The Australians showed the Apollo laser, which destroys 50 drones per minute and costs pennies per shot

Laser in a container — mobility as an advantage

The Australian company Electro Optic Systems (EOS) has revealed details of its Apollo laser weapon for the first time before the DSEI exhibition in London. The system is packaged in a standard 20-foot ISO container, the same one that is carried on trucks and ships. This means that you have delivered it, connected it, and you are already protecting the object. This mobility is a huge plus for the army, where it takes every hour to deploy.

The Apollo is not a huge installation at the base, but a weapon that can be quickly deployed to where drones have become a threat.

150 kW per target: how it shoots down drones

The laser power is 150 kilowatts. This is enough to burn through the drone's body in a few seconds, disable the electronics or set the engine on fire. The system works on the principle of a "point strike": it focuses on the vulnerable part — most often on the propellers or the battery.

EOS claims that the installation is capable of hitting up to 50 drones per minute. This does not mean that she shoots 50 times — she switches between targets, quickly and accurately, as the beam burns through one, and immediately moves on to the next.

Why is it the "cheapest weapon"

One of the main advantages of a laser is the cost of a shot. A rocket or a bullet costs hundreds or thousands of dollars. And a laser is electricity. One "shot" costs a few cents. Even if you shoot down 100 drones in a row, the costs will be several times lower than from a single rocket launch.

In an environment where enemies are attacking with swarms of cheap drones, this is what makes the laser strategically advantageous. It's not just a weapon — it's the economics of war.

The first deal with NATO is not just a show—off

In August, EOS signed the world's first export contract for the supply of 100 kW class laser weapons with one of the NATO countries. This is not a demonstration, but a real purchase. This means that the system has been tested for combat capability, reliability and compatibility with army standards.

Entering the NATO market is a major breakthrough for the Australian company and for the entire directed energy industry. Now lasers are no longer the "technology of the future" — they are already here.

Sources

1. Focus.ua — Apollo laser weapon vs. drone swarms
2. Building-Tech.org — EOS 100 kW next-gen combat laser for drone defence
3. Armiya.az — EOS exports laser weapon to European NATO member

Poland showed a drone with a missile against other drones — a new weapon at the MSPO 2025 exhibition

Haasta with an "anti-drone" missile — how it works

At the international defense technology exhibition MSPO 2025 in Kielce, the Polish Military Institute of Weapons Technology (WITU) showed an unusual but logical system: a Haasta drone equipped with a special Rakieta Antydronowa missile — literally "anti-drone missile". This is not just a demonstration, but a ready-made solution: one drone catches and destroys another.

The principle is simple — Haasta flies up to the target, launches a mini-rocket, which is covered with a net or hits the target with a kinetic strike. This approach allows you to hit accurately, without risking people and without using expensive anti-aircraft missiles.

Why Poland is betting on drones against drones

Drones used to be considered scouts. Now they are weapons of mass destruction. The cost of one attacking drone is thousands, not millions. But shooting it down with the old air defense system is like shooting a sparrow with a cannon: it is too expensive and inefficient.

Poland, as a country at the forefront of NATO, feels this for itself. Air violations are increasingly being recorded on the border with Belarus and along the line with Ukraine. The answer is to create cheap, fast, and autonomous systems that can work in pairs or swarms.

The threat in the sky has become a reality

Scenarios that used to seem like fantasy — drone attacks on oil storage facilities, power plants, and military installations — now occur every day. They are used by both states and non-state formations. Simple quadrocopters with a grenade on top are already doing real damage.

Poland does not want to wait until the threat becomes critical. She develops protection here and now — using technologies that can be quickly scaled.

What the MSPO exhibition will show

MSPO is not just a showcase. It's a signal. By showing Haasta with a rocket, Poland says: we don't just buy weapons, we create our own. And we do it quickly, cheaply and for real tasks.

Such systems can become a standard for the whole of NATO. Because the future of air defense is not in giant radars, but in smart, maneuverable and inexpensive drones that hunt each other in the sky.

Sources

1. Army Recognition — MSPO 2025: Poland unveils Haasta UCAV with WITU anti-drone missiles
2. MilMag.pl — MSPO 2025 industry awards round-up
3. EM Kielce — photo report: unmanned systems dominate MSPO
4. Central Military Recruiting Centre — MSPO 2025 participation
5. Targi Kielce — SmartShooter: U.S. counter-drone plans at MSPO
6. Wprost.pl — MSPO 2025 incident involving Israeli delegation
7. Defence24.pl — MSPO 2025 official coverage
8. Targi Kielce — MSPO official website

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.

A mysterious invisible aircraft with a "flying wing" design was filmed over China

Mysterious drone in satellite images: the first mentions

At the beginning of the year, analysts and enthusiasts tracking military installations using satellite images discovered an unusual aircraft in China. In the images taken over one of the test sites, a large drone with a "flying wing" configuration was seen — without a tail and with smooth outlines typical of stealth aircraft.

Then the device was seen on the ground, which allowed us to estimate its size and shape. However, there have recently been reports that a similar aircraft has already been spotted in the air, indicating that the project is moving to the flight test stage.

The "flying wing" design: what does it mean

The "flying wing" design is an aviation scheme in which the fuselage and wing are combined into a single lifting surface. This shape reduces radar visibility, improves aerodynamics and increases flight range. This design is actively used in strategic aviation, for example, in the American B-2 Spirit and B-21 Raider bombers.

Given that the Chinese device has a similar shape, it can be assumed that it is being developed using advanced stealth technologies. Its large dimensions indicate the possibility of long-term missions at high altitudes, which is typical for strategic reconnaissance or strike platforms.

Comparison with previously seen samples

The new aircraft shows a clear resemblance to the drone found in satellite images earlier this year. Both objects have a similar shape, wingspan and lack of vertical tail. However, current observations confirm that the device is not just built — it is already being tested in the air.

This indicates significant progress in China's unmanned systems development program. If the initial images raised doubts about the reality of the project, it is now obvious that China is actively developing its own line of large, inconspicuous drones.

Possible purpose of the new aircraft

Although there is no official data on the purpose of the device, experts suggest several options.:

Strategic reconnaissance is a long flight at high altitudes using radar and optical systems.

Long—range attack drone - the ability to carry cruise missiles or precision weapons.

A communications repeater or control node is a role in network warfare and coordination of other drones.

Such a device can become an important element of Chinese military aviation, especially in potential conflicts in the Pacific region, where the ability to operate over long distances with minimal risk is important.

The US MQ-9 drone completed a mission deep in Mexico

The MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), owned by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), recently completed an operational mission deep in Mexico. This incident became the subject of discussion in the context of strengthening bilateral cooperation in the fight against organized crime.

The MQ-9 Guardian, a modification of the Reaper designed for maritime patrol and surveillance, was deployed as part of an operation to identify and track the activities of Mexican drug cartels. The flight took place in one of the regions traditionally used by criminal gangs to transport drugs, including the route through the southern states of Mexico to the border with the United States.

It is reported that the mission was conducted in close coordination with the Mexican authorities. The use of a drone on their territory became possible under a special agreement on joint control of cross-border criminal activity. Such operations provide real-time intelligence, including high-definition video surveillance and radar monitoring.

This case coincided with the intensification of the Donald Trump administration's campaign against drug cartels, which included increased border controls, pressure on the Mexican government and the expansion of the powers of law enforcement agencies. The use of advanced technologies such as the MQ-9 has become a key element of this strategy.

However, such actions cause periodic discussions about the sovereignty and rules for the use of drones in the airspace of other States, even if there is a bilateral agreement.

The US Marine Corps officially launches the Valkyrie program — new variants of the MQ-58 drone in development

The US Marine Corps has decided to make the Valkyrie drone program, known as the MQ-58, full-fledged and official. It used to be an experimental project, but now the Valkyrie is becoming the first mass-produced unmanned combat aircraft (CCA) to officially enter service with the Marine Corps.

Kratos is already preparing for a new stage of production of these drones to meet the needs of the Marines. In addition, cooperation with Airbus is planned, which may help with the development and production of new variants of the MQ-58.

So Valkyrie has great prospects ahead — it will turn into a full-fledged combat system that will perform various tasks tactically and strategically. These drones will give the Marines new capabilities for reconnaissance, support, and strikes, helping to make operations more efficient and safer.

British "Workwitch" retires: a competition has started to replace them — the Corvus project

 

The British Ministry of Defense has officially launched the process of replacing the aging fleet of Watchkeeper drones in the army. The new project is called Corvus, and it is intended to become the next generation of tactical UAVs for the ground forces. The contract for the development and supply of the system was published on July 31 and is estimated at 130 million pounds.

This major contract, which will be managed by Bristol-based Defense Equipment and Support (DE&S), is for the first five years, starting in May 2026. Now there is a competition among manufacturers, and the winner will get a chance to supply the army with a new, more modern system.

The main task for the new Corvus drone is to provide tactical deep reconnaissance. It should be able to carry out round—the-clock and continuous surveillance over long distances, supporting operations at the highest level - at the level of divisions and even corps. This means that the Corvus should have a longer flight range, a longer stay in the air, and advanced reconnaissance systems compared to the current Watchkeeper.

The Corvus project is not just an upgrade of equipment, but a serious step towards modernizing the intelligence capabilities of the British army in the context of current and future conflicts.

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.

Denmark has bought powerful American drones to patrol the Arctic

MQ-9B SkyGuardian

Denmark is taking a serious step in strengthening control over its northern borders — the country is purchasing four heavy MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones from the American company General Atomics. These are not just toys: SkyGuardian is one of the most advanced attack and reconnaissance drones in the world, capable of flying for more than 40 hours without refueling and covering vast distances.

Why does Denmark need such machines? The answer is simple — the Arctic. As the ice melts and shipping in the Arctic Ocean increases, the strategic importance of the region increases dramatically. Both Russia and China are increasingly looking there, which means that Denmark, as a country with territory in Greenland and the Faroe Islands, should clearly see what is happening off its coast.

With these drones, Copenhagen will be able to:

- patrol the sea lanes around the clock,

- Track military and civilian vessels,

- monitor the environmental situation,

- promptly respond to emergencies — from rescue missions to interception of violators.

The deal was concluded through the NATO Procurement Agency (NSPA), which simplifies logistics and ensures compatibility with allied systems. SkyGuardian is already used by the United Kingdom, Belgium and other NATO countries, so Denmark is now a member of this "club".

In fact, this is not just the purchase of drones — it is a signal: Denmark assumes greater responsibility for security in the Arctic and is ready to monitor order on its northern borders — from a height and without a pilot.

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.

For the first time from the outside: What Northrop's Autonomous Beacon Test Aircraft looks like

Northrop Grumman has finally revealed its secret Beacon project in its entirety — not in a hangar or on diagrams, but directly outdoors. This is the first full-fledged look at what their flying "artificial intelligence laboratory" looks like.

The Beacon is not just a drone. This is part of a large ecosystem of tests created in order to accelerate the development of autonomous aircraft — those that can fly without a pilot or with him at will (these are called *optionally manned*).

The Model 437 Vanguard aircraft from Scaled Composites was used as a basis, a twin—engine machine that is already technologically advanced in itself. But Northrop has seriously redesigned it: they have implemented their own electronics, control systems, and, most importantly, artificial intelligence—based software that teaches the machine to make decisions in flight itself: maneuver, respond to threats, and set a route.

Imagine: a plane is flying, sees another car on the course, and decides for himself how to dodge. Or he gets a new task and rebuilds the mission on the go. This is exactly what is being tested on Beacon.

Now that the platform is shown from the outside, it becomes clear how close it is to real tests in the air. This is not a mock—up, but a working device that should pave the way for the future of aviation, where AI will not be an assistant, but a full-fledged "pilot".

"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.

Turkey is preparing a surprise: TALAY kamikaze drone in the style of an ekranoplane

 

TALAY

Turkey is preparing to present a rather unusual device, the TALAY kamikaze drone, at the IDEF 2025 international exhibition. This is not just another drone, but a real innovative project from Solid AERO. The main feature of TALAY is its design based on the principle of an ekranoplane.

Ekranoplanes are aircraft that use the "air cushion" effect that occurs when flying at a very low altitude above a flat surface, for example, over the sea. Because of this, they are more economical than conventional aircraft and can carry more payload.

In the case of the TALAY drone, this means that it can fly further, carry a more powerful warhead, and at the same time remain compact. Such a device will be especially effective against ships and objects in ports — here it has practically no equal.

So it's definitely worth keeping an eye on this project at IDEF 2025 — perhaps this is a new stage in the evolution of attack drones.

XQ-58 Valkyrie goes to Europe — new system from Airbus makes it a profitable export offer

XQ-58 Valkyrie 

The American XQ-58 Valkyrie attack drone, known as the "combat partner" for manned fighter jets, has begun its journey to the European market. This became possible thanks to the cooperation of Kratos with the European aviation giant Airbus, which has developed a new control system for the drone.  

Now Valkyrie is not just a promising drone for the American army, but a full—fledged export product that will be offered not only to Germany, but also to other EU countries. Berlin has already shown interest in this machine, especially in light of the threats posed by the massive use of drones in modern conflicts.

 What is the XQ-58 Valkyrie?

This is a super-maneuverable attack drone created using stealth technology (barely noticeable to radars), which can work in conjunction with manned fighters, acting as a scout, target designator and even an ammunition carrier. It is also called an "aerial bodyguard" for fighter pilots.  

Now, with the new Airbus control system, it has become even more compatible with European standards and weapons systems — which makes it especially interesting for NATO countries like Germany, Poland, France and the United Kingdom.

In an environment where drones are increasingly becoming the main threat in the airspace, especially in conflicts involving swarms of UAVs and kamikaze drones, autonomous systems capable of responding quickly and supporting aviation are needed. This is exactly what Valkyrie is — a cheap, fast and at the same time dangerous opponent for any enemy drone or even a light fighter.

In addition, the XQ-58 can be used not only for attack, but also for reconnaissance purposes, as well as as a platform for testing new artificial intelligence technologies in combat conditions.

If the first deliveries and testing in Germany are successful, we can expect the expansion of contracts to other European countries. This could be an important step in modernizing the European Air Force and enhancing its capabilities in the face of growing threats from Russia and China.  

In general, Valkyrie is no longer just an American project — it is becoming an international player in the market of new-generation military drones.

The Dutch Ministry of Defense is purchasing eight V-BAT drones for naval reconnaissance

Shield AI has announced an important step in the development of the capabilities of the Royal Netherlands Navy and the Marine Corps. The country's Defense ministry has acquired eight V-BAT unmanned aerial systems, which will be used to improve maritime intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) operations.

What is V-BAT?

The V-BAT is a unique drone with vertical takeoff and landing, capable of staying in the air for a long time and performing complex intelligence gathering tasks. Its versatility and autonomy make it an ideal tool for marine operations where fast response and high accuracy are important.

How will this help the Dutch Navy?

- Improved intelligence: V-BAT will provide more accurate and timely data on the situation at sea and on the coast.

- Enhanced surveillance capabilities: Drones will be able to operate in difficult conditions, ensuring constant control over important areas.

- Marine Corps Support: With its mobility and autonomy, V-BAT will provide operational support to Marine Corps units in the field.

MHI and Yamaha have tested a 200×200 hybrid UAV: up to 200 km with 200 kg payload

 The Japanese defense and aerospace company Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), together with Yamaha Motor, has completed flight tests of a medium-sized hybrid unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capable of carrying a payload weighing 200 kg over a distance of up to 200 km. The test flight took place in mid-April 2025 at the MHI UAV Research Center and was an important step in the development of promising unmanned logistics platforms suitable for both civilian and military applications. The prototype of the UAV was first presented to the public at the Japan Drone 2025 exhibition, held at the Makuhari Messe Exhibition Center in Chiba from June 4-6, 2025.

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.

Israeli Robotican supplied ROOSTER hybrid drones to European special forces

ROOSTER

The Israeli defense company Robotican has announced the successful delivery of dozens of its ROOSTER hybrid unmanned systems to European special forces, intervention units, and infantry groups. This message confirms the growing interest of NATO countries in advanced Israeli technologies, especially in the context of modern local conflicts and operations in difficult terrain.

The company's statement also notes that the ROOSTER system has received official registration with NATO, which underlines its compliance with the alliance's strict military standards and recognition as a reliable solution for combat missions. The company pointed out that the adoption of the system by the Israeli Ministry of Defense, the Home Front Command, as well as elite units in Europe and the United States indicates its increasing role in modern military operations.

Designed with a focus on exploration in challenging environments, the ROOSTER is a multifunctional hybrid UAV capable of vertical takeoff and landing, as well as operating in urban environments and hard-to-reach areas. According to Robotican CEO Hagai Balshai, "ROOSTER was developed as a strategic response to the growing need for accurate intelligence in challenging environments where access is limited and situational awareness is crucial." He added that using ROOSTER allows troops to collect critical data before an operation begins, significantly reducing risks and improving mission planning.

MightyFly Autonomous Cargo eVTOL: 600-mile range and military application prospects

 

The California-based company MightyFly has successfully demonstrated the capabilities of its Cento autonomous cargo drone, equipped with a patented autonomous load management System (ALMS). The tests took place at New Jerusalem Airport in California and were organized in cooperation with the US Department of Defense. During the event, the aircraft demonstrated a full cycle of operations — from autonomous takeoff to loading, unloading, balancing and transporting cargo without human intervention.

The stated flight range attracted particular attention. — 600 miles (about 970 km), which significantly exceeds the performance of most modern eVTOL devices. For comparison, according to various sources, the average range of the existing models ranges from 30 to 250 km. This high level of autonomy makes Cento a promising tool for logistical and even military tasks.

The ALMS system allowed eVTOL to independently place and secure loads in a special compartment. This opens up new horizons in the field of delivery automation, especially in hard-to-reach or dangerous areas. According to the company's representatives, such technologies can be used not only in the civilian, but also in the military sphere, ensuring fast and safe transportation of supplies to the front lines.

The flight tests were conducted as part of a U.S. Air Force program aimed at accelerating the development of autonomous hybrid-electric cargo aircraft with vertical takeoff and landing. Such devices can replace traditional delivery systems in conditions of limited infrastructure, such as runways or roads.