The US Army has invested $98.9 million in AI for soldiers — now every soldier will get his brain in his pocket

TurbineOne and the contract that changes everything

The U.S. Army has taken a decisive step: it has invested $98.9 million in San Francisco-based startup TurbineOne to turn every soldier into a mobile analytics center. It's not about metaphors. In the coming years, American military personnel will receive handheld devices and portable stations with artificial intelligence capable of analyzing data right on the battlefield.

This is not just a new "program" on the tablet. This is an attempt to rebuild the entire tactics of warfare.

AI without the Internet — how Edge AI works on the battlefield

The main problem of a modern fighter is the lack of information. But it's even worse when the connection is jammed. In the conditions of electronic warfare waged by Russia and China, satellites and radio channels become useless. Headquarters lose touch with the front-line units, and decisions are made blindly.

TurbineOne offers another way — "Edge AI". This is an AI that works offline, without a cloud, without servers. He lives right in the soldier's device. A fighter can run an algorithm to recognize an enemy drone in a photo, determine the best route, or even simulate where the enemy will move — all in seconds, without going online.

From a centralized headquarters to a smart squad

Previously, all information flowed to the headquarters, where it was analyzed, and then orders were issued. Now this process is reversed. Intelligence is distributed by hand. The officer on the ground receives not just data, but ready-made analytics: "here is the goal, here is the risk, here is the best option."

This changes the structure of the divisions. Now the units can act autonomously, without waiting for instructions from above. They don't need to be "held by the hand." They make their own decisions — quickly, accurately, and based on AI.

Why is this important in a war with China or Russia

The Pentagon clearly understands that in a future conflict, the first strike will be the suppression of communications. Those who cannot survive without the Internet will lose. American troops can no longer depend on centralized systems.

Edge AI is a survival technology. It makes the army resistant to interference, fast and flexible. Soldiers with such devices become "nodes" of a single intelligent network — each on its own and at the same time part of the system.

This is not just an upgrade of technology. This is a new doctrine. And it's already starting.

Sources

1. RBC (WSJ) — U.S. Army awards TurbineOne ~$100 M contract for battlefield AI
2. RIA Novosti (WSJ) — real-time drone & hidden-position ID without analytics centres
3. TASS — autonomous AI cuts intel-analysis time from 20 h to 20 s
4. Snob — Pentagon picks new infantry AI solutions, incl. TurbineOne
5. NEWS.ru — nearly $100 M U.S. investment in frontline AI threat-detection
6. Yahoo News (D-Russia) — five-year Frontline Perception System contract

Chinese engineers have figured out how drones will dodge missiles: a new "escape system" with side boosters

Chinese aerospace engineers have unveiled a technology that could completely change the rules of the game for combat drones. Their idea is simple but ingenious: to teach drones to evade missiles like fighter jets in cool action movies. And they do this with the help of small side rocket boosters built directly into the body of the device.

Imagine: a drone is flying along the course, and suddenly an air defense missile is already a few meters away. In the past, that would have been the end. But now, a fraction of a second before the hit, compact side boosters are triggered — and the drone will abruptly "jerk" to the side, changing its trajectory so abruptly that the rocket simply does not have time to correct course. It's as if you suddenly jumped to the left when you already felt the wind blowing from the impact.

The developers call this system the "end zone attack evasion system" — it sounds like something out of fiction, but it's already a real concept. The main trump card is absolute unpredictability. Air defense missiles, even the most modern ones, calculate the trajectory and plot a course to intercept. And if the target suddenly makes a maneuver with an acceleration of several G, like a fighter, the chance of defeat drops sharply.

According to the developers, this technology can increase the survival rate of drones in areas with dense air defenses to almost 90%. This is a huge breakthrough. After all, the longer the drone stays in the air, the more it can scout, how many targets to hit, and how much data to transmit.

Of course, this is not a miracle solution. Boosters mean extra weight, fuel consumption, and reduced flight time. And you can only use them once or twice per mission. But at a critical moment — when the drone is already in the focus of an enemy anti—aircraft gunner - these half a second and a couple of meters can decide everything.

If the concept reaches mass production, it will become the new standard for attack and reconnaissance drones. And then the battlefield will change: drones will become not just expendable, but dexterous, impact-resistant "hunters" who not only fly, but dance between missiles.

China is preparing a surprise: "smart" drones for fighter jets will be shown at the parade

China is clearly preparing a high—profile stunt for its next major military parade - and it's not about new tanks or missiles. This time, attention is focused on new drones, which can be a real breakthrough in aviation. According to satellite intelligence and analysts, mock—ups or even real samples of "loyal wingman" type drones are involved in the preparation for the march - the very ones that should fly in conjunction with manned fighters and make them many times more efficient.

What is a "loyal follower"?

Imagine a fifth-generation fighter, for example, the famous J—20 - fast, unobtrusive, powerful. Now imagine that one, two, or even three drones are flying behind him, which he fully controls. These drones can:

- Fly ahead and  scout the area, risking yourself instead of the pilot.  

- Carry additional missiles and expand the fighter's ammunition.  

- Create interference, distract enemy air defenses, or even attack targets autonomously — at the command of the pilot.  

Drones like "smart wings" or digital shadows. They are also called Loyal Wingman — "loyal wingman". This concept is being actively developed by the USA, Australia and other countries. And now China is entering the home stretch.

Commercial satellite images taken near the training ground where the parade rehearsals are taking place show several unidentified medium-sized UAVs. They are stored under canopies, but their outlines are recognizable: an elongated fuselage, a low—lying wing, hidden air intakes - all this indicates low visibility and high aerodynamics. Some experts compare them to the Australian MQ-28 Ghost Bat, but with the characteristic features of the Chinese design.

What is important is that there are no conventional launch systems next to them, like those of tactical drones. This means that they are most likely not just scouts, but full-fledged combat units designed to work as part of an air group.

Why would China do that?

The answer is simple: to seize the initiative in the air war of the future. Modern fighter jets are becoming too expensive and complex. But slave drones are cheaper, consumable, but at the same time very dangerous in mass. One pilot can control several of these machines, turning one aircraft into an entire combat network.

If China really shows these drones at the parade, it will be a serious signal to the world:

"We are not only copying, we are creating our own advanced systems. And we are ready for war in a new reality, where artificial intelligence and autonomy play a crucial role."

Chinese military parades are not just a show of force. This is a strategic show designed for an internal audience and external observers. Showing new weapons at such events is a way of saying:  

"Look, we have this."  

"And we can scale it." 

"Don't underestimate us."

If the "loyal slaves" appear in the ranks — even in the form of mockups — it will mean that the program is in the final stage of testing. Or perhaps she has already passed the first flight tests with the J-20 or other fighters.

China is no longer just a "player" in the military technology race — it is becoming a leader in some areas. And if everyone used to look at the F-35 and Skyborg, now they will have to study closely what Chengdu and its partners are doing.  

The future of air warfare is in human + drone bundles.  

And, apparently, China is already there.

Ukraine will produce front-line drones at factories in the UK

 Ukraine and the UK have signed an agreement on the joint production of advanced Ukrainian combat drones at factories in the UK. As part of a three-year program funded by the British government, British defense companies will produce a wide range of Ukrainian drone models developed and tested at the front. This initiative will significantly increase the production of high-tech drones necessary for the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as well as strengthen military-industrial cooperation between the two countries.

The production of drones in the UK will ensure the rapid adaptation and scaling of technologies that are updated every six weeks on average, making Ukraine a world leader in the field of combat drones. All drones produced will be sent primarily to support the Ukrainian army during the ongoing war, and after its end, the equipment will be divided between Ukraine and the UK.

This agreement was the result of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to London and meeting with British Prime Minister Kiir Starmer, as well as part of a broader initiative to strengthen defense ties and technological exchange between the countries.

The US Air Force activates the Nellis squadron to test combat drones with artificial intelligence

On June 5, 2025, the United States Air Force took an important step in the development of modern aerial combat technologies by establishing the Experimental Operations Unit (EOU) at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. The new Nellis squadron will specialize in testing and deploying combat drones equipped with advanced artificial intelligence systems.

The EOU aims to rethink the concept of aerial combat by integrating autonomous drones capable of operating as part of manned and unmanned groups, performing reconnaissance missions and supporting pilots in real time. The use of AI will increase the speed of decision-making, improve coordination and increase the effectiveness of combat operations.

The creation of the unit reflects the desire of the US Air Force to maintain technological superiority and adapt to new challenges in the field of air dominance, where autonomous systems are playing an increasingly important role. Nellis Air Base, known as the center for advanced testing and training, has become an ideal platform for the implementation of this innovative project.

In the near future, a series of tests is expected to be conducted aimed at developing tactics for interaction between manned aircraft and combat drones with AI, as well as evaluating their combat capabilities in various scenarios.

RWS has introduced Urban Drone Defense machine Gun cartridges to combat drones in cities

The German company RWS has introduced specialized machine gun cartridges Urban Drone Defense (UDD), designed to combat drones.

At the Enforce Tac 2025 defense exhibition, two types of 7.62×51 mm machine gun cartridges with plastic bullets were presented for the first time.

According to the manufacturer, these cartridges are particularly suitable for use in densely populated areas due to their low collateral damage.Plastic bullets have low kinetic energy and limited penetrating power.

Urban Drone Defense

The US Air Force's F-16s have received new weapons to combat drones in the Middle East

Modernization of the F-16C Viper using seven-shot 70 mm guided missile units with laser guidance

F-16C Viper fighters based in the Middle East region demonstrated updated weapons that significantly expand their capabilities to combat modern threats, including enemy drones. The new photos show how American fighters are equipped with seven-shot 70 mm guided missile units with laser guidance mounted on one pylon. This solution allows the F-16 to more effectively counter the growing number of drones that are increasingly being used in the region's conflicts.

70 mm (2.75 in) caliber missiles, such as the AGM-114 Hellfire or their lighter counterparts, have long established themselves as a universal means of hitting small targets. However, the use of such missiles in combat conditions requires precise coordination between the guidance system and the operator himself. Laser guidance systems allow you to adjust the trajectory of a missile in real time, which makes them especially effective when attacking fast-moving targets, such as drones.

Installing seven—shot blocks on one pylon is an innovative approach that increases the combat load of the F-16 without significantly changing its aerodynamics or fuel consumption. This modification allows pilots to perform tasks of countering aerial threats, while maintaining the ability to intercept other types of targets, such as ground objects or helicopters.

Drones are becoming an increasingly common threat in modern conflicts. They are relatively cheap, easy to use, and can be destructive if applied correctly. Small drones are particularly difficult to detect and destroy due to their low radar visibility and ability to maneuver at low altitudes.

The F-16C Viper, equipped with new missiles, provides the U.S. Air Force with additional tools to solve this problem. The 70mm missiles have sufficient range and accuracy to destroy even the smallest drones, while their cost is much lower than that of traditional air-to-air missiles such as the AIM-120 AMRAAM.

In some pictures, you can see special markings on the F-16 hulls, symbolizing the number of destroyed drones. Traditionally, such marks were used to account for downed enemy aircraft, but now they reflect a new type of success in modern warfare. This demonstrates the evolution of aviation and the changing nature of aerial threats.

The deployment of modified F-16s in the Middle East is of great strategic importance. The region is characterized by high activity of various groups using drones for reconnaissance, sabotage operations and attacks on military installations. Strengthening the capabilities of the F-16 allows the United States to more effectively protect its bases, allies and civilian facilities from such threats.

In addition, the successful use of such weapons can become an example for other countries that are also facing the problem of drones. In the future, similar technologies may be implemented in other types of fighter jets or even unmanned aerial vehicles.

The modernization of the F-16C Viper using seven-shot laser-guided 70 mm guided missile units underscores the desire of the US Air Force to adapt to the changing conditions of modern conflicts. Fighting drones is becoming a key task, and new technologies are providing pilots with the necessary tools to accomplish it. This step not only increases the effectiveness of the F-16, but also demonstrates the readiness of the United States to face new challenges in the Middle East and beyond.

The US Navy is stepping up the use of AI to combat drones with laser weapons

In today's world of technology and military innovation, the US Navy continues to strengthen its position in the field of protection against new types of threats, such as autonomous unmanned systems (UAS). One of the most promising areas is the development of laser weapon systems (LWS), which are complemented by artificial intelligence (AI) to increase efficiency. This makes it possible to counter the rapidly evolving threat from small but highly efficient drones.

The process of using laser weapons against drones is as follows: when the radar detects the signature of an approaching UAS, it automatically transmits the data to the LWS system. After that, the operator turns on the infrared sensor, which begins to track the movement of the drone. To maintain accurate fixation, a special component of the system is used — a telescope capable of providing stable target acquisition even at considerable distances.

However, the key step is to classify the threat. The operator must determine whether the object is really dangerous by comparing its characteristics with a database of known drones and their capabilities. This is where artificial intelligence plays a crucial role, offering instant recommendations on classification and suggestions for further action.

The main difficulty lies in the fact that modern drones can vary in size, function, and purpose. Some of them perform reconnaissance tasks, others carry combat loads, and still others can be completely civilian. The human factor in the decision-making process can slow down the reaction or lead to mistakes. That is why the introduction of AI is becoming a critical step.

Artificial intelligence analyzes huge amounts of data, including historical examples of encounters with similar drones, their behavior and tactics of use. Based on this information, the system helps the operator make decisions faster, reducing the risk of errors and increasing the overall efficiency of the system.

Lasers have a number of obvious advantages over traditional air defense systems.:

1. Unlimited Ammo: Laser weapons do not require bullets or missiles, making them an almost endless source of protection.

2. High Precision: Lasers are capable of accurately hitting targets without the risk of collateral damage to the environment or innocent objects.

3. Cost-effectiveness: Although the initial cost of building the system is high, the operating costs are significantly lower than those of traditional air defense systems.

4. Reaction Speed: Lasers travel at the speed of light, allowing them to react instantly to moving targets.

Despite the many advantages, there are also technical and organizational challenges faced by developers.:

- Atmospheric interference: Fog, rain, or sandstorms may affect the effectiveness of the laser beam.

-Development of defensive technologies: Opponents may start using new materials or technologies that make drones more resistant to laser attacks.

- Ethics of using AI: Automation of the decision-making process raises ethical questions, especially if the system gets the right to open fire on its own.

The introduction of artificial intelligence into the US Navy's laser weapon system demonstrates the military's commitment to adapting advanced technologies to protect against modern threats. The combination of precision, cost-effectiveness, and automation makes such systems a powerful tool in the face of evolving aerial threats. However, for successful implementation, it is necessary to overcome technical limitations and develop a clear ethical framework for the use of such technologies.

Thus, the future of countering drones is seen as increasingly digital and automated, where a person will play the role of a controller, rather than the main performer.