A single destination for timely, editor-curated robotics news from around the world.
Global Ordnance has entered into a master supply agreement with Sparkz to produce drone battery packs specifically for the US military. This collaboration aims to enhance the capabilities of military drones by ensuring a reliable supply of advanced battery technology. The partnership is significant...
Utah-based drone manufacturer Vector has announced significant advancements in its defense drone portfolio, including a Phase III selection in the U.S. Special Operations Command's Modular Kinetic Drone program and the Hammer quadcopter's designation on the DCMA Blue List. These developments undersc...
Hanwha Systems has successfully demonstrated its laser air defense capabilities by intercepting three target drones during the South Korean Army's Army TIGER+ exercise on October 14. The Cheongwang laser weapon, along with a mobile 30-kilowatt-class laser cannon, showcased its effectiveness in a mil...
Rownd, a defense autonomy startup, has obtained a $10 million contract from the Department of War to advance its development of low-cost, autonomous drones for military use. This initiative is part of Rownd's strategy to create attritable mass, allowing military forces to deploy affordable drones th...
Badland Batteries inaugurated its 80,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Fargo, North Dakota, on October 8, 2026. This plant will produce lithium-ion pouch cells specifically for drones, defense platforms, and autonomous systems, utilizing domestic and allied raw materials. The grand opening w...
The US Defense Department has chosen four companies to participate in a pilot program testing directed-energy weapons for homeland defense. This initiative will evaluate high-energy laser and high-powered microwave systems in operational settings to counter emerging drone threats. The program aims t...
SOLARTODO's SKYHUB product manual, Revision 1.3, released on September 27, 2026, outlines the STT-HUB1101 independent exchange hangar designed for the STT 1S MAX aircraft. This system is paired with matched battery modules to facilitate automatic battery exchanges. The introduction of the STT-HUB11...
Aselsan, Turkey's largest state-linked defense company, is actively seeking collaborations with Japanese firms to develop underwater drones and air defense systems. This initiative comes as regional security threats escalate, prompting Aselsan to expand its presence in Asian markets. The alignment...
Digital Force Technologies (DFT) has been awarded a $500 million contract by Joint Interagency Task Force 401 to supply advanced counter-drone systems. This contract, announced on September 29, supports the Domestic Shield program, which aims to enhance drone defenses for military installations and...
In Kyiv, Russian jet-powered drones are evading Ukrainian air defenses, prompting manufacturers to rapidly develop new interceptors. These drones, which can travel at hundreds of kilometers per hour, are targeting critical infrastructure, exacerbating the challenges faced by Ukraine's war-torn econo...
Utopia Compression, a technology firm with over 20 years in the defense sector, is entering the commercial UAV and advanced air mobility markets with AI-based software solutions. Their technology, validated by clients like the U.S. Air Force and Navy, enhances situational awareness for drone operato...
A drone with a wingspan of five meters, named Pegasus, successfully flew for nearly two hours in Queensland, powered by a single lithium-sulfur battery pack. During its trial, it covered over 75 kilometers (approximately 47 miles) while still retaining power reserves. This achievement signifies a si...
Japan is set to establish a new organization as early as the next fiscal year to invest in defense startups, focusing on advanced dual-use technologies, particularly in the drone sector. This initiative aims to enhance domestic production capabilities and promote exports of these technologies. The...
The U.S. Department of War has granted Amprius Technologies up to $75 million to convert an electric vehicle battery production line into a facility for drone batteries. This retrofit, located in Fremont, California, aims to produce high-energy-density cells for unmanned aerial systems, with a proje...
Amprius Technologies has been awarded a federal grant of up to $75 million to enhance the production of batteries for unmanned aerial systems in the U.S. This funding will facilitate the conversion of an existing electric vehicle battery production line to manufacture high-energy-density cells for v...
Rincell, a U.S. battery cell manufacturer based in Fremont, California, introduced its RC50T tabless 21700 lithium-ion cell at DroneX in London on September 29-30, 2026. This cell, compliant with the NDAA, is designed for high-load drone operations and is already being shipped to manufacturers. The...
Ukraine is poised to finalize a drone defense agreement with the United States, which aims to enhance the testing and production of Ukrainian defense technology in the U.S. Although the deal has not been officially signed, discussions have been ongoing since July, indicating a strong commitment to c...
The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) has confirmed that its Global Hawk RQ-4B unmanned reconnaissance drone crashed after losing ground contact. The confirmation came after debris was found floating off the coast of Tottori prefecture, identified as belonging to the drone. This incident is sign...
The Japan Air Self-Defense Force reported the loss of communication with a Global Hawk unmanned reconnaissance drone operating off the coast of Tottori prefecture. The aircraft is now considered missing, prompting an active search operation in the area. This incident highlights the challenges faced...
A battery-powered drone has set a new world endurance record by flying for over eight hours in desert conditions. This achievement was made possible by propulsion components assembled at the Army’s organic industrial base, specifically two brushless direct current motors from Tobyhanna Army Depot. T...
China is reportedly developing a new variant of its Type 19 amphibious 8×8 combat vehicle, equipped with a turret-mounted laser weapon and additional sensors. This modification aims to enhance protection for frontline troops against the increasing use of drones, particularly in potential conflicts i...
Poland and Canada have formalized a defense cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening bilateral relations, particularly in military training and joint exercises. The agreement was signed by Poland’s Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz and Canadian Minister David J. McGuinty dur...
Amprius Technologies has launched a silicon-anode battery cell aimed at enhancing the endurance of uncrewed aircraft. The new SiCore cell boasts an energy density of 500 watt-hours per kilogram (Wh/kg) at a continuous discharge rate of 1C, with commercial availability anticipated in the fourth quart...
China's revised defense law is set to facilitate the integration of artificial intelligence and drones into military operations. This legislative change aims to enhance the capabilities of the Chinese military, allowing for more advanced technological applications in defense strategies. The signifi...
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and NEC announced their partnership to develop domestic defense drones and AI-driven command and control systems. This collaboration aims to enhance Japan's defense capabilities amid increasing global reliance on drone technology in combat scenarios. The significance of...
On August 31, 2026, Terra Drone Corporation announced a strategic collaboration with DRB-HICOM Defence Technologies (DEFTECH) to bolster defense capabilities in Malaysia. This partnership aims to provide ISR drones for maritime, coastal, and border surveillance, alongside counter-UAS solutions and i...
Terra Drone, a Japanese manufacturer, has received an order from the Self-Defense Forces for interceptor drones, with deliveries expected to commence in September. This order marks a significant step for Terra Drone in expanding its presence in the defense sector. The importance of this development...
Rakuten Group is set to partner with German defense technology startup Helsing to introduce AI-powered attack drones for the Japanese Self-Defense Forces. This collaboration aims to enhance Japan's defense capabilities through advanced drone technology. The partnership is significant as it marks Ra...
Neros Technologies announced the successful completion of a $250 million Series C funding round, elevating its valuation to $2.5 billion. The funding aims to expedite the development and production of its defense drones, including the Archer AI and Bandit models, which are set for deployment by the...
Cambridge Aerospace Ltd. has successfully raised $300 million in Series C funding, increasing its valuation to $3.4 billion. This funding will support the expansion of its manufacturing capabilities and the development of its next product, Starhammer, expected to launch in 2027. The company has also...
Japanese startups are increasingly engaging in defense drone production, driven by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's initiative to reduce reliance on China and bolster local manufacturing capabilities. This shift highlights the strategic importance of drones in modern warfare, as evidenced by the P1-S...
Terra Drone Corporation announced on July 27, 2026, its plans to mass-produce cylindrical-cell battery packs in Japan. This initiative aims to reduce reliance on Chinese suppliers and cater to NDAA-compliant defense customers. The company will utilize these battery packs for its own industrial and d...
The evolution of air defense strategies has been significantly influenced by the rise of drones, which present new challenges for traditional systems. While surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) are powerful against high-speed threats like fighter jets and cruise missiles, their high cost makes them less e...
Re:Build Manufacturing has initiated direct commercial sales of its new lithium-ion battery packs designed for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This product line includes the Core, Power, and Performance series, which cater to various energy configuration needs. The launch is part of a broader manuf...
Japanese drone companies are witnessing a significant influx of investment as military demand for unmanned systems rises. Investors are increasingly looking for alternatives to artificial intelligence stocks and traditional defense stocks that had previously gained popularity. This shift indicates a...
T3 Defense has successfully acquired a 60% stake in Project35, an Israeli firm focused on drone technology. This acquisition highlights T3 Defense's commitment to expanding its capabilities in the drone sector, particularly in the development of aerial interceptors and counter-uncrewed aerial vehicl...
The U.S. Department of Defense is initiating the Massed Modular Aircraft (MMA) program to develop low-cost combat drones capable of performing missions similar to the MQ-9A Reaper. This initiative reflects a strategic shift towards utilizing affordable, expendable drones in modern warfare, particula...
DJI has unveiled its DJI Dock 4, which automates battery swapping for its drones, achieving a remarkable 25-second turnaround time. This innovation allows drones to return to the air quickly without the need for onboard recharging, enhancing operational efficiency for various sectors. The significa...
Drones are increasingly challenging short-range air defense systems, particularly for maneuver forces that require flexibility. SAIC's Mike Tomlinson discussed the company's innovative Reconfigurable Air Defense (RAD) system, which offers a modular solution that allows forces to adapt without being...
German defense technology firm Helsing has introduced Contra, an AI-driven air defense system aimed at countering large-scale drone and missile threats. Announced on October 26, the system integrates sensor data and automated command-and-control software to manage responses to multiple incoming thre...
BAE Systems has showcased the TRV-150 cargo drone's capability to intercept enemy drones using laser-guided APKWS rockets during a military experiment in Florida. This demonstration, part of the US military's Joint Readiness Experimentation exercise, highlights the potential for logistics platforms...
L3Harris Technologies is advancing a new missile interceptor designed to enhance the U.S. Army's capabilities against drones and aerial threats. This initiative is backed by a three-year agreement valued at up to $60 million, focusing on flight performance testing to address the growing challenges p...
Aselsan, a state-backed defense company, has announced the deployment of its Korkut gun system, which is priced at $10,000, in nine countries. This move highlights the growing interest in affordable drone defense solutions in the global market. The deployment of the Korkut system is significant as...
German drone manufacturer Quantum Systems announced that its experimental battery-powered drone, the Apex Recordhunter, reached a speed of 483 mph (777 km/h) during a record attempt. This achievement, while not yet officially confirmed, could set a new benchmark for battery-electric drones, surpassi...
Recent developments indicate that data centers may require enhanced protection measures against drone warfare. This includes the integration of blast-resistant concrete, jamming equipment, and missile-defense systems to safeguard critical infrastructure. The necessity for these protective measures...
The US Army is progressing with its Enduring-High Energy Laser (E-HEL) program, aimed at developing high-energy laser weapons to combat drone threats on the battlefield. This initiative focuses on creating modular systems that can be easily transferred between various military vehicles, enhancing ai...
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...
Fortem Technologies and MBDA are expanding their collaboration to integrate autonomous counter-drone systems into military air defense networks across Europe and allied markets. This partnership builds on a technical collaboration initiated in 2024, which saw the integration of Fortem's DroneHunter...
The AUSA Annual Meeting and Expo in Washington concluded with a notable appearance by the defense secretary, highlighting the event's focus on military technology. The expo showcased a variety of advanced military equipment, including missiles, drones, and air-defense systems, underscoring the impo...
Robinson Unmanned has secured a contract to provide its SPIRIT small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) to the Nepali Army under the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program. This agreement includes the supply of SPIRIT aircraft, payload kits, spare parts, extended warranties, and operator training, althou...
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