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The War Zone • Howard Altman, Joseph Trevithick

Pocket Fleet of ex-USAF MQ-1 Predators continues as US Navy test assets

Ex-U.S. Air Force MQ-1 Predator drones are still in service—but not in frontline roles. They are operating as a “pocket fleet” of Navy test assets supporting continued experimentation and training within the maritime test community, according to reporting highlighted by Joseph Trevithick.

2026-06-24T10:09:16.271516-07:00

Vertical Mag

Skyryse and Robinson integrate SkyOS into the R66 to field defense UAS

2026-06-24T08:29:13.853374-07:00

Reuters

TSA: U.S. agencies seize 300+ drones near FIFA World Cup venues since June 11 kickoff

2026-06-23T08:56:52.590139-07:00

The War Zone

Aurora moves DARPA CRANE-linked X-65 demonstrator toward first flight as triangular wings integrate in Virginia

2026-06-23T11:07:48.419084-07:00

News Timeline

The War Zone

Pocket Fleet of ex-USAF MQ-1 Predators continues as US Navy test assets Ex-U.S. Air Force MQ-1 Predator drones are still in service—but not in frontline roles. They are operating as a “pocket fleet” of Navy test assets supporting continued experimentation and training within the maritime test community, according to reporting highlighted by Joseph Trevithick.

2026-06-24T10:09:16.271516-07:00

Pocket Fleet of ex-USAF MQ-1 Predators continues as US Navy test assets

Vertical Mag

Skyryse and Robinson integrate SkyOS into the R66 to field defense UAS Skyryse is partnering with Robinson Helicopter Company to integrate its SkyOS autonomy stack into the Robinson R66 helicopter platform. The deal is positioned to enable “advanced defense UAS” solutions based on a common rotorcraft airframe paired with SkyOS-powered mission control.

2026-06-24T08:29:13.853374-07:00

Skyryse and Robinson integrate SkyOS into the R66 to field defense UAS

The War Zone

NATO and Ukraine seek private-sector solutions to deny Russia use of cratered airfields NATO and Ukraine are turning to the private sector to develop a system designed to prevent Russia from using cratered airfields. The initiative reframes airfield denial as a technology and problem-solving challenge beyond traditional military engineering, with outside innovators competing for a reward.

2026-06-23T12:56:01.069593-07:00

NATO and Ukraine seek private-sector solutions to deny Russia use of cratered airfields

The War Zone

Aurora moves DARPA CRANE-linked X-65 demonstrator toward first flight as triangular wings integrate in Virginia Aurora Flight Sciences says the X-65 demonstrator’s triangular wings have arrived at its Virginia facility and integration is underway for DARPA’s CRANE program. The X-plane design—built to maneuver with just bursts of air—has slipped due to delays and cost growth, with a hoped-for first flight next year.

2026-06-23T11:07:48.419084-07:00

Aurora moves DARPA CRANE-linked X-65 demonstrator toward first flight as triangular wings integrate in Virginia

Reuters

TSA: U.S. agencies seize 300+ drones near FIFA World Cup venues since June 11 kickoff Since the tournament began June 11, U.S. agencies have seized more than 300 drones near FIFA World Cup venues, TSA said Tuesday. The figure highlights the scale of unauthorized UAS activity around major events and the need for operators to plan for sustained security enforcement.

2026-06-23T08:56:52.590139-07:00

TSA: U.S. agencies seize 300+ drones near FIFA World Cup venues since June 11 kickoff

Reuters

France renews DGA program of record for Harmattan AI Sonora drones, scaling to 5,000 after Orion 2026 exercise France’s DGA has renewed its program of record with Harmattan AI, ordering 5,000 Sonora quadcopter drones—an increase from prior deliveries—after operational success during the Orion 2026 exercise. The award highlights rapid scale-up by the early-stage French startup and a continued pivot toward local small-UAS production.

2026-06-23T03:42:35.867850-07:00

France renews DGA program of record for Harmattan AI Sonora drones, scaling to 5,000 after Orion 2026 exercise

eVTOL Insights

Valour Consultancy: global commercial UAS fleet to top 5.5 million by 2050, accelerating drone-scale operations Valour Consultancy’s research forecasts the global commercial unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) fleet will exceed 5.6 million aircraft by 2050. The projection signals sustained, long-horizon growth for commercial drone operations and the supporting ecosystem across airspace management, infrastructure, and services.

2026-06-23T00:26:23.228280-07:00

Valour Consultancy: global commercial UAS fleet to top 5.5 million by 2050, accelerating drone-scale operations

Reuters

U.S. transfers four Ocean Aero Triton autonomous undersea/surface vehicles to the Philippines in a $13M deal The U.S. government transferred four Ocean Aero Triton autonomous underwater and surface vehicles to the Philippine military in a transaction valued at $13 million, according to the U.S. Embassy in Manila. The transfer adds autonomous maritime ISR/undersea capability to Philippine defense operations.

2026-06-22T19:41:14.299174-07:00

U.S. transfers four Ocean Aero Triton autonomous undersea/surface vehicles to the Philippines in a $13M deal

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UAV Development & Drone Programs News

Pocket Fleet of ex-USAF MQ-1 Predators continues as US Navy test assets

Skyryse and Robinson integrate SkyOS into the R66 to field defense UAS

TSA: U.S. agencies seize 300+ drones near FIFA World Cup venues since June 11 kickoff

Aurora moves DARPA CRANE-linked X-65 demonstrator toward first flight as triangular wings integrate in Virginia

News Timeline