sUAS News

The United States Marine Corps awarded a $15.5 million contract to Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin

Innovate UK is seeking applications for a new competition focused on dual-use aviation technologies, supporting projects that bridge the gap between civil and military applications. Grants between 300,000 and 1.25 million are available for high-growth companies developing UAS, eVTOLs, eCTOLs, and autonomous systems. Projects must demonstrate a clear pathway to commercialisation and involve a UK customer or operator partner. Applications open May 5th, 2026

Elsight (ASX: ELS) has reached a major defense milestone with its Halo connectivity platform officially joining the U.S. Government's DCMA Blue UAS List. This certification moves Halo beyond standard NDAA compliance, vetting it for supply chain integrity and cyber-secure, beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) performance in electronic warfare (EW) environments.As part of this trusted directory, Halo is now available for fast-tracked procurement through the US-X program, allowing U.S. military units and participants in the Drone Dominance Program to bypass lengthy acquisition cycles. This status unlocks long-term eligibility for Department of Defense Programs of Record and solidifies Halo as a critical component for resilient, multi-link communication in the most demanding mission-critical theaters.

The Swedish Armed Forces have invited Ukraine to participate in exercise AURORA 26, a major military maneuver involving over 16,000 personnel. Operating under the JEF-Ukraine Enhanced Partnership, Ukrainian drone specialists will join allied units for live training and seminars focused on cutting-edge drone warfare and defensive tactics. This collaboration marks a significant step in formalizing defense links and strengthening security across Northern Europe and the Eastern Flank.

As agencies nationwide prepare for major public events, effective counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) planning has emerged as a critical priority. This post outlines the National Urban Security Technology Laboratory's latest field guidance, helping state and local first responders evaluate, select and document the optimal locations for radar, cameras and RF sensors

Like many, we are deeply saddened to see the closure of Skyfarer - a team

DALLAS, TX -Flytrex, the leader in ultrafast on-demand drone food delivery, and Little Caesars, one

Group 3+ autonomous aircraft for contested logistics and multi-mission operations, built on a proven commercial

Numbers don't lie: General Cherry has officially been ranked as the #1 drone manufacturer in Ukraine for confirmed strikes. With 11,473 verified hits and a dominant 43% share of all Molniya intercepts, our latest performance data proves that Ukrainian precision manufacturing isn't just competing-it's winning. Discover the stats behind the breakthrough.

We are looking for a practical, capableDevelopment Engineerto join our team in a hands-on engineering

VMU-3 Named Squadron of the Year as Part of MCAA's Annual Awards General Atomics Aeronautical

SkyfireAI (www.skyfireai.com) today announced the close of an $11 million seed financing led by Mucker

Skin's compatibility with stratospheric conditions such as extreme UV rays and ultra-low temperatures makes longer

The Port Authority of NY & NJ and Skyports Drone Services have launched a groundbreaking 12-month trial to transport light cargo via uncrewed aircraft between Lower Manhattan and the Brooklyn Marine Terminal. Operating entirely over water to reduce street congestion and emissions, this FAA-approved pilot aims to revolutionize middle-mile logistics, focusing on the rapid delivery of medical supplies and the future of sustainable urban transit.

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has released its regulatory framework (CAP3240) to pave the way for piloted electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) operations by 2028. By adapting existing aviation standards to fit novel "powered-lift" aircraft and "non-conventional helicopters," the CAA aims to integrate cutting-edge technology into the UK's airspace while maintaining rigorous safety standards. From pilot licensing pathways to energy management and aerodrome sharing, this framework marks a critical step toward the commercial reality of advanced air mobility.

Is the new DJI Lito series the ultimate successor to the Mini lineage? Join Ian Lewis (Mads Tech/FPV Wiki) for an in-depth technical appraisal of DJI's latest recreational aircraft: the Lito 1 and the Lito X1. Weighing in under 249g and featuring a revolutionary wide-angle 360 obstacle sensing system, these drones aim to bring high-end tech to a budget-conscious market.In this comprehensive review, we break down the critical differences between the two models-from the Lito 1's impressive price-to-performance ratio to the X1's professional-grade 1/1.3-inch sensor and nocturnal LiDAR capabilities. Discover which of these O4-powered flyers belongs in your gear bag.

On 5 October 2023, a Cagatay CGT-50 unmanned aircraft crashed at Radnor Range after its right wing detached during a demonstration flight. An investigation revealed structural failures caused by undersized wing joiners and poor manufacturing quality, highlighting critical safety and operational communication issues.

The Royal Air Force is redefining the future of air combat with StormShroud, the first in a new family of Autonomous Collaborative Platforms (ACP). Designed to blind enemy radar and bolster the survivability of Typhoon and F-35B Lightning jets, this innovative drone system has undergone a rigorous first year of operational testing. From its historic debut at RAF Spadeadam to complex multi-platform exercises on Salisbury Plain, discover how 216 Squadron is pioneering new tactics and a unique reservist-led organizational model to lead the next generation of uncrewed capability.

Volocopter presents the newly developed VoloXPro aircraft - an electrically powered ultralight multicopter. Target groups

Introducing Babycloud (Khmarynka): The new standard for scalable aerial strikes. Built on the principle that volume defines modern warfare, Babycloud is a mass-produced kamikaze UAV designed for tactical operations and enemy air defense suppression. Featuring a 50 km range, a 7 kg payload, and catapult-launch capabilities, this aircraft-type system is engineered for rapid deployment in the grey zone. With the first 150 units already deployed to Ukraine's Defense Forces, Babycloud proves that affordable, high-volume strike systems are the future of the frontline.

A detailed look at the Oregon Department of Aviation's recommendations to the Federal Communications Commission for modernising drone regulations, expanding rural testbeds, and securing reliable spectrum access for public-safety missions.

The Department of War is advancing its $1.1bn Drone Dominance Program with the launch of Phase II. This initiative aims to procure 30,000 low-cost, scalable one-way attack drones through a rigorous four-stage competition, focusing on long-range strikes and close-quarters tactical assaults

The Map the Gap (Phase 3) competition, funded by Dstl in partnership with the British Army, is offering up to 2 million to develop innovative, autonomous solutions for remote terrain assessment. Seeking to remove personnel from harm's way, the initiative focuses on two primary technical challenges: measuring Ground Bearing Capacity (GBC) from the air and conducting underwater river profiling using UAS-deployed sensors. Successful proposals will accelerate novel sensing technologies to ensure the safe and rapid passage of land forces across unstable or unknown environments. The competition closes for submissions at midday on 16 June 2026.

Three years into a conflict that was supposed to end in days, Ukraine has emerged as the most battle-hardened force in the West. While NATO debates doctrine, Ukrainian forces have rewritten the rules of peer-warfare through blood and rapid iteration-from FPV drone swarms to decentralized command. This hard-won knowledge has a short half-life; the window for NATO to integrate these lessons is closing. The Alliance must decide if it is humble enough to let Ukraine co-author the future of Western defense.

Kraus Hamdani Aerospace and PowerLight Technologies have successfully demonstrated a landmark achievement in persistent flight: wireless laser power beaming to the K1000ULE unmanned aircraft.During flight operations at Shaw Air Force Base, the team delivered nearly one kilowatt of power to the aircraft at altitudes up to 5,000 feet, effectively removing the constraints of onboard fuel and battery capacity. This breakthrough validates a future of "perpetual flight," allowing Group 2 UAS platforms to maintain continuous ISR and communications coverage for months at a time without landing. Following a recent $270 million IDIQ award from the U.S. Air Force Central Command, this demonstration further solidifies the K1000ULE's role as a critical, long-endurance asset for modern theater operations.

Michael Jones and his single-member company, 360 Virtual Drone Services LLC, are asking the US

Viasat, Thales, and the European Space Agency (ESA) have successfully completed flight trials for the Iris RPAS programme, marking a major milestone in the integration of uncrewed aircraft into shared airspace. The trials, conducted at Cranfield University, demonstrate how trusted multi-link connectivity-combining satellite and terrestrial networks-enables safe Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations. By building real-world evidence for resilient command-and-control links, the Iris partners are paving the way for the future of scalable drone operations and Urban Air Mobility.

Bristow Group, Electra, Avinor, and the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority have officially launched a second international test project to accelerate the adoption of zero- and low-emission aviation. Using Electra's hybrid-electric "Ultra Short" aircraft, the initiative will conduct phased demonstrations across Norway to transform regional mobility. By testing operations at non-traditional access points-such as parking lots and soccer fields-and utilizing Norway's regulatory sandbox, the partners aim to validate how this sustainable technology can safely connect remote communities and reduce the environmental impact of regional air travel starting in mid-2027.

SiFly is hiring a Senior Flight Controller Software Engineer in Santa Clara, CA. Take direct ownership of flight-critical software for our long-endurance UAV platform. We are looking for a high-ownership engineer with deep PX4 and MAVLink expertise to bridge the gap between code and live aircraft. You will develop autonomy behaviors, integrate complex sensors, and validate performance through real-world flight testing. If you thrive in fast-paced environments and have 5+ years of experience in robotics or aerospace, apply now to help shape the future of autonomous flight.

Mayman Aerospace has reached a pivotal milestone in autonomous aviation with the successful un-tethered test flights of the RAZOR P100. Conducted at the US Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, the tests validated the aircraft's AI-driven SKYFIELDTM flight control system, demonstrating sophisticated autonomous maneuvers and real-time decision-making. With the RAZOR family poised to redefine high-speed, heavy-lift VTOL capabilities, Mayman Aerospace is cementing its position at the vanguard of next-generation defense and commercial UAS technology.

The RPAS Communications Technician Supervisor is responsible for leading the maintenance and support for EEI

By Yasmin Tadjdeh It was an ambitious endeavor: Transform a pioneering idea into dynamic reality

We have taken note of the interview granted on April 17 by Frederik Vansina, head

Author: Joshua Spires On a 3,800-hectare sugarcane property in Queensland's Burdekin region, every operational decision,

sees.ai has achieved a major regulatory milestone with FCC Conditional Approval, clearing the way for its autonomous drones to perform close-quarter inspections of the U.S. electricity grid. As the U.S. tightens supply chain controls on drone technology, sees.ai's end-to-end platform offers a secure, compliant solution for utilities facing the dual pressures of aging infrastructure and skyrocketing energy demand. This approval marks a pivotal shift toward scaling engineering-grade data collection for the future of U.S. energy resilience.

Dronamics enters the Japanese market through a strategic partnership and investment from Asia Air Survey (TSE: 9233). By establishing Dronamics Japan Holdings, the companies will leverage the long-range "Black Swan" drone to revolutionize aerial surveying, disaster management, and civil protection. This collaboration combines Dronamics' industry-leading UAS technology with Asia Air Survey's 70 years of geospatial expertise to address multi-billion dollar opportunities across the Asia-Pacific region.

General Atomics (GA-ASI) has successfully concluded a series of rigorous flight tests in North Dakota to certify the MQ-9B SkyGuardian for Flight Into Known Icing (FIKI) conditions. This milestone, achieved through company-funded research and development, paves the way for all-weather surveillance capabilities across the globe. With nations like Canada, the UK, and Japan integrating the platform, FIKI certification ensures these remotely piloted aircraft can operate reliably in the world's most challenging environmental conditions.

I have to admit to a sense of pride whenever a drone flap" kicks off

The Federal Aviation Administration has launched the fast-track Deter program for first-time drone offenders, offering reduced penalties in exchange for admitting liability, but strictly excluding serious violations such as drug offences, weaponised drones, and photographing sensitive military installations.

The US Navy has confirmed the loss of a $240m MQ-4C Triton surveillance drone over the Gulf. The crash, which occurred amid the fragile Operation Epic Fury ceasefire, raises significant concerns regarding maritime surveillance gaps and counterintelligence vulnerabilities.

A 50m emergency spend on counter-drone technology has sparked a judicial investigation into Belgium's defence ministry. As prosecutors probe allegations of corruption and bypassed public tenders, the crisis threatens to dwarf the financial scale of the notorious 1990s Agusta-Dassault scandal.

Terra Drone Corporation has officially commenced the operational deployment of its "Terra A1" interceptor drone in Ukraine. Executed in partnership with investee company Amazing Drones, this initiative marks a shift toward "combat-proven" defense strategies, prioritizing cost-efficiency and rapid field-based improvements. As modern warfare sees upwards of 5,000 drone launches monthly, the Terra A1 offers a sustainable alternative to traditional, high-cost air defense systems. Early feedback from the frontline-including the Chief of the Anti-Shahed Unit in Chernihiv-praises the system's maneuverability and clear optics, signaling a new era of responsive, field-driven UAM defense technology.

In a historic first for aviation, the K1000ULE unmanned system has successfully demonstrated laser power beaming technology, recharging its batteries mid-flight without ever touching the ground. This breakthrough introduces a new operational paradigm-"Neverland"-enabling aircraft to remain on station indefinitely for 24/7 border patrol and homeland security missions. By combining the persistence of tethered systems with full manoeuvrability, directed energy transmission redefines the limits of endurance for unmanned systems

FORT BRAGG, N.C. - Picogrid has secured a contract with the XVIII Airborne Corps to accelerate Army modernization by streamlining the integration of disparate battlefield systems. By deploying its Legion and Expeditionary Command and Control Nodes, Picogrid aims to break down data silos between sensors and autonomous systems, particularly for counter-unmanned aerial missions. This partnership focuses on operational speed, allowing the Army's global response force to onboard new technologies in weeks rather than months, ensuring seamless coordination in disconnected or high-stakes environments.

GeoCue has officially added Duncan-Parnell to its Global Distribution Network, significantly expanding access to TrueView LiDAR systems and LP360 software across the Southeast United States. With over 80 years of experience and 23 regional offices, Duncan-Parnell will provide specialized sales, training, and support to help geospatial professionals successfully integrate advanced LiDAR workflows into their operations.

A bombshell investigation by the Belgian programme Pano has cast doubt on the alleged Russian drone crisis of late 2025. The documentary reveals a lack of evidence for hostile incursions, despite Defence Minister Theo Francken's public claims, and exposes a 50m emergency procurement rollout marred by allegations of inflated prices and cronyism. From misidentified police helicopters to multi-million euro contracts awarded without public tenders, the fallout has left the Belgian government facing intense parliamentary scrutiny.

We are proud to announce the launch of a new partnership between Tanglewood Group Ltd.

The US air force has issued a request for information to identify sources for low-cost, fast-to-deploy unmanned aerial vehicles for intelligence gathering.

Windracers has been named a primary supplier in the UK Government's historic 752m drone support package for Ukraine. Announced by Defence Secretary John Healey, this landmark deal will see the autonomous, long-range Windracers ULTRA platform provide critical heavy-lift operational support on the front lines, reinforcing the UK's leadership in sovereign defence technology.

The Chimango 650 UAV is a Class I unmanned aerial vehicle, developed under STANAG 4703