Drone Industry Last week
The Headlines and Money Matters (Week 24 2025: 09 - 15 Jun)
Welcome to this week’s Beyond Line of Sight!
It’s been a busy week(end) preparing for the Paris Air Show, so today’s newsletter is vanilla. Just covering the news headlines. Enjoy, have a great week, and let me know if you’re around at the Paris Air Show.
The Headlines
Defence and Security
Russia launched a record 479 drones and 20 missiles, with Ukraine intercepting most and limiting damage. They have also deployed a new AI-powered “kamikaze” drone near Sumy, Ukraine, using Western tech parts despite sanctions.
France is discussing drone production with Renault to support Ukraine’s defence efforts against Russia.
Poland is becoming a key hub for Anduril’s AI-enabled combat drones to strengthen NATO’s defences.
Australian firm DroneShield is opening a European factory to boost local counter-drone tech amid rising demand.
Airbus Helicopters introduced HTeaming, allowing crews to control drones from helicopters to enhance missions.
The UK MOD’s Project VOLLEY aims to launch five drones quickly from vans, focusing on stealth and ease of use.
Quantum Systems opened a large US facility to accelerate AI-powered drone production for North and Latin America.
South Korea revealed a drone carrier that launches unmanned air, surface, and underwater vehicles.
Taiwan requested India’s D4 anti-drone system to counter growing drone threats from China using advanced tech.
Bluelight
European gangs increasingly use drones and trains to smuggle illegal cigarettes.
Commercial
China’s export controls have doubled drone component prices, pushing buyers worldwide to seek alternative supply chains.
Altitude Angel patented ARROW, a ground-based system enabling safer, cost-effective drone flights beyond visual line of sight.
Zipline received FAA approval to fly drones BVLOS nationwide, expanding its medical and retail delivery services.
Partnerships
Wingcopter partners with Ansys to improve drone design and increase flight range for medical deliveries.
UK firms Cambridge Pixel and OpenWorks developed a new AI-powered counter-drone system for police forces across Europe.
Leonardo and Baykar launched LBA Systems, a new UAV joint venture showcasing advanced drone tech at the Paris Air Show.
Money Matters
Contracts
General Atomics: signed the UK PASS contract with the UK MOD to support and maintain the RAF’s Protector RG Mk1 drones as they move into full operational use.
Skyways: secured a $37 million U.S. Air Force contract to mass-produce its V3 autonomous cargo drone, designed for long-range military and commercial logistics.
Aeronautics Ltd: secured $50+ million in contracts to supply its Orbiter 4 drones.
L3Harris: secured a US contract to provide VAMPIRE counter-drone systems that turn vehicles into rapid-defence units.
Investment and M&A
Unusual Machines is acquiring Rotor Lab in a $7 million deal to boost drone motor production with dual facilities in the U.S. and Australia.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
This newsletter is authored by Adit Shah, founder of Elantar, a UK-based boutique strategy consulting firm specialising in helping companies accelerate and de-risk their growth in aerospace, defence, and space sectors. For contact, please get in touch via LinkedIn.