Articles tagged with "unmanned-vehicles"
China's new drone submersible can evade enemy sonar detection
China has developed advanced unmanned underwater submersibles featuring zero-radius turning capability, enabling them to maneuver effectively in complex maritime environments while operating below 90 decibels to evade enemy sonar detection. These submersibles, showcased during the September 3 military parade in Beijing, can be integrated with submarine-launched missiles, smart mines, and “mother-daughter” unmanned vehicles to form multilayered strike networks. They are designed for covert deployment to blockade shipping lanes, autonomously identify targets, and execute saturation attacks, with expected long endurance and future integration with underwater charging stations. The new underwater systems are part of a broader expansion of China’s naval arsenal, which includes unmanned surface vessels and minelaying systems capable of coordinated operations through artificial intelligence, enabling three-dimensional coordination with aerial drones. These unmanned platforms can autonomously assess threats and make decisions in complex maritime settings, potentially reshaping naval warfare and maritime conflict by enabling swarm tactics for sea control. Central to this capability is the AJ
robotunmanned-vehiclesautonomous-systemsunderwater-dronesmilitary-technologyartificial-intelligencemaritime-securityInside Taiwan’s 50,000‑UAV plan to deter China
In September 2025, Taiwan unveiled a significant shift in its defense strategy at the Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Exhibition (TADTE) 2025, focusing on mass-producing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to deter China. Central to this strategy is a two-year plan to procure approximately 50,000 domestically built drones across five categories by 2027. Taiwan is adopting a novel approach by treating small UAVs as "consumables," similar to ammunition, emphasizing high-volume production, rapid assembly, and replaceability rather than platform longevity. This approach is designed to impose economic and operational costs on a numerically superior adversary through distributed, expendable sensors and effectors, enabling a layered, networked kill web for persistent intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and precision strikes. Taiwan’s drone ecosystem showcased at TADTE 2025 includes low-cost autonomous cruise drones, loitering munitions, swarming FPVs, maritime unmanned surface vehicles
robotUAVdrone-technologyautonomous-systemsdefense-technologyAI-enabled-command-and-controlunmanned-vehiclesRussia turns Chinese 'golf carts' into remote-controlled war robots
Russian forces have repurposed Chinese-made Desertcross 1000-3 all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), originally designed as recreational utility vehicles, into remote-controlled battlefield robots. This adaptation was carried out by the 36th Guards Combined Arms Army of Vostok and reported in early October 2024 during operations in Ukraine. The modified vehicles are used primarily to lay up to five kilometers of fiber-optic communication cable remotely, reducing the exposure of Russian signal troops to enemy fire. These conversions utilize commercially available electronics and 3D-printed parts, allowing operators to control the vehicles from a safe distance, thereby minimizing casualties in high-risk frontline zones. Beyond communication roles, the Desertcross ATVs have been adapted for logistical support and direct combat, with some fitted with various machine guns and grenade launchers, as well as anti-drone defenses like nets or cages. While these vehicles offer a cost-effective and flexible solution amid Russia’s operational challenges, they remain lightly armored and vulnerable to destruction by
robotremote-controlbattlefield-robotsmilitary-technologyfiber-optic-cable-laying3D-printingunmanned-vehiclesUS Navy tests stealthy hydrogen tech delivering more energy than battery
The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) has developed and prototyped a portable hydrogen fuel cell device called Hydrogen Small Unit Power (H-SUP) that delivers more energy per weight than traditional batteries. Offering up to 1.2 kW of continuous power in a ruggedized, low-signature package, H-SUP enhances operational range, reduces thermal and audible signatures, and lowers maintenance needs. This technology aims to increase the lethality and autonomy of small Marine units while decreasing logistical sustainment requirements, supporting distributed operations and extending mission range. H-SUP has undergone field testing with Marines at Camp Lejeune in 2022 and Marine Corps Air Station Yuma in 2025, with warfighter feedback playing a key role in refining the system and accelerating acquisition. Originally developed for unmanned vehicles, the hydrogen fuel cell technology has also been integrated into the Naval Air Warfare Center’s H2 Stalker program, improving range and endurance of unmanned aerial vehicles. The NRL
energyhydrogen-fuel-cellsUS-Navyportable-power-systemsmilitary-technologyunmanned-vehiclesenergy-efficiencyUK nuclear submarine fires drone torpedo to sniff out stealth enemies
The Royal Navy has successfully conducted trials launching and recovering uncrewed underwater vehicles (UUVs) from its Astute-class nuclear-powered submarines as part of Project Scylla. These tests, carried out in the Mediterranean Sea, demonstrated the deployment of drone torpedoes via torpedo tubes to enhance undersea reconnaissance, seabed warfare, and secure communications. The UUV used is believed to be a variant of L3Harris’ Iver4 900, a compact, modular underwater drone equipped with sonar and sensors capable of long-endurance missions such as seabed mapping and mine countermeasures. This integration marks a significant advancement in blending manned and unmanned platforms to reshape naval warfare. Project Scylla is aligned with AUKUS Pillar 2, the trilateral security pact between the UK, US, and Australia, focusing on advanced technologies like AI and autonomous systems to bolster security across the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions. The trials support the Royal Navy’s
robotautonomous-systemsunderwater-dronesmilitary-technologynaval-warfareunmanned-vehiclesartificial-intelligenceSwarmable autonomous munitions to bolster warfighter operations
L3Harris, a Melbourne-based defense company, has developed autonomous swarmable munitions called Red Wolf and Green Wolf, designed to enhance warfighter operations across air, ground, and maritime platforms. These multi-role vehicles offer cost-effective strike capabilities and accurate electronic warfare solutions, addressing the U.S. Department of Defense’s urgent demand for advanced, affordable munitions usable across multiple domains. The systems feature advanced onboard software enabling autonomous coordination, swarming, dynamic re-targeting, and in-flight mission updates, making them adaptable to various tactical environments. Both platforms can be recovered and reused, providing logistical and cost advantages. The Red Wolf and Green Wolf vehicles can fly at least 200 nautical miles, significantly farther than current precision air-to-ground munitions, and are priced five to six times lower than existing Naval Strike missiles. L3Harris has completed over 40 test flights, including high-altitude launches, and plans to produce dozens of these systems by the end of 2025
roboticsautonomous-systemsmilitary-technologyswarm-roboticsdefense-technologyunmanned-vehiclesautonomous-munitionsSpotify’s Daniel Ek just bet bigger on Helsing, Europe’s defense tech darling
Spotify CEO Daniel Ek has led a €600 million investment round in Helsing, a Munich-based defense technology company now valued at €3 billion, making it one of Europe’s most valuable private firms. Helsing, founded four years ago, specializes in AI-driven battlefield visualization software that integrates data from military sensors, radars, and weapons systems to provide real-time, intuitive situational awareness across various military units. The company has expanded beyond software to develop strike drones, aircraft, and unmanned mini submarines aimed at enhancing naval surveillance. This investment reflects a broader European push to build strategic autonomy in defense amid growing geopolitical tensions, particularly following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and shifting U.S. defense policies under former President Trump. European governments are increasingly prioritizing digital and AI-driven military capabilities, moving away from traditional hardware like planes and tanks. Helsing’s funding round, backed by investors including Lightspeed Ventures, Accel, and Saab, is part of a larger defense tech boom in Europe, signaling a shift toward self
robotdefense-technologyAIdronesunmanned-vehiclesmilitary-technologysurveillance-systemsNhóm giảng viên ứng dụng AI sáng chế robot chiến trường
robotAIautonomous-systemsmilitary-technologybattlefield-roboticssensor-technologyunmanned-vehicles