A single destination for timely, editor-curated robotics news from around the world.
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Vector Defense Inc., based in Bluffdale, Utah, is ramping up production of small military quadcopters after securing a Pentagon contract in September. The company aims to increase output from a few hundred to thousands of drones monthly, as the U.S. military seeks to close a significant drone gap ag...
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...
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...
Dismounted soldiers face significant threats in modern battlespaces dominated by drones, sensors, and advanced targeting systems. In a recent discussion at AUSA, Luke Savoie, President and CEO of Twenty Six Defense, highlighted the critical requirements for soldiers to maintain their lethality, conn...
UK technology company MARSS has been awarded a significant contract valued at £370 million ($489 million) to implement a comprehensive counter-drone defense system across Kuwait. This contract is crucial as it highlights the growing demand for advanced security solutions in response to increasing d...
BAE Systems has launched two innovative air defense technologies aimed at assisting the US Army in countering mass drone assaults without solely depending on traditional missiles. These systems, revealed at the AUSA 2026 exhibition, integrate a high-power microwave weapon with an artillery platform...
On October 12, Fortem Technologies and MBDA announced an expanded strategic partnership to integrate autonomous drone interceptors into military air defense systems. This agreement builds on their previous collaboration in 2024, which incorporated Fortem’s DroneHunter technology into MBDA’s Sky Ward...
EOS Defense Systems USA is advancing its Slinger counter-drone system, integrating upgraded sensors and selectable autonomy. This next-generation system combines a 30mm cannon, targeting radar, and advanced stabilization, nearing the end of its development phase. Production is set to begin in Huntsv...
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the establishment of a new four-star command focused on drones, named Autonomous Warfare Command (AUTOWARCOM), during a speech at Quantico, Virginia. This initiative aims to enhance the integration of autonomous and robotic capabilities across military operat...
Russia has escalated its deployment of jet-powered one-way attack drones, specifically the Geran-4, which are proving significantly more challenging for Ukraine to intercept. These drones, which can fly at altitudes of up to eight kilometers and speeds of 450 to 500 kilometers per hour, have increas...
Cape Canaveral Space Force Station is set to implement a directed energy defense system to neutralize drones invading its airspace. This initiative, part of a broader security modernization effort, aims to protect the spaceport, which supports numerous commercial and military launches, from unauthor...
The Netherlands has entered into a partnership with Australian defense technology firm Electro Optic Systems (EOS) to create a high-energy laser weapon aimed at neutralizing drones and large-scale aerial threats. This collaboration was announced on September 24, following the signing of a Letter of...
Perseus Defense has successfully tested its Mk-III interceptor missile, designed to physically destroy small drones, at the Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona. This demonstration, part of Falcon Peak 26.2, showcases a cost-effective solution for military installations facing aerial threats, with each in...
Northrop Grumman has successfully conducted an aeroballistic test of a new 50mm round for its Raid Hunter air defense system. The test involved firing the projectile from an XM913 Chain Gun to validate its performance and gather flight data, which will aid in developing a guided, proximity-fuzed pro...
Swarm Aero has introduced Gamera, a Group 5 uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) tailored for long-range strike and sensing operations. This advanced drone aims to enhance military capabilities in response to evolving defense needs. The introduction of Gamera is significant as it represents a strategic m...
RSF defines a common language for robot service capability, lifecycle operations, certification pathways, and service-provider networks.
Daily robotics news, in-depth analysis, conference highlights, and discussions with professionals worldwide.
