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DefenseNews.com • Aaron Mehta

USAF signals continuity for Global Hawk Block 30 upgrades by folding the UAV into two consecutive budget requests

After repeated efforts to close out the Global Hawk Block 30, the US Air Force has re-included the high-altitude, long-endurance unmanned system in two straight budget requests. The change suggests greater program stability and shifts focus toward future upgrades for operators.

2026-04-22T16:49:52.096253-07:00

Aviation Week

VerdeGo delivers first turbine-hybrid VH-4T powerplants for electrified aircraft and long-endurance UAS

2026-04-21T13:52:14.580574-07:00

ch-aviation

OFAC sanctions Mahan Air-linked B777-200ERs over Iran UAV proliferation; LAX arrest ties operatives to $70M Sudan drone deal

2026-04-22T11:24:10.958604-07:00

AINonline

Drone industry warns of talent crunch as FAA Part 108 BVLOS rules approach completion

2026-04-21T14:51:51.704232-07:00

News Timeline

DefenseNews.com

USAF signals continuity for Global Hawk Block 30 upgrades by folding the UAV into two consecutive budget requests After repeated efforts to close out the Global Hawk Block 30, the US Air Force has re-included the high-altitude, long-endurance unmanned system in two straight budget requests. The change suggests greater program stability and shifts focus toward future upgrades for operators.

2026-04-22T16:49:52.096253-07:00

USAF signals continuity for Global Hawk Block 30 upgrades by folding the UAV into two consecutive budget requests

DefenseNews.com

Skeldar V-200B lengthens UAV endurance to 5 hours via 10-kg weight reduction Schiebel’s Skeldar V-200B helicopter UAV is being configured with a 10-kilogram weight reduction, enabling a claimed five-hour endurance increase. The company says the mass reduction also boosts performance and reliability—aimed at improving operational appeal for customers weighing longer loiter times against payload and mission demands.

2026-04-22T14:34:54.066634-07:00

Skeldar V-200B lengthens UAV endurance to 5 hours via 10-kg weight reduction

ch-aviation

OFAC sanctions Mahan Air-linked B777-200ERs over Iran UAV proliferation; LAX arrest ties operatives to $70M Sudan drone deal The U.S. Treasury’s OFAC sanctioned two Mahan Air B777-200ER aircraft and multiple Iran-linked executives and entities over alleged involvement in proliferating Iranian uncrewed aerial vehicles to other countries. Separately, an Iranian operative was arrested at LAX in connection with a reported $70 million Sudan drone deal centered on the Qods Mohajer-6 armed UAV.

2026-04-22T11:24:10.958604-07:00

OFAC sanctions Mahan Air-linked B777-200ERs over Iran UAV proliferation; LAX arrest ties operatives to $70M Sudan drone deal

The War Zone

Shield AI’s X-BAT autonomous VTOL “fighter” accelerates testing with thrust-vectoring nozzle and likely airframe loss X-BAT development is moving quickly toward an aggressive flight-test timeline, including use of a thrust-vectoring nozzle taken from an experimental F-16. Company officials say the program expects to lose at least one airframe as part of the risk-tolerant test campaign.

2026-04-21T15:27:02.479438-07:00

Shield AI’s X-BAT autonomous VTOL “fighter” accelerates testing with thrust-vectoring nozzle and likely airframe loss

AINonline

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Drone industry warns of talent crunch as FAA Part 108 BVLOS rules approach completion As the FAA’s Part 108 framework nears completion for BVLOS operations, the drone industry is warning of a widening talent gap. The effort hinges on sourcing and training enough qualified BVLOS operators and specialists—yet current pipelines may not scale in time.

2026-04-21T14:51:51.704232-07:00

Drone industry warns of talent crunch as FAA Part 108 BVLOS rules approach completion

Aviation Week

VerdeGo delivers first turbine-hybrid VH-4T powerplants for electrified aircraft and long-endurance UAS VerdeGo Aero has started shipping its VH-4T-RD hybrid-electric powerplant to customers, marking the first deliveries of its turbine-hybrid architecture. The company positions VH-4T as a higher-power, long-range propulsion option for electrified aircraft and uncrewed systems requiring extended endurance.

2026-04-21T13:52:14.580574-07:00

VerdeGo delivers first turbine-hybrid VH-4T powerplants for electrified aircraft and long-endurance UAS

Aviation Week

Reliable Robotics raises $160M, targets FAA uncrewed cargo certification by 2028 Reliable Robotics, the U.S. autonomous-flight startup led by a SpaceX alum, secured a $160 million funding round led by Nimble Partners, pushing valuation toward $1 billion. The company is pressing the FAA for certification of its autonomous flight system, targeting a first commercial uncrewed cargo approval in 2028.

2026-04-21T13:20:45.874450-07:00

Reliable Robotics raises $160M, targets FAA uncrewed cargo certification by 2028

Breaking Defense

Anduril and Kraken team up on small USVs to support the US Navy’s hybrid unmanned fleet push Anduril Industries and Kraken Technology Group announced a partnership to develop and manufacture unmanned surface vessels for US and allied navies. Kraken will supply its small USVs, while Anduril will handle US manufacturing and payload integration, aiming to accelerate the Navy’s transition to a hybrid fleet built around unmanned platforms.

2026-04-21T09:12:44.599700-07:00

Anduril and Kraken team up on small USVs to support the US Navy’s hybrid unmanned fleet push

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UAV Development & Drone Programs News

USAF signals continuity for Global Hawk Block 30 upgrades by folding the UAV into two consecutive budget requests

VerdeGo delivers first turbine-hybrid VH-4T powerplants for electrified aircraft and long-endurance UAS

OFAC sanctions Mahan Air-linked B777-200ERs over Iran UAV proliferation; LAX arrest ties operatives to $70M Sudan drone deal

Drone industry warns of talent crunch as FAA Part 108 BVLOS rules approach completion

News Timeline