News
Following a November 2022 Pentagon report on China’s military build-up that used the term “uncrewed aerial systems,” the “uncrewed” adjective has become an increasingly fashionable alternative to the previously dominant “unmanned” descriptor. The term has been used in DoD, NATO, and congressional defense publications, by defense contractors like Lockheed
News
The U.S. Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) announced the first flight of an MQ-9A Reaper, assigned to Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (UX) 24, equipped with the SkyTower II and RDESS/SOAR pods. The Command defined this as a critical step toward Initial Operational Capability (IOC) later this year.
VTOL
* Piasecki Aircraft Corporation has announced the next evolution in autonomous VTOL logistics: KARGO II, a new larger-capacity version of the KARGO UAV medium-lift unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) acquired from Kaman Air Vehicles in April 2025. Featuring substantial payload, drivetrain, and performance upgrades, KARGO II complements KARGO UAV to meet the
Accidents
An MQ-9 Reaper drone plunged into the Mediterranean Sea last winter after its propeller suddenly detached, a recently released Air Force investigation concluded. The mishap occurred Dec. 16, 2024, when the mechanical element connecting the drone’s propeller to its engine failed while on its way to a mission in
Inspections
* Consumers Energy has expanded its use of drone technology across the electric grid by doubling its fleet in the past 2 years reinforcing its commitment to delivering reliable, safe and affordable service. By enhancing inspection speed and accessibility, drones enable the early detection and resolution of potential issues—particularly in
Weapons Systems
Raytheon’s latest Air-to-Air Stinger launchers show how a 1980s shoulder-fired missile has evolved into a potent aircraft weapon. Integrated with helicopters and drones, the system adds new targeting, seeker upgrades, and all-weather capability, keeping the Stinger relevant in modern aerial combat and counter-UAS missions. When the FIM-92 Stinger missile
Video
Pilot Kaneyoshi Muto was surrounded by a dozen American F6F Hellcats. The Americans closed in, confident of an easy victory. But as their guns opened, the wings on Muto’s aircraft appeared to transform. Suddenly, the aircraft snapped into a blinding, high-G turn. Tracers streaked past empty air as the
Russia has officially introduced a new airspace class, designated as Class H, specifically for the operation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). The corresponding regulation was signed by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, according to the government’s press service. This document amends the Federal Rules for the Use of Airspace and
C-UAS
* SkyDefense LLC, headquartered in Brighton, CO, unveiled its advanced AI-powered eVTOL fighter drone and interceptor, the "CobraJet." This tactical, battery-powered autonomous aircraft is engineered to detect, track, identify, and neutralize enemy drones at high speeds exceeding 200 mph (320 km/h). Designed primarily for security applications, CobraJet defends
News
A recently released picture of the Arleigh Burke class destroyer USS Bainbridge offers a good look at new launchers for Coyote counter-drone interceptors installed on the ship. Earlier this year, the U.S. Navy announced that destroyers assigned to escort the supercarrier USS Gerald R. Ford would be armed with
Transport
Amazon’s experimental service with delivery drones has encountered some turbulence in the past few months, and a recent incident in the West Valley, caught on camera, involving a package and a pool, is raising concerns. Also known as MK30s, the drones can carry up to five pounds and deliver
News
Recently emerged imagery largely confirms that China is now test-flying another tailless stealthy combat jet, although it isn’t clear if this is a crewed design or one of its new advanced drones. A high-performance, highly autonomous uncrewed combat air vehicle (UCAV) with collaborative ‘loyal wingman’ capabilities is a major