UAV Development & Drone Programs News

Breaking Defense

US pushes autonomous aircraft swarms and “robot wingman” CCAs alongside B-21 automation and new airborne-systems buys

AeroVironment and Applied Intuition demonstrated operator-controlled software for multiple Mayhem 10 autonomous aircraft acting as a coordinated swarm. Concurrently, the Air Force confirmed the B-21 Raider will fly with two pilots while pursuing cross-training for mission roles, and sent CCA prototypes (YFQ-42A/YFQ-44A) to Creech AFB for austere-environment exercises. Chaos Industries acquired Atropos to expand into airborne autonomy, as CCA Increment 2 concept refinement is expected to complete by May 2027.

Vertical Mag

Elroy Air’s Chaparral adds three unattended delivery modes under U.S. Army contract

Elroy Air is equipping its Chaparral autonomous drone with three unattended delivery modes, aimed at heavy-cargo logistics for defense and commercial supply chains. The update is tied to a U.S. Army contract, reinforcing a focus on autonomous, “lights-out” cargo drops rather than manned transport or controlled delivery.

FlightGlobal

Israel’s IAI to team with Merlin for autonomous-freighter concept work

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) will explore the development of autonomous freighters with a U.S. specialist called Merlin, with cargo-conversion providers also set to contribute engineering expertise. The effort targets large multi-crew transport platforms under consideration for adaptation into autonomous cargo operations.

Reuters

UN experts allege Boeing 727-linked operation transported weapons and drones for Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces

A draft UN report says aircraft associated with a Boeing 727-linked operation—linked by Reuters to a U.S. military contractor’s business network—moved weapons and drones for Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces. The findings raise further questions about sanctions compliance and the networks enabling armed-group resupply.

FlightGlobal

USAF tests collaborative combat aircraft (Anduril YFQ-44A) in realistic uncrewed fighter tactics

The US Air Force conducted another exercise using Anduril’s YFQ-44A collaborative combat aircraft to explore realistic uncrewed fighter operations. The effort focuses on developing tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) for future collaborative combat aircraft employment.

FlightGlobal

MGI Engineering launches T-022 Vortex autonomous collaborative platform (ACP) for UK requirement

UK defense firm MGI Engineering has launched its T-022 Vortex autonomous collaborative platform, positioning it as an “ACP” built from the outset to operate alongside crewed jets as part of a coordinated team. The company says the high-performance platform will be promoted for a UK requirement.

aerospaceglobalnews.com

Anduril’s first YFQ-44A rolls out for the USAF’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program as CCA doctrine development acceler

Anduril has produced its first YFQ-44A Fury at its Ohio Arsenal-1 facility, marking a key CCA production milestone. The USAF is also building the employment doctrine for the Fury and YFQ-42A Dark Merlin prototypes, while planning MQ-9A Reaper replacement concept refinement to start in Q1 FY2027.

Associated Press

Finland closes part of airspace and restricts maritime traffic near Russia amid drone incursions

Finland’s military closed a section of Finnish airspace and imposed maritime traffic restrictions along the country’s southern coast near the Russia border, citing risk from stray drones linked to the Ukraine war. Related reporting highlights drone violations across NATO’s northern flank, including air-defense responses in Romania.