ISR

The Unmanned Surface Vessel Division (USVDIV) 32 conducted a live-fire exercise at RIMPAC 2026, utilizing the Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft (GARC) to refine tactics and demonstrate readiness. The exercise took place on July 17. This event showcases the division's capabilities in autonomous reconnaissance and live-fire engagements.

The National Reconnaissance Office has chosen ICEYE US to provide rapid commercial radar imagery for intelligence and defense missions. This selection is under the Radar Commercial Augmentation program, aiming to enhance capabilities with commercial technologies. ICEYE US will deliver radar imagery to support various missions.

The National Reconnaissance Office has awarded contracts to Capella Space, Iceye U.S., and Umbra to expand the use of commercial synthetic aperture radar. This move aims to enhance the U.S. government's capabilities in this area. The contracts will facilitate the provision of radar data from these commercial providers.

Northrop Grumman and Boeing have successfully demonstrated the automated maritime mission-control capability of the MQ-4C Triton and P-8A Poseidon. The MQ-4C Triton is used for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeting missions. This demonstration marks a significant milestone in the development of automated maritime mission control.

China has revealed the GJ-3A, a large armed reconnaissance drone and competitor to the MQ-9B Skyguardian. The GJ-3A is the Chinese PLA's biggest UAV to date. This development marks a significant advancement in China's drone technology capabilities.

US Army scouts are learning to fight alongside drones, which can perform reconnaissance work in minutes that used to take an hour. The training is part of the Army's efforts to integrate drones into its operations.

A Lithuanian drone maker has upgraded its reconnaissance aircraft with a built-in early warning system to counter interceptors. The system is designed to detect and warn against threats that have been shooting down surveillance drones in Eastern Europe. Every unit produced now comes with this upgrade.

The US Army's Communications-Electronics Command has launched a software repository to improve cyber patching for command and control systems. This move aims to protect systems against the latest cyber threats. The repository is expected to enable faster and easier patching, enhancing the security of Army systems.

The Air Force is looking for new ideas to develop affordable, attritable drones that can perform the MQ-9 Reaper's intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance mission, as well as strike capabilities. Vendors are expected to be selected by the end of 2026. The goal is to find alternative solutions that can provide persistent capabilities in a new way.

The Pentagon is considering the use of AI to monitor phone calls made by military inmates. This expansion of surveillance aims to enhance security within the Military Correctional Complex. The initiative involves leveraging AI technology to analyze communications made by incarcerated individuals.

Northrop Grumman aims to double its international sales to $10 billion by 2031, driven by demand for unmanned surveillance aircraft and missile-defense systems. The company is also eyeing a potential sale of up to five Tritons for High North surveillance. This goal is supported by rising demand for various defense products, including munitions and manned platforms.

SpaceX launched a classified American spy satellite into orbit using a rocket booster that has flown to space and back seven times. The launch is part of a campaign by the National Reconnaissance Office, which has been quietly running at an unprecedented pace. The details of the satellite and its mission are not publicly disclosed.

A German reconnaissance drone operating over Ukraine has been upgraded with a new paint job and a rearward-facing camera to counter interceptor drone threats. The changes are a direct response to the growing threat of drones designed to hunt down reconnaissance aircraft. Quantum Systems, the German drone manufacturer, has implemented these upgrades to enhance the drone's survivability.

Ukrainian drones conducted pinpoint strikes on Russian radar and air defense sites, destroying eight critical assets. The targets included a TOR-M2 surface-to-air missile system and various radar stations.

Polish F-16 fighter jets intercepted a Russian Il-20 reconnaissance aircraft over the Baltic Sea. The Russian plane was flying without a flight plan and with its transponder deactivated. The incident follows a previous incident where a Russian cruise missile entered Polish airspace.

Three military leaders who helped develop the nation's early space reconnaissance capabilities toured the Space and Missile Technology Center on Vandenberg Space Force Base. The visit occurred on July 29, 2026. The leaders played a crucial role in forging the country's space reconnaissance capabilities.

The Huntsville Center is working to identify and prioritize operational technology risks, which include systems controlling facilities and infrastructure. These systems encompass heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, as well as security and monitoring systems. The goal is to address potential vulnerabilities in these critical systems.

Ukrainian forces shot down a Russian ZALA Z-20 reconnaissance drone at 21,000 feet, one of the highest successful drone interceptions of the war. The drone was designed to operate beyond most counter-drone systems and was destroyed over southern Ukraine.

Roger Mason, a defense industry executive, has been confirmed as the director of the National Reconnaissance Office. He previously served as the chief growth officer at V2X. The confirmation comes as the NRO navigates a period of change, with a focus on emerging technologies like AI and cybersecurity.

Ireland has given the green light to a surveillance radar network, according to Aviation Week. The network will provide enhanced surveillance capabilities for the country.

Icarus' APOLLO platform has rapidly evolved into a powered aircraft capable of holding altitude in the stratosphere, leveraging Soldier feedback and field experimentation. The company has received awards and contracts, including an Army SBIR contract, and has expanded its workforce. This development enhances deep sensing ISR capabilities.

The USS Stout and USS Jason Dunham completed a Limited Integrated Training Exercise, designed to prepare naval forces for deployment. The exercise was led by Commander, Carrier Strike Group 4.

Rep. Ronny Jackson expresses concerns about ubiquitous technical surveillance (UTS) and its impact on America's troops. He outlines the need to protect them on the digital battlefield. The op-ed highlights the importance of addressing this issue to ensure national security.

AV and Applied Intuition are partnering to bring collaborative autonomy to the new Mayhem 10 drone. The partnership will utilize Applied Intuition's Acuity ISR/Strike software to deliver next-generation capabilities. The software is platform-agnostic and includes operator oversight.

The ASELFLIR-500 electro-optical system, developed by Aselsan, has been integrated onto the South African Mwari aircraft for reconnaissance, surveillance, and targeting purposes. This integration enhances the aircraft's capabilities in these areas. The system is designed to provide advanced electro-optical capabilities.

Leidos has secured a potential five-year, $717 million task order to support the U.S. Air Force's Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations. The task order extends Leidos' ISR support for Air Combat Command across over 35 global locations.

Ukrainian drone interceptors shot down a Russian Forpost-R UAV over the Kursk region using a domestically developed drone. The aircraft was destroyed at an altitude of 14,100 feet, marking only the sixth confirmed loss of the model since Russia's invasion. This incident highlights the ongoing use of drones in the conflict.

The US Navy's underwater demolition teams played a crucial role in preparing for amphibious landings in the Pacific War. Now, unmanned systems are expected to take on similar missions, reducing risks and increasing effectiveness. This shift towards unmanned amphibious assault is a significant development in modern warfare.

The Senate is set to confirm Jay Clayton as DNI, which may restart the Section 702 FISA surveillance tool. The tool went dark amid battles and its restart is crucial for anti-terror programs. The confirmation is scheduled for Tuesday.

A redacted watchdog report highlights the Navy's enduring challenge in manning its undersea surveillance systems, impacting their effectiveness. The report from the Defense Department's Office of Inspector General warns of staffing strains. This issue affects the Navy's ability to conduct undersea surveillance.

The Marine Corps tested a new method to provide regiments with long-range reconnaissance and strike capabilities using drones. This test is part of the Corps' efforts to enhance its capabilities. The new drone capability aims to give regiments a longer reach in reconnaissance and strike missions.

Israel Aerospace Industries introduces the Ellyon, a multi-mission platform combining Electronic Warfare and ISTAR capabilities. The platform integrates various payloads for EW, SIGINT, and ISTAR roles. This new generation multi-mission aircraft offers advanced capabilities for intelligence gathering and electronic warfare.

Saab has secured an order worth over €900 million for two GlobalEye surveillance aircraft from an undisclosed Middle Eastern customer. The aircraft are scheduled for delivery in 2030. This order highlights the growing demand for advanced surveillance capabilities in the region.

The UK has selected Tekever AR5 surveillance drones to replace the British Army's Watchkeeper fleet. The acquisition is expected to see up to 24 aircraft delivered by 2029. This decision comes as the UK seeks to upgrade its surveillance capabilities, with the Tekever AR5 having proven itself in Ukraine.

The US Army successfully tested a new missile-armed drone during Project Convergence-Capstone 6, demonstrating a networked strike sequence with reconnaissance drones locating and identifying a threat before the weaponized drone engaged it

Airbus has begun operational maritime surveillance missions with its U030 Flexrotor uncrewed aircraft in the Baltic region. The missions are being conducted under a European Maritime Safety Agency framework. The U030 Flexrotor is being used for maritime surveillance operations.

A documentary film explores the impact of a US military communications system on a rural town in Sicily, where local people protest its presence. The system, known as Mobile User Objective System (MUOS), is used to direct drones and missiles. The film highlights the tensions and family discord triggered by the system's installation.

The Royal Navy has tested a robotic boat that can launch and recover a drone autonomously, potentially changing how the navy conducts sea surveillance. The demonstration was conducted in partnership with British and American companies. The technology could enhance the navy's ability to monitor its waters without putting personnel at risk.

The UK Ministry of Defence has chosen Tekever's AR5 surveillance drone to replace the British Army's ageing Watchkeeper fleet. The deal is worth up to £400 million and will see the Army field the new drones under Project CORVUS. The programme aims to expand battlefield surveillance and domestic production in Europe.

The British Army is set to induct Tekever AR5 reconnaissance drones, which have been tested in Ukraine. These drones will provide the army with enhanced reconnaissance capabilities. The adoption of these drones marks a significant upgrade to the army's unmanned aerial systems.