FlightGlobal
• Craig Hoyle
Tekever expects to begin delivering its AR5 tactical uncrewed aerial system to the British Army before year-end under Project Corvus, a contract the company values at up to £400 million over 10 years. The system is intended to replace the Army’s Watchkeeper capability, though fleet size and runway dependence remain concerns.
UAV Development & Drone Programs
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Tekever expects to begin delivering its AR5 tactical uncrewed aerial system to the British Army before year-end under Project Corvus, a contract the company values at up to £400 million over 10 years. The system is intended to replace the Army’s Watchkeeper capability, though fleet size and runway dependence remain concerns.
Australia’s new 10-year defense technology strategy identifies the MQ-28 Ghost Bat, hypersonic weapons, high-energy lasers, artificial intelligence and quantum systems as national priorities. The plan signals where Canberra intends to concentrate defense technology development and capability investment over the coming decade.
Anduril Industries is in advanced discussions with a Maryland port about developing a production site for autonomous surface vessels, according to people familiar with the matter. The potential investment reflects rising military demand for drone boats and defense startups’ expanding role in U.S. industrial capacity.
High activity
Speaking at a drone industry event, the FAA’s deputy administrator said the agency is being asked to “lean into” new technologies and embrace greater risk. The remarks signal pressure for the regulator to adapt its approach as drone developers seek faster progress and broader deployment.
Hisdesat selected Airbus and Thales Alenia Space to build SpainSat NG-III, while Eutelsat and Poland advanced cooperation on Europe’s IRIS² secure communications program. Separately, SES agreed to support Starlab’s commercial space station and provide multi-orbit connectivity across LATAM Airlines’ Airbus and Embraer fleet.
High activity
Northrop Grumman has signed two multi-year framework agreements worth more than $3 billion with the Pentagon and Lockheed Martin to supply components for Patriot and THAAD interceptors. The agreements support a broader U.S. effort to replenish missile inventories strained by conflicts in Iran and Ukraine.
NHIndustries and the NATO Helicopter Management Agency have completed the first flight of the NH90 in its Software Release 3 configuration, also known as Block 1. The upgrade introduces Link 22 connectivity, improved sensors and enhanced anti-submarine warfare capabilities for NATO fleets.
Overnight Ukrainian strikes caused major damage at a Wildberries logistics hub in Russia’s Samara region, targeted an airfield hosting strategic bombers and a major refinery, and reportedly damaged air-defense and radar installations in Krasnodar. Separately, a Russian drone briefly entered Romanian airspace before being shot down over Ukraine.
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