A single destination for timely, editor-curated robotics news from around the world.
The US Air Force has awarded aerospace manufacturer Natilus $3.5 million to further develop its KONA regional cargo aircraft, which is designed to carry 3.8 tons of cargo while consuming 30% less fuel than conventional aircraft. This funding aims to support full-scale flight testing and a military l...
The US Navy successfully established a remote control link with an MQ-25A Stingray unmanned refueling aircraft from the USS Ronald Reagan, located over 2,100 miles away. This milestone demonstrates the Navy's commitment to integrating drones into carrier operations, utilizing a satellite network for...
The U.S. Department of Defense is significantly increasing its investment in autonomous systems, with recent contracts awarded to various companies for drone production and AI-piloted aircraft. Notably, Orqa U.S. secured a $38 million contract for the Drone Dominance Gauntlet II program, while Shiel...
A medical drone delivery initiative in northern Michigan is set to enter its second phase on October 6, expanding its pilot program first launched in 2025. This phase will involve test flights between Munson Medical Center and Crystal Lake Health Center, simulating the delivery of medical supplies a...
The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) has launched a $100 million competition aimed at identifying low-cost intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft that can be produced and deployed at scale. The Low Cost ISR (LC-ISR) Challenge opened on September 29, 2026, with submissions due by...
Engineers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and Boeing have successfully 3D-printed a two-ton, six-foot-tall Stamp Form Die (SFD) mold. This innovative mold, crafted from molten steel, is intended for shaping lightweight thermoplastic composite doors for next-generation aircraft. The project u...
Drone owners in Beijing are actively selling or relocating their aircraft ahead of a comprehensive citywide ban set to begin on November 15. This ban prohibits individuals and businesses from possessing or storing drones and key components within the city limits, reflecting the extensive nature of t...
Senior leaders from the U.S. Air Force in Europe report that NATO allies are increasingly interested in participating in the development of collaborative combat aircraft (CCAs). This interest comes as many of these countries also pursue their own fighter and drone programs. The U.S. Air Force is opt...
The U.S. Air Force has set a target to have at least 500 Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) operational by 2032. This ambitious plan includes an equal number of Massed Modular Aircraft (MMA) drones to replace the MQ-9 Reapers. Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink announced these updates during a k...
Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works has unveiled new information about its Vectis Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), emphasizing its advanced stealth features. The aircraft boasts a unique submerged air inlet design that enhances survivability, setting it apart from other CCA models. With a length of ap...
The US Defence Innovation Unit (DIU) has completed a successful flight test of a magnetic navigation system designed to guide aircraft without reliance on GPS. This advancement marks a significant step in developing navigation technologies that can operate in environments where GPS signals are weak...
JP Aerospace has introduced new computer-generated images of its Hazel vehicle, which aims to reach orbit without traditional rockets. The concept involves launching Hazel from a high-altitude airship named SuperTandem, as shared by company president John Powell. This innovative approach is part of...
The U.S. Air Force is actively seeking anti-aircraft gun systems to enhance the defense of its overseas air bases against drones and cruise missiles. This Request for Information (RFI) is part of a broader initiative to improve ground-based air defenses, a role traditionally held by the Army, as the...
The U.S. Air Force's Warner Robins Air Logistics Center has awarded Asylon a Phase III SBIR contract to advance the MARIA system, integrating the Guardian drone and DroneDog robot dog for automated aircraft inspections. This system allows for rapid digital mapping of aircraft, significantly reducing...
uAvionix and Airwise Solutions have partnered to enhance drone operations by integrating uAvionix's FlightLine surveillance service into the Airwise drone platform. This collaboration aims to improve safety in shared airspace by providing real-time visibility of cooperative aircraft, which is crucia...
On August 17, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released a NextGen fact sheet detailing updates to the National Airspace System (NAS) and ongoing modernization efforts. The Next Generation Air Transportation System, or NextGen, has significantly advanced U.S. air traffic management technolog...
President Donald Trump has announced a 100 percent tariff on imports of drones equipped with thermal cameras and those weighing over 25kg, along with all parts for unmanned aircraft of the same weight. Additionally, a 25 percent tariff will apply to smaller drones under 250 grams. This move follows...
Indian startup Sarla Aviation is leveraging the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio to expedite the development of its next-generation electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft aimed at urban air mobility. Based in Bengaluru, the company plans to revolutionize urban transportation by making e...
Battery technology company SES AI has signed a framework agreement with Doroni Aerospace to create battery systems for the H1-X electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. This partnership, valued at up to $1.09 million, includes an initial commitment of $65,000 and will unfold in phases...
Vertical Aerospace is spearheading a UK-supported initiative to enhance electric aircraft charging and liquid-cooling systems, addressing critical infrastructure challenges that could accelerate the commercial viability of electric aviation. The ECLiPSE project, which includes collaboration with the...
BETA Technologies has introduced a militarized, unmanned version of its A250 aircraft, now designated as the MV250, featuring a hybrid-electric powertrain. This new variant, developed in collaboration with GE Aerospace and Sikorsky, aims to fulfill the rigorous demands of defense missions. BETA anti...
The development of unmanned collaborative combat aircraft is increasingly focused on enhancing capabilities, managing costs, and improving autonomy. These factors are critical in ensuring that these aircraft can effectively serve their intended roles in modern combat scenarios. Addressing these con...
GE Aerospace and Shield AI have successfully completed critical engine tests for the X-BAT unmanned strike aircraft, advancing the project towards vertical flight testing scheduled for later this year. The tests involved the integration and actuation of the Axisymmetric Vectoring Exhaust Nozzle (AVE...
Vertical Aerospace has partnered with Near Earth Autonomy to enhance its Valo aircraft with advanced autonomous flight capabilities. This collaboration aims to integrate Near Earth's autonomy software with Honeywell Aerospace's Anthem digital cockpit, facilitating the development of self-flying tech...
BETA Technologies has successfully conducted a series of electric aircraft flights spanning Virginia and Maryland, as part of the FAA’s eVTOL Integration Pilot Program. The flights covered approximately 275 nautical miles, connecting airports in Blacksburg and Charlottesville, Virginia, to Frederick...
Asylon has secured a Phase Three contract with the U.S. Air Force's Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex to deploy its Multi-modal Autonomous Robotics for Inspection of Aircraft (MARIA) system. This initiative aims to streamline aircraft inspections by integrating air and ground robotic platforms, si...
Asylon has been awarded a Phase Three contract by the Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex (WR-ALC) to advance its Multi-modal Autonomous Robotics for Inspection of Aircraft (MARIA) system. This contract focuses on further development, integration, and demonstration of the MARIA technology at the WR-...
Skyfly Technologies, based in the UK, has successfully raised $10 million to advance the commercial production of its two-seat Axe electric aircraft. This innovative aircraft features vertical takeoff capabilities combined with fixed-wing flight, specifically targeting private ownership rather than...
China has developed the DF-21D missile, known as a 'carrier killer,' to target aircraft carriers at sea. This land-based anti-ship ballistic missile boasts a range exceeding 1,500 kilometers and features a maneuverable reentry vehicle, complicating defense strategies for naval forces. The significa...
The U.S. Air Force B-1 Lancers departed RAF Fairford in the U.K. over the weekend due to threats of a drone attack directed by Iran. This decision highlights the growing reality of drone threats against parked aircraft, a concern that has been emphasized for years. The Pentagon's slow progress in co...
Bali has launched a pilot project to test drone delivery of food orders between Café del Mar Bali and Nuanu Creative City. This initiative, operated by SKYY Network and utilizing Grab's platform, aims to integrate drone delivery into existing logistics, marking Indonesia's first BVLOS food delivery...
Lockheed Martin's Aeronautics President OJ Sanchez revealed the company's strategic initiative to expedite the development of the Vectis autonomous aircraft. This move comes as Lockheed invests in advanced air power technologies ahead of formal Pentagon requirements, showcasing its commitment to inn...
The ongoing severe wildfire season in the western U.S. has led to a significant increase in drone incursions, with 74 incidents reported by the U.S. Wildland Fire Service as of September 1. This marks a rise from 53 incursions in 2025 and 32 in 2024, highlighting a troubling trend in aerial firefigh...
Seven companies, including Otto Aerospace, are competing to create a cost-effective, modular drone to replace the MQ-9A Reaper. Otto's unexpected inclusion highlights its ambition to disrupt aviation with innovative designs that could serve both military and civilian purposes. The Air Force aims to...
DoorDash is expanding its drone delivery capabilities by developing its own aircraft and infrastructure through the DoorDash Air program. This initiative marks a significant shift from relying on partners like Wing and Flytrex to managing the entire delivery process in-house, enhancing control over...
BETA Technologies and Metro Aviation successfully conducted an electric aircraft demonstration with Washington County Emergency Medical Services in Brenham, Texas. This flight aimed to explore the potential of electric aviation in enhancing emergency response capabilities in rural areas, specificall...
The United States Air Force (USAF) has received its first two Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) designs, the YFQ-44A 'Fury' and YFQ-42A 'Vengeance', at Creech Air Force Base, Nevada. These aircraft will be tested for their operational capabilities alongside crewed fighters in contested airspace....
Bye Aerospace has successfully conducted the inaugural flight of its eFlyer 2, an all-electric aircraft designed for U.S. pilot training. This milestone opens the flight-test campaign for the aircraft, which is projected to reduce operational costs by up to 80% while eliminating in-flight emissions....
Ukraine's Vluchnyk has successfully completed internal testing of the Zorelit v5, a high-speed interceptor drone aimed at neutralizing aerial threats, including jet-powered UAVs. With a maximum speed of 416 km/h (258 mph) and a range of 47 kilometers (29 miles), the Zorelit v5 is now ready for deliv...
The Alaska Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration (ACUASI) successfully conducted a test flight carrying chilled human blood samples over a distance of 1,000 kilometers for the International Testing Agency (ITA). This 8-hour, 47-minute round trip from Nenana aimed to assess the viability o...
Unauthorized drones have been interfering with aerial firefighting operations at the Timber Fire in California's Big Sur region. As of September 21, the fire had burned over 25,000 acres and was approximately 60% contained. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) reporte...
The U.S. Air Force's Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) will make their debut in a large-force employment exercise, Emerald Flag, in December. This marks a significant milestone in operationalizing these drones, as Lt. Col. Lyndon Bartlett emphasized the importance of integrating CCAs into real-wor...
Impossible Objects, an Illinois-based manufacturing technology firm, has raised $40 million in a Series B funding round led by Inflection Equity. This investment aims to enhance the production capabilities of its Composite-Based Additive Manufacturing (CBAM) systems, particularly the CBAM 25, which...
GE Aerospace has been awarded a contract by the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) to enhance the development of a liquid-fueled hypersonic test platform under the HyCAT program. This initiative aims to expedite hypersonic flight testing, addressing critical bottlenecks in systems designed for speeds exc...
The U.S. Air Force's next-generation Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program must prioritize the protection of high-value airborne assets (HVAA) to ensure air superiority in potential conflicts with China. Current air combat strategies emphasize firepower but overlook the vulnerabilities of AEW...
AIR VEV Inc. has formed a strategic partnership with Elmo Motion Control Ltd. to integrate high-performance motion control systems into its Heavy Lift UAS. Elmo's Gold HV drive will enhance the AIR 120D cargo drone's electric propulsion motors, ensuring precise control and efficiency. This collabora...
The U.S. Navy has updated its requirements for the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, indicating a shift towards advanced uncrewed combat air vehicles (UCAVs). This change suggests the Navy is seeking capabilities similar to those explored in the X-47B and UCLASS programs, which were previ...
In the latest Middle East Defense Digest, a potential $4.5 billion sale of four KC-46A refueling aircraft to Qatar is highlighted. This deal signifies a strategic enhancement of Qatar's military capabilities, reflecting the ongoing defense collaboration between the U.S. and Qatar. The significance...
China's new Type 076 amphibious assault ship, named Sichuan, has entered its final sea trials alongside sightings of the GJ-21 stealth drone. The ship, displacing approximately 40,000 tonnes, is designed to transport troops, landing craft, armored vehicles, and helicopters for amphibious operations....
Saab has introduced its Autonomous Collaborative Platform (ACP) program, featuring a stealthy, supersonic fighter drone that may serve the Swedish Air Force in the 2030s. The company is developing two uncrewed technology demonstrators, A1 and A2, and showcased a full-scale mock-up of the operational...
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