AI
Ukrainian first-person view (FPV) drones are reportedly hitting targets more accurately with a new AI-guided system that developers said can keep working even under heavy electronic warfare (EW). The device, called TFL-1, provides autonomous terminal guidance for the final 400 to 500 meters (1,312 to 1,640 feet) of
Tethered
The Bureau has issued a request for information (RFI) from vendors who can provide it with fiber optic drones. Additionally, it is also seeking new radio-frequency-controlled drones. The “FBI is responsible for the investigation of a multitude of federal crimes,” the RFI states. “UAS are used in a variety of
Training
Canada’s future drone industry just gained a powerful new talent pipeline. The second cohort of the Rupertsland Emergency and Industry Skills Program (REISD), aka Métis Drone, has officially graduated at the nationally acclaimed Métis Crossing, marking another milestone in Indigenous-led innovation, advanced technology training, and economic development. Funded in
C-UAS
* Fractal Antenna Systems, Inc. through its OWL WORKS special projects team, has announced JERECHO, an acoustic array platform marking a significant advance in the strategic use of sound. Designed as a testbed for acoustic technology development and proof of concept fielding, JERECHO introduces new capabilities ranging from counter-drone detection and
Transport
* Emirates SkyCargo has opened the door to using autonomous cargo aircraft in its operations, signing an agreement with Abu Dhabi-based LODD Autonomous to examine how heavy-lift drones could support the next phase of the UAE’s logistics sector. The memorandum of understanding, signed at the Dubai Airshow, brings together two
Business
The FAA has issued a Screening Information Request (SIR) 697DCK-26-R-00019 for the FAA Unmanned Aircraft Systems Test Site (UASTS) Selection 2.0. This procurement is in support of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Advanced Air Mobility Integration Office (AUS). The FAA-designated Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Test
Accidents
A U.S. Air Force MQ-9 Reaper drone crashed Monday morning off the west coast of South Korea, a South Korean newspaper reported the same day, citing U.S. and South Korean military sources. The Reaper, assigned to the 431st Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron at Kunsan Air Base, “experienced an accident
C-UAS
The United States has tested a specialized 5.56×45 mm anti-drone ammunition designed to intercept FPVs and small quadcopters at close range. The round allows a conventional assault rifle to serve as a “point air defence” for infantry. The bullet’s design features a shifted center of mass and
Propulsion
* IonQ, a leading quantum company, has announced a new investment and strategic partnership with Heven AeroTech, a developer of advanced hydrogen-powered Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) solutions for defense and aerospace missions. The agreement will enable Heven AeroTech to integrate IonQ’s quantum computing, quantum networking, quantum sensing, and quantum security
News
Florida will provide the United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM) with 500 confiscated Chinese drones to be used as target practice at its headquarters in Tampa. The quadcopter drones will be used next month over a three-day period to train elite U.S. troops on how to fend off against
Weapons Systems
* MBDA has been awarded £316 million (USD 413M) contract to deliver new DragonFire systems to the Royal Navy from 2027, after achieving UK first in latest testing by shooting down high-speed drones with new laser system. Britain’s ground-breaking DragonFire laser has shot down high-speed drones in new trials, as
C-UAS
With plans to establish a drone wall to combat a surge in Russian UAV incursions, multiple states in NATO’s Eastern Flank are now adopting Merops, the battle-tested ‘Shahed-killer’ counter-drone system. Merops has been fast-tracked to countries like Poland and Romania, both of which are witnessing mounting drone incursions from