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.
Ukraine reportedly uses AGM-188A Rusty Dagger long-range cruise missile
The post claims Ukraine is employing the AGM-188A “Rusty Dagger” low-cost cruise missile for deep strikes inside Russia, with recovered debris (including a CRPA anti-jam antenna) cited as evidence. Novelty is the reported introduction of a …
Aerostar tests high-altitude balloon as drone launch platform, eyes multi-UAS mothership
Aerostar tested its Lightning high-altitude balloon as a launch platform for an Icarus Apollo-R surveillance drone, positioning it as a scalable path to a larger Thunderhead balloon “mothership” carrying multiple drones. The concept combine…
Drones: MQ-9 Reaper · RQ-4 Global Hawk
US Navy GARC kamikaze USV conducts first live-fire attack at RIMPAC 2026
The US Navy confirmed its Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft (GARC) uncrewed surface vessel executed its first live-fire, end-to-end destructive attack during RIMPAC 2026 SINKEX against ex-USS Peleliu. The strike reportedly used a full …
USAF explores cross-national command of Australia's MQ-28 Ghost Bat in exercises
The post describes emerging command-and-control architectures that could allow U.S. pilots/operators to task Australian MQ-28 Ghost Bat loyal-wingman drones, demonstrated in part through integration during Exercise Valiant Shield 2026. The …
Drones: MQ-9 Reaper · Boeing MQ-28 Ghost Bat · Kazhan heavy FPV bomber
India tests Kusha long-range surface-to-air interceptor missile
India conducted a maiden flight test of the indigenous Kusha long-range SAM interceptor, reportedly hitting a simulated high-speed, high-altitude electronic target. The program aims for three variants (about 150/250/350–400 km), potentially…
Pentagon GBAM push for low-cost 600+ nm autonomous ground-launched strike
The DoD/DIU is soliciting Ground-Based Affordable Mass (GBAM) long-range strike weapons aiming for sub-$250k unit cost, 600+ nautical mile range, and autonomous terminal guidance with automatic target recognition. The novelty is the acceler…
South Korea begins assembling prototype KSAM-II naval SAM missiles
LIG D&A has started assembling prototype KSAM-II (Ship-to-Air Missile-II) rounds, an indigenous SM-2 replacement for future ROK Navy surface combatants using the Korean VLS. Newly disclosed details include approximate size (~6 m), multi-sec…
Russian milblog calls for unified command for 'small sky' drone defense
The post argues for reforming Russia’s air-defense approach against drones by creating a single unified command responsible for protecting the 'small sky' (low-altitude UAV threat) and notes growing reliance on agile volunteer tech units fo…
Russian NRTK 'Kurier' fitted with Shmel-4 module and Kornet missile
The post describes a new remote-controlled unmanned ground vehicle configuration: an NRTK 'Kurier' carrying a removable 'Shmel-4' combat module combining four flamethrowers and a Kornet ATGM under control of a single operator. It also menti…
Russian unit claims radio-deception 'radiogame' using captured POWs near Pryvillya
The post claims Russian assault-recon troops captured prisoners near Pryvillya (DNR) and used them for over a month to conduct a sustained 'radio game' (radio deception) against Ukrainian command, allegedly contributing to a local defensive…