Industry Briefing
A single destination for timely, editor-curated robotics news from around the world.
Ondas Inc. Launches UAS Training and Operations Facility at NAAMCE in Ohio
Ondas Inc. has inaugurated a new unmanned aircraft training and operations facility at the National Advanced Air Mobility Center of Excellence (NAAMCE) in Springfield, Ohio. This facility will act as the Midwest hub for Ondas Sentinel, the company’s autonomous defense division, which was established after acquiring DZYNE Technologies in July. The new site integrates ground school, simulation, mission planning, and live flight operations, enhancing operator training and mission execution for DZYNE’s ULTRA long-endurance UAS and the Stratollite platform. Matt McCue, Chief Technology Officer of Ondas Sentinel, emphasized that this integrated environment accelerates training and strengthens operational readiness, providing partners with a firsthand experience of the capabilities of low-cost, long-endurance unmanned aircraft. Strategically located near Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and the Air Force Research Laboratory, the Springfield facility supports advanced flight testing, including BVLOS operations. The connection to these military organizations is crucial for the ULTRA aircraft, which has a strong operational history and is positioned for various missions, including intelligence and surveillance. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Applications Defense defense Drone News Drone News Feeds Education
Florent Delgrange Wins AAMAS 2026 Blue Sky Award for Foundation World Models Research
Florent Delgrange received the Best Blue Sky Paper Award at AAMAS 2026 for his research on Foundation World Models for agents that adapt in dynamic environments. His work addresses the challenge of ensuring that autonomous agents continue to learn effectively while maintaining reliable behavior in changing conditions. This research is significant as it proposes a structured approach to agent learning that integrates reinforcement learning and formal methods. Delgrange emphasizes the need for agents to adapt to evolving environments while ensuring that their decision-making remains trustworthy, highlighting the importance of continuous reliability in real-world applications. Looking ahead, Delgrange envisions a foundation world model that is reusable across various tasks and adaptable to changing conditions. This model aims to enhance decision-making by providing agents with a comprehensive understanding of their environment, which is crucial for maintaining safety and performance in multi-agent systems. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Winners of the AAMAS 2026 Best Paper Awards Announced
The AAMAS 2026 best paper awards were presented during the 25th International Conference on Autonomous Agents and Multiagent Systems, held from May 25 to 29, 2025, in Paphos, Cyprus. The awards recognized outstanding contributions in three categories: best paper, best student paper, and best blue sky paper. The Best Paper Award was given to 'Developing Guidelines for Human-LLM Agent Teams: A Multi-Stakeholder Lens' by Mireia Yurrita and colleagues. The Best Student Paper Award went to 'Planning Ahead with RSA: Efficient Signalling in Dynamic Environments' by Anwesha Das and her team. The Blue Sky Ideas Award was awarded to 'Foundation World Models for Agents that Learn, Verify, and Adapt Reliably Beyond Static Environments' by Florent Delgrange. These awards highlight significant advancements in the field of autonomous agents and multiagent systems. As research continues to evolve, attention will be on how these innovative ideas can be applied in real-world scenarios. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
USAF's First F-15EX Eagle II Leaves Boeing for Portland Before Kadena Deployment
The U.S. Air Force has marked a significant milestone in its fighter modernization efforts with the departure of its first F-15EX Eagle II from Boeing's St. Louis facility to Portland Air National Guard Base. This aircraft is set to undergo further preparations before being deployed to Kadena Air Base in Japan, expected in fiscal year 2027. The F-15EX represents a major upgrade from the aging F-15C/D fleet, featuring advanced technologies such as digital fly-by-wire controls, an all-glass cockpit, and the capacity to carry hypersonic weapons. With a payload capacity of 29,500 pounds, it aims to enhance the U.S. Air Force's operational capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region, where air superiority is crucial. As the F-15EX transitions to Kadena, it will not only replace older aircraft but also strengthen U.S.-Japan defense ties through enhanced training opportunities. The aircraft's multi-role capabilities will allow for greater flexibility in mission execution, reinforcing the importance of maintaining credible airpower in a strategically vital area.
Military
MBDA Unveils Upgraded ASRAAM for Ground and Unmanned Vehicle Integration
MBDA showcased a new weapon at the recent exhibition, featuring a truck-mounted configuration. This upgraded version of the Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM) is designed for ground-launch capabilities. The significance of this development lies in its versatility, as the upgraded ASRAAM can also be integrated onto unmanned ground vehicles and unmanned surface vessels. This adaptability enhances operational flexibility for military applications. Looking ahead, industry stakeholders should monitor the integration of this weapon system into various platforms, as it may influence future military procurement strategies. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Air Warfare Global Land Warfare Air Force Army ASRAAM
Anduril's YFQ-44A Fury Drone Successfully Fires AIM-120 Missile in First Test
Anduril's YFQ-44A Fury Collaborative Combat Aircraft has successfully conducted its first live-fire test, launching an AIM-120 AMRAAM missile at a simulated target from Edwards Air Force Base in California. This marks a significant milestone for both the Fury drone and the U.S. Air Force's Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program. The successful launch demonstrates the operational capabilities of the YFQ-44A, which is part of the initial phase of the CCA program alongside General Atomics' YFQ-42A Dark Merlin. The test involved a coordinated effort with the 412th Test Wing's Air Dominance Combined Test Force, ensuring the safe execution of the live-fire event. Looking ahead, the Air Force has indicated that the YFQ-42A is also on track for a live-fire test later this year. This progression from inert carriage to live-fire capabilities reflects the maturity of the CCA program and its potential to enhance operational effectiveness for the U.S. military.
Air Air Forces Collaborative Combat Aircraft Drones News & Features U.S. Air Force
Raytheon, Nato to pursue European suppliers for AMRAAM components
Raytheon, an RTX business, said that it is collaborating with the US government and multiple Nato member states to expand production capacity for the advanced medium-range air-to-air missile (AMRAAM) in Europe.
News
Raytheon expands Mach 4 AMRAAM missile network to co-develop parts with NATO partners
Raytheon plans to expand production of its AIM-120 AMRAAM missile through a new multinational effort...
Military
Boeing’s New Larger Ghost Bat Can Carry AIM-120 AMRAAMs Internally
Boeing is set to unveil the third iteration of its stealthy Ghost Bat, which features larger wings, increased power, and internal weapons bays. This upgraded version aims to enhance the aircraft's capabilities, allowing it to carry AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs) internally. The development reflects Boeing's commitment to advancing military aviation technology and improving the operational effectiveness of the Ghost Bat. As defense needs evolve, this new model is expected to play a crucial role in modern aerial combat scenarios.
Air AIM-120 AMRAAM Air Force Munitions Air-To-Air Around The Globe DronesRobotics needs a service framework.
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