Sponsored by EOS
www.eos-aus.com
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09 Apr 26. New US Tactical Drone Requires Only Two Seconds to Take OffoyuAmerican defence startup XDOWN has unveiled a compact drone designed for frontline troops, positioning its STUD system as a low-cost, rapidly deployable platform for multiple battlefield roles. Founder and chief executive Alexander Balan introduced the drone alongside images and test footage, describing it as a response to evolving warfare demands.
In a statement, Balan said the system reflects a shift away from traditional weapons toward portable unmanned systems. He emphasised that each operator can carry 8–12 units in a tactical backpack and deploy them in roughly two seconds by simply throwing them into the air. The drones are intended to deliver speed, range, and payload flexibility in a highly portable format.
Known as the Small Tactical Unmanned Drone (STUD), the system uses a quick-release interceptor setup that allows a single operator to carry multiple units. Once activated, the drone is hand-launched, with onboard rotors engaging immediately to stabilise and guide it into controlled flight.
The STUD measures 17.5 inches (44.5 cm) in length and 3.1 inches (8 cm) in width and depth. It weighs 5.2 pounds (2.7 kg) and can carry payloads of up to 1.7 pounds (0.77 kg). It reaches speeds of up to 165 knots (190 mph / 305 km/h), with a range of 40 miles (64 km) and an endurance of around 17 minutes.
Its modular design enables multiple mission configurations, including intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, precision strike, counter-drone operations, and electronic warfare. The platform can also engage infantry and unmanned ground or surface systems.
XDOWN says it aims to produce up to 6,000 units per month, signalling an ambitious scale-up for a new entrant. If validated, the STUD could mark a shift toward widespread use of portable drones in standard infantry equipment. (Source: UAS VISION/Defence Blog; NextGenDefense
09 Apr 26. BAE in Early Talks with Japanese Groups on Drones for Fighter Jets.
The UK’s BAE Systems is in early talks with Japanese defence groups to co-develop drones for next-gen fighter jets under the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).
These pilotless systems aim to suppress enemy defences ahead of manned combat aircraft entering contested zones – boosting affordability and operational efficiency.
Key Insights from Robert Merryweather, BAE’s Technology Director:
“All GCAP nations need these autonomous systems to integrate seamlessly with their jets… it’s critical for balancing capability and cost.”
Drones could cost 1/10th of the fighter jet, making them a game-changer in modern warfare.
Why Now?
US alliances under strain (Trump’s recent remarks) are driving Japan to boost security spending toward 2% GDP. – Europe’s fragmented defence market is pushing for collaboration, with drones and sensors flagged as priority areas by Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury.
Global Ambitions
Saudi Arabia may join as a financial and operational partner, though Tokyo remains cautious. Meanwhile, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) revealed concepts for military drones last year, signaling Japan’s readiness to lead in tech-driven defense.
The Bigger Picture
As rival programmes like the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) by Airbus and Dassault take shape, international partnerships will define 21st-century airpower. (Source: UAS VISION/
09 Apr 26. Northrop Grumman Demos Lumberjack to US Army. Northrop Grumman Corporation has showcased the autonomous mission capabilities of its Lumberjack Group 3 Unmanned Aircraft System during the U.S. Army 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault)’s Operation Lethal Eagle exercise.
The demonstration highlights progress toward rapid field deployment and advances in autonomous warfare. During the exercise, Lumberjack achieved full autonomous mission control, with Army personnel operating the system through the U.S. Army’s Maven Smart System.
The platform also demonstrated precision strike capability by deploying simulated versions of Northrop Grumman’s Hatchet, a six-pound miniature munition designed to deliver effects typically associated with larger weapons. AI-assisted targeting, enabled by Palantir’s Agentic Effects Agent, allowed operators to adapt quickly to changing battlefield conditions under human supervision.
Lumberjack maintained continuous beyond line-of-sight communications via satellite datalink, providing real-time mission updates and damage assessments. After completing strike operations, the system transitioned seamlessly to surveillance mode, gathering additional intelligence.
Michael Bastin, director of distributed systems at Northrop Grumman, said the system progressed from concept to flight in under 14 months and demonstrated adaptability across multiple missions and payloads. He described Lumberjack as a cost-effective, highly attritable platform designed to reshape battlefield operations.
Maj. Jonathon Bless, Public Affairs Officer for the 101st Airborne Division, said the exercise provided an opportunity to evaluate emerging technologies and highlighted the role of collaboration between the military and industry in driving innovation.
Lumberjack dominates the battlefield—seamlessly executing a fully autonomous mission at the high-stakes Operational Lethal Eagle exercise. (Photo – Northrop Grumman)
Lumberjack is a low-cost, one-way attack UAS with a modular design that supports interchangeable payloads, enabling both kinetic and non-kinetic missions. Built to be expendable, it reduces cost per effect while maintaining operational impact.
Developed with Empirical Systems Aerospace and Palantir, the system can launch from air or ground platforms, offering flexibility, long-range reach and rapid deployment in contested environments.
(Source: UAS VISION)
09 Apr 26. FCC Seeks to Expand Deployment of US-Made Drones. On April 1, 2026, the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (WTB) and Office of Engineering and Technology (OET) released a Public Notice seeking comment on actions to advance the production, deployment, and export of American unmanned aircraft systems.
The Public Notice follows two Executive Orders released on June 6, 2025 by the Trump Administration, titled Unleashing American Drone Dominance and Restoring American Airspace Sovereignty, that seek to establish U.S. drone leadership to support both the U.S. economy and U.S. national security. Comments are due May 1, 2026 and reply comments are due May 18, 2026.
WTB and OET seek input on several reforms to “establish American drone dominance,” including in the following areas:
Current Spectrum for UAS
The Public Notice explains that most drones in the United States have relied on unlicensed spectrum, or the same frequencies used by Wi-Fi routers and other consumer devices, for their command-and-control communications, including the 900 MHz band (902-928 MHz), 2.4 GHz band (2400-2500 MHz), 5.2 GHz band (5000-5725 MHz), and 5.8 GHz band (5725-5875 MHz). WTB and OET ask about the ongoing viability of the unlicensed bands for UAS operations, recognizing the potential for interference from other users.
Future Spectrum for UAS
The Public Notice seeks comment on permitting more intensive UAS operations in flexible-use terrestrial bands typically relied upon for mobile broadband, seeking comment on the scope and scale of current UAS deployments on licensed flexible-use spectrum and how these bands can support more intensive aerial operations. WTB and OET invite further comment on certain bands that prohibit aeronautical mobile use (including some or all of the 1670-1675 MHz, 1.4 GHz, 2.3 GHz, 3.7 GHz, and CBRS bands) and the viability of these bands for UAS.
Acknowledging that the FCC adopted initial rules for UAS deployment in the 5030-5091 MHz band but has not yet taken the necessary implementing steps to put the spectrum into use, the Public Notice asks about how to expedite implementation and allow more robust UAS operations in the band. WTB and OET also ask whether to revisit the FCC’s prior determination that the 960-1164 MHz band should not be made available for UAS operations, and invite discussion on pending proposals before the Commission to open specific frequencies for UAS-related activities (i.e., Aura’s petition to modify technical rules in the 450 MHz band consistent with a waiver it holds for those frequencies, and Echodyne’s petition to use the 24.45–24.65 GHz band for federal and non-federal radiolocation operations that would better facilitate the detection of UAS).
Lastly, the Public Notice seeks comment on how the FCC can support the Advanced Air Mobility National Strategy and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 provisions related to spectrum access for UAS and counter-UAS operations – and how the agency can facilitate spectrum access for these initiatives as needed.
Experimental UAS Licensing
WTB and OET ask how to modernize and streamline the FCC’s experimental licensing process specifically for UAS-related testing, including whether to establish a dedicated UAS experimental license category with more flexible terms and expedited renewals. The Public Notice also invites comment on whether to explore a blanket experimental authorization for qualified drone developers operating within specified frequency bands and safety parameters.
Testbeds and Innovation Zones
The Public Notice seeks input on the success of the FCC’s Innovation Zone program, known as the Aerial Experimentation and Research Platform for Advanced Wireless (AERPAW), and asks whether the testbed site provides sufficient flexibility or capacity to develop UAS technologies at meaningful scale.
Clarifying the Permissible Use of Counter-UAS
WTB and OET request comment about statutory and regulatory barriers to Counter-UAS deployment and how to address them, including Section 333 of the Communications Act of 1934, which provides that “[n]o person shall willfully or maliciously interfere with or cause interference to any radio communications of any station licensed or authorized by or under this chapter.”
Modernizing Coordination
The Public Notice asks how rules designed to prevent harmful interference restrict the use of UAS operations and whether it would be feasible to streamline the FCC’s coordination requirements to enable more intensive use of aerial technologies.
Law Enforcement Use of UAS
WTB and OET seek input on how to coordinate with state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) law enforcement agencies that frequently procure UAS, whether SLTT agencies procure UAS from foreign adversary entities, and how to encourage SLTT partners to prioritize the use of U.S.-made drones.
The Public Notice follows significant activity from the FCC on foreign-made drones. In December 2025, an Executive branch interagency body determined that UAS and UAS critical components produced in a foreign country pose an unacceptable risk to the national security of the United States and should be added to the FCC’s Covered List.
The FCC has since issued “Conditional Approvals” to exempt certain foreign-produced UAS and UAS critical components from the Covered List, a blanket waiver to previously authorized covered UAS and UAS critical components to allow certain Class I permissive changes, and revocations of authorizations for certain drone manufacturers, among other developments.
(Source: UAS VISION/ JD Supra
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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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INTERNATIONAL PROCUREMENT OPPORTUNITIES
New US Tactical Drone Requires Only Two Seconds to Take Off
American defence startup XDOWN has unveiled a compact drone designed for frontline troops, positioning its STUD system as a low-cost, rapidly deployable platform for multiple battlefield roles. Founder and chief executive Alexander Balan introduced the drone alongside images and test footage, describing it as a response to evolving warfare demands.
International Moving Service to Italy
visit reloux.com/ to learn more
www.reloux.com
>
In a statement, Balan said the system reflects a shift away from traditional weapons toward portable unmanned systems. He emphasised that each operator can carry 8–12 units in a tactical backpack and deploy them in roughly two seconds by simply throwing them into the air. The drones are intended to deliver speed, range, and payload flexibility in a highly portable format.
International Moving Service to Italy
visit reloux.com/ to learn more
www.reloux.com
>
Known as the Small Tactical Unmanned Drone (STUD), the system uses a quick-release interceptor setup that allows a single operator to carry multiple units. Once activated, the drone is hand-launched, with onboard rotors engaging immediately to stabilise and guide it into controlled flight.
The STUD measures 17.5 inches (44.5 cm) in length and 3.1 inches (8 cm) in width and depth. It weighs 5.2 pounds (2.7 kg) and can carry payloads of up to 1.7 pounds (0.77 kg). It reaches speeds of up to 165 knots (190 mph / 305 km/h), with a range of 40 miles (64 km) and an endurance of around 17 minutes.
Its modular design enables multiple mission configurations, including intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, precision strike, counter-drone operations, and electronic warfare. The platform can also engage infantry and unmanned ground or surface systems.
XDOWN says it aims to produce up to 6,000 units per month, signalling an ambitious scale-up for a new entrant. If validated, the STUD could mark a shift toward widespread use of portable drones in standard infantry equipment. (Source: UAS VISION/
Sources: Defence Blog; NextGenDefense
BAE in Early Talks with Japanese Groups on Drones for Fighter Jets
The UK’s BAE Systems is in early talks with Japanese defence groups to co-develop drones for next-gen fighter jets under the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).
International Moving Service to Italy
visit reloux.com/ to learn more
www.reloux.com
>
These pilotless systems aim to suppress enemy defences ahead of manned combat aircraft entering contested zones – boosting affordability and operational efficiency.
International Moving Service to Italy
visit reloux.com/ to learn more
www.reloux.com
>
Key Insights from Robert Merryweather, BAE’s Technology Director:
“All GCAP nations need these autonomous systems to integrate seamlessly with their jets… it’s critical for balancing capability and cost.”
Drones could cost 1/10th of the fighter jet, making them a game-changer in modern warfare.
Why Now?
US alliances under strain (Trump’s recent remarks) are driving Japan to boost security spending toward 2% GDP. – Europe’s fragmented defence market is pushing for collaboration, with drones and sensors flagged as priority areas by Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury.
Global Ambitions
Saudi Arabia may join as a financial and operational partner, though Tokyo remains cautious. Meanwhile, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) revealed concepts for military drones last year, signaling Japan’s readiness to lead in tech-driven defense.
The Bigger Picture
As rival programmes like the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) by Airbus and Dassault take shape, international partnerships will define 21st-century airpower.
(Source: UAS VISION/
Northrop Grumman Demos Lumberjack to US Army
Northrop Grumman Corporation has showcased the autonomous mission capabilities of its Lumberjack Group 3 Unmanned Aircraft System during the U.S. Army 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault)’s Operation Lethal Eagle exercise.
International Moving Service to Italy
visit reloux.com/ to learn more
www.reloux.com
>
The demonstration highlights progress toward rapid field deployment and advances in autonomous warfare. During the exercise, Lumberjack achieved full autonomous mission control, with Army personnel operating the system through the U.S. Army’s Maven Smart System.
The platform also demonstrated precision strike capability by deploying simulated versions of Northrop Grumman’s Hatchet, a six-pound miniature munition designed to deliver effects typically associated with larger weapons. AI-assisted targeting, enabled by Palantir’s Agentic Effects Agent, allowed operators to adapt quickly to changing battlefield conditions under human supervision.
Lumberjack maintained continuous beyond line-of-sight communications via satellite datalink, providing real-time mission updates and damage assessments. After completing strike operations, the system transitioned seamlessly to surveillance mode, gathering additional intelligence.
Michael Bastin, director of distributed systems at Northrop Grumman, said the system progressed from concept to flight in under 14 months and demonstrated adaptability across multiple missions and payloads. He described Lumberjack as a cost-effective, highly attritable platform designed to reshape battlefield operations.
Maj. Jonathon Bless, Public Affairs Officer for the 101st Airborne Division, said the exercise provided an opportunity to evaluate emerging technologies and highlighted the role of collaboration between the military and industry in driving innovation.
Lumberjack dominates the battlefield—seamlessly executing a fully autonomous mission at the high-stakes Operational Lethal Eagle exercise. (Photo – Northrop Grumman)
Lumberjack is a low-cost, one-way attack UAS with a modular design that supports interchangeable payloads, enabling both kinetic and non-kinetic missions. Built to be expendable, it reduces cost per effect while maintaining operational impact.
Developed with Empirical Systems Aerospace and Palantir, the system can launch from air or ground platforms, offering flexibility, long-range reach and rapid deployment in contested environments.
Source: Northrop Grumman
(Source: UAS VISION)
FCC Seeks to Expand Deployment of US-Made Drones
On April 1, 2026, the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (WTB) and Office of Engineering and Technology (OET) released a Public Notice seeking comment on actions to advance the production, deployment, and export of American unmanned aircraft systems.
International Moving Service to Italy
visit reloux.com/ to learn more
www.reloux.com
>
The Public Notice follows two Executive Orders released on June 6, 2025 by the Trump Administration, titled Unleashing American Drone Dominance and Restoring American Airspace Sovereignty, that seek to establish U.S. drone leadership to support both the U.S. economy and U.S. national security. Comments are due May 1, 2026 and reply comments are due May 18, 2026.
International Moving Service to Italy
visit reloux.com/ to learn more
www.reloux.com
>
WTB and OET seek input on several reforms to “establish American drone dominance,” including in the following areas:
Current Spectrum for UAS
The Public Notice explains that most drones in the United States have relied on unlicensed spectrum, or the same frequencies used by Wi-Fi routers and other consumer devices, for their command-and-control communications, including the 900 MHz band (902-928 MHz), 2.4 GHz band (2400-2500 MHz), 5.2 GHz band (5000-5725 MHz), and 5.8 GHz band (5725-5875 MHz). WTB and OET ask about the ongoing viability of the unlicensed bands for UAS operations, recognizing the potential for interference from other users.
Future Spectrum for UAS
The Public Notice seeks comment on permitting more intensive UAS operations in flexible-use terrestrial bands typically relied upon for mobile broadband, seeking comment on the scope and scale of current UAS deployments on licensed flexible-use spectrum and how these bands can support more intensive aerial operations. WTB and OET invite further comment on certain bands that prohibit aeronautical mobile use (including some or all of the 1670-1675 MHz, 1.4 GHz, 2.3 GHz, 3.7 GHz, and CBRS bands) and the viability of these bands for UAS.
Acknowledging that the FCC adopted initial rules for UAS deployment in the 5030-5091 MHz band but has not yet taken the necessary implementing steps to put the spectrum into use, the Public Notice asks about how to expedite implementation and allow more robust UAS operations in the band. WTB and OET also ask whether to revisit the FCC’s prior determination that the 960-1164 MHz band should not be made available for UAS operations, and invite discussion on pending proposals before the Commission to open specific frequencies for UAS-related activities (i.e., Aura’s petition to modify technical rules in the 450 MHz band consistent with a waiver it holds for those frequencies, and Echodyne’s petition to use the 24.45–24.65 GHz band for federal and non-federal radiolocation operations that would better facilitate the detection of UAS).
Lastly, the Public Notice seeks comment on how the FCC can support the Advanced Air Mobility National Strategy and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 provisions related to spectrum access for UAS and counter-UAS operations – and how the agency can facilitate spectrum access for these initiatives as needed.
Experimental UAS Licensing
WTB and OET ask how to modernize and streamline the FCC’s experimental licensing process specifically for UAS-related testing, including whether to establish a dedicated UAS experimental license category with more flexible terms and expedited renewals. The Public Notice also invites comment on whether to explore a blanket experimental authorization for qualified drone developers operating within specified frequency bands and safety parameters.
Testbeds and Innovation Zones
The Public Notice seeks input on the success of the FCC’s Innovation Zone program, known as the Aerial Experimentation and Research Platform for Advanced Wireless (AERPAW), and asks whether the testbed site provides sufficient flexibility or capacity to develop UAS technologies at meaningful scale.
Clarifying the Permissible Use of Counter-UAS
WTB and OET request comment about statutory and regulatory barriers to Counter-UAS deployment and how to address them, including Section 333 of the Communications Act of 1934, which provides that “[n]o person shall willfully or maliciously interfere with or cause interference to any radio communications of any station licensed or authorized by or under this chapter.”
Modernizing Coordination
The Public Notice asks how rules designed to prevent harmful interference restrict the use of UAS operations and whether it would be feasible to streamline the FCC’s coordination requirements to enable more intensive use of aerial technologies.
Law Enforcement Use of UAS
WTB and OET seek input on how to coordinate with state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) law enforcement agencies that frequently procure UAS, whether SLTT agencies procure UAS from foreign adversary entities, and how to encourage SLTT partners to prioritize the use of U.S.-made drones.
The Public Notice follows significant activity from the FCC on foreign-made drones. In December 2025, an Executive branch interagency body determined that UAS and UAS critical components produced in a foreign country pose an unacceptable risk to the national security of the United States and should be added to the FCC’s Covered List.
The FCC has since issued “Conditional Approvals” to exempt certain foreign-produced UAS and UAS critical components from the Covered List, a blanket waiver to previously authorized covered UAS and UAS critical components to allow certain Class I permissive changes, and revocations of authorizations for certain drone manufacturers, among other developments.
Source: JD Supra
(Source: UAS VISION/
————————————————————————
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.
————————————————————————