Events
Drone strikes, counter-UAS deployments, civilian incidents and exercises worldwide. Each entry is linked to the relevant drone, country and counter-UAS systems where possible.
Russia bans diesel exports citing domestic supply needs after Ukrainian drone strikes
Reuters reports Russia banned diesel exports to ensure domestic supply, linking the move to targeted Ukrainian drone strikes. The policy change is presented as a response to disruptions caused by the strikes.
Pentagon explores expendable long-range UAV concept to complement or replace MQ-9 Reaper
The Pentagon, via a Defense Innovation Unit solicitation, is seeking a cheaper, long-range, heavy-payload UAV concept called Massed Modular Aircraft (MMA) to perform MQ-9A missions in large numbers. The effort emphasizes…
Drones: MQ-9 Reaper
NATO announces NATO Engine and related initiatives including joint procurement of drones
A Russian milblog post cites NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announcing the NATO Engine initiative to accelerate transatlantic defense-industrial cooperation. The post says participating countries are being drawn into …
Russia attempts to jam Starlink to disrupt Ukrainian drone operations, Reuters reports
Reuters reports that Russia is trying to jam SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet service as part of efforts to counter Ukrainian drone operations. The report describes electronic warfare measures aimed at degrading dron…
UK and Netherlands sign deal for amphibious ships designed to operate long-range drones and autonomous systems
The UK and Netherlands signed a £2.4 billion agreement to build eight amphibious transport ships with flight decks designed to operate current and future long-range drones and autonomous systems. The partnership is frame…
Ukrainian unit volunteer calls for standardized drone munitions and streamlined production approvals
A U.S. volunteer serving with Ukraine’s armed forces argues Ukraine should shift from improvised drone munitions to standardized, quality-controlled drone-delivered munitions and reduce administrative barriers for produc…
Ukraine and the Netherlands sign a drone cooperation agreement (Drone Deal)
A Telegram post reports that Ukraine and the Netherlands signed a full cooperation agreement in the drone sector (“Drone Deal”). The post says it will expand opportunities for joint production, technology development, sy…
US military adds a new drone chief, Breaking Defense reports
Breaking Defense reports that the US military added a new drone chief. The item is framed as a Pentagon organizational move related to drones.
DIU seeks lower-cost drones to perform MQ-9 Reaper-type missions after reported combat losses
A Defense Innovation Unit notice seeks cheaper unmanned aircraft to carry out missions typically performed by the MQ-9 Reaper. The notice follows reports that nearly 30 Reapers were lost in combat against Iran.
Drones: MQ-9 Reaper
US Navy seeks new defenses for ballistic missile submarines against drones and other threats
A Defense News report says the U.S. Navy is pursuing prototype technologies to detect and defeat unmanned systems and other threats to SSBNs and supporting shore installations, especially during port and transit operatio…