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27 Feb 25. US Army assigns more than 300 UAS to BCTs so far., The changing calculus of the new Trump administration may expand America’s procurement of Army UAS well beyond current plans. So far, the US Army have assigned between 300 to 400 uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) among units within its Brigade Combat Teams (BCTs) in accordance with plans to reshape how the service operates in the future. As part of the restructuring, the force will phase out its legacy RQ-7B Shadow and RQ-11 Raven intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) UAS fleets – which entered service in 2002 and 2005 respectively – for the innumberable mass of tactical systems to come. Anduril’s Ghost X and the Performance Works C-100 quadcopter are among the new UAS models. The Army selected the two small, rotary systems in September 2024. These tactical UAS allow more manoeuvable companies to conduct multiple tasks with rapidly reconfigurable, attritable, modular payload capabilities to execute ISR and target acquisition missions. UAS accompanying mobile armoured forces provide a greater picture of the battlespace and threats as part of a crewed-uncrewed teaming model. According to GlobalData intelligence, the global military UAS market was valued at $14bn in 2024 and is projected to reach $26bn by 2034; this reflects a compound annual growth rate of 6.3% over the period. For now, the US Department of Defense operate more than 11,000 UAS across all three armed services. They are typically used to support domestic training and overseas contingency missions. Whereas, the Army’s new UAS will go onto to play a primary role.
Trump calculus will increase UAS procurement
Certain defence programmes will benefit from the US government’s ongoing divestment from Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion (DEI) structures and programmes, according to Pete Hegseth, the new US Defense Secretary. Upon entering government, Hegseth paused the Pentagon’s finances as the new administration undertakes a sweeping audit with the aim of filtering programmes and investment according to US President Donald Trump’s America First doctrine. While the crusade will diminish the value of having a diverse outlook across the military apparatus, Hegseth maintained the government will redistribute DEI costs towards more lethal programmes that he contends are “mission critical.” The Pentagon chief points to the proliferation of UAS as one of these priority areas for the Trump administration, including, among other policies, building an Iron Dome air defence network for America. The first iteration of the Replicator initaitive provides a sense of the scale for America’s UAS procurement across its armed forces. Established in August 2023 under the former Biden administration, the government is acquiring “multiple thousands” of systems across all domains by August 2025. Army Technology approached the DoD to ask what Trump’s plans are for the programme. Eric Pahon, a Pentagon spokesperson, assured that “there are no changes to announce regarding the Replicator 1 or Replicator 2 initiatives or timelines” at present. (Source: army-technology.com)
27 Feb 25. NATO trials naval drones in Baltic Sea demo. NATO showed off its underwater surveillance capabilities in an unmanned surface vessel demonstration in the Baltic Sea as part of alliance efforts to deter acts of sabotage against critical undersea infrastructure in the strategic area. The trials took place in waters near Denmark from Feb. 17 to 20 and involved integrating manned and unmanned assets in live-firing events and tactical maneuvers. Participating drone boats were fielded through the Task Force X initiative established earlier this month by the alliance’s top transformation branch as part of patrolling activities in Baltic waters.
“It provides a framework for all nations to contribute by enabling the deployment of their autonomous capabilities. … This collaborative effort will fill gaps in surveillance, particularly in areas not covered by existing systems like the Automatic Identification System,” Adm. Pierre Vander, commander of NATO’s Allied Command Transformation, said in a press release.
Additional ships from NATO’s Standing NATO Maritime Group 1, the Royal Danish and German Navies took part in the demonstration. In a recent interview with Defense News, as Vandier detailed plans for the alliance’s first fleet of naval surveillance drones, he hinted that it was likely to be equipped with proven platforms that would lean on experiments by the U.S. Navy’s Task Force 59. TF59 is a unit dedicated to integrating unmanned systems and artificial intelligence in the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet area of operations that operates out of Bahrain. However, according to an Allied Maritime Command press release, Task Force X will also leverage successful campaigns such as the U.S. Navy’s TF66, which experiments with uncrewed systems in the Europe-Africa area of responsibility. Established in 2023, the group is made up of civilian and military personnel that put a variety of unmanned maritime systems to the test in bodies of water faced with different challenges than in the Gulf region. Last year, it launched a pilot program centered on boosting maritime domain awareness, during which it tested the autonomous underwater and surface vessels of the Ocean Aero Triton platform, as reported by USNI News. (Source: Defense News)
27 Feb 25. South Korea’s Loyal Wingman Air Combat Drone Unveiled. South Korea on Tuesday unveiled a new stealthy loyal wingman-type drone, the Low Observable Unmanned Wingman System, or LOWUS, which it plans to operate alongside the locally developed KF-21 Boramae next-generation fighter. The new drone is part of a growing fleet of low-observable drones being developed in South Korea as the country seeks to introduce new uncrewed technologies for a range of missions. The first prototype of the was rolled out at Korean Air’s Busan Tech Center in the southeast of the country. The drone was developed by Korean Air together with the Agency for Defense Development (ADD), a government body responsible for research and development in defense technology, funded by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA). The LOWUS program was launched in 2021, with the research and development phase. A first flight of the first prototype is reportedly planned for the end of this year, leading toward the first manned-unmanned teaming flight tests by 2027. These will involve a piloted aircraft directly controlling the drone in flight. The new drone is being developed from the outset for manned-unmanned teaming, in which it will operate with a significant degree of autonomously alongside crewed combat aircraft. It is expected to undertake missions including reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and strike, in support of crewed fighters, including the KF-21. In terms of its design, the LOWUS has stealth features, including a reduced radar cross-section and a construction that makes use of radar-absorbent material (RAM). Superficially, the drone looks very similar to the XQ-58A Valkyrie, the stealthy, affordable uncrewed aircraft that has been developed by U.S. drone-maker Kratos. The LOWUS also has some visual similarities with the Airpower Teaming System loyal wingman drone, now known as the MQ-28 Ghost Bat, which was developed by Boeing’s Australian subsidiary, initially for the Royal Australian Air Force. (Source: UAS VISION/The War Zone)
27 Feb 25. US Treasury Targets Covert Iranian UAV Procurement Network. The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is targeting six entities based in Hong Kong and the People’s Republic of China (PRC), engaged in the procurement of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) components on behalf of OFAC-designated Iranian firm Pishtazan Kavosh Gostar Boshra (PKGB) and its subsidiary Narin Sepehr Mobin Isatis (NSMI). These entities operate as front companies and facilitate the purchase and shipment of key components for the benefit of PKGB and NSMI, which serve as key suppliers for Iran’s UAV and ballistic missile programs. OFAC previously designated a network of Hong Kong-based companies procuring sensitive Western-origin materials and technology for Iran’s UAV and missile programs on behalf of PKGB in February 2024. Today’s action, which supports President Trump’s maximum pressure campaign on Iran, targets efforts by PKGB to reconstitute its procurement network and continue the procurement of critical parts from foreign suppliers post-designation.
“Iran continues to try to find new ways to procure the key components it needs to bolster its UAV weapons program through new front companies and third-country suppliers,” said Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent. “Treasury remains committed to disrupting the schemes that enable Iran to send its deadly weapons abroad to its terrorist proxies and other destabilizing actors.”
This action was taken pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13382, which targets proliferators of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and their means of delivery. This action builds on August 28, 2019 and February 2, 2024 actions targeting PKGB’s covert procurement network benefitting Iran’s UAV and ballistic missile production. OFAC designated PKGB pursuant to E.O. 13382 on August 28, 2019 for being owned or controlled by Hamed Dehghan (Dehghan), PKGB’s chief executive officer and chairman, who was concurrently designated for his central role in facilitating the procurement of military-grade electronic components for Rastafann Engineering Company (Rastafann). Rastafann was designated pursuant to E.O. 13382 for having provided support to the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) and the Naval Defence Missile Industry Group. PKGB subsidiary NSMI was designated pursuant to E.O. 13382 on February 2, 2024 for being owned or controlled by, or acting or purporting to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, PKGB.
HONG KONG-BASED FRONT COMPANIES AND FACILITATORS
PKGB operates a network of Hong Kong-based procurement front companies that facilitate the purchase and shipment to Iran of aviation parts with UAV applications valued in millions of dollars. Since the February 2024 designations targeting PKGB’s Hong Kong-based front companies, PKGB has utilized new companies to continue its procurement activities. Dingtai Industrial Technology Co Limited (Dingtai) has procured U.S.-origin UAV-applicable items including valve assemblies, radio frequency (RF) connectors, and engines on behalf of PKGB. Yonghongan Trade Limited (Yonghongan) has been used by multiple PKGB front companies after the February 2024 designations, including OFAC-designated Advantage Trading Company Limited (Advantage), to procure Western-origin aircraft components. Yonghongan has also been used by OFAC-designated PKGB front company Duling Technology Limited (Duling) to purchase millions of dollars of Western-origin UAV-applicable aircraft parts, falsely listing Yonghongan as the purchaser of parts including vane turbines, vane compressors, blade turbines, and blade compressors. Hong Kong Tianle International Co Limited (Tianle) was used by PKGB to facilitate price quotes and the procurement of U.S.-origin electronic components for Rastafann. Tianle was also used by Advantage to procure thousands of micro servos on behalf of PKGB, falsely listing Tianle as the buyer.
Dingtai, Yonghongan, and Tianle are being designated pursuant to E.O. 13382 for having provided, or attempted to provide, financial, material, technological or other support for, or goods or services in support of, PKGB.
PKGB subsidiary NSMI has received shipments of UAV-applicable equipment from Hong Kong and PRC-based companies. NSMI was the consignee for engine shipments from Hong Kong-based DDC Develop Industry Hong Kong Limited (DDC Develop). PRC-based Shenzhen Zhiyu International Trade Co Ltd (Shenzhen Zhiyu) exported production and testing equipment to NSMI. Hong Kong-based JP Oriental International Holdings Limited (JP Oriental) exported shipments over the course of multiple years to NSMI.
DDC Develop, Shenzhen Zhiyu, and JP Oriental are being designated pursuant to E.O. 13382 for having provided, or attempted to provide, financial, material, technological, or other support for, or goods or services in support of, NSMI.
SANCTIONS IMPLICATIONS
As a result of today’s action, all property and interests in property of the designated person(s) described above that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons is/are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. In addition, any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked. Unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC or exempt, U.S. sanctions generally prohibit all transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of designated or otherwise blocked persons. Violations of U.S. sanctions may result in the imposition of civil or criminal penalties on U.S. and foreign persons. OFAC may impose civil penalties for sanctions violations on a strict liability basis. OFAC’s Economic Sanctions Enforcement Guidelines provide more information regarding OFAC’s enforcement of U.S. economic sanctions. In addition, financial institutions and other persons may risk exposure to sanctions for engaging in certain transactions or activities with designated or otherwise blocked persons. Exports, reexports, or transfers of items subject to U.S. export controls involving persons included on the SDN List pursuant to E.O. 13382 may be subject to additional restrictions administered by the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security. See 15 C.F.R. section 744.8 for additional information. The power and integrity of OFAC sanctions derive not only from OFAC’s ability to designate and add persons to the SDN List, but also from its willingness to remove persons from the SDN List consistent with the law. The ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to bring about a positive change in behavior. For information concerning the process for seeking removal from an OFAC list, including the SDN List, please refer to OFAC’s Frequently Asked Question 897 here and to submit a request for removal, click here. (Source: UAS VISION/U.S. Treasury0
26 Feb 25. HENSOLDT and QinetiQ Germany have strengthened their collaboration in the field of uncrewed aerial vehicles and systems, with ESG Elektroniksystem- und Logistik-GmbH serving as the prime contractor. This strengthened alliance supports QinetiQ’s Global Threat Representation strategy, reinforcing its reputation as a global service provider for military exercises, from operational analysis to implementing new capabilities.
The expanded partnership focuses on three key areas including:
- Capability enhancement.
- Military uncrewed aerial vehicles of category IIa.
- Training and certified testing
This partnership builds on years of successful cooperation between, QinetiQ and HENSOLDT in Germany and Europe particularly in airborne radar systems using PC-12 test aircraft and the supply of reconnaissance technology for QinetiQ’s fleet. With key locations in Bavaria and Schleswig-Holstein, QinetiQ and HENSOLDT are well-positioned to support the German Armed Forces and other security authorities in operating uncrewed systems. HENSOLDT has been integrated as a certified body by the German Armed Forces Aviation Office for military uncrewed aerial vehicles of category IIa. This category encompasses drones used for flight target presentation, prototypes and system demonstrators. HENSOLDT will also act as a recognised training and certified testing centre for remote pilots of civil uncrewed aircraft in QinetiQ’s category 2c, which includes drones that do not require prior approval. As a multi-certified body, HENSOLDT can provide comprehensive system support within this strengthened partnership.
Thorsten Heil, Head of Flight Operations at HENSOLDT in Germany, added: “As a reliable technology and innovation partner and an approved aviation company for both uncrewed and crewed aircraft, we are committed to developing specific, customer-oriented, and market-driven solutions that maintain our armed forces’ defence capabilities and enhance public safety. The intensified cooperation with QinetiQ is a critical step towards improving education and training for uncrewed aircraft and systems in Germany, contributing to the sustainable strengthening of our security.”
Matthias Grögor, Head of Strategic Business Development at QinetiQ in Germany, said: “Through our partnership with HENSOLDT, we demonstrate a proven collaboration with the German Armed Forces and other security authorities, backed by years of successful work, particularly with the German Air Force,” Matthias said. “Together, we aim to expand our services in uncrewed systems – from development and certification to education and training, around our Bavarian location in Augsburg, helping to establish Bavaria as a leading hub for drone technology.”
21 Feb 25. Havelsan’s New UAV: BULUT. Entering the field of robotic autonomous systems in 2019, HAVELSAN has built a platform ecosystem that includes unmanned aerial, ground, and naval vehicles. The company has now introduced another unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for use by security forces. Following the BAHA UAV, HAVELSAN has developed BULUT, a reconnaissance and surveillance UAV, in line with the project initiated under the leadership of the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB) and the requirements it defined. After undergoing development at HAVELSAN’s Robotic Autonomous Systems Center for some time, BULUT successfully met the tests and requirements set by the Acceptance Committee, which included representatives from users and the SSB. As a result, the UAV was added to the inventories of the Turkish Armed Forces and the General Directorate of Security. Equipped with an internal combustion engine, BULUT can stay airborne for six continuous hours and conduct reconnaissance and surveillance independently of GNSS. Designed to operate under light rain and snowfall, the BULUT UAV system can function in various operational conditions thanks to its advanced sensors and software. Currently in active use by security forces in operational areas, BULUT has a payload capacity of 5 kg and can share data over a range of up to 80 kilometers. BULUT employs an electric motor system for vertical takeoff and landing, while its reconnaissance and surveillance operations are powered by a gasoline internal combustion engine, allowing it to remain airborne for up to six hours. With advanced operational features such as moving object detection and avoidance, collision prevention, and anti-jamming capabilities, BULUT can be deployed for a wide range of missions, including border and coastal patrol, counter-smuggling and counter-terrorism operations, law enforcement and security tasks, narcotics detection, thermal imaging, wildfire response, post-disaster search and rescue, environmental pollution monitoring, agricultural applications, oil and gas pipeline security, energy infrastructure inspections, and search and rescue operations. BULUT is fully autonomous and capable of taking off and landing without the need for a runway. It is also equipped with an EO/IR/LRF integrated camera system and features a handover capability, allowing mission control to be transferred between ground control stations—an essential feature for security forces. Commenting on BULUT, HAVELSAN General Manager Dr. Mehmet Akif Nacar stated that they had developed a system that provides operational superiority in the field, fully aligned with the expectations of the Presidency of Defense Industries. He emphasized, “The SSB and our security forces played a significant role in the development of our new UAV, BULUT. The primary reason why BULUT quickly entered inventory and is now actively used in the field is our team’s rapid response to these expectations. I congratulate everyone involved in the project.”
HAVELSAN Deputy General Manager for Simulation, Autonomous, and Platform Management Technologies, Muhittin Solmaz, noted that BAHA was the company’s first UAV experience, and after three years of development, BULUT has further strengthened security forces. “BULUT, built upon the field experience of BAHA, will be a game-changer in its category. We wholeheartedly believe in this,” he said.
HAVELSAN Product Development and ELD Director Veysel Ataoglu highlighted that BULUT is actively used in operational areas and that the team continuously improves the product based on field feedback. He added, “Following BARKAN and BAHA, BULUT has successfully completed various acceptance processes by the SSB and security forces, officially joining the inventory. We are also working on different versions of BULUT.” (Source: ASD Network)
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