Drones with flamethrowers, a $4.1B acquisition, Policy updates, and more!
BLOS Update Week 47: 18 Nov – 24 Nov
Happy Monday,
73 stories this week. Enjoy!
Defence & Security
Ukraine – Russia
Drones are a huge part of Ukraine’s strategy for defence. No surprise as drones now account for an estimated 80% of Russian military losses. President Zelensky announced plans to produce 30,000 drones and 3,000 long-range missiles in 2025 as part of their defence Ukraine’s strategy.
Ukraine is ramping up production of autonomous drones from local companies like Vyriy and Auterion to counter Russia’s EW, as they are significantly cheaper than missiles and can strike without vulnerability to EW.
Moreover, Germany is set to provide Ukraine with 4,000 AI-equipped attack drones, Denmark has pledged $138 million to support Ukraine’s drone and missile production, and UK is training Ukrainian soldiers on drone warfare using drones that drop water bombs.
Russia has developed flamethrower equipped drones to counter Ukrainian drone attacks, introduced a Shahed-136-like drone named ‘Gerbera’ incorporating Western and Asian components, and has started to deploy fibre-optic controlled FPV drones to avoid EW interference.
Israel-Palestine
Israel is reportedly helping Ukraine counter Iranian drones used by Russia, signalling a shift from its earlier neutral stance.
The US has been supporting Israel’s defense efforts. Earlier this year in April, when Iran launched over 300 drones and missiles at Israel, an interview with a U.S. F-15 pilot revealed that they were forced to resort to risky close-range combat after running out of missiles. USAF Captain Lacie Hester became the first woman awarded the Silver Star for her leadership in countering this massive drone attack, coordinating the largest air-to-air engagement since Vietnam.
Capability and Tech Development Trials and Exercises
UK start-up Skyfly Technologies has been chosen for the UK Ministry of Defence's Heavy Lift UAS Supplier Framework.
In the US, Swift Engineering's solar-powered SULE UAS recently reached 55,000 feet in testing, staying airborne for over 30 days, General Atomics’ Gray Eagle STOL UAV completed its first ship-to-land flight in South Korea, and for another variant of the same aircraft, the Gray Eagle 25M, General Atomics successfully tested its HFE 2.0 engine offering 40% longer service line and greater reliability.
Elsewhere, Turkey's Bayraktar TB3 drone successfully operated from the TCG Anadolu, Turkey’s first-ever drone carrier.
Contracts and Partnerships
Anduril secured two contracts – a $99.7 million U.S. Space Systems Command contract to deliver Lattice as a resilient mesh networking capability to enhance space surveillance capabilities, and a $200 million contract to develop AI-powered counter-drone technology for the Marine Corps’ MADIS system.
Another company, Invariant Corporation, also received a $200 million contract under the same program (MADIS).
Silent Arrow won a USAF contract to develop an autonomous, long-range payload delivery drone for tactical resupply in contested environments.
Red Cat Holdings’ Teal system won a U.S. Army contract to produce 5,880 Black Widow drones, enhancing short-range reconnaissance capabilities.
The US Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) has selected software vendors for its "Replicator" initiative, aimed at deploying thousands of low-cost autonomous systems across all military domains within two years. Vendors include Swarm Aero, Anduril, and L3Harris.
Advanced Navigation and MBDA are developing a GPS-independent drone navigation system, ensuring secure and interference-free operations.
A couple of big stories from the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) – the MoD are phasing out Chinese-made Autel drones after sanctions, shifting focus to critical operations without Chinese technology, and plans to retire its Watchkeeper drones by 2025 to modernise its military, saving £500 million and prioritising next-gen systems.
In Europe, Poland acquired seven FlyEye drones for $13.5 million to boost reconnaissance, integrating advanced imaging and targeting with its fire control systems. QinetiQ Germany has partnered with Rheinmetall to showcase the Delta B15 target drone expected to be operational by 2025 to improve Germany’s air defense training against threats such as kamikaze drones.
Taiwan has signed two MoUs with Lithuania to collaborate in the UAS sector.
New Defence Tech and UAS
AeroVironment’s Puma UAS now features AI-driven upgrades, including real-time object recognition, improved communication resilience, and compatibility with various control systems, boosting its effectiveness in contested environments.
Airbus has begun assembling its SIRTAP tactical drone in Spain, aiming for a first flight in 2025, with a design focused on 20-hour reconnaissance missions carrying payloads more than 180 kg.
Creomagic unveiled UAV communication tech with advanced encryption and frequency-hopping to ensure secure operations in electronic warfare scenarios.
China
Chinese-made drones are aiding Russia in Ukraine despite sanctions. The EU has raised concerns over this evidence and have urged China to prevent its drone and components from being used by Russia in the Ukraine conflict.
C-UAS
Seventeen EU nations have committed €300 million to integrated air and missile defense systems which include detecting and neutralising drone threats.
The U.S. DoD tested the Teledyne Cerberus XL at Falcon Peak, showcasing its ability to counter drone swarms, with a focus on cutting-edge public-private defense collaboration.
Brazil deployed advanced anti-drone systems, including Germany’s AARTOS DDS, to protect the G20 Summit in Rio.
Bluelight (Emergency Services)
In the U.S., law enforcement is pushing Congress for more authority to address unauthorized drones near critical sites like prisons and infrastructure, with proposed legislation including tracking databases and pilot programs to enhance counter-drone measures.
The Sacramento Police Department has launched a drone program for 911 emergencies, deploying drones to scenes within three minutes to provide real-time information and improve resource allocation.
New York State Police used drones to monitor and manage the state’s largest wildfire since 2008, offering real-time insights that supported helicopters and ground crews.
Authorities in Morris County, New Jersey, are investigating UAV sightings near the Picatinny Arsenal military site.
In California, burglars are using drones to scout luxury homes, sparking privacy concerns and highlighting the need for tougher laws to combat this threat.
Commercial
Investments and Acquisition
AeroVironment plans to acquire BlueHalo for approx. $4.1 billion to strengthen its defense capabilities across air, land, and sea, advancing innovations in electronic warfare and autonomous systems. BlueHalo recently acquired VideoRay, expanding into unmanned maritime systems and adding underwater vehicles to its defense technology portfolio.
TEKEVER raised €70 million to expand AI-driven drone technologies for defense, security, and environmental applications.
The U.S. and India are co-developing advanced drones for regional defense, with India producing them domestically to diversify from Russian equipment and support neighbouring allies.
Development and Trials
Flylogix trialled methane-detection drones in the North Sea, offering a safer, efficient alternative to traditional emission surveys, supported by energy giants like BP and Shell.
The "Harmonized Skies 2024" demo in Spain showcased Unmanned Traffic Management systems, proving readiness for BVLOS drone integration in commercial airspace with live flights and real-time data sharing.
Product Launches
New Technology
DJI’s teaser launched for a new audio product launching this week. DJI O4 Air Unit Pro (a transmission system) and the new Mic Mini have also been leaked.
Sky-drones launches AI Dispatch, an AI-powered assistant designed to make aerial intelligence accessible through features such as real-time object detection and a chat-like interface.
AAM (Advanced Air Mobility)
Archer Aviation is moving closer to commercializing its eVTOL aircraft, completing the first phase of a Georgia facility designed to produce 650 Midnight aircraft annually for urban air mobility by 2025. More info in their Q3 2024 Shareholder update (PDF file).
Volz Servos is providing certifiable actuators for BETA Technologies' ALIA aircraft, supporting reliable fly-by-wire systems for vertical and conventional flight modes.
Joby Aviation's electric air taxi is featured in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.
Drones for Good
Sikorsky and Rain demonstrated autonomous wildfire suppression with a modified Black Hawk helicopter, showcasing advanced firefighting capabilities.
Tulsa Fire Department deployed Skydio drones during a chemical fire, improving safety.
Researchers have developed a drone navigation system that uses environmental "fingerprints" for GPS-free positioning, enhancing resilience to jamming.
Drones in Montana are successfully deterring grizzly bears from human areas with non-lethal deterrents, reducing human-wildlife conflicts.
In the Arctic, drones have uncovered alarming mercury releases from thawing permafrost.
Drone-based LiDAR technology has uncovered a sophisticated network of ancient fish-trapping canals in Belize, built over 1,200 years ago by the Maya civilization.
Legal
A Michigan court case may set a precedent as drone operators challenge the University of Michigan’s campus-wide flight ban, arguing it violates state and federal laws.
A Tennessee man was arrested for attempting to use a drone with explosives to attack a power facility, underscoring the need for stronger counter-drone measures.
Urban Aeronautics is suing DJI over alleged patent infringement involving emergency landing technology, spotlighting intellectual property issues in advanced aviation.
Policy and Regulatory Updates
The FAA's draft rule for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone operations is advancing through government review, with industry leaders urging swift action to unlock the full potential of commercial drone applications.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has approved BVLOS drone flights in "atypical air environments," enabling safer and cost-effective inspections of critical infrastructure like power lines and wind turbines. They also plan to reduce regulatory charges in response to industry feedback, balancing innovation with affordability while fostering sustainable funding for aviation oversight.
Australian drone company Carbonix, in partnership with ArgenTech Solutions, has received U.S. approval for nationwide BVLOS operations, expanding its role in wildfire detection, infrastructure inspections, and environmental monitoring.
The UAE will partially lift its drone ban from today (25 Nov), resuming operations under strict regulations to balance innovation with public safety.
In other news…
DJI's Flycart 30 drone streamlined logistics for hanging the world’s largest free-hanging U.S. flag in Ogden, Utah, for Veterans Day.
The U.S. Army is investigating reports of unidentified drones over a Midwest military arsenal, raising concerns about potential threats and prompting a public call for information.
Cyberdrone celebrated AC Milan's 125th anniversary with a dazzling drone show in Dubai, using hundreds of drones to create 3D visuals that honoured the club's history and legacy.
Further Recommended Reading
US drone makers leverage ‘Battle-tested in Ukraine’ claims despite limited combat success
Simplifying Drone Regulations: How to Launch Your Drone Program Without Legal Headaches
Thales: Under the Microscope – The Watchkeeper Drone Saga and Corruption Allegations
Thanks all for this week.
Have a great week!
-Adit
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
This newsletter is authored by Adit Shah, a UK-based independent consultant specialising in helping companies and investors understand, develop and adopt aerospace, drones, and space technologies. If you are interested in Adit’s expertise for your business, please email adit.shah@elantar.com.