eVTOL Insights
• Thomas Sleightholm
COMAC is pursuing a smaller derivative of its C919 narrowbody rather than a stretched version, according to the report. The choice signals the direction of the program’s next variant, but the available article information does not specify its capacity, development timeline or intended market.
UAV Development & Drone Programs
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The German military has prohibited commercially available Chinese drones used for training at bases and training grounds, and restricted certain vehicles from military sites, after a counterintelligence assessment indicated data could potentially be collected and disseminated. The measures underscore security concerns around connected commercial technology on defense installations.
Greece has placed a follow-on order for Shield AI’s V-Bat uncrewed aerial system, which is already operated by the Hellenic Navy. The ducted-fan aircraft can take off and land vertically, operate without a runway and remain airborne for up to 12 hours, offering flexible basing for military missions.
Poland is finalizing a transfer of MiG-29 fighters to Ukraine in return for drone technology, reviving a deal suspended in June over unmet commitments. The arrangement links a legacy combat-aircraft transfer to access to unmanned systems, though the available report provides no details on aircraft numbers, technology or timing.
Poland and Ukraine have agreed on a military technology exchange under which Warsaw will provide Kyiv with additional MiG-29 fighters and Ukraine will share anti-drone technology with Poland. The agreement follows several months of negotiations, according to the reports.
High activity
COMAC is pursuing a smaller derivative of its C919 narrowbody rather than a stretched version, according to the report. The choice signals the direction of the program’s next variant, but the available article information does not specify its capacity, development timeline or intended market.
NATO fighter jets twice failed to bring down a drone as air-threat warnings spread across the Baltic states. Missile debris was recovered, adding a physical trace to the incident as alerts widened across the region.
Allen Control Systems has launched a new division focused on developing lasers to counter drones, entering a field drawing growing Pentagon interest. The weapons use concentrated energy beams to heat and destroy targets, according to the announcement summary.
Shield AI says its Hivemind software enabled two U.S. Air Force Collaborative Combat Aircraft to fly in a multi-ship formation for the first time and perform coordinated beyond-visual-range counter-air tactics. The combat maneuvers were simulated, demonstrating software-enabled coordination between the uncrewed aircraft.
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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.
