Unmanned Airspace
• Kylie Bielby
Joint Task Force–Southern Border used the Army’s Multipurpose High Energy Laser system over two days this week to engage three hostile uncrewed aerial systems near the U.S.-Mexico border. The operation was conducted in support of U.S. Customs and Border Protection under U.S. Northern Command.
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The 16th Air Force is developing a defensive “campaign plan” to address the growing threat posed by artificial intelligence-enabled hackers, commander Lt. Gen. Thomas Hensley said. Hensley characterized the moment as an inflection point for protecting Air Force networks as adversaries’ capabilities evolve.
Joint Task Force–Southern Border used the Army’s Multipurpose High Energy Laser system over two days this week to engage three hostile uncrewed aerial systems near the U.S.-Mexico border. The operation was conducted in support of U.S. Customs and Border Protection under U.S. Northern Command.
High activity
Japan Airlines has introduced a remotely operated Aerowash AW3 aircraft-cleaning system at Tokyo Narita, aiming to improve washing efficiency and reduce water consumption. Following a training program, the system is expected to enter regular service in 2026, with reported washing-time savings of 40%.
Dassault Systèmes is using data-driven tools to help aerospace companies increase productivity while maintaining safety, according to Charles Alcock. The effort reflects the industry’s broader push to extract more value from operational and manufacturing data without compromising aerospace certification and risk controls.
Former Spirit Airlines flight attendants are objecting to Google’s proposed $10 million purchase of the carrier’s data, arguing that the transaction may not adequately protect the privacy of former employees. The dispute places employee records and deidentified corporate information at the center of the sale.
iMEDCAP completed a live demonstration of its autonomous medical evacuation system during NATO’s Vigorous Warrior 2026 exercise. The pilot showcased the system’s application to medical evacuation operations and its potential role in integrating autonomy into military healthcare and battlefield support missions.
Saab detailed plans for Sweden’s future fighter technology demonstrators at an air force show, where it also displayed a mock-up of an autonomous collaborative platform. The initiative points to Saab’s work on next-generation combat-air technologies and autonomous systems alongside crewed fighter development.
Virgin Atlantic CEO Corneel Koster outlines where artificial intelligence can improve the airline experience and where human interaction remains central, particularly in premium travel. His perspective offers a view into the technology, service and strategic choices shaping the carrier’s future.
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