UAV Development & Drone Programs News

New York Times

U.S. shifts Reaper drones from Africa to Colombia and Ecuador to target cartels

U.S. officials say MQ-9 Reaper drones have been moved from Africa to Colombia and Ecuador for operations against cartels. The redeployment shifts a platform associated with high-profile lethal strikes to a new regional mission, though officials provided no further details on its scope or duration.

AeroTime

Poland assigns FA-50GF light fighters to QRA duty against Russian jet-powered drones

Poland’s FA-50GF fleet has entered quick reaction alert duty, with the light fighters tasked to counter aerial threats including Russian jet-powered Geran drones. The deployment adds the type to Poland’s immediate-response posture as it addresses evolving drone threats.

AeroTime

High activity

2026 aerospace shows span defense, testing and business aviation, with major events in Africa and Dubai

Elbit Systems plans to present unmanned systems, precision fires and electronic warfare capabilities at Marrakech Air Show 2026, while the Aerospace Test & Development Show’s forum focused on hybrid testing, AI and data. Separately, Africa’s AAD reported 287 exhibitors, and MEBAA expects business aviation companies from more than 100 countries in Dubai.

FlightGlobal

U.S. Navy and GA-ASI demonstrate autonomous mission planning as Northrop flies Talon Blue CCA

GA-ASI and the U.S. Navy used an MQ-20 Avenger in a simulated battle exercise to demonstrate collaborative autonomous mission planning, including during Gray Flag 2026. Separately, Northrop Grumman has begun flying its Talon Blue collaborative combat aircraft, while the Navy delivered Australia a digital framework for virtual testing of autonomous aircraft.

New York Times

Trump says additional threats prompted U.S. withdrawal of B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford

President Donald Trump said the United States pulled its remaining B-1B Lancers from RAF Fairford after receiving additional threats. A German-language report characterized the threat as a planned Iranian drone attack targeting personnel at the base; the UK government said the installation remained safe after the aircraft departed.

Breaking Defense

Counter-drone push spans Phantom Defense system, South Korea point-defense RFI and Pentagon pilot

At DroneX 2026, Ukraine’s Phantom Defense presented a counter-UAV system combining detection, electronic warfare and fixed-wing interception. Separately, the U.S. 7th Air Force sought new capabilities to modernize point defense in South Korea, while the Pentagon selected AeroVironment, Epirus, Kord and Boeing for a directed-energy counter-drone pilot.

AeroTime

Aero Vodochody, Thales Belgium advance L-39 Skyfox counter-drone capability

Aero Vodochody and Thales Belgium have signed an MoU to further develop counter-unmanned aircraft system capabilities for the L-39 Skyfox. The work includes continued integration and testing of Thales’ 70 mm rocket system, extending the jet’s role against unmanned aircraft.

DefenseNews.com

Ukraine’s counter-drone push spans gun turrets, autonomous systems and new weapons

Ukraine’s effort to counter Russian drones is drawing on established weapons and expanding domestic technology: automatic gun turrets have downed jet-powered drones, while Northrop Grumman’s 30mm Chain Gun is being used against uncrewed aircraft. Ukrainian firms are also raising capital for reconnaissance drones and AI tools as the country advances other arms projects.