Joby, L3Harris developing autonomous aircraft for defense missions
The companies plan to start flight tests this fall and be ready to demonstrate operational capabilities in government exercises by 2026.
Europe
Behind attacks on Ukrainian cities, Russia is building a drone empire
Moscow's drone strategy has been unique in the emphasis it places on supporting startups and small enterprises around the country.
Pentagon unit seeks Ukraine-like conditions for drone testing
Most commercial firms can't access test space where they can refine their products under conditions they might face in the field. DIU wants to change that.
These wargames explored drone attacks on US military bases
Many of the details of these wargames are classified, but one key finding is that protecting domestic U.S. bases can’t be just the military’s job.
Pentagon picks finalists for Replicator 2 counter-drone demo
The chosen firms will participate in a live demonstration at U.S. Northern Command’s Falcon Peak exercise later this year.
Denmark buys four Sky Guardian drones for Arctic surveillance
The systems are expected to be delivered between 2028 and 2029 and will undergo a certification process.
Russia seen as boosting combat-drone output, switching attack angles
Moscow wants to be able to deploy 2,000 drones in a single strike, according to the assessment of a senior German military official.
Pentagon officials tout rapid experimentation at courtyard showcase
Officials said Wednesday that rapid experimentation is now "institutionalized" after cutting a program created to find and quickly demo high-need tech.
Ukraine fielding new crop of unmanned boats optimized for river combat
Smaller naval drones are starting to appear on vital waterways, designed for low-profile attack missions.
Jammed and confused: Alaska trial shows pitfalls of fielding US drones
One drone failed repeatedly to find its target when jammed and ultimately crashed into a hill. Another flew past its target and went up in flames.
Hegseth calls for extensive reforms to Pentagon drone-buying practices
The memo directs the military services to create active duty formations by September, built for the sole purpose of scaling the use of drones across DOD.
Pentagon trials drone-spotting air traffic suite at US bases worldwide
The Air Force Research Laboratory's CLUE system could help military and civil agencies better integrate drone operations into the airspace.
NATO testing Baltic Sea drones to track Russian warships, freighters
The alliance’s top transformation branch hosted its second operational demonstration last month.
EU militaries game out Ukraine-inspired resupply tactics via drones
Ukrainian experts helped the European Defence Agency design scenarios for front-line combat logistics by way of aerial and terrestrial drones.
‘Made-in-America’ drone maker Neros awaits its big Pentagon break
The company aims to increase its production capacity from 1,500 drones per month to 10,000 by the end of this year.
US vendors tussle over Norway’s maritime-surveillance drone business
Northrop Grumman and General Atomics are vying for a deal, as U.S. manufacturers fear losing prominence in Europe.
European drone builders tinker with AI in navigation and targeting
The mix of drones and AI is becoming more prevalent in new designs proposed by manufacturers.
