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DefenseNews.com • Zita Fletcher

US Navy, Marine Corps award L3Harris multiyear contract for 34 T7 EOD robots

The U.S. Navy and Marine Corps have awarded L3Harris a multiyear contract to deliver 34 large T7 explosive ordnance disposal robots, including operator training and sustainment, to bolster EOD teams' ability to clear high‑risk ordnance across naval and expeditionary operations.

2026-01-16T13:24:53.200289-08:00

Reuters

Royal Navy's Proteus completes maiden flight — UK's first autonomous full‑size helicopter

2026-01-16T04:11:05.120839-08:00

Airbus

France awards Airbus Helicopters and Naval Group contract for six VSR700 naval UAS

2026-01-16T03:09:31.141035-08:00

FlightGlobal

Windracers doubles ULTRA cargo drone range to 2,000 km with 200 kg payload as Mk2 production ramps

2026-01-16T05:27:55.817925-08:00

News Timeline

DefenseNews.com

US Navy, Marine Corps award L3Harris multiyear contract for 34 T7 EOD robots The U.S. Navy and Marine Corps have awarded L3Harris a multiyear contract to deliver 34 large T7 explosive ordnance disposal robots, including operator training and sustainment, to bolster EOD teams' ability to clear high‑risk ordnance across naval and expeditionary operations.

2026-01-16T13:24:53.200289-08:00

US Navy, Marine Corps award L3Harris multiyear contract for 34 T7 EOD robots

FlightGlobal

Grid Aero's Lifter Lite begins ground testing as runway-capable uncrewed turboprop cargo companion to C-130 California-based startup Grid Aero has begun ground testing its Lifter Lite, a twin-engined uncrewed turboprop cargo aircraft, less than a year after its public unveiling. The aircraft made a runway appearance alongside a Lockheed Martin C‑130 as a proposed companion for medium-to-heavy tactical and logistics missions.

2026-01-16T09:28:19.453513-08:00

Grid Aero's Lifter Lite begins ground testing as runway-capable uncrewed turboprop cargo companion to C-130

FlightGlobal

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Windracers doubles ULTRA cargo drone range to 2,000 km with 200 kg payload as Mk2 production ramps Windracers says its ULTRA heavy‑lift UAS can now fly 2,000 km carrying a 200 kg (441 lb) payload, extending reach for long‑distance cargo and logistics. The UK firm plans to build more than 100 Ultra Mk2s in 2026 and is pressing regulators to approve scheduled drone cargo services.

2026-01-16T05:27:55.817925-08:00

Windracers doubles ULTRA cargo drone range to 2,000 km with 200 kg payload as Mk2 production ramps

Reuters

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Royal Navy's Proteus completes maiden flight — UK's first autonomous full‑size helicopter Leonardo's Proteus autonomous helicopter completed its maiden flight in Cornwall, the UK’s first full‑size crewless rotorcraft developed for the Royal Navy. The AW09‑based demonstrator advances the Royal Navy’s hybrid air wing and supports plans to mature Proteus concepts for 700X trials and carrier experimentation.

2026-01-16T04:11:05.120839-08:00

Royal Navy's Proteus completes maiden flight — UK's first autonomous full‑size helicopter

Airbus

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France awards Airbus Helicopters and Naval Group contract for six VSR700 naval UAS France's DGA has contracted Airbus Helicopters and Naval Group to produce six VSR700 uncrewed rotorcraft, a Guimbal Cabri G2–based maritime UAS. The systems — fitted with radar, EO/IR and AIS sensors — will be operated by the French Navy from 2028 to boost frigate situational awareness.

2026-01-16T03:09:31.141035-08:00

France awards Airbus Helicopters and Naval Group contract for six VSR700 naval UAS

Vertical Mag

U.S. Army plans to buy up to 1 million drones over 2–3 years Senior U.S. Army officials announced late last year plans to buy up to one million drones over the next two to three years as the service pivots toward uncrewed operations. The figure is a dramatic increase from the roughly 50,000 drones the Army currently purchases annually.

2026-01-16T02:53:42.744802-08:00

U.S. Army plans to buy up to 1 million drones over 2–3 years

DefenseNews.com

USMC seeks near‑sixfold prototyping boost to test partner drones and MQ-9 payloads The Marine Corps wants to increase its rapid prototyping fund by nearly six times in 2023 to accelerate trials of partner unmanned systems and new payloads for MQ‑9 Reaper aircraft. The effort is aimed at fast‑tracking integration, evaluating subordinate UAS concepts and fielding capabilities more quickly.

2026-01-16T01:51:55.035041-08:00

USMC seeks near‑sixfold prototyping boost to test partner drones and MQ-9 payloads

DefenseNews.com

Lockheed Martin invests $50M in Saildrone to arm USVs with JAGM launchers and Mk 70 VLS Lockheed Martin has made a $50 million investment in Saildrone and will partner to equip its 20‑metre Surveyor USV with a JAGM launcher, with larger Saildrone vessels considered for Mk 70 vertical launch systems. The move aims to rapidly scale lethal unmanned maritime strike capability for the U.S. Navy.

2026-01-15T06:56:51.641730-08:00

Lockheed Martin invests $50M in Saildrone to arm USVs with JAGM launchers and Mk 70 VLS

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UAV Development & Drone Programs News

US Navy, Marine Corps award L3Harris multiyear contract for 34 T7 EOD robots

Royal Navy's Proteus completes maiden flight — UK's first autonomous full‑size helicopter

France awards Airbus Helicopters and Naval Group contract for six VSR700 naval UAS

Windracers doubles ULTRA cargo drone range to 2,000 km with 200 kg payload as Mk2 production ramps

News Timeline