Tag: unmanned aerial vehicles
67 articles
MKE's TOLGA Counter-Drone System Achieves 100% Success in Live-Fire Trial
MKE's TOLGA Counter-Drone System just aced a live-fire trial, successfully detecting, identifying, and defeating every target in seven different scenarios. This impressive 100% success rate proves TOLGA is a game-changer in countering threats from drones and other aerial threats.
Anduril's YFQ-44A Drone Fires First Live AIM-120 Missile
Anduril's YFQ-44A drone has achieved a major milestone, successfully firing a live AIM-120 missile in a beyond-line-of-sight engagement at Edwards Air Force Base in California. This historic test marks the first time a US drone of its kind has launched a munition, paving the way for advanced autonomous airpower capabilities.
Russia's Su-57 Targets Ukrainian Drones with Unusual Weapons Load
New photos reveal Russia's advanced Su-57 fighter jet packing a surprising punch against Ukrainian drones, with a mysterious pod and air-to-air missiles in tow. The unusual weapons load comes as the small fleet of just nine Su-57s is thrust into a new kind of battle.
General Atomics Upgrades Ground Stations for MQ-9B Drone Compatibility
General Atomics is upgrading its Block 30 ground control stations to ensure seamless compatibility with its latest MQ-9B SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian drones, addressing a key concern for current MQ-9A operators. The company will fund the upgrade research and development and plans to begin flight testing by the end of the year.
MQ-28 Ghost Bat Drone Deploys in Major Pacific Combat Exercise
The MQ-28 Ghost Bat drone made its debut in a major Pacific combat exercise, demonstrating its cutting-edge capabilities as a force multiplier that can fly alongside crewed fighters and extend their reach. This milestone marks a significant step forward in human-machine teaming and showcases the US commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.
US Navy Still Flies MQ-1 Predators in Secret Test Role
The US Navy is secretly testing a fleet of 20 MQ-1 Predators, acquired from the Air Force in 2019 and rebranded as NMQ-1Bs, despite the aircraft's official retirement in 2018. These drones are being used for mysterious testing purposes at the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division.
Iranian Drone Swarm Poses Questions After F-15E Downing
An F-15E pilot described a chilling scene before ejecting from his downed jet: a swarm of Iranian drones moving in unison, resembling a jellyfish with smaller drones clustered beneath larger ones like legs. This unprecedented encounter has raised more questions than answers.
Pakistan Unveils Homegrown Drone Engines, Boosting Strike Capabilities
Pakistan takes a giant leap in defense tech with its first homegrown drone engines, unveiled by Alsons Group at Eurosatory 2026 in Paris. This breakthrough boosts the country's strike capabilities and marks a new era of private sector innovation in drone and munitions development.
Australia Urged to Rapidly Develop Cheap Drone Interceptors
In a chilling display of modern warfare, Russia's 900-strong drone assault on Ukraine in 2026 has sounded alarm bells - will Australia be prepared to counter the threat of cheap, destructive drones? Shahed-class drones, with their 50kg high-explosive warheads, have proven capable of devastating effects, from leveling apartment blocks to crippling critical infrastructure.
MQ-9 Reaper Gains Airborne Early Warning Radar Capability
The MQ-9 Reaper just took its defensive capabilities to new heights with the successful flight test of an airborne early warning radar pod, giving it critical aloft sensing to detect and defend against a range of threats. This game-changing upgrade was made possible through a partnership with Saab, which supplied the innovative LoyalEye radar system.
Air Force Awards Contracts for Drone Wingmen to Anduril, General Atomics
The Air Force has taken a major leap forward in drone technology, awarding production contracts to Anduril and General Atomics for its first collaborative combat aircraft, also known as drone wingmen. This move enables the rapid deployment of semi-autonomous systems to stay ahead of emerging threats.
Air Force Taps General Atomics, Anduril for CCA Drone Production
The US Air Force has taken a major leap forward in its drone program, selecting General Atomics and Anduril to produce the first batch of Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) drones, a crucial step from prototyping to production. This $2.4 billion initiative is set to revolutionize military operations with cutting-edge drone technology.
China's R6000 Tiltrotor Drone Enters Advanced Flight Testing
China's R6000 tiltrotor drone has achieved a major milestone, successfully completing its first free-flight tests, as captured in thrilling new footage. The drone smoothly transitions from vertical hover to sustained forward flight, showcasing its impressive capabilities.
Miniature Drones Make Inroads at Berlin Air Show
At the Berlin Air Show, a quiet revolution is underway: miniature drones are stealing the scene with their tiny buzz, offering a glimpse into the future of flight. Amidst the roar of fighter jets and jumbo tankers, these small, first-person-view drones are making a big impact.
Boeing Unveils Upgraded Ghost Bat Drone with Internal AMRAAM Capability
Boeing has unveiled the upgraded Ghost Bat Drone, now with internal AMRAAM capability, offering Germany a cutting-edge collaborative combat aircraft. The Block 3 iteration boasts a 25% larger wing and 20% more thrust, giving operators unparalleled flexibility to tailor their mission payload and endurance.
Pakistan Advances Portable Missile Launch Technology
Pakistan's defence tech scene just took a major leap forward with the RATO-150, a portable missile launch system that lets drones blast off from anywhere, even without long runways or massive catapults. This game-changing innovation comes courtesy of Woot-Tech, a privately owned Pakistani defence contractor.
USAF Scrambles to Buy Scarce MQ-9 Reapers After Heavy Losses
The US Air Force is on a mission to replenish its fleet of MQ-9 Reapers, and it's turning to General Atomics for help, with plans to buy several unused MQ-9A Block 5 aircraft. The scramble comes as General Atomics reveals an alarmingly small inventory of just a handful of new MQ-9As available worldwide.
US Military Weighs MQ-1 Predator Drone Revival Amid MQ-9 Losses
The US military is considering reviving the MQ-1 Predator drone program as it faces losses with the MQ-9, sparking questions about the future of its unmanned aerial operations. This potential revival comes amid heightened tensions with Iran, where US forces have recently taken decisive action to protect regional waters.
Boeing's MQ-28 Ghost Bat Conducts Test Flights from US Navy Base
Boeing's MQ-28 Ghost Bat has taken to the skies in a major milestone, conducting test flights from a US Navy base in California, showcasing its ability to operate seamlessly from allied facilities. This significant achievement highlights the aircraft's maturity and paves the way for potential export opportunities to international customers.
Pentagon Accelerates $50 Billion Drone Warfare Spending Spree
The Pentagon is shaking up its approach to drone warfare, ditching the old system where units made small, isolated purchases from a limited vendor list that rarely changed. Now, with a $50 billion spending spree on the horizon, defense officials are clearing the way for more innovative and flexible drone acquisitions.
Navy Deploys Drones to Sink Warship in Live-Fire Exercise
In a thrilling display of modern naval power, the US Navy successfully sank a warship using drones in a live-fire exercise, marking a significant milestone in military technology. The operation, part of the UNITAS 2026 exercise, involved a littoral combat ship launching four aerial drones and a surface vessel to take down the decommissioned USS Simpson.
Nations Jockey for Drone Wingman Edge
Get ready to take to the skies with the latest buzz on loyal wingman drones, as experts dissect the past, present, and future of manned-unmanned teaming and how nations are vying for an edge in this game-changing tech. From industrial base issues to global approaches, a panel of top analysts weighs in on the rise of drone wingmen.
Pentagon Taps Perennial Autonomy for $500M Counter-Drone Contract
The Pentagon has taken a major stand against the growing threat of drones, awarding a $500 million contract to Perennial Autonomy for cutting-edge, AI-powered counter-drone systems. This game-changing deal is part of the US military's broader Drone Dominance initiative to stay ahead of the curve in modern warfare.
USAF Deploys Upgraded ULTRA Surveillance Drones to Middle East
The US Air Force has taken a major leap forward with its ULTRA Surveillance Drones, successfully completing a 60-hour flight at 25,000 feet and 100 knots - now, a turbocharged variant is set for operational testing in the Middle East. This next phase will see the drone put through its paces in a real-world setting within US Central Command's area of responsibility.