear similar to those of the Fujian-class carrier. The naval model could provide early warning, decoy, or precision strike capabilities to accompany crewed fighters such as the J-35. Incorporating carrier-based drones would extend surveillance and attack reach by several hundred kilometers beyond the task group perimeter. Maritime integration of stealth UCAVs would represent a major enhancement to distributed strike operations, allowing simultaneous engagements from sea and air platforms. Such deployment would also align with the strategic goal of establishing flexible multi-domain response capabilities across the first and second island chains, as also demonstrated by the development of an amphibious variant of the HQ-13 air defense system. For China, the appearance of the GJ-11 Dark Dragon alongside the J-20 and J-16D symbolizes the maturing integration of stealth, electronic warfare, and unmanned technologies into cohesive force packages. The coordinated display demonstrates a clear progression toward networked combat where drones operate as extensions of manned aircraft, combining their strengths for penetration, data collection, and precision targeting. The film’s emphasis on coordinated movement and multi-layered capability integration reflects a comprehensive modernization plan built on AI-based training, digital command architecture, and modular platform development. The GJ-11’s characteristics, repeated testing, and potential naval adaptation indicate that it is approaching an operationally deployable stage. The coordinated portrayal of air and missile forces within the same production underscores the emergence in China of an integrated command structure designed for simultaneous air and ground defense operations. (Source: UAS VISION/Army Recognition)
13 Nov 25. Anduril, UAE’s Edge unveil transformer drone for hovering, fast flight. Anduril and the United Arab Emirates’ state-owned Edge Group are betting on a novel hover-to-cruise autonomous aircraft — and the UAE has already ordered the first 50 units. The system, dubbed Omen, is the first of many platforms that the companies plan to develop and produce under their new joint venture, the Edge-Anduril Production Alliance, established in Abu Dhabi. Edge has invested $200 m in the project and will contribute to the local production, sales, and sustainment for regional customers. Anduril is building a 50,000-square-foot research, development, and virtual simulation center to support future programs, establishing a permanent footprint in the Middle East. Omen is designed to switch between two flight modes: it can take off, hover, and land vertically like a drone or helicopter, but can also transition to airplane-style flight for longer and faster missions. The vehicle is categorized as a Group 3 UAS – drones that in U.S. military jargon typically weigh between 55 and 1,320 pounds, operate up to roughly 18,000 feet and can reach speeds up to about 290 miles per hour.
Shane Arnott, senior vice-president at Anduril for the Maneuver Dominance division, told reporters during a Nov. 12 media briefing that its payload capacity is “three to five times” that of traditional systems in this category. Anduril has been developing Omen since 2019, but encountered setbacks with motor options.
“We hit a wall when it came to propulsion technologies. … So we’ve been working very diligently over the last few years, looking at new systems, and in particular series hybrid tech, and working with companies like Archer,” Arnott noted. “This capability will become increasingly important in the future, as we expect there to be less and less [traditional] runways available.”
California-based Archer Aviation designs and develops hybrid-electric-powered vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. An initial order for 50 Omen systems has been placed for an undisclosed UAE customer. The companies declined to identify the buyer, although photos released of the model show the insignia of the country’s air force branch. While the companies’ press release states that U.S. orders are expected to be fulfilled at Anduril’s Arsenal-1 facility in Ohio, Arnott said that no purchase has yet been made by Washington. Executives expect full-rate production of Omen drones by 2028. Under the new alliance, workforce plans could include rotations of Emirati workers to the United States and back, and could potentially involve British and Australian personnel. Last month, Anduril announced that it was opening a new factory in Sydney to produce the Ghost Shark undersea drone, and this week revealed it was also launching a test site in Wales to trial AI-powered systems for the British military. These types of vehicles were primarily designed for runway-independent operations, effective in conditions where airstrips are damaged or non-existent. (Source: Defense News)
13 Nov 25. Update on Helsing HX-2 Current Development Status. Niklas Köhler, co-founder and co-CEO of German technology company Helsing, presented the current development status of the HX-2 to selected media representatives and provided insights into the further development of the strike drone. According to Köhler, the company has “destroyed” an average of 30 drones per week for approximately two years to reach its current state. However, these real-world flight tests alone are far from sufficient to explain the rapid development pace of the HX-2. Rather, they serve as data sources for building a simulation technology and infrastructure that plays a crucial role in the development of the strike drone, both up to its current status and beyond. The current state of development of modern strike drones and loitering munitions allows for a reliable hit on the targeted enemy (even while moving) under adverse flight conditions. In the future, these systems are intended to be capable of exploiting a target’s weaknesses and, if necessary, even circumventing countermeasures.
The Development of a Strike Drone
Strike drones manufactured in Germany are attracting considerable attention, not least due to recent media reports regarding more or less successful test campaigns. During the briefing, however, Köhler declined to comment on or confirm the tests with the German Armed Forces in Germany and the British Army in Kenya, which have been discussed in the media. Nevertheless, he stated that the company’s HX-2 strike drones have successfully undergone tests in several countries in recent weeks and have been deployed by soldiers of the respective nations. According to him, the HX-2 has demonstrated its robustness in operation and a high degree of automation that stands out in international comparison. The reason for this result, Köhler explains, lies in the way Helsing develops, tests, and trains its strike drone. The HX-2 is an electrically powered X-wing precision drone with a range of up to 100 km. According to Helsing, the HX-2 was designed from the ground up for mass production to keep unit costs significantly lower compared to conventional systems. A key element of the HX-2’s performance is the AI-powered software developed by Helsing. According to Helsing, the use of AI makes the drone resistant to electronic warfare and jamming. AI is also responsible for the system’s high degree of automation. Helsing sees the HX-2 as a precision weapon with an operator on the loop. While most drones in current drone warfare, such as those used in the Ukraine war, still require pilots to control them, strike drones like the HX-2 can successfully complete missions even without human input. The process is as follows: A identified target – the reconnaissance vehicle is irrelevant here – is transmitted to the HX-2 as a target report, including coordinates and a target description (e.g., main battle tank in position). After the operator issues the launch command, the strike drone flies automatically until it reaches the target area and locates the reported target independently. Once the operator confirms that the located target is indeed the one to be engaged, the drone autonomously attacks the target. What sounds unspectacular is, according to Köhler, actually very complex. The drone’s control software must perform virtually all these tasks at least as well as an experienced pilot for this type of mission. And the human pilot must consciously or unconsciously do many things correctly simultaneously for the mission to be successful. For example, a pilot must constantly maintain accurate spatial awareness of the drone’s position and continuously estimate the distance to obstacles or potential targets in order to initiate the necessary flight maneuvers to accomplish the mission. However, this is just one of many tasks that the pilot must consciously or unconsciously perform in parallel with other duties. All of this must also be taught to the drone. The last three seconds of the mission are particularly crucial, as Köhler says they determine whether the drone ultimately hits its target or not. Errors during the approach phase can be compensated for, but the final approach to the target allows no room for error. This phase is especially complex. The strike drone flies at a particularly high speed during the dive, and the wind conditions at ground level differ from those at altitudes of, for example, 100, 200, or 300 meters. Therefore, in the last three seconds of the final approach, the drone must compensate for several potential variables—wind speed, wind direction, changes in the target’s position, and its own speed—simultaneously within milliseconds to ensure the mission’s success.
A single mistake is all it takes for the drone to hit the ground instead of the target. Developing the HX-2 required not only creating a strike drone, but also developing a battle-tested software pilot.
Simulation is key. Training this software pilot requires countless test flights under every conceivable condition. Köhler himself speaks of 3,000 to 4,000 test flights necessary to calibrate a system so that it flies accurately to its target under a wide variety of conditions. If these test flights were conducted traditionally in the field, it would take years.
Modularity
Access to the powerful simulation environment allows the company to fully leverage the drone’s modularity and continuously develop the system. According to Köhler, the HX-2’s hardware is designed to accommodate a wide range of warheads from different manufacturers. If the warhead components are pre-qualified, the integration effort, according to the co-CEO of Helsing, is measured in weeks rather than months. This allows the HX-2 to accurately achieve different effects on the target, depending on customer requirements – for example, engaging soft targets or anti-tank defense.
Several options are also available for launching the HX-2 strike drones. In addition to catapult launches, the HX-2 can also be pneumatically launched from reusable launch boxes that can be attached to combat vehicles. Furthermore, launching from a portable transport unit is currently under development.
Combat Effectiveness Enhancement
Although Köhler has great confidence in the already achieved “robustness” of the HX-2, which, according to him, “stands out positively from the crowd,” the co-founder of Helsing sees further potential to continuously enhance the strike drone’s combat effectiveness. The focus, however, is not on the hardware, but on the software. Köhler sees no particular need for further development of the platform itself. “If the laws of physics don’t change, no optimization of the aircraft is necessary as long as it is well-designed,” Köhler explains. Adjustments are only required if the requirements—payload weight or size, range, etc.—change. The Helsing manager also sees a gradual but steady slowdown in the pace of development at the component level. At the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the pace was very high; in his opinion, it has now leveled off considerably.
When it comes to software development, Köhler is thinking particularly about further developing the control software. Instead of focusing solely on accurately hitting targets – stationary or moving – even under adverse conditions such as weather and camouflage, the system will be equipped to autonomously identify the target’s vulnerabilities and exploit them during combat. The goal is not simply to hit the tank, but for the drone to optimize its approach angle to strike the precise point on the tank where its defenses are weakest. According to Köhler, once this capability is implemented, further enhancements to the system’s combat effectiveness are conceivable. For example, it could be investigated to what extent the drones can automatically react to and counteract the target’s defensive measures. He cites as an example the drone being blinded during its final approach to the target if the crew of an attacked vehicle notices the HX-2 and activates a smoke grenade launcher to break line of sight. In such a situation, the strike drone would be unable to compensate for any changes in the vehicle’s position and would ultimately miss its target. In the future, the system could be trained to recognize such situations and react accordingly. Instead of continuing its approach to the target, the drone could launch another attack once the fog has lifted, or adjust its angle of attack to compensate for the reduced visibility. Helsing’s software engineers will therefore have no shortage of work in the future. (Source: UAS VISION/hartpunkt)
11 Nov 25. Norwegian Army reveals UAVs integrated into Valkyrie swarming system for latest testing. Norwegian company Robot Aviation’s vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) SkyRobot FX10NG unmanned aircraft system (UAS) and Norwegian company Six Robotics’ quadcopter Spectre UAS were integrated with the Norwegian Army’s Valkyrie swarming system during testing in the fourth quarter of 2025, a senior Norwegian Army representative told Janes on 7 November. “It [Valkyrie] has been tested within several army units including the Telemark Battalion at early stages, and lately within the Finnmark Land Defence unit [Finnmark landforsvar: FLF] (now the Finnmark Brigade) during [Exercise] ‘Nordic Response’ in Finnmark in 2024,” the army representative said, adding that by the end of November 2025, “most army manoeuvre units will have swarm drones available for use”. The Norwegian Army said it would not comment on the number of UASs integrated in the Valkyrie swarm. The software platform for autonomous UAS operations, called Valkyrie, is part of an ongoing research project by the Norwegian Ministry of Defence’s (MoD’s) Defence Research Establishment (Forsvarets forskningsinstitutt: FFI) and the Norwegian Army. “It [the Valkyrie project] is still ongoing and will hopefully never end, thus ensuring that we are able to stay at the forefront of development,” the army representative added. The developments and testing of Valkyrie now fall under the Norwegian Army land drone programme, according to the army representative. The Norwegian Army is expected to receive additional deliveries of other surveillance UASs with a swarm from Six Robotics, according to a 27 October news story from FFI. (Source: Janes)
11 Nov 25. Milkor promotes 380 UAV as it continues development of larger 780. The Milkor 380 medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is the largest such aircraft to be designed and manufactured in Africa, and will be complemented by an even larger UAV – the Milkor 780 – which is currently under development. Milkor said the 380 “exemplifies South Africa’s growing prowess in aerospace technology and its potential to enhance security, surveillance, and operational efficiency. With the eyes of the world on South Africa during the G20, the Milkor 380 stands as a testimony to South African innovation with applications for border protection, intelligence gathering, and beyond, underscoring the nation’s commitment to self-reliant defence solutions.”
“The Milkor 380, developed entirely in South Africa, represents a significant leap forward in unmanned systems technology. Designed for versatility and reliability, it addresses a wide range of operational needs in both military and civilian contexts. As global leaders convene in South Africa for the G20 in late November, this UAV highlights how local innovation can contribute to international security dialogues, particularly in areas like maritime domain awareness and counter-terrorism.”
Milkor said the aircraft is globally competitive, and features a wingspan of 18.6 metres, enabling stable flight in diverse conditions. With a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 1 500 kg and a payload capacity of up to 220 kg, it can accommodate a variety of mission-specific equipment, including electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors, synthetic aperture radar (SAR), and precision-guided munitions. Powered by a turbocharged Rotax 915is engine (in future it will feature a turboprop), the UAV achieves an operational endurance of up to 35 hours, allowing for extended loiter times over target areas. It operates at altitudes reaching 30 000 feet, “providing a strategic vantage point for surveillance while remaining beyond the reach of many ground-based threats.” Top speed is 250 km/h and cruise speed 110-150 km/h. The Milkor 380 features modular payload bays for seamless integration of advanced systems, such as signals intelligence (SIGINT) pods and electronic warfare (EW) suites. Recent advancements include a strategic memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Hanwha Systems to incorporate active electronically scanned array (AESA) synthetic aperture radar (SAR), enhancing its all-weather imaging capabilities for global export markets. Autonomous take-off and landing systems reduce operator intervention, while satellite communication extends its range to over 4 000 km in beyond-line-of-sight operations. Milkor has partnered with leading companies, such as Germany’s Hensoldt, to integrate sophisticated sensor suites, including the ARGOS II HDT Airborne Observation System with laser designator capabilities. The aircraft’s nose is capable of housing several different electro optical/infrared and radar sensors. For maritime/naval roles, Milkor partner with Aerodata AG to create the AeroForce 380, integrating a radar, AIS, and electro-optical/infrared gimbals. The Milkor 380 can be armed, and has already been displayed with Al Tariq X-series precision guided munitions, Halcon Desert Sting DS-16 guided bombs, and FZ602 laser-guided rocket launchers. A mockup of a Milkor-developed missile has also been shown under the aircraft, as Milkor is exploring in-house missile development.
The Milkor 380 is ideal for a broad spectrum of applications, the company said, such as border surveillance, maritime surveillance, wildlife conservation, and strike missions. It could, for example, help secure South Africa’s land borders, combating cross-border crime and human trafficking; be used to assist in anti-poaching efforts in reserves like the Kruger National Park; coordinate disaster relief efforts; and help monitor South Africa’s 2 800 km coastline. The Milkor 380 first flew in September 2023 and is currently in production at the company’s Cape Town facility – it has secured export orders. Annual production stands at eight per year, with plans to reach 16 units a year around 2026. First deliveries to customers are expected this year. The Milkor 380’s production phase has paved the way for an even larger follow-on project, the Milkor 780 with a 24 metre wingspan. This high-altitude, long-endurance UAV is expected to carry 2 700 kilograms of payload on nine hardpoints. It will have a flight time of 30–40 hours, giving a maximum range of 9 300 km (line-of-sight communications range will be 250 km). Maximum speed will be 315 km/h and its cruise speed will be 230 km/h.
“The 780 project is currently in the detailed design stage, moving towards completed data packs and manufacturing should start later this year or early next year,” Milkor Marketing Manager Daniel du Plessis reported earlier in 2025. “Our assembly facility should be able to build two 780s at a time.” The entire airframe will be built at a dedicated production facility in Cape Town, which is being fitted out.
Milkor hopes to unveil the Milkor 780 at the 2026 edition of the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) exhibition, and launch the aircraft on to the international market then. (Source: https://www.defenceweb.co.za/)
10 Nov 25. Neros announced its selection as one of the three primary manufacturers of FPV drones for the U.S. Army’s Purpose-Built Attritable Systems (PBAS) program Tranche 1 — an initiative designed to deliver effective, modular, and mission-adaptable FPV drone capabilities to platoon-level units across the force. Through PBAS, Neros will supply the Army with its Archer and Archer Strike drone platforms in both 5-inch and 10-inch variants. These platforms represent the next-generation evolution of the battlefield-tested Archer 8-inch system. Neros announced its selection as one of the three primary manufacturers of FPV drones for the U.S. Army’s Purpose-Built Attritable Systems (PBAS) program Tranche 1. The Army package also includes Flatbow, an upgraded soldier-borne variant of Neros’ Crossbow Ground Control System. This program validates a comprehensive development cycle driven by real-world results in Ukraine and cements Neros’ position as the leading provider of FPV drones to the Department of War. Archer Strike’s architecture integrates directly with combat-proven anti-armor and anti-personnel Kraken Kinetics Terminus strike payloads to engage targets at ranges exceeding 20 kilometers. The non-Strike variants of Archer deliver major enhancements to ISR capabilities and feature easily modifiable, fully customizable payload configurations — empowering operators to adapt the system to any mission. Flatbow extends these capabilities by providing a rugged, mobile control platform that incorporates advanced technologies to mitigate jamming threats in contested electromagnetic environments.
Together, the Archer + Flatbow PBAS package equips the U.S. Army with a flexible, domestically produced sUAS solution that delivers state-of-the-art, globally competitive FPV capabilities to the warfighter.
“The PBAS program selection caps over two years of rigorous system development and testing with both our Ukrainian and U.S. military partners. An immense amount of engineering effort and team dedication has gone into designing and producing the custom componentry required to meet our performance standards and secure our supply chain,” said Soren Monroe-Anderson, CEO of Neros. “These important procurement programs signal the Army’s and the DoW’s seriousness in addressing critical gaps in our drone capabilities and industrial base. Neros is committed to supporting these efforts and helping our nation meet the rapidly growing demand for sUAS defense solutions.”
Neros is dedicated to ensuring the West maintains an asymmetric advantage over its adversaries by manufacturing advanced FPV systems at scale through resilient allied supply chains.
About Neros Technologies
Neros Technologies is the fastest-growing American manufacturer of small unmanned aerial systems. Founded in 2023, Neros designs, builds, and scales drone technologies to deliver asymmetric advantage to U.S. and allied forces. All Neros systems are compliant with Department of War security standards and manufactured without China-made components. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
31 Oct 25. Anduril today officially opened its new, state-of-the-art Ghost Shark manufacturing facility in Sydney. The opening — attended by the Hon Pat Conroy MP, Minister for Defence Industry; Vice Admiral Mark Hammond AO, Chief of Navy; Dr Shane Arnott, SVP, Anduril Industries; and David Goodrich OAM, Chairman & CEO Anduril Australia — coincides with a major milestone: the first Ghost Shark Extra Large Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (XL-AUV) has rolled off the line ahead of schedule and is ready for sea acceptance testing ahead of planned delivery to the Royal Australian Navy in January 2026. The factory opening follows the Royal Australian Navy’s award of a A$1.7BN contract to Anduril Australia to deliver a large fleet of Ghost Sharks over the next five years. Anduril announced the successful Programme of Record designation after successfully completing the co-development contract and delivering three Ghost Shark XL-AUVs ahead of schedule and on-budget. This was a part of the AU$140M co-development contract to design and develop three Ghost Shark XL-AUVs in three years. The new 7,400m² facility is purpose-built to produce Ghost Shark, and its commercial baseline the Dive-XL, at-scale and, subject to Government approval, for export to allies and partners around the world. It combines advanced robotic manufacturing, AI-driven logistics and a custom test tank for in-water verification of buoyancy, electrical systems and safety before sea trials. The Ghost Shark manufacture program has commenced with Low-Rate Initial Production, moving to full scale production in 2026. It incorporates input from a supply chain of over 40 Australian SMEs and companies that provide a broad range of components, subcomponents and materials.
Key facts:
- A$1.7bn Programme of Record awarded by the Royal Australian Navy.
- First vehicle off the line and ready for undersea testing; planned RAN delivery January 2026.
- Factory footprint: 7,400m² with integrated robotic production, AI ground vehicles and gantry tracking.
- Custom in-water test tank and adjacent engineering labs for live software and hardware tuning.
- Production ramp: Low-Rate Initial Production underway, transitioning to full-scale production in 2026.
- Supply chain: over 40 Australian SMEs contributing parts, components and materials.
- Local impact: more than 150 high-skilled jobs created and a strengthened sovereign supply chain.
- Beyond the XL-AUV, the facility is configured to manufacture Dive-XL and Dive-LD variants and is ready to support future platforms such as Anduril’s Copperhead family of high-speed Autonomous Underwater Vehicles
- Factory is ready to produce vehicles for export to allies and partners around the world (subject to Australian government approval)
“The Ghost Shark is the most high-tech long range autonomous underwater capability that exists in the world today and the Albanese Government is proud to have supported its development,” said the Hon Pat Conroy MP, Minister for Defence Industry. “The opening of this factory is about backing Australian ingenuity and innovation, but also securing hundreds of well-paid high-skilled jobs and a future made in Australia.”
David Goodrich OAM, Chairman & CEO, Anduril Australia, said: “Today marks a defining moment in our mission to bring sovereign undersea capability to Australia. With the opening of this new facility, we are not only building local infrastructure and workforce — we are investing in innovation, in partnerships, and in the future defence of our nation. Affordable, disruptive and distributed mass is a central tenet of undersea deterrence, and we look forward to supporting Australia and its allies by producing Ghost Sharks right here in Sydney.” (Source: joint-forces.com)
07 Nov 25. US Army aims to field 1 m drones in next 2-3 years. The U.S. Army plans to increase partnerships with private industry and boost its own manufacturing capacity to field at least one m drones within the next two to three years, an Army spokesperson told Military Times. On Friday, U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll first detailed the Army’s hopes to speed up drone production to Reuters during a visit to Picatinny Arsenal. An Army spokesperson has since provided more detailed clarification to Military Times. Driscoll was referring to the Army’s new pilot program called SkyFoundry, which would see the service forge partnerships with private industry and also kickstart in-house Army manufacturing to churn out drones rapidly for battlefield use.
“SkyFoundry is the Army’s concept for a public-private partnership to help reinvigorate the American industrial base,” an Army spokesperson told Military Times in a statement. “This concept will stimulate the U.S. drone industry, support American manufacturing, increase access to rare earth materials, produce low-cost components and ultimately deliver drones for immediate needs to the Army.
“Everyone benefits: American industry becomes healthier, the country is safer and the Army has the system required to produce and procure ms of drones in the next 2-3 years.”
The spokesperson clarified that the Army is not trying to outdo private industry but to make drone technology more widely accessible to service members, as drone use will certainly dominate future battlefields.
“Some drones will be expendable as if they’re munitions, others will be durable, but not meant to last forever,” the spokesperson said. “Everyone will need to be well-versed in using drones and in counter drone response.”
The SkyFoundry Act was introduced by Congressman Pat Harrigan, R-NC., on Sept. 4 shortly before the government shutdown took effect.
“More than 80% of casualties in modern war now come from drones, yet we still have no capacity to build them at scale. That failure is reckless, and it leaves our troops exposed,” Harrigan said in a statement.
“This bill creates the capacity to design, test and build a m drones a year right here in America. It cuts China out of our supply chains, it arms our troops with what they need to dominate, and it makes clear we will never again let our enemies outproduce us in the weapons that decide wars.” (Source: Defense News)
07 Nov 25. L&T to Manufacture GA-ASI MALE RPAS in India. Larsen & Toubro in India and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) have entered into a strategic partnership to manufacture Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) in India, for the Indian armed forces. GA-ASI, a global leader in advanced unmanned aerial systems, brings decades of operational expertise; L&T brings extensive engineering, precision manufacturing and system integration capabilities in defence and aerospace. L&T and GA-ASI together will deliver the combat-proven MALE RPAS platforms, manufactured entirely in India. This programme incorporates critical technology transfers and fulfilling indigenous content requirements aligned with Government of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives. Under this partnership, L&T will participate in the upcoming 87 MALE RPAS programme of the Ministry of Defence, where L&T will be the prime bidder and GA-ASI the technology partner. The collaboration will enable the production of GA-ASI’s MQ-series RPAS that are combat proven. These are widely operational across the globe with ms of flight hours in surveillance and strike missions. The partnership marks a significant milestone in India’s pursuit of a self-reliant defence ecosystem, strengthening Indo-US defence collaboration and fostering a competitive, globally integrated aerospace manufacturing base.
Commenting on the development, S N Subrahmanyan, Chairman & Managing Director, L&T, said: “This partnership offers India a unique opportunity to manufacture state-of-the-art unmanned platforms indigenously. We are proud to join hands with GA-ASI, a recognised world leader in this domain, and are confident that this alliance will significantly enhance India’s defence capabilities and advance self-reliance in aerospace technologies”.
Dr Vivek Lall, Chief Executive, General Atomics Global Corporation, said: “We are honoured to serve the Indian market in partnership with Larsen & Toubro, a trusted and capable leader in India’s defence sector. This collaboration exemplifies our commitment to supporting India’s vision for self-reliance and indigenous manufacturing in aerospace. By combining GA-ASI’s proven technology with L&T’s robust manufacturing expertise, we aim to deliver cutting-edge MALE RPAS solutions that will enhance the operational readiness of the Indian armed forces and contribute to a strong, sustainable defence ecosystem in India”. (Source: UAS VISION)
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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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