AeroTime
• Clement Charpentreau
Aero Vodochody and Thales Belgium have signed an MoU to further develop counter-unmanned aircraft system capabilities for the L-39 Skyfox. The work includes continued integration and testing of Thales’ 70 mm rocket system, extending the jet’s role against unmanned aircraft.
UAV Development & Drone Programs
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Aero Vodochody and Thales Belgium have signed an MoU to further develop counter-unmanned aircraft system capabilities for the L-39 Skyfox. The work includes continued integration and testing of Thales’ 70 mm rocket system, extending the jet’s role against unmanned aircraft.
Ukraine is combining automatic gun turrets and established 30mm weapons to counter Russian drones with investment in reconnaissance drones, AI and broader autonomous systems. The developments span fielded defenses and industrial growth, alongside new missile work, as Kyiv and partners advance several arms programs.
Northrop Grumman’s YFQ-48A Talon Blue has flown autonomously for the first time at Mojave Air and Space Port, completing taxi, takeoff, in-flight maneuvers and landing. The milestone advances the company’s effort to secure a position in the U.S. Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft portfolio.
Moldovan authorities said three missiles and two drones entered the country’s airspace, with debris causing collateral damage. President Maia Sandu condemned Russia over the latest violation, underscoring the conflict’s spillover into neighboring states and the continuing exposure of regional airspace to military activity.
Blackstone has combined two existing defense companies to form Falcata, a new business focused on increasing production of technologies used to intercept drones and missiles. The launch reflects growing investment in counter-uncrewed systems and missile-defense capabilities amid heightened demand for these technologies.
Otto Aerospace’s highly efficient Celera 500L airframe concept could offer an unconventional basis for a successor to General Atomics’ MQ-9 Reaper. Its potential entry into the competition highlights the appeal of extreme aerodynamic efficiency—but Otto faces established defense contractors and other emerging challengers.
Shield AI has announced new test-flight and production sites for its X-Bat jet, including Forge 3, the program’s main production site. Forge 3 is scheduled to open in spring 2027, establishing a defined milestone for the aircraft’s manufacturing infrastructure.
Japan’s air force has started recovery operations for a U.S.-made Global Hawk surveillance drone that crashed into the sea last month. The operation underscores the continuing operational and investigative implications of incidents involving high-value unmanned military aircraft.
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