Kim Jong-un helps Russia, Skydio raises $170M, Bipartisan Bills, and more!
BLOS Update Week 46: 11 Nov – 17 Nov
Happy Monday,
Today’s edition is long, juicy, and interesting with 74 stories + 4 further recommended reading articles.
We now also have a section on Advanced Air Mobility (AAM).
Enjoy.
Defence & Security
Ukraine – Russia
Lots of new developments from Ukraine – plans to partner with Estonia's Frankenburg Technologies to test a low-cost anti-drone missile capable of countering UAVs at altitudes up to 2,000 meters; advancing drone manufacturing to replace hard-to-obtain Chinese DJI Mavic models to boost self-sufficiency and retain funding locally; and repurposing Polish PGN-60 and KGN rifle grenades as aerial munitions.
A Ukrainian drone strike targeted Russia’s Borisoglebsk airfield in Voronezh, damaging Su-34 and Su-35 fighter jets, and another drone strike hit a Russian oil depot in Belgorod. Meanwhile, Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) used drones to destroy 16 Russian BM-21 Grad rocket launchers over two weeks.
Meanwhile, two Russian drones crashed in Moldova amid a major Russian drone attack on Ukraine, raising concerns over airspace violations and regional security; and Russia also tested the ‘Unmanned Transport Module’, an air-launched drone with AI-driven targeting, deployable from the Su-57 stealth fighter.
Building on North Korea’s ramp up in military support to Russia for the war, Kim Jong-un ordered mass production of self-detonating suicide drones after a successful test.
Capability and Tech development Trials and Exercises
The U.S. Navy, in partnership with General Atomics and Lockheed Martin, demonstrated its Unmanned Carrier Aviation Mission Control System by remotely directing an MQ-20 Avenger, while the U.S. Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program cleared critical design reviews for AI-driven drones, aiming for deployment by decade’s end.
Anduril's Lattice system showcased autonomous defence capabilities during U.S. CENTCOM’s "Desert Guardian 1.0" exercise, providing continuous situational awareness.
In collaboration with Hanwha Aerospace, General Atomics' Gray Eagle STOL conducted its first successful flight from a South Korean warship to a land base, validating its potential for enhancing multi-domain naval operations without major modifications to existing ships.
AUKUS partnership (Australia, U.K., U.S.) tested Saab’s AI-powered swarm technology, allowing one operator to manage multiple drones, enhancing allied interoperability.
Turkish Bayraktar Akinci combat drone successfully launched a two long-range missiles from over 150 km range.
Contracts and Partnerships
The French Navy contracted Cerbair to install Hydra, a stealthy RF-scanning drone detection system, on its patrol vessels.
WingXpand partnered with Raytheon to integrate advanced threat detection into its smart plane and announced a vertical launch drone feature.
JSW Defence and Shield AI are collaborating to bring advanced AI-piloted military drones to India.
D-Fend Solutions is testing its EnforceAir counter-drone technology at airports to enhance airspace safety and security.
AgEagle secured 17 orders for its eBee TAC mapping drones from U.S. defence customers, with deliveries set for November.
Turkey’s Bayraktar got contracts from two countries – Morocco is acquiring its Akinci drone to strengthen reconnaissance and strike capabilities, and Croatia will procure six TB2 drones to bolster its surveillance and defence capabilities.
Poland plans to purchase 52 FlyEye drones worth $24.4 million as part of a larger procurement plan to acquire 400 UAV sets over time.
The Pentagon’s Replicator program has announced a second tranche, or Replicator 1.2 to provide additional capabilities to those in tranche 1.
New Defence Tech and UAS
Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works revealed a stealth tanker concept for the U.S. Air Force's Next Generation Aerial Refuelling System (NGAS) initiative, offering low-observable refuelling near contested zones. The concept may eventually employ both manned and unmanned tankers supporting refuelling, electronic warfare, and drone coordination.
China
China revealed its dual-seat version of the J-20, the J-20S stealth fighter at the Zhuhai Air Show. This aircraft allows for managing drone swarms and complex tactical missions.
The new CH-7 stealth drone, designed for long-endurance, high-altitude missions, expands China's capabilities in surveillance, electronic warfare, and combat roles in contested regions.
China developed a high-power microwave (HPM) weapon to disable drones by emitting bursts of energy that disrupt electronics, advancing its non-kinetic defences.
A Chinese tourist was detained in South Korea for flying a drone near the National Intelligence Service, raising espionage concerns despite claims of recreational use.
C-UAS
Diehl Defence and SkySec unveiled the Sky Sphere system, integrating radar, sensors, and countermeasures to neutralize drones and loitering munitions.
South Korean researchers at Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) in partnership with Hanwha Systems have developed a radar system detecting drones up to 5 km away, featuring automated aiming and EO/IR tracking.
Japan’s Army introduced a mobile 10kW laser weapon on a truck, capable of intercepting drones and missiles.
Bluelight (Emergency Services)
Venture Capitalist Ben Horowitz’s involvement in helping shape the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department’s drone program, including Skydio drones, has raised transparency concerns.
Meanwhile, the Georgetown Police Department has secured $300,000 in funding over five years to enhance its drone program with the BRINC Lemur 2, designed for indoor operations, ability to break windows, and two-way comms aiding in negotiations and search-and-rescue.
Two new police departments in the U.S. further adopting drones – the Reading PD with its new drone unit using it to fight brush fires, and the NYPD with its new Drone as First Responder (DFR) program.
Two incidents – Culver City police recently used a drone to locate a suspect involved in a car break-in after responding to a late-night report of vandalism, and a police drone training session in Ohio unexpectedly led to the arrest of a wanted woman after a thermal camera detected her hidden campsite.
Commercial
Contracts and Partnerships
Volatus Aerospace is integrating Kongsberg Geospatial's IRIS Terminal into its Operations Control Center to enhance BVLOS drone operations.
GeoCue has partnered with Latnet Technologies to bring its TrueView LiDAR solutions and LP360 software to Canadian industries.
Brazil’s BIRDS has partnered with DECEA to implement High Lander’s Vega UTM system, advancing regulated airspace for drones across agriculture, delivery, and security.
Skydio has acquired 114 patents from GoPro, as GoPro restructures to focus on core business areas. It’s not yet clear exactly which patents Skydio has acquired.
Investments and Acquisition
Skydio raised $170 million in Series E funding extension further to its $230 million Series E round earlier this year to expand into new markets like Japan and grow its defence and public safety offerings.
Drone startup Airbound secured $1.7 million to develop low-cost delivery drones, initially targeting medical supply logistics with plans to expand into food delivery.
Development and Trials
Alaska’s Cordova Telecom Cooperative is testing a DJI all-weather drone docking station for remote tower inspections, reducing helicopter use in extreme conditions.
UK’s Windracers tested eco-friendly, low-noise drones for cargo transport in Scotland’s Orkney Islands, ensuring minimal impact on local bird populations.
Vale and Speedbird Aero completed Brazil’s first drone-based mining logistics operation, cutting transport time for mineral samples by over 90%.
India’s ideaForge is contributing high-resolution drone data to India’s Operation DRONAGIRI, a pilot project advancing geospatial technology under India’s National Geospatial Policy 2022.
Product Launches
New Technology
Ukrainian company Odd Systems launched the Kurbas-256 thermal camera, offering high-resolution imaging from just $150 per unit.
Inertial Labs introduced the INS-DM-FI, a fiber-optic gyroscope navigation system providing precision for air, land, and sea applications, ideal for military and industrial use.
ePropelled expanded its Hercules series, offering hybrid-ready starter generators for drones and uncrewed vehicles, featuring real-time monitoring and U.S. standards compliance.
ZeroEyes unveiled AI-driven systems for detecting drones and firearms, enhancing real-time threat alerts for defence, law enforcement, and public safety applications.
DJI rolled out a firmware update for its Neo drone, and its new Mic Mini was leaked. The DJI Mic Mini is a compact wireless microphone system aimed at creators seeking high-quality, portable audio tools.
New UAS
In addition to its Mic Mini leak, images of DJI’s Mavic Enterprise prototype drone were also leaked showcases advanced camera sensors, RTK positioning, and rugged durability, suggesting focus on industrial and emergency use.
ZIYAN and MANNAI Corporation revealed the Shadow S3 unmanned helicopter designed for security applications.
Russia’s Supercam S350, showcased at Securex Uzbekistan, offers thermal imaging and high-altitude reconnaissance for security, agriculture, and GPS-denied environments, positioned as a cost-effective UAV solution.
Advanced Air Mobility (AAM)
HIEN Aero’s hybrid eVTOL "Dr-One" will debut at Japan's Gifu Air Show, featuring a lift-and-cruise design powered by gas turbines.
Several U.S. cities, including LA and Orlando, are preparing for air taxi networks by 2026, building vertiports to integrate eVTOLs into urban transit for affordable mobility during events like the FIFA World Cup 2026.
UrbanV and Cluster2 are developing AAM services in Saudi Arabia, introducing eVTOLs for emergency response and cargo transport as part of Vision 2030's sustainability goals.
Skyports Infrastructure and Dubai’s RTA are constructing the first vertiport in Dubai, advancing the city's leadership in urban air mobility and smart city initiatives.
Electra unveiled its EL9 hybrid-electric aircraft, designed for short take-offs in compact spaces and offering quiet, low-emission travel with in-flight battery recharging. The EL9 has over 2,100 pre-orders ahead of its planned 2029 launch.
EHang received $22 million to advance its eVTOL technology, boost production, and strengthen its presence in the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
Drones for Good
New York Utility companies NYSEG and RG&E are using drones to inspect power lines, improving safety, efficiency, and reliability ahead of winter.
Researchers in New York are using drones to improve building energy efficiency, aligning with state climate goals, especially in disadvantaged communities.
An AI-powered drone is precisely targeting invasive plants, using advanced imaging and autonomous systems for sustainable weed control in agriculture.
A new drone program in Chesapeake Bay will deliver medicines and lab samples to Smith Island.
Drones are being used to scan zebras' unique stripe patterns for non-invasive tracking.
UK’s Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Trust have now started using drones to transport urgent blood samples.
Legal
A U.S. businessman admitted to exporting military-sensitive technology to China and evading taxes, highlighting strict enforcement of national security laws.
Policy and Regulatory Updates
The U.S. Congress is proposing bipartisan bills to give local law enforcement powers to intercept unauthorized drones in restricted areas, addressing security concerns.
The EU’s AI Act will impose strict regulations on AI-powered drones, requiring risk management and human oversight for high-risk operations.
Drone Express (DEXA) received FAA approval for BVLOS operations in North Carolina, expanding its drone delivery network for faster, eco-friendly logistics.
In other news…
The UK’s Ministry of Defence and police used Autel Robotics drones, later sanctioned for ties to Russia, to train Ukrainian forces against drone threats.
RAF Lakenheath honoured airmen for bravery during an Iranian drone attack in Syria, recognizing their efforts to protect coalition forces.
Further Recommended Reading
Stefanik as UN Ambassador: A New Chapter in U.S.-China Drone Relations
Navigating the Skies: Legal Perspectives on the UK’s Drone Revolution
Africa leading in next-gen drone technology trials
Chinese sanctions on US drone firm were ‘signal’ about supply chain weaknesses
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.