Articles tagged with "unmanned-aerial-systems"
Watch: New air defense system intercepts drones midair using nets
The article discusses DefendAir, a new cost-effective air defense system developed by ParaZero Technologies to counter the rising threat of small, inexpensive drones in warfare. Unlike traditional kinetic defenses that destroy drones with explosives, DefendAir uses a patented net-launching mechanism to capture and disable hostile drones midair, reducing collateral damage and making it safer for use in urban or sensitive environments. The system addresses the cost imbalance between cheap attacking drones and expensive countermeasures by offering a lower-cost-per-interception solution that complements existing air defense layers. DefendAir can be deployed in three configurations—an interception drone, a stationary turret, and a hand-held net gun—each suited for different operational scenarios and engagement ranges from 6.5 to 328 feet (2 to 100 meters). The interception drone offers the longest range (up to 2 kilometers) and operates autonomously with radar detection, while the stationary turret supports larger nets and fixed-site defense. The hand-held net gun is manually operated for
robotdrone-technologyair-defenseunmanned-aerial-systemsautonomous-systemsradar-integrationcounter-drone-technologyPhotos: US Army gets mobile truck-mounted laser to kill multiple drones at just $3
AeroVironment has delivered two Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV)-mounted LOCUST Laser Weapon Systems to the US Army as part of the Multi-Purpose High Energy Laser (AMP-HEL) prototyping effort. These 20kW-class laser systems feature a larger beam director than previous Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV) variants, enhancing their lethality against aerial threats such as drones. The cost to engage a single target with the laser is estimated at just $3, highlighting the system’s cost-effectiveness. The LOCUST systems have been operationally deployed for over three years outside the US, demonstrating high mission success and reliability in real-world threat environments. The LOCUST laser weapons are designed to be platform-agnostic, allowing integration on various vehicles including the JLTV, ISV, and Light Medium Tactical Vehicle, as well as fixed-site base defense installations. This flexibility enables rapid deployment and compatibility with existing Army command-and-control architectures. AeroVironment emphasizes that directed energy weapons
energydirected-energy-weaponslaser-weapon-systemsmilitary-technologyunmanned-aerial-systemshigh-energy-lasersdefense-technologyPhotos: Marines’ mobile air defense drone killer passes live-fire validation test
The Marine Corps has officially introduced the first full-rate production version of the Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS), marking a significant advancement in expeditionary air defense capabilities. Following intensive New Equipment Training (NET) and a live-fire exercise at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, MADIS transitions from prototype to active deployment. The system employs two Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs) to deliver mobile short-range air defense (SHORAD) against unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and manned aircraft, capable of operating both stationary and on the move without external support. The production variant of MADIS features technical enhancements such as integrated sensors, updated targeting algorithms, and improved mobility, enabling faster detection and tracking of aerial threats. Its modular design supports future hardware and software upgrades, ensuring adaptability to evolving threats. Marines underwent rigorous training involving classroom instruction and field exercises, culminating in a live-fire event that validated the system’s operational readiness. The rollout of MADIS aligns with the Marine Corps’
robotdronemobile-air-defensesensorstargeting-algorithmsmilitary-technologyunmanned-aerial-systemsKiller drones with laser weapons to join US Army's unmanned fleet
The US Army is preparing to deploy a new generation of large unmanned aerial systems (UAS) equipped with high-energy laser weapons designed to disable enemy sensors, melt electronics, and destroy hostile drones. This initiative marks a significant evolution in military drone capabilities since the MQ-1C Gray Eagle and aligns with the Pentagon’s prioritization of directed-energy technologies. The upcoming drones, classified as Group 4 and 5 platforms weighing over 1,320 pounds, will feature modular payloads, with laser weapons serving as theater-specific add-ons rather than standard equipment on every unit. These laser systems aim to provide cost-effective defense by neutralizing aerial threats without relying on traditional kinetic interceptors. General Atomics, the maker of the Gray Eagle, is developing a contender based on its STOL Mojave platform, which shares design elements with the extended-range MQ-1C. The company emphasizes that its laser weapons will focus on disrupting enemy systems—blinding optics, starting fires, and overheating electronics—rather
robotenergymilitary-technologyunmanned-aerial-systemslaser-weaponsdirected-energy-systemsdefense-technologyPentagon aims for drone dominance with thousands of kamikaze drones
The Pentagon has unveiled an ambitious Drone Dominance Program aimed at rapidly fielding a massive fleet of small kamikaze drones across the U.S. military by 2027. With a $1 billion budget allocated through fixed-price prototype project orders, the plan seeks to acquire over 200,000 commercial drones, including 30,000 units by July 2026. This initiative aligns with recent national policy directives emphasizing rebuilding the American unmanned systems industrial base and providing affordable, attritable small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) for one-way attack missions. The program prioritizes rapid production and supply chain security to ensure warfighters have ready access to lethal, low-cost drones capable of operating effectively in diverse combat environments. The acquisition process will unfold in four phases, each beginning with a Gauntlet challenge where military operators test selected drones in controlled missions, including strikes over 10 km in open terrain and 1 km in urban settings with a minimum 2 kg payload. Successful vendors will receive
robotdronesmilitary-technologyunmanned-aerial-systemsdrone-manufacturingdefense-technologyautonomous-weaponsBattle-proven autonomy tech to bolster aerial unmanned systems’ power for attack missions
Shield AI and Destinus are partnering to integrate Shield AI’s battle-proven Hivemind autonomy software into Destinus’ unmanned aerial systems (UAS), specifically the Ruta and Hornet platforms. This integration aims to create a unified, scalable autonomy framework that enables diverse aerial systems to operate collaboratively in real time, enhancing coordination, survivability, and mission success in combat scenarios. Joint flight demonstrations are planned for 2026 to validate operational interoperability between the companies’ systems. The collaboration also seeks to accelerate the delivery of AI-enabled unmanned systems to Ukraine, bolstering European defense resilience. Hivemind is a modular, platform-agnostic autonomy software designed to enable heterogeneous teaming among reconnaissance and strike assets, closing the reconnaissance-strike loop with speed and precision while maintaining human oversight and decision-making. Destinus’ Hornet UAS emphasizes modularity with rapid payload interchangeability and offers fully autonomous operation at a lower cost and maintenance compared to traditional air defense systems. It is available in
robotunmanned-aerial-systemsautonomy-technologyAI-enabled-dronesdefense-technologyaerial-roboticsmilitary-roboticsFather-son duo 3D prints drone that hits 360 mph, sets new Guinness World Record
Luke and Mike Bell, a father-son team, set a new Guinness World Record for the fastest battery-powered remote-controlled quadcopter with their 3D-printed drone, the Peregreen 3. On June 22, 2025, in Dubai’s Al Qudra desert, the drone reached a top speed of 360.4 mph, surpassing the previous Swiss record of 347 mph. The drone was developed through months of iterative design and testing in their garage, using 3D printing to create a lightweight, aerodynamic frame and custom electronics to ensure precise control and stability at extreme speeds. The Bells faced significant challenges during testing, especially due to the harsh desert conditions with temperatures exceeding 110°F, which caused motor failures and other technical issues. They responded by upgrading motors to heat-resistant models, adding cooling fins to the frame, reinforcing landing skids, and implementing software safeguards. Supported by the Dubai Unmanned Aerial Systems Center, they conducted repeated trials on a desert
robotdrone3D-printinglithium-polymer-batteriescustom-electronicshigh-speed-quadcopterunmanned-aerial-systemsUS firm unveils mobile hydrogen generator to power long-range drones
US-based Sesame Solar, in partnership with Heven AeroTech, has introduced a mobile drone refueling nanogrid (DRN) designed to power long-range military drones sustainably. This integrated system combines two hydrogen-powered Heven Z-1 Group II VTOL drones with satellite communications, edge computing, mobile radar, and atmospheric water generation. The DRN operates as a self-sustaining green energy loop, using retractable solar panels to generate electricity, which powers an electrolyzer that produces hydrogen from water extracted from the air. The hydrogen is stored in solid-state tanks and used to refuel drones, enabling flight endurance of over eight hours—up to six times longer than battery-powered drones—and autonomous operation for up to six months without external fuel supplies. The mobile nanogrids are designed for rapid deployment, with setup times under 15 minutes and drone assembly requiring just five minutes without tools. They are transportable, weather-resistant, and can be clustered to form minigrids, with an expected
energyhydrogen-powerdronesunmanned-aerial-systemsmobile-nanogridsurveillance-technologydefense-technologyDisabled US veteran's invention can launch, retrieve drones midair
Disabled US veteran-owned company Target Arm unveiled the Ralar Modular Mission Payload (MMP) drone system at the 2025 Association of the United States Army (AUSA) expo. The Ralar system features a robotic arm capable of launching and recovering small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) midair while the host platform—whether a ground vehicle or aircraft—is moving. This innovation eliminates the need for fixed launch or landing zones, allowing troops to deploy reconnaissance or strike drones on the move, thereby enhancing operational tempo and reducing exposure to enemy fire. The system was demonstrated integrated onto GM Defense’s Infantry Squad Vehicle – Utility (ISV-U), highlighting its tactical relevance for frontline forces. The Ralar system is platform-agnostic and compatible with a wide range of drones without requiring airframe modifications. It uses advanced positioning technology from Trimble Inc. to synchronize drone flight paths with vehicle movement, enabling precise and repeatable drone capture even at speed or on rough terrain. Its modular design supports future
robotdronesunmanned-aerial-systemsrobotic-armmilitary-technologydrone-recoveryautonomous-systemsVampire anti-drone system gets upgrade, can disrupt electronic warfare
L3Harris Technologies has upgraded its Vampire anti-drone system, expanding it into six specialized variants tailored for land, maritime, air, and electronic warfare operations. The system, which has been operational in European combat zones since 2023, uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to rapidly detect, engage, and neutralize small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) and remotely piloted aircraft. Vampire offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional missile defenses by combining advanced reconnaissance, precision strike capabilities, and electronic jamming to protect personnel and critical infrastructure from hostile drone threats. The enhanced Vampire family includes versions such as Vampire Stalker XR for land vehicles, featuring a larger weapons cache and extended-range munitions; Vampire Black Wake for maritime use against drones and fast attack watercraft; and Vampire Dead Wing, an airborne counter-UAS system. Additional variants include Vampire CASKET, a containerized rapid-deployment system; Vampire BAT, a base defense turret employing automatic weapons and non-kinetic effects
robotAIunmanned-aerial-systemscounter-drone-technologyelectronic-warfareprecision-weaponsautonomous-systemsToyota drone scouts to help drivers navigate off-road terrain from sky
Toyota Motor has filed with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to explore a small drone system designed to assist off-road drivers by providing an aerial “co-pilot” that scouts trails and unpaved roads ahead of the vehicle. This innovative concept aims to enhance driver safety and situational awareness by delivering real-time views of challenging terrain, especially in areas where it may be unsafe to exit the vehicle. The drones would primarily operate near the vehicle but could also fly above the treeline to capture broader environmental footage, potentially benefiting overlanders, search-and-rescue teams, and military operations. This move reflects a broader shift in the automotive industry toward integrating unmanned aerial systems beyond traditional uses like delivery, leveraging drones to address navigation and safety challenges that ground vehicles alone cannot solve. Toyota’s filing coincides with evolving U.S. drone regulations, including upcoming rules for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations expected in August 2025, which could facilitate wider commercial drone applications. However, Toyota emphasizes
drone-technologyautomotive-innovationoff-road-navigationunmanned-aerial-systemsvehicle-safetyIoTreal-time-terrain-mappingUS to soon detect hostile drones at longer ranges using new system
The United States is set to enhance its ability to detect hostile drones at longer ranges through a new AI-enabled detection system demonstrated by L3Harris Technologies and Shield AI. This system integrates L3Harris’ WESCAM MX-Series electro-optical/infrared sensors with Shield AI’s Tracker counter-UAS software, enabling faster and more effective identification of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), even when partially obscured by obstacles like buildings or clouds. The technology addresses the growing threat posed by increasingly numerous and complex drone adversaries, requiring quicker, covert responses to protect military operators. The next development phase involves refining airborne object behavior models to improve tracking performance across air, land, and maritime domains during both day and night operations. This AI-powered capability will be incorporated into L3Harris’ VAMPIRE Counter-Unmanned System, designed specifically to defend against small drones. The WESCAM MX-Series sensors, known for their multi-spectral, high-sensitivity EO/IR surveillance and
robotAIdrone-detectionunmanned-aerial-systemselectro-optical-sensorsinfrared-sensorscounter-UAS-technologyUS firm's drone conducts strikes with next-gen loitering munition
A recent military test demonstrated the successful integration of AeroVironment’s Switchblade 600 loitering munition (LM) launched from General Atomics’ MQ-9A Block 5 unmanned aircraft system (UAS), marking the first-ever air launch of the Switchblade 600 from an unmanned platform. Conducted at the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Grounds in July 2025, the tests included two successful launches featuring precision targeting, real-time data transmission, and reliable over-the-horizon communication. Control of the Switchblade was transferred mid-mission from the MQ-9A’s ground control station to operators closer to the operational area, showcasing enhanced operational flexibility. This collaboration between General Atomics Aeronautical Systems and AeroVironment highlights the potential for large drones to serve as motherships for smaller loitering munitions, extending the range and survivability of the Switchblade 600 by allowing the MQ-9A to operate farther from enemy
robotdrone-technologyunmanned-aerial-systemsloitering-munitionsprecision-targetingmilitary-roboticsreal-time-data-transmissionPilot union urges FAA to reject Rainmaker’s drone cloud-seeding plan
The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) has urged the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to reject Rainmaker Technology’s petition to deploy cloud-seeding flares via small drones, citing significant safety concerns. ALPA argues that Rainmaker’s proposal lacks sufficient demonstration of safety equivalence and poses extreme risks, particularly due to unclear flight locations and altitudes within controlled airspace where commercial airliners operate. The union also raises issues about the flares themselves, including potential fire hazards, foreign object debris, and the absence of trajectory modeling or environmental impact analysis for the chemical agents used. Rainmaker CEO Augustus Doricko and aviation regulatory manager Sam Kim counter these claims by emphasizing that ALPA’s objections rely solely on publicly available information and do not consider the comprehensive safety data and risk mitigations submitted confidentially to the FAA. They highlight that flights will be conducted only in predetermined safe airspace with necessary permissions, and that the environmental impact of cloud seeding materials like silver iodide has been studied for
robotdrone-technologyFAA-regulationscloud-seedingunmanned-aerial-systemsweather-modificationsafety-concernsPilot union urges FAA to reject Rainmaker’s drone cloud-seeding plan
Rainmaker Technology has proposed using small drones equipped with cloud-seeding flares to stimulate precipitation, seeking an exemption from FAA rules that prohibit small drones from carrying hazardous materials. Their Elijah quadcopter, capable of flying up to 15,000 feet MSL within controlled airspace, would deploy two types of flares to disperse particles that induce rainfall. The FAA has yet to rule on Rainmaker’s July petition, instead requesting more detailed information on operational and safety measures. The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) strongly opposes the plan, urging the FAA to deny the request due to concerns over safety risks, lack of clear flight altitudes and locations, potential foreign object debris, fire hazards, and insufficient environmental impact analysis. Cloud seeding is a well-established practice, traditionally conducted by crewed aircraft to enhance precipitation, especially in the Western U.S. Rainmaker’s innovation lies in replacing manned flights with remotely piloted drones, which the company argues could be safer due to
robotdrone-technologyunmanned-aerial-systemsFAA-regulationscloud-seedingweather-modificationsafety-concernsLockheed Martin and BAE Systems reveal hybrid drone-missile design
Lockheed Martin and BAE Systems have announced a unique collaboration between their secretive research units—Lockheed Martin Skunk Works and BAE Systems’ FalconWorks—to develop a new type of modular, rapidly deployable uncrewed aerial platform. Revealed at the Defense and Security Equipment International (DSEI) exhibition in London, the initial drone aims to be cost-effective with multiple launch options including air drop, ground, maritime, and wide-body logistics aircraft launches. The focus is on electronic warfare and attack capabilities designed to disrupt adversaries and enhance the survivability of crewed combat aircraft, complementing ongoing separate fighter jet development programs by both companies. This partnership is notable because drone platforms are typically developed independently, unlike crewed fighter jets. By combining expertise, Lockheed Martin and BAE Systems seek to quickly produce affordable drone solutions that can operate alongside or protect manned fighters. The conceptual drone design resembles a missile, optimized for low radar signatures with long, narrow wings and potential swarm capabilities,
robotdrone-technologyunmanned-aerial-systemselectronic-warfaredefense-technologyLockheed-MartinBAE-Systems‘World’s cheapest shot’ laser zaps 50 drones a minute with 150kW beam
Electro Optic Systems (EOS), an Australian technology company, has unveiled "Apollo," a scalable high-energy laser weapon system designed to counter unmanned aerial systems (UAS), particularly small to medium-sized drones used for surveillance and attacks. The system, capable of delivering up to 150 kW of power, can destroy 20 to 50 drones per minute with rapid retargeting enabled by a high slew rate (less than 1.5 seconds for a 60-degree shift). Apollo operates continuously when connected to an external power source and can perform over 200 stored engagements when isolated. Packaged within a 20-foot ISO container for mobility and rapid deployment, it supports 360-degree coverage and can engage drones at ranges from 50 meters to 3 kilometers, while also disrupting sensors on larger drones up to 15 kilometers away. EOS emphasizes the cost-effectiveness of Apollo compared to traditional missile defenses, highlighting that laser shots cost significantly less than missiles priced around $200,000 each
energyhigh-energy-laserdrone-defensedirected-energy-weaponsunmanned-aerial-systemsmilitary-technologylaser-weapon-systemsUS F-15E jets get laser-guided precision rockets to eliminate drones
The U.S. Air Force has successfully integrated the AGR-20F Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II, a laser-guided rocket system, into F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets to enhance their capability against unmanned aerial systems (drones). Following a similar project completed for the F-16 Fighting Falcon in 2024, the F-15E underwent operational flight testing with live fire exercises over land and water, demonstrating the new weapon’s precision and effectiveness. The integration aimed to provide a cost-effective counter-drone solution, with Strike Eagles deploying the AGR-20F in an active geographic combatant command area shortly after testing. The project was expedited by the Air Force Seek Eagle Office (AFSEO) at Eglin Air Force Base, overcoming challenges such as the lack of an existing mount for the rockets on the F-15E. This required designing, installing, and integrating new mounts while simultaneously conducting airworthiness and operational tests. Under strong leadership prioritizing the weapon’s rapid deployment
robotdefense-technologydrone-countermeasureslaser-guided-weaponsmilitary-roboticsprecision-weaponryunmanned-aerial-systemsUS Army develops 50kW laser-mounted tank to zap drones 5 miles away
The US Army has successfully demonstrated a 50-kilowatt (kW) class solid-state laser mounted on a Stryker A1 8×8 armored vehicle, known as the DE M-SHORAD “Guardian” system, during a live-fire exercise at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. This Directed Energy Maneuver-Short-Range Air Defense system integrates high-energy laser technology with traditional kinetic air-defense assets to counter aerial threats such as unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), rotary-wing aircraft, and incoming rockets or artillery shells. The laser’s precision thermal effects, guided by advanced electro-optical/infrared sensors and Ku-band radar, enable autonomous target tracking and rapid engagement up to five miles away, marking the Army’s first operational deployment of a mobile high-energy laser weapon. The exercise, led by the 4th Battalion, 60th Air Defense Artillery Regiment and the Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO), focused on integrating the laser system into existing
energydirected-energy-weaponslaser-technologymilitary-technologyunmanned-aerial-systemsbattery-technologydefense-systemsThales turns drones into electronic spies with 11-pound EW payload
Thales has developed a lightweight electronic warfare (EW) payload weighing under 11 pounds (5 kg) and consuming less than 40 watts, designed for integration with small drones, including tethered and free-flying unmanned aerial systems (UAS). Unveiled at the 2025 Paris Air Show, this compact sensor system enables frontline forces to autonomously detect, locate, and geolocate enemy radio-frequency (RF) emitters over tens of miles. It operates passively, collecting intelligence without emitting detectable signals, which is crucial for stealthy surveillance in contested electromagnetic environments. The system is user-friendly, requiring minimal training, and addresses a capability gap by extending EW tools to conventional maneuver units, supporting distributed operations, electronic order of battle generation, and battlefield spectrum management. The payload was developed under a proof-of-concept contract awarded by France’s Defence Innovation Agency (AID) after a competitive European selection process and has been successfully tested by multiple French defense units in land and sea scenarios
droneselectronic-warfareunmanned-aerial-systemsradio-frequency-detectionmilitary-technologyautonomous-sensorselectronic-surveillanceFirst-time maker’s 3D-printed drone could fly 130 miles in 3 hours
Engineer Tsung Xu, a first-time maker with no formal background in aerodynamics or 3D printing, successfully designed and built a fully functional vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) fixed-wing drone capable of flying 130 miles (209.2 km) in about 3 hours. Completed in just 90 days, Xu’s project involved designing, modeling, and 3D printing every aerodynamic surface and structural component from scratch using a consumer-grade Bambu Lab A1 desktop 3D printer. Non-printable elements such as motors, radio equipment, and electronic speed controllers were sourced separately and integrated into the system, which is powered by a high-energy-density lithium battery to maximize endurance. The drone’s VTOL capability allows it to take off and land vertically without a runway, then transition to efficient forward flight, a feature typically found in advanced military or commercial unmanned aerial systems. Xu’s achievement demonstrates how accessible technologies like desktop 3D printing and off-the-shelf components can enable
robotdrone3D-printinglithium-batteryVTOLaerospace-engineeringunmanned-aerial-systems