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.
US explores 2,000lb JDAM-ER as winged bunker-buster for low-angle strikes
Pentagon/DTRA budget documents indicate interest in enhancing 2,000lb-class JDAM-ER (GBU-64) for hard-target defeat, potentially pairing wing kits with penetrator warheads (e.g., BLU-109) and enabling longer-range releases. The novel aspect…
Teledyne FLIR unveils Black Recon microdrone with ~1-hour endurance
Teledyne FLIR unveiled the Black Recon microdrone system, a sub-450g UAV claimed to fly up to about an hour and reach ~55 mph. If fielded, this pushes endurance/speed in the microdrone class, improving small-unit reconnaissance reach and pe…
Australia to forge M795 155mm shells domestically at Maryborough
Australia awarded a contract to establish a domestic production line for M795 155mm artillery projectile bodies at Rheinmetall Nioa Munitions' Maryborough facility—the first time M795 forging will occur outside North America. While not a ne…
US Army validates GA-EMS maneuvering 155mm extended-range artillery round
General Atomics is developing a maneuvering 155mm artillery projectile (ERAP) with deployable wings and redundant guidance to reach ~74+ miles from legacy guns like the M777. The novelty is extended range without rocket assist plus a non-GP…
Claim of first use of 'Banderoli' weapons in strike on Kyiv
The post claims that during a combined mass strike on Kyiv, Russia for the first time launched a weapon/system referred to as “Banderoli.” If accurate, this indicates a newly introduced strike munition or variant being trialed against dense…
UK conducts first VBSS interdiction of Russian 'shadow fleet' tanker
The UK carried out its first boarding/interdiction (VBSS) of a Russian 'shadow fleet' oil tanker in international waters, using an integrated package of Royal Marines/NCA teams supported by multiple helicopters, a P-8A maritime patrol aircr…
Thales adds LiDAR terminal sensor to laser-guided rocket for anti-drone use
Thales Belgium says it integrated a new LiDAR sensor behind the guidance kit of its laser-guided rocket, activating near the target to improve engagement of drones. This is a notable seeker/guidance upgrade aimed at counter-UAS performance,…
French Leclerc XLR fitted with roof anti-drone cage armor
France is fielding a roof-mounted cage armor kit on the upgraded Leclerc XLR to mitigate top-attack drone/FPV threats. While similar “cope cages” are already common in Ukraine, this is a notable adoption by a NATO MBT fleet and indicates in…
US Senate bill proposes four-star combatant command for drones (RASCC)
The post describes a proposed US structural/doctrinal change: creating a dedicated Robotic and Autonomous Systems Combatant Command with authorities for testing/evaluation and faster procurement via tech marketplaces. While not a battlefiel…
NATO Suwalki exercise plans include UAV/UGV integration and 'Hornet' drone use claim
The post claims NATO’s June 2026 Suwalki Corridor exercise will implicitly rehearse UAV and ground-robot (NRK/UGV) employment, and alleges US forces recently began using Ukrainian-tested medium-range 'Hornet' drones to strike logistics. If …