Flying Magazine
• Jack Daleo
Electric aircraft from Beta Technologies, autonomous cargo drones from Elroy Air and other aircraft are set to participate in trials in Louisiana. The initiative will provide an operational testing environment for electric aviation and autonomous cargo systems, bringing multiple emerging aircraft technologies into the same program.
UAV Development & Drone Programs
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Electric aircraft from Beta Technologies, autonomous cargo drones from Elroy Air and other aircraft are set to participate in trials in Louisiana. The initiative will provide an operational testing environment for electric aviation and autonomous cargo systems, bringing multiple emerging aircraft technologies into the same program.
Two South Korean loitering munitions crashed into the sea seconds after launch during the Navy’s first maritime test of the attack drones. Investigators attributed both failures to a defect in the shipboard launcher, raising questions about naval integration and test readiness.
Joint Task Force–Southern Border used the Army’s Multipurpose High Energy Laser system over two days this week to engage three hostile uncrewed aerial systems near the U.S.-Mexico border. The operation was conducted in support of U.S. Customs and Border Protection under U.S. Northern Command.
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The FAA is launching Phase 2 of its BEYOND program and inviting additional participants to help integrate drones into the national airspace system. The initiative will examine operations at airports, in controlled airspace and across borders as drone activity expands.
Lockheed Martin has presented Peru with a $1.8 billion industrial and social package linked to its proposed acquisition of 12 F-16C/D Block 70 fighters. The plan includes local aerospace participation, technology transfer, MRO expansion, maintenance training, drone assembly and workforce-development initiatives, with first deliveries expected in 2030.
Saab detailed plans for Sweden’s future fighter technology demonstrators at an air force show, where it also displayed a mock-up of an autonomous collaborative platform. The initiative points to Saab’s work on next-generation combat-air technologies and autonomous systems alongside crewed fighter development.
Five drones crossed Moldovan airspace hours before Moldova’s Independence Day parade, with two dropping off radar inside the country, according to the report. The incident underscores the exposure of national airspace and major public events to unmanned-aircraft incursions, without establishing the drones’ origin or intent.
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Zuri has unveiled a hybrid-electric uncrewed tiltrotor designed for civil and defense logistics, carrying more than 100 kg over 569 km with a 30-minute reserve, or 679 km by design. The aircraft cruises at 220 km/h and can operate from pads, ship decks or open ground, following a €6 million Series A tranche.
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