drones Archives

Spc. Gunner Livingston, an unmanned aircraft repairer, 1-2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 7th Infantry, inspects the Aerosonde Hybrid Quad before a vertical take off at a training site at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., June 21-22. The Aerosonde HQ was developed by Textron Systems, one of four companies that are part of a demonstration of commercial drones conducting various operations and training exercises over the span of the next six months to refine and replace requirements for the RQ-7 Shadow. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Andrew Wash)

Army picks Griffon, Textron to build tactical unmanned VTOL aircraft prototypes

Part of the Army's future vertical lift modernization efforts, the Future Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System is intended to replace the RQ-7 Shadow.

3 days ago By Mikayla Easley

A XQ-58 Valkyrie launches for a test mission Aug. 22 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The mission successfully tested components that greatly reduce the risk of large scale crewed and uncrewed autonomous systems. (U.S. Air Force photo/2nd Lt. Rebecca Abordo)

Latest Valkyrie drone flight test focused on AI-enabled air combat

The demonstration had the Valkyrie drone go up against “simulated opponents using simulated mission systems and simulated weapons," AFRL said.

Sep 22, 2023 By Mikayla Easley

Defense Scoop

Why it’s critical for the U.S. to position itself as the leader in generative AI

The Special Competitive Studies Project, which has continued the work of the now-dissolved National Security Commission on AI, issued its latest report this week on generative AI…

Sep 20, 2023 By DefenseScoop Staff

A Skydio X2d quadcopter drone is flown by Airmen on March 8, 2023, at the Belle Clair Soccer Park in Belleville, Illinois. The drone was used during the first class of Detachment X program initiated on Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Madeline Baisey)

Pentagon soliciting industry for adapter and software to convert remotely piloted drones into autonomous systems

The solicitation comes as the Pentagon is trying to leverage breakthroughs in software, artificial intelligence and other capabilities that could enable drones to operate with less human…

Sep 14, 2023 By Jon Harper

A palletized munitions system falls from the cargo hold of a 352d Special Operations Wing MC-130J Commando II during a live-fire demonstration for ATREUS 22-4 at Andøya Space Defense Range, Norway, Nov. 9, 2022. This is the first time Rapid Dragon, a precision munitions capability for medium-sized or larger cargo aircraft that allows U.S. and NATO forces a flexible rapid response option, has been employed in the U.S. European Command theater. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Brigette Waltermire)

Gen. Minihan envisions major expansion of Air Force’s Rapid Dragon capability

The leader of Air Mobility Command sees opportunities for greatly expanding the “palletized effects” that could be delivered by cargo planes.

Sep 11, 2023 By Jon Harper

Next-generation air dominance and CCA drone concept art (Lockheed Martin image)

Air Force contemplating mission adaptability for future robotic wingmen

Gen. Mark Kelly said that depending on cost and size, some CCA drones will have to be adaptable for a variety of missions that could change day…

Sep 6, 2023 By Mikayla Easley

A lethal miniature aerial missile system flies during an exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Sept. 2, 2020. (Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Tyler Forti)

Army may procure multiple variants of LASSO kamikaze drones to boost production capacity, acquisition chief says

Drones from the Low Altitude Stalking and Strike Ordnance initiative are expected to be able to destroy armored vehicles.

Aug 7, 2023 By Jon Harper

An F-15E Strike Eagle from the 96th Test Wing’s 40th Flight Test Squadron at Eglin AFB, Florida flies in formation with an XQ-58A Valkyrie flown by artificial intelligence agents developed by the Autonomous Air Combat Operations, or AACO, team from AFRL. (U.S. Air Force photo)

Air Force flight tests AI agents with Valkyrie drone

The Air Force on July 25 conducted a three-hour flight test of a XQ-58A Valkyrie drone that was controlled by algorithms developed by AFRL.

Aug 2, 2023 By Jon Harper

The monitor from a drone shows a destroyed Russian tank during a surveillance flight near Bakhmut on July 16, 2023 in Donetsk District, Ukraine. (Photo by Paula Bronstein /Getty Images)

Ukraine is ‘extraordinary laboratory’ for military AI, senior DOD official says

The Pentagon is taking notes from Ukraine as the U.S. military pursues its own AI-enabled systems, such as drones and other tools.

Aug 1, 2023 By Jon Harper

A Task Force 99 sign hangs on the door to the team’s work center at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, October 28, 2022. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Cassandra Johnson)

Task Force 99 drone was ‘very effective’ in secretive spy missions, senior DOD official says

An unmanned aerial system from U.S. Air Forces Central's newly formed Task Force 99 was deployed to conduct intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions against a U.S. adversary…

Jul 14, 2023 By Jon Harper