Kalyani Strategic Systems Ltd (KSSL), a subsidiary of Bharat Forge, and Belgian defence company FN Herstal have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore local manufacturing and technology cooperation for small arms, integrated weapon systems and counter-uncrewed aerial system (C-UAS) capabilities in India.

Under the agreement, the companies will assess establishing a dedicated production centre in India and potentially forming a strategic alliance or joint venture to serve the Indian market. The initiative is aligned with the Indian government’s Make in India policy.

The proposed cooperation would combine FN Herstal’s small arms and integrated weapon systems with KSSL’s engineering and manufacturing capabilities. The companies said the partnership is intended to increase local manufacturing, technology cooperation and domestic value creation, while supporting security of supply for the Indian armed forces.

The companies will initially jointly assess the feasibility of potential projects, with the cooperation focused primarily on meeting Indian market requirements.

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FN HERSTAL

(Image: FN HERSTAL)

The Unmanned Airspace Counter-UAS Directory is a vital industry resource, used by government procurement agencies around with world. It provides the reader with a one-stop comprehensive guide to C-UAS systems and capabilities, along with manufacturing companies, their contract wins and partnerships. It is the world’s only comprehensive, updated guide to C-UAS systems under development or in production around the world and the latest edition includes 654 company entries, more than 1,000 systems descriptions, with 78 new entries and 56 updated entries, covering the entire C-UAS sector from detection and electronic countermeasures to directed energy, intercept drones and integrated systems. For more information about the publication please contact the editor at philip@unmannedairspace.info

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The Polish Air Navigation Services Agency (PANSA) has launched 10 Local Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Competence Centres (LCCs) across Poland, providing dedicated areas and infrastructure for more advanced drone operations.

The centres are designed to support beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations, longer-range flights and heavy-UAS testing, as well as development and demonstration of new drone technologies.

The PLN84 million (EUR19.7 million) project is funded entirely through Poland’s National Recovery Plan. PANSA said the initiative is intended to improve access to infrastructure and services for the drone industry while supporting the digital development of the Polish economy.

Each centre combines designated airspace with digital flight-planning and coordination systems, tracking infrastructure and designated landing locations. The project includes more than 100 tracking infrastructure points and 11 Drone Points, which can be used for planned landings or emergency touchdowns.

ADS-B and Remote ID receivers have been installed at each of the 10 centres to provide information on aircraft movements within the areas. PANSA said the tracking infrastructure will support situational awareness, monitoring of operations, verification that flights are being conducted as planned and documentation of tests.

The centres will also use PANSA’s DroneTower application for flight notification and coordination. The system provides information on relevant airspace and aeronautical data, enables non-verbal two-way communication between air traffic services and drone pilots, and informs other drone operators about planned UAV flights.

PANSA said the centres are intended to serve drone and component manufacturers, operators, technology integrators, universities and research institutes, as well as companies developing sensors, connectivity, AI and autonomous systems. Local government units and organisations in sectors including emergency services, critical infrastructure, logistics, rail, energy and industry are also expected to use the facilities.

The agency said local government partners will help develop the specialisation of individual centres and support educational, demonstration and business activities. The centres are intended to give companies access to operational areas, technical infrastructure and demonstration environments without requiring them to develop all of these capabilities independently.

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PANSA

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Draganfly has received a US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Section 44807 exemption allowing its Heavy Lift drone platform to operate at maximum take-off weights above the 55-pound limit under Part 107.

The exemption covers Draganfly and authorised commercial operators using the platform, enabling operations involving heavier payloads for applications including logistics, emergency response, defence and infrastructure inspection.

Draganfly said the approval followed an evaluation of the platform’s airworthiness, fail-safe engineering, risk mitigation and operational safety.

The company said the Heavy Lift platform features redundant avionics and modular payload mounting, and is designed to carry multi-sensor payloads and other heavy equipment.

The exemption removes the standard 55-pound Part 107 limitation for the platform, but operations remain subject to the conditions of the FAA authorisation.

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Draganfly

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The US Army has awarded AeroVironment a USD464.8 million contract to produce its LOCUST X3 laser weapon system under the Enduring-High Energy Laser (E-HEL) programme.

The Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) covers the delivery of dozens of LOCUST X3 systems over the next few years, along with system support and training. The 30kW, platform-agnostic system is designed to counter Group 1-3 unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).

AeroVironment will integrate the system onto platforms including the Army’s Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV), with palletised configurations also planned. The company is assessing potential integration with the Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV).

The E-HEL programme moves LOCUST from prototyping into production. According to AeroVironment, the award is the “first-ever production contract” for a directed-energy system in US history. Breaking Defense also reported that the Army described the award as its first production contract for a high-energy laser weapon.

The contract follows LOCUST testing at White Sands Missile Range, where AeroVironment said the system demonstrated counter-drone operations in US airspace. Production will be supported by a USD30 million expansion of AeroVironment’s Albuquerque, New Mexico facility announced earlier this year.

AeroVironment has previously supplied the Army with LOCUST systems under the Multi-Purpose High Energy Laser (AMP-HEL) programme.

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AeroVironment

(Image: AeroVironment)

The Unmanned Airspace Counter-UAS Directory is a vital industry resource, used by government procurement agencies around with world. It provides the reader with a one-stop comprehensive guide to C-UAS systems and capabilities, along with manufacturing companies, their contract wins and partnerships. It is the world’s only comprehensive, updated guide to C-UAS systems under development or in production around the world and the latest edition includes 654 company entries, more than 1,000 systems descriptions, with 78 new entries and 56 updated entries, covering the entire C-UAS sector from detection and electronic countermeasures to directed energy, intercept drones and integrated systems. For more information about the publication please contact the editor at philip@unmannedairspace.info

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Shield AI said L3Harris Technologies has licensed its Tracker counter-uncrewed aerial system (C-UAS) software for integration with the VAMPIRE counter-UAS platform.

Tracker C-UAS uses AI and computer vision to detect, discriminate and track drones in electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) video. The software provides passive detection without relying on radar or RF emissions.

The integration will give VAMPIRE AI-based drone detection and tracking alongside its existing precision-engagement capabilities. Shield AI said it is also making Tracker C-UAS available for licensing across other platforms.

The companies previously demonstrated an integration of Tracker C-UAS with L3Harris’ WESCAM MX-Series EO/IR sensors to detect multiple classes of UAS.

L3Harris said VAMPIRE systems have logged more than 350,000 operational hours since 2023 and have shot down hundreds of hostile drones in combat, primarily in support of European operations.

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Shield AI

(Image: Shield AI)

The Unmanned Airspace Counter-UAS Directory is a vital industry resource, used by government procurement agencies around with world. It provides the reader with a one-stop comprehensive guide to C-UAS systems and capabilities, along with manufacturing companies, their contract wins and partnerships. It is the world’s only comprehensive, updated guide to C-UAS systems under development or in production around the world and the latest edition includes 654 company entries, more than 1,000 systems descriptions, with 78 new entries and 56 updated entries, covering the entire C-UAS sector from detection and electronic countermeasures to directed energy, intercept drones and integrated systems. For more information about the publication please contact the editor at philip@unmannedairspace.info

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Ukraine’s Defence Minister Evgeniy Khmara has called on European partners to provide additional funding for Ukrainian drone production and air defence systems, saying the country needs approximately USD27 billion in additional funding.

Speaking at a meeting of EU defence ministers, Khmara called for national budget funds to be allocated to the procurement of Ukrainian-produced drones and for the EU to accelerate a planned loan.

He also called for additional air defence capabilities ahead of winter, including Patriot missiles to counter ballistic missiles, air-to-air interceptors against cruise missiles and missiles for man-portable air-defence systems (MANPADS) to counter jet-powered drones.

Ukraine said contributions through the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) and JUMPSTART mechanisms remain important to meeting its air defence requirements.

Khmara also said Ukraine is expanding projects based on asymmetric capabilities and developing a war plan with its military leadership that will be presented to international partners.

For more information

https://mod.gov.ua/en/news/evgeniy-khmara-ukraine-calls-on-partners-to-fund-ukrainian-drone-production-and-provide-air-defence-missiles

(Image: Defence Ministry, Ukraine)

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The US Army has awarded Anduril Industries a USD65 million delivery order to produce and integrate hardware and mission shelters for the Tactical Intelligence Targeting Access Node (TITAN) programme.

The order covers eight TITAN systems: four TITAN Advanced and four TITAN Basic variants. Anduril will manufacture the ruggedised, vehicle-mounted systems and integrate their power, thermal, control and operator subsystems. Palantir is the programme team lead.

TITAN is designed as a mobile ground station that fuses data from satellites, aircraft and ground sensors into a common intelligence picture for units operating in the field. The system is intended to provide soldiers with real-time intelligence without relying on fixed command infrastructure.

The award marks TITAN’s transition from prototyping to production. Anduril said it has supported the programme since 2021 as lead hardware systems architect, with TITAN hardware manufactured at its facility in Costa Mesa, California.

The Army is planning additional TITAN orders in FY27, according to Anduril.

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Anduril

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German deep-tech company INLEAP Photonics has raised approximately EUR20 million in a seed funding round led by UVC Partners to scale production of its laser-based counter-uncrewed aerial system (C-UAS) technology.

The company said the funding will support series production, testing and quality assurance, as well as the expansion of its sales and service operations.

INLEAP’s portfolio includes FASTLIGHT SHIELD, a laser-based C-UAS system designed for military, civil and critical infrastructure applications, and FASTLIGHT HELD, which combines a laser effector mounted on an all-terrain unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) with C-UAS software.

The company is already working with the German Federal Ministry of Defence and its Bundeswehr Cyber Innovation Hub, as well as defence company STARK Defence.

INLEAP demonstrated in May a UGV-mounted system combining FASTLIGHT SHIELD with a Hentschel UGV and STARK’s software at the Bundeswehr Innovation Centre in Erding. The system was being assessed as part of a NATO programme focused on Class I and II UAS countermeasures, with trials planned for the third quarter of 2026 and delivery targeted for 2027.

The new funding is intended to move INLEAP’s technology towards series production and support its expansion into international markets.

For more information

INLEAP Photonics

(Image: INLEAP Photonics)

The Unmanned Airspace Counter-UAS Directory is a vital industry resource, used by government procurement agencies around with world. It provides the reader with a one-stop comprehensive guide to C-UAS systems and capabilities, along with manufacturing companies, their contract wins and partnerships. It is the world’s only comprehensive, updated guide to C-UAS systems under development or in production around the world and the latest edition includes 654 company entries, more than 1,000 systems descriptions, with 78 new entries and 56 updated entries, covering the entire C-UAS sector from detection and electronic countermeasures to directed energy, intercept drones and integrated systems. For more information about the publication please contact the editor at philip@unmannedairspace.info

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Bengaluru-based Airbound has raised USD 37 million in a Series A funding round led by Greenoaks, with participation from DoorDash, Lightspeed, Lachy Groom and Humba Ventures. The new funding will support the company’s engineering, commercial manufacturing and launch activities.

According to TechCrunch, Airbound has signed an agreement with the Andhra Pradesh government to develop a three-city drone delivery network, with an eventual target of 10,000 flights a day for retail, e-commerce and healthcare deliveries.

Airbound says it has completed more than 13,000 autonomous flights to date. Its current drone uses a vertical-take-off-and-landing, tail-sitter design, taking off vertically before transitioning to horizontal flight.

TechCrunch reports that more than 1000 of Airbound’s flights have been conducted for Narayana Health, transporting diagnostic samples between healthcare facilities. The company currently operates a route of around 2.5 miles that takes approximately seven minutes by drone.

The Andhra Pradesh network is intended to expand Airbound’s operations beyond healthcare into retail and e-commerce, with the company aiming to build a larger-scale autonomous aerial logistics network.

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Airbound

India’s Airbound bags $37M to take on trucks with rocket-like drones

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Ukrainian experts from the NATO-Ukraine Joint Analysis, Training and Education Centre (JATEC) provided advice on countering uncrewed aerial system (UAS) attacks during a NATO exercise in Latvia this month.

The LCI-X Crucible 3-26 Execution exercise, part of Exercise Baltic Trust, brought together more than 1000 military personnel from 25 NATO countries and Ukraine. The third phase of the LCI-X series focused on testing and integrating counter-UAS (C-UAS) capabilities in support of NATO’s Eastern Flank.

JATEC experts contributed to the exercise design by providing input based on current battlefield experience, including adjustments to UAS flight parameters. During the active phase, they also monitored and coordinated opposing-force crews to ensure that simulated UAS flights followed the planned threat profiles.

The latest LCI-X phase moved beyond testing individual C-UAS warfare cells to integrating multiple cells across tactical formations and into NATO command-and-control systems.

The Ukrainian Defence Ministry said the involvement of Ukrainian personnel with combat experience is intended to help align NATO experimentation with current battlefield realities while supporting interoperability between Ukraine and NATO. This follows previous involvement by Ukrainian service personnel in NATO wargaming, including the Vistula Vanguard 26 exercise, where their experience was used to improve the realism of simulated drone, electronic warfare and reconnaissance scenarios.

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Ministry of Defence of Ukraine

(Image: Ministry of Defence of Ukraine)

The 2026 Unmanned Airspace Global Counter-UAS Systems Directory is now available. The guide is the world’s only comprehensive, continually updated directory of global C-UAS companies and systems. It itemises over 1,000 C-UAS products and services with performance details, company sales and partnerships arrangements. It is updated every month and broken down into niche sub-sectors (net-capture, missiles, intercept drones, detectors etc) to give C-UAS procurement and industry personnel a unique perspective of global C-UAS technical capabilities and market positions. It is available in word, PDF and excel formats and Unmanned Airspace readers are eligible for a range of discounts. For more information about the Directory please contact the editor Philip Butterworth-Hayes at philip@unmannedairspace.info.

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Auriga Space has completed the first field test of Hermes, a containerised electromagnetic launch system designed to provide a reusable, low-cost counter-uncrewed aerial system (C-UAS) capability.

The company conducted more than a dozen launches at supersonic speeds above Mach 1 at a remote site in California’s Mojave Desert. The tests were carried out in high temperatures and away from existing infrastructure to assess the system in a field environment.

Hermes packages Auriga’s electromagnetic launch technology into a 10-foot shipping container. The system uses electrical energy to accelerate projectiles. During the test, the container operated using internal batteries recharged by onboard solar power, with Auriga saying the system can support hundreds of launches on a single charge.

Auriga plans a second field test this autumn, with the next version expected to focus on ruggedising the system for harsh environments and improving aiming and reloading between launches.

The company is also working with the US Army DEVCOM Armaments Center on a research partnership to advance Hermes as a C-UAS platform.

For more information

Auriga Space

(Image: Auriga Space)

The 2026 Unmanned Airspace Global Counter-UAS Systems Directory is now available. The guide is the world’s only comprehensive, continually updated directory of global C-UAS companies and systems. It itemises over 1,000 C-UAS products and services with performance details, company sales and partnerships arrangements. It is updated every month and broken down into niche sub-sectors (net-capture, missiles, intercept drones, detectors etc) to give C-UAS procurement and industry personnel a unique perspective of global C-UAS technical capabilities and market positions. It is available in word, PDF and excel formats and Unmanned Airspace readers are eligible for a range of discounts. For more information about the Directory please contact the editor Philip Butterworth-Hayes at philip@unmannedairspace.info.

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ParaZero Technologies has received its first order for its DefendAir counter-uncrewed aerial system (C-UAS) system from a US federal government entity.

The order includes DefendAir net launchers, Net Pods and on-site operator training provided by ParaZero personnel. The company said the training will support system familiarisation, deployment and operator proficiency.

DefendAir uses net-based interception to physically capture hostile drones without relying on explosive warheads or conventional gunfire. ParaZero offers configurations for individual operators, mobile forces, vehicles, strategic sites and autonomous C-UAS systems.

The company said the manually operated configuration is intended to provide a physical interception capability as a final layer of defence, particularly where a drone has passed through other defensive measures and conventional interception could present unacceptable risks.

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ParaZero Technologies

(Image: ParaZero Technologies)

The 2026 Unmanned Airspace Global Counter-UAS Systems Directory is now available. The guide is the world’s only comprehensive, continually updated directory of global C-UAS companies and systems. It itemises over 1,000 C-UAS products and services with performance details, company sales and partnerships arrangements. It is updated every month and broken down into niche sub-sectors (net-capture, missiles, intercept drones, detectors etc) to give C-UAS procurement and industry personnel a unique perspective of global C-UAS technical capabilities and market positions. It is available in word, PDF and excel formats and Unmanned Airspace readers are eligible for a range of discounts. For more information about the Directory please contact the editor Philip Butterworth-Hayes at philip@unmannedairspace.info.

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SPARC AI has launched the Overwatch Positioning Network, a live service designed to provide drones with positioning when GPS is jammed, spoofed or unavailable.

The system receives sensor and telemetry data from an aircraft and returns its latitude and longitude in roughly a third of a second, according to SPARC AI. The company says no hardware or software needs to be installed on the drone, with positioning computations carried out in data centres.

The Overwatch architecture is designed to move GPS-denied positioning processing away from individual aircraft and into a networked service. SPARC AI says the network can be replicated across multiple geographic data-centre regions, with computing capacity scaling as more aircraft connect.

Ukraine is expected to be an important market for the service, with SPARC AI saying it has existing engagements with Ukrainian drone manufacturers and other stakeholders. The company expects the network to be used to validate the system at operational scale in Ukraine, where widespread electronic warfare has created significant challenges for GNSS-dependent drone operations.

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SPARC AI

(Image: SPARC AI)

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Thales and Kelly Hills Unmanned Systems are deploying a beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) network in Kansas to support agricultural drone operations.

Kelly Hills Unmanned Systems was awarded a USD 3 million contract by the Kansas Legislature in February to develop BVLOS technology for agricultural use. The network, developed with the Kansas Department of Agriculture, will initially support applications including crop spraying, scouting, fertilising and seeding. The companies say the project will also demonstrate how BVLOS operations can be scaled to other applications across the US national airspace system.

Thales will provide the airspace management infrastructure through its TopSky platform, which is used in more than 100 countries and manages approximately 40% of the world’s airspace.

The network is designed to allow agricultural drones to operate over extended distances without direct visual observation, while incorporating detect-and-avoid technologies to support safe operations around people, property and other aircraft.

The project builds on Thales’ work with North Dakota’s Vantis system, which supports BVLOS UAS operations. Thales recently announced its work on a secure FAA data enclave for UAS flight data as part of the North Dakota programme.

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Thales

(Image: Thales)

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Japan’s Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) has selected Terra Drone’s Terra B1 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for procurement by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), following demonstration trials under the agency’s Early Acquisition Programme for Interceptor UAVs.

The Terra B1 was selected on 25 August after trials held between 15 July and 6 August. ATLA commissioned four UAV models to demonstrate their capabilities under the fast-track programme, with Terra Drone saying the Terra B1 was the only aircraft to pass the evaluation and advance to the manufacturing stage.

The interceptor is designed to counter long-range, one-way attack UAVs such as Iran’s Shahed-series drones. Terra Drone describes it as a lower-cost alternative to conventional interceptor missiles.

The programme is intended to accelerate the acquisition of counter-UAS capabilities, with Terra Drone aiming to begin deliveries to the JMSDF in September 2026. The company said the Terra B1 also passed evaluations covering domestic production and operational support, including maintenance, logistics and training.

Further technical details of the Terra B1 have not been disclosed. The design is understood to be related to Terra Drone’s Terra A1 interceptor, which the company unveiled earlier this year.

The selection is Terra Drone’s second contract from ATLA. The company previously secured a JPY 115.4 million (approximately USD 725,849) order for 300 Terra Entry general-purpose modular UAVs for Japan’s Ministry of Defense.

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Terra Drone’s Japan-Made Interceptor Drone “Terra B1” Solely Passes ATLA Demonstration Test

(Image: Terra Drone)

The 2026 Unmanned Airspace Global Counter-UAS Systems Directory is now available. The guide is the world’s only comprehensive, continually updated directory of global C-UAS companies and systems. It itemises over 1,000 C-UAS products and services with performance details, company sales and partnerships arrangements. It is updated every month and broken down into niche sub-sectors (net-capture, missiles, intercept drones, detectors etc) to give C-UAS procurement and industry personnel a unique perspective of global C-UAS technical capabilities and market positions. It is available in word, PDF and excel formats and Unmanned Airspace readers are eligible for a range of discounts. For more information about the Directory please contact the editor Philip Butterworth-Hayes at philip@unmannedairspace.info.

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ANRA Technologies has completed preliminary training and its first factory acceptance test (FAT-1) for a UTM system being developed with Dubai Air Navigation Services (dans) and Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP).

The system is designed to provide digital infrastructure for coordinating and managing drone traffic as Dubai develops its connected drone ecosystem.

The programme will allow Dubai to authorize flights, monitor real-time airspace activity, detect and resolve conflicts, and coordinate seamlessly with critical stakeholders and commercial UAS operators. According to ANRA’s website the key capabilities of the system will be an integrated digital airspace picture (with fusion of radar, weather, NOTAM, and live drone tracking into a unified, real-time operational view); advanced operator tools (flight approvals, dynamic airspace management, strategic conflict detection, and emergency coordination powered by ANRA’s software suite); seamless connectivity (robust, high-availability data exchange between authorities, operators, and cloud-based services); and   a future-ready design (scalable architecture that can evolve to support counter-drone solutions, advanced analytics, with the ability to expand to support Urban Air Mobility (UAM) and ultimately integration with Air Traffic Management (ATM)).

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ANRA Technologies

(Image: ANRA Technologies)

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US defence hardware startup Mara has raised USD7 million in a pre-seed funding round led by Khosla Ventures to develop its Spike counter-UAS system for small FPV drones.

Spike combines the Spotter targeting system, which uses visual, acoustic and optional radar sensors for drone detection and tracking, with Seeker, a tube-launched kinetic interceptor.

The company said Spike is designed to provide distributed, 360-degree coverage against multiple small drones. The system can pass launch orders autonomously from Spotter to Seeker, while retaining a human operator in the loop to set rules of engagement and abort launches.

Mara said Seeker has completed intercept tests using US Army software in Texas, while Spotter has been tested on an armoured vehicle during a US Army exercise in Europe. The company also said it demonstrated an end-to-end engagement with a US special operations unit, with Spotter detecting a target and cueing Seeker without operator input.

The company said Ukrainian forces operated Spotter 40 km from the front line in July, where it tracked multiple FPV drones.

Mara plans to deploy ground-mounted Spike systems to customers by the end of 2026, with vehicle-mounted and man-portable versions planned for 2027.

The funding round also included a16z Speedrun, Night Capital, Palmdrive, Protagonist, Freedom Fund and Indicator Fund, alongside angel investors.

For more information

Mara

(Image: Mara)

The 2026 Unmanned Airspace Global Counter-UAS Systems Directory is now available. The guide is the world’s only comprehensive, continually updated directory of global C-UAS companies and systems. It itemises over 1,000 C-UAS products and services with performance details, company sales and partnerships arrangements. It is updated every month and broken down into niche sub-sectors (net-capture, missiles, intercept drones, detectors etc) to give C-UAS procurement and industry personnel a unique perspective of global C-UAS technical capabilities and market positions. It is available in word, PDF and excel formats and Unmanned Airspace readers are eligible for a range of discounts. For more information about the Directory please contact the editor Philip Butterworth-Hayes at philip@unmannedairspace.info.

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NextNav has partnered with Tiami Networks to evaluate 5G-powered sensing technologies for counter-UAS detection and airspace awareness.

The companies will use NextNav’s 5G PNT Network in Santa Clara County, California, as a testbed for evaluating long-range sensing capabilities using the 900 MHz band. The network will simultaneously provide 3D positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) data.

The partnership focuses on integrated sensing and communications (ISAC), with Tiami contributing its RF sensing technology to evaluate wide-area detection of unmanned aircraft.

NextNav said the collaboration will assess the performance and applicability of 5G-powered sensing for counter-UAS, critical infrastructure and national security applications.

The companies said the work will examine whether existing 5G infrastructure can support long-range sensing without additional network load.

For more information

https://nextnav.com/tiami-networks-partnership-august-2026/

(Image: NextNav)

The 2026 Unmanned Airspace Global Counter-UAS Systems Directory is now available. The guide is the world’s only comprehensive, continually updated directory of global C-UAS companies and systems. It itemises over 1,000 C-UAS products and services with performance details, company sales and partnerships arrangements. It is updated every month and broken down into niche sub-sectors (net-capture, missiles, intercept drones, detectors etc) to give C-UAS procurement and industry personnel a unique perspective of global C-UAS technical capabilities and market positions. It is available in word, PDF and excel formats and Unmanned Airspace readers are eligible for a range of discounts. For more information about the Directory please contact the editor Philip Butterworth-Hayes at philip@unmannedairspace.info.

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Aeronexus is deploying an airspace-as-a-service network covering approximately 1,350 square miles in the Phoenix metropolitan area, designed to support BVLOS operations, cooperative airspace awareness and counter-UAS detection and threat discrimination.

The network is intended to provide shared low-altitude airspace infrastructure for public safety, government and commercial UAS operators. Aeronexus describes the model as a neutral-host approach, allowing multiple users to access common airspace infrastructure rather than deploying separate systems for individual operations.

The Phoenix network will bring together radar, ADS-B, Remote ID, shared telemetry and command-and-control capabilities. Aeronexus said the infrastructure will provide the airspace awareness and communications needed to support BVLOS operations while also enabling detection and discrimination of potential counter-UAS threats.

Aeronexus is working with UNIFY.C2, developed by SPS ARS, SRC, Dronetag and Pyramid Network Services on the deployment.

The partners bring different elements to the network, including command and control, sensing, Remote ID and communications infrastructure. The aim is to integrate these capabilities into a common airspace environment rather than operate them as separate systems.

Aeronexus said the Phoenix network is scheduled to become operational in 2027. The company plans to use the deployment as a model for networks in other major US metropolitan areas.

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Aeronexus

(Image: Aeronexus)

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SpaceX plans to invest at least USD100 billion in a new spaceport on the Louisiana Gulf Coast designed to support thousands of Starship flights a year.

The company said Starbase, Louisiana will include more than a dozen launch towers, propellant production, power generation, deep-water shipping facilities, vehicle processing facilities and an airport. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk said the site will eventually be capable of supporting more than 30 Starship flights a day.

Construction is expected to begin by the end of 2027, with the first launch targeted as early as 2029, according to Louisiana economic development officials cited by CNN.

The planned site will be located on about 125,000 acres in Vermilion Parish. SpaceX said it will preserve large portions of the site as wetlands and wildlife habitat.

The scale of the planned operation is intended to support the rapid expansion of Starship, which SpaceX says is designed for fully reusable missions carrying crew and cargo to Earth orbit, the Moon and Mars.

SpaceX said the project will create more than 3,000 jobs.

For more information

SpaceX | Starbase, LA

(Image: SpaceX)

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In releasing its latest financial results and forecasts EHang is withdrawing its previously issued full-year revenue guidance for 2026 and is not providing replacement guidance for the moment.

According to Huazhi Hu, Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of EHang: “ In late June, a major accident involving a piloted light-sport aircraft in China prompted greater caution around low-altitude aviation safety regulation and affected the pace of passenger commercial operation approvals in certain regions. We fully understand this regulatory approach. For pilotless passenger aviation, safety, regulation and traceability have always been the foundation for commercial operations. We see this as a temporary adjustment in industry pace, not a change in market demand, our technology foundation or long-term direction.”

The company reported sales in the second quarter of 2026 of 36 eVTOLs aircraft, comprising 35 units of the EH216 series and one unit of VT35, compared with 52 units of the EH216 series in the second quarter of 2025 and increasing from four units in the first quarter of 2026; 520 units of GD4.0 formation drones were sold, compared with 1,000 units in the first quarter of 2026.

Total revenues were RMB77.9 million (USD11.5 million), representing an increase of 203.5% from RMB25.7 million in the first quarter of 2026, and a decrease of 31.3% from RMB113.3 million in the second quarter of 2025.

“Gross margin was 61.2%, on par with 61.5% in the second quarter of 2025 and 62.5% in the first quarter of 2026.
Operating loss was RMB131.7 million (USD19.4 million), compared with RMB100.1 million in the second quarter of 2025 and RMB127.9 million in the first quarter of 2026. Net loss was RMB128.3 million (USD18.9 million), compared with RMB103.0 million in the second quarter of 2025 and RMB126.4 million in the first quarter of 2026.”

According to the company: “EHang continued to strengthen the end-to-end operational systems at the Guangzhou and Hefei sites of two Air Operator Certificate  holders, covering personnel training, operational support, insurance services, airspace coordination and emergency response. Routine trial operations at the two sites have remained safe and stable for 17 months, providing real-world operating data and experience to support regulatory engagement and future commercial operations.

“The Company also advanced the EH216-S from single-site operations toward A-to-B route operations. At its Guangzhou headquarters, the first point-to-point test route has entered internal trial operation, further validating route planning, ground support, multi-aircraft dispatching and contingency response capabilities.

“EHang continued to expand practical transportation applications, including low-altitude routes across Erhai Lake in Dali, Yunnan and a cross-sea low-altitude corridor project in Lingao, Hainan, in cooperation with China Construction Sixth Engineering Bureau. In Hong Kong, the Company was selected into the “Low-Altitude Economy Regulatory Sandbox X” Trial Projects and has commenced flight validation, with a public flight event planned in the near term.

“Building on its operating experience, EHang is standardizing its certifications, operating data, know-how and safety management capabilities into replicable solutions for customers and partners. The Company is also enhancing EH216-S operational support, with its battery cooling vehicle increasing daily utilization to 12–15 flights per aircraft and independent air-conditioning systems reducing cabin temperature by 10–15°C, supporting greater efficiency, passenger comfort and future scaled operations.”

Since the second quarter, the EH216-S has expanded its flight footprint to Mexico, Switzerland and Kazakhstan. To date, the EH216 series has flown in 23 countries worldwide, with nearly 100,000 safe flight missions completed. In Thailand, the company continued local flight validation and commercial operation preparations under the regulatory sandbox framework. A clear regulatory pathway has been established with the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand, with the goal of obtaining a commercial operation certificate within 2026.

For more information

https://ir.ehang.com/news-releases/news-release-details/ehang-reports-second-quarter-2026-unaudited-financial-results

(Image: EHang)

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ResilienX has been selected for a NASA Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II award to advance its ORION airspace coordination system for wildfire response, disaster management and emergency operations.

The 18-month programme will mature ORION from Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 to TRL 7 and demonstrate the system in New York’s Adirondack region.

ORION is designed to coordinate autonomous and semi-autonomous uncrewed aircraft by connecting drones, sensors, communications, command-and-control systems and mission intelligence. The system provides a shared common operational picture and is designed to maintain operations in communications-degraded environments under a human-on-the-loop model, according to ResilienX.

The Phase II programme will integrate Vigilare AI’s TitanOps platform, Hoplynk’s resilient edge networking, cooperative airspace sensing, Pierce Aerospace’s Remote ID sensor and OneSky’s UAS Service Supplier (USS) platform.

Two operational demonstrations in the Adirondack region will be supported by NUAIR’s flight-test infrastructure and regulatory expertise.

The work forms part of NASA’s Advanced Capabilities for Emergency Response Operations (ACERO) project and also supports research under the agency’s Airspace Operations and Safety Program, Advanced Air Mobility National Campaign and System-Wide Safety programme.

For more information

ResilienX

Image: ResilienX

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Amazon plans to expand its Prime Air drone delivery service to nearly 500 cities and towns across the US by the end of 2026, the company has announced.

Prime Air currently operates from 11 locations across 10 US metropolitan areas in Arizona, Florida, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Nebraska and Texas. Amazon plans to launch in the Chicago, Syracuse, Cleveland, Atlanta and Boise metropolitan areas, with further locations to follow.

The company said it has delivered hundreds of thousands of packages by drone this year, with deliveries available in as little as 30 minutes. Each Prime Air site currently serves an area of approximately 175 square miles.

Prime Air operates under an FAA Part 135 air carrier certificate. Amazon said its drones use onboard cameras and sensors for navigation and obstacle detection, while its Detect-and-Avoid system monitors the surrounding airspace and enables the aircraft to make real-time decisions during flight.

The expansion would represent a sixfold increase in Prime Air’s current footprint, according to Amazon.

For more information

https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/transportation/amazon-prime-air-drone-delivery-expansion

Image: Amazon

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Ukraine’s 27th Separate National Guard Regiment has used a Sting interceptor drone to down a Russian UAV at an altitude of 7,472 metres, according to Wild Hornets and Ukrainian defence publication The Defence.

The interception was carried out by the “Klever” unit using the Sting interceptor, developed by Ukrainian company Wild Hornets. The company said the engagement set a new altitude record for the system.

The previous record was set in early August, when a Sting interceptor operated by the Security Service of Ukraine’s “Alpha” Special Operations Centre downed a Russian UAV at 6,955 metres, according to The Defence. A further interception at 6,858 metres was subsequently reported by Ukraine’s State Border Guard Service.

The two earlier interceptions involved ZALA Z-20 reconnaissance UAVs, according to The Defence. Ukrainian pilots have reportedly been intercepting such aircraft at altitudes of 6-7km in recent months.

The Sting is a high-speed interceptor designed to engage other unmanned aircraft. Wild Hornets said its Hornet Vision Ctrl remote-control system has also been used by units operating the interceptors.

For more information

Wild Hornets

Image: Wild Hornets

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French company Innov’ATM has redeployed its AirSpaceKeeper platform to four military bases operated by the French Army Light Aviation Command (COMALAT).

The deployments cover Le Luc-Le Cannet (LFMC), Étain-Rouvres (LFQE), Pau (LFBP) and Phalsbourg (LFQP), where AirSpaceKeeper provides authorities with a dedicated platform to centralise, review and process requests for drone operations within their airspace.

The platform allows authorities to review, validate and track flight requests through a centralised interface. AirSpaceKeeper can also apply local rules and constraints to flight plans, with some activities eligible for automatic approval while others require manual validation, according to Innov’ATM.

Drone pilots can submit applications to the four bases through Innov’ATM’s public DroneKeeper form. DroneKeeper subscribers can submit requests directly from their mission-planning accounts using information already entered for the flight.

Innov’ATM said the integration between DroneKeeper and AirSpaceKeeper reduces duplicate data entry and the risk of omissions, and can allow missions and associated authorisation requests to be prepared up to ten times faster.

For more information

Innov’ATM

Image: Innov’ATM

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Denmark’s Ministry of Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation (DALO) has signed an agreement with Terma to deliver a nationwide command-and-control system for counter-drone operations.

The system will connect existing and future sensors operated by the Danish Armed Forces, civilian authorities and critical infrastructure operators to create a shared drone situational picture, according to Terma. It will use AI to process, classify and prioritise sensor data.

The system is based on Terma’s Helion multi-domain data backbone and will also integrate OSL Technology’s FACE command-and-control and data-fusion platform. FACE can process data from Terma’s radar and surveillance systems as well as third-party sensors and countermeasures.

The architecture is designed to allow additional sensors, sites, countermeasures and other capabilities to be integrated over time. Terma said it will support the management of drone incidents at military installations, airports, ports, energy facilities, government buildings and other critical infrastructure.

The agreement builds on OSL Technology’s experience as prime contractor and system integrator for Heathrow Airport’s counter-drone system and its delivery of counter-drone systems to the Ørland and Evenes air bases in Norway.

For more information

https://www.terma.com/news-events/news/latest-news/denmark-selects-terma-to-deliver-nationwide-counter-drone-defense-system/

Image: Terma 

The 2026 Unmanned Airspace Global Counter-UAS Systems Directory is now available. The guide is the world’s only comprehensive, continually updated directory of global C-UAS companies and systems. It itemises over 1,000 C-UAS products and services with performance details, company sales and partnerships arrangements. It is updated every month and broken down into niche sub-sectors (net-capture, missiles, intercept drones, detectors etc) to give C-UAS procurement and industry personnel a unique perspective of global C-UAS technical capabilities and market positions. It is available in word, PDF and excel formats and Unmanned Airspace readers are eligible for a range of discounts. For more information about the Directory please contact the editor Philip Butterworth-Hayes at philip@unmannedairspace.info.

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India plans to introduce a refined certification framework enabling beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone operations by the end of 2026, Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu said at an Andhra Pradesh drone industry round table.

“By the end of this year, we will have a refined certification framework with enablement of BVLOS certification,” Naidu said.

The AP Drone Industry CEO Round Table, hosted by the Drone Federation India (DFI) and the Government of Andhra Pradesh at Orvakal Drone City, brought together more than 150 companies from the drone, counter-drone and component sectors, alongside representatives from government, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), academia and research institutions.

Discussions focused on BVLOS operations, certification, testing and sandboxing, UAS traffic management (UTM), airspace access and domestic component development.

Industry representatives called for a risk-based certification framework, dedicated flight-testing environments and clear operating protocols to support the transition from experimental operations to commercially scalable drone networks.

The discussions also highlighted the need for stronger UTM and live-tracking capabilities and more efficient mechanisms for drone operations in restricted and red zones.

Naidu also outlined a new financial incentive scheme aimed at strengthening domestic drone and critical-component manufacturing and supporting the sector’s expansion.

For more information

https://www.dronefederation.in/media-hub/drone-federation-india-and-andhra-pradesh-government-convene-drone-industry-ceos-at-orvakal-drone-city

Image: Shutterstock

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More than 50 companies took part in a Counter-UAS Integration and Planning Conference at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, from 11-13 August to evaluate technologies for a layered defence against unmanned aircraft systems, according to the US Army.

Hosted by XVIII Airborne Corps, the conference brought together sensor manufacturers, command-and-control developers, communications providers and common operating picture companies to assess how their systems perform individually and when integrated with other technologies.

Industry partners also conducted individual sensor evaluations against representative UAS threats. The US Army said the testing was intended to determine what each sensor can detect, track and characterise.

The evaluation is focused on combining different technologies rather than identifying a single system capable of addressing the full range of UAS threats. The Army said the aim is to combine information from different sensors into a more accurate and timely airspace picture for commanders and operators.

The conference and sensor evaluations will feed into Scarlet Dragon, an XVIII Airborne Corps exercise scheduled for September that will evaluate new technologies across the force, including C-UAS capabilities.

For more information

https://www.army.mil/article/294725

Image: Scarlet Dragon 26-3 Individual Sensor Evaluation in Fayetteville, North Carolina, August 12, 2026. (US Army photo by Staff Sgt. Brandon Hocson)

The 2026 Unmanned Airspace Global Counter-UAS Systems Directory is now available. The guide is the world’s only comprehensive, continually updated directory of global C-UAS companies and systems. It itemises over 1,000 C-UAS products and services with performance details, company sales and partnerships arrangements. It is updated every month and broken down into niche sub-sectors (net-capture, missiles, intercept drones, detectors etc) to give C-UAS procurement and industry personnel a unique perspective of global C-UAS technical capabilities and market positions. It is available in word, PDF and excel formats and Unmanned Airspace readers are eligible for a range of discounts. For more information about the Directory please contact the editor Philip Butterworth-Hayes at philip@unmannedairspace.info.

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Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence says more than 70 systems using artificial intelligence and computer vision are now being used by its defence forces, including technologies for detecting and identifying aerial targets.

More than 200 Ukrainian companies are producing AI-enabled drones, while the government’s Brave1 Market currently lists 46 AI solutions, including target recognition and optical stabilisation technologies.

Computer vision can allow unmanned systems to navigate without satellite signals and identify aerial targets using visual and thermal data, according to the ministry. AI-enabled systems are also being developed to maintain awareness of aerial threats in environments affected by electronic warfare.

The Ministry of Defence is providing developers with battlefield datasets through its Brave1 Dataroom and Avengers Labs platforms. The datasets include aerial targets such as Shahed drones and reconnaissance UAVs, alongside other military equipment.

The ministry said it aims for all drones operating on the frontline to use computer vision and AI capabilities.

For more information

Ministry of Defence of Ukraine

Image: Ministry of Defence, Ukraine

The 2026 Unmanned Airspace Global Counter-UAS Systems Directory is now available. The guide is the world’s only comprehensive, continually updated directory of global C-UAS companies and systems. It itemises over 1,000 C-UAS products and services with performance details, company sales and partnerships arrangements. It is updated every month and broken down into niche sub-sectors (net-capture, missiles, intercept drones, detectors etc) to give C-UAS procurement and industry personnel a unique perspective of global C-UAS technical capabilities and market positions. It is available in word, PDF and excel formats and Unmanned Airspace readers are eligible for a range of discounts. For more information about the Directory please contact the editor Philip Butterworth-Hayes at philip@unmannedairspace.info.

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ADLC has completed a trial commercial mission using a cargo drone to transport petroleum samples between Singapore’s Maritime Drone Estate at Marina South and a marine petroleum terminal on Pulau Sebarok.

The 17 August flight covered approximately 13km each way, following the route intended for daily operations. ADLC said the mission involved collecting and sealing a petroleum sample at the terminal, placing it in a certified dangerous-goods container and transporting it beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) to the mainland under live tracking shared with authorities.

The company’s PW.ORCA cargo drone can carry up to 15kg in a 96-litre payload bay, according to ADLC. The company said the Singapore operation represents its first APAC deployment and was conducted under a CAAS permit covering the BVLOS operation.

The mission was observed by regulators, terminal operators, surveyors and shipping companies including Columbia Shipmanagement, Wilhelmsen, PSA Singapore and Advario.

ADLC said the operation follows its terminal-to-laboratory drone logistics model already used in commercial operations at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges.

For more information

ADLC

Image: ADLC (Credit: Kieran Tan, Matthieu G.)

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Manna Air Delivery has launched its first commercial drone delivery service in Tulsa, Oklahoma, operating from a hub near Cherry Street.

The company made its first customer delivery on 12 August, with the service initially covering customers within a two-mile radius of the Cherry Street hub, according to local media reports.

Manna is initially working with several Tulsa businesses, including Andolini’s Pizzeria, Paréa Coffee, Sapori and Firefly Brew. Orders are placed through the Manna app, with the company’s staff collecting and loading them before the aircraft flies to the customer’s address.

The delivery aircraft rises to around 200 feet before travelling to its destination and descends to approximately 50 feet to deliver the package on a tether, according to Fox 23. Manna said a delivery can take around three minutes once an order has been loaded.

Manna plans to expand the service across Tulsa, with its corporate affairs director Terri O’Keeffe saying the company aims to establish 20 hubs across the city by the end of the year.

For more information

Manna Air Delivery

Image: KJRH-TV | Tulsa | Channel 2

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China’s Civil Aviation Administration (CAAC) has released a draft revision of its Air Traffic Management Rules for public consultation, introducing new provisions covering unmanned aerial vehicles.

The 15-chapter revision was released on 11 August, with public comments invited until 11 September. The proposed changes also cover runway-crossing operations, apron control units and flight service stations, while incorporating additional International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards into China’s domestic air traffic management regulations.

The revision comes as China expands its low-altitude aviation sector, including the development of unmanned aircraft and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) operations. China’s 15th Five-Year Plan for civil aviation, issued on 12 August, calls for the safe development of low-altitude civil aviation and continued digital transformation of the sector.

For more information

https://www.caac.gov.cn/English/News/202608/t20260812_231485.html

(Image: Shutterstock)

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Leonardo DRS has demonstrated its SGT STOUT M-SHORAD Mission Equipment Package (MEP) against Group 1–2 small unmanned aircraft systems during a US government test event.

The company said the demonstration expanded SGT STOUT’s capability to counter smaller UAS through updates to detection and fire-control software, without adding new hardware to the system.

Several hundred SGT STOUT systems are already fielded, according to Leonardo DRS. The system was originally designed to counter larger Group 3 and above UAS, as well as fixed-wing and rotary-wing threats.

The SGT STOUT MEP uses a modular, open-architecture design intended to allow new sensing, computing and effector capabilities to be integrated as requirements evolve. Leonardo DRS said the architecture enables upgrades to fielded systems without redesigning the complete mission equipment package.

The company said the test builds on its role in the US Army’s Mobile Low, Slow UAS Integrated Defeat System programme and its experience with fielded air defence and counter-UAS systems.

For more information

https://www.leonardodrs.com/news/press-releases/leonardo-drs-demonstrates-defeat-of-group-1-2-unmanned-aerial-system-threats-for-fielded-sgt-stout-m-shorad/

Image: Leonardo DRS

The 2026 Unmanned Airspace Global Counter-UAS Systems Directory is now available. The guide is the world’s only comprehensive, continually updated directory of global C-UAS companies and systems. It itemises over 1,000 C-UAS products and services with performance details, company sales and partnerships arrangements. It is updated every month and broken down into niche sub-sectors (net-capture, missiles, intercept drones, detectors etc) to give C-UAS procurement and industry personnel a unique perspective of global C-UAS technical capabilities and market positions. It is available in word, PDF and excel formats and Unmanned Airspace readers are eligible for a range of discounts. For more information about the Directory please contact the editor Philip Butterworth-Hayes at philip@unmannedairspace.info.

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MatrixSpace has appointed UAS industry veteran John Bagocius as head of sales, with responsibility for expanding the company’s sales activities across defence, federal civilian, public safety, critical infrastructure and commercial markets.

Bagocius brings more than 20 years of experience in commercial growth, strategic partnerships and UAS technology deployment. He has held leadership positions at Draganfly, Aeryon Labs, FLIR Systems and Crossmatch (HID).

Bagocius is also a US Marine Corps veteran and FAA-licensed private aircraft pilot. He previously served with the White House Honor Guard and the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit as part of a joint United Nations Task Force in Africa.

In his new role, Bagocius will lead MatrixSpace’s global go-to-market efforts as the company expands its AI-powered sensing and radar systems for low-airspace awareness and counter-UAS applications.

For more information

https://www.matrixspace.com/press-release/matrixspace-strengthens-executive-team-with-uas-sales-leader-us-marine-veteran-john-bagocius

Image: John Bagocius (MatrixSpace)

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Lockheed Martin, Verizon, NVIDIA, Keysight Technologies, ODC and Astris AI have demonstrated a NetSense system using existing 5G infrastructure to detect and track unmanned aircraft systems, the companies announced on 12 August.

The demonstration, conducted in the Miami area in July, used Verizon’s 5G network spectrum, ODC’s AI-native radio access network software, NVIDIA’s AI Aerial platform and Keysight’s RF simulation technology. Lockheed Martin said the system detected drones and maintained track custody during the demonstration.

NetSense uses artificial intelligence to analyse changes in radio-frequency signals within existing 5G infrastructure and generate alerts when unmanned aircraft are detected. Lockheed Martin previously demonstrated a prototype of the system in March, when it detected a small drone that was not connected to the cellular network.

The companies said the system is intended for applications including public events and critical infrastructure protection. Pilot deployments are planned for the second half of 2026 and early 2027, with general commercial availability planned for 2027.

For more information

Lockheed Martin

Image: Lockheed Martin NetSense July Demonstration. (Credit: Lockheed Martin)

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Multiple unidentified drones breached restricted airspace around RAAF Base Williamtown in New South Wales between 11 and 13 July, according to Australian media reports and the Australian Department of Defence.

The drones were reported over Williamtown and neighbouring Newcastle Airport, which share the same airfield. Williamtown is home to Australia’s F-35A fighter fleet and also operates E-7A Wedgetail airborne early warning and control aircraft and Hawk 127 and PC-21 trainer aircraft.

The Daily Telegraph, which first reported the incidents, said multiple uncrewed aircraft systems were confirmed in restricted airspace during the three-day period. The incidents were referred to the New South Wales Police Counter-UAS Unit.

Defence Minister Pat Conroy said on 10 August that the police investigation had been completed, but did not disclose its findings. He also declined to say whether the drone activity disrupted military or civilian flight operations or what counter-UAS measures were used.

“We have robust layered security measures to protect our personnel, our bases and our capabilities,” Conroy told ABC Newcastle.

Australia changed its Defence Regulations in 2025 to give defence personnel greater authority to seize, disable or destroy drones operating around defence facilities. Conroy said the government is also investing in technology to detect and defeat unmanned aircraft.

For more information

The Daily Telegraph

Image: A C-27J Spartan from No 35 Squadron operates from RAAF Base Amberley – Australian Department of Defence

The 2026 Unmanned Airspace Global Counter-UAS Systems Directory is now available. The guide is the world’s only comprehensive, continually updated directory of global C-UAS companies and systems. It itemises over 1,000 C-UAS products and services with performance details, company sales and partnerships arrangements. It is updated every month and broken down into niche sub-sectors (net-capture, missiles, intercept drones, detectors etc) to give C-UAS procurement and industry personnel a unique perspective of global C-UAS technical capabilities and market positions. It is available in word, PDF and excel formats and Unmanned Airspace readers are eligible for a range of discounts. For more information about the Directory please contact the editor Philip Butterworth-Hayes at philip@unmannedairspace.info.

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Northrop Grumman has introduced Raid Hunter, a 50mm gun-based air defence system designed to counter cruise missiles, drone swarms and other high-volume aerial threats, the company announced on 11 August.

The system combines chain gun technology, precision-guided 50mm ammunition and a networked system controller. Northrop Grumman said it is designed to provide short-range, layered protection for military bases, airfields and other critical infrastructure.

Raid Hunter uses a modular palletised configuration designed for rapid transport aboard C-130 aircraft. Northrop Grumman said future vehicle-mounted and container-based variants are also planned.

The system is intended to engage mixed aerial raids involving cruise missiles, unmanned aircraft systems and other threats. The company said testing planned throughout the year will further validate Raid Hunter’s performance and support accelerated fielding.

Raid Hunter forms part of Northrop Grumman’s Raid Defense Solutions portfolio of counter-UAS and air defence capabilities.

For more information

Northrop Grumman

Image: Northrop Grumman

The 2026 Unmanned Airspace Global Counter-UAS Systems Directory is now available. The guide is the world’s only comprehensive, continually updated directory of global C-UAS companies and systems. It itemises over 1,000 C-UAS products and services with performance details, company sales and partnerships arrangements. It is updated every month and broken down into niche sub-sectors (net-capture, missiles, intercept drones, detectors etc) to give C-UAS procurement and industry personnel a unique perspective of global C-UAS technical capabilities and market positions. It is available in word, PDF and excel formats and Unmanned Airspace readers are eligible for a range of discounts. For more information about the Directory please contact the editor Philip Butterworth-Hayes at philip@unmannedairspace.info.

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Israeli counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) company ParaZero Technologies has received an initial order from a Tier-1 European defence manufacturer for its DefendAir Net Pods, the company has announced.

The Net Pods will be integrated into an autonomous C-UAS system as part of the customer’s wider system architecture. The order is ParaZero’s first disclosed DefendAir order from a European prime, following earlier orders from a Tier-1 Israeli defence company.

DefendAir uses a controlled, non-explosive net launcher to physically intercept drones and is designed for integration with autonomous ground systems, remotely operated platforms, armoured vehicles, fixed installations and other C-UAS applications, according to ParaZero.

The order follows a series of DefendAir procurement announcements in 2026, including a follow-on order in July for an autonomous C-UAS system intended to protect critical infrastructure and other high-value assets.

For more information

ParaZero Technologies

Image: ParaZero’s DefendAir Net Pod (Credit: ParaZero Technologies)

The 2026 Unmanned Airspace Global Counter-UAS Systems Directory is now available. The guide is the world’s only comprehensive, continually updated directory of global C-UAS companies and systems. It itemises over 1,000 C-UAS products and services with performance details, company sales and partnerships arrangements. It is updated every month and broken down into niche sub-sectors (net-capture, missiles, intercept drones, detectors etc) to give C-UAS procurement and industry personnel a unique perspective of global C-UAS technical capabilities and market positions. It is available in word, PDF and excel formats and Unmanned Airspace readers are eligible for a range of discounts. For more information about the Directory please contact the editor Philip Butterworth-Hayes at philip@unmannedairspace.info.

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Ukrainian drone manufacturer EDRONE has listed its BATON family of interceptor drones on Ukraine’s Brave1 Market, according to Ukraine’s Defender Media.

The BATON range comprises four variants: multicopter and fixed-wing platforms, each available with daylight or thermal imaging cameras. The interceptors use digital video links, can operate at altitudes of up to 3,000m and are designed to detect and engage aerial targets, says the report. The multicopter version has a stated maximum speed of 300 km/h, while the fixed-wing version can reach 360 km/h, according to Defender Media. Both variants use machine vision-based terminal guidance for target acquisition and engagement.

EDRONE’s website lists the BATON multicopter and fixed-wing interceptors among its products. The company says the multicopter version has a stated mission range of up to 30km, while the fixed-wing version has a mission range of up to 45km.

For more information

EDRONE’s Baton interceptor lineup launches on Brave1 Market

EDRONE

Image: EDRONE’s BATON INTERCEPTOR COPTER. (Credit: EDRONE)

The 2026 Unmanned Airspace Global Counter-UAS Systems Directory is now available. The guide is the world’s only comprehensive, continually updated directory of global C-UAS companies and systems. It itemises over 1,000 C-UAS products and services with performance details, company sales and partnerships arrangements. It is updated every month and broken down into niche sub-sectors (net-capture, missiles, intercept drones, detectors etc) to give C-UAS procurement and industry personnel a unique perspective of global C-UAS technical capabilities and market positions. It is available in word, PDF and excel formats and Unmanned Airspace readers are eligible for a range of discounts. For more information about the Directory please contact the editor Philip Butterworth-Hayes at philip@unmannedairspace.info.

The post EDRONE lists BATON interceptor drones on Brave1 Market first appeared on Unmanned airspace.

A Pivotal eVTOL aircraft has been used to respond to two live 911 emergency calls in Hyde County, North Carolina, with a flight-trained paramedic reaching one patient approximately 20 minutes before a ground ambulance, according to Pivotal.

The operations involved a paramedic piloting the aircraft directly to GPS coordinates near each emergency scene and beginning Advanced Life Support (ALS) before ground crews arrived. Pivotal said the aircraft was operated under a Public Aircraft Operation (PAO).

The missions follow a proof-of-concept programme launched by Pivotal, Hyde County Emergency Services and Code Blue Resources earlier this year to evaluate the use of light eVTOL aircraft for emergency medical response. The programme agreement identified Pivotal’s Helix aircraft as the platform and the aviation-response paramedic as both pilot and medical provider.

Pivotal said the two live missions are the first deployment of an eVTOL aircraft as part of routine emergency medical response in the USA. Independent reporting by Axios also described the Hyde County operation as the first live US emergency use of an eVTOL, with the aircraft reaching a patient around 20 minutes before the ground ambulance.

For more information

Pivotal

(Image: Pivotal)

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Wing completed nearly 1,000 drone deliveries within Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) areas in Dallas and Charlotte during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the company said in an announcement.

The deliveries took place between 16 June and 15 July, with Wing operating in two US cities that hosted World Cup matches and team base camps. The company said it worked with the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to enable the operations. 

The FAA established nearly 250 TFRs covering World Cup match venues, fan festivals, team hotels and training sites. The agency said more than 700 unauthorised drones were seized during the tournament as part of a wider federal, state and local counter-drone operation. 

Wing operates commercial package delivery services under an FAA Part 135 air carrier certificate. FAA guidance states that commercial drone package delivery operators must use the Part 135 certification process and obtain airspace authorisation before beginning operations.

For more information

Wing

The post Wing “completed nearly 1,000 drone deliveries inside World Cup TFRs” first appeared on Unmanned airspace.

US startup Impact Drones has launched an autonomous counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) solution designed to protect critical civilian infrastructure through what it describes as an “air defence as a service” model. 

Launched through startup accelerator Y Combinator, the San Francisco-based company has developed a containerised system housing autonomous interceptor drones that remain charged and ready to respond to aerial threats. According to the company, once a hostile drone is detected, the system autonomously launches an interceptor to physically neutralise the target, rather than relying on radio-frequency jamming or other non-kinetic measures. 

Impact Drones says the system is intended to protect critical infrastructure including airports, ports, data centres and energy facilities. The company argues that existing air defence solutions are often too costly for routine civilian infrastructure protection, particularly when low-cost drones can require expensive interceptor missiles to defeat them. 

The company says its approach is designed to provide a scalable and economically viable alternative for infrastructure operators seeking persistent protection against drone threats. It is currently seeking partnerships with airport operators, data centre security teams and organisations responsible for protecting critical infrastructure. 

For more information

IMPACT DRONES (YC S26)

Image: Impact Drones’ autonomous interceptor drone. (Credit: Impact Drones)

The 2026 Unmanned Airspace Global Counter-UAS Systems Directory is now available. The guide is the world’s only comprehensive, continually updated directory of global C-UAS companies and systems. It itemises over 1,000 C-UAS products and services with performance details, company sales and partnerships arrangements. It is updated every month and broken down into niche sub-sectors (net-capture, missiles, intercept drones, detectors etc) to give C-UAS procurement and industry personnel a unique perspective of global C-UAS technical capabilities and market positions. It is available in word, PDF and excel formats and Unmanned Airspace readers are eligible for a range of discounts. For more information about the Directory please contact the editor Philip Butterworth-Hayes at philip@unmannedairspace.info.

The post Impact Drones launches autonomous “air defence as a service” for critical infrastructure first appeared on Unmanned airspace.

The US Department of War, through Joint Interagency Task Force 401 (JIATF-401), is expanding its counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) marketplace to improve how military organisations, domestic law enforcement agencies and international allies identify, evaluate and acquire validated C-UAS technologies, according to a Department of War news release. 

Developed in partnership with Kaizen Laboratories, the marketplace enables authorised users to search technologies by operational requirements, review validated performance data and procure C-UAS products through a streamlined process. 

According to the department, the marketplace also supports the Secretary of the Army’s Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Fast Lane initiative by integrating with existing acquisition pathways to accelerate requirements development and reduce foreign military sales timelines. Industry partners can submit products for evaluation and pre-clearance before they are made available through the Foreign Military Sales process. 

The defence department said the marketplace forms part of JIATF-401’s wider effort to strengthen collaboration between government, industry and allied nations while expanding access to validated C-UAS capabilities.

For more information

US Department of War

Image: 368th Engineer Battalion conducts Dismounted Instructional Lane during WAREX/RM 26, August 3, 2026. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. 1st Class Ryan Green)

The 2026 Unmanned Airspace Global Counter-UAS Systems Directory is now available. The guide is the world’s only comprehensive, continually updated directory of global C-UAS companies and systems. It itemises over 1,000 C-UAS products and services with performance details, company sales and partnerships arrangements. It is updated every month and broken down into niche sub-sectors (net-capture, missiles, intercept drones, detectors etc) to give C-UAS procurement and industry personnel a unique perspective of global C-UAS technical capabilities and market positions. It is available in word, PDF and excel formats and Unmanned Airspace readers are eligible for a range of discounts. For more information about the Directory please contact the editor Philip Butterworth-Hayes at philip@unmannedairspace.info.

The post US defence department expands C-UAS marketplace first appeared on Unmanned airspace.

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced multiple contract awards to provide department-wide access to counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) capabilities.

The contracts are intended to provide DHS components with a common acquisition pathway for C-UAS hardware, software and services supporting fixed-site, mobile, aviation, maritime, aircraft-based and special mission environments. 

According to DHS, the awards are designed to improve consistency, interoperability, operational flexibility and lifecycle management across the department, while allowing individual components to acquire capabilities tailored to their operational requirements. 

The contracts cover a range of C-UAS capabilities, including detection, tracking, classification, identification, mitigation, command-and-control integration, training, maintenance, technical support, system integration, research and development, test and evaluation, and vendor-operated services. 

DHS said the contract structure also supports future technology refreshes to help the department adapt to evolving unmanned aircraft system threats and changing operational requirements. Components expected to use the contracts include the US Secret Service, US Coast Guard, US Customs and Border Protection, Transportation Security Administration, Federal Emergency Management Agency and Federal Protective Service.

For more information

US Department of Homeland Security

Image: JTF-SB Army Soldiers Demonstrate Advanced Aerial Detection Capabilities in Eagle Pass, Texas, August 5, 2026. (Dept. of War photo by Staff Sgt. Bryan Santos)

The 2026 Unmanned Airspace Global Counter-UAS Systems Directory is now available. The guide is the world’s only comprehensive, continually updated directory of global C-UAS companies and systems. It itemises over 1,000 C-UAS products and services with performance details, company sales and partnerships arrangements. It is updated every month and broken down into niche sub-sectors (net-capture, missiles, intercept drones, detectors etc) to give C-UAS procurement and industry personnel a unique perspective of global C-UAS technical capabilities and market positions. It is available in word, PDF and excel formats and Unmanned Airspace readers are eligible for a range of discounts. For more information about the Directory please contact the editor Philip Butterworth-Hayes at philip@unmannedairspace.info.

The post US DHS announces department-wide C-UAS contract awards first appeared on Unmanned airspace.

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems has successfully completed a trial of its SPYDER air defence system, the company said in a press release. 

According to Rafael, the trial, conducted in Israel, involved multiple scenarios designed to simulate current and future aerial threats. The company said the system, equipped with I-DERBY ER and I-DERBY LR missiles, successfully intercepted multiple targets, including low-radar-signature unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), using hit-to-kill engagements. 

Rafael said the trial also incorporated upgrades based on operational experience and lessons learned from recent conflicts, with the aim of enhancing the system’s ability to address evolving aerial threats. 

The SPYDER system is a mobile air defence system based on Rafael’s PYTHON and I-DERBY air-to-air missiles and is designed to intercept a range of aerial threats. The company said the system has been selected by several European countries, including Romania and the Czech Republic, for national air defence programmes.

For more information

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd.

Image: Rafael’s SPYDER air defence system. (Credit: Rafael Advanced Defense Systems)

The 2026 Unmanned Airspace Global Counter-UAS Systems Directory is now available. The guide is the world’s only comprehensive, continually updated directory of global C-UAS companies and systems. It itemises over 1,000 C-UAS products and services with performance details, company sales and partnerships arrangements. It is updated every month and broken down into niche sub-sectors (net-capture, missiles, intercept drones, detectors etc) to give C-UAS procurement and industry personnel a unique perspective of global C-UAS technical capabilities and market positions. It is available in word, PDF and excel formats and Unmanned Airspace readers are eligible for a range of discounts. For more information about the Directory please contact the editor Philip Butterworth-Hayes at philip@unmannedairspace.info.

The post Rafael reports successful trial of upgraded SPYDER air defence system first appeared on Unmanned airspace.

Fortem Technologies has been selected as a prime contractor for the US Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) five-year Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract, the company said in a press release.

Fortem reports it is the only small business among the seven companies selected under the contract’s Track 1 – Hardware/Software and Ancillary Services, which has an estimated starting ceiling value of USD 1.011 billion. The award enables DHS components, including US Customs and Border Protection, the Secret Service, the Federal Protective Service and the US Coast Guard, to place task orders directly with the company for its counter-drone technologies.

Fortem said its subcontracting team includes Lockheed Martin and Microsoft, providing additional electro-optical/infrared, radio frequency, passive radar and C4 capabilities through the contract vehicle.

For more information

Fortem Technologies

Image: Unmanned aerial systems, emerging technology showcased at annual manoeuvre and fires experiment in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, November 21, 2023. (US Army photo by Pfc. Samarion Hicks)

The 2026 Unmanned Airspace Global Counter-UAS Systems Directory is now available. The guide is the world’s only comprehensive, continually updated directory of global C-UAS companies and systems. It itemises over 1,000 C-UAS products and services with performance details, company sales and partnerships arrangements. It is updated every month and broken down into niche sub-sectors (net-capture, missiles, intercept drones, detectors etc) to give C-UAS procurement and industry personnel a unique perspective of global C-UAS technical capabilities and market positions. It is available in word, PDF and excel formats and Unmanned Airspace readers are eligible for a range of discounts. For more information about the Directory please contact the editor Philip Butterworth-Hayes at philip@unmannedairspace.info.

The post Fortem Technologies selected as prime contractor for USD1 billion DHS counter-drone IDIQ contract first appeared on Unmanned airspace.

Spain’s air navigation service provider ENAIRE has joined the European VERTI-GO (Vertical Operations Ready to GO) project, the organisation announced in a press release. The three-year SESAR 3 Joint Undertaking initiative aims to develop and validate the procedures, services and technologies needed to safely integrate advanced air mobility aircraft, including electric air taxis and cargo drones, into European airspace.

Led by Honeywell Aerospace, the EUR5 million research project brings together 12 European partners, including NATS, EUROCONTROL, Aena, Frequentis, Vertical Aerospace and ODYS Aviation, to address the operational challenges of integrating new aircraft into increasingly complex airspace environments.

As part of the programme, ENAIRE will contribute its expertise in air traffic management, U-space projects and drone traffic management, helping to develop and validate operational concepts that enable crewed aircraft, eVTOLs, cargo drones and conventional air traffic to operate safely together. Research areas will include digital flight planning, process automation, vertiport management and coordination between advanced air mobility operators and air traffic controllers.

ENAIRE will also play a leading role in demonstrations of electric air taxi operations planned for southern Spain in 2028. The trials will assess air traffic management procedures, digital services and operations supporting future advanced air mobility corridors between Málaga and Marbella.

The VERTI-GO project runs from June 2026 to May 2029 and will conduct simulations and operational demonstrations across Europe to support the future deployment of advanced air mobility services.

For more information

Announcement: ENAIRE joins European VERTI-GO project to accelerate the safe integration of air taxis and cargo drones 

Image: Vertical Aerospace’s Valo eVTOL aircraft

The 2026 Unmanned Airspace Global Counter-UAS Systems Directory is now available. The guide is the world’s only comprehensive, continually updated directory of global C-UAS companies and systems. It itemises over 1,000 C-UAS products and services with performance details, company sales and partnerships arrangements. It is updated every month and broken down into niche sub-sectors (net-capture, missiles, intercept drones, detectors etc) to give C-UAS procurement and industry personnel a unique perspective of global C-UAS technical capabilities and market positions. It is available in word, PDF and excel formats and Unmanned Airspace readers are eligible for a range of discounts. For more information about the Directory please contact the editor Philip Butterworth-Hayes at philip@unmannedairspace.info.

The post ENAIRE joins VERTI-GO advanced air mobility integration project first appeared on Unmanned airspace.