MBDA showed the OWL (H) Crossbow, a cheap kamikaze drone with a range of 800 km

Not a rocket or an airplane, but a one—time attack drone

At the DSEI 2025 exhibition in London, the European MBDA concern presented a new system called OWL (H) — One Way Effector (Heavy), which can be translated as a "one-time remedy". This is not just a drone, but a kamikaze drone: it flies to the target and destroys it with an explosion of its warhead. The ground version weighs 750 kg, of which up to 300 kg is the payload.

Such drones are an ideal compromise between expensive rockets and massive quadrocopters.

300 kg payload and wings like a glider

The OWL(H) is not a small drone with a propeller. It has a wingspan of 3 meters and a length of 5.3 meters. It moves at subsonic speed using aerodynamics, like a light aircraft or a glider. Thanks to this, a range of more than 800 km is achieved — many times more than that of most tactical drones.

The payload is modular. It can be either cumulative for armored targets or high-explosive for buildings. There are also options with non—kinetic effects, such as electromagnetic pulses.

Long-range combat without overpayment

The main advantage of OWL(H) is the price. According to MBDA, it is designed to strike particularly important static targets (for example, command posts, warehouses, radars) in a complex electronic environment, but it is significantly cheaper than a cruise missile.

This allows you to use it massively, without sparing technique. The army gets the opportunity to "shoot" drones where it would not have used a rocket before.

Why do armies need such drones?

In modern conflicts, targeted but inexpensive strikes are increasingly needed. OWL(H) is just such a tool. It can be launched from mobile installations, it is elusive for air defense, and its range allows you to work from a safe distance.

This is not a replacement for missiles, but an addition — a weapon for those cases when you need power, but you don't want to pay the price of a Tomahawk.

Sources

1. MBDA — Official launch of Crossbow™ One Way Effector Heavy at DSEI 2025
2. EDR Magazine — OWE profile: 500 km+ range, multi-role payload, mass-strike role
3. Hi-Tech Mail.ru — 500 km kamikaze drone unveiled at Paris Air Show 2025
4. Amalantra.ru — European “jet Shahed”: MBDA’s long-range strike UAV
5. KP.ru — MBDA plans for extended-range, heavy-payload loitering munition
6. Overclockers.ru — MBDA One Way Effector drones designed to suppress air-defence

Without a crew, but with Tomahawks: the USA showed the Bengal MC autonomous ship

44 tons, 50 knots and zero people on board

Imagine a warship that carries Tomahawk cruise missiles, accelerates to 50 knots (about 93 km/h) and does not have a single person on board. It already exists. The US Navy has unveiled the AIRCAT Bengal MC, a 44—ton autonomous vessel that could be a turning point in the naval warfare of the future.

This is not a scout boat or a target. This is a full-fledged attack platform controlled by artificial intelligence.

The AIRCAT Bengal MC is not just a drone, but an attack platform

The Bengal MC is part of a new line of autonomous ships from Swiftships. It is based on the concept of AIRCAT (Autonomous Interceptor and Rapid Combat Attack Technology), which speaks for itself: interception, speed, attack.

On board are modular launchers capable of carrying several Tomahawk missiles or other precision—guided munitions. His task is not to stand in formation, but to act separately: to strike, distract air defenses, work in a group with other drones or cover large ships.

How Marine AI makes decisions without a commander

The heart of Bengal MC is a revolutionary autonomous control system. Instead of people on board, there is an AI complex that processes data from radars, sonars, and satellites, plots a route, recognizes targets, and even decides whether to use weapons within a given protocol.

It can avoid obstacles, respond to threats, change course, and coordinate with other vessels—all without direct control. The command gives you a task, and the ship finds a way to complete it.

Why does the navy need a ship that is not afraid of losing

The main advantage is the lack of a crew. This means that the Bengal MC can be thrown into the most dangerous zones: in front of the front line, into dense air defense, into electronic jamming zones. He doesn't need to be saved, he doesn't need to be supported, he doesn't need to be afraid for people's lives.

In addition, its high speed and maneuverability make it a difficult target. 50 knots is faster than most patrol boats and many missile ships. He can appear, strike, and disappear before the opponent realizes what has happened.

Sources

1. Designfax — AIRCAT Bengal MC technology deep dive
2. Unmanned Systems Technology — autonomy concept & tech specs
3. Defense Advancement — Sea-Air-Space 2025 debut announcement
4. Rude Baguette — 44-ton payload combat potential
5. The War Zone — MASC concept & multi-mission adaptability
6. Naval News — Eureka-Singapore MoU for series production

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.

Taiwan has introduced a new COBRA-3120 barrage munition, an analog of the American Switchblade

What is COBRA-3120 and who is it aimed at?

Taiwan has unveiled a new tactical unmanned munition called the COBRA-3120, developed as part of efforts to modernize its own defense systems. The device is positioned as an analogue of the American Switchblade barrage ammunition, widely used in modern conflicts due to its accuracy, mobility and the ability to destroy targets with minimal risk to the operator.

The COBRA-3120 is designed for use by units of the Army and Marine Corps, providing a rapid response to threats in the field. Its compactness and ease of operation make it possible to deploy the system at the squad level, making it an important element of modern tactical aviation.

Key technical specifications

According to the stated data, the COBRA-3120 has the following parameters:

Flight speed: 60-250 km/h (adjustable, including camouflage and attack mode)

Range: 30-40 km — sufficient to hit targets beyond the line of sight

Time spent in the air: up to 40 minutes, which allows the drone to wait for a target in a given area.

Warhead: 1-2 kg — sufficient to defeat lightly armored vehicles, shelters and groups of infantry

The munition is launched from a transport and launch tube, similar to the Switchblade, and is controlled by the operator via a secure radio channel. It is equipped with a real—time camera, which allows you to adjust the trajectory and cancel the attack if necessary - an important advantage in terms of reducing the risk to the civilian population.

Comparison with the American Switchblade

The COBRA-3120 is similar in concept to the American Switchblade 600, which is also designed to engage armored targets at the tactical level. However, the Switchblade 600 has a longer range (about 100 km) and a more powerful warhead (up to 5.4 kg).

Nevertheless, the COBRA-3120 demonstrates a similar architecture: compact body, folding wings, guidance system with video transmission and a barrage mode. Its development indicates Taiwan's desire to build up its own defense capabilities and reduce dependence on imported systems.

Role in modern tactical defense systems

The COBRA-3120 is part of Taiwan's broader strategy to introduce small unmanned systems to counter potential threats. In the context of increased geopolitical tensions amid activity in the Taiwan Strait, such drones allow for a quick response to incursions, reconnaissance actions and accumulations of equipment.

The integration of such systems into the army increases the autonomy of units, reduces dependence on heavy weapons and makes it possible to effectively use the "strike-disappear" principle in urban and coastal areas.

The US Army launches a drone with a Claymore mine — now drones are blowing up enemies from above

The US Army is testing a drone that does not just spy or drop grenades, but carries a whole Claymore mine. Yes, yes, the one with a directional effect, which releases a cloud of balls when it explodes, destroying everything in its path. Only now she's flying through the air instead of lying in the bushes.

Why is this necessary? Everything is simple. Modern battlefields are teeming with small kamikaze drones and infantry hiding in shelters. Conventional defense methods don't always work, especially against threats like quadrocopters that fall from the sky like firebirds. But a drone with a Claymore can become a trap on its own.

Imagine: a drone hovers over an intersection, drops a mine on the ground, and flies away. A minute later, an enemy group enters this place — and bang! — the explosion is directed forward, like from a machine gun. Or another scenario: a drone with a mine flies up to a cluster of enemy drones and explodes itself — turning into an aerial "shrapnel" that knocks down several targets at once.

This approach is a hybrid of exploration, mining, and attack. The drone becomes a mobile mine with remote control. He can work at night, in the jungle, in the city, wherever previously he would have had to risk soldiers.

So far, these are tests, but the direction is clear: the future of war is when even mines fly. And if the Claymore used to be parked by the road, now it can fly right to your roof.

British Apaches will receive drone cover: the army is creating an autonomous "assistant" for aerial combat

The British Army is preparing a major upgrade for its Apache AH-64E attack helicopters — and this is not about new weapons, but about a real "twin in the sky." As part of the new initiative, a ground—based autonomous collaborative platform (LACP) is being developed - in fact, a drone that will fly with the Apaches and perform the most dangerous tasks instead of them.

This drone is not just a radio—controlled toy. It will operate in a highly autonomous mode, meaning it will not require constant operator intervention. He can be "sent forward" with one command: "Go, look, find targets, cover for me" — and then he will decide for himself how to maneuver, where to hide and when to transfer the data to the pilot. As they say in the army: this is a "command-controlled, not controlled" device — like a war dog, not like a toy car on a remote control.

What can he do? Almost everything you need on the battlefield:  

— Reconnaissance — it will fly into an area where it is too dangerous for a helicopter;  

— Target designation — highlights the target for missiles;  

— Strike — if equipped with a weapon;  

— Suppress air defenses — distract or disable enemy radars;  

— And work with Launched Effects systems — in other words, launch even smaller drones, like matryoshka dolls.

The idea is simple: the Apache pilot remains relatively safe, while his "unmanned partner" goes ahead, takes risks and transmits information in real time. This not only increases the chances of survival, but also makes the strikes more accurate and faster.

LACP is still under development, but one thing is clear: the future belongs to the human + drone teams. And British helicopter pilots are already preparing to work in such a duo.

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.

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.

Russia has launched a "smart" V2U drone with AI and Chinese-American "internals"

 

A new attack drone has appeared in the Russian army — so far without an official name, but with a loud unofficial code V2U. He began to be noticed at the front back in February 2025, but everything really "exploded" only by June, when Ukrainian intelligence gathered enough data and officially declared: "They have something new, and it's serious."

What kind of beast is V2U? This is not just another kamikaze drone. It is an autonomous aircraft-type barrage munition with a wingspan of about 1.2 meters, weighing up to 15 kg and a warhead of up to 3.5 kg. It is launched from a catapult, flies at a speed of 60 km/ h and can stay in the air for up to an hour on an electric (40-60 km) or up to 100 km if a gasoline engine is installed.

But the most interesting thing is what's inside it.

There are movable optics in the nose: a 10x zoom camera (from Sony), lidar and a transparent fairing. Inside is a real computer based on a Leetop A603 board and an Nvidia Jetson Orin processor. Yes, yes, the very "iron brain" from the American Nvidia, which is often used in robots and autonomous systems. Plus, a 128 GB SSD and AI software, which, apparently, allows the drone to independently search, recognize and attack targets.

Imagine: a drone took off, entered the zone, scans the area, compares it with a map, sees a tank, an armored personnel carrier or a cluster of vehicles — and decides to strike itself. Moreover, he does not have to rely on GPS — he can navigate through the image from the camera, like a person from memory. This makes it resistant to interference and jamming.

Even cooler, it can work in a swarm, maneuver, avoid threats, and possibly coordinate attacks with other drones. And if there is a connection, the operator can intervene, but even without him, the car will not get lost.

Why is there so little talk about him?  

Because all the key components are imported. Cameras, processors, and boards— Chinese, Japanese, and American. That is, despite the sanctions, Russia has found a way to get high-tech parts. And, of course, he doesn't want to tell anyone where, how, or in what volumes.

There is no marking on the cases, the manufacturer is not advertised. This is clearly done in order not to reveal the supply chain and not to give intelligence agencies reasons to dig.

Right now, V2U is most likely undergoing military trials in limited quantities. But if it shows good results, it will be mass—produced. And then a new reality will appear at the front: drones that fly, think and strike by themselves.

It's not just the next generation of UAVs. This is a step towards autonomous warfare, where machines make decisions faster than a human can press a button. And while everyone is arguing about sanctions, someone is already teaching drones to hunt without orders.

European MBDA Develops New Attack UAV: Simplicity and Mass Character are the Key to Success

The European company MBDA is developing a promising unmanned aerial vehicle called One Way Effector. The goal of the project is to create the simplest and cheapest UAV that could be mass—produced and used in combat conditions. This approach promises new opportunities and advantages.

The course of simplification

MBDA recently presented its new project at the Paris International Air Show. They revealed its goals and features, and also showed an advertising image demonstrating the group use of these UAVs.

The One Way Effector project is being created by order of the French armed forces, who were impressed by the Russian massive strikes using the Geranium series UAVs. Last year, the French military conveyed its wishes to MBDA, and the company began working on a new concept. By now, the shape of the future UAV has already been formed, and technical work is underway.

Simplicity and mass character

The OWL UAV will be as simple and cheap as possible, which will allow for its mass production and group use. Due to the large number of UAVs, it is planned to break through and suppress the enemy's air defenses. Massive OWL raids will help uncover enemy radar and firepower positions, which will be used to suppress them. Some of the UAVs will take over the fire, use up enemy ammunition, and the remaining drones will be able to reach their targets with less risk. After the enemy's air defenses are weakened, other forces, such as tactical aircraft with their air-to-ground ammunition, will take part in the strikes.

Plans for the future

The design of the OWL began at the end of last year and is nearing completion. The first flights of the prototype are scheduled for this fall. In the near future, MBDA plans to present the results to the French Ministry of Defense and begin negotiations on possible purchases. Upon receipt of the contract, the company is ready to launch mass production no later than 2027, assembling up to 1,000 OWL products per month.

MBDA is also in talks with an unnamed automotive company about joint production of UAVs, which may be related to the OWL project.

The suggested look

MBDA showed what the promising OWL UAVs will look like. The device will have a torpedo-shaped fuselage and a mid-mounted triangular wing with V-shaped tips. The airframe will be made of plastic and composites. It is assumed that the UAV will have limited radar visibility due to the use of some "stealth technologies".

The UAV will be equipped with a small-sized short-life turbojet engine with an air intake on the upper surface of the fuselage. Flight characteristics have not yet been announced, but the propulsion system will achieve high subsonic speeds and a range of hundreds of kilometers.

Control and launch

The UAV control system will be simple and cheap, using satellite navigation to plot a course to the target. Communication with ground facilities and the formation of a "swarm" are not provided. The UAV will launch from a catapult or an inclined guide mounted on suitable self-propelled platforms, which will ensure rapid and massive launch preparations.

Borrowed ideas

Russian attack UAVs "Geran-2" have become one of the main novelties used during the Special Operation to protect Donbass. Their successes attracted the attention of foreign armies, and France decided to create its own version of an attack drone similar to Russian and Iranian models.

The concept of an inexpensive and simple OWL attack UAV looks promising and has a great future. However, its real prospects depend on MBDA's ability to create a design that meets all specific requirements. The tests will begin in the fall, and then it will be possible to draw the first conclusions about its success.

MQ-9 Reaper: an American drone that strikes and spies

MQ—9 Reaper

One of the most famous military drones in the world is the MQ—9 Reaper, or "Reaper" in our language. This is not just a drone, but a whole flying complex for reconnaissance and strike. It was developed by the American company General Atomics, and since then it has become the basis of the strike fleet in many countries.

What's inside?

This is a serious machine: the take—off weight is almost 4.7 tons, the payload is up to 1,700 kg of combat cargo. It flies for a long time — from 14 hours with a weapon, and if without it, then up to 30 hours (this is a version called "Altair") .  

His speed is decent — up to 480 km/ h, but usually flies at  280-300 km / h. The height depends on the modification: the Altair can climb up to 15 km, and the combat Reaper — up to 8 km.  

The engine is a 776 hp Honeywell TPE331, which allows it to be both fast and maneuverable. The cost of such a miracle is about $30 million apiece.

How is it managed?

The UAV takes off from a regular runway. It is operated by a two-person crew: a pilot and a system operator. During takeoff and landing, everything is done manually, and then the autopilot turns on, which receives commands via satellites from Creech Air Force Base in Nevada.

However, the signal is delayed by about 1.5 seconds, but this is normal for such distances. The control is carried out using the Block 50 GCS station, where you can fully transfer control of the car to the pilot, and the operator can only shoot.

An interesting fact: the ability to fully "transfer control" was first used back in 2019, as in a real flight simulator.

Armed with what?

The "Reaper" can carry:

- AN/AAS-52 multispectral camera— sees both day and night, and even highlights targets with a laser.

- Lynx II radar — maps the area and detects targets on the ground.

- Protection systems: warns of enemy radars and launches false targets (MALD).

- AGM-114 Hellfire missiles are precise weapons against armored vehicles and manpower.

- Paveway, JDAM and GBU-12/38 bombs — high accuracy and minimal damage to the surroundings.

- Even AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles can work on aerial targets.

How is it applied?

The MQ-9 was actively used in Afghanistan and Iraq, monitored sea pirates in the Indian Ocean, and also patrolled the US border with Mexico. Currently, the drone is in service not only with the United States, but also with Great Britain, the Netherlands, Italy, Poland, Turkey, France and even Japan.

By the way, NASA also uses this device, but not for war, but for scientific research. So the Reaper is not only a killer, but also a scientist.

How to deliver and use?

The drone is transported on large C-17A transporters, and it can be deployed in just 8 hours — to organize a control center, prepare a place and send it into the air. That is, mobility is at an altitude.

In general, the MQ-9 Reaper is one of the most versatile and combat—ready drones in the world. He can scout, hit accurately, and work remotely. No wonder he's so loved all over the world.

The US Navy is collaborating with PteroDynamics to develop the XP5 long-range attack drone

 

The U.S. Navy has announced a new partnership with the aerospace company PteroDynamics, based in Colorado Springs, Colorado, to develop a promising drone XP5. The move was part of the Pentagon's efforts to strengthen its unmanned group and expand the capabilities of naval reconnaissance and strike operations in remote theaters of war.

The new XP5 drone has impressive features:  a wing width of 19 feet, the ability to carry  payloads up to 50 pounds, as well as the ability to fly over  a distance of more than 400 nautical miles. Such parameters make it a universal tool both for performing reconnaissance tasks and for delivering pinpoint strikes.

Special attention was paid to ** flight range, autonomy and compatibility with shipboard systems**, which allows the XP5 to be used with various types of surface ships and submarines. This is especially important in the context of the current strategy of the US Navy, aimed at increasing flexibility and rapid response in potential conflict zones.

PteroDynamics already has experience in creating high-performance UAVs for civil and military purposes. Taking into account the new contract, the company intends to accelerate the testing process and enter the mass production stage no later than 2027.

The XP5 development is part of a broader U.S. Navy modernization program that focuses on **integrating commercial technologies into military systems** while ensuring maritime superiority in the face of growing challenges from China and Russia.

Israel launches new X-intra combat UAV into mass production

 

X-intra combat UAV 

The company Flying Production, a subsidiary of the Israeli defense concern Elbit Systems, announced the start of mass production of a new combat drone X-intra. This drone is designed to provide troops on the front line with advanced combat, reconnaissance and support capabilities.

One of the key features of the X-intra is its ability to carry a payload of up to 30 kg, which allows it to be used both for transporting equipment and for launching attacks using light weapons. Another important feature is the record—breaking ** deployment time of just two minutes**, which makes it ideal for operational use in a rapidly changing battlefield environment.

The drone is characterized by its compact size, ease of operation, and high maneuverability. It can be used as a separate unit, or as part of a network-centric system for interacting with other surveillance and communication tools. This flexibility makes the X-intra a versatile tool for tactical commanders at the company level and below.

The launch of the X-intra series production indicates a growing demand for miniaturized but effective attack UAVs that can be deployed quickly without complex logistics or specialized training.

Turkey makes a breakthrough in unmanned technologies: the KIZILELMA fighter jet will join the aircraft carrier fleet by 2026

Bayraktar KIZILELMA

The Turkish developer Baykar, known for its successful UAVs such as Bayraktar TB2, presented a new stage in the development of the national aerospace program — the KIZILELMA unmanned fighter aircraft. As expected, this high-tech attack drone will join the aircraft carrier fleet of the Turkish Naval Forces by 2026, which will be an important step towards the country's strategic defense independence.

KIZILELMA (Kalemli İHA Stealth Test Aircraft) is a promising fifth—generation attack drone with elements of stealth technology. Its main characteristics:

- Take—off weight is about 4.5 tons  

- The maximum speed is over 900 km/h  

- Range — over 1,500 km  

- Vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capability  

- Integration of air-to-air and air-to-surface guided missiles

Thanks to these parameters, KIZILELMA can perform the tasks of interception, reconnaissance and pinpoint strikes, competing with modern manned fighters.  

According to the plans of the Turkish Ministry of Defense, KIZILELMA will be based on the new Turkish aircraft carrier type TGC Anadolu, which has already been upgraded to work with unmanned systems. This will create a unique air group combining deck helicopters and attack drones, providing flexibility and autonomy of operations on the high seas.  

In addition, the integration of UAVs into the aircraft carrier structure opens up new opportunities for joint operations with allies, especially given the growing interest in automated combat platforms in NATO.

The launch of KIZILELMA into mass production and its adoption by 2026 symbolize Turkey's transition to a new level of technological sovereignty. The country demonstrates the ability to develop and produce sophisticated military equipment without dependence on Western suppliers.  

It also strengthens the export potential of the Turkish defense industry. Given the success of Bayraktar TB2 on the international market, KIZILELMA may become a sought-after solution among countries seeking to modernize their air forces without the involvement of traditional suppliers from the United States or the EU.

The KIZILELMA program highlights Turkey's ambitions not only in the region, but also on the global stage. The creation of its own unmanned fighter allows Ankara to strengthen its military presence in the Black Sea, the Aegean Basin and the Eastern Mediterranean.  

In addition, the development of the domestic aerospace sector reduces dependence on external factors, such as restrictions on the supply of American F-35 fighter jets, which previously included Turkey.

Chinese Rainbow-9 drone: a revolution in drone warfare

 

Rainbow-9 drone

The autonomy and endurance of the Chinese Rainbow-9 drone are expected to transform drone warfare.

State media reported that a ground crew of five people is required to control the drone, which will oversee the flight and manage the payload systems.

Artificial intelligence enhancements have shortened the response time of the latest drone strike China's ability to complete tasks and allow him to work smoothly with stealth fighters.

This assessment was given by former PLA instructor Song Zhongping after, Earlier this month, state broadcaster CCTV showed footage of the Caihong-9 (Rainbow-9), China's newest medium—altitude drone with a long flight duration, during public flight tests at an airfield in northern Shaanxi Province.