$800M aid, 2 failing companies, 12 new product launches, and more!
BLOS Update Week 43: 21 Oct - 27 Oct
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67 stories covered in this week’s newsletter.
Defence & Security
Ukraine – Russia
Ukraine relies heavily on low-cost FPV drones for defence, but a shortage of explosives means salvaging Russian munitions is often necessary, as Russia plans to boost drone output tenfold by 2024. As the conflict continues, Ukraine's Wild Hornets company has developed the Sting, an interceptor drone designed to counter Russian Shahed-136 drones.
President Zelensky announced $800 million in U.S. aid to enhance Ukraine’s drone production, reinforcing Ukraine’s defences as it braces for winter.
Japan’s Prodrone will supply AI-powered drones for mine clearance in Ukraine, improving safety and marking a major step in humanitarian demining efforts amid the ongoing conflict.
As of last week, Russia launched its 15th drone strike on Kyiv this month, intercepted by Ukrainian defences, though debris caused minor damage to residential areas.
Israel – Palestine
Leaked documents reveal Israel possesses a classified long-range drone capable of covert surveillance across the Middle East, primarily focused on monitoring Iran’s nuclear activities and gathering intelligence on regional threats.
A recent video shows damage to Prime Minister Netanyahu's beachside home from a Hezbollah drone attack, which the group claimed as retaliation against Israeli military actions.
Capability and Tech development Trials and Exercises
AUKUS nations successfully tested autonomous maritime systems at "Autonomous Warrior 24" in Australia, using advanced vessels and high-altitude balloons to improve maritime awareness and secure communications, reinforcing regional security goals.
Silent Arrow has begun testing its CLS-300 cargo drone for the U.S. Air Force, capable of transporting 1,000 pounds over 300-500 nautical miles, aiming to enhance logistics efficiency under a $1.2 million AFWERX contract.
Raytheon demonstrated its KuRFS radar and Coyote defence systems, which successfully tracked and neutralized drone swarms during U.S. Army tests, confirming their enhanced counter-drone capabilities.
The British Army deployed its Watchkeeper drone to Estonia for NATO defence in Exercise Athena Shield, using advanced sensors to improve monitoring in diverse weather conditions.
Contracts and Partnerships
Teledyne FLIR Defence secured a $91 million U.S. Army contract to supply Black Hornet 4 nano-drones through the Army's Soldier Borne Sensor program, with the system already in use across 40 countries.
Latvia based Origin Robotics received €4 million in funding to develop BEAK, a precision-guided, cost-effective drone weapon system for ISR and reusable components, supporting NATO-aligned defence with accessible, advanced technology.
New Defence Tech
PBS Group, in partnership with Ukraine's Ivchenko Progress, developed the AI-PBS-350 jet engine for drones and missiles, boosting Ukraine’s defence capabilities while expanding PBS's production by 300% across global facilities, despite cyberattack challenges.
Turkish drone maker Baykar is investing $300 million in in-house jet engine development to reduce reliance on external suppliers, with a focus on autonomous combat drones that could eventually replace piloted jets in high-risk missions.
Leonardo introduced BriteStorm, an advanced air defence system integrating radar and missile tech to detect and counter diverse aerial threats, emphasizing scalability to meet varied defence demands.
New Defence UAS
The U.S. military's Phoenix Ghost drones, now publicly revealed, are loitering munitions by AEVEX Aerospace designed for flexible, stealthy targeting, enhancing Ukraine’s defense with precision support against evolving threats.
AEVEX Aerospace also unveiled the Disruptor loitering munition at AUSA 2024, offering 1150 km range and 50 lb payload.
General Atomics is advancing its Long Range Manoeuvring Projectile (LRMP), a multifunctional artillery round for air, land, and sea threats over 150 km, with recent upgrades for stability and modularity. LRMP is now under the U.S. Navy and Army testing as a missile alternative.
Turkish startup Astech introduced the Skywolf Ground Attack Munitions (GAM) family at SAHA 2024, featuring three precision-targeted models with ranges of 20-80 km to boost drone strike capabilities and expand Türkiye’s defense impact.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries presented AI-powered reconnaissance and interceptor drones at Japan’s Aerospace Exhibition, designed to operate with fighter jets and autonomously handle high-risk missions, with test flights planned for 2025 amid regional tensions.
CUAS
The U.S. Marine Corps is testing a new anti-drone aiming system with an adaptive stock that aids in accurately targeting moving drones, enhancing stability and usability against evolving drone threats and supporting improved battlefield readiness.
Bluelight (Emergency Services)
The Campbell Police Department in California has expanded its Drone as First Responder program to enable single-person, day-and-night operations at higher altitudes, enhancing emergency response and situational awareness with advanced radar and sensor tech.
Wisconsin police used a thermal-equipped drone to locate a fleeing suspect by detecting his heat signature, demonstrating the technology’s value in nighttime law enforcement operations.
The Tallahassee Police Department is transitioning to U.S.-made drones following a state mandate, despite reduced capabilities in night vision and thermal imaging; older drones will be donated to local universities for research.
UK criminal gangs are increasingly using drones to smuggle contraband into prisons, exacerbating violence and illegal trade inside; authorities are ramping up security measures, but drone smuggling remains a persistent issue.
Commercial
Contracts and Partnerships
Septentrio and GNSS Store are expanding their product ecosystem with plug-and-play devices, like smart antennas and evaluation boards, providing high-precision GNSS solutions for agriculture, UAVs, and robotics to make advanced positioning more accessible.
PteroDynamics has teamed up with Cornes Technologies to introduce the Transwing VTOL UAS to Japan, combining fixed-wing endurance with VTOL flexibility, ideal for defense, disaster relief, and infrastructure, supporting Japan's growing drone use.
SkySafe and the University of Illinois are enhancing security at college football games by tracking unauthorized drones, improving event safety through real-time monitoring and operator identification.
Zipline launched its first U.S. autonomous delivery hub in Dallas-Fort Worth, providing three-minute, zero-emission deliveries for partners like Walmart, setting a model for urban drone delivery and creating local jobs.
Investments
Both Australian drone startup Swoop Aero and German electric jet firm Lilium recently filed for administration due to funding setbacks, with Swoop Aero seeking buyers for its remote medical delivery services and Lilium restructuring after a critical government loan rejection halted funding efforts.
On the brighter side…
Dryad Networks raised €6.3 million to expand its AI-driven wildfire detection system and an EU grant supported autonomous drone-based wildfire suppression project.
Terra Drone received approval for its initial listing on the Tokyo Stock Exchange's Growth Market on November 29, 2024, advancing its mission to create a drone-integrated “infrastructure of the skies” for global daily use.
Development and Trials
NASA, AeroVironment, and Aerostar have tested a high-altitude traffic management system allowing aircraft to autonomously share locations and flight plans above 60,000 feet, aiming to support internet coverage, disaster response, and scientific research.
Product Launches
New Services
India’s ideaForge FLYGHT franchise model offers scalable drone services for sectors like security and city planning, with AI support and operational expertise to speed up UAV adoption across industries.
Amazon plans drone deliveries in Phoenix’s West Valley by late 2024, allowing customers to receive groceries and other items quickly as part of its growing grocery and retail strategy.
New Technology
Gremsy’s Pixy LR gimbal enhances drone inspections with a 120-degree view for complex projects, also usable on ground-based robots.
Inertial Labs' KERNEL-201 IMU combines precision and durability for autonomous navigation and control.
T-DRONES' long-endurance UAV batteries offer higher energy density and up to 500 cycles, enhancing UAV flight performance.
UXV Technologies launched new ruggedised controllers that improve communication for unmanned systems, with features like swappable radio modules.
Exyn Technologies integrated its Nexys 3D mapping tech with Inspired Flight IF800 Tomcat for autonomous, extended-range surveying.
Silvus Technologies has introduced StreamCaster LITE 5200, a MANET radio that offers compact, reliable wireless communication for military and safety applications.
OFIL has developed the Gridnostic platform which uses predictive analytics to enhance electrical grid reliability, offering visual diagnostics and real-time insights.
DJI’s Osmo 360 camera is expected by late 2024, and its new Goggles N3 will likely feature a 7.2V 2450mAh battery and be an affordable FPV headset released in time for the holiday season.
New UAS
BRINC’s Guardian drone, debuting in 2025, is designed for first responders, offering advanced surveillance, night vision, and two-way audio to support real-time crisis management.
Drones for Good
In Wales, drones with thermal cameras are protecting curlew nests from farm machinery, supporting conservation efforts.
Project CAELUS achieved its first NHS drone delivery in Scotland, cutting delivery times and improving healthcare logistics.
In the U.S., San Mateo deputies used a drone to locate two lost hikers at Devil's Slide, guiding them to safety.
Japan’s Agricultural Federation is testing drones to spray shading on greenhouses to keep crops cool in summer.
University of Freiburg’s new FLO (Fast Lock-On) drone tracking system allows detailed study of bee behaviour in natural environments.
Legal
Nothing much new since last week, but in case you missed last week’s newsletter, DJI is suing the U.S. over its designation as a Chinese military company, challenging what it says is outdated information. Critics of this ban say it could impact critical services like search and rescue, sparking debate on balancing security and innovation.
Here are a couple of great articles on this: read this and this.
Policy and Regulatory Updates
U.S. Republican leaders criticised the Biden administration for delaying a key BVLOS drone rule until 2025, stalling industry growth. Bipartisan leaders have also urged the FAA to expedite BVLOS drone rules, citing economic potential in industries like logistics and public safety.
The FAA set rules for electric air taxis, with pilot training and performance criteria, supporting this new aircraft category.
DronePort Network joined North Dakota’s UAS Council, advancing safety and scaling drone operations in the state.
Australia’s AAUS (Association for Uncrewed Systems) and ACUO (Australian Certified UAV Operators) merged to advocate for the uncrewed systems industry’s growth and regulation.
The UK is consulting on a new Airspace Design Service (UKADS) to simplify airspace management and integrate drone technologies, aiming to simplify airspace design by centralizing responsibilities, initially focusing on London, and later expanding across the UK.
In other news…
Ford has patented a vehicle security system that uses drones for real-time monitoring, with capabilities like jump-starting nearby cars, although it remains in development. Last week it was Bentley.
Türkiye now has over 68,000 drones and 1.5 million licensed pilots, with initiatives underway to improve UAV tracking for safe operations.
A CNN-operated drone injured two fans at a Celtics event, prompting Boston officials to call for better safety protocols.
Five finalists have been announced for the 2024 GENIUS NY accelerator, competing for funding to grow their UAS businesses in Central New York.
The US Air Force will partner with the Drone Racing League for the 2025 DRL Miami Invitational, promoting STEM and drone technology.
U.S. colleges are expanding drone programs to meet demand for skilled operators, with courses covering operation, maintenance, and industry applications.