China has shown a jet drone with vertical takeoff — it is faster and freer than conventional ones

Not a quadcopter, but a real jet plane

China unveils a drone that looks like a breakthrough: This is not just a drone with propellers, but a real jet aircraft capable of taking off and landing vertically. Unlike most VTOL vehicles, which use electric rotors and resemble giant quadrocopters, this drone is equipped with a full-fledged jet engine. It changes everything—speed, range, altitude, and versatility.

China can now launch serious attack or reconnaissance drones from ships without requiring long decks or catapults.

How does a drone that takes off like a helicopter and flies like a fighter jet work?

The principle is simple, but technologically complex: at launch, the drone uses deflectable nozzles or additional lifting engines to rise vertically, like a helicopter. As soon as it gains altitude, the main jet engine switches to horizontal mode — and the device moves forward, like a conventional aircraft.

This approach has a huge advantage: the drone quickly gains speed, can fly further and does not lose maneuverability. American counterparts, like the MQ-8 Fire Scout, are limited by propellers and cannot reach high speeds. The Chinese device is in a different league.

Ships no longer need catapults

The most important thing is its strategic importance. Now any ship with a relatively flat deck can become a base for attack drones. You don't need a catapult or a long takeoff. This is especially important for frigates, patrol vessels, and even large paratroopers.

China is actively building a fleet, and such a drone makes it possible to strengthen each unit. Imagine: a ship in the South China Sea releases a drone that rises into the air in a matter of minutes and goes hundreds of kilometers away to conduct reconnaissance, strike or escort a group.

Not only for war — emergency assistance and transportation

In addition to military tasks, such a drone can be used for peaceful purposes. For example, in case of earthquakes or floods, it can be quickly launched from a ship or a temporary site to deliver medicines, communications, or to scout the scale of the disaster.

Its ability to launch without a prepared runway makes it ideal for emergency operations in hard-to-reach areas. It's not just a weapon — it's a universal tool.

Sources: 

1. Realtribune.ru — Beijing Aviation University unveils 45 kg hybrid VTOL jet drone (230 km/h) combining electric lift rotors and turbojet cruise propulsion, designed for naval deck take-off.
2. Vesti.az — unique ship-launched drone with vertical lift and jet cruise mode; enables China to field “mini-carriers” from frigates or destroyers.
3. Maximonline.ru — deep dive on the drone’s architecture, advantages over U.S. XQ-58A Valkyrie, and strategic impact on naval doctrine.
4. BELTA — Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group’s VTOL UAV (2.6 m span, 1.8 m length) demonstrated during Sichuan disaster-relief drills.

KARGO II: An American vertical takeoff drone capable of delivering 680 kg of cargo

The American company Piasecki Aircraft Corporation from Pennsylvania presented an updated version of its logistics unmanned aerial vehicle — KARGO II. This vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) drone is capable of delivering up to 1,500 pounds (about 680 kg) of cargo in a single flight, making it one of the most high-lift autonomous solutions in its class.

The new model significantly exceeds the capabilities of the previous version, the KARGO UAV, which could carry from 500 to 800 pounds (227-363 kg). The KARGO II's doubled payload capacity opens up new prospects for the autonomous delivery of ammunition, food, medicines and other equipment to hard-to-reach or dangerous areas, bypassing risks for the crew.

KARGO II is designed as a scalable and versatile solution suitable for both military and commercial applications. Its ability to take off and land vertically allows it to be used in limited areas — on board ships, in mountainous terrain or directly in the field, where there are no runways.

The drone retains the concept of autonomous logistics, allowing for continuous and secure deliveries in operations that require high efficiency and flexibility. This is especially important for modern armies, which increasingly rely on drones for front-line support.

The development of KARGO II reflects the growing need for reliable, heavy-duty, and autonomous transportation systems capable of operating in challenging environments and reducing the burden on traditional logistics chains.

SkyDefense unveils CobraJet electric unmanned fighter

The American defense company SkyDefense, based in Colorado, has introduced a new development — the CobraJet unmanned aerial vehicle. It is a high-speed electric fighter with vertical takeoff and landing, designed to protect critical infrastructure and military installations.

The CobraJet is capable of speeds of over 200 miles per hour (about 320 kilometers per hour) and is equipped with artificial intelligence, which allows it to autonomously detect, track and neutralize several fast and inconspicuous targets — for example, enemy drones — in a single mission. Its vertical takeoff and landing capability makes it particularly flexible to use, as it does not require a long runway to launch.

The drone's weapons are placed both in the inner compartment and on the outer nodes under the fuselage. It can use guided gliding bombs for pinpoint strikes on land and sea targets, which extends its functionality beyond drone defense tasks.

The development of CobraJet reflects the growing need for fast, autonomous and maneuverable systems capable of effectively countering modern threats, especially in environments where traditional aviation may not be operational enough.

China has launched a two—ton electric helicopter - and this may be the end of the helicopter era

The Chinese company AutoFlight has blown up the aviation world: She officially unveiled the world's first fully certified two—ton eVTOL, an electric aircraft with vertical takeoff and landing. And this is not a toy, but a serious machine that can already be used for real. It's called the CarryAll V2000CG, and according to experts, it could be the beginning of the end for conventional helicopters.

Why is everyone so excited? Because this device combines the best of a helicopter and an airplane: it takes off and lands like a helicopter — right from the pad, without a runway — and in the air switches to an effective horizontal flight mode, like an airplane. At the same time, it is 100% electric, which makes it quieter, cheaper to maintain and more environmentally friendly than any helicopter.

A mass of two tons is a lot for eVTOL. Such a device can carry not just passengers, but cargo, equipment, and be used in rescue operations, construction, logistics, and even for military purposes. Imagine delivering a heavy load to the roof of a skyscraper or to a remote mountain area without noise and exhaust.

The experts couldn't hold back: one of them bluntly stated, "This is the death of the helicopter era." The difference in cost, noise, and environmental friendliness is too great. And China is already actively building infrastructure for urban air mobility — flying taxis, air couriers, and "high-altitude" logistics hubs.

AutoFlight has already received large international orders, and the eVTOL market in China is growing rapidly. This is not just a fashion trend, it is part of a national strategy to develop a low—altitude economy, where the sky above cities becomes a new transport layer.

So if you thought flying cars were from the future, then China has already started that future. And it's electric, quiet, and without screw tails.

CarryAll V2000CG

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.

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.

The female pilot of Tengden Technology successfully completed the test of a combat missile from an unmanned helicopter

The Chinese company Tengden Technology, based in Sichuan Province, announced an important achievement in the field of military and civil aviation based on drones. Its first female unmanned helicopter operator, Cheng Sijia, successfully completed a test of a combat missile, part of a broader payload testing campaign conducted in late June by the company's unmanned helicopter group in collaboration with several domestic partners.

The tests were organized to verify the operational characteristics of a vertically ascending unmanned platform developed by Tengden. As part of these exercises, a series of precise missile launches were carried out in real conditions, which made it possible to test the reliability, accuracy and combat effectiveness of both the platform itself and the weapons used. Such events play a key role in the further development of drone technology, especially in the field of their military applications, where autonomy, stealth and high maneuverability are important.

Tengden unmanned helicopters have a number of advantages over traditional fixed—wing UAVs - they are able to take off and land vertically, which makes them suitable for use in remote areas and on limited sites, for example, on ships or in the mountains. This expands the range of their possible applications, from reconnaissance to direct support of ground forces.

In addition, the successful participation of a female operator in such complex trials underscores the growing importance of gender equality in the military-technical field. Chen Sijia has become a symbol of new opportunities for women in China's high-tech and defense industries.

According to the company, the test results will be used to further modernize control systems, weapons and autonomous guidance, as well as to improve interaction between various components of the unmanned complex. These technologies are in line with global trends in the development of the armed forces, where more and more attention is being paid to unmanned, self-driving and energy-efficient solutions, including the use of self-powered sensors and energy-saving systems.

The first Japanese F-35B made its maiden flight, marking the start of deliveries of the latest fighter jets

The first Japanese F-35B made its maiden flight

On May 12, 2025, the first Japanese fighter F-35B Lightning II with tail number BX-1 successfully took off from the Lockheed Martin factory at the  United States Navy Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas. This historic moment became an important stage in the implementation of the modernization program of the Japan Air Self-Defense Forces.

The aircraft is the first of 42 multi-role F-35B fighter jets ordered by Japan. These aircraft are distinguished by their ability to vertical takeoff and landing, which makes them ideally suited for use from aircraft carriers and small airfields, as well as enhances the country's strategic flexibility in the face of potential threats in the Asia-Pacific region.

The F-35B BX-1 underwent its first test flight as part of a certification and system verification program before being delivered to the customer. It is expected that after completion of all tests, serial delivery of fighter jets will begin, which will be deployed at Japanese air bases and possibly integrated with the country's maritime self-defense groups.

This project is part of Japan's broader strategy to modernize its armed forces and strengthen its counteraction in the face of increased activity by China and North Korea in the region.

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.

Development of the MQ-35 V-BAT and the Introduction of Micro-Guided Munitions

 

MQ-35 V-BAT

In recent years, drones have become an integral part of modern military operations, providing opportunities for reconnaissance, surveillance, and even strikes. One of the most promising projects in this area is the MQ-35 V-BAT, developed by Shield AI. This vertical takeoff and landing helicopter drone has already demonstrated its capabilities in combat conditions, but as it turns out, this is just the beginning.

Expanding V-BAT's Capabilities

Shield AI continues to actively develop its flagship product, introducing a number of significant improvements. Next year, the V-BAT will receive micro-guided munitions, which will significantly expand its combat capabilities. These munitions will allow the drone to deliver precision strikes with high accuracy, minimizing civilian casualties and increasing the effectiveness of operations.

Versatility and Autonomy

One of the key advantages of the V-BAT is its ability to take off and land in almost any environment. This makes it an indispensable tool for operations in hard-to-reach areas where the use of larger aircraft is impossible. In addition, the drone is equipped with Hive Mind autonomy software, which allows it to perform tasks without the need for constant operator monitoring.

New Kinetic Impact Options

In addition to micro-guided ammunition, Shield AI is also working on introducing kinetic strike options for the V-BAT. This will allow the drone not only to strike with explosives, but also to use kinetic energy to hit targets. Such capabilities are especially important in environments where the use of explosives may be limited.

The future of V-BAT

The development of the V-BAT is not limited only to combat capabilities. Shield AI is also working to expand the drone's connectivity options, which will allow it to integrate with other systems and devices. This will open up new horizons for the use of V-BAT in various military and civilian scenarios.

The MQ-35 V-BAT represents a revolutionary step forward in the field of unmanned aerial vehicles. With the introduction of micro-guided munitions, kinetic strike options, and improved connectivity, this drone will become an even more powerful and versatile tool in the arsenal of modern armed forces.