Innovations
Technological and operational innovations in the UAS and counter-UAS space — what emerged first, where, and what it changes. Each entry is sourced, dated, and linked to the drones involved.
USAF FAMM program to field mass low-cost air-launched cruise missiles incl. pallet launch
The post describes the USAF’s Family of Affordable Mass Missiles (FAMM) effort to procure ~28,000 lower-cost air-launched cruise missiles in multiple configurations, including lugged hardpoint-launched (FAMM-L) and palletized cargo-aircraft…
Anduril YFQ-44A Fury CCA fires first live AIM-120 AMRAAM
Anduril’s YFQ-44A Fury Collaborative Combat Aircraft conducted its first live AIM-120 AMRAAM launch, demonstrating an end-to-end beyond-line-of-sight engagement sequence with operator tasking and autonomous weapon-employment steps. It is de…
Drones: Bayraktar Kızılelma · Boeing MQ-28 Ghost Bat · Kazhan heavy FPV bomber
USAF FAMM program for mass-produced low-cost cruise missiles (250–500 mi)
The U.S. Air Force is establishing framework agreements for the Family of Affordable Mass Missiles (FAMM) to procure thousands of low-cost cruise missiles (e.g., Anduril Barracuda-500, CoAspire RAACM, Zone 5 Rusty Dagger). The innovation is…
European Bliksem EXO exo-atmospheric hit-to-kill interceptor planned
A consortium (Destinus, MBDA, Safran, Airbus, Thales) plans to develop a European exo-atmospheric hit-to-kill interceptor for MRBM/IRBM midcourse defense, with a space kill-vehicle test targeted for 2027. While not yet fielded, it represent…
SDA funds accelerated missile-warning/tracking satellites for Golden Dome
The post describes new missile warning, tracking, and targeting satellites being developed on an accelerated schedule to support the Pentagon’s planned 2028 Golden Dome missile defense demonstration. While not a frontline battlefield report…
Ukraine-led Freyja anti-ballistic interceptor coalition (FP-7.X)
Ukraine and nine European partners are accelerating development/production of the Freyja anti-ballistic interceptor system as a Patriot alternative, aiming for initial operational capability within 12 months. The novelty is a new, Ukraine-l…
Ukraine to license-produce AASM, Aster 30 and SCALP/Storm Shadow
The post describes agreements for licensed production in Ukraine of key French weapon systems: the AASM glide-bomb kit, Aster 30 interceptors for SAMP/T, and SCALP/Storm Shadow cruise missiles, plus acquisition of SAMP/T NG batteries. While…
USMC to test General Atomics Bullseye cruise missile incl. containerized launch
The post describes the Bullseye cruise missile (derived from Rafael’s Ice Breaker) being funded for USMC integration and demonstration, including containerized “Bullseye in a Box” launch and potential HIMARS integration. The novelty is the …
France integrates 68mm laser-guided rockets on Rafale for anti-drone role
France has live-fire tested and rapidly integrated 68mm laser-guided rockets (Aculeus-LG in Thales Telson JF12 pods) onto Rafale fighters as a low-cost counter-UAS interceptor, using modified RBE2 radar plus the Talios pod for tracking/lase…
Drones: Shahed-136
Ukraine to receive license to domestically produce Aster 30 interceptors
Macron says Ukraine will get a license to produce Aster 30 interceptors (for SAMP/T) domestically, alongside other licensed munitions. While Aster 30 is already in Ukrainian service, local production would be a significant battlefield-relev…