Indiana has been designated as one of two new national drone test sites, which is expected to boost local research, military training, and commercial drone development, creating high-paying jobs and attracting industry investment, with Purdue University and military assets playing key roles.
The U.S. Navy successfully launched a one-way attack drone, called LUCAS, from the USS Santa Barbara in the Arabian Gulf, marking the first deployment of a suicide drone from a U.S. vessel at sea, demonstrating advancements in autonomous military technology and regional deterrence.
An Australian aerospace engineer, Ben Biggs, built a lightweight drone that set a Guinness World Record by reaching speeds of over 388mph, making it the fastest drone on Earth, after several months of design and testing.
Turkey shot down an uncontrolled drone approaching its Black Sea airspace, amid escalating tensions and recent maritime incidents involving Russia and Ukraine. Turkey maintains a neutral stance, acting as a mediator in the conflict, while closely monitoring threats in the region.
Turkey's Defense Ministry shot down an 'out of control' drone near the Black Sea coast, amid tensions related to Ukrainian attacks on Russian tankers and concerns over the regional conflict spreading, with F-16 fighter planes scrambled to intercept the drone.
China has publicly showcased its new stealthy CH-7 flying wing drone in flight for the first time, highlighting its potential for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and possibly strike roles, with advanced stealth features and high-altitude endurance, reflecting China's rapid development in UAV technology and its potential for export.
The U.S. Central Command has established Task Force Scorpion Strike in the Middle East, deploying a squadron of low-cost, autonomous one-way-attack drones called LUCAS to enhance military deterrence and innovation.
Neros, a drone manufacturer, closed a $75 million Series B funding round led by Sequoia Capital, aiming to expand its production capacity and R&D for advanced FPV drones, primarily serving US military programs and international clients, with a focus on reshoring drone manufacturing in the US.
Ukrainian forces successfully used a specialized ground drone, designed for evacuating wounded soldiers, to rescue a trapped soldier after 33 days behind enemy lines, navigating minefields and drone attacks, marking a significant technological advancement in battlefield rescue operations.
Traffic at Sweden's second-largest airport, Gothenburg-Landvetter, resumed after a drone sighting caused a temporary closure and an investigation into possible sabotage, amid recent European disruptions linked to drone activity and suspected hybrid warfare.
Anduril's prototype drone, YFQ-44A, achieved its first flight as part of the Air Force's Collaborative Combat Aircraft program, marking a significant step in developing autonomous drone wingmen to operate alongside fighter aircraft, with further testing and integration planned for 2026.
Conflicting reports emerged after UN peacekeepers shot down an Israeli drone over southern Lebanon, with Israel claiming it was conducting routine reconnaissance and UNIFIL stating the drone acted aggressively, amid ongoing tensions and Israeli strikes in the region.
A drone company linked to Donald Trump Jr, Unusual Machines, secured its largest Pentagon contract to produce thousands of drone parts, amid increased US military focus on drone technology, with Trump Jr's involvement raising questions about influence and investment. Shares in the company surged following the announcement.
Firefly Aerospace's stock dropped 25% after a rocket explosion during a test, delaying its planned launch, while Canadian drone company Draganfly's stock rose 15% following a U.S. Army contract for its FPV drones.