UAV Development & Drone Programs News

AeroTime

High activity

Zelenskyy reports renewed Starshield disruptions affecting Ukrainian forces across the front

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says military units have faced significant Starshield communications disruptions for several days, with limitations affecting frontline troops and areas across the front line. Kyiv says the problems hamper defenses against Russian attacks; the reports come as U.S. envoys arrive in Moscow for talks with President Vladimir Putin.

Bloomberg

Ukrainian drone-maker UForce raises $700 million at $6 billion valuation to scale autonomous systems

Ukrainian-founded UForce said it raised $700 million at a $6 billion valuation to expand production of autonomous air, land and sea systems for Ukraine and allied countries. The company says its NEMESIS drones have completed 300,000 combat flights and its MAGURA naval vessels have helped destroy Russian warships, underscoring investor interest in combat-tested defense technology.

eVTOL Insights

ZenaTech launches Drone-as-a-Service in Mesa, Arizona

ZenaTech has launched its Drone-as-a-Service offering in Mesa, Arizona, according to a podcast interview with Phil Franklin, the company’s vice president of business development for North and South America. The discussion focuses on the launch and the company’s effort to bring its drone services to the region.

aviationnews.eu

Reports: Russia may have lost three military aircraft and seven crew in Ukrainian drone attack

Russian military-linked sources and aviation news reports say a Ukrainian drone attack on the Leningrad region on Nov. 11, 2026, may have cost Russia three military aircraft and seven crew members. Aircraft types and the circumstances of the reported losses remain unclear.

FlightGlobal

China’s first commercial solar-powered UAV takes flight, with setup in 20 minutes

China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation has developed what it describes as the country’s first commercial UAV powered by solar energy. The aircraft can be set up for flight in 20 minutes, according to the report; no further details on its performance or intended missions were provided.

AeroTime

FAA clears Skyways to test Shell offshore drone flights for pipeline inspection and equipment delivery

Skyways will fly its hybrid V2 drone from Louisiana to a Shell offshore platform under FAA clearance, inspecting a pipeline corridor and simulating an equipment delivery. The test combines infrastructure monitoring with an offshore logistics mission, though the articles provide no details on the authorization’s scope or timing.

FlightGlobal

Pentagon taps Machina Labs to develop mobile microfactory for LUCAS attack drones

The Pentagon has awarded robotic manufacturing startup Machina Labs a contract to develop a containerized microfactory that can produce long-range strike munitions near the point of use. The system is intended to support production of the Low-cost Unmanned Combat Attack System, derived from Iran’s Shahed-136 one-way drone.

The War Zone

U.S. military to test autonomous Cessna Caravan air ambulance in Morocco

A U.S. military demonstration in Morocco will test an uncrewed Cessna Caravan configured for casualty evacuation. The trial explores whether autonomous aircraft can support medical rescue operations in remote or difficult-to-reach locations, with potential relevance beyond the demonstration site.