Bloomberg
• Edward Ludlow, Lily Meier, Natasha Mascarenhas
The South San Francisco-based company says the funding will support a larger U.S. drone network, including expanded commercial delivery partnerships with Walmart and Uber. The raise values Zipline at $21.5 billion post-money, as it scales operations amid community concerns about drone delivery.
UAV Development & Drone Programs
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Slovenia’s Valhalla Turrets says its ASGARD system, armed with a Dillon Aero M134D 7.62 mm Gatling gun, completed several days of live-fire testing and fired thousands of rounds. Separately, an Israeli defense company says its Arbel electromechanical device is programmed to set a firing cadence optimized for engaging drones.
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The South San Francisco-based company says the funding will support a larger U.S. drone network, including expanded commercial delivery partnerships with Walmart and Uber. The raise values Zipline at $21.5 billion post-money, as it scales operations amid community concerns about drone delivery.
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Deutsche Aircraft has pushed the D328eco’s expected entry into service to late 2029, about two years beyond its prior target. Separately, Wheels Up ordered six new Embraer Phenom 300Es for delivery in the second half of 2027, while electric-aircraft start-up Vaeridion raised €30 million and was selected for a €94.5 million EU grant.
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The European Space Agency has awarded OHB a €554 million contract to develop the first Sentinel-3 Next Generation Topography satellite for the Copernicus program. The mission is intended to improve radar altimetry, extending Europe’s satellite capabilities for measuring ocean and land surface topography.
FlightGlobal’s visit to Korean Air’s aerospace unit examines the company’s role in South Korea’s uncrewed aircraft sector. The unit has won several key government contracts, positioning it as a significant participant in the country’s defense aerospace market.
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Joby Aviation has received $37 million in additional U.S. Air Force funding to advance and test its autonomous flight platform, with the overall contract ceiling raised to $50 million. The Air Force plans further Pacific exercises. Separately, Joby continues pursuing pre-certification air-taxi flights amid FAA scrutiny, while Eve signed an agreement with FlyBIS for up to 12 eVTOLs.
Saildrone is preparing to manufacture its Surveyor uncrewed vessels in Norway, with a first mold already being readied, CEO Tom Fidjeland said at Euronaval. Fidjeland described the production work as technically straightforward, pointing to a local manufacturing route as the company pursues greater reach in the European market.
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