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 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 …
US uses Saronic Corsair USVs in one-way attack strike on Bandar Abbas
CENTCOM reports the first combat employment of American one-way attack unmanned surface vessels, using three Saronic Corsair USVs to strike a docked Iranian midget submarine at Bandar Abbas. The novelty is the operational debut of US-made m…
US employs Saronic Corsair USVs as one-way attack craft in combat
CENTCOM says U.S. forces used three Saronic Corsair unmanned surface vessels as one-way attack drones to strike Iran's Bandar Abbas Naval Base, described as the first U.S. combat employment of sea drones as strike weapons. This represents a…
Drones: Shahed-136
Ukrainian USV deploys armed UGV ashore on Kinburn Spit
Ukraine reportedly conducted a first-of-its-kind combat mission where an uncrewed surface vessel (drone boat) beached and deployed an armed wheeled UGV (likely a Rys-family platform with a 7.62mm MG) behind Russian lines. This is a novel cr…
US Army HADES ME-11B jets to launch 1,000km-class long-range drones
The US Army’s ME-11B HADES ISR jets are planned to operate as high-altitude sensor platforms that can also air-launch extremely long-range drones (~1,000km) to extend sensing reach while keeping the manned aircraft outside hostile air defen…
Drones: Elbit Hermes 900 Kochav · MQ-9 Reaper · MQ-1C Gray Eagle / Gray Eagle ER
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…
US uses Corsair unmanned surface vessels for first combat strike
CENTCOM says US forces used three Saronic Corsair unmanned surface vessels (USVs) to strike an Iranian naval maintenance facility at Bandar Abbas, described as the first American combat employment of sea drones. The novelty is the transitio…
Claimed Geran-4 jet drones used to strike ships in Chornomorsk port
The post claims Russia employed “Geran-4” reactive (jet-powered) drones to attack a dry cargo ship, ferry, and seiner in the port of Chornomorsk, indicating a potentially new Shahed/Geran variant and a maritime strike role. If accurate, thi…