Drones
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Anduril Industries' founder, Palmer Luckey, has publicly accused The Wall Street Journal of running a false story about a drone boat factory. The dispute is playing out on social media, with Luckey claiming the newspaper knew the story was untrue. Anduril is a defense technology company that specializes in autonomous systems, including drones.
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Ukrainian drones attacked a major Russian oil refinery, causing a fire and deepening fuel shortages. This is the seventh such attack this year, targeting Russia's energy infrastructure and disrupting oil refining capacity.
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The Navy's portfolio acquisition executive for robotics and autonomous systems has been removed from the position after 8 months. Chris Miller, the head of PAE Maritime, will take over the role. The position was created as part of a broader acquisition overhaul last year.
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The USS Essex has successfully 3D-printed 12 drones using a containerized microfactory, demonstrating the ability to build drones at sea without shore resupply. This capability was made possible by Firestorm Labs. The drones are first-person view models, which can be used for various military applications.
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Fragments of a Russian Geran-2 attack drone were found in southern Moldova near the Ukrainian border. A forensic investigation has been launched to determine how the drone entered Moldovan territory.
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The XQ-58 Valkyrie drone, a stealthy autonomous drone, crashed at Dugway Proving Ground in Utah during a test. The manufacturer, Kratos, reported the incident occurred upon takeoff while in a test configuration.
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Tobyhanna Army Depot has entered a cooperative arrangement with a defense industry partner to advance domestic manufacturing and military readiness. The partnership aims to rapidly produce components for small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS). This move is expected to reshape the Defense Industrial Base.
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The P-8A Poseidon and MQ-4C Triton were designed to work together, and now direct in-flight control of Tritons by P-8A crews is becoming a reality. This will open new tactical possibilities and extend the Poseidon's reach. The integration of these systems will enhance their combined capabilities.
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The DCMA-sponsored 'Game of Drones' event showcased Edwards Air Force Base's capabilities in supporting drone dominance. The event highlighted the base's role in advancing drone technology. It demonstrated the base's support for drone operations and development.
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The lessons being learned from Ukraine's drone war are incorrect, according to an article on Breaking Defense. The article discusses the implications of this misunderstanding.
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Japan plans to transform its military capabilities with drones and strengthen its domestic defense industry. The goal is to reduce dependence on foreign manufacturers and mitigate defense equipment costs. Japan's defense industry currently produces high-end items like ships, aircraft, and missiles.
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Ukraine's 40-day drone campaign targeted Russian logistics, hitting bases, warehouses, and supply routes, causing disruption and damage. The campaign failed to force a ceasefire but had a significant impact on Russian operations. Hundreds of drones were used to target Crimea links and fuel networks.
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The Belgian Air Force has deployed its MQ-9B SkyGuardian system to support NATO operations in the Mediterranean Sea. The deployment is part of Operation Silent Spear and will support Sea Guardian and Noble operations. The MQ-9B was deployed to the naval air base of Sigonella in Sicily.
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Türkiye's Bayraktar KIZILELMA unmanned fighter aircraft has completed live-fire tests using its internal weapons bay. The drone's successful testing marks a significant development milestone. The KIZILELMA is a jet-powered combat drone designed for various military operations.
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France is transitioning its drone production from a policy ambition to actual industrial implementation, leveraging its car industry to manufacture military drones. This move marks a significant step in France's efforts to develop its military drone capabilities. The implementation phase will focus on producing drones on the factory floor.
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Group 2 drones, utilizing fuel cell technology, can handle tasks previously reserved for larger drones due to their smaller and more versatile VTOL design. This makes them suitable for various combat operations. They offer a right-sized solution for the fight, enhancing military capabilities.
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Vladimir Tkachuk, developer of the Upyr FPV attack drone, was critically injured in a car bombing near Yekaterinburg. Tkachuk's company, Uraldronzavod, produces drones used by Russian forces in Ukraine. He has previously showcased his drones to President Vladimir Putin.
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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.
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A drone carrying explosives was found near a Ukrainian cargo plane at Leipzig/Halle Airport in Germany, prompting a bomb-disposal operation and flight diversions. The incident has raised concerns about a new level of threat, with authorities investigating how the drone reached the airport. A second cargo aircraft was also damaged after colliding with an unidentified flying object nearby.
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The 4th Marine Regiment made history with the first-ever US Marine Corps attack drone live-fire series in South Korea, demonstrating the Marine Corps' ability to rapidly field emerging technologies. The training series featured two distinct events, showcasing the use of first-person view (FPV) attack drones. This marks a significant milestone in force modernization for the Marine Corps.
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The UAE-based defense company EDGE Group has developed a drone built from a kit plane, designed to continuously monitor the sky. The drone's airframe is shared with a hobbyist plane sold to private pilots. EDGE Group is a state-owned Emirati defense conglomerate that produces various military equipment, including missiles and unmanned ground vehicles.
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Jetoptera, an aerospace startup, has withdrawn from DARPA's Lift Challenge, a competition for heavy-lift drone technology, just days before the final test. The company cited reasons unrelated to funding for its decision. Jetoptera's 'Project Pegasus' aircraft was a participant in the nationwide contest.
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Wireless power beaming technology may help extend the flight time of military drones, reducing the need for battery swaps. This innovation could potentially increase the operational efficiency of drones in various military applications. The technology aims to address the limitation of battery power in small drones.
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Airmen from Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico conducted MQ-9 Reaper operations during Exercise Zia Sunbird in Michigan. The exercise took place from July 13 to July 24 at the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center. The Airmen successfully performed their operations, demonstrating their capabilities with the MQ-9 Reaper system.
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A near-miss drone incident occurred between South Korea and the US, where a US Marine Corps UAV was mistaken for a North Korean one. The incident highlights operational coordination issues between the two countries. The mistake was made by South Korea's army, which thought they had locked on to a North Korean UAV.
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A drone was seen following a man in southern Ukraine before exploding, and the incident has been recounted by the man who was being stalked. The drone is suspected to be of Russian origin.
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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.
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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.
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The US Army is testing four rival drones for future soldiers, aiming to enable infantry soldiers to spot and destroy tanks using drones. The testing is being conducted at Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona. The goal is to allow soldiers to carry drones in their backpacks and use them to destroy enemy tanks.
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Russia has attacked hundreds of gas stations in Ukraine using drones, apparently in retaliation for Ukraine's attacks on Russian oil refineries. The gas stations, once social hubs, have become deadly targets. This escalation highlights the ongoing conflict between the two nations.
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Ukrainian drones have struck Russia's Syzran oil refinery and a Wildberries warehouse near Tver. The refinery had recently resumed operations after a July attack. Moscow claims to have intercepted 320 Ukrainian UAVs overnight.
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The US Army is seeking a new battalion-level scout drone that is small enough to fit in a backpack, can carry a lethal weapon, and can deliver medical supplies. The drone is intended for battlefield use and must be versatile and tough. The US Army Contracting Command has issued a Call for Solutions to drone manufacturers.
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Russia is shifting its focus to jet-powered Shahed drones, reducing its use of conventional drones, according to Ukraine's navy. This change in strategy may indicate an effort to improve drone capabilities. The use of jet-powered drones could potentially enhance Russia's military operations.
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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.
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US Air Force Airmen participated in a simulated emergency response exercise at Kadena Air Base, Japan, involving a grounded drone. The scenario required a coordinated safety sweep and secure perimeter establishment. The exercise involved collaboration between security forces, firefighters, and explosive ordnance disposal teams.
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The 2nd Marine Division's Unmanned Systems Center of Excellence completed training with Perennial Autonomy, testing autonomous drone platforms. The training included tests of multiple drones, such as the Bumblebee V1 quadcopter and the Hornet mid-range strike drone. This integration aims to enhance the division's warfighting capabilities through autonomous systems.
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Drone strikes have killed civilians in both Russia and Ukraine, with Russia blaming Ukraine for the attacks and Ukraine denying involvement. The strikes have targeted beaches, cities, and other areas, causing significant damage and loss of life.
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A Ukrainian drone crashed at a popular Black Sea resort, killing seven and injuring 40. Three children were among the fatalities.
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The US Army has successfully demonstrated the ability of an H-60M Black Hawk helicopter to launch and control multiple combat drones in a test. This capability allows the Black Hawk to potentially double as a flying missile truck, launching and steering armed drones from its cockpit.
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Ukraine's HUR's Group 13 used FPV-carrying Magura maritime drones to attack Russian targets in occupied Crimea, hitting a radar command vehicle and a friend-or-foe interrogator. The attack occurred in late July and utilized new maritime platforms. This deployment showcases Ukraine's adoption of innovative drone technology in its military operations.
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Ukraine has conducted a series of drone strikes against Russian targets, including the retail giant Wildberries, resulting in civilian casualties. The strikes are part of an escalating exchange of long-range attacks between Russia and Ukraine. Ukraine's drone strike force is taking the fight to Russia, targeting locations far beyond the front lines.
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A drone strike in Sudan's Darfur region has killed 35 people, according to a rights group. The attack was reportedly carried out by the Sudan army. Similar incidents have been reported in other articles, with varying details but the same outcome of civilian casualties.
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The US is expanding its domestic drone manufacturing base with an $820 million investment, aiming to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. This move is expected to enhance the country's drone production capabilities. The investment will support companies like Performance Drone to boost domestic manufacturing.
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Russian forces launched two drone strikes on the logistics hub of Ukrainian e-commerce company Rozetka in 24 hours. The company's largest warehouse was hit, but no employees were injured and operations continue as scheduled.
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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.
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Russia launched 1,900 drones, 1,600 bombs, and 144 missiles against Ukraine in a week, targeting 16 regions and damaging over 1,500 objects. The attacks included hundreds of residential buildings, prompting President Zelensky to call for increased sanctions. The Russian defense industry continues to produce munitions despite existing restrictions.
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Russian drone strikes targeted Kharkiv and Mykolaiv, injuring at least six people. The strikes damaged a high-rise building and caused stress reactions in residents.
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Ukrainian drones have been striking targets in Russia, including a major oil refinery and a logistics center, killing several people and causing damage. Russia has also been using captured Ukrainian drones to strike back at Ukraine. The use of drones in the conflict has raised concerns about the potential for provocations and escalation.
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Prices on Russian online marketplaces have surged due to Ukrainian drone strikes on logistics infrastructure. The strikes have led to cancelled discounts and longer delivery times. Companies are trying to cover losses and rebuild supply chains.
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The DOD is offering a loan of up to $820m to PDW for drone component manufacturing. The loan aims to support domestic production of drone parts.