Loitering munitions Archives

A map shows the Strait of Hormuz on a laptop computer screen in this photo illustration in Athens, Greece, on March 3, 2026. (Photo by Nikolas Kokovlis/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Hormuz and the defense posture we don’t have

What is unfolding now is an inconvenient truth.

May 15, 2026 By Rear Adm. (Ret.) Milton "Jamie" Sands III

Army awards deal to AV for new Switchblade 400 kamikaze drone to support LASSO program

The Army has awarded AeroVironment a prototype agreement for the drone maker’s latest Switchblade variant.

May 4, 2026 By Jon Harper

Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll and Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Randy A. George join “Fox and Friends” to discuss the new Department of Defense memorandum on Army transformation and acquisition reform, at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., May 1, 2025. (DoD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Alexander Kubitza)

Army buys Red Dragon long-range attack drones

The service also awarded AeroVironment another contract for its P550 reconnaissance drone.

Mar 23, 2026 By Jon Harper

Low-cost Unmanned Combat Attack System (LUCAS) drones seen positioned on the tarmac at a base in the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) operating area, Nov. 23, 2025. The LUCAS platforms are part of a one-way attack drone squadron CENTCOM recently deployed to the Middle East to strengthen regional security and deterrence. (Courtesy Photo)

After first combat appearance, LUCAS drones ‘remain ready’ for future Epic Fury strikes against Iran

The one-way attack drones "remain ready for employment,” a U.S. Central Command spokesperson told DefenseScoop.

Mar 2, 2026 By Brandi Vincent

U.S. Soldiers from various units across Europe launch a Switchblade 600 during Loitering Munitions Training at the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Nov. 5, 2024. This was the first time U.S. Soldiers launched Switchblade 600s, a loitering munition system, in Europe. (U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. Cody Nelson)

Army’s fiscal 2026 budget proposal aims to equip infantry brigades with more kamikaze drones

The request for additional loitering munitions comes as officials are undertaking a new Army Transformation Initiative to modernize the force for future high-tech combat.

Jun 27, 2025 By Jon Harper

This photograph taken on 16 August, 2024, during a media tour organised by Ukraine, shows a destroyed Russian tank outside Ukrainian-controlled Russian town of Sudzha, Kursk region, amid the Russian invasion in Ukraine. (Photo by Yan DOBRONOSOV / AFP)

Ukraine destroyed 3,000 Russian tanks in past year, US commander tells lawmakers

The commander of U.S. European Command gave an update on the war Thursday during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing.

Apr 3, 2025 By Jon Harper

Nov. 5, 2024 — An unmanned surface vessel, equipped with an aerial missile system, sails to its position for launch during exercise Digital Talon 3.0 in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (Photo by Spc. Karla Guerrero)

Navy plying new tactics while pairing kamikaze drones with robo-ships

The latest Digital Talon exercise, conducting earlier this month in the Middle East region, included a variety of robotic capabilities that could play a significant role in…

Nov 25, 2024 By Jon Harper

Marines to get new Bolt kamikaze drones from Anduril

The "autonomous" platform, equipped with an AI software package called Lattice, will support the Marine Corps' OPF-L program.

Oct 10, 2024 By Jon Harper

Army, AeroVironment ink nearly $1B contract for Switchblade killer drones

The company will provide multiple variants of the weapons under a new IDIQ contract.

Aug 28, 2024 By Jon Harper

Army getting extra funding from multiple sources to accelerate LASSO kamikaze drone program

The Low Altitude Stalking and Strike Ordnance program is intended to beef up the Army's arsenal of loitering munitions.

May 2, 2024 By Jon Harper