drones Archives

U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (Jan. 26, 2026) A mine-resistant ambush protected (MRAP) vehicle equipped with a mobile-low, slow, small-unmanned aircraft integrated defeat system (M-LIDS) launcher fires a counter-unmanned aerial system at a fixed wing target during a training exercise in Bahrain. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Iain Page)

Army seeks next-gen missile that could shoot down small drones for less than $150K a pop

The service issued an RFI on Aug. 4 to support the initiative.

22 hours ago By Jon Harper

A YFQ-44A, part of the Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, undergoes an undated captive carry test at a California test location. This test phase uses inert munitions to methodically validate weapons integration, structural performance and safety, ensuring the platform can safely carry external stores. (Courtesy Air Force photo)

Air Force could tap up to 6 vendors for second increment of CCA drone program

“We have another approximately 10 months left of our concept-refinement contract, where we would expect to have the refined attributes as we did before, as well as…

6 days ago By Mikayla Easley

Illustration of Mayhem 10 drones. (Image courtesy of AV)

AV and Applied Intuition team up to bring collaborative autonomy to new Mayhem 10 drone

“Our Acuity ISR/Strike software brings collaborative autonomy to Mayhem 10, rapidly delivering next-generation capabilities through platform-agnostic software with operator oversight,” said Jason Brown, general manager of Applied…

Jul 29, 2026 By Drew F. Lawrence

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Brien Disbro, a crew chief assigned to the174th Attack Wing, performs post-flight maintenance on an MQ-9 Reaper on Mar. 10, 2025 at Springfield-Beckley Air National Guard Base in Springfield, Ohio. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Shane Hughes)

Air Force to begin concept refinement of MQ-9 replacement by end of year

The Air Force will select multiple vendors to conduct early analysis to help the service shape its requirements and cost for the Massed Modular Aircraft program.

Jul 28, 2026 By Mikayla Easley

A Boeing Defence Australia’s MQ-28 Ghost Bat, a production representative test aircraft, performs a flyover during Exercise Valiant Shield 2026 over Rota, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, June 25, 2026. (U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Adrien Tran)

After Valiant Shield exercise, PACAF commander says he’s ‘impressed’ with Australia’s Ghost Bat drone program

The MQ-28 Ghost Bat drone recently flew with manned fighter aircraft during a recent multinational exercise in the Pacific.

Jul 27, 2026 By Jon Harper

Lt. Gen. Kevin D. Admiral, Commanding General of the III Armored Corps and Fort Hood, recognized, awarded and visited with Soldiers in the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade on Fort Hood Texas, Sept. 23, 2025. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Hayden Epperley)

Pentagon announces Trump nominee to lead U.S. Army Europe and Africa

Army Lt. Gen. Kevin Admiral, currently commanding general of III Armored Corps, has been picked to command USAREUR-AF.

Jul 24, 2026 By Jon Harper

Pentagon CTO Emil Michael speaks onstage alongside Rep. Ken Calvert and Rep. Betty McCollum at an APFIT event in the Cannon House Office Building on July 21, 2026. (DOD Photo)

Pentagon’s next APFIT round will prioritize tech that ‘can be made cheaply at scale’

Applications will soon open for the next round of DOD's Accelerate the Procurement and Fielding of Innovative Technologies program.

Jul 22, 2026 By Brandi Vincent

Spectators at Game of Drones observed small Unmanned Aircraft Systems testing and capabilities in various different situations during Game of Drones at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., July 16, 2026. GoD is a week-long event bringing together industry partners, military members, and engineers to conduct live experimentation of emerging sUAS and associated hardware. GoD amplifies the Department of War’s call upon both service and industry to rapidly accelerate testing, acquisition, and production of unmanned systems for the warfighter, referred to as Drone Dominance. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Airman Christian Rodriguez)

Pentagon adds ‘bombers’ to Drone Dominance Program

Officials issued a new request for solutions focused on “reusable bomber/dropper platforms.”

Jul 22, 2026 By Jon Harper

Screenshot of AARO logo from opening slide of Jon Kosloski’s unclassified presentation at an open congressional hearing on Nov. 19, 2024.

Pentagon investigating mysterious UAP event reported by the Navy near Virginia’s coast

The department’s All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office released its latest, annual UAP caseload analysis this week.

Jul 21, 2026 By Brandi Vincent

A JUMP 20-X is displayed prior to takeoff during a flight launch at Service Level Training Exercise 4-26 on Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, July 16, 2026. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Alexis French)

Marine regiment tests AeroVironment’s JUMP 20-X system for the first time, but faces lack of Group 3 drone operators

The 2nd Marine Regiment relied on the system’s vendor to employ the drone because the unit lacked trained operators.

Jul 20, 2026 By Drew F. Lawrence