The War Zone
• Thomas Newdick, Tyler Rogoway
The U.S. Navy is reconsidering a carrier-based combat drone concept designed to deliver heavy weapons over long distances while operating in heavily contested airspace. The effort echoes the abandoned X-47B program, which was intended to provide similar carrier-based unmanned combat capability.
UAV Development & Drone Programs
Latest source-backed stories
The U.S. Navy is reconsidering a carrier-based combat drone concept designed to deliver heavy weapons over long distances while operating in heavily contested airspace. The effort echoes the abandoned X-47B program, which was intended to provide similar carrier-based unmanned combat capability.
Amazon plans a major expansion of its Prime Air drone delivery service, targeting nearly 500 U.S. cities and towns by the end of 2026. The rollout would substantially increase the service’s current footprint and extend drone delivery to more communities.
The Navy’s new request for information outlines two fully functional Combat Collaborative Aircraft prototypes capable of catapult launches, arrested landings and operations directly from aircraft carriers. The aircraft must carry up to 10,000 pounds of external weapons, with a target unit cost below $30 million.
Lufthansa Group continues to view Lufthansa Technik as a core portfolio asset while leaving open a future equity partnership or sale. Separately, Lufthansa Technical Training won Bundeswehr certification for theoretical P-8A Poseidon maintenance training, while Rheinmetall’s LUNA NG received provisional military airworthiness approval for training and testing.
NATO aircraft were scrambled after drones approached or entered Estonian and Latvian airspace, triggering air-threat warnings and an alert involving Turkish F-16s based in Estonia. Separately, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy warned airlines and insurers that Ukrainian drone activity had effectively closed Russian airspace.
The U.S. Navy has opened its long-anticipated search for a first tranche of Collaborative Combat Aircraft, requesting industry proposals for two fully functional uncrewed fighter prototypes to be delivered within three years. The effort marks the service’s initial step toward acquiring “loyal wingman” aircraft.
Shield AI and GE Aerospace are testing an F110 fighter engine equipped with an off-the-shelf Axisymmetric Vectoring Exhaust Nozzle for Shield AI’s X-Bat collaborative combat aircraft. The propulsion project combines a proven engine with thrust-vectoring technology intended to support the aircraft’s development.
The UAE said its Air Force responded to or intercepted a drone approaching from Iran over its territorial waters, following an exchange of fire between the US and Iran. Iran’s Army and IRGC separately claimed drone and missile strikes on US bases in the UAE and Jordan.
Create a free account to see more recent UAV Development & Drone Programs stories and keep bookmarks in one place.
The drones section on Hype offers a comprehensive look at the rapidly evolving world of unmanned aerial vehicles. Our expert analysis covers the latest advancements in drone technology, regulatory changes, and the expanding use of drones across industries, from commercial delivery to environmental monitoring.
