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.
F-15EX flies with MQ-28 Ghost Bat in Valiant Shield 26 human-machine teaming demo
Photos from Valiant Shield 26 show a USAF F-15EX operating alongside the MQ-28 Ghost Bat, illustrating an emerging concept where the two-seat F-15EX acts as a controller/battle manager for Collaborative Combat Aircraft. While integration de…
Drones: Boeing MQ-28 Ghost Bat · Kazhan heavy FPV bomber
Russia conducts mixed missile-drone raid with reactive UAVs and decoys
The post describes a large combined strike featuring simultaneous use of multiple missile types from different axes plus a very large UAV package including jet-powered (“reactive”) drones and dedicated decoy/imitator drones. The notable ele…
Su-57 seen with external short-range AAMs and possible new targeting pod
Photos show a Russian Su-57 carrying externally mounted short-range R-73/R-74 missiles—unusual given its internal bays—and what appears to be a previously unseen targeting/EO pod under the left engine nacelle. The configuration is assessed …
Drones: Elbit Hermes 450
US Army tests heavy-lift drone delivery of Bangalore torpedo for breaching
Oregon Army National Guard combat engineers tested using a heavy-lift commercial drone (Lorica Mule 28) to place and detonate a live Bangalore torpedo to clear wire obstacles, reducing exposure of soldiers during deliberate breaches. The tr…
101st tests drone-led obstacle breaching with grappling hooks and wire charges
The 101st Airborne tested a largely robotic trench-line breach concept using in-house built one-way drones (ABE 1.01) with a drone-dropped grappling hook attachment and a 3D-printed munition to cut/blast concertina wire, plus MRR “mothershi…
Russian drone campaign to isolate Ukrainian logistics on key axes
The post claims Russian forces are increasingly deciding battles by systematically using drones to interdict Ukrainian transport and isolate supply on the Kostiantynivka and Sloviansk directions. It notes Ukrainian infantry being forced to …
Russian motorcycle assault with mine-clearing devices and mobile EW near Mala Tokmachka
The post describes a Russian assault using over 30 motorcycles on multiple routes, with some bikes fitted with improvised mine-clearing attachments and others carrying mobile electronic-warfare gear. Using light motorbikes for dispersed ass…
Azov conducts 'middle-strike' drone campaign to disrupt logistics near Mariupol
The post describes a sustained Ukrainian 'middle-strike' campaign by the 1st NGU Corps 'Azov' using UAVs to systematically hit roads, substations, repair facilities and port infrastructure around occupied Mariupol to choke Russian logistics…
Ukrainian drones guide and supply surrendering Russian troops via 'Khochu zhyty'
The post describes a coordinated surrender-exfiltration operation where Ukrainian UAV operators escorted two soldiers along a safe route and provided water, food, and communications support. This reflects an evolving tactic of using drones …
Ukraine uses light aircraft and 'small air defense' vs drones
The post claims Ukraine has adapted to drone threats by using light propeller aircraft for drone interception and by fielding 'small air defense' consisting of AA guns and interceptor drones. This reflects an evolving counter-UAV air-defens…