Reuters
The US Air Force has tested new autonomous mission systems on its XQ-67A demonstrator, while China says its GJ-21 uncrewed combat aircraft has completed takeoff-and-landing trials aboard the Type 076 amphibious assault ship Sichuan. Separately, Saab and GA-ASI tested an unmanned airborne early-warning capability using the MQ-9B.
UAV Development & Drone Programs
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Pyongyang displayed a range of reconnaissance, attack and loitering drones, alongside an aspirational stealthy unmanned combat aircraft concept. The showcase offers a public view of the breadth of North Korea’s drone ambitions, though the available report does not detail the systems’ capabilities or operational status.
General Atomics is developing NextGen, a flying-wing aircraft for strike and reconnaissance missions that uses hybrid-electric propulsion. The company also aims to conduct live-fire tests next year of an air-to-ground derivative of its FQ-42 Vengeance collaborative combat aircraft.
The US Air Force has tested new autonomous mission systems on its XQ-67A demonstrator, while China says its GJ-21 uncrewed combat aircraft has completed takeoff-and-landing trials aboard the Type 076 amphibious assault ship Sichuan. Separately, Saab and GA-ASI tested an unmanned airborne early-warning capability using the MQ-9B.
Fire Point chief executive told Reuters the Ukrainian arms maker has developed ways to carry out long-range strikes in Russia and Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine without relying on SpaceX satellite services. The disclosure highlights the company’s approach to maintaining operational capability without access to a commercial satellite network.
High activity
Chinese state media says the GJ-21 unmanned aircraft has taken off from and recovered aboard the Sichuan, describing the milestone as a breakthrough in the ship’s amphibious assault program. The reported trial points to an expanding role for embarked unmanned aviation in China’s naval airpower, though the articles provide no operational details.
European Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis announced that the EU’s first hubs for unmanned and counter-unmanned aircraft technology will be located in Latvia and the Netherlands. The announcement came at a NATO event, as European institutions and allies focus on developing drone capabilities and countermeasures.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un urged the country to secure “absolute superiority” in unmanned aircraft technology, according to state news agency KCNA. His remarks came during a display of unmanned aviation technology and a weapons demonstration, signaling continued emphasis on military drone capabilities.
Anduril and General Atomics are vying for a role in the U.S. Air Force’s uncrewed fighter strategy, putting their technologies and ability to deliver in a consequential competition. The outcome could shape each company’s position in military aviation as the service pursues uncrewed combat aircraft.
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