Aviacionline
• Edgardo Gimenez Mazó
The U.S. Air Force has added funding to accelerate Joby Aviation’s autonomous flight technology and operational testing, bringing its total commitment to nearly $37 million and raising the testing contract’s ceiling to $50 million. Further Pacific exercises are planned, according to the cluster summaries.
UAV Development & Drone Programs
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The U.S. Air Force has added funding to accelerate Joby Aviation’s autonomous flight technology and operational testing, bringing its total commitment to nearly $37 million and raising the testing contract’s ceiling to $50 million. Further Pacific exercises are planned, according to the cluster summaries.
Saildrone is preparing to manufacture its Surveyor uncrewed vessels in Norway, with a first mold already being readied, CEO Tom Fidjeland said at Euronaval. Fidjeland described the production work as technically straightforward, pointing to a local manufacturing route as the company pursues greater reach in the European market.
Four bidders have until mid-November to respond to the latest phase of the UK’s Project Nyx tender, which seeks a “loyal wingman” capability for Apache helicopters. A downselect is expected by year-end, marking the next step in the UK’s effort to acquire the system.
The German defense AI company has transferred the source code for its Mission Operating System Bundeswehr to the country’s military procurement agency, giving the state ownership of software historically retained by industry. The system is intended for future combat drones and other air warfare platforms, enabling Germany to develop them independently of individual suppliers.
The Gambit Series is being presented as a scalable path for collaborative combat aircraft, with its developer positioning the family to counter current threats and address future challenges. The announcement offers no details on aircraft variants, capabilities, customers or delivery timelines.
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France’s Directorate General of Armaments has qualified the vertical take-off and landing variant of Airbus Helicopters’ U010 Aliaca drone for French navy service. The clearance marks a regulatory milestone for the system’s naval use; the articles provide no further detail on deployment timing or fleet numbers.
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