BATTLESPACE Updates

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UNMANNED SYSTEMS UPDATE

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Sponsored by EOS

 

www.eos-aus.com

 

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11 Dec 25. Neros Technologies, in partnership with Kela Technologies, today announced Archer Fiber, the world’s first NDAA-compliant fiber-optic FPV drone — a breakthrough platform engineered for dominance in the most aggressive electronic warfare environments. Archer Fiber is already BlueUAS cleared, following a rigorous component-level audit verifying that no critical parts originate from China. This is true compliance, not repackaging — a meaningful differentiator in a market demanding trust, provenance, and scale.

“Archer Fiber marks a decisive leap forward in secure FPV capability,” said Søren Monroe-Anderson, CEO of Neros Technologies. “Electronic warfare is outpacing traditional radios. Fiber-optic control keeps operators connected, precise, and lethal even in the harshest interference. It’s a capability the U.S. and its allies need at scale — and Neros is built to deliver.”

Fiber-optic control removes the vulnerabilities of radio-based systems, enabling beyond-line-of-sight FPV operations and unlocking previously unattainable mission profiles. This technological shift positions Neros to lead the next generation of attritable UAS systems as defense customers accelerate investment in resilient, high-performance unmanned platforms.

“Archer Fiber demonstrates how industry is stepping up to reinforce the strong collective defense already underway between the United States and Israel,” said Hamutal Meridor, President of Kela Technologies. “By uniting American defense industrial power with Israeli battlefield-proven ingenuity, we’re enabling capability development at unprecedented speed.”

Archer Fiber is already deployed with early partners, validating performance in contested conditions. Orders are now open for 2026 delivery as Neros rapidly expands its vertically integrated U.S. manufacturing capacity. Archer Fiber represents a new class of secure, scalable FPV systems designed for real battlefield conditions — and a major step in reshoring critical drone capabilities to the United States. Partners can preorder Archer Fiber today by contacting Neros at .

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 with a secure and vetted allied supply chain.

For more information, visit www.neros.tech.

About Kela Technologies

Kela Technologies is rapidly scaling Israeli defense ingenuity to the US and its Allies. Founded in 2024, Kela’s open and secure operating system reorchestrates the modern military stack. We integrate any commercial or military technologies on hand to deliver greater precision, lethality, and affordability, without vendor lock. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)

 

11 Dec 25. Aeronautics Ltd. and 4iG Space and Defence Technologies Zrt. announced the signing of a strategic cooperation agreement aimed at delivering advanced, combat-proven unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and loitering munition (LM) solutions to European customers. Through the partnership, the companies will jointly offer tactical UAS and loitering munition systems, providing customers with enhancement of intelligence, target acquisition and data-collection functions. The cooperation also includes the possibility of European system and subsystem manufacturing in Hungary, strengthening supply chain resilience, long-term system support and availability. The combination of Aeronautics’ vast operational UAS and loitering munition expertise, specifically with the combat proven Orbiter UAS and LM family of solutions, together with 4iG SDT’s strong industrial infrastructure, integration capabilities and regional footprint, will provide European customers with state of the art UAS solutions for the modern day battlefield needs.

“The European UAS and Loitering Munition market is rapidly growing. Our strategic cooperation with 4iG Group, a leading force in the European market, will enable to implement the inherent synergies between 4iG’s strong footprint in Hungary and Europe together with Aeronautics’ three decades of combat proven Tactical UAS and Loitering Munitions expertise.”, said Dan Slasky, President and CEO of the Aeronautics Group.

“The strategic cooperation agreement with Aeronautics opens new opportunities for the defence division of 4iG Group. The establishment and localisation of unmanned aerial systems play a key role in building modern defence capabilities and can strengthen Hungary’s industrial competencies in developing NATO-compliant systems. Our cooperation with our partner Aeronautics will enable Hungary to become a leading UAS technology hub in the region,” said István Sárhegyi, CEO of 4iG SDT.

 

08 Dec 25. uAvionix SkyLine Demonstrates Robust Multi-Datalink C2 in Wales BVLOS Testing. uAvionix’s SkyLine system demonstrated reliable, standards-based CNPC command and control with multi-datalink connectivity, supporting the first UK hydrogen fuel Beyond Visual Line of Sight flight. uAvionix supported a recent demonstration in Wales that confirmed the reliability of its standards-based Control and Non-Payload Communication (CNPC) Command and Control (C2) services, delivered through the SkyLine system for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS) operations. The demonstration was organized by BT and involved collaboration with uAvionix, Skyfarer, and Intelligent Energy, conducting flights between Snowdonia Aerospace Centre’s Llanbedr Airfield and offshore danger areas in Barmouth Bay. uAvionix’s SkyLine C2 system was central to the trials, showcasing highly assured, multi-datalink, multi-path, and long-range C2 capabilities. The system combined C-Band aviation-protected spectrum, BT’s Drone SIM, and Starlink’s low earth orbit (LEO) satcom. These capabilities, along with advanced Detect and Avoid (DAA) technologies, are crucial for meeting the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA) higher risk Specific Assurance and Integrity Level (SAIL) 4-6 BVLOS flight Operational Safety Objectives (OSOs), aligning with the CAA’s Future of Flight: BVLOS Roadmap. The UAV hexacopter used in the flight weighed 25kg and was powered by Intelligent Energy’s IE-SOAR™ hydrogen fuel cell system. It was equipped with the uAvionix muLTElink-5060 Airborne Radio System (ARS) Link Executive Manager, which provided the robust multi-datalink CNPC C2 capabilities. The system utilized C-Band, cellular (via BT’s Drone SIM), and LEO satcom (through a Starlink mini connected to the muLTElink-5060) to maintain constant control. Skyfarer managed the operational approval, flight planning, flight crew, and operations support. This included integrating the uAvionix SkyLine C2 system with their Ground Control System (GCS) and setting up the uAvionix SkyStation5060-POE GRS. The SkyLine system also received a traffic feed from the uAvionix FlightLine ADS-B surveillance system, which included data from a uAvionix FlightStation dual-frequency receiver hosted by Llanbedr Tower, plus an additional FlightStation set up by Skyfarer. The successful flights demonstrated seamless handover between the various datalinks, which maintained C2 integrity even within challenging coastal environments. The muLTElink-5060 Link Executive Manager within the uAvionix SkyLine CNPC C2 uses multi-datalink, multi-path connectivity over C-Band 5030-5091MHz aviation protected spectrum radio, cellular, and satellite to maintain constant control. SkyLine is a CNPC standards-based C2 system designed to meet the requirements of RTCA DO-377A and DO-362A, and the certified performance of the FAA’s draft Technical Standard Order, TSO C-213A. Dave Pankhurst, Innovation Director, Future Connected Solutions, BT, stated, “This demonstration showcases the reliability of multi-datalink C2 in real-world UK conditions, paving the way for expanded BVLOS applications.” Thomas Jimenez, VP of UAS at uAvionix, added, “uAvionix is committed to supporting the UK’s drone ecosystem with technologies that meet stringent CAA standards.”  The CAA is currently consulting on a C2 Link Policy Concept for SAIL 1 to 3 and plans to consult in due course on a C2 Link Policy Concept for SAIL 4 to 6 as well. (Source: https://www.defenseadvancement.com/)

 

11 Dec 25. Kraken Robotics and TKMS ATLAS UK Demo KATFISH USV Launch and Recovery System on an in-service UK Royal Navy ARCIMS USV. Kraken Robotics Inc. (“Kraken” or the “Company”) (TSX-V: PNG, OTCQB: KRKNF) announces the successful demonstration of its KATFISH Unmanned Surface Vessel Launch and Recovery System (USV-LARS) from TKMS ATLAS UK’s (ATLAS UK) 11-meter ARCIMS USV. The systems offer a comprehensive autonomous survey package for maritime security missions including mine countermeasure operations and critical underwater infrastructure inspection. Together, ARCIMS and KATFISH USV-LARS provide the industry’s first air-deployable, 300-meter depth rated autonomous towed SAS survey system.

“With the surge in unmanned systems for defence, naval forces need the best technology available to protect national security,” said Greg Reid, President and CEO of Kraken Robotics. “With its ability to safely and autonomously launch and recover KATFISH from USVs, our USV-LARS allows small naval platforms to collect KATFISH’s high resolution synthetic aperture sonar (SAS) data, significantly increasing their capabilities and acting as force multipliers.”

The LARS footprint was designed to fit ATLAS UK’s ARCIMS common deck interface, enabling rapid rerole and seamless integration with the platform. Sea state three conditions were encountered during operations, demonstrating the system’s robustness and readiness for real-world naval environments. This joint integration marks a major step forward in delivering agile, modular, and cost-effective mine countermeasure capabilities for modern naval operations. By combining ARCIMS’ proven USV with Kraken’s cutting-edge towed synthetic aperture sonar and recovery system, navies can deploy advanced technologies faster and more efficiently, strengthening maritime security in increasingly complex environments. The system was demonstrated off the coast of Portland, UK November 18-19 for NATO navies. Attendees witnessed the ARCIMS USV autonomously navigate and plan missions with the KATFISH towed system collecting high resolution SAS and bathymetric surveys in very shallow water. Data was live streamed via satellite communications to the command center on shore, enabling real-time classification of contacts by operators.

Wesley Galliver, Head of Surface Ship Systems Division, TKMS ATLAS UK said “This achievement demonstrates what can be accomplished when innovation and collaboration come together. Integrating ARCIMS with KATFISH and LARS in such a compressed timeframe sets a new benchmark for delivering operational capability to our customers. I am delighted with the results and proud of what the combined teams achieved.”

Kraken’s KATFISH collects high resolution synthetic aperture sonar data at up to a 200-meter range per side at a depth of 300 meters, with real-time data streamed at 3 cm x 3 cm resolution. Kraken’s KATFISH USV-LARS was designed specifically for small vessels, with an all-titanium construction for low magnetic signature and low weight. KATFISH and USV-LARS were rapidly mobilized on the ARCIMS, with integration, testing and the demonstration happening over a period of just two weeks. (Source: ASD Network)

 

11 Dec 25. Skyeton Prevail Solutions, the Anglo-Ukrainian joint venture set up to fast-track the volume manufacture and supply of its best-in-class and ready-now drone for the UK military, validated its multi-role Raybird UAS with its deployment as part of the British Army’s recent Iron Titan exercise.  The system demonstrated the type of stealth, endurance and situational awareness increasingly central to modern battlefield operations. Launched from cold in under 25 minutes and operating at a 10km reach, Raybird identified and verified multiple high-priority targets while remaining undetected, confirming its merits as a recce-strike enabler utilised in more than 7,000+ missions in Ukraine totalling more than 350,000+ combat hours with attrition rates of less than 10%. The Skyeton Group, headquartered in Kyiv, joined British defence and security company, Prevail Partners on July 2 this year, expressly to combine Raybird’s battle-proven technology with a sovereign UK manufacturing capability. Skyeton Prevail Solutions aim is to bring ready-now UAS technology to UK Armed Forces consistent with the aims and ambitions of the Strategic Defence Review (SDR), while also generating skilled employment in the UK along with significant direct economic contributions from Raybird system exports.

Justin Hedges OBE, Chairman of Prevail Partners said, “There was little doubt that Raybird would prove out its credentials which have been so effectively demonstrated in Ukraine. But perhaps more importantly, this was the first milestone in embedding it as a sovereign UK proposition. Our next step is finalising the UK manufacturing plan to respond to the ambition in the SDR to bring ready-now and Ukraine-informed technology from agile SMEs within easy reach of the UK Armed Forces.”

ABOUT SKYETON PREVAIL SOLUTIONS

Skyeton Prevail Solutions, the joint venture between Skyeton Group, headquartered in Kyiv, and Prevail Partners in London, brings together unmatched aviation engineering and military and security expertise into a company providing cost-effective, agile and ready-now defence solutions while building economic value with new skilled engineering jobs.

 

10 Dec 25. Flare Bright Ltd (‘Flarebright’), a rapidly growing UK-owned SME and pioneer in the development of novel uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) technologies, today announced that its consortium has been awarded funding from the prestigious UKRI Future Flight: Strategic Growth challenge for the ‘Containment with Confidence’ project. The project is set to transform how critical energy infrastructure is monitored by creating a clear pathway to transition from carbon-intensive helicopter inspections to highly efficient, lower-carbon, and scalable Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone operations. Flarebright leads the consortium, which includes:

National Gas Transmission (the end-user) , Satellite Applications Catapult, and veteran-led social enterprise RPAS Heroes.

Enabling Safe, Scalable BVLOS Operations

The consortium will address the critical challenge of enabling safe, routine BVLOS access over the UK’s vast network of underground gas pipelines. Current helicopter-based surveillance, which contributes approximately 500 kg of CO2 per hour of flight, will be replaced by a refined condition- and risk-based monitoring system. Flarebright is leveraging its defense-grade technology to guarantee safety and regulatory compliance:

  • Containment with Confidence: The project will adapt Extera, a robust, scalable Flight Termination System (FTS) and MLScope, an advanced data and simulation platform, to rigorously ensure flight containment for safe BVLOS operations. Extera is an ultra-reliable hardware and software system that can command termination of a drone’s flight.
  • Regulatory Evidence: An advanced simulation and data platform will structure operational evidence to support the regulatory concepts needed for scaling civilian corridor-based BVLOS drone operations. The project will share data and outputs with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to accelerate regulatory maturity.

Executive Quotes

Quote from Flarebright Founding CEO, Dr Kelvin Hamilton FRAeS: “This funding is a game-changer for the UK’s drone sector. We are taking technology proven in the demanding defense environment, such as our Extera Flight Termination System, and adapting it to solve a major commercial, environmental, and safety challenge for critical infrastructure. By working hand-in-hand with National Gas and the CAA ecosystem, we are providing the tangible safety evidence needed to unlock true commercial scale for BVLOS and move the UK closer to Net Zero surveillance.”

[Quote from National Gas Transmission Head of Innovation, Corinna Burger: “National Gas is committed to reducing human error and achieving Net Zero surveillance across our 7,600 km of vital pipelines. This project offers a clear path to achieving those goals, enabling us to replace costly, high-carbon aerial patrols with a more frequent, efficient, and resilient inspection method. Strong end-user involvement is central to making this shift a reality.”

Quote on testing and regulation/Satellite Applications Catapult CTO, Richard Lowe: “Increasing the use of UAS technologies in day-to-day business operations, requires space capabilities to help with autonomous navigation and communication. This project, supported by Catapult technical experts and our drone test and development centre, will foster innovation and enhance operational excellence. Together, we are advancing a safe and sustainable future for commercial BVLOS operations.”

[Quote on Social Impact/RPAS Heroes Co-Founder, Pete Goalby: “The social impact of this project is just as important as the technology. RPAS Heroes, our veteran-led social enterprise, will manage the flight operations, simultaneously fostering social inclusion and training opportunities. We are proud to be building an inclusive workforce and leveraging the unique skills of former service members to enhance the safety and sustainability of the national energy grid.”

Project Impact

The ‘Containment with Confidence’ project delivers significant public value:
● Environmental: Potential for up to 90% emissions reduction by substituting helicopter-based inspections.
● Economic: Supports a more resilient, cost-effective pipeline management system for National Gas with potential for 50% cost savings.
● Regulatory: Generates the structured data and operational blueprints needed to accelerate routine BVLOS approvals across critical infrastructure sectors.

The project begins on September 1, 2025, and is expected to run until March 31, 2026.

‘CONTAINMENT WITH CONFIDENCE’ MID-PROJECT SHOWCASE

The consortium invited industry partners, regulators (including the CAA), and stakeholders to witness the project’s progress and the technology enabling routine, corridor-based BVLOS flight for national infrastructure. The event offered a live, in-depth view of the system’s deployment in a test environment, reinforcing the regulatory safety case being built.

About Flarebright: Flarebright is a rapidly growing, UK-owned SME that is pioneering the development of novel uncrewed aircraft systems technologies (UAS). Founded in 2015 by Dr. Kelvin Hamilton FRAeS and Dr. Conrad Rider, the company develops systems to boost autonomous drone capabilities and flight safety, built upon a machine learning digital twin technology foundation. Flarebright’s technology has been supported by the British Ministry of Defence (MOD) and the United States Department of Defense (US DoD).
About National Gas Transmission: National Gas owns and operates the high-pressure gas transmission system in Great Britain, playing a critical role in the UK’s energy security.
About Satellite Applications Catapult: The Satellite Applications Catapult is an independent technology and innovation company, established to foster growth across the economy through the exploitation of satellite technology.
About RPAS Heroes: RPAS Heroes is a veteran-led social enterprise providing professional drone services while creating employment and training pathways for veterans and underrepresented groups.
Contact: Adam Thomas, Flarebright Media Advisor,

 

0 Dec 25. Hoverfly Whitelisted on AeroVironment’s Command and Control Software Ecosystem. Hoverfly Technologies, a global provider of tethered unmanned aerial systems (TeUAS), has announced that its systems have been officially whitelisted on AV_Halo, a hardware-agnostic software platform developed by AeroVironment, Inc. that provides a modular, mission-ready suite of AI-powered software tools, including battle management with command and control (C2) for unmanned vehicles. This milestone marks a critical step forward in warfighter-ready interoperability and networked autonomy. With AV_Halo COMMAND – powered by AV’s KINESIS tactical universal control architecture – operators can now control Hoverfly’s tethered drones through the same common user interface used to command over 20 other uncrewed systems, creating a unified control environment across the tactical network. Following months of iterative software development, validation, and joint testing, Hoverfly TeUAS platforms are now natively supported and immediately deployable within AV_Halo COMMAND. This integration delivers:

  • Seamless interoperability across manned and unmanned assets
  • Enhanced AI-driven autonomy and data fusion
  • Faster mission execution from ISR to kinetic effects
  • Secure network connectivity through open-architecture protocols
  • Interoperability with CUAS capabilities throughout the AV_Halo network

“This whitelisting represents more than software compatibility—it’s the realization of true cross-domain command and control,” said Bruce Tuftie, Chief Strategy Officer at Hoverfly. “By combining Hoverfly’s persistent, 200-foot eye-in-the-sky with AV_Halo COMMAND’s common UI, we’re equipping warfighters to make faster, smarter decisions across the entire battlespace.”

The whitelisting of Hoverfly on AV_Halo COMMAND is a perfect marriage of open architecture technologies that enhances C2 performance and rapid decision making. Both Hoverfly and AV_Halo are designed for the warfighter first, exemplifying next-generation innovation that seamlessly connects the human-machine team across the tactical network.

“AV_Halo was developed as an open architecture software core and built for industry integration, connecting best-in-class capabilities to give warfighters on the edge a single, common picture of the battlespace with the ability to distribute control of the assets across the tactical network,” said Scott Bowman, AV Chief Technology Officer & Vice President of Global Engineering. “The whitelisting of Hoverfly platforms gives operators full access to the surveillance, communication, and safety capabilities of these leading tethered drone systems through the AV_Halo software suite.”

Coupled with Hoverfly NEXUS—Network Extension of Unmanned Systems, the integration strengthens the tactical network by linking ground, air, and surface assets through AV_Halo. Warfighters can now transition from extended situational awareness to decisive action within seconds—operating Hoverfly’s TeUAS and dispatching kinetic effects and munitions from one unified interface. The Hoverfly–AV collaboration embodies the U.S Department of War’s vision for open-architecture, modular, and interoperable systems, ensuring U.S. and allied forces maintain an edge in contested environments. (Source: UAS VISION)

 

09 Dec 25. Anduril and GKN join forces for British Army combat drone. Anduril UK and GKN Aerospace have signed an exclusive teaming agreement to deliver the airframe for the British Army’s Project NYX, anchoring a wider industrial push that the companies say will accelerate autonomous capability while reinforcing a UK supply chain already supporting an estimated 50,000 jobs. Anduril confirmed the partnership today, calling it a major step in the development of the Army’s Land Autonomous Collaborative Platform. GKN Aerospace will become the airframe manufacturing and electrical integration partner, bringing its long experience in military aerostructures and its large Isle of Wight workforce into the programme. The agreement sits within Anduril’s growing UK supplier network. More than 100 companies are already involved in its programmes, including Atom Performance Technologies, Flarebright, Olsen Actuators and Isembard. Anduril said this phase of NYX is designed to inject new capability, investment and competition into the land robotics and autonomous aviation space, with further opportunities under consideration at GKN’s Cowes facility.

Rich Drake, Managing Director of Anduril UK, said “this partnership with GKN Aerospace is an exciting next step in our journey to provide and deliver innovative, sovereign solutions to the UK MOD. As we work together to create novel solutions to continuously evolving threats, we are committed to utilising the full depth and breadth of British engineering talent.”

Dave Bond, Senior Vice President for Defence Technology at GKN Aerospace, described the collaboration as a major strategic alignment. “This is an extremely exciting partnership, combining cutting edge technologies and world-class industrial capabilities. Together, GKN Aerospace and Anduril will bring all-new defence solutions to the field in rapid time.” (Source: Google/UKDJ)

 

09 Dec 25. From Quadcopters to Micro-UAS: The Aircraft Used at DOW’s Drone School. The increasing prevalence of drones on the modern battlefield means it’s crucial for our service members to be familiar with the various systems they might encounter, which is why at the Joint Counter-Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems University at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, students learn the ins and outs of about two dozen of these aircraft.  The JCU is the War Department’s only joint training center aimed at countering the growing number of aerial threats U.S. troops face across the world.  It teaches service members of every branch how to operate drone equipment, plan counter-small UAS strategies and train others to defend installations.   During the courses, students get to know 24 types of commercial off-the-shelf small UAS that they may see downrange, from “blue air” drones that are considered friendly to “red air” drones that are used by our adversaries.   The types of aircraft the JCU trains students on range from commercial quadcopters to tiny micro-UAS and custom-built foam drones that can mimic real threats. Here are the highlights of a few of them:

The Black Hornet:  The Black Hornet is the smallest drone currently used by the JCU. Developed under Special Operations Command, this tiny, covert drone does close intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance — it can even be used inside buildings for hostage rescues. It includes an enhanced thermal camera and is small enough for service members to carry on their utility belts.

R80D SkyRaider:  Developed exclusively for DOW and other federal agencies, the R80D SkyRaider is a vertical takeoff and landing quadcopter that’s agile and can carry and deliver multiple payloads up to 7.7 pounds. It has one of the fastest, most powerful embedded artificial intelligence computing devices available for small UAS. It can also thrive in GPS- or communications-denied environments.

WingtraOne Gen II:  The WingtraOne Gen II is one of the fastest mapping and surveillance small UAS on the planet. This fixed-wing drone has multiple cameras and a light detection and ranging — LiDAR — option, which can create precise 3D models of objects and environments. It can go about 36 mph and works well in high winds.

IF 1200:  Weighing between 21 and 55 pounds, the IF 1200 electric hexacopter is the most aggressive small UAS the school has, and it’s mostly used for detection, said JCU Air Boss Jacob Cameron. The IF 1200 can adapt to any requirement set and can be used with LiDAR, radiation detection sensors, electro-optical/infrared sensors and delivery capabilities. It can travel up to 70 mph, carry up to 35 pounds and stay in the air for up to 45 minutes.

“That drone can do flips,” Cameron said. “You think it’d be slow and clunky, but that is probably the fastest hexacopter drone that we have, and it’s the most capable.”

Alta X:  The IF1200’s larger counterpart, the Alta X, is the school’s largest quadcopter, even though it’s significantly quieter than the JCU’s other drones. The all-electric Alta X is also mostly used for detection and can carry up to 40 pounds. It flies best when it’s got a heavy payload. The Alta X can fold down to half its size in 20 seconds and can accommodate many sensors and third-party payloads, such as EO/IR, mapping and LiDAR.

TSM-800:  Produced by the Army Threat Systems Management Office, this drone is designed for threat simulation and is capable of swarming up to 150 systems from a single ground control station. Each drone can carry a payload of 8 pounds. Three bomblets can be carried per drone. It is Wi-Fi compatible or can be used on a private LTE tower, Cameron said.

Super Decathlon: The “Super D” is a larger aircraft that has a gas engine and can be used for autopilot and manual missions. It’s primarily used for detection and identification in the JCU’s operator’s course, as well as for loitering munition demonstrations for the planner’s course.  If an enemy tries to electronically jam it while it’s on autopilot, the Super D can still fly through that area without being affected, Cameron said. It’s completely autonomous, can carry large payloads over long distances, and can fly up to 70 miles. Cameron said it’s great for student practice because its size makes it easier to find on radar signatures.

Vesper:  The small Vesper quadcopter provides intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. At 2.2 pounds, it’s light and easily portable. It has an EO/IR camera and can top out at 45 mph for about 50 minutes of flight time. It has low-light capabilities, extended endurance and stealth capabilities.

Opterra:  The lightweight Opterra has multiple camera mounting stations and is predominantly used as a target drone.  “The Opterra is outstanding for being shot at because it’s foam, and bullets will pass straight through it unless you hit specific small components on it, like the engine itself,” explained Army Maj. Dennis “Chip” Stanford, JCU’s executive officer. “It can be shot a lot.”  The JCU also teaches students on the CarbonCub, Skywalker X8, Vector-Scorpion, Osprey, IF 800 and the JTAC24, a JCU-designed and 3D printed target drone, as well as a few others.  (Source: U.S. DoD)

 

09 Dec 25. Rotron Aerospace and LIG Nex1 Sign Strategic MoU to Advance Next Generation UAV Propulsion and Platform Capabilities. Rotron Aerospace Ltd., a UK based advanced defence technology company specialising in propulsion systems, engines, and unmanned aviation platforms, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with LIG Nex1 Co., Ltd., one of the Republic of Korea’s leading defence corporations, to collaborate on the development, integration, and future export of next generation unmanned aerial systems. The agreement, signed at Rotron’s headquarters in Dorset, establishes a strategic partnership focused on the Medium UAV Common Platform (MUCP) programme, follow on and derivative projects, and a wide range of Republic of Korea and international initiatives where Rotron’s aero propulsion systems and aviation platforms can be applied. Under the MoU, which is effective until 2032, the two companies will work closely to combine Rotron’s advanced propulsion technologies with LIG Nex1’s proven capabilities in system architecture, integration, and testing. The partnership aims to accelerate development timelines, strengthen sovereign capability, and position both companies for long term success in the Korean, Pacific Rim, and global export markets.

Gilo Cardozo, CTO and Founder of Rotron Aerospace, said: “Rotron is proud to partner with LIG Nex1, a company whose reputation for defence excellence is known worldwide. This agreement reflects our commitment to delivering high performance propulsion and aviation systems that enhance the capability, reliability, and operational reach of next generation unmanned platforms. Together, we will bring forward innovative solutions that support both national and allied defence requirements.”

Yoon Kwan seob, Vice President, Aerospace & Drone Business, LIG Nex1, added: “LIG Nex1 looks forward to a strong and mutually beneficial collaboration with Rotron Aerospace. By combining our experience in integrated system development with Rotron’s leading propulsion technologies, we aim to advance the Medium UAV Common Platform and expand opportunities for both domestic Republic of Korea programmes and international exports.”

With demand for advanced unmanned systems continuing to rise across global defence markets, the partnership between Rotron Aerospace and LIG Nex1 creates a powerful platform for growth. Together, the companies intend to develop competitive, high performance UAV capabilities that support national programmes while also enabling wider export opportunities across the Pacific Rim, Europe, and beyond.

 

09 Dec 25. In a historic achievement, Boeing [NYSE: BA] and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) have successfully executed a force integrated air-to-air autonomous weapon engagement from an MQ-28 Collaborative Combat Aircraft. The landmark mission involved an MQ-28 Ghost Bat teaming with a RAAF E-7A Wedgetail and F/A-18F Super Hornet to destroy a fighter-class target drone.

“This is the first time an autonomous aircraft has completed an air-to-air weapon engagement with an AIM-120 missile, establishing the MQ-28 as a mature combat capable CCA,” said Amy List, managing director, Boeing Defence Australia.

“This latest achievement proves the advantage specialized CCA platforms bring to defense forces’ mission effectiveness, delivering increased operational mass and data exchange for informed decision-making while reducing cost and crewed pilot risk.”

Key mission highlights:

  • The MQ-28, E-7A and F/A-18F launched from separate locations.
  • Once airborne, an E-7A operator took custodianship of the MQ-28 ensuring safety and engagement oversight.
  • The F/A-18F teamed with the MQ-28 in combat formation to provide sensor coverage, and once the Super Hornet identified and tracked the target, targeting data was shared across all three platforms.
  • The MQ-28 adjusted its position and received authorization from the E-7A to engage and successfully destroy the target using a Raytheon AIM-120 AMRAAM missile.

“This exercise demonstrates the maturity and sophistication of Boeing’s mission autonomy solution which is built on open standards and government architectures and is capable of integrating with fourth, fifth and sixth generation aircraft,” said Colin Miller, vice president and general manager for Phantom Works, Boeing Defense, Space & Security’s advanced research, development and rapid prototyping division.

“It is a true example of speed-to-capability. The team implemented open architectures and an advanced digital ecosystem to develop the necessary hardware, software, and mission systems required to successfully integrate, test and employ the weapon in a live, operationally relevant scenario in under eight months.”

The exercise was a collaborative effort between Boeing, the RAAF, U.S. Air Force and industry partners.  A leading global aerospace company and top U.S. exporter, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. Our U.S. and global workforce and supplier base drive innovation, economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing is committed to fostering a culture based on our core values of safety, quality and integrity.

 

09 Dec 25. Australia announces $1.4bn for MQ-28A Ghost Bat amid successful air-to-air missile test. The announcement follows confirmation that an Australian-designed and manufactured MQ-28A Ghost Bat Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) has deployed an AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile against an Australian-made Phoenix Jet uncrewed aerial target. Operating as a loyal wingman to a Royal Australian Air Force E-7A Wedgetail and an F/A-18F Super Hornet, the MQ-28A Ghost Bat destroyed the airborne target during trials at the Woomera Test Range in South Australia.

“Australia is at the forefront of efforts to develop and field autonomous Collaborative Combat Aircraft to provide asymmetric advantage and enhanced fighting depth for existing crewed platforms,” Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said.

“This landmark demonstration proves the MQ-28A Ghost Bat is a world-leading Collaborative Combat Aircraft made and designed in Australia.

“The successful weapons demonstration underlines its growing potential to deliver an operational capability for the Royal Australian Air Force.”

This announcement of additional funding, coupled with the successful live-fire test, reinforces Australia’s position at the forefront of CCA technology globally. The latest investment includes new contracts with Boeing Defence Australia for six operational Block 2 MQ-28A aircraft and the development of an enhanced Block 3 prototype. The delivery of these additional Ghost Bats will lay the foundation for an operational Air Combat Platform capability within the Royal Australian Air Force. The Albanese government is investing more than $10 bn on drones over the next decade, including at least $4.3 bn on uncrewed aerial systems. Investment in uncrewed and autonomous systems is a key priority of the 2024 National Defence Strategy. Collaborative Combat Aircraft, like the MQ-28A Ghost Bat, delivers asymmetric surveillance and air combat capabilities, increasing the lethality and survivability of existing crewed platforms. The Ghost Bat program supports more than 440 high-skilled jobs nationwide, including roles at Boeing Defence Australia and across more than 200 Australian suppliers – 70 per cent of program expenditure is directed to Australian industry.

“With Ghost Bat, the future of Collaborative Air Combat is right here, right now. Today’s announcement highlights that Australia is leading the world in the development of Collaborative Combat Aircraft,” Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said.

“The Ghost Bat transforms a single fighter jet into a formidable team – capable not only of surveillance but also of engaging adversaries. This delivers a vital layer of protection for our aviators who remain our most valuable asset.

“The MQ-28A program is also building a stronger sovereign defence industry and increasing Australia’s resilience with over 70 per cent of this investment remaining on our shores, providing high-tech, high-paying jobs for Australians.” (Source: Defence Connect)

 

09 Dec 25. ‘Big hopes for Africa’: Defence firms scramble for drone market at Egypt arms expo.

  • Summary
  • Egypt aims to be a hub for defense hardware manufacturing
  • Drone market growth driven by Ukraine war innovations
  • Firms display array of drone countermeasures at EDEX expo

Quadcopters, electromagnetic rifles and an AI-powered navigation system were among the wares displayed at one of Africa and the Middle East’s biggest arms expos, as defence companies jostle to break into regional markets increasingly defined by drone warfare. Cheap, deadly “unmanned aerial vehicles,” or UAVs, have been rapidly developed in the war in Ukraine and also transformed recent conflicts from Ethiopia and Sudan to Libya and Yemen. That has created potentially lucrative opportunities for industry behemoths and startups alike in a market in which countries are spending billions. The slickly branded – and occasionally outlandish – products featured prominently at Egypt’s biennial EDEX trade fair, held over four days in Cairo’s suburbs last week. Uniformed delegates from countries as diverse as Kenya, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Azerbaijan and Saudi Arabia window-shopped at flashy displays by companies from Russia, China, the United States, India, Pakistan, South Korea, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and beyond.

DEFENCE HUB HOPES

Egypt, at the crossroads of the Middle East and Africa, hopes to make its own sizable military-industrial complex – nourished by $1.3 bn of U.S. aid a year – a hub to manufacture and export defence hardware. EDEX said it featured over 450 exhibitors, putting it on par with South Africa’s Africa Aerospace and Defence expo, but well behind the Middle East’s biggest industry fair, Abu Dhabi’s IDEX. Egypt’s state-owned Arab Organization for Industrialization signed a memorandum of understanding for one such deal with China’s North Industries Corp, known as Norinco, to make rocket-equipped drones, its chairman told local TV. The company also agreed with France’s Dassault Aviation (AM.PA) to make spare parts for Rafale fighter jets, which Egypt has bought, state media said. The value of the deals was not reported, and Norinco and Dassault did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Amstone International Group, an Egyptian defence firm, signed contracts with at least three unspecified customers for its Jabbar-family, single-use “kamikaze” drones, and was now looking to bigger international markets, Amstone consultant Mohammed Al-Sayed said.

“It is a pride for all of us to have a product with this kind of power available globally,” Sayed said.

The company, founded in 2014 according to its LinkedIn profile, lists partnerships on its website with multiple African defence ministries.

DRONE MARKET PROPELLED BY UKRAINE WAR

Much of the kit on display at EDEX was tested in – or at least inspired by – the war in Ukraine, where drone and counter-drone technology has advanced with dizzying speed. Ukraine’s battlefields, beset by problems such as pervasive jamming, provided a “sandbox” to test products, said Stan Nowak, vice president of marketing at drone maker Red Cat Holdings Inc (RCAT.O), at the company’s booth at EDEX.

“It’s kind of a recipe for technology to advance aggressively right now,” he said.

Red Cat sells surveillance drones to the U.S. military and hopes to lure customers such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan and the UAE.

The company has also provided reconnaissance drones to Kenya to combat rhino poachers. Across the hall, Latvian company Eraser displayed a series of sleek quadcopters it provides to Latvia’s defence ministry and to the “Drone Coalition,” an initiative to equip Ukraine with drones.

Project manager Maris Misevics said Eraser was visiting Egypt for the first time, “getting to know new markets”.

SYSTEMS TO COUNTER DRONES

Drone countermeasures are also in high demand, from vehicle-mounted jamming systems to futuristic laser weapons. One of the more comprehensive products on display was the “Sky Dome,” an anti-drone system marketed by the state-owned China Electronics Technology Group Corporation to cope with drone swarms and precision strikes. A representative declined to speak about the system in detail, directing Reuters to a promotional video which promised a “multi-layer fire network” — including missiles, microwaves, interceptors and lasers — to “dynamically construct the killing chain” against a range of drones. South Korean firm Shinan offered a handheld rifle that fires electromagnetic pulses, while Kommlabs, an India-based company, displayed a “drone capture system” in which a drone with a net autonomously tracks and captures hostile and rogue drones using optical sensors and pulsed laser light before lowering them to the ground.

“There have been cases where drones have been repurposed and used for bombing,” the company’s founder and CEO, Karanvir Singh, said. “I guess it’s a matter of time before that becomes a serious problem here as well.”

Turkish and Chinese companies offered more familiar methods, including high-powered jammers. Others promised to get around these countermeasures. Azerbaijan’s Synapline presented an AI-powered navigation system that allows drones to operate even when GPS systems are jammed. African and Arab countries had shown significant interest in the software, which the company hopes to produce for international customers next year, Agil Bilalov, a Synapline engineer, said.

“We have big hopes for Africa,” Bilalov said. (Source: Reuters)

 

08 Dec 25. DIU’s Blue UAS List to Transition to DCMA. The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) announces the formal transition of the Department’s first vetted UAS list, the Blue UAS Cleared List over to the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA). Created by DIU, the Blue UAS Cleared List contains commercial drones that have undergone security and performance assessments for UAS by the Department of War and government agencies. The Blue List and its related assets will officially transition on December 3, 2025, ahead of the original January 1st deadline and in alignment with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth’s directive to achieve “small UAS domain dominance” by the end of 2027. This transition is a crucial step in addressing the need to scale secure drone procurement for the U.S. military. Secretary Hegseth initiated this change through his July 2025 “Unleashing U.S. Military Drone Dominance” memo to accelerate the safe commercialization of drone technologies and fully integrate UAS into the National Airspace System. The Blue List aims to move from a certification program into a true marketplace where servicemembers can rapidly acquire trusted drone technology.

“Since the launch of Blue UAS List five years ago, the importance of drones on the modern battlefield continues to grow – as the War in Ukraine makes clear,” said David Payne, Director of DIU’s Autonomy Portfolio. “Drones are an essential part of a modern warfighter’s kit, and we need an easy way to buy trusted, cutting-edge drone technology from a rapidly expanding industrial base.“

As part of the handoff, Blue UAS List management will move from DIU’s headquarters in Mountain View, California, to DCMA’s new Unmanned Systems–Experimental Command, or US-X, at Palmdale, California, led by Air Force Col. Dustin Thomas, US-X commander. All related online resources will now be available on the DCMA Blue List website.

“It has been a pleasure partnering with DIU on the Blue List transition. DIU built the foundation, and DCMA is expanding and scaling that innovation to reshape how the Department delivers capability to our warfighters faster and smarter,” said Col. Thomas.

The Blue UAS transition includes all stakeholders in the drone ecosystem, including the 81 unique companies DIU has processed onto the Blue List to date, established partnerships with military units seeking secure, operational platforms, and the cohort of Recognized Assessors, a group of third-party organizations evaluating drone platforms and related components for compliance with NDAA. DIU will continue as a partner to Blue UAS, providing expertise to shape standards and update checklists, while DCMA will assume primary responsibility for list management and expansion.

Launched in 2020, the Blue UAS List is the DoW’s trusted catalog of secure, NDAA-compliant drones and components, and the digital Blue List platform will remain accessible to all authorized users regardless of location, maintaining accessibility for warfighters and procurement officials. As of November 19, 2025 the Blue UAS List has provided over 39 certified Blue UAS systems and 165 components for users across the Department and U.S. Government. The Blue UAS effort will continue its holistic and continuous approach in rapidly vetting commercial unmanned aerial systems to ensure compliance with the NDAA and other applicable policy. (Source: UAS VISION)

 

08 Dec 25. Babcock’s ARMOR poised to deliver Royal Navy’s Autonomous Ambition on Command. Babcock International Group (Babcock), the defence company, has unveiled transformational plans to support the UK Royal Navy’s next generation autonomous ambitions. The Royal Navy is leading the way in the combined use of autonomous and crewed systems in the Maritime Domain; fundamentally changing the threat calculus of our adversaries. The First Sea Lord, General Sir Gwyn Jenkin’s speech at the International Seapower Conference demonstrates how the Royal Navy is taking the lead on technological development within Europe and responding to the demand signal from key allies. To support the Royal Navy, Babcock has revealed ARMOR Force (Autonomous and Remote, Maritime Operational Response – Force) – an architecture of disaggregated systems and platforms capable of independent operations and connected by world leading digital capabilities. Working with HII (NYSE:HII), the United States largest military shipbuilder and a global leader in maritime unmanned autonomous platforms, and defence technology company, Arondite, Babcock’s technology plans are geared to supercharge the delivery of a Hybrid Navy by creating a Type 31 (T31) Common Command Vessel (CCV) capability enabling the RN’s latest frigates to control a networked force of large autonomous uncrewed vessels and systems. This is at the heart of RN’s Atlantic Bastion, Atlantic Strike and Atlantic Shield operations to provide dispersed, resilient anti-submarine, air defence and strike capabilities. ARMOR Force is distinguished by its adaptable and resilient design. In addition to Babcock’s T31 CCV, the overall solution includes large Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs) that can be autonomous or remotely controlled and modular containerised Persistent Operational Deployment Systems (PODS) for rapid capability deployment and mission autonomy. It will also involve an autonomous mission system with the aim of being deployable by the end of 2026. To provide this complete end-to-end, through-life solution, Babcock is working with HII who are developing and constructing the ROMULUS family of unmanned surface vessels (USVs). The AI-enabled ROMULUS USV line is designed to meet current and emerging requirements of the RN. The vessels are engineered for rapid, repeatable production and long endurance at sea. They deliver sustained open ocean autonomy with a focus on lethality, cost efficiency, and scalability. Complementing this, Babcock will design and manufacture the handling system to embark and disembark PODS onto HII large ROMULUS USVs offering customers more diverse capabilities.  Babcock is also partnering with the UK-founded defence technology company, Arondite. Its Cobalt Operating System will serve as the autonomy and mission orchestration layer across ARMOR Force, integrating crewed and uncrewed platforms into unified fleets that can be commanded from sea or shore. Together Babcock and Arondite are collaborating on the design, development and deployment of a range of AI-enabled, interoperable and autonomy-native maritime systems for the UK and Global forces.

Sir Nick Hine, Chief Executive of Babcock Marine, said: “ARMOR Force is our response to the First Sea Lord’s call for a re-imagined Hybrid Navy. ARMOR Force and the partnerships we are creating with HII and Arondite represent a bold step forward. We are combining advanced autonomy, modular systems, and digital innovation to create a fleet that is more agile, resilient, and ready for tomorrow’s challenges. What we are proposing will keep the Royal Navy at the forefront of global maritime security for decades to come and redefine what is possible at sea.”

Chris Kastner, President and CEO, HII, said: “HII is proud to be part of this game-changing industry initiative to deliver a hybrid Navy concept for the Royal Navy and international markets. Partnering with Babcock strengthens HII’s ability to deliver ROMULUS for the ARMOR Force and to support the Royal Navy’s vision for the future fleet. The ROMULUS family of USVs brings scale, autonomy, and real operational advantage, and HII adds world-leading expertise across land, sea, and air – as well as the capacity to innovate at scale with a platform already in production.”

Will Blyth, Co-founder and CEO, Arondite, said: “The future of maritime power will be defined by an adaptable blend of crewed and uncrewed systems, leveraging disaggregated sensors and effectors. We have built Cobalt to tackle exactly this challenge. We are proud to combine our autonomy and mission orchestration capabilities with the world-leading integration, design and build expertise of Babcock and HII, to rapidly deliver the Royal Navy’s vision of a Hybrid Navy.” Built on open commercial and North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) standards, ARMOR Force ensures that the technology will work alongside allied forces. Babcock’s Rosyth facility is well placed to develop and deliver this suite of technologies. With its digital dockyard, and strategic partners, it already has a strong focus on mission systems autonomy, real-time training of models and simulation, remote operations, and mission system integration to deliver next generation capabilities.

 

03 Dec 25. Magnet Defense introduces autonomous maritime platform. The 48m research vessel has completed more than 32,000 nautical miles and spent 390 days at sea. Magnet Defense has unveiled its autonomous maritime platform following over two years of development. The company, which focuses on developing a fully autonomous maritime platforms for national security missions. invested more than $50m in the designing, building, and validating of its first uncrewed surface vessel (USV), the M48. The 48 metre autonomous research vessel has completed more than 32,000 nautical miles and spent 390 days at sea. The M48 Fleet USV operates autonomously using AI and incorporates modular sensor suites, machine learning, and edge processing. Magnet Defense stated that its vessels can function independently in high-risk areas, providing maritime intelligence, surveillance, missile defence, logistics support, electronic warfare, and anti-submarine warfare capabilities. The M48 demonstrated navigation compliance and endurance across various sea conditions, including multi-day operations in Sea State 7 and several hours during Sea State 9. According to Magnet Defense, recent increases in global tensions are leading to higher demand for uncrewed maritime systems. Magnet Defense stated: “Traditional manned multi-mission ships are too costly and scarce for many modern defence missions, driving a shift toward low-cost, autonomous platforms with rapid response times, distributed assets, and enhanced threat assessment capabilities.”  The M48 platform is designed with containerised mission payloads and features intended for rapid threat recognition and automated weapon pairing while maintaining operator-in-the-loop mission control. The company indicates that these USVs include redundancies to support long missions without maintenance as well as swift turnaround times at base. (Source: naval-technology.com)

 

08 Dec 25. ZeroUSV announces Oceanus17 build, demonstrating continuing ability to innovate and scale at pace as a sovereign UK USV builder.

  • Aluminium cutting has begun on Oceanus17, ZeroUSV’s bigger sister to the highly successful Oceanus12 and is their new ultra-long distance, over-the-horizon USV, built in the South West.
  • Spiral development of Oceanus12 taking concept to manufacture in just months, proving UK SMEs can continue to deliver groundbreaking  maritime autonomy at real pace in an uncertain world.
  • Designed, engineered and built in the UK, keeping sovereign autonomy, skills and value onshore.
  • Recognised by the NSO as an exemplar of the agility of UK SME’s, positioning the UK as globally competitive in maritime autonomy and shipbuilding.
  • First-in-class build now underway, with trials, certification and launch milestones through 2026.

ZeroUSV has announced the start of construction at Manor Marine, Portland of the Oceanus17, a new class of large, ultra-long distance, high payload USV’s, delivering on the core ambitions of the National Shipbuilding Office: to position the UK as a hub for rapid innovation and high-tech manufacturing.
 Compressing traditional defence acquisition timelines, where typical “flash to bang” from design to prototype can often take years, Oceanus17 breaks that cycle by utilising a spiral development process to accelerate the design, engineering and subsequent build phase to months, rather than years, enabling faster iteration, quicker learning from trials, and delivery at scale and pace. The National Shipbuilding Office (NSO) was set up to empower a globally successful, innovative and sustainable UK shipbuilding enterprise. The NSO sees maritime autonomy as a significant economic growth opportunity for the UK shipbuilding and maritime technology sector as well as key to delivering the future Hybrid Navy. Oceanus17 also underscores the ability of the UK supply chain to deliver high tech autonomous vessels without reliance on overseas production. The platform is being built entirely in the UK, ensuring intellectual property, skills and manufacturing value remain onshore, while keeping sensitive autonomy, data handling and control systems under UK authority. This approach aligns with the Defence Industrial Strategy, strengthening industrial resilience, supporting regional shipbuilding hubs, and delivering cutting edge dual-use technology. Built from a durable aluminium hull, it will be certified for unlimited operations and has been designed to operate in harsh Atlantic conditions. with a mission capability in excess of 50 days at sea. Just as Oceanus12, Oceanus17 will feature dual redundancy in all critical systems removing single-point failures, ensuring continuous operation even in demanding environments. Fitted as standard with the GuardianAI navigation system, designed by Plymouth-based MarineAI, Oceanus17 delivers level 4 autonomous navigation, navigating safely as a single unit or as part of a coordinated fleet.

Matthew Ratsey, co-founder and managing director of Zero USV, said: “Whilst 2025 has been a highly successful year for ZeroUSV with our Oceanus12 fleet, we are conscious of the need to keep iterating and in the background we have been working hard on the design, development and now the start of the build of Oceanus17.

Oceanus17 already represents, over 1500 hours of design and engineering and is another major milestone for our team and an exciting step forward for UK maritime autonomy. We designed this platform to meet the increased payload demands and long deployment requirements for challenging deep water operations. Bringing Oceanus17 to market so quickly after Oceanus12 shows what agile British shipbuilding can do; a secure, sovereign capability built in the South West and ready to adapt payload capability to meet the true dual-use versatility that this platform has been designed to be.”

Rod Paterson, CEO of the National Shipbuilding Office, said “I am delighted to support Zero USV’s announcement of the start of construction of Oceanus 17 at Manor Marine, building on the experience and success of Oceanus 12. Having visited both Zero USV and Manor Marine, and many other brilliant British SMEs, I am hugely impressed by their innovation, agility and craftmanship. The development and construction of Oceanus 17 enhances our sovereign capability, drives local economic growth and skills, offers future export potential and is being developed at pace. This is all critical to our Defence Industrial Strategy, our future hybrid Navy ambitions and the new NSO Shipbuilding and Maritime Technology Action Plan which we will publish next year.”

ZeroUSV will progress Oceanus17 through build, trials and certification milestones across 2026. The company’s target is to have the first vessel on the water in time for Seaworks 2026, complete with a MCA Workboat code 3 certificate, demonstrating how UK industry can deliver sovereign autonomous capability rapidly and at scale.

 

05 Dec 25. Northrop Grumman announces Project Talon autonomous wingman aircraft. American defence prime Northrop Grumman has announced a new “Project Talon” autonomous wingman aircraft. Project Talon, unveiled on 4 December this year, is reportedly designed to fly alongside crewed fighters to create air dominance as an adaptive, collaborative teammate for combat missions. Project Talon was designed, built and on track to fly in under 24 months, according to the company.

“Project Talon combines greater mission versatility with the most advanced modular manufacturing techniques. This disruptive approach shortens timelines, emphasising speed and simplicity,” according to a company statement published on 4 December this year.

“Project Talon advances collaboration between crewed and uncrewed aircraft, acting as a force multiplier to enhance lethality, adaptability and mission effectiveness.

“Project Talon expands previous boundaries of collaborative aircraft technology to give US and international customers the ability to project power in dynamic threat environments.

“Northrop Grumman has more than 500,000 autonomous flight test hours across seven decades of experience in autonomy. Along with the release of Beacon earlier this year, Northrop Grumman continues to demonstrate it is advancing autonomy with speed and decisive action.

“Project Talon builds on Northrop Grumman’s seven decades of advanced, battle-tested autonomous systems across every domain.” (Source: Defence Connect)

 

05 Dec 25. Saab and Airbus co-operate on unmanned fighter technology.

  • Summary
  • Heads of both companies reveal plans in separate interviews
  • Saab CEO says move envisages side drones for current fighters
  • Airbus CEO says talks unrelated to problems with FCAS project
  • Saab doesn’t rule out partnerships, must keep fighter capability

Saab (SAABb.ST) and Airbus (AIR.PA) are discussing co-operation on unmanned warplane technology, senior executives of the companies told Reuters, a move highlighting surging interest in drones and evolving alliances in Europe’s fractured defence industry. The project, revealed in separate CEO interviews at a European industry event this week, focuses on exploring unmanned aircraft to support the current generation of crewed combat jets like the Airbus-backed Eurofighter Typhoon and Saab Gripen E. But industry sources said that if successful, it could also provide a catalyst for broader co-operation on air power, especially if a troubled FCAS fighter project between France and Airbus’ defence paymasters Germany and Spain falls apart. Asked whether Airbus had already been in touch with Saab about joining forces if FCAS fails, Saab CEO Micael Johansson said the companies already had good relations through Saab’s Arexis Electronic Warfare system, equipping German Eurofighters.

He added: “And we have discussed whether we can we do something on the unmanned side which complements our legacy fighters”.

Saab is also talking to other players but no decisions have been taken. “That could be an opportunity, but of course we are discussing,” Johansson said on the sidelines of a Brussels forum hosted by Europe’s ASD, the association which represents Europe’s aerospace and defence industry. Asked at the same event about those remarks, Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury confirmed the previously unreported talks and said the companies had strong relations in electronics and missiles.

“And we see good perspectives to continue to work with them on unmanned – that’s something that we are discussing with them, which is unrelated to FCAS,” he said.

“We’ll see what the programme will look like in the future. But today, the discussions we’re having are directly between Airbus and Saab, unrelated to other problems.”

WINGMAN DEVELOPMENTS

Both companies have joined in a surge of interest in futuristic uncrewed fighters known as collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) or loyal wingman, designed to support human-piloted warplanes.

Airbus presented a model of its stealthy “Wingman” concept at the Berlin Airshow in 2024.

Saab said last month it had received a new Swedish government order for studies on manned and unmanned warplanes, extending a previous contract dating from Sweden’s 2023 decision to quit the UK-led Tempest fighter study, now part of the GCAP fighter jet project between Britain, Italy and Japan.

Ministers from Germany, France and Spain are due to discuss splits in the FCAS programme next week. Industry sources have said Airbus has been in regular contact at CEO level with both Saab and GCAP member BAE Systems (BAES.L) to discuss options. The 100-billion-euro Future Combat Air System (FCAS), floated more than eight years ago, has been stuck in disputes between the companies involved over workshare and technology. Johansson declined to discuss any implications for Saab of the in-fighting within FCAS but said that in general terms, “we don’t speak about Sweden replacing someone or something”.

Analysts say decisions over the next generation of fighters will shape the defence industry and its alliances for decades. Sweden remained independent during the last round of fighter developments, creating the Gripen as France built the Rafale and Britain, Germany, Spain and Italy co-developed the Eurofighter. For the next generation of warplanes, the cards have been reshuffled, with France joining Germany and Spain in FCAS, also known by its French acronym SCAF, and Britain merging its efforts with Japan inside GCAP, which is open to new members. Sweden has yet to show its hand, having initially partnered with Britain and now conducting its own research on a successor to the Gripen with political decisions due in 2030. Johansson said he thought decisions could come even earlier, “maybe 2028”. Johansson said Saab would not relinquish its seat in the small club of global arms firms capable of developing fighters.

“I’m not excluding any sort of partnerships going forward. That could absolutely be a way forward, but with retaining OEM (manufacturer) capability on the fighter side: why would we let go of that?” (Source: Reuters)

 

05 Dec 25. Brazil hosts first Maritime Unmanned Systems exercise. The Brazilian Navy conducted its first Maritime Unmanned Systems (MUS) operational experimentation – the ‘ARAMUSS’ (Aratu Maritime Unmanned Systems Simulation) 2025 – exercise in Brazil in mid-November at the navy’s Aratu Naval Complex. The exercise is meant to demonstrate and evaluate technologies and solutions, and to promote the exchange of technical information, the navy said. Organised by Minelaying and Minesweeping Force Command of the Command of the 2nd Naval District, the exercise took place in an area composed of the Aratu Naval Base, the Bay of Aratu, and the Bay of All Saints, in Salvador, state of Bahia. It was principally focused on fielding unmanned and autonomous systems such as unmanned surface vehicles (USVs), unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) in mine-countermeasures (MCM) operations, according to the Brazilian Navy. ‘ARAMUSS 2025′ offered a realistic environment to test and evaluate new maritime capabilities, the Commander of Minelaying and Minesweeping Force Command, Commander Rodrigo Bouças, told Janes. The unmanned systems were aimed at keeping maritime traffic lines along the coastline and maritime areas free of the threat of mines during the live exercise, the Brazilian Navy said. Operational demonstrations during the ‘ARAMUSS 2025′ exercise also spanned other domains, including the protection of critical undersea infrastructure; persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR); integrated multidomain command-and-control (C2); and data exploitation, the Brazilian Navy added. (Source: Janes)

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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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