AeroTime
• Clement Charpentreau
AeroVironment received a $405 million international order for LOCUST X3 high-energy laser systems, while the U.S. Army funded mine-detection software for Anduril Ghost-X drones and Redwire secured another Stalker sustainment order. AFRICOM also hired Merlin to demonstrate autonomous casualty evacuation using a Cessna Caravan in Morocco in 2026.
UAV Development & Drone Programs
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AeroVironment received a $405 million international order for LOCUST X3 high-energy laser systems, while the U.S. Army funded mine-detection software for Anduril Ghost-X drones and Redwire secured another Stalker sustainment order. AFRICOM also hired Merlin to demonstrate autonomous casualty evacuation using a Cessna Caravan in Morocco in 2026.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said military units experienced significant disruptions or speed limits on SpaceX’s Starshield satellite communications service for several days, affecting the entire front line and Russian-occupied areas. He said the restrictions hindered efforts to counter Russian drone attacks and left Ukrainian forces at a disadvantage.
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The Ukrainian-founded defense technology company plans to expand production of autonomous air, sea and land systems for Ukraine and allied countries. UForce says its NEMESIS drones have completed 300,000 combat flights, while its MAGURA naval vessels have helped destroy Russian warships.
ZenaTech has launched its Drone-as-a-Service offering in Mesa, Arizona, according to a podcast interview with Phil Franklin, the company’s vice president of business development for North and South America. The discussion focuses on the launch and the company’s effort to bring its drone services to the region.
Russian military aircraft losses during a Ukrainian drone attack on the Leningrad region remain unconfirmed, with reports citing three aircraft and seven crew members. Accounts differ on the aircraft involved: one says a MiG-31 and Ka-52 and Mi-8 helicopters were downed by friendly fire; another suggests two Ka-52s instead of the MiG-31.
China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation has developed what it describes as the country’s first commercial UAV powered by solar energy. The aircraft can be set up for flight in 20 minutes, according to the report; no further details on its performance or intended missions were provided.
Skyways will fly its hybrid V2 drone from Louisiana to a Shell offshore platform under FAA clearance, inspecting a pipeline corridor and simulating an equipment delivery. The test combines infrastructure monitoring with an offshore logistics mission, though the articles provide no details on the authorization’s scope or timing.
The Pentagon has awarded robotic manufacturing startup Machina Labs a contract to develop a containerized microfactory that can produce long-range strike munitions near the point of use. The system is intended to support production of the Low-cost Unmanned Combat Attack System, derived from Iran’s Shahed-136 one-way drone.
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