FlightGlobal
• Brooke Ingemi
The FAA is funding 19 research and testing projects focused on safely expanding unmanned aircraft operations in the U.S. National Airspace System. The $12 million award supports work intended to help integrate drones into shared airspace.
UAV Development & Drone Programs
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The FAA is funding 19 research and testing projects focused on safely expanding unmanned aircraft operations in the U.S. National Airspace System. The $12 million award supports work intended to help integrate drones into shared airspace.
A congressional report says 81 U.S. aircraft were reportedly lost or damaged during operations in Iran. The tally includes airplanes, helicopters and drones, offering a broad account of equipment losses and damage across multiple aircraft types.
U.S. officials say MQ-9 Reaper drones have been moved from Africa to Colombia and Ecuador for operations against cartels. The redeployment shifts a platform associated with high-profile lethal strikes to a new regional mission, though officials provided no further details on its scope or duration.
Poland’s FA-50GF fleet has entered quick reaction alert duty, with the light fighters tasked to counter aerial threats including Russian jet-powered Geran drones. The deployment adds the type to Poland’s immediate-response posture as it addresses evolving drone threats.
High activity
Coverage from 2026 aerospace events spans hybrid testing, AI and data at the Aerospace Test & Development Show; Boeing’s view that Middle East traffic will rebound, with widebody demand remaining strong; South Africa’s record company presence at IAC; and Elbit Systems’ planned showcase of unmanned, ISR, precision-fire and electronic-warfare capabilities in Marrakech.
Northrop Grumman says its YFQ-48A Talon Blue collaborative combat aircraft has completed its first fully autonomous flight, as the U.S. Air Force targets 500 autonomous aircraft in service by 2032. Separate milestones include a Navy–GA-ASI mission-planning demonstration and delivery of a digital autonomy test-range framework to Australia.
President Donald Trump said the United States pulled its remaining B-1B Lancers from RAF Fairford after receiving additional threats. A German-language report characterized the threat as a planned Iranian drone attack targeting personnel at the base; the UK government said the installation remained safe after the aircraft departed.
At DroneX 2026, Ukraine’s Phantom Defense presented a counter-UAV system combining detection, electronic warfare and fixed-wing interception. Separately, the U.S. 7th Air Force sought new capabilities to modernize point defense in South Korea, while the Pentagon selected AeroVironment, Epirus, Kord and Boeing for a directed-energy counter-drone pilot.
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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.
