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Archive for the ‘UAS’ Category

GA-ASI Achieves EMAR/FR 145 Maintenance Organization Approval for MQ-9A and MQ-9B Platforms

Sunday, March 30th, 2025

European Military Airworthiness Regulator Approves GA-ASI Application Approval Will Make Subsequent Certifications Easier

SAN DIEGO – 20 March 2025 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), a world leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), has received the prestigious EMAR/FR 145 Maintenance Organization Approval for component maintenance from the French Military Continuing Airworthiness Authority, DSAE. This approval underscores GA-ASI’s commitment to the highest standards of safety, compliance, and operational excellence in military aviation.

The EMAR framework is a set of regulations developed from commercial aerospace standards (FAA/EASA) that are designed to ensure airworthiness for European military aircraft. It establishes a common airworthiness framework recognized by military airworthiness authorities worldwide. EMAR/FR 145 certification authorizes maintenance organizations to perform critical maintenance tasks while ensuring strict adherence to safety, reliability, and documentation requirements.

GA-ASI’s EMAR/FR 145 approval allows the company to issue EMAR Form 1s (Return to Service forms) for components serviced by the approved maintenance organization, confirming the safety and airworthiness of the equipment. This recognition applies to GA-ASI’s maintenance activities at its Poway and Adelanto, California, facilities and covers CAT C (component maintenance) services.

“This approval is a significant achievement for GA-ASI, positioning the company to better serve international customers, especially military users of our MQ-9A and MQ-9B UAS platforms,” said Sam Richardson, GA-ASI vice president of Sustainment. “The ability to leverage the EMAR/FR 145 certification streamlines the company’s processes, reduces costs, and accelerates future airworthiness pursuits, as many future customers will recognize this certification rather than requiring a full, independent certification process.”

By obtaining EMAR/FR 145 approval, GA-ASI further demonstrates its ability to meet the stringent demands of the global defense market. The framework’s widespread recognition ensures that GA-ASI can expand operations and offer high-quality, compliant maintenance services to international customers, ultimately driving company growth in global markets.

This certification offers significant operational and financial benefits for both GA-ASI and its customers. For GA-ASI, the approval reduces future oversight costs by leveraging the DSAE Audit Team’s oversight activities, ensuring a more efficient and cost-effective certification process for future non-French EMAR customers. For customers, the EMAR/FR 145 approval provides a framework recognized internationally, offering a streamlined maintenance certification process. The recognition agreements between EMAR and non-EMAR countries allow future customers to leverage GA-ASI’s French approval, saving time and resources compared to a full certification effort.

GA-ASI Completes First Flight of Belgium’s MQ-9B SkyGuardian

Thursday, March 27th, 2025

SAN DIEGO – 25 March 2025 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and the Belgian Ministry of Defence completed the first flight of a new MQ-9B SkyGuardian® Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) that will be the first SkyGuardian delivered to Belgium as part of a four-aircraft purchase. The flight was based out of GA-ASI’s Desert Horizon Flight Operations Facility in El Mirage, California and took place on February 20, 2025.

First flight is part of a series of ground and flight tests conducted to validate the performance of the Belgian MQ-9B RPA. The objective of the flight was to prove controllability and safe landing of the aircraft. The flight was successful, and the program will move forward with further development flight tests.

“We’re excited to complete the first flight of SkyGuardian for Belgium,” said Chris Dusseault, vice president of MQ-9B in Europe. “Belgium joins the U.K.’s Royal Air Force and will become the second country to take delivery of our MQ-9B in Europe.”

MQ-9B is the world’s most advanced RPAS, delivering exceptionally long endurance and range—with auto takeoff and landing under pole-to-pole SATCOM-only control—and will be able to operate in unsegregated airspace using the GA-ASI-developed Detect and Avoid system. MQ-9B includes the SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian® models, with multiple deliveries made to the U.K.’s Royal Air Force (Protector), as well as orders from Canada, Poland, the Japan Coast Guard, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, Taiwan, India, and the U.S. Air Force in support of the Special Operations Command. MQ-9B has also supported various U.S. Navy exercises, including Northern Edge, Integrated Battle Problem, and Group Sail.

The Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Belgium also includes two Certifiable Ground Control Stations (CGCS).

For more information, visit www.ga-asi.com.

DroneShield Launches UAS Incident Platform to Enhance Situational Awareness for Customers

Wednesday, March 26th, 2025

DroneShield (ASX:DRO), a global leader in counter-drone solutions, is proud to announce the launch of its UAS Incident platform, a powerful new tool designed to provide DroneShield customers with comprehensive insights by sector into drone-related incidents worldwide.

The UAS Incident platform aggregates and analyses open-source data, offering real-time intelligence on drone activities, security breaches, and emerging drone threats. This unique platform enables customers to track, assess, and respond to drone-related risks more effectively by leveraging a continuously updated repository of incidents. It also enables clients to conduct their own analysis on emerging trends, specific to their safety and security risk profile.

“Our new UAS Incident platform is a game-changer for both our military and civilian customers alike,” said Oleg Vornik, CEO and Managing Director at DroneShield.

“With drone incidents on the rise globally, access to timely and relevant data is critical for organisations to enhance their security posture and stay ahead of potential drone threats. The UAS Incident platform helps to deliver exactly that.”


Image: DroneShield UAS Incidents Page strengthens situational awareness and supports informed decision-making in an increasingly complex airspace environment.

The UAS Incident platform is available to DroneShield customers through the Customer Portal, and complements the company’s suite of industry-leading counter-drone solutions. Through the platform, users can filter incidents by region, sector and impact

By integrating the latest intelligence on drone threats, the UAS Incident platform strengthens situational awareness and supports informed decision-making in an increasingly complex airspace environment.

DroneShield will be showcasing its UAS Incident platform at the Avalon Airshow (Stand 1K20), demonstrating its capabilities and how it empowers organisations with cutting-edge intelligence to combat drone threats. Attendees will have the opportunity to see the platform in action and learn more about its real-world applications.

Tracer Tactical – Quick Deploy Drone Clamp

Wednesday, March 26th, 2025

Developed at the behest of Rampant Logistics, the Quick Deploy Drone Clamp (QDDC) which is a MOLLE compatible clamp to secure Quadcopters to backpacks, Plate carriers, etc. The internal Curv core provides rigidity and protection for the body of the drone while allowing the drone to be accessed and retrieved quickly.

tracer-tactical.com

*Made to Order – 1-2 week lead time

SpearUAV Announces Completion of a Significant Funding Round Led by Deep Insight Venture Fund

Tuesday, March 25th, 2025

Investment to support the expansion of production capabilities in Israel and future global operations

24 March 2025, Israel – SpearUAV, a leading developer of autonomous, AI-based encapsulated loitering combat systems, announces the successful completion of a significant funding round led by Deep Insight venture fund. The round also included participation from existingand new private investors, marking a major milestone in the company’s continued growth.

This investment follows a period of accelerated expansion, with SpearUAV securing major defense contracts and scaling its operations to meet increasing global demand. The funding will enable the company to establish a new production line in Israel, while also supporting future expansion plans in the United States, including the eventual launch of a dedicated production facility.

“SpearUAV has demonstrated an exceptional ability to address evolving operational needs with its cutting-edge technology,” said Dr. Eyal Kishon, Chairman of DeepInsight “At Deep Insight, we specialize in elevating technology companies, and we recognize that SpearUAV possesses a unique combination of foundational capabilities, innovative technologies, and a disruptive market approach that sets it apart from existing solutions. We are excited to support SpearUAV’s continued innovation and global expansion and confident that our partnership will producesignificant success in the defense sector.”

“SpearUAV has experienced rapid growth over the past year, driven by increased demand for our cutting-edge VIPER family of loitering weapon systems supporting combat vehicles, infantry forces, submarines and naval vessels,” said Yiftach Kleinman, CEO of SpearUAV. “Since the company was founded by Gadi Kuperman, Spear has attracted interest from high-profile private investors and strategic investors. The currentinvestment round, led by Deep Insight, a sophisticated venture fund, which is led by highly experienced leadership, reflects the confidence of our partners in our technology and vision. Expanding our production capabilities in Israel is a critical step to meeting global demand, and we are also laying the groundwork for future operations in the U.S. to further strengthen our international presence and partnerships. We are proud to be part of Deep Insight’s portfolio.”

For more information, please visit www.spearuav.com.

DroneShield Reaffirms Support for ADF Drone Racing Team at Avalon Australian International Airshow 2025

Monday, March 24th, 2025

DroneShield, a global leader in counter-drone solutions, proudly reaffirms its support for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) Drone Racing Team at the upcoming Avalon Australian International Airshow 2025. This continued collaboration further strengthens the partnership between DroneShield and Australia’s foremost military drone operators, fostering innovation in both drone and counter-drone technologies.

Building on the successful engagement with the ADF Drone Racing Association, DroneShield’s sponsorship at Avalon 2025 will go beyond traditional support, focusing on hands-on collaboration, including DroneShield drone pilot participation in the ADF Drone Racing Team’s activities at Avalon Airshow, further enhancing cross-domain expertise and fostering innovation in real-time drone engagements.

“The ADF Drone Racing Team represents the pinnacle of high-performance drone operations, and we are excited to continue our support at Avalon 2025,” said Oleg Vornik, CEO and Managing Director of DroneShield.

“This partnership is more than just sponsorship; it’s about shaping the future of drone warfare by merging expertise from both offensive and defensive drone technologies.”

Image: ADF Drone Racing Team with DroneShield team. Source: Australian Army Drone Racing Team (Facebook)

Wing Commander Keirin Joyce, President of the ADF Drone Racing Association, welcomed the continued collaboration.

“The partnership between the ADF Drone Racing Team and DroneShield is invaluable in pushing the boundaries of what drones can do – both in competition and on the battlefield. By testing cutting-edge counter-drone technologies against some of the most skilled drone operators in Defence, we create a unique development loop that strengthens Australia’s overall defence capabilities.”

The Avalon Australian International Airshow remains a premier event for showcasing advancements in aviation, defence, and aerospace technologies. This public event also plays a crucial role in inspiring the next generation of STEM enthusiasts, offering an opportunity to witness cutting-edge technology in action. DroneShield looks forward to engaging with industry partners, Defence stakeholders, and drone technology enthusiasts to demonstrate the latest developments in counter-drone capabilities.

188th Infantry Brigade Innovation Lab Invests in Drone Training for Future Combat

Sunday, March 23rd, 2025

FORT STEWART, Ga. – The 188th Infantry Brigade is breaking new ground in Army training and readiness with the launch of its Innovation Lab, a future forward initiative dedicated to the development, construction, and integration of drones in modern warfare.

As part of First Army’s mission to prepare Reserve and National Guard units (Compo 2 and Compo 3) for mobilization, the 188th Infantry Brigade is embracing emerging technologies to enhance warfighter capabilities. The Innovation Lab provides Soldiers with hands-on experience in drone assembly, programming, and field training, preparing them for efficiency on the battlefields of the future.

Maj. Trevor Barrett, the Brigade Innovations Officer, emphasized the lab’s value in fostering a culture of adaptability.

“This is the future and the sooner we can expose Soldiers to this technology the better and more proficient we will be,” Barrett said. “This makes our Army stronger, more adaptive, and more lethal.”

The Innovation Lab is a collaborative space where Soldiers from various military occupational specialties (MOS) work together to construct and modify drones tailored to mission-specific needs. Using commercially available components and 3D printing, the lab enables Soldiers to design drones for reconnaissance.

In addition to drone construction, the Innovation Lab integrates small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) into field exercises and combat simulations. Soldiers undergo training on drone piloting and electronic warfare countermeasures to prepare them to operate effectively in both offensive and defensive scenarios.

“I think sUAS operation will be a required skill for many MOS and you will see multiple variants in the US inventory,” Barrett said.

The Innovation Lab serves as a multifaceted learning tool for drone technology, with Soldiers being trained on both the assembly and field use of the sUAS. The drones that have been built will be introduced at upcoming training events and competitions for the brigade.

“We plan on using these systems this summer at eXportable Combat Training Capability (XCTCs) and the second annual Pershing Cup Best OC/T Competition,” Barrett said.

This initiative aligns with the Army’s broader modernization efforts, leveraging grassroots ingenuity to develop practical solutions for warfighters at all levels.

“Like most Soldiers, I am a student of warfare and have seen how drones have changed the modern battlefield,” Barrett said. “The overall objective is to become masters of these systems, learn to employ them effectively, and modify them to defeat our enemies.”

As the 188th Infantry Brigade continues to refine its drone training program, the Innovation Lab is a tangible testament to the Army’s commitment to adaptability and technological advancement. With each flight and every experiment, Ready Brigade Soldiers are not just learning to use drones—they are shaping the warfighting future.

Story by SSG Marlana Cureton, 188th Infantry Brigade

GA-ASI Releases New TacSit-C2 for Payload Command and Control

Friday, March 21st, 2025

New Product Builds on Extensive Experience in Controlling UAS Payloads;

Part of GA’s Quadratix Software Enterprise

SAN DIEGO – 19 March 2025 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has released its latest evolution of the company’s payload command and control (C2), and tactical situational awareness software called TacSit-C2®. The new version builds on GA-ASI’s more than 25 years of experience in developing and deploying C2 for various payloads that are integrated onto GA-ASI’s world-leading Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). TacSit-C2 is part of General Atomics’ Quadratix software enterprise.

TacSit-C2 provides tactical situational awareness so that UAS operators can plan and execute missions. Operators will use TacSit-C2 to view all sensor data concurrently, allowing them to cross-cue payload capabilities. GA-ASI’s development team of experienced payload C2 veterans used intuitive user experience (UX) to simplify payload operations. The new version of TacSit-C2 is expected to be fielded before the end of the year.

“As part of the Quadratix set of software solutions, TacSit-C2 seamlessly integrates Multiple Intelligence Signal Processing (Multi-INT) C2 into a single application that includes radar, Electronic Intelligence (ELINT), Communications Intelligence (COMINT), and Electro-optical/Infrared (EO/IR) sensors,” said Darren Moe, GA-ASI senior director for Automation, Autonomy and Artificial Intelligence. “We anticipate that implementation of TacSit-C2 will significantly reduce manpower requirements.”

TacSit-C2 features GA-ASI’s Multi-Mission Controller (MMC), which enables one user to control multiple heterogeneous unmanned vehicles at the same time.

TacSit-C2 is scalable, easily accommodating the addition or removal of workstations depending on the mission. The system runs on commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) computer hardware from a laptop to a server. TacSit-C2’s Software Development Kit (SDK) empowers third parties to add additional capabilities such as new payloads.