Swarms
Airbus’ Giant Drone ‘Mothership’ for UAV Swarms Targets 2029 Debut
The shift in strategy toward large drone carrier aircraft reflects changes on the modern battlefield. Drone strikes have become ubiquitous in recent conflicts.
Military
Military
GA-ASI and Mitchell Institute Award the 184th Attack Squadron RPA Squadron of the Year
The 184th Attack Squadron distinguished itself by executing 314 combat sorties and delivering 5,972 hours of Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) in support of Operations INHERENT RESOLVE and PROSPERITY GUARDIAN.
Military
French Navy Becomes First Operator of Airbus' Aliaca VToL UAS
Designed to enhance ISR capabilities, the Aliaca is a small tactical UAS that supports faster decision-making and increased operational responsiveness. A Category 2 UAS, it is available in both fixed-wing and VTOL configurations, offering high operational flexibility.
Business
Shield AI Selected to Provide V-BAT UAS and Hivemind Autonomy Software to the Indian Army
This deal builds on Shield AI’s ongoing commitment to India’s security and war fighting needs. In December 2025, JSW Defence Pvt. Ltd commenced construction of its facility for next-generation UAS to manufacture V-BAT domestically.
Data Links & Communications
SpaceX Disables Starlink Terminals on Russian Strike Drones
SpaceX implemented technical restrictions to block Starlink use on Russian strike drones following a request from Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence. The measures disable Starlink terminals on high-speed platforms, limiting Russian UAV command and control capability.
Business
Teledyne FLIR Defense Wins $17.5 M Swiss Contract Black Hornet 4 Nano-Drones for Vehicle-Integrated Reconnaissance
Delivery of the Black Hornet UAV systems to Swiss Armed Forces will include drones with software and integration kit specially designed to work with Piranha 8x8 vehicle digital infrastructure. Work shows market potential for UAS armoured vehicle integrations to enhance tactical operations
Testing
MQ-25A Stingray Completes First Taxi Test
One Step Closer to the Sky - The MQ-25A Stingray successfully completed its first low-speed taxi test. Pilots monitored the Stingray as it taxied from Boeing’s production facility to the taxiway at MidAmerica St. Louis.
Military
Study Finds Russian Geran-5 Drone Relies on American and German Components
Business
Shield AI V-BAT to be Armed with South Korea’s LIG Nex1 Guided Missile
The two companies plan to strengthen their competitiveness in the rapidly diversifying global market through the establishment of a strategic partnership in unmanned aircraft and onboard weapon systems
Military
British Army Futuristic Helicopter Drones Programme Advances
A programme to build futuristic ‘wingman’ drones to operate alongside Apache attack helicopters is advancing as British companies have been selected to develop prototypes.
Testing
French Army Tests Ukraine-Inspired Battlefield Solutions
The French Army has described Ukraine as a real-world laboratory for modern land warfare, providing immediate and practical insights that cannot be replicated in exercises alone.
Business
France Buys Long-Range Kamikaze Drones from MBDA and Aviation Design
An unprecedented timeframe from the project announcement to the 1st contract signature