Propulsion
A 50-kilogram hydrogen-powered unmanned aerial vehicle developed by China recently completed a 30-hour continuous flight, setting a new domestic record for similar types of aircraft and reaching an internationally leading level in terms of endurance. The drone, jointly developed by the Chengdu Aircraft Industrial Group Co (CAIG)
FPV
Ukraine is fielding carrier drones or motherships to transport FPVs to the target area before launching them. Russian forces reported these as far back as November 2023, and last month Russian news agency TASS stated that Ukraine was carrying out FPV attacks 25 miles or more behind the lines in
Business
Japan’s Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA), a department within Japan’s Ministry of Defence responsible for advanced and emerging technology procurement, recently announced an open competitive tender for the provision of a proof of concept for a ship-launched UAVs. Bidding will be held at ATLA’s Bidding
Propulsion
At the 2025 edition of the SOFINS exhibition dedicated to special forces, Aerix Systems presented a drone system based on omnidirectional propulsion technology, designed to operate in both complex civilian environments and demanding military contexts. This system, named AXS-µ1, builds on technologies developed for the Aerix T-6 platform.
C-UAS
Ukraine has unveiled its domestically developed laser weapon system, named Tryzub, for the first time. The demonstration was led by Commander of the Unmanned Systems Forces, Colonel Vadym Sukharevskyi, during the international conference “European Defence Industry: Prospects for Cooperation with the Ukrainian Defence Industry.” According to Sukharevskyi, the Tryzub system
Accidents
* Shield AI’s V-BAT successfully participated in Project Convergence Capstone 5 (PC-C5), a Combined, Joint, and multinational experiment held at Fort Irwin, California, in March 2025. V-BAT operated as part of the 82nd Airborne Division’s missions in “The Box,” Fort Irwin’s famously demanding training area
Business
The NATO Communications and Information Agency and Palantir Technologies Inc. have finalized the acquisition of the Palantir Maven Smart System NATO (MSS NATO) for employment within NATO’s Allied Command Operations (ACO), marking a significant advancement in the modernization of NATO’s warfighting capabilities. “NCIA is pleased to team up
New footage has emerged of the largest of China’s two new tailless stealth fighters, widely referred to as the J-36, although the designation remains unconfirmed. The video in question is perhaps the most impressive view of the aircraft so far and shows the unique three-engine jet on
Events
A team of students from the University of Washington is developing self-charging drones that use AI to survey electrical lines to look for potential threats that could knock out power or spark a fire. The group is the winner of the $15,000 grand prize at the UW’s
Reports & Publications
* PRO-UAS is an internationally operating consultancy supplying independent unmanned aircraft system (UAS)-related strategic advisory services, market intelligence and board advisory services to private & public entities. It is also the publisher of internationally recognized professional UAS-related publications. In June 2025, PRO-UAS will publish 2 free electronic
C-UAS
* Quantum Systems, the German-Ukrainian supplier of unmanned aerial intelligence solutions, has announced a strategic cooperation and investment agreement with Frontline, a Ukrainian company specializing in military robotic systems. This cooperation marks a significant step in Euro-Ukrainian defense industry integration. The agreement was signed on April 9th under the
Weapons Systems / Lasers
A new video has surfaced showcasing the “Solist,” a multi-purpose tactical missile system developed by Russia’s КЭМЗ concern, raising questions about its capabilities and potential role in ongoing conflicts. The footage, recently released by the developers, highlights design details and demonstrates the system’s use against armored vehicles