Innovations
Tactical and technological innovations in drone warfare — what showed up first, where, and what it changes. Each entry is sourced, dated, and linked to the drones involved.
ROK Navy receives second Ulsan-class Batch-III frigate ROKS Gyeongbuk
SK Oceanplant delivered the second Ulsan-class (FFX) Batch-III frigate, ROKS Gyeongbuk, featuring hybrid propulsion and upgraded detection/defensive systems. While not a battlefield tactic, it represents a newly-fielded naval platform incre…
Claimed Ukrainian use of weather balloons to release drones
The post highlights a reported tactic of deploying drones by releasing them from aerostats/meteorological balloons, framing it as a practical battlefield threat. If implemented, balloon launch could extend reach, reduce launch-site risk, an…
Analysis of Russia’s Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile propulsion
MIT researchers assess Russia’s Burevestnik (SSC-X-9) as a subsonic, direct-cycle air-breathing nuclear propulsion cruise missile likely driving a turbojet, implying extremely long endurance/range. If the reported 15-hour 2025 flight is acc…
US Army Pacific unit pursues AI-enabled drone saturation with decoys and EW UAVs
USARPAC’s new 7th Infantry Division Multi-Domain Command–Pacific describes an operational concept to overwhelm adversaries by linking sensor drones to long-range one-way attack drones via an adaptive, agentic C2 system (“soldier-on-the-loop…
Drones: Shahed-136
L3Harris proposes RC-135 Rivet Joint controlling drones for ISR teaming
L3Harris is discussing demonstrations to have RC-135V/W Rivet Joint ISR aircraft team with and potentially control uncrewed platforms via secure datalinks. Using drones as forward collectors could extend sensor reach beyond the radio horizo…
US Army stands up Indo-Pacific Multi-Domain Command with Cross Domain Contact Layer
The US Army created a new Indo-Pacific multi-domain command structure that merges Stryker formations with cyber, space, unmanned systems and electronic warfare under a single headquarters. Central is the proposed Cross Domain Contact Layer …
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 …
MQ-9B flies with Saab LoyalEye AEW radar pods for first time
The post describes the first flight of an MQ-9B configured as an airborne early warning (AEW) platform using Saab's podded LoyalEye radar, aiming to detect/track aircraft, drones, and missiles. Turning a MALE UAV into a persistent AEW senso…
Drones: MQ-9 Reaper · Shahed-136 · Elbit Hermes 900 Kochav