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.
Israel inducts INS Drakon submarine, citing longer-range covert capability
The post announces the induction of the INS Drakon submarine into the Israeli Navy and claims enhanced operational capabilities (more covert, longer-range, deeper). While details are not provided, a new submarine entering service represents…
China builds large PLAN mothership for launching/recovering big UUVs
Satellite imagery indicates China is constructing a large, specialized PLAN auxiliary with a well deck and cradle-like semi-submersible platform intended to launch and recover very large uncrewed underwater vehicles (UUVs). If confirmed, it…
Danish-flag Saildrone Voyager USVs for long-endurance naval ISR
Saildrone’s Voyager unmanned surface vehicles have been registered under the Danish flag and operated for a six-month trial with the Danish Navy, signaling formal adoption pathways for long-endurance USV maritime ISR in Northern Europe. The…
Italy orders DDX destroyers with DC power sub-network and digital AESA radar
Italy contracted two new 13,500-ton DDX destroyers featuring a highly digitalized combat system (Leonardo SADOC 5), digital S-band AESA radar, and an onboard DC power sub-network with energy storage plus integrated stabilization/steering al…
UK Excalibur XLUUV test-fires US Mk 48 heavyweight torpedo
The UK’s Excalibur extra-large uncrewed underwater vehicle (UUV) successfully released a US Mk 48 heavyweight torpedo in a joint US-UK proof-of-concept test at BUTEC. This demonstrates weapon integration/interchangeability and moves armed a…
Drones: Shark
US CENTCOM employs unmanned surface vessels for combat strike and SAR
The post describes CENTCOM/Navy Task Force 59 using unmanned surface vessels (Corsair) for both search-and-rescue and, reportedly for the first time, combat strike against Iranian naval facilities. It also notes the creation of dedicated on…
Royal Navy Excalibur UUV launches US Mk 48 heavyweight torpedo in test
The Royal Navy demonstrated launching a US Mk 48 Mod 7 heavyweight torpedo from its Excalibur uncrewed underwater vehicle using an external cradle, validating mechanical/electrical/software integration of a US kinetic payload on an allied a…
Satellite imagery shows new Chinese SSN with pumpjet and X-stern features
New satellite imagery from Bohai Shipyard appears to show a next-generation Chinese nuclear attack submarine (often dubbed Type 095) with a pumpjet propulsor and X-shaped stern planes, both associated with quieter operation and improved man…
USMC tests counter-mine USV with autonomous driving and sonar/FLIR payloads
The article describes the US Marine Corps testing a commercial unmanned surface vessel to close a littoral mine/counter-obstacle gap, integrating autonomous driving plus sonar, FLIR, LOS comms and acoustic comms for pre-landing reconnaissan…
US Navy Corsair USV used for personnel recovery after Apache shootdown
The post describes what is presented as the first known use of an uncrewed surface vessel (Saronic Corsair USV) to execute a personnel recovery action during a military search-and-rescue mission after an AH-64 Apache was downed near Oman. I…