The US Army turns Black Hawk into a flying drone nest: a new stage in the war of the future

43 million to rethink the helicopter

The US Army has signed a $43 million contract with Sikorsky, a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin. But we are not talking about new helicopters — the money will be used to modernize the existing UH-60 Black Hawk. The goal is not just to update electronics, but to completely change their role. Now these vehicles should become not only transport, but real mobile bases for drones.

This is not fiction. This is the beginning of a new tactic, where one pilot controls not only a helicopter, but also a whole network of drones around.

How Black Hawk will become a Mother for drones

The essence of the upgrade is to install a digital platform that will allow the helicopter to connect, launch and control several drones simultaneously. Imagine a Black Hawk flying at low altitude, surrounded by a swarm of drones that scout ahead, pick up signals, mask a helicopter, or even attack targets.

The military calls it "drone mothership." Black Hawk turns into a command hub that not only carries soldiers, but projects reconnaissance and fire into dangerous areas without exposing itself.

The digital platform is the basis for the swarm

The heart of the update is a digital architecture built on the principle of open systems. This means that drones from different manufacturers can be connected to the platform, with different purposes — from small scouts to shock models.

This approach simplifies updates and makes the system flexible. One type of drone today, another tomorrow. The main thing is that they "speak" the same language as the helicopter.

What's next: AI and the network in the air

So far, it's about controlling drones by a pilot. However, it is planned to introduce artificial intelligence elements in the near future. For example, drones will be able to choose targets themselves, set a route, or respond to threats without direct orders.

This is part of a broader concept — to create an "in-the-air network" where people, helicopters and drones work as one. Upgrading Black Hawk is not the ultimate goal, but a step towards an army where technology is ahead of the curve.

The Ripsaw M5 robotic combat vehicle is presented at the parade in honor of the 250th anniversary of the United States Army

Ripsaw M5 (RCV)

On June 14, 2025, a large-scale military parade was held in Washington, D.C., dedicated to the 250th anniversary of the United States Army. One of the most striking and memorable events of the event was the public presentation of the Ripsaw M5 (RCV) robotic combat vehicle in a fully armed configuration.

The Ripsaw M5 is equipped with a Kongsberg Protector Medium Caliber Turret-30 (MCT-30), armed with a 30 mm/40 mm Bushmaster automatic cannon and a 7.62 mm twin machine gun. This system demonstrates a significant step forward in the development of the American army, highlighting the transition to the next generation of warfare, dominated by robotic and unmanned technologies.

The parade brought together more than 6,600 military personnel, about 150 pieces of military equipment, including M1 Abrams tanks, armored personnel carriers and 50 aircraft. The event coincided with the 79th birthday of former President Donald Trump, who attended the parade and addressed the audience.

Despite the rainy weather and protests across the country, the parade was a demonstration of the military might and technological progress of the United States. The appearance of the Ripsaw M5 symbolizes the future of the armed forces, where robotics and automation play a key role in ensuring the safety and effectiveness of combat operations.

The British aircraft carriers Queen Elizabeth will receive long-range carrier-based missiles and unmanned aircraft systems

As part of the UK's Strategic Defense Review (SDR), it has been confirmed that the Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers will undergo a major upgrade, including long-range carrier-based missiles and unmanned aircraft systems. This will significantly expand the strike capabilities of the ships and increase their effectiveness in modern combat conditions.

The Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers are the largest ships in the Royal Navy, with a displacement of about 70,000 tons and an air wing of F-35B Lightning II fighters capable of performing short takeoffs and vertical landings. Previously, these ships were equipped mainly with defensive weapons, including Phalanx anti-aircraft artillery systems and automatic cannons to protect against low-flying targets.

The modernization provides for the integration of long-range deck-based missiles, which will significantly increase the range and accuracy of strikes from the ship, as well as the introduction of unmanned aircraft systems that will expand the capabilities of reconnaissance, targeting and strikes without risk to the crew.

General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada unveils new remotely piloted ENVOY air system at CANSEC 202

On May 29, 2025, at the CANSEC 2025 defense exhibition in Ottawa, General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada unveiled its latest remotely piloted air system called ENVOY. This system is designed as a tandem rotor helicopter and is an important step in the development of unmanned aerial platforms designed to perform defense and security tasks.

ENVOY features improved maneuverability and stability, allowing it to be effectively used for various missions, including reconnaissance, surveillance, and ground force support. At the exhibition, the system was presented at booth number 1601, where visitors had the opportunity to communicate directly with the development team and receive detailed information about the technical characteristics and capabilities of the platform.

This development reflects the desire of General Dynamics Mission Systems–Canada to strengthen its position in the defense technology market and offer innovative solutions that meet modern security challenges.

ENVOY

F/A-XX: The next generation of US Navy fighter jets — characteristics and prospects

 

The next-generation F/A-XX fighter being developed by the US Navy is attracting the attention of military experts around the world. Recently, some of the characteristics of this promising aircraft were revealed, including its flight range, which turned out to be 25% longer than existing Navy fighters. However, this figure is lower than many expected, given that expanding the range of an aircraft carrier strike group is a key Navy priority.

Flight range increased by 25%

During the Sea-Air-Space 2025 exhibition, Rear Admiral Michael Donnelly, Deputy Chief of Staff of the US Navy for Aviation, said that the estimated range of the F/A-XX is 25% longer than that of tactical fighters in service with the aircraft carrier wing. Based on the range of the F-35C, which is about 670 nautical miles (1,241 km), the maximum range of the F/A-XX can reach 837.5 nautical miles (1,551 km). Although this increase seems moderate, Donnelly emphasized that the F/A-XX will use developing organic aerial refueling capabilities, in particular, the MQ-25 Stingray based on the aircraft carrier.

Fighter concept

The F/A-XX is being developed with the ability to penetrate high-threat zones to counter anticipated threats in the 2040s, including improved enemy reconnaissance, surveillance, and combat capabilities. In addition, the F/A-XX will integrate artificial intelligence and other technological advantages to provide more efficient battlefield management and integration with unmanned systems.

Factors influencing the development

This announcement may come as a surprise, given that the U.S. Navy has always emphasized that expanding the range of the carrier strike group is a key priority. In the face of growing threats from China, expanding the range of an aircraft carrier strike group is considered key to ensuring future security. However, an increase in the range of the F/A-XX by only 25% means that its range may not meet the Navy's expectations.

The future of F/A-XX

Despite the modest range increase, other performance improvements to the F/A-XX, such as its stealth capability, artificial intelligence integration, and integration with unmanned systems, make it an important element of future naval forces. With the commissioning of the MQ-25 Stingray, the range of the F/A-XX can be extended. In addition, the F/A-XX is being developed with compatibility in mind with future weapons systems, which will allow it to maintain combat superiority over the next decades.

Hanwha and General Atomics team up to develop unmanned systems

 Hanwha Aerospace, the largest South Korean defense company, has entered into a partnership with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) to develop and jointly manufacture unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for the global defense market. 

Hanwha will jointly produce the MQ-1C Gray Eagle STOL (short takeoff and landing) unmanned aerial vehicle in South Korea and invest 511 million US dollars (750 billion Korean won) in the development and production of engines for Gray Eagle STOL aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles, creating a research and development, development and production infrastructure in the country.

MQ-1C Gray Eagle STOL

Canada reinforces Navy with drones for tracking and targeting

   

The Canadian military plans to allocate up to $ 100 million to equip the largest ships of the Navy with new unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) capable of conducting long-range surveillance and targeting in the maritime zone. This was announced by a representative of the Ministry of National Defense of the country. It is expected that the federal government will conclude a contract for the supply of up to 12 naval UAVs by the end of 2025, and the first vehicles will enter service within 12 months after signing the agreement.

Strategic strengthening of the fleet  

The move is part of a massive modernization of the Canadian Armed Forces, which includes upgrading Arctic Patrol Ships (AOPS) and expanding maritime reconnaissance capabilities. The new UAVs will be able to operate in the difficult conditions of the North Atlantic and the Arctic, where Canada is seeking to strengthen its presence amid growing geopolitical tensions. As noted earlier, existing AOPS are equipped with only 25 mm cannons, which makes them vulnerable to modern threats. Drones will also improve the effectiveness of tracking underwater and surface targets, as well as coordinating strikes.

Historical context and challenges  

For Canada, this is not the first experience of large purchases of UAVs. Earlier, in 2023, the country allocated $2.49 billion to purchase 11 MQ-9B Reaper drones from General Atomics, designed for reconnaissance and strike operations. However, the operation of such systems in the Arctic is associated with technical difficulties, such as low temperatures and poor communication, which has already raised concerns among military experts. The new ship-based UAVs are likely to be adapted to work in extreme conditions, but the details of the contract have not yet been disclosed.

 Global trends and costs  

Since 2014, Canada has consistently increased military spending: since 2014, over 273 million Canadian dollars (about $200 million) have been spent on unmanned technologies alone, and in 2025, an additional 440 million dollars have been allocated to support the Ukrainian military, including the production of drones. The current initiative highlights the priority of automation and high-tech solutions in the country's defense strategy. As of 2013, the Canadian Air Force had only 9 UAVs, but the new contract could increase this fleet by strengthening both the naval and air components of the army.