Rheinmetall has attached missiles to the Primoco drone for self—defense - now it can shoot back from fighter jets

Czech drone with German weapons

Rheinmetall took the Czech Primoco One 150 reconnaissance drone and turned it into a combat vehicle. Previously, this device was used mainly for surveillance and data collection. Now serious weapons have been added to it, including missiles that can attack other aircraft. The basis was a drone from the Czech Primoco, and weapons and integration from the German giant Rheinmetall.

It turned out to be a hybrid: a quiet and hardy scout who now knows how to shoot back.

Homing bombs and air–to-air missiles

Two types of weapons were installed on the Primoco One 150. The first is homing ammunition for strikes against ground targets. The second, and completely unexpected for such a drone— is an air–to-air missile. They are needed to repel attacks by fighter jets or helicopters that may try to shoot down a drone.

Drones like this used to be an easy target. Now, if they're spotted, they can respond.

The drone is no longer just a target

Before that, most reconnaissance drones were considered vulnerable. They fly to themselves, take pictures, transmit data, and that's it, no defense. If they were discovered, all that remained was to leave or be shot down.

Rheinmetall solved this problem radically: let the drone decide for itself when to use weapons. This is especially important in areas with dense air defenses, where every device counts.

Why would a drone need a weapon against airplanes

Imagine: a drone flies into an area where enemy interceptors are flying. Previously, he just turned off the speed and went into hiding. Now he can detect the threat, launch the rocket and continue the mission.

This does not mean that it will become a replacement for fighter jets. But in autonomous operations, this ability increases the chances of survival. This means that it takes longer to keep in touch, longer to conduct reconnaissance, longer to participate in combat.

Sources

1. Interfax — Rheinmetall developing a 12-hour-endurance drone able to carry and launch up to eight loitering munitions.
2. Overclockers.ru — Primoco One “mother-ship” drone armed with HERO R-20 loitering weapons and an air-to-air missile for counter-UAS defense.
3. Ponomaroleg.com — Czech Primoco One 150 UAV upgraded with experimental German weaponry: 30 kg payload, 1,800 km range, 6–8 h endurance.
4. Wikipedia — overview of air-to-air guided missile principles relevant to the new Rheinmetall payloads.

Israel has created an AI flying center: how the Oron plane is changing the future of intelligence

Oron — The evolution of Israeli aerial reconnaissance

Israel has unveiled the Oron, not just a new aircraft, but a breakthrough aerial reconnaissance and control concept. Created in the face of military pressure and technological race, this multi-purpose aircraft combines advanced technology, modular architecture and artificial intelligence, forming a new standard for future intelligence platforms.

Oron is the result of decades of development, starting with legendary systems such as Shavit and Eytam.

From "Shavit" and "Eytama" to a single multifunctional platform

Previously, Israeli intelligence relied on specialized platforms: Shavit provided strategic interception of signals, and Eitam acted as a "flying command center" linking military units. However, these functions were performed separately, which slowed down the processing of information.

Oron is changing the paradigm: it combines electronic intelligence (RER), visual surveillance, analysis and control into a single system. Now a single platform can do everything from data collection to strike coordination.

Situational Fabric: How Oron turns Data into a Strategy

The key feature of Oron is the formation of the so—called "situational fabric". There are several teams of analysts working on board: some are engaged in signal interception, others in image processing, and others in radar and electronic mapping. All data is integrated into a single network and processed in real time.

Artificial intelligence systems automatically detect anomalies, identify sources of threats, and make predictions. For example, algorithms can detect signs of preparation for the deployment of troops or the launch of drones long before it becomes obvious to traditional intelligence.

Gulfstream 550 as a base: stealth, range, economy

The Gulfstream 550 business jet became the technical base of Oron. Its choice is due to a number of advantages: high flight range (up to 12,000 km), the ability to use short runways, low radar visibility and lower operating costs compared to heavy military aircraft.

This allows Oron to control vast territories — from the Middle East to North Africa, the Caucasus and parts of the Indian Ocean. The civilian platform also simplifies modernization: the modular electronic architecture allows for the rapid adoption of new technologies.

Role in combat and political operations

From a military point of view, Oron transforms the Israeli Air Force into a more "connected" and reactive force. The aircraft can coordinate the actions of fighters, air defense systems, and ground units, providing them with up-to-date intelligence that instantly transforms into combat instructions.

Politically, Oron strengthens Israel's position as a key partner of the United States and NATO. Its technological model — compact, efficient and scalable — can become a model for other countries. In addition, the possession of such a platform increases the value of Israel in intelligence alliances, especially in the context of confrontation with Iran and its proxies.

British Atlas A400M aircraft to receive new PRIBAD Boat Drop System

IrvinGQ contract for 25 million pounds

IrvinGQ has received a contract from the British Ministry of Defense in the amount of 25 million pounds for the supply of a modern air delivery system based on Atlas A400M aircraft of the Royal Air Force. This order provides for the production of up to 25 PRIBAD (Parachute Rigger Integrated Boat Airdrop) systems, ten-year operational support and full integration with aviation and marine platforms.

The system is designed to revolutionize the way marine boats are delivered to hard-to-reach areas.

How the PRIBAD system works

PRIBAD is an advanced system for parachuting large rigid inflatable boats (RHIB) and rigid hull boats. It is designed for the safe discharge of vessels from 6 to 14 meters long and weighing up to 12 tons from a transport aircraft at a speed and altitude compatible with combat conditions.

After separation from the aircraft, the boat parachutes down and gently lands, after which it can immediately begin performing tasks ranging from rescue operations to tactical special forces missions.

From amphibious landings to naval operations in minutes

Previously, shipping boats to remote areas required complex logistics — sea transportation or manual assembly. PRIBAD allows you to reduce the deployment time to a minimum: the boat is dropped off in a ready-to-use form and immediately comes into action.

This is especially important in emergency situations, humanitarian crises, or rapid response to threats in coastal areas.

Flexibility and integration with the naval forces

One of the key advantages of PRIBAD is its modularity. The interchangeable frames allow the system to be adapted to different types of boats and payloads, from reconnaissance boats to large rescue vessels.

The system will be integrated with units of the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy and Special Operations Forces, ensuring seamless interaction between aviation and naval forces.

The latest armored vehicles have been delivered to Beijing to participate in the military parade

The latest armored vehicles have arrived in the capital of China, Beijing, which will be publicly presented for the first time at the upcoming military parade. The event is timed to coincide with an important state date and will demonstrate the level of development of the country's military-industrial complex.

The vehicles shown will include a new main battle tank, a modern armored personnel carrier and an infantry fighting vehicle. These samples reflect the latest achievements of Chinese defense production in the field of mobility, protection, firepower and digitalization of combat systems.

The exact names and models of the equipment have not yet been officially announced, but experts note that the new items are likely to be equipped with improved fire control systems, active protection, and integrated into a common network of intelligence and command and control. This makes it possible to increase the effectiveness of interaction between units in real combat conditions.

The display of new armored vehicles at the parade is traditionally seen as a signal of technological progress and increased combat readiness of the People's Liberation Army of China (PLA). Such events emphasize the country's policy of modernizing the armed forces and strengthening its defense capability.

Raytheon has received a $258 million U.S. Navy contract for the development and production of SM-2 missiles

Tucson, Arizona-based Raytheon has signed a major new contract with the U.S. Navy worth about $258 million. Under this contract, Raytheon will be engaged in the engineering development, production and refinement of Standard Missile 2 (SM-2) Block IIICU All Up Round missiles.

The SM-2 is considered one of the main anti-aircraft protection systems for US Navy ships. These missiles are effective for repelling attacks from enemy aircraft and anti-ship missiles at ranges up to 90 nautical miles and altitudes up to 20 kilometers.

Work under the contract is expected to be completed by September 2031. About 72% of the work will be carried out in Tucson, while the rest will be carried out at facilities in Connecticut, Great Britain, Utah and other places. The contract includes options to expand financing with a possible total of up to $263 million.

This project is in addition to the $344 million contract received by Raytheon in April this year, which was related to the integration and testing of the same SM-2 missile system. All of this highlights the continued interest and growing role of the SM-2 system as a key defense echelon for U.S. Navy ships.

SM-2 missiles are successfully used not only in the United States, but also by allies around the world, including Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan and other countries. This complex remains an important element of a multi-level marine protection system for several more decades.

South Korea has started developing a hypersonic missile for fighter jets

South Korea has officially confirmed the start of work on a new hypersonic air-launched ballistic missile. This project is designed to significantly enhance the strike capabilities of the country's aviation, especially in the face of growing regional threats.

According to available information, the missile under development will be designed to be installed on board the Russian multipurpose fighter KF-21 Boramae. It is planned that two such missile systems will be integrated into one aircraft, which will make it a powerful platform for high-precision strikes at long distances.

The technical basis for the new missile could be a series of intermediate-range tactical missile systems (KTSSM) already in service. However, unlike the basic models, the new rocket will have hypersonic characteristics and the ability to launch from the air, which makes it much more complex and efficient.

The weapon concept resembles existing foreign analogues, such as the Israeli Air LORA and ROCKS systems, as well as the American Mako hypersonic missile, which is being developed for similar tasks. This indicates South Korea's desire to reach the level of advanced technologies in the field of high-speed weapons.

The development is at an early stage, but its successful implementation will strengthen the country's strategic defense capability and expand the Air Force's ability to respond quickly to threats.

The secret X-37B space plane is back in action — this time with a quantum compass

 

The secret space shuttle X-37B, owned by the US Space Force, is preparing for a new launch — and this time it will bring with it technology from the future: quantum navigation. The mission, numbered OTV-8 (Orbital Test Vehicle-8), will launch no earlier than August 21 from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, and a Falcon 9 launch vehicle from SpaceX will launch it into the sky.

The X-37B is like a space spy: a small, mini-shuttle-like craft capable of orbiting for months without a crew, conducting classified experiments. His missions are kept top secret, but now part of the plans has been revealed: one of the key cargoes is an experimental quantum navigation system.

Why is it needed? The fact is that modern satellite systems like GPS are vulnerable: they can be jammed, deceived, or disabled in a conflict. And quantum navigation is a technology that does not depend on external signals. It uses ultra-precise quantum sensors (such as atomic interferometers) to determine position in space based on the fundamental laws of physics. In other words, it's a super—accurate compass that won't let you down, even if the GPS disappears.

The US Space Force explicitly stated: "Testing this technology will be useful for navigating in difficult conditions" — which, in their style, means: We are preparing for a war where the enemy will jam the GPS, but we must continue to fly, shoot and find the target.

The X-37B has already completed seven mysterious missions, some lasting more than 900 days. It is not known what he was doing, but it is assumed that these were tests of new materials, surveillance, and possibly even the launch of small satellites.

Now a quantum breakthrough is being added to this list. If the test is successful, future military and reconnaissance vehicles will be able to navigate in space, on Earth, and even underwater — without a single signal from orbit.

BAE Systems tested point bombs from the Malloy T-150 drone

TRV-150

BAE Systems has recently taken a big step forward in the world of military drones: they have successfully tested precision-guided munitions launched from a multi-rotor drone. We are talking about a modified version of the Malloy T-150 quadcopter, which was renamed the TRV-150. This device has long attracted attention for its lifting capacity and stability in the air, but now it has also become shock-resistant.

What is impressive is that the drone was able to accurately drop small guided munitions on the target, demonstrating high accuracy and reliability. Such ammunition is designed specifically to minimize collateral damage — that is, to hit exactly the target and not cause havoc around. This is especially important in urban combat or when working near civilian facilities.

The TRV-150 is not just a toy. This is a heavy drone with the ability to carry a payload, and now it can also perform combat missions. Its advantage is vertical take—off and landing, like a helicopter, but with easier controls and less visibility. And the modular design allows you to quickly change the payload: from cameras to weapons.

BAE Systems is positioning this as part of a new concept of "hybrid mobility" — where a drone can both scout and strike while remaining flexible and responsive to changes on the battlefield. This is especially true for units that need to respond quickly to threats without using heavy machinery.

The tests were successful, and now the company is looking towards partnerships with armies and law enforcement agencies. The ability to use precision weapons from a relatively cheap and maneuverable drone can change the tactics of warfare at the tactical level.

In general, the world of drones is getting more serious — and the TRV-150 from BAE Systems clearly claims to be one of the main players.

Turkey has released a "smart" camera for drones — and praises it above all the heavens

 

Aselflir-600

The Turkish company Aselsan has announced a new "eye—catching" drone system, the Aselflir-600, and promises that it is the best in the world. It's about a new electro-optical platform for intelligence, surveillance, and precision weapon guidance. According to the developers, the novelty is not just improved — it surpasses both its predecessors and foreign counterparts, including Western ones.

The system was created in close conjunction with Baykar, the manufacturer of the famous Bayraktar drones. And we have already managed to test the Aselflir-600 on the Akıncı heavy high—altitude attack UAV, one of the most advanced Turkish drones. The tests were successful, and now the Aselflir-600 is ready for mass production.

What can this "camera" do? In addition to accurate day and night shooting, it can accurately track targets, operate at high altitudes and in difficult weather conditions, and aim weapons with high accuracy. Simply put, it's the brain and eyes of a drone in one package.

For Turkey, this is another step towards full technological independence in the defense industry. And if the Aselflir-600 is really as cool as it is touted, then soon we may see it not only on Turkish, but also on foreign drones, because Turkey is actively exporting its weapons.

The US Air Force tested AI in combat: the machine chose targets for the pilots

The US Air Force has taken another step towards the future — for the first time they have tested a system in which artificial intelligence selects combat targets in conditions as close as possible to real combat.

This happened during a four-day exercise called Experiment 3 last month. According to the BBC, it was a real breakthrough — the debut of a "new methodology" that had never been used before. Simply put, they rewrote the rules of the game.

Previously, pilots and analysts spent hours poring over data to decide where to fly, who to attack, and in what order. AI now analyzes information flows in seconds, from satellites to radars and intelligence, and suggests priority targets on its own. And not just "there's a tank there," but: "this object poses the greatest threat, it has weak protection, and destroying it will give a strategic advantage."

In the exercises, the AI not only found targets, but also helped to build an attack plan: calculated routes, assessed risks, and suggested optimal weapons. All this is in real time, when the situation is changing every minute.

Because in a real battle, especially against a strong opponent like China or Russia, the military will not have time for long planning. You need to make decisions faster than the enemy. AI allows you to "win at pace."

So far, the final decision remains with the human — the pilot or commander can agree with the AI or reject its recommendation. But one thing is clear: the pilots of the future will work in tandem with artificial intelligence, as with a smart partner who sees everything and thinks faster.

This is no longer fiction. This is Experiment 3, and it has shown that the war of the 21st century will be smart, fast... and controlled by algorithms.

China has launched "smart hunters": a new combat drone for precision strikes

The Chinese defense industry has quietly but confidently rolled out a new toy — a small but evil combat drone, which has not yet been officially named, but in fact it works as a "smart projectile on wings." His task is to find and destroy targets such as light armored vehicles, firing points, as well as command posts and clusters of equipment.

What is interesting about this new class of drones? First of all, size and intelligence. This is not a heavy drummer like the Wing Loong, but a compact machine that can be launched even from the shoulder or from a container. But it is equipped with an AI guidance system: it searches for a target, recognizes it and, if necessary, attacks with an accuracy of up to a meter.

Imagine: a drone flew into a combat zone, "saw" an APC or a machine—gun emplacement, and crashed into it like a kamikaze, or dropped a small but powerful warhead. Such devices are especially effective in urban environments or in remote areas where large drones or aircraft may be inconvenient.

China is clearly betting on a "swarm" of drones — when dozens of such machines simultaneously attack enemy positions, creating chaos and overloading air defenses. And the new small UAVs are just the kind of pawn that can become a real nightmare for the enemy, especially if there are a lot of them.

So it's not just another drone. This is part of the future of combat — fast, accurate and almost non-contact.

South Korea has conquered the "impossible" ceramics: how to make armor for the K2 Black Panther tank

 

When it comes to tanks, many immediately think of Germany, Russia or the United States. And they think about South Korea: "Well, yes, they have something there, but these are not real tank builders - they did not start from scratch." They say there is no school, little experience, "get off the beach." But these people clearly don't know that Koreans are not just catching up, but already ahead of the rest of the planet in some things. Especially in armor.

Their flagship K2 Black Panther tank is not just a cool machine with an automatic loader and a smart suspension. One of the main "chips" is armor, or rather ceramic modules based on silicon carbide. It sounds like chemistry from a university, but it is, in fact, one of the most advanced materials in modern anti-shell protection.

And here's the trick: making such ceramics is a hellishly difficult task. It's not easy to burn clay in an oven and you're done. Any mistake here can turn the stove into brittle junk, which will crumble like cookies on impact. Voids, cracks, burnout, uneven sintering — all this kills the protective properties. Back in the USSR, they tried to launch such ceramics, but they couldn't do it: there was no technology then, and there was nothing to even check for defects. As a result, there is a lottery: if you are lucky, the armor is good, if you are unlucky, the "brick" crumbles from a light blow.

And the Koreans just did it. Samyang Comtec has been tinkering with this topic for seven years. Seven years! We tried a lot of methods, conducted more than two hundred field tests, until we reached stable production.

How does it work? Silicon carbide powder is taken, heated to 2000 degrees, then cooled and pressed under a pressure of over 100 tons. The resulting tiles are the size of an A4 sheet, thick and heavy — they are also called "heavy ceramics". An armored module for a tank is assembled from three hundred such plates.

Why is it cool? Firstly, silicon carbide is twice as light as steel, but it perfectly dampens impacts. Especially from shaped projectiles, such as those that fly from RPGs. When the cumulative jet hits the ceramic, it collapses, turning into sand. But this sand doesn't just fly like that — it clogs the channel of the hole, tears up the jet and extinguishes its energy. That is, ceramics literally uses the enemy's attack against itself.

In terms of efficiency, 200 mm of such ceramics provide protection, like 330 mm of steel armor. Not a record, but very worthy. It also works against sub-caliber projectiles (armor-piercing): ceramics tear, but thanks to the steel "clips" around it, powerful resistance is created, which slows down and crumbles the armor-piercing core.

So yes, South Korea may not have the "old school" of tank building. But they don't copy, they innovate. And if earlier their tanks were perceived condescendingly, now it's worth taking a closer look. Because "Black Panther" is not just a pretty name. This is a technological breakthrough that others have been fighting for for years, and the Koreans have made.

Turkey has entered the hypersonic weapons race: the Tayfun Block-4 missile is presented

 

 Tayfun Block-4

Turkey has declared itself in the most elite military technology club. At one of the major defense exhibitions, the country officially presented for the first time its hypersonic cruise missile called Tayfun Block-4. This is not just a new missile, it is a claim to the status of a regional superpower in the military sphere.

What do we know about Tayfun? It's a monster: it weighs more than 7 tons, which is a huge mass for a cruise missile. And all this weight is not just metal. Inside is a multi—purpose warhead capable of delivering a crushing blow.

Tayfun's goals are the most important and protected:

* Air defense and missile defense systems are the very complexes that are supposed to shoot down missiles and airplanes.

* Control points are the brains of the enemy army.

* Military hangars, bases, command centers — everything that is critically important for warfare.

And now the main trump card is hypersonic speed. Although the exact speed has not yet been revealed (it's still a secret), the term "hypersonic" means that the rocket is flying at a speed of Mach 5 or higher (this is more than 6000 km/h!). This makes it extremely difficult to intercept. Modern air defense systems simply cannot keep up with such targets.

The missile is designed to hit targets at a distance of thousands of kilometers (the message says "several thousand kilometers"), which gives Turkey a powerful strategic leverage. Tayfun Block-4 is not just a step forward, it's a leap. The country is demonstrating that it can create weapons that were previously reserved only for the United States, Russia and China. The world of armaments is becoming more and more multipolar, and Turkey clearly wants to be among the leaders.

"Melting on the radar": a hydrogen drone soared to 12,000 feet and disappeared — how did it deceive tracking systems?

Imagine a drone that not only flies at a great height, but also literally disappears from radar. Does it sound like something from the future? And for the company Zepher Flight Labs (ZFL), this is already a reality. Their hydrogen drone Z1 has just completed a breakthrough test — it rose to 12,000 feet (that's almost 3.7 km!) and at the same time remained virtually invisible to radar systems.

What's the trick? Hydrogen. Instead of noisy and smoking engines, it uses a clean fuel cell that works silently and does not emit anything at all. No smoke, no exhaust. Just water. This makes the Z1 not only eco-friendly, but also damn hard to spot. Such a drone does not glow on the radar, does not heat up like a jet engine, and can circle for a long time where it is simply not expected.

Besides, the Z1 is a station wagon. It can be used for exploration, for delivering goods to hard—to-reach areas, and even for disaster relief, such as delivering medicines or communications after an earthquake. The designers have made it modular, so that the task can be changed — like batteries.

The company is already partnering with Mach Industries to produce drones domestically and not depend on external supplies. This is important not only for business, but also for defense, in an environment where every detail counts.

So the Z1 is not just another drone. This is a step into a new era of unmanned technologies, where cars fly high, quietly and remain "invisible" — until you hear the future fly by.

China has revealed an "iron man" for drones — an exoskeleton for soldiers of the future

The Chinese company Kestrel Defense has announced a cool thing — a new exoskeleton for soldiers who control drones and other advanced systems. The photo from social networks shows a fighter in an almost fantastic costume standing in position, ready to launch and control small drones.

This exoskeleton is not about super strength, but about endurance. It is designed specifically for those who spend hours sitting or kneeling, controlling UAVs, correcting artillery fire or collecting intelligence. Such tasks require stability and concentration, and an ordinary person quickly gets tired in an uncomfortable position. And here the joints in the legs and arms help: the suit takes on part of the load, holds the pose, not allowing the muscles to contract.

Imagine: an operator can sit quietly on a rock or stand in one place for half an hour without trembling or getting tired. This is critical when the success of a mission depends on accuracy. This is especially true for scouts and gunners who work in the field for several days.

It's not an Iron Man with jetpacks yet, but it's a very serious step. China is clearly betting on "smart" soldiers in "smart" suits — and soon such exoskeletons may become the norm on the battlefield.

US equips soldiers with advanced Danish anti-drone systems

Do you know how drones have become a real headache for militaries around the world right now? So the US Army decided to seriously upgrade the protection of its soldiers. They have signed a major contract with the Danish company MyDefence for the supply of wearable anti—drone systems - for as much as $ 26 million! This is not just another purchase of equipment, but a real breakthrough in how soldiers will defend themselves from drones in various parts of the world.

What kind of systems are these?

We are talking about modular, lightweight and user-friendly devices that soldiers can carry with them right on the battlefield. These gadgets will help detect and neutralize enemy drones, which are increasingly being used for reconnaissance and attacks. Imagine that every fighter will now have their own "anti—drone shield" - this will significantly increase the safety and effectiveness of operations.

Why is this important right now?

The threat of drones is growing every day. They are becoming more and more advanced, and the airspace is becoming more saturated and contested. In such circumstances, it is important to have flexible and mobile solutions that work in real time and can quickly respond to threats. That is why the United States relies on wearable systems — they give soldiers freedom of action and confidence in protection.

What does this mean for defense?

- Strengthening transatlantic ties: Cooperation with the Danish company shows that the allies are coming together to solve common problems.

- A new era in the fight against drones: mobile and efficient systems are becoming the standard in the arsenal of modern armies.

- Increased soldier safety: fewer risks and more opportunities for successful missions.

All in all, this is a great example of how technology makes war a little safer for those who wage it.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a new drone policy with an unusual video

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth today unveiled a new policy on the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). To attract attention and demonstrate an innovative approach, he posted a vivid video in which a small unmanned aerial system delivers him a copy of the official memorandum.

Presentation Features

- An unusual format: Instead of the traditional announcement, the minister used a drone to emphasize the importance and modernity of the new policy.

- Symbolism: The delivery of the document by drones symbolizes the growing role of unmanned technologies in defense and security.

- Policy objectives: Although the details of the memorandum were not disclosed, it is expected that the new strategy will focus on expanding and regulating the use of UAVs for military and civilian purposes.

Importance for the defense sector

- Innovation support: Such an unconventional approach to the announcement shows the ministry's willingness to introduce modern technologies.

- Increased efficiency: The new policy is likely to promote the wider and more effective use of drones in various fields of activity.

- Ensuring security: An important part of the strategy will be the regulation and control of the use of UAVs to prevent threats.

It is expected that the new policy will become the basis for further development of unmanned systems and their integration into defense structures, as well as serve as an example for other countries in the field of innovation and security.

Russia has developed a reconnaissance drone "Sparrow" with the function of "flying binoculars"

 

Sparrow

Russia has developed a reconnaissance drone with the "flying binoculars" function, capable of hovering in the air and observing a certain section of the front for a long time. This was reported by the Stratim Design Bureau.

Russian specialists have developed a reconnaissance drone "Sparrow" with the function of "flying binoculars". The drone is able to stay at one point for a long time, automatically maintaining its current location, direction and altitude, while monitoring a certain area of the front. In addition, he is able to independently find targets, including enemy military equipment, by transmitting a clear picture to the operator using a camera with a powerful zoom.

"The Sparrow drone, made using artificial intelligence technology, can independently recognize targets, in particular military equipment.",

— Izvestia quotes the words of the founder of the Stratim Design Bureau with the call sign Obi-Wan.

As noted in the Design Bureau, Vorobey is a lightweight scout operating at a non-standard frequency, and unlike Mavic it has an open firmware. The drone's operation does not depend on foreign manufacturers.

This drone is already being used by our fighters in the SVO zone, while in testing mode, the developers are collecting information, identifying possible shortcomings of the UAV in order to promptly make changes to its design as it is released. Feedback from the fighters in the company has been established. Serial production of the drone has already been launched, and production vehicles will soon be sent to the free zone.

Claimed characteristics: flight range — 10 km, altitude — up to 500 m, speed — 80 km / h, time in the air — up to 40 minutes.

Sikorsky relies on AI and automation in manned helicopters: future technologies are already in development

The heads of the American aircraft manufacturer Sikorsky, part of Lockheed Martin, said that artificial intelligence (AI) and automation systems will play an increasingly important role not only in unmanned aerial vehicles, but also in traditional manned helicopters. This announcement marks an important shift in the approach to aircraft engineering, where humans remain in the control center but receive powerful support from autonomous systems.

One of Sikorsky's key achievements in this area is the Matrix technology, which is an autonomous flight control system capable of integrating into existing helicopter models, including the well-known UH-60 Black Hawk. Matrix combines advanced algorithms, sensors and computing modules, allowing the helicopter to perform tasks such as:

- automatic takeoff and landing;  

- navigation in difficult conditions;  

- avoiding obstacles;  

- Real-time route planning;  

- reducing the burden on the crew by partially or fully automating the flight.

Matrix technology is considered as an important step towards the realization of the concept of "flying taxi", as well as as the basis for the creation of hybrid helicopters combining the capabilities of manned and unmanned aircraft. It can be used for both civilian and military purposes, from delivering cargo to hard—to-reach areas to rescue operations and strike missions.

The future of helicopter aviation

According to Sikorsky experts, the introduction of AI into helicopter control is not a replacement for a pilot, but rather an enhancement of his capabilities. In conditions of high threat or difficult weather conditions, automation can improve the safety and accuracy of the mission. Such technologies are especially relevant for the modern battlefield, where the reaction speed and awareness of the crew can decide the outcome of an operation.

In addition, autonomous functions can be used within the framework of the "Loyal Wingman" concept, in which one pilot controls not only his helicopter, but also a number of accompanying UAVs performing reconnaissance or strike missions.

With the development of artificial intelligence and machine learning, such systems will become even more adaptive and intelligent, capable of making decisions in real time and minimizing the risk of human error.

China has made a breakthrough: artillery drones have been successfully tested after 12 years of development

After more than a decade of research, technical difficulties and skepticism from experts, China has successfully tested a fundamentally new class of military technologies — artillery drones** capable of withstanding extreme loads when firing 155 mm guns. These drones were created with the aim of revolutionizing the battlefield by combining the capabilities of drones and the power of modern artillery.

The tests were conducted at the Western test base and included five live firings, during which it was confirmed that the drones are capable of withstanding a launch impact load exceeding their own weight by 3,000 times. For comparison, this is equivalent to a human carrying a mass equal to 35 adult African elephants and still remaining functional.

These drones are designed to cover distances of more than 10 km in a matter of seconds, maintaining stability and controllability even after exposure to ultra-high G-forces when fired. This opens up new horizons for the use of UAVs as part of ground forces, allowing them to be used for reconnaissance, fire correction, or even the delivery of ammunition in intense combat.

The development of such systems began about 12 years ago, when Chinese engineers first thought about whether it was possible to combine lightweight drone designs with harsh artillery conditions. Many experts initially considered this idea impossible, but now China is showing real technological success.

This breakthrough could dramatically change the approach to using drones on the battlefield and make them full-fledged elements of hybrid warfare combining high mobility, precision and firepower. Given the active development of military technology in China, such drones can become a key element of the future army of a new generation.