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DefenseNews.com • Eve Sampson

US Marines test helicopter “motherships” to launch Neros Archer FPV drones with airborne command handoff

In a US Marine Corps test, troops launched a Neros Archer FPV drone from the ground and then transferred control to operators aboard a helicopter orbiting miles away. The service says Marine UH-1Y Venom reconnaissance helicopters and AH-1Z Viper gunships can act as airborne drone “motherships,” shifting command beyond line-of-sight.

2026-05-22T12:10:37.661790-07:00

Breaking Defense

IAI’s Diamond naval disaggregated offering pairs ship-dispersed drones and missiles with networked “mother ship” control

2026-05-22T09:54:05.718322-07:00

FlightGlobal

GA-ASI restarts flight testing of YFQ-42A CCA after April prototype crash

2026-05-21T21:10:33.287494-07:00

eVTOL Insights

Amprius and Matternet team up to scale high-energy-density silicon anode cells for autonomous drone delivery

2026-05-21T23:39:15.638156-07:00

News Timeline

DefenseNews.com

US Marines test helicopter “motherships” to launch Neros Archer FPV drones with airborne command handoff In a US Marine Corps test, troops launched a Neros Archer FPV drone from the ground and then transferred control to operators aboard a helicopter orbiting miles away. The service says Marine UH-1Y Venom reconnaissance helicopters and AH-1Z Viper gunships can act as airborne drone “motherships,” shifting command beyond line-of-sight.

2026-05-22T12:10:37.661790-07:00

US Marines test helicopter “motherships” to launch Neros Archer FPV drones with airborne command handoff

Breaking Defense

IAI’s Diamond naval disaggregated offering pairs ship-dispersed drones and missiles with networked “mother ship” control IAI is pitching a new Diamond naval defense concept that disperses defensive systems across smaller satellite vessels and connects them to a mother ship in a disaggregated operating model. The approach is designed to flexibly combine drones and missile capabilities for small-ship users.

2026-05-22T09:54:05.718322-07:00

IAI’s Diamond naval disaggregated offering pairs ship-dispersed drones and missiles with networked “mother ship” control

FlightGlobal

AFSOC MQ-9 Reapers integrate GBU-39B Small Diameter Bomb for improved stand-off strike U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command MQ-9 Reaper aircraft have gained integration for the GBU-39B Small Diameter Bomb, expanding the drones’ precision strike options with a more capable stand-off weapon from a key uncrewed platform. The change supports longer-range effects while preserving Reaper’s mission flexibility.

2026-05-22T00:55:07.820838-07:00

AFSOC MQ-9 Reapers integrate GBU-39B Small Diameter Bomb for improved stand-off strike

eVTOL Insights

Amprius and Matternet team up to scale high-energy-density silicon anode cells for autonomous drone delivery Amprius and Matternet announced a strategic collaboration aimed at improving the performance and economics of autonomous aerial delivery. The partnership centers on Amprius’ high-energy-density silicon anode cells, targeting better drone endurance and cost efficiency for commercial operations.

2026-05-21T23:39:15.638156-07:00

Amprius and Matternet team up to scale high-energy-density silicon anode cells for autonomous drone delivery

FlightGlobal

GA-ASI restarts flight testing of YFQ-42A CCA after April prototype crash General Atomics Aeronautical Systems has resumed flight testing of its YFQ-42A Collaborative Combat Aircraft following an April mishap that destroyed a prototype. The company says the return to flight followed safety reviews and a software fix addressing an autopilot weight miscalculation, with the Air Force calling the crash response “accept acquisition/test risk.”

2026-05-21T21:10:33.287494-07:00

GA-ASI restarts flight testing of YFQ-42A CCA after April prototype crash

DefenseNews.com

USAF calls MQ-9 Reaper the “MVP” in Epic Fury as lawmakers weigh manned-unmanned priorities Air Force leaders told Congress the remotely piloted MQ-9 Reaper was a “workhorse” in the U.S. air campaign against Iran, even as the fiscal 2027 budget request continues to concentrate aircraft funding in crewed fighters. The testimony comes alongside new industry work on expendable autonomous drone engines, including GE426 proposals.

2026-05-21T11:10:25.711914-07:00

USAF calls MQ-9 Reaper the “MVP” in Epic Fury as lawmakers weigh manned-unmanned priorities

FlightGlobal

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GA-ASI and Saab complete first flight of MQ-9B SkyGuardian with Saab LoyalEye airborne early warning radar General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) and Saab have completed the first flight of an MQ-9B configured with Saab-designed LoyalEye airborne early warning (AEW) pods. The companies say it is the first unmanned AEW platform of its kind, advancing persistent AEW surveillance for missions where manned aircraft are unavailable.

2026-05-21T09:38:36.247976-07:00

GA-ASI and Saab complete first flight of MQ-9B SkyGuardian with Saab LoyalEye airborne early warning radar

Aviation Today

Redwire lands multi-year, multi-million contract to deliver Penguin Mk3 UAS to NATO ally Redwire says it has received a multi-year, multi-million dollar contract from a NATO ally to deliver the company’s Penguin Mk3 unmanned aircraft system. The award adds to the firm’s growing defense-drone workload and reinforces its bid position with European government customers.

2026-05-21T09:25:20.963092-07:00

Redwire lands multi-year, multi-million contract to deliver Penguin Mk3 UAS to NATO ally

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UAV Development & Drone Programs News

US Marines test helicopter “motherships” to launch Neros Archer FPV drones with airborne command handoff

IAI’s Diamond naval disaggregated offering pairs ship-dispersed drones and missiles with networked “mother ship” control

GA-ASI restarts flight testing of YFQ-42A CCA after April prototype crash

Amprius and Matternet team up to scale high-energy-density silicon anode cells for autonomous drone delivery

News Timeline