FlightGlobal
• Dominic Perry
Saab displayed a full-scale mock-up of its A3 autonomous combat-aircraft concept, designed to complement Gripen E and other fighters in combat, deep-strike and electronic-warfare missions. The company says the high-end unmanned system could also influence its next crewed combat aircraft, while GKN Aerospace has demonstrated a newly developed Swedish turbojet.
UAV Development & Drone Programs
Latest source-backed stories
GKN Aerospace has presented a full-scale mock-up of a new Swedish uncrewed air vehicle, while a clean-sheet turbojet engine intended to power its technology demonstrator has already begun running. The disclosure marks progress on both the vehicle concept and its propulsion system.
Saab displayed a full-scale mock-up of its A3 autonomous combat-aircraft concept, designed to complement Gripen E and other fighters in combat, deep-strike and electronic-warfare missions. The company says the high-end unmanned system could also influence its next crewed combat aircraft, while GKN Aerospace has demonstrated a newly developed Swedish turbojet.
Romanian F-16s destroyed a suspected Russian naval drone near the Neptun Deep offshore gas project in the Black Sea, while Romanian and U.S. forces trained with Gepard air defenses in Poland. Ukraine has also added its first domestically developed jet-powered drone interceptor to its counter-UAS arsenal.
The U.S. Army will end its experimental drone battalion in Europe after the unit participates in Exercise Saber Junction in August and September. The battalion will then return to its airborne infantry mission, closing out its current role as a dedicated testbed for drone operations.
High activity
Elon Musk is promoting Starlink’s satellite internet for underserved rural regions of India, where more than 11,000 villages reportedly lack 4G, while Ukrainian officials seek approval to use Starlink-equipped drones against Russian ballistic-missile launchers. Starlink’s security and military applications remain central to both discussions.
An exercise involving Anduril’s YFQ-44A and General Atomics’ YFQ-42A is helping the U.S. Air Force determine how small teams will control, maintain and rapidly return its future uncrewed fighters to service. The effort highlights the operational challenges beyond procuring hundreds of relatively inexpensive autonomous combat aircraft.
Romania used an F-16 to destroy a drifting marine drone near the Neptun Deep gas project after a NATO-level command handover, while Latvia attributed a separate airspace incursion to Ukraine. The incidents highlight how Russia’s war is creating cross-border risks for critical infrastructure and airspace security.
PDW is seeking a loan from the Pentagon’s Office of Strategic Capital to expand beyond its 90,000-square-foot Drone Factory 01 in Huntsville, Ala. The financing would support additional capacity for manufacturing drones and key components as the company targets production supporting U.S. output of one million drones annually.
Create a free account to see more recent UAV Development & Drone Programs stories and keep bookmarks in one place.
The drones section on Hype offers a comprehensive look at the rapidly evolving world of unmanned aerial vehicles. Our expert analysis covers the latest advancements in drone technology, regulatory changes, and the expanding use of drones across industries, from commercial delivery to environmental monitoring.
