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Archive for the ‘Drone’ Category

101st Airborne Division Tests Next-Gen Drones

Tuesday, March 24th, 2026

FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. — The 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) tested their ability to integrate unmanned aircraft systems to support ground forces during a live-fire exercise on March 12.

“We are no strangers to innovation here on Fort Campbell,” said Brig. Gen. Travis McIntosh, deputy commanding general of operations for the 101st. “Drones are reshaping the geometry of the battlefield in real time and we must adjust. Distance and sanctuary no longer provide the protection they once did, and mass and speed of decision-making will increasingly be enabled by autonomy and AI. This event tested and proved these assumptions for us.”

Advancing Secretary of War Pete Hegseth’s directive for drone dominance, the division utilized UAS operators from its 1st Mobile Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Mobile Brigade Combat Team, and 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, to fly multiple UAS, alongside 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne). The sortie, that consisted of an MQ-1C Gray Eagle, C100 small UAS and Attritable Battlefield Enabler 1.01 systems, provided aerial clearance for 5th Special Forces Group Soldiers during the exercise.

“Drones are a great tool for over the hill reconnaissance,” said Spc. Basil Holland, an infantryman and C100 small UAS operator assigned to the 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment. “They have a lot of ability to identify short and medium range targets and get eyes on whatever you need. It’s proven to be super useful.”

Representatives from the U.S. Army Reserve Command also attended the event. They were interested in learning how the 101st incorporates emerging technologies.

“We wanted to get a clear understanding of how the big Army is integrating UAS,” said Mr. Sammy Stevens, a counter UAS lead planner for USARC. “We want to try and replicate their efforts with the Reserve. During counterinsurgency operations everyone was used to looking down, to identify improvised explosive devices, now we have to look up in the air.”

Partnering with USARC highlights the division’s commitment to improving lethality for the entire Army.

“The 101st has been very gracious in supporting us,” said Master Sgt. Bryan Pettaway, USARC senior enlisted advisor for operations and logistics. “By showing us what has worked, and what hasn’t, they have helped us avoid those same mistakes.”

The exercise validated the division’s ability to operate UAS in a kinetic, multi-domain setting. This successful pairing of systems and Soldiers ensures the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) remains at the forefront of Army transformation efforts.

“Today’s demonstration was a direct answer to the Secretary of War’s directive,” said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Page Frazier, the exercise coordinator and member of the 101st Robotics and Autonomous Integration Directorate. “We did some unorthodox things and always made first contact with a machine. Before we sent a sapper to breach, we sent an [Attritable Battlefield Enabler]. Before we sent a tech to lase for laser guided munitions, we sent a Gray Eagle. Before we sent cavalry troops or light infantrymen to gather ground reconnaissance, we sent a UAS for medium-range reconnaissance and I don’t think any other exercise has done that. We leveraged modern technology to set conditions for a safe employment of a ground force.”

“I am superbly proud of the teamwork, from both the operational and institutional sides of the Army, as well as the conventional and Special Forces on Fort Campbell,” said McIntosh. “This exercise demonstrates one of the many ways we will dominate in tomorrow’s fight.”

By CPT Andrew Lightsey IV

Drones, Robots, Satellites: Rheinmetall Presents Itself at the XPONENTIAL Europe 2026

Monday, March 23rd, 2026

Rheinmetall AG will be participating in the specialised trade fair XPONENTIAL Europe 2026 in Düsseldorf from 24 to 26 March 2026. The event is one of the most recognized European trade fairs for autonomous systems, robotics and unmanned technologies. This year, for the first time, special attention is being paid to the topic of security and defence.

The Düsseldorf-based technology group is showcasing a wide range of unmanned solutions within the land, air, and space domains at the trade show. These include amongst others drones, satellites, robotic systems and applications for teleoperated driving via 5G mobile networks. Among the new products Rheinmetall is presenting at XPONENTIAL 2026 are:

Loitering Munition FV-014:
The FV-014 is a modern loitering munition system, specifically designed to meet the requirements of todays and tomorrow’s battlefield. As a portable reconnaissance and strike-drone, it combines reconnaissance capabilities with accurate impact strikes in a flexible solution, giving armed forces significant operational advantages from a distance. In the field, the FV-014 can first observe and analyse targets in order to strike precisely at the right moment. The operator remains involved in the decision-making process at all times. In this way, the system helps to minimize collateral damage, protect own forces, and engage at critical targets quickly, in a controlled manner, and effectively. The FV-014 is also a key component of Rheinmetall’s Reconnaissance and Strike Network (AWV). This network encompasses all necessary systems for reconnaissance and combat missions and combines coordinated strike capabilities with rapid responsiveness.

c-UAS Interceptor drone: Rheinmetall’s c-UAS Interceptor drone (RV-005) is a specialized “hard-kill” effector, designed to counter small unmanned aerial vehicles and is part of the company’s comprehensive drone defence toolbox. The system neutralizes enemy drones through a targeted physical collision or by means of a warhead, with modern AI technology enabling a precise approach even under the influence of radio jamming. The RV-005 can be integrated as an effector into any command-and-control system for drone defence. Threats can therefore be detected reliably, characterized and hence, physically neutralized at low cost, even within the framework of a “multi-layer defence.” Thanks to these capabilities, the drone is ideally suited for protecting critical infrastructure and sensitive airspace, such as airports or during major events.

SAR-Satellites (Synthetic Aperture Radar):
SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) satellites are modern reconnaissance systems that provide high-resolution radar images of the Earth’s surface regardless of the time of day or weather conditions. Using active radar signals, they gather detailed information even in dense clouds, fog, smoke, or complete darkness. For modern armed forces, this data forms an essential basis for real-time operational assessment, target detection and surveillance. Through the joint venture, Rheinmetall ICEYE Space Solutions, a sovereign German satellite constellation is being established in Neuss on the Lower Rhine region, ensuring a secure and controlled flow of information. Space-based reconnaissance is considered a central component of the digital transformation of defence and national security.

Collaborative robot YARO Cobot:
The YARO Cobot was designed for environments where other robots fail. With advanced AI, a robust design, and customizable options, it is the ideal tool for complex tasks in the harshest conditions. The hard-coated aluminium frame ensures resistance to salt, fog and corrosion in harsh outdoor environments. IP67- and IP69-certified, it is fully dustproof and waterproof for reliable operation in wet, dusty environments. “Force Control” enables precise handling for difficult tasks, even under extreme conditions. Vibration absorption and corresponding sensors ensure precision in environments with strong vibrations. Custom sensor heads adapt the YARO Cobot for tasks such as chemical detection or spatial measurements. The robot operates reliably at temperatures ranging from -20°C to 50°C.

Operator’s stand and control centre for remote operations:
With its exhibit, Rheinmetall subsidiary MIRA GmbH showcases key elements of its teleoperation solution for use in public road traffic. The focus is on the driver’s console, from which a vehicle can be teleoperated and guided in real time. The workstation is designed so that all vehicle functions relevant to driving can be operated and controlled remotely. Via the screens, the “remote driver” receives high-resolution video streams from the vehicle cameras to continuously monitor traffic conditions and safely perform driving tasks. In addition, MIRA is presenting the Control Centre at the trade show as the central control and command unit of the entire system. This is where all information relevant to operations converges; where driving missions are monitored and coordinated; and where driving tasks are relayed to the respective Control Station. The interaction between the Control Centre and the driver’s console demonstrates how teleoperated vehicles can be controlled efficiently, safely, and in a scalable manner.

Rheinmetall – driver of the digital transformation of the armed forces
At XPONENTIAL, Rheinmetall is positioning itself as a leading international systems provider driving the digital transformation of armed forces and delivering innovative mobility solutions for civilian applications. In doing so, the company underscores its commitment to establishing unmanned technologies as a central element of modern defence and ensuring information superiority on the battlefield. As a global player, the Group is presenting ahead-looking solutions for networked operations in the coming decade during the trade show. In doing so, Rheinmetall is making a decisive contribution to national and international security in an ever-changing world. Visitors to XPONENTIAL Europe 2026 can learn about Rheinmetall’s extensive portfolio at booth C25 in hall 1.

US Army Places $52+ Million Order for Skydio X10D, the Largest Single-Vendor Tactical sUAS Order in Army History

Sunday, March 22nd, 2026

Skydio, the largest U.S. drone manufacturer and world leader in flying robots, today announced an order exceeding $52 million for over 2,500 X10D drones from the U.S. Army. The order is the largest small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) procurement from a single manufacturer in the Army’s history and moved from bid to award in less than 72 hours.

This order reflects the decisive role small autonomous systems now play in modern conflict and the Army’s commitment to putting those capabilities in soldiers’ hands. It also shows that the United States can deliver world-class drone capability at the scale and speed required by today’s operational environment.

Mark Valentine, Global Head of National Security Strategy

The Skydio X10D system delivers world-leading intelligence, reconnaissance, and surveillance (ISR) capability at the platoon level, with technologies tested under the most severe conditions, including those found on the modern battlefield. Designed for survivability and resiliency in contested environments, it is capable of flying autonomously, without GPS, using onboard navigation cameras to map terrain in real time and maintain flight in contested environments. Its multiband radio provides seamless connectivity by optimizing frequency use in high-interference areas. With high-resolution visual and radiometric thermal cameras, X10D gives operators persistent situational awareness in day and night conditions from a position of cover.

Skydio is trusted by every branch of the U.S. military and by 29 allied nations. The Army selected Skydio for the SRR Program of Record in both 2022 and 2025, making it the only manufacturer to span both tranches. This order, placed through Atlantic Diving Supply (ADS), reflects sustained operational confidence as the Army rapidly scales autonomous reconnaissance capabilities beyond the constraints of traditional acquisition timelines.

Every X10D is manufactured at Skydio’s facility in Hayward, California, where production workers assemble and test each unit across 550 individual checkpoints before delivery. The Hayward facility has scaled output to support orders of this size while maintaining the reliability standards the most demanding customers require.

Frontline Ukrainian Drone Commanders to Brief Washington on the World’s First Drone War

Saturday, March 21st, 2026

WASHINGTON, D.C. — March 2026 — The Peace Through Strength Institute will host a high-level Ground Truth Symposium on March 25, 2026, 11 am to 3 pm, at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, Congressional Auditorium, bringing frontline Ukrainian battlefield commanders to Washington to brief policymakers, defense leaders, and journalists on the rapidly evolving realities of drone warfare.

You are invited to attend a news conference in a separate room at the Capitol Visitor Center following the symposium at 3:30 pm where speakers will be available to answer journalist’s questions.

As the U.S. confronts waves of Iranian Shahed drones in the Middle East, American officials are warning that traditional air defenses may not be able to intercept them all. Recent briefings to Congress have acknowledged that these low-cost drones can overwhelm expensive interceptor systems and strain U.S. missile stockpiles.

Symposium participants will include commanders from elite Ukrainian drone and unmanned systems units such as the 12th Special Forces Brigade and the 414th UAV Brigade “Magyar’s Birds.” (Find a detailed list below.)

Also presenting will be analysts, manufacturers, and defense technology experts involved in the rapid development of counter-drone strategies. 

Congressman Don Bacon will open the symposium.

But this is believed to be the first time active Ukrainian drone commanders have traveled to Washington to brief policymakers and journalists directly. They represent the first generation of leaders operating daily in what analysts describe as the world’s first drone-dominated battlefield.

Ukraine’s experience offers critical lessons for the United States and its allies – lessons the United States and our allies need now in the Iranian conflict.

The Ukrainian commanders appearing at the symposium have developed innovative countermeasures, including layered defense networks, electronic warfare, and drone-on-drone interception systems that are already reshaping modern military doctrine.

Event Details

Event: Ground Truth Symposium

Host: Peace Through Strength Institute, Bill Cole, President

Date: March 25, 2026; 11 am to 3 pm

Location: Capitol Visitor Center, Congressional Auditorium, Washington, D.C.

News Availability: Immediately following the Symposium, at 3:30 pm, presenters and moderators will be available in a separate room at the Capitol Visitor Center to answer questions from the media.

Audience:

Members of Congress, congressional staff, national security policymakers, defense experts, and journalists.

Featured Speakers Include battle-front commanders, personnel, and industry experts:

The 12th Special Forces Brigade

The Lazar Group

429th UAV Brigade “Achilles” 

414th UAV Brigade “Magyar’s Birds” 

59th UAV Brigade “Steppe Predators” 

93rd Brigade 

107th Separate Air Wing (F16 Pilot) 

Military experts in electronic warfare and unmanned systems

Defense technology investors and analysts involved in Ukraine’s drone ecosystem

High Speed Gear Awarded United States Army Contract to Manufacture Advanced Drone Pouches

Wednesday, March 18th, 2026

SWANSBORO, NC – March 17, 2026, High Speed Gear, a leader in American-made tactical load-carrying solutions, proudly announces it has been awarded a contract by the United States Army to produce specialized drone pouches designed to support modern unmanned aerial system (UAS) operations.

This contract comes as the Army accelerates the transition of frontline-inspired innovations into operational capability. Modular drone case systems, first developed by Soldiers through the XVIII Airborne Corps’ Dragon’s Lair innovation pipeline, are moving rapidly from experimentation to fielding under the Army’s streamlined procurement model.

Initial development was supported by the Airborne Innovation Lab, a collaboration between the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities DevelopmentCommand Army Research Laboratory and the Civil-Military Innovation Institute, which enables tactical experimentation and rapid prototyping with operational units to help turn Soldier-driven ideas into deployable solutions.

High Speed Gear’s drone pouches will serve as a trusted platform for securingand protecting small UAS assets across Army units, providing rugged, durable, and adaptable carrying solutions optimized for airborne and dismounted missions. Built with the same performance-driven philosophy that defines the HSGI brand, these pouches will enhance operational readiness and soldier efficiency on today’s dynamic battlefield.

Kip Guyon, CEO of High Speed Gear and former U.S. Army Officer, commented: “Supporting and equipping the United States Army is an honor, a privilege, and a responsibility we take seriously. Our team is dedicated to delivering rugged, dependable solutions that enhance readiness and protect the warfighters who protect all of us.

High Speed Gear looks forward to working closely with Army acquisition partners and innovation programs to deliver these critical drone pouch systems on schedule and at scale. This award builds on HSGI’s legacy of equipping U.S. and allied forces with battle-proven pouches and modular gear that support lethality, versatility, and mission success.

Over the past several years, High Speed Gear has intentionally expanded its manufacturing capacity, strengthened its supply chain, and invested in both people and technology to meet the growing demands of modern defense requirements. The company stands ready to support additional mission needs with the same discipline and precision that earned this award. As requirements evolve, the HSG team is prepared to scale, adapt, and deliver, not just as a manufacturer, but as a committed partner.

For inquiries, contact: Adam Garrison, Director of Gov Business Development: Adam.Garrison@highspeedgear.com

Soldiers Assist Air Force Squadron With Drone Warfare Training

Wednesday, March 18th, 2026

More than 200 airmen training with the Air Force’s 368th Training Squadron spent Feb. 27 at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, learning about unmanned aerial systems during an exercise designed to cultivate Air Force airmindedness and the warrior ethos.

The training squadron, based at Fort Leonard Wood, provides initial skills and advanced level training in the areas of ground transportation, engineering, emergency management and pavements and construction equipment.

According to Air Force Tech. Sgt. Christopher Moss, a specialty code instructor assigned to the training squadron, airmen at various specialty schools on base usually train separately, but this day was unique because it brought them all together.

“It allows them to integrate with our other schoolhouses, bringing them together as one force instead of each person learning just their craft,” Moss said. “Producing more well-rounded airmen for the force.”

Air Force Capt. Nathan Elking, 368th Training Squadron director of operations, said the unique training event is called Bracer Forge and is an operational readiness exercise.

“It is a continuation of the training airmen receive at basic training,” Elking said. “Both exercise initiatives are designed to instill airmindedness and warrior ethos in our airmen.”

The squadron’s exercise topics vary, but the current unmanned aerial system focus was driven by the unit’s specialty codes, which according to Elking play a key role in airfield damage assessment and rapid airfield damage recovery.

“Before each iteration of Bracer Forge, we provide the participating airmen with an operation order for the day and reporting instructions with a training scenario to recover a damaged airfield,” he said.

Squadron instructors prepared four stations for the airmen to rotate through.

At the airfield damage assessment challenge, Elking said teams conducted an assessment on a simulated airfield and relayed the information to their teammates in an emergency operations center.

“The airmen in the EOC were tasked with creating a map of the airfield using the details their counterparts called in over the radio,” he said.

While at the UAS reporting challenge, teams established defensive fighting positions and reported UAS activity to their teammates in the EOC by consolidating the information into a report to send up.

The other two stations were a high intensity physical fitness event and a UAS capabilities overview. Soldiers assigned to the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence Combat Training Company gave the UAS portion of the training.

“We are not subject matter experts on counter-UAS and UAS employment. Being able to leverage our Army partners at [center of excellence] played a significant role in the exercise’s success,” Elking said.

According to Army Sgt. 1st Class Austin Priebe, Combat Training Company UAS chief, his mission was to introduce small UAS threats, and teach the basics of identifying, reacting to and reporting small UAS threats.

Priebe said most trainees he instructs have watched or controlled a simulated UAS in video games, but being able to experience a UAS in person, see and hear a drone up close, is “essential to prepare service members for what they will see in current and future conflicts.”

“We conducted practical exercises on scanning for [small] UAS, completing a report and showed the airmen what they look like from an elevated viewpoint,” Priebe said.

This was the training company’s first time facilitating interservice UAS training.

“I’ve largely been focused on enabling training and instruction to the Army units here on Fort Leonard Wood since the inception of our UAS program this past fall,” Priebe said.

As the battlefield changes rapidly, so does our training requirements. If our organization can provide more realistic and in-depth training to our brothers and sisters in other branches, we only stand to benefit as a military.”

Priebe said his team is looking forward to conducting more interservice training events in the future.

At the end of the day, the exercise was a catalyst for innovation, Elking said.

“By exposing airmen to the dual nature of UASs — both as a threat to counter and a tool to master — we challenge them to rethink their mission sets and pioneer new solutions for the modern battlefield,” he said.

By Melissa Buckley, Fort Leonard Wood Public Affairs

Orqa Signs Teaming Agreement with Red River Army Depot to Boost UAS Manufacturing

Monday, March 16th, 2026

OSIJEK, Croatia, March 16, 2026 — Orqa has entered into a groundbreaking teaming agreement with Red River Army Depot in Texarkana, Texas, representing a significant step in advancing the U.S. Army’s rapidly expanding organic small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) manufacturing capacity.

The agreement also strengthens Orqa’s recently announced Global Manufacturing Program.

This agreement builds on Orqa’s longstanding engagement with the Department of War and reflects a shared commitment to supporting the Army’s broader modernization efforts.

The recently signed National Defense Authorization Act represents a national effort to expand unmanned systems production capacity within existing Army depots. Orqa’s role in this initiative builds on the company’s established record of delivering advanced sUAS technologies and supporting operational requirements across multiple theaters.

The teaming agreement marks a significant step in Orqa’s continued partnership with the U.S. military. It reinforces Orqa’s position as a trusted provider of unmanned systems and components, including recent authorizations that enable the company to support Army programs in Europe.

Through this collaboration, Orqa plans to contribute to strengthening domestic production of unmanned systems. As Orqa expands its role in U.S. manufacturing, the increased production activity may also support growth within the company’s operations. “Made in America” Orqa platforms will be available to U.S. military customers and may also support allied nations through established security cooperation channels.

Srdjan Kovacevic, co-founder and CEO of Orqa, said, “We’re thankful for the opportunity to contribute to the increase of U.S. drone manufacturing capability. The resulting boost in capacity will add to the production we can already achieve at our headquarters, a figure that will grow significantly as our Global Manufacturing Partnership Program comes online throughout the year. This agreement is a clear vote of confidence in Orqa, our capabilities, and our products.”

DroneShield Establishes European Manufacturing Footprint to Advance Sovereign Counter-UAS Capability

Thursday, March 12th, 2026

Sydney, Australia – 11 March 2026 – DroneShield (ASX:DRO), a global leader in counter-drone technology, today announced the establishment of counter-UAS manufacturing in the EU, marking a major expansion of the Company’s European industrial footprint and manufacturing capacity. The announcement follows increased momentum across the continent, with national military investments growing under the ReArm Europe Plan / Readiness 2030 initiative, accelerating the need for mature, scalable, and sovereign counter-UAS capability.

Under a new collaboration with an experienced and established manufacturer, production of European-made counter-UAS systems is now underway, with delivery scheduled for mid-2026. The contract manufacturer will carry out full turnkey assembly and component manufacturing, including PCB assembly, precision machining, cable and wire harness assembly, and associated assembly and testing labor. As part of this collaboration, DroneShield has established and will continue to grow a primarily EU-based supply chain, making this the Company’s only production line currently outside of Australia.

DroneShield’s European manufacturing footprint positions the Company more competitively for EU procurement opportunities, which increasingly prioritizes sovereign capability, regional production, and resilient supply chains, ensuring DroneShield can meet these expectations while delivering at scale and with reduced lead times.

Image: DroneShield have established a European production line

Oleg Vornik, Chief Executive of DroneShield said, “Europe is undergoing a profound shift in counter-UAS preparedness. By establishing dedicated manufacturing in the EU, DroneShield is contributing to Europe’s sovereign capability while continuing to deliver rapidly and reliably for our European customers. The ReArm Europe Plan / Readiness 2030 initiative has highlighted the importance of localized, scalable production, and this new production line positions us to meet that demand.”

The establishment of counter-UAS production in Europe forms part of DroneShield’s global manufacturing expansion, which is planned to grow the Company’s combined total annual production capacity from approximately $500 million in 2025 to an expected $2.4 billion by the end of 2026. This uplift supports rising operational demand across Europe, and reinforces DroneShield’s commitment to strengthening industrial bases and diversifying global supply chains, as militaries, law enforcement and critical infrastructure operators expand and modernize counter-UAS capabilities.