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DefenseNews.com • Elisabeth Gosselin-Malo

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

AeroTime

French Army: Ukraine combat validates helicopters for air assault and counter‑drone roles, accelerates manned–unmanned teaming

2026-01-14T07:46:01.605160-08:00

edrmagazine.eu

Germany orders eight MQ-9B SeaGuardian RPAs via NATO agency for maritime patrol

2026-01-12T11:52:12.556924-08:00

AeroTime

NYT: U.S. 'civilian' aircraft reportedly struck vessel off Venezuela in September 2025 — what is known

2026-01-13T01:52:13.980218-08:00

News Timeline

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

AeroTime

French Army: Ukraine combat validates helicopters for air assault and counter‑drone roles, accelerates manned–unmanned teaming French Army leaders say combat in Ukraine has validated the helicopter's role in air‑assault and counter‑drone missions and is accelerating adoption of manned‑unmanned teaming. The comments crystallize operational lessons shaping doctrine, training and capability development, and the integration of unmanned systems for rotary‑wing forces.

2026-01-14T07:46:01.605160-08:00

French Army: Ukraine combat validates helicopters for air assault and counter‑drone roles, accelerates manned–unmanned teaming

FlightGlobal

EDGE and Indra form Spain-based JV to develop, produce and sustain loitering munitions for Spanish and European programmes UAE state-owned EDGE Group and Spain’s Indra have agreed to create a Spain-based joint venture to develop, produce and provide lifecycle support for loitering munitions and smart weapons aimed at Spanish and broader European defence programmes. Production and sustainment are planned to take place in Spain.

2026-01-13T07:00:30.571908-08:00

EDGE and Indra form Spain-based JV to develop, produce and sustain loitering munitions for Spanish and European programmes

politico.eu

UK and Poland deepen air‑defence cooperation to bolster NATO after Russian drone incursions The UK and Poland have expanded a joint air‑defence programme to strengthen NATO's eastern flank after recent Russian drone incursions into Polish airspace, officials said. The initiative accelerates combined planning, force integration and counter‑UAS measures amid heightened regional aerial threats.

2026-01-13T06:10:14.581963-08:00

UK and Poland deepen air‑defence cooperation to bolster NATO after Russian drone incursions

AeroTime

NYT: U.S. 'civilian' aircraft reportedly struck vessel off Venezuela in September 2025 — what is known New York Times reporting alleges a U.S. "civilian plane" carried out a strike on a vessel off Venezuela in September 2025. This briefing consolidates what is publicly known about the incident, the aircraft description in the report, and which types of platforms could match that profile.

2026-01-13T01:52:13.980218-08:00

NYT: U.S. 'civilian' aircraft reportedly struck vessel off Venezuela in September 2025 — what is known

Aviation Week

US Navy demos autonomous control on Kratos BQM‑177s and integrates Collaborative Combat Aircraft with F/A‑18E/F and F‑35C The U.S. Navy completed a second demonstration of autonomous flight‑control software on Kratos BQM‑177 target drones and ran trials familiarizing F/A‑18E/F and F‑35C pilots with Collaborative Combat Aircraft. The exercises advance carrier‑capable uncrewed‑fighter concepts and manned–unmanned teaming tactics for future carrier operations.

2026-01-12T11:59:01.425931-08:00

US Navy demos autonomous control on Kratos BQM‑177s and integrates Collaborative Combat Aircraft with F/A‑18E/F and F‑35C

edrmagazine.eu

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Germany orders eight MQ-9B SeaGuardian RPAs via NATO agency for maritime patrol Germany has ordered eight General Atomics MQ‑9B SeaGuardian remotely piloted aircraft through the NATO Support and Procurement Agency for maritime patrol and ISR. The acquisition, executed with GA‑ASI, is aimed at strengthening NATO maritime surveillance and interoperability, with deliveries expected in 2028.

2026-01-12T11:52:12.556924-08:00

Germany orders eight MQ-9B SeaGuardian RPAs via NATO agency for maritime patrol

The War Zone

Geran‑5 jet-powered kamikaze drone eyed for air‑launch from Su‑25; uses Chinese engine, 200‑lb warhead Russia is studying air‑launch of the jet‑powered Geran‑5 one‑way attack drone from Su‑25 attack jets. Kyiv says the design resembles Iran’s Karrar, uses a Chinese jet engine and carries roughly a 200‑lb warhead, prompting supply‑chain and proliferation concerns.

2026-01-12T10:09:41.009205-08:00

Geran‑5 jet-powered kamikaze drone eyed for air‑launch from Su‑25; uses Chinese engine, 200‑lb warhead

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UAV Development & Drone Programs News

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

French Army: Ukraine combat validates helicopters for air assault and counter‑drone roles, accelerates manned–unmanned teaming

Germany orders eight MQ-9B SeaGuardian RPAs via NATO agency for maritime patrol

NYT: U.S. 'civilian' aircraft reportedly struck vessel off Venezuela in September 2025 — what is known

News Timeline