Breaking Defense
• Ashley Roque
The Pentagon is signaling interest in drones, but Performance Drone Works CEO James Slider says companies need to see sustained, normalized demand before concluding that the signal is translating into durable market activity. The response suggests the strength of demand remains an open question for the industry.
UAV Development & Drone Programs
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The Pentagon is signaling interest in drones, but Performance Drone Works CEO James Slider says companies need to see sustained, normalized demand before concluding that the signal is translating into durable market activity. The response suggests the strength of demand remains an open question for the industry.
The Air Force trained with Zone 5 Technologies’ Paladin counter-drone multirotor at MacDill Air Force Base on Oct. 8. At AUSA 2026, exhibitors also highlighted new drones and personal protection, including a semiautomatic grenade launcher and an aim-assist system for shooting down drones.
New weapons, drones and personal counter-drone systems were among the displays at the Army’s annual defense conference in Washington, D.C. Highlights included a semiautomatic grenade launcher and an aim-assist system designed to help shooters bring down drones, underscoring the event’s focus on evolving battlefield capabilities.
The Nigerian air force has outlined acquisition priorities for the coming years, including additional T129 ATAK attack helicopters and Aksungur unmanned aircraft. The plans signal continued investment in rotary-wing and uncrewed capabilities, though the report provides no order quantities or delivery timelines.
Ukrainian officials have rejected Elon Musk’s allegation that the military used Starlink for offensive drone strikes in violation of the service’s terms. Kyiv argues commercial Starlink’s limitations prevent its use for medium- and long-range strikes, keeping the dispute focused on how the satellite network is being used in the war.
A Ukrainian operator known as “Ray” began flying some of the country’s earliest mid-range strike drones on missions of about 100 kilometers, carrying warheads roughly the weight of a bowling ball. The unit behind the operations is now linked to the rapid expansion of Ukraine’s deep-strike campaign.
High activity
Ukraine’s defense minister said military Starlink service was working normally again after restrictions that limited some drone operations, including interception of Russian attack drones. The disruption has renewed efforts by U.S. allies to develop alternatives to SpaceX’s satellite network, which has been critical to Ukraine’s wartime communications.
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