UNCREWED SYSTEMS
Airbus Helicopters readies HTeaming crewed-uncrewed system for year-end service entry
Technology enables crew on helicopter to task activities involving drones.
UNCREWED
Two aircraft carriers ‘ready to fly’ MQ-25 autonomous tanker: US Navy
A second ship has received a ground control station ahead of pending carrier flight trials.
Uncrewed
Anduril seeks to accelerate Roadrunner development with civil flight approval
The turbojet-powered Roadrunner can function as a drone interceptor or ISR platform.
UNCREWED
Ideal Aerosmith unveils low-cost Troublemaker attack drone
The uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) is a Group 3 model.
COLLABORATIVE COMBAT AIRCRAFT
Airbus, Kratos complete first European test flight with Valkyrie CCA
Debut sortie supports partners’ pursuit of opportunity to equip the German air force with combat-ready system by 2029.
Procurement
US Coast Guard orders four MQ-9B UAVs and six C-130Js
The acquisitions are part of a $3 billion recapitalisation of the Coast Guard’s aviation fleet.
UNCREWED AIRCRAFT
Kawasaki expects strong growth in uncrewed aircraft, small engines
Japanese conglomerate anticipates higher defence revenues and profit margins.
Uncrewed
US Navy commits additional $150m to fund X-Bat development
Shield AI is designing the VTOL-capable tactical jet to operate autonomously without need of a runway.
IRAN WAR
Over 80 US aircraft lost or damaged in Iran war
MQ-9 Reaper has suffered significant attrition, with nearly 50 units lost over Iran.
Counter-UAS
US clears $1bn potential APKWS II deal for UAE
The request covers up to 10,000 laser-guided rockets in air-to-air and air-to-ground configurations.
UNCREWED
US Navy uses MQ-20 in autonomous mission planning work
Effort shows how mission plans can be employed by autonomous aircraft.
UNCREWED AIRCRAFT
YFQ-48A Talon Blue conducts maiden flight
Company-funded type was originally pitched for US Air Force’s Increment 1 CCA initiative.