Tag: unmanned systems
181 articles
Pentagon's Drone Push Must Confront Risk of Rapid Obsolescence
The Pentagon's drone-buying strategy needs a wake-up call: instead of fixating on cheap prices, it should prioritize combat value to avoid wasting millions on drones that become obsolete before they're even used. Col. Dustin Thomas argues that a shift in focus is crucial, or else the military risks rendering 70,000 drones useless with a single countermeasure.
Army Awards $465M Contract for High-Energy Laser Production
The Army is taking a giant leap forward with its $465M contract for high-energy laser production, a game-changing technology that will empower troops to outsmart and outperform enemy forces, particularly unmanned systems, from day one. This cutting-edge capability pairs human ingenuity with advanced tech to revolutionize modern warfare.
Australia Eyes Drone Developments in Northern Neighbors
Australia's neighbors are taking a bold leap forward with drone technology, with a recent test featuring over 100 autonomous systems flying for an impressive 560 hours - and it's time for Australia to take note. The country's Northern Territory is poised to play a key role in this space, with plans to establish Darwin as a sustainment hub for uncrewed systems and a proving ground for next-gen equipment.
US Marine Corps Targets Drone Threats with Squad-Level Countermeasures
The US Marine Corps is tackling the growing drone threat by arming its smallest units with countermeasures, filling a critical gap in its defense capabilities. This move is part of a new doctrine, GCE 2040, which reimagines ground combat in a world where drones, sensors, and AI are increasingly prevalent.
Ukraine Upgrades Soviet-Era Armor for Robotic Combat Role
The Ukrainian Armed Forces are transforming Soviet-era BRDM-2 armored vehicles into cutting-edge robotic combat systems that can be controlled from a staggering 1,000 km away, a game-changing move aimed at revolutionizing frontline safety. This innovative upgrade is part of a broader effort to deploy robotic systems that protect service members' lives.
US Launches Multinational Drone Task Force in Middle East
The US has launched Task Force Falcon Strike, a groundbreaking multinational drone task force in the Middle East, aiming to supercharge attack drone capabilities with the help of regional allies and partners. This innovative task force builds on the success of Scorpion Strike, harnessing cutting-edge technology to enhance military operations.
China Unveils Armor Breaching Drone Conversion Based on Type 59 Hulls
China is turning surplus Type 59 hulls into remote-control mine-breaching drones, a clever move driven by market instinct and a pressing need for safer mine-clearing solutions. By repurposing cheap, available chassis, NORINCO is poised to capitalize on a growing demand for innovative, life-saving tech.
Royal Navy's Drone Boats Expose Cyber Vulnerabilities
The Ministry of Defense swiftly addressed a cyber vulnerability in the Royal Navy's Kraken K3 Scout unmanned surface vessels after a routine check exposed a weakness in the camera system, and promptly cut off internet connectivity to prevent any potential breaches. The MOD assured that its quick action and follow-up investigation found no evidence of data or system compromise.
Kratos Advances XQ-58 Valkyrie Drone Production
Kratos is now producing its XQ-58 Valkyrie drones with landing gear, marking a major milestone in the development of the cutting-edge unmanned aircraft. The company has already built several of the conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) airframes, with more in various stages of construction.
Ukraine's Drone War Exposes Misguided Lessons
The game-changer in modern warfare isn't a single, cutting-edge drone, but a dynamic network of specialized, interconnected unmanned systems that work together to outsmart and outmaneuver adversaries. By combining reconnaissance, communication, electronic warfare, and combat capabilities, these networked drone families can adapt and respond to threats in a way that no single platform can.
HII Expands Sea Drone Business Amid Modest Revenue Growth
HII is rapidly expanding its sea drone business, with CEO Chris Kastner describing it as a strategic game-changer for the Navy, despite modest revenue growth. The company's unmanned systems are poised to play a key role in future missions, but aren't expected to be a major cash driver just yet.
NATO, Ukraine Unveil $569 Million Counter-Drone Funding Initiative
Get ready to take drone defense to the next level! NATO and Ukraine are teaming up to offer a $569 million funding boost to joint ventures between Ukrainian and NATO-member state companies, aiming to accelerate game-changing counter-drone solutions.
Air Force Advances Robot-Wingman Effort with Six Potential Designs
The Air Force is pushing forward with its robot-wingman initiative, narrowing down to six potential designs that could soon move into prototyping. Col. Timothy Helfridge says the next phase, expected to wrap up by mid-2027, will yield several promising conceptual designs.
Pentagon Launches Ground-Launched Precision Strike Challenge
The Defense Innovation Unit is launching the Ground-Based Affordable Mass (G-BAM) challenge, seeking cutting-edge long-range precision strike systems that can be rapidly demonstrated and delivered to production in record time - within 12-18 months. This initiative aims to harness mature, cost-effective solutions that minimize logistical burdens while maximizing impact.
Ukraine War Reshapes Special Forces Tactics
The Ukraine war has dramatically changed the game for special forces tactics, with snipers now trading in their rifles for drone controls as constant surveillance makes their positions too hot to hold. Teams that once operated at close range are now engaging targets from as far as 300km away, thanks to the remote reach of unmanned systems.
Leonardo-Baykar Venture Launches Drone Production
Get ready to take to the skies! The Leonardo-Baykar joint venture, LBA Systems, has officially launched drone production, unveiling a range of six cutting-edge systems at the Farnborough International Airshow.
UK Eyes Typhoon Fighter Drones With Meteor Missiles
Imagine a future where a high-tech Typhoon fighter drone, equipped with advanced radar and Meteor missiles, teams up with smaller, agile aircraft to dominate the skies. This game-changing concept, dubbed the Typhoon/CCA, could revolutionize air combat by multiplying the power of our air forces.
Taiwan Aims to Export Drone Ecosystem Beyond Hardware
Taiwan is taking a bold step in the drone industry by focusing on exporting not just drones, but the entire ecosystem that makes them reliable and efficient in various applications. By prioritizing a non-red supply chain, the country aims to offer a trustworthy alternative to Chinese-dominated drone markets.
USAF Hosts Anduril's Fury Loyal Wingman for Agile Combat Trials
The US Air Force is pushing the boundaries of combat innovation with Anduril's Fury Loyal Wingman, a cutting-edge aircraft being tested at Creech AFB, Nevada, as part of Agile Combat Trials. This game-changing exercise is bringing together humans and machines to revolutionize air combat operations.
US Navy Targets 1,000-Mile Combat Radius for Carrier-Based Drone Fleets
The US Navy is setting its sights on a game-changing capability for carrier-based drone fleets: the ability to launch targeted attacks up to 1,000 miles away from aircraft carriers without needing to refuel. This ambitious goal is part of the Navy's vision for the future of naval aviation.
South Korea Deploys Anti-Drone Netting in Logistics Exercise
South Korea is stepping up its defense game by deploying anti-drone netting in a recent logistics exercise, showcasing its commitment to protecting its operations from aerial threats. Check out the photos from the Combined Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore 26 exercise, where Republic of Korea service members used the innovative netting on a floating causeway.
Ukraine Deploys Armed Robot Behind Russian Lines via Drone Boat
In a groundbreaking operation, Ukraine's 123rd Separate Territorial Defense Brigade has successfully deployed an armed robot behind Russian lines using a drone boat, marking a new era in modern warfare. The daring mission was captured on video, showing the robot, armed with a 7.62mm machine gun, engaging a target on the occupied Kinburn Spit.
Ukraine Disrupts Russian Shipping in Sea of Azov with Drone Strikes
Ukraine's daring drone strikes have dealt a significant blow to Russian shipping in the Sea of Azov, with a single night's operation taking out 21 tankers, 4 tugs, 2 cargo vessels, and 1 special-purpose vessel. The bold move is just the latest in a series of targeted attacks by Ukraine's elite drone unit, known as "Magyar's Birds".
Navies Adapt as Drones Disrupt Maritime Warfare Landscape
As drones revolutionize maritime warfare, the pressing question is: will they render navies obsolete, putting the security of global trade, sea deterrence, and regional stability at risk? The Ukraine-Russia conflict in the Black Sea offers a glimpse into this uncertain future, where drones can alter naval behavior, but not necessarily the balance of power.