Tag: unmanned aerial vehicles
114 articles
Italy Bolsters Drone Fleet with New MQ-9As Amid Regional Security Tensions
Italy is ramping up its drone capabilities with a fresh order of two MQ-9A Reapers, a move that comes at a time when the US is scouting out newer unmanned options. This latest purchase builds on Rome's existing Reaper fleet, which has seen a couple of setbacks, including losses in Libya and Kuwait.
USAF Accelerates Reaper Replacement Amid Heavy Losses
The US Air Force is speeding up the replacement of its aging MQ-9 Reaper fleet with a new generation of remotely piloted aircraft, known as Massed Modular Aircraft (MMA), after suffering significant losses in combat operations, including at least 45 Reapers lost during recent conflicts. This accelerated transition aims to bolster the Air Force's capabilities and mitigate future risks.
USAF Pursues MQ-9 Successor at Fraction of Cost
The US Air Force is on a mission to drastically cut costs for the MQ-9 successor, aiming for a $10 million unit price for the airframe alone, roughly half the cost of current alternatives. This move comes as the service looks to minimize losses of expensive drones, with Lt. Gen. Christopher Niemi noting that even a pricier MQ-9B isn't a solution.
Russian Drones Compel Ukraine to Ground M1 Abrams Tanks
Ukraine's 425th Separate Assault Regiment has grounded its M1 Abrams tanks due to a barrage of Russian drones that have rendered them untenable for frontline operations. The regiment's commander says they lack the means to counter the enemy's drone component, making it a temporary but not terminal blow to the tanks' deployment.
China's WZ-X Stealth Drone Reveals Unusual Wing Design
China's WZ-X stealth drone has just been spotted with a game-changing wing design, featuring a broader inner section that dramatically tapers down to an exceptionally long, slender outer panel, creating a striking "step down" effect. This unusual design sets it apart from other drones - but what benefits does it bring?
Air Force Accelerates Drone Replacement Amid Steep Reaper Losses
The Air Force is fast-tracking the replacement of its MQ-9 Reaper drones due to an alarming rate of losses in recent combat operations against Iran, with at least 45 Reapers destroyed since February. This steep attrition has dramatically changed the military's plans for its remotely piloted aircraft fleet.
US Navy Revives Advanced Combat Drone Concept
The US Navy is pushing the boundaries of combat drone technology with a new Request for Information, seeking an aircraft that can carry massive external payloads of up to 2,500 pounds per weapon. This ambitious project, dubbed Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) Increment 1, aims to deliver a prototype with unprecedented capabilities within a remarkably short timeframe.
Saab Unveils Loyal Wingman Drone for Swedish Air Force
Saab is taking the Gripen system to the next level with its new Loyal Wingman Drone, designed to fly alongside fighter jets and perform deep operations. The Swedish defense company unveiled a three-step roadmap to develop this cutting-edge capability, with the A3 model already making a striking appearance at the Swedish Air Force centennial air show.
US Boosts Domestic Drone Production with $1 Billion Investments
The US government is taking a giant leap in drone technology, investing a whopping $1 billion to supercharge domestic drone production and ensure America's drone dominance. Top officials, including Under Secretary of Defense Emil Michael, gathered at the White House to rally industry leaders and discuss the nation's ambitious plans.
Pakistan Pursues Homegrown Drone to Counter India's MQ-9B Capability
India is bolstering its drone capabilities with a $203 million deal to lease two MQ-9B SeaGuardian unmanned aerial vehicles from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, bridging the gap until its larger fleet of 31 MQ-9Bs arrives. This move comes as Pakistan ramps up its own drone ambitions, seeking to counter India's growing aerial edge.
Turkish Drone Kızılelma Successfully Fires Munitions from Internal Bay
The Turkish Drone Kızılelma just made history by successfully firing precision-guided munitions from its internal bay, scoring direct hits in two separate tests on July 25 and 28. This game-changing drone proved its mettle with Roketsan's TEBER-82 and Aselsan's TOLUN, showcasing its versatility in different mission profiles.
Fuel Cells Empower Group 2 Drones for Expanded Battlefield Roles
Fuel cell technology is revolutionizing the battlefield by empowering smaller drones, like Group 2 drones, to take on expanded roles without sacrificing maneuverability or stealth. By providing sustained power in a compact package, fuel cells are unlocking new possibilities for these agile aircraft.
P-8 Poseidon Crews Gain Direct Control of MQ-4C Triton Drones
In a groundbreaking lab test, P-8 Poseidon crews successfully took the reins of MQ-4C Triton drones, issuing direct mission tasking and watching as the drones autonomously planned and executed their assignments. This first-of-its-kind demo paves the way for seamless collaboration between these powerful aircraft.
Anduril Launches Ohio Production of FQ-44A Fury Combat Aircraft
Anduril is taking flight in Ohio with the launch of its FQ-44A Fury combat aircraft production, marking a major milestone just 557 days after breaking ground on its 500-acre Arsenal-1 facility. The company's $910.5 million investment is set to create a hub for autonomous air power, with plans to employ thousands in the region.
Pakistan's NESCOM Fortifies Domestic Drone Industry
Pakistan's drone industry took a dramatic turn in the late 2000s when the government deliberately shifted its focus from a thriving private sector to state-owned enterprises, led by the National Engineering and Scientific Commission (NESCOM), ultimately building a centralized industrial capability that would change the game. This strategic pivot, which began with licensed-manufactured designs like the Selex ES Falco in 2010, stifled some private innovation but paved the way for NESCOM's current dominance.
Nordic Air Defence Unveils Autonomous Radio-Silent Drone Interceptor
Imagine witnessing a cutting-edge drone interceptor in action - Nordic Air Defence gave journalists a thrilling live demo of its autonomous, radio-silent K100XR system, which successfully detected and took down target drones in a Stockholm showcase. The K100XR proved its mettle as a compact, lightning-fast, and highly effective defender of airspace.
Air Force Narrows Drone Wingman Vendors
The Air Force is pushing forward with its Collaborative Combat Aircraft development, planning to narrow down its pool of vendors from nine to as many as six next year. Over the next 10 months, the service will refine its concept and ultimately receive up to six closed conceptual designs.
CubePilot Hit by DNS Hijacking to Intercept Traffic
On July 24, a DNS hijacking attack hit CubePilot, allowing hackers to intercept traffic and potentially capture sensitive credentials from visitors to their portal and forum. The attackers obtained TLS certificates for all cubepilot.org subdomains, making their scam nearly undetectable.
US Air Force Explores Commanding Australian MQ-28 Ghost Bat Drones
The US Air Force is pushing the boundaries of drone technology with the MQ-28 Ghost Bat, a cutting-edge Australian drone that's being tested in a historic partnership with US forces. Gen. Kevin Schneider reveals that the MQ-28's successful integration with US test units at Exercise Valiant Shield 2026 marks a major milestone in collaborative combat aircraft development.
Boeing's MQ-28 Ghost Bat Deploys in Pacific Exercise
The MQ-28 Ghost Bat, developed by Boeing for the Royal Australian Air Force, made its debut in a major Pacific exercise, flying alongside US and allied aircraft, including F-35s and F-15EX, in a groundbreaking display of collaborative combat. This marked the first time a collaborative combat aircraft has been deployed to a multinational exercise.
BAE Systems Unveils Brontanax Loyal Wingman Drone at Farnborough Airshow
Get ready to take flight into the future of defense tech - BAE Systems just unveiled its game-changing Brontanax Loyal Wingman Drone at the Farnborough Airshow! This cutting-edge system is set to revolutionize the skies with its innovative design and capabilities.
Anduril Unveils Autonomous Tiltrotor for US Army Helicopter Missions
Imagine a game-changing aircraft that's a fraction of the cost of traditional helicopters like the Cheyenne or Apache, yet packs a powerful punch - Anduril's unveiled its autonomous, heavily armed tiltrotor, Thunder. This hybrid-electric, vertical-takeoff-and-landing rotorcraft is designed to be a robotic wingman, transportable in a standard shipping container.
ASELSAN Unveils Integrated UAV Payload Ecosystem for Enhanced Autonomy
ASELSAN is revolutionizing uncrewed aviation with its game-changing Integrated UAV Payload Ecosystem, showcasing a complete sensor-to-shooter chain that supercharges autonomy. By merging cutting-edge radar tech with advanced mission systems, ASELSAN is redefining what's possible in all-weather surveillance and multi-target tracking.
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.